Riding Around Abandoned Mining Town

This past Saturday morning we made an impromptu decision to drive 3 hours to the abandoned mining town of Picher, Oklahoma. We loaded the bikes as we figured the bikes would be a great way to explore the area and we packed a change of clothes just in case we decided to spend the night (which we did in nearby Joplin, MO).

The mining for lead and zinc in the area created the town but later destroyed it due to lead contamination from the mountains of tailings surrounding the city and cave in risks. My maternal grandfather once worked in the mines there.

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4 thoughts on “Riding Around Abandoned Mining Town

  1. Very interesting Randall, and nice photography. Plus — I saw and old sign in there ;’-)

    1. Thanks Nancy. Yeah I can’t believe I didn’t get any Bike, Ride and Seek photos out of the trip. Just wasn’t thinking about it I guess. I believe Nova did and should be posting soon.

  2. Thank you for this grim reminder of the consequences of an unregulated extraction economy. When you explore these abandoned spaces, do you ever worry about encountering folks who may take exception to your presence? i do enjoy the videos you produce on these subjects, and btw, what was the music on this soundtrack?

    1. Grim indeed. I suppose I worry a bit about being caught somewhere I shouldn’t be but the places I explore are pretty wide open, already heavily explored and not really connected to anyone (I can’t think of a better way to describe them). I’m not jumping fences, climbing through windows etc… Picher in particular though I didn’t want to come off as a “rubbernecker” but I believe enough time has passed plus there’s no one around. The music is the royalty free options that are available to youtube creators. First was “New Land” by ALBIS. Second was “Wind Marching For Rain” by Puddle Of infinity. Thanks for watching and commenting!

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