Pickett Prairie Loop |
In it for the long haul...
Pickett Prairie offers a great mix of rural roads, rolling hills, great scenery, and awesome barbecue.
If I had to pick a favorite route, Pickett Prairie would be the one. Quiet roads with great scenery gives the perfect excuse to skip afternoon appointments and ride. This is a 48 mile route with 1,650 ft of elevation gain that is self supported. So be sure of your fitness level before you embark on the ride.
The start of this route is at Tulsa Riverparks. You'll only be on the trail system for approximately 1/2 mile as you cross the pedestrian bridge into Jenks.
Jenks, OK is a bedroom community to Tulsa and the leadout through here is a great place to get fully warmed-up for the ride.
Many routes headed west will come through this area.
The first 7 miles is mostly flat with easy grades.
When you get to 111th Street you turn west and will be heading to your first climb. It's a local favorite and Strava segment called Hilton Hill. It's just over 1/2 mile (.6) with the steepest section at 9.2%. If you're riding with a group, just after the stop sign at the top of the hill is an easy regroup spot.
From Hilton Hill you will ride south and across Hwy 117 (AKA 121st Street).
You will continue on S. 49th W. Ave to ALT 75. There is plenty of shoulder here and you are only on this section for approximately 1/2 mile where you will turn on S 97th W. Ave.
Following the route for the next 15 miles will bring you back to ALT 75. You will turn south for one mile and pass the only pit stop on the route. If you need it, use it!
Head east for three miles crossing Hwy 75. Be careful and see below.
From Hwy 75 you will have 13 miles left. Stop at Riverwalk Jenks and enjoy a meal at any of the restaraunts... Burnco, Los Cabos, Andolinis, just to name a few.
Hwy 117 and S 49th W. Ave. The speed on this road is 55 MPH. There is limited site distance for westbound traffic.
West 191st St and Prairied Pickett Rd After making your way through several rollers this is a welcomed descent. But, there is a stop sign at the bottom.
Hwy 75 and W 201st Street S. This intersection is 4 lanes wide with a median in the middle. Posted speed in this area is 65 MPH.
Peoria and Hwy 67 (AKA 151st Street). This intersection is 4 lanes wide also with a median.