Sooner State Valkyrie Riders

Six Oklahoma Valkyrie riders braved the elements to do their part in the VRCC Valkyrie Relay Across America. The group met at the IHOP on Meridian in OKC at 9am Saturday Feb. 7 to brave the elements(19° F) in route to Texas. BlackJack, Rumblebee, Mike, Joe, Gary, and Scott were in attendance.

After a brief greeting we blazed down I-35 with a first stop in Pauls Valley to thaw out. After a quick cup of coffee the group was back on the road with a second stop in Ardmore for gas and another warmup. The temps were up a bit finally as we made our way across to Durant, and then finally down to the Texoma Dam where we me the Texas group for a great lunch. After lunch, we made a group ride across the Dam, then down by the lake for the official handoff of the Banner and various photo ops. There were a total of 29 Valkyrie in attendance for the handoff.

With the official handoff completed, the group departed the Dam in route to OKC. After a stop in Madill for gas, we headed up Hwy 177 towards Shawnee. This leg of the ride was the perfect time to once again show that two-tones are faster than their black siblings. Many thanks to the lady in the SUV that got to meet the local police in Asher, instead of us. Another gas stop in Shawnee and we headed west on I-40 into OKC. The day was capped off with a fine Mexican dinner at Chelino’s in bricktown where Mike, Janet, Joe, Donna, Jim, Gary, Rumblebee, and Scott were all in attendance. Good food, and great fellowship!

Sunday morning we were met with much better temps, but the wind was not going to allow it to feel very warm. Once again the group met for breakfast at IHOP ready to depart for the second leg of the journey. Jim couldn’t make it on day two, but Tim rolled in to take his place. The group departed at 9am heading east on I-40 intent on getting 100 miles in before we stopped. We were a bit frosted over, but made it to Henryetta before stopping. The picture of the weekend would have been Tim laying on the round, shoes off, with his feet on the valve covers trying to warm up. Yes, it was a cold 100 miles! After a coffee break to warm up in Webbers Falls we rolled into Ft. Smith around 12:30pm to meet the Arkansas riders.

Phil Koch, and Gregg Buchanan from Arkansas met us for the official handoff and a few pictures. The Arkansas riders departed soon after in an effort to meet up for the next handoff. Our group rolled down the street to “Big Jakes” for lunch. With our stomachs full we departed for home. After another stop in Henryetta for gas, we blazed back into OKC where everyone split off in search of the warmth of home.

I won’t speak for everyone, but I know I had a great time. It was great to meet some of my fellow riders here in Oklahoma, and the surrounding states. I was very proud to be a part of this national event.

Ride Pictures