OKC West River Trail

Our first ride of the 2018 season combines the new OKC West River Trail with the older Oklahoma River Trail.  The combined trail follows along the North Canadian River from Lake Overholser to Meridian Avenue, and proceeds along  the Oklahoma River, (renamed to such in 2004 for a 7 mile stretch),  down to the I-35 junction.

We started our ride here at the Overholser Dam area but a few extra miles could have been added on if we had wanted to start at the north end of the lake.  Although that trail is also quite scenic, it will have to remain for another ride.

The trail passes near the OGE Mustang Plant.

I don't believe this old railroad bridge is used for trains any longer.

Not all graffiti is bad.  I kind of like this one underneath the I-40 bridge.

We pass by two truck dealerships.  This one is Peterbilt.

We pass three RV parks.  We generally stay at this one, the Rockwell RV Park, which has access to the trail.

This plaque is located on a remote portion of the trail.  Plaques are seldom read but this one is well worth it.  Double click on the picture to enlarge it.  Thank you, Safari Belay McDoulett for your tireless efforts to clean up this area.  There is still much to be done.  We need more like you.  The North Canadian and Oklahoma Rivers are still severely trash polluted. My river shots are very selective to not show the obvious problem and the bridge passages have many signs of homelessness. It's up to us to be like Safari and continue her efforts.

Safari's Crystal Lake.

Walking bridge to fishing dock on lake.

Notice the pine trees in the background.   There are approximately half a dozen of them and I estimate them to be 40 years old or so.  This is a remote area - with no homes nearby.  How did they get there?  Perhaps someone dumped a Christmas decoration there 40 years ago.  I can only imagine.

I retired from OneGas 8 years ago.  Once my team worked on a billing complaint here at the Haskell Lemon plant which we were able to resolve.  Looks like they're still using our gas.

Crossing the Meridian bridge.

You can take a cruise down the Oklahoma River.

Or, you can ride a Ferris Wheel.

Or, jump on a skateboard ramp.

Or perhaps catch a kayak race across from the many boathouses along the river.

Maybe ride a bike under a train.

Oklahoma City Parks have done well on their trail system.

We made it to the finish line.  Now, back to Meridian Avenue for lunch at Chili's and on to Lake Overholser to the car.  This 30 mile trek was all we needed.