Ramjm_2000

Forumites,

Looks like I'll be moving to OKC this coming June/July. I'll be coming to house hunt and I was hoping some of you may know the best area to look for a home. Our prerequistes are good riding near by and should be fairly close to Tinker AFB. Thanks for the help!

JR

Xrisnothing

Don't do it! Have you ever been to Oklahoma?

Ramjm_2000

Unfortunately I don't have a choice. But thats OK I've lived in KY, TN, AL, and TX it can't be that much different...

oujeep1

I am biased because i live there but Edmond is great for cycling. there is a large area east of I-35 with paved, hilly roads and no traffic and a very active cycling community, lots of group rides. Norman I think has similar situation. Unfortunately midwest city and del city, the two communities closest to tinker don't have quite as easy access to these roads. From Edmond it is about a 20-30 minute drive to tinker depending on traffic.

oujeep1

And actually oklahoma is a great place for cycling, except for the wind. You can ride almost 12 months a year, you will need some cold weather gear however

Non-Fiction

Did you seriously just compare Oklahoma to Texas? If you thought Texas was bad you have no idea what you are getting yourself into up there. Don't do it! Come back to Texas.

Xrisnothing

Why do Texans hate Oklahoma so much? Texas has Austin. It's its only saving grace. Oklahoma however...ugh.

Ramjm_2000

Guys thanks for all the suggestions. I've heard great things about Norman and Edmond. Based on my likely commute I think Norman is more reasonable. How's Moore? And I'm currently living in DC so I've got plenty of cold weather gear, thanks for the heads up.

biffstephens

I live in Tulsa but do many OKC ride...the wind does suck right now (max 23 avg 10 tonight) but by the time you get here there will be no wind...You will however have to deal with the 104 deg temp....lol

I second the Edmond choice....I have a friend that lives there and I work there once a week. Great place...good riding out East of the city....

Any all those people that are aginst OK are just paying to much for Gas and there still mad that they paid more than 125 grand for there house....

Doggus

There's a reason we call it the 'Dump it here state'.

Xrisnothing

Dallas = South Oklahoma

Also, I'm fairly certain that gas is less expensive in Texas as I've noticed gas gets more expensive the farther north I go on I-35.

bonzo_351m

It has already been stated, but can not be stressed enough. THE WIND! It was gusting past 30mph today and my 20 mile ride felt like I did 40 miles. +1 on the summer months though just gotta get used to the heat.

Ramjm_2000

Dang I can just feel the love oozing between you Texas folks and Oklahoma types. Hopefully OKC isn't as bad as some of you are making it out to be. I'll agree outside of Austin and some of San Antonio, TX isn't all that.

Hipcycler

Hey, I used to live in Edmond and Norman.....did the morning show on WKY Radio in '84-'86.

Great temps...
Windy...
Flat...

Gotta love O-U football!

cbip

You know why Texas doesnt float out into the Gulf of Mexico?
"Because Oklahoma Sucks"

OK city isnt that nice but the Tulsa and McAlistar areas are nice. Rolling hills and lots of green areas, at least in spring. Anywhere you live is what you make of it anyway. I mean some people actually like New Jersey!

Ramjm_2000

Hip,

So which did you like best? Norman or Edmund? Any other places you recommend to look with a reasonablt commute to Tinker?

Oh yea, no O-U football for me, Auburn all the way.
JR

TeamPlayers

Do they still let you guys ride on the back of Ft.Sill? When I was there back in 99 all my miles were on Ft.Sill so I have no idea what is like really riding in Oklahoma. But I do know that if your in Oklahoma you have no excuse not to do the Hotter'n Hell in Wichita Falls TX.

bonzo_351m

You can't escape it especially as close as you will be. As far as living in the area: I assume you are used to a long commute since you are in DC. Norman would not be a long commute at all. Just a quick hike up I-35 to I-240 and then you are at Tinker. If you are going to live in the city then I would suggest living in the northern part. That is where the good golf courses and all that type of stuff are. Plus you will be closer to Edmond.

bonzo_351m

How about a year long vacation to Iraq?

TeamPlayers

Be safe man. I miss Ft.Sill. I wasn't active duty but I loved it

Ramjm_2000

Luckely we live about 4 miles from where I work in Bethesda. It's more expensive than living outside of Bethesda/Silver Spring but worth it. The wif and I just had out first kid and really don't want to do the whole Metro thing anymore so finding a house outside of the city proper with a decent commute and great riding is our goal.

rpc180

Work sent me to Lawton near Ft. Sill and the Preserve last November. I really wished I could've taken my bike with me - I saw one person riding in the Preserve and a pair of riders tackling Mt Scott (that is one steep climb!). Otherwise, its CRAZY flat all through the area (and I'll attest to the wind). I did drive to Oklahoma City one day because I wanted to check it out the area while I was there. Personally, I probably wouldn't want to leave DC for Oklahoma - but it would've been fun to ride.

INCREDIBLY FLAT - click on photo for some other shots:

TeamPlayers

Mt. Scott is a great ride. I will conquer it again

MaddSkillz

I live in Tulsa. Sorry can't offer any advice. LOL

Thrifty1

I live in NW OKC about 1/2 mile from Lake Hefner. I usually ride the MUP trails that are very nice excpet the joggers can't read the "Bicycles/Rollerblades ONLY" signs.
One really good LBS and several acceptable "parts only" shops.
Take a look at https://www.okc.gov/trails/index.html
Good Luck and welcome to OKC