26th Annual Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour Rolls Into Mayes County Saturday

Oklahoma’s most scenic, one-day bicycle tour rolls into Mayes County this Saturday, Sept. 9, as nearly 1,000 bike riders of all ages are expected to participate in the 26th annual Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour, which starts and finishes in Pryor.

A fun fall event for the whole family, the Dam J.A.M. has rides covering four different distances — 30, 55, 71 and 101 miles. Or, as Dam J.A.M. organizers call them, the 1/4 Dam J.A.M., 1/2 Dam J.A.M., 3/4 Dam J.A.M. and the Whole Dam J.A.M.

Winding through Mayes County, each ride offers beautiful, scenic countryside, well-paved, shady rural roads and the Dam J.A.M.’s world-famous, festive rest stops. Limited break-down assistance and sag support will also be available on each route.

The Whole Dam J.A.M. takes riders into Delaware County and across the historic Pensacola Dam, before returning to Pryor.

“Dam J.A.M. is my favorite event we do all year.” said Barbara Hawkins, director of the Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the bicycle tour. “It is seriously one of the prettiest rides in the country. Dam J.A.M. shows off the beauty of the terrain throughout Mayes County. The longest ride goes into Delaware County and crosses the Pensacola Dam.”

In addition to referencing the historic Pensacola Dam, the Dam J.A.M. was named for event founders, Jim Beach and Marie McKee.

Dam J.A.M. attracts bicyclists to northeast Oklahoma from all over the state, as well as from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and even Texas.

“If the weather cooperates with us, we expect close to 1,000 riders. Although, riders do come out in the rain,” Hawkins said. “Last year, though, we had only 650. The forecast had been for bad weather, but it turned out to be the most beautiful riding day.”

Dam J.A.M. begins Saturday morning at Whitaker Park in Pryor with two mass start times at 7:45 and 8 a.m. Riders can choose whichever time they want to start.

“This is not a race. It’s just a ride. The 30-mile is the most family-friendly ride,” Hawkins said. “We have had riders of all ages, from 6 years old to 80. Even some younger ones, who have ridden on the back of their parents’ bikes.”

As the cyclists wind their way around Mayes County and Delaware County, Dam J.A.M. will take them past five different lakes, Chimney Rock Lake, Lake Hudson, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Spavinaw Lake and Lake Eucha.

“Dam J.A.M. is a real labor of love for everyone,” Hawkins said. “Every year, everyone is so proud to help out.”

That help comes in the form of the many volunteers who help organize the bicycle tour and provide support along the routes, as well as those who supply and host the dozen or so rest stops along the way.

Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, the Dam J.A.M. rest stops are a big part of the bicycle tour, Hawkins said. Riders are invited to stop and party for a while at each rest stop before continuing with the tour.

According to Dam J.A.M. organizers, the rest stops are “well-spaced, well-stocked and staffed with the friendliest, most gracious volunteers you’ll find on a tour anywhere.”

The very hospitable rest stop volunteers make and hand out homemade brownies, cookies, cakes and pies. Depending on the rest stop, the tasty goodies may also include granola bars and trail mix. Fruit like bananas and oranges will be available at each rest stop.

“Every rest stop has its own drinks and snacks. Some will be themed this year,” Hawkins said. “The rest stop at Chimney Rock Hill will have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, as well as dill pickles and pickle juice shooters to help get salt back in the riders.”

As the cyclists return from their rides, the fun continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Whitaker Park. Organizers say there may be music and entertainment provided by local bands. In addition, lunch will be catered by the Mid-American Grille for an additional charge. There will also be a wine and beer garden where riders can swap stories of their Dam J.A.M. experience.

Not only is the Dam J.A.M. a good time, it is also a Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce fundraiser. It helps support a variety of Chamber programs throughout the year, including the Mayes County Angel Tree, Mayes County Great Days of Service and the Mayes County Food Drive, as well as tourism and economic development.

Available through noon on Thursday, Sept. 7, online registration is $30. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will be held at two locations on Sept. 7, Tom’s Bicycles, at 68th and Peoria in Tulsa, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 East Graham Ave., Pryor, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Registration day of the ride is $40. Snacks and beverages along the route are included with registration.

For more information on the Dam J.A.M., visit the bicycle tour’s website, the chamber’s website or call the chamber at (918) 821-0157. You can also email the chamber at info@PryorChamber.com.