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Description

I was the lucky one that got to name this 30 mile loop around Stillwater. Several years ago, when I was in much better shape, some friends of mine and I were chasing Dean Rogers, a very fit and aggressive bicycle racer. It was a hot day, late in July, and I was trying my best not to be dropped by the chase group. George, a big male collie, jumped out of the tall grass trying to catch one of those funny looking animals. I was going about 23 mph when I hit him and had no time to brake. I shattered my collar bone and broke six ribs. George hid under a barn for the remainder of the day and suffered no injuries. George mysteriously disappeared (none of my doing, I promise). Nevertheless, some of George's friends still live in the area and occasionally give chase. I always slow way down!

Traditionally, the George loop starts at Boomer Lake Park near the intersection of Washington Street and Lakeview Road. The first few miles are on city streets and offer the chance to get a good warm-up. Leave Boomer Lake Park and ride east on Lakeview. Cross Perkins Road (Highway 177) at the traffic light and continue on Lakeview for another mile and turn south on Jardot Road. You are now at the edge of town with farmland on your left. Traffic on these back roads is usually civilized. But be careful during Stillwater's mini rush around 5 p.m.

Turn east on McElroy Road and now you are on a county asphalt road typical of this loop ride. There are several rolling hills before the stop sign at the turn south on Fairgrounds Road. You pass the Payne County Fairgrounds on your right and approach Highway 51 at the stop sign. This is a very dangerous intersection with a history of many accidents. Rumor has it that someday a traffic light will be installed. But until then, be very careful in crossing.

Continue south on Fairgrounds Road on a smooth asphalt road with rolling hills and pleasant scenery. Turn right at the stop sign onto Mehan Road. If you are riding on a typical summer day, you have been fighting a stiff headwind for the past six miles. Your efforts will be rewarded on the downwind, downhill return part of the loop.

Turn south and ride on the shoulder of Highway 177 for one mile. There are several rough spots so pay attention! Before you turn west on Lost Creek Road, you can bicycle a little further south to a convenience store for refreshments and relief as necessary.

George used to live on Lost Creek Road just before its intersection with Washington. There are still several dogs in residence so be careful. None of them are viscous. Just slow down, stop if necessary, bark back at them, and proceed slowly.

Turn north on Western Road at the stop sign. This usually marks the beginning of the tailwind part of the ride. It's even better because there are several fun downhill sections on the next three miles of the loop. Don't go so fast that you miss the turn onto 44th Avenue. You can go straight into town, but the traffic on Western gets a bit thick as you get closer to Stillwater.

Turn north on Sangre Road Stillwater has grown quickly towards the southwest. You will be riding by several new housing developments under construction. Nice roads and high end housing developments seem to go hand in hand so I can't complain!

Turn west on 19th Avenue at the traffic light just after passing the Stillwater Middle and Sangre Ridge Elementary Schools. There is a convenience store at the corner if you are still hungry or thirsty. You are back in town now so watch for increased traffic.

Turn north on Country Club Road. Enjoy a fun downhill ride as you approach the stop sign at Highway 51. You have to cross a four lane divided highway so be patient. Stop at the Conoco on the other side if it takes you too long to get across!

Keep going north on Country Club for two miles and turn right at the stop sign onto Lakeview Road. Go straight at the next stop sign. The traffic can be a bit aggressive on this last mile of Lakeview. Avoid this section of road around 5 p.m. if possible.

Cross Washington at the traffic light and make a quick left into Boomer Lake Park. Less than one half mile north on the park road is a restroom and water fountain. Also, there is a convenience store at Washington and Lakeview.