We got to the park and it was raining so we waited the rain out and then Mr. Weatherman (Kevin Doggett) advised us to go east and then south around the edge of the on coming storm. He was right we never got rained on, but we also were headed toward Ogelsby. When we got to Road 2400 (Moose Lodge Rd) - Mr Gravel Man (Dan) decides to head west to see some new roads. When we made it up the hill - I took over as Ride Leader and to say things got better is an under statement to say the least. We were headed right into the dark clouds - say we made a turn on Road 3980 and headed South. When we hit Road 2500 we had to make a decision and we headed West. We - ok maybe just me - wanted to go to the great town of "O" (Ochelata) and see the great store on main street. After making the turn we saw a sign that said Road Closed - we thought how bad could it be. So we went around the sign and headed West - after a 1/2 mile we ran into a problem. The road was flooded, but Jack (which will now be known as Water Man) just kept on going until his bike was in about a foot of water. So now the most amazing thing happened - Indoor Camper Bruce decides we can cross this water. So he throws his bike on shoulder and starts walking and then Gravel Man starts following. Remember Water Man was already in the water so the next thing we hear is come on lets cross this flooded road way ( at least a city block long). Alan is looking at me like I am not doing this, but then Dale Munn says why not. So I take off my shoes and start carrying my bike on my shoulder and soon Dale and Alan are right behind me. When we get back on dry pavement we realize it is short lived and just over the bridge the road is flooded again. So Water Man (Jack) just rides into the water and soon the water is at the bottom of his handlebars, but he keeps pedaling. I think if we would have not yelled at him he would have been riding under water.
So we turned around and crossed the flooded road way back to where we came from. Water Man rides through the water (at least 2 feet deep) and makes it to the other side. Gravel Man tries but falls short when he gets a stick stuck in his chain and rear deralliuer. So then we head East until we come to Road 4000 and it looks like a nice gravel road so we head south and then after about 3/4 of a mile we run into a gated community and we did not have a key to the gate. So that is strike 2, but we head back to the Ogelsby Road and after I tell everyone I had a credit card and I would buy drinks at the Ochelata store - all but one headed South with me. Bruce said - I am going home. I think the walk through the flooded road and then the gravel road was more then he could take. I did find out one thing if you offer to buy Water Man (Jack) a "Amp Drink" - he will follow you anywhere. After about a mile heading South we ran into the final strike and that was the road to Ogelsby was also flooded and it looked really deep and I would say it was 1/2 mile long. So we turned back and gave up on our trip to "O" and went to plan "J". You ask what plan "J" is - "Jared Frozen Custard". So Alan decided that he was being called by someone that had more influence on him than we did - so he headed home to see his grandkids. The remaining four of us headed toward Jared's. It was very good and then we went the back way back toward Sooner Park.
The excitment did not end after Jared's - Water Man did a power slide on some sand and just about lost it on a turn, but his lightning fast reflexs saved him. Then a little time later we ran into Sean Orta and his daughter out riding their bikes. Being the Gravel Man and not the Water Man - he wipes out right in front of us in some slimey water on the pavement. I know it hurt and there was blood and a torn sock. I think the bike was all right. Not wanting a good crash to go to waste - we used it to explain to Sean's Daughter why you always wear a helmet. Thanks Gravel Man - stay off the Slime and stick with the Gravel!
Just want to thank - the riders today:
Gravel Man Dan
Water Man Jack
Bruce
"walk through water" Sturgies
Alan "why do I Ride with these guys"
Dale "I
wish I had my Camera"
PS - Hey Randall you might want to remind Water
Man he might need to Lubricate his bike!
Later Everyone!
Keith W Clark