Dam Jam 2004

Pryor, Oklahoma
September

Story by Jim Allshouse

Our biking friends, Tod and Susan, have been telling us about a ride they have done in Pryor, Oklahoma the first part of September. We finally decided this would be the year to try this ride out. We put together a weekend that included staying at the Snowdale State Park outside of Pryor so we could ride both Saturday and Sunday. Tod, Susan, Johnnie and Diana and Jim and Arletta were talked into joining us. Laurie and I took that Friday off and grabbed a camping spot early on Friday. We set up our tent before going to lunch in Pryor at Charley’s Chicken. A chicken sandwich sure sounded good. But guess what? Charley’s Chicken is a BBQ joint. Imagine that! By early Friday evening everyone had arrived. We all went to supper in town at Malaney’s, a quaint restaurant in an old converted house, before walking over to watch the crit racing. Gary Cannon was watching the crit races too. He and Suzanne were staying with relatives.

Saturday morning we made oatmeal at camp before driving the eight miles into Pryor for the Dam Jam ride start. They had about 400 riders that started off at different intervals depending on distance. We rode the 55 mile loop and decided to leave with the 75 milers to get out further because of the heat. This was a VERY pretty ride although there were a few hills along the way. We passed a group of about 8 riders making their own rest stop in front of a smoke/beer shop of some kind. They were sitting on the grass at 9:00 in the morning having a Bud Light beer. Now that is my kinda ride! At another rest stop at the top of a BIG hill, they had BBQ meatballs with fruit and cookies. There also was a lady dressed like a cowboy sheriff and a guy hanging by the neck from a tree. He had a sign that read “Jim, the bike thief”.

At about 5 miles out from the end of our route Gary Cannon passed us. He did the 100-mile route and he looked pretty tired. He was trying to get back so he could attend a hog show. I think he was joking though.

When we crossed the finish line at the park, we all got our BBQ sandwich and sat down to eat. Here came Gary.

We left there and went back to Snowdale State Park so we could shower and get ready for our potluck dinner. Laurie and Diana were mad because they had cold showers and the men’s were hot. Hell hath no fury like Laurie after a cold shower. Diana finally went to the camp host and asked them to fix it. Next thing we knew the host and park ranger were figuring out how to get the water heater turned back on for the women.

Sunday morning we rode into Pryor for breakfast before tearing down camp and heading home. The women enjoyed a hot shower and proclaimed that next year they would check out the shower temperature BEFORE they needed it.

It was great weekend. The route was one of the most scenic t-shirt rides to be found in Oklahoma. We can’t wait to ride it again next year.

Click thumbnail for larger view of photo. Captions below