Thursday, January 23, 2014

Biking in Tahlequah: the Tahlequah History Trail

Tahlequah's really been doing a lot recently to beautify the town, and I'd just like to take a moment to give a shout out to everybody responsible - your efforts are freaking appreciated!

The Tahlequah History Trail is a really pleasant little trail extending from somewhat past Northeastern State University, through Norris Park (with its statue of Billy Coleman, Old Dan, and Little Anne, since everybody knows Billy went to Tahlequah to pick up his dogs at the train station in Where the Red Fern Grows) and down along the Town Branch creek. On foot, it's an easy walk but long enough to be invigorating, with displays along the way explaining the history of the town and pointing out notable buildings such as the Cherokee Nation Courthouse. On a bike, it is equally enjoyable, though it does pass over two busy streets (busy for Tahlequah, that is - they're really perfectly easy to cross). One crossing is at a stop light on Downing, and the other is where the NSU campus meets downtown.

The Tahlequah History Trail is absolutely one of our favorite rides, both for its beauty and because it passes by our awesome bike shop, Paceline Cyclery,
Tahlequah, Northeastern State University, NSU
where David the bike guru will fix you up

Tahlequah
and where you can take selfies in the window and pretend you're being all artistic

 and my favorite local coffee shop, Iguana Cafee.
Tahlequah
Heidi loves Iguana coffee as much as I do. A girl after my own heart.

I'm often to be found at Iguana typing away at my laptop while Ryan cycles around in the minivan bike
Burley Bee
Exhibit A: minivan bike: Topeak BabySeat II, Burley Bee

and it's always good for a caffeine boost before a ride and/or a pick-me-up afterwards. The Norris Park playground is also awesome as a carrot to dangle in front of the kids for good behavior during the bike ride, though to be fair there are playgrounds, swing sets, pavilions and picnic tables, and a very tempting stream for splashing in the whole way down the history trail.



Burley Bee

Burley Bee

Burley Bee
Yeah, actually none of these pictures show playgrounds or the stream. Oops. Photographer fail.



It's a great little ride and I really hope that the city has plans to extend the Tahlequah History Trail farther down our beautiful Town Branch creek.

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