Two Wheel Oklahoma

Scooteristas

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:50:00 +0000

There is an old saying with motorcyclists that have been around for a while. "There are two types of riders. Those that have crashed and those that will crash."

With the current rise in gas prices, I am seeing more and more people using motorcycles and scooters for their daily commute and general running around. I think this is great to see. The two-wheeled version of gettin' around is much easier to navigate through traffic, making your commute quicker, easier on the wallet and great for the environment. I welcome all the new riders to our two-wheeled "community". I honestly don't understand why more people don't choose the two-wheeled way of getting around.

What does concern me is seeing so many riders on scooters (as well as motorcycles) with no protective gear whatsoever (I know this is their right, so please, no e-mails explaining that to me).
Is there some unwritten rule that people do not change lanes into riders on scooters or turn left in front of them? I cringe, every time I see somebody zipping through an intersection on a scooter wearing no protective gear, no caution of even looking around as they go through their green light. I have learned long ago, that anybody can hit you at almost any time. Plain and simple, most drivers do not see you on the road and are usually doing many other important things than just driving (cell phone, makeup, eating, yelling at kids, etc.). I have survived as long as I have because I know that I am invisible and that everybody is trying to run over me. This may not always be politically correct to say, but it has worked so far. Most new riders would know some of these basic rules if they did their research and took some of the training classes available. The current MSF course is a great one that I highly recommend.

And this is where things get a little strange. I have talked to a few scooter riders that believe that they do not have to get an "M" (motorcycle) endorsement on their driver's license to legally operate a scooter on the public roads. Even heard rumors that some scooter shops have told this to their customers. I hope that is not true, but...
To put it simply, in Oklahoma - "Scooters which are built and designed for highway travel are recognized like motorcycles". This means that they are titled and registered just like any other motorcycle (and car for that matter) and must follow the same rules and regulations. In other words, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license to operate one on a public road. And just as important, you must get as much training as possible. Just like anything else in life. The more you train or practice, the better you are at it. It is one thing if you can't throw strikes on the local softball team. End result; you walk a few batters. It is another if you aren't very good at riding a motorcycle. End result; at best, you crash and get to learn a lesson.

If you are a rider that doesn't have an "M" on your license, get one, it's easy. If you don't think you should wear any type of protective gear... well, I guess that is your choice. Although, you probably will, after you go down once and commence to sliding and tumbling down the pavement if you are still riding.

Brad

Ride to Work Day Update

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:02:00 +0000

Update July 16, 2008- The weather was perfect this morning for our Ride to Work Day breakfast. All morning a steady stream of motorcycles flowed in and out of the parking lot in front of the Savoy Restaurant.

Thanks to the media covering the event today- including Fox 23 Daybreak, KRMG Radio, Urban Tulsa, the Tulsa World and KJRH Channel 2.
photos...

Resources for the potential motorcyclist...

Get your motor runnin'...

Tulsa mayor, Kathy Taylor, has officially proclaimed July 16, 2008 as Ride to Work Day. Riding your motorcycle or scooter to work on this day will help show Tulsans that motorcycles aren't just for recreation. We also hope it will increase driver awareness and make the roads safer for bikes and scooters.

Ride to Work Breakfast
To help everyone get their ride to work started right, we're having a rider's breakfast on the morning of July 16th at the Savoy Restaurant, 6033 S. Sheridan Road. Join us from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and meet fellow two-wheeled commuters. Ride in and get a free cinnamon roll with your breakfast (quantities limited).

Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how motorcycles and scooters make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.

Thanks to Vespa of Oklahoma on Brookside and K & N Motorcycles for helping us make this possible.

Official proclamation from Mayor Kathy Taylor

Annual Ride to Work Day

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:41:00 +0000

The 17th annual Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day is Wednesday, July 16th. Every year on this day over a million workers commute via motorcycles and scooters to demonstrate the positive benefits of our efficient vehicles.

According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and only about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride to Work Day the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a much larger number of America’s 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.

That is the official blurb. Now for our take.

As fuel prices continue to go up, I am seeing more motorcycles (and scooters) on the road during the normal business-day commute. This is good for a couple of reasons. Of course it saves on fuel and puts a couple dollars back in your pocket. It also helps to cut emissions to the only earth that we have. And just as important to me, is that by putting more motorcycles on the road, it makes a few more people aware of them.

Maybe by helping to promote and getting the word out about this annual event, we can get more bikes on the road. I know I would rather be running through traffic with a bunch of bikes rather than trying to navigate around the 6,000 lb SUVs piloted by cel phone talking, late to work people that I normally see. I actually rode by a young girl last week "driving" through traffic on a busy highway (Hwy 169) that had one foot out the drivers window and was looking down texting with both hands. But that's another story.

If for no other reason, it adds a little enjoyment to a normal day to be able to get in a ride on the way to work and on the way home. So try it, you might like it.

We are currently talking with the Mayor's office and trying to get some city involvement. If all goes well, we will have incentives to ride to work and Tulsa will be the first city in Oklahoma to endorse the National Ride to Work Day.

Remember, motorcycles are not just meant for the weekends.

Many Precious Moments in 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:50:00 +0000

What a blast!

The shindig in Missouri this weekend was a really great time. A small but enthusiastic group of riders from as far away as Iowa and Oklahoma City made the trek to Osage Beach. The hardware was a mixed bag of BMWs, retro Hondas, a Ducati, a Buell and a Bandit.

The highlight of the weekend was touring some backroads with Scott Hubbard and getting to see his collection of bikes and vintage BMWs. Afterwards we hit the Elbow Inn on old Route 66 for some BBQ in the shade.

Saturday evening at Tan-Tar-A we gathered on the patio for door prizes and awards. Chris Ternes received a belated award for not tightening his oil drain plug before last year's ride. In "honor" of that slippery moment on I-44 the Most Precious Moment Award features a drain plug with a reminder on a greasy post-it note. The 2008 recipient was James Saar for a horizontal pirouette he performed near Spavinaw on Oklahoma Highway 20.

Many thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make this year's event a great success...

Brookside Motorcycle Company

Green Country Cycle City

1888FastLap.com

The Kinetic Playground

Places 2 Ride

Ride Oklahoma

We have a limited number of event shirts still available.
Order Now

Riding Solo

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:32:00 +0000

My addiction to Motorcycles started before I reached the ripe age of 5 years. I was one of the lucky ones that had a father that rode and believed that his boys should do the same. From that time, I have ridden all across this country in the dirt, the sand, dried lake beds, racetracks, of course the street and a few places I probably shouldn't mention. Of that time riding, I would guess that I spent 75 percent of that riding with friends and/or family.

Riding solo is more different than most “pack riders” would realize. When riding with others, it allows for a couple of things.

One of the first is Safety. If there is a mishap along the way, and I have had my share, you have somebody you can rely on to help you back up, call for help, explain to you where you are and what your name is, etc. (thanks again Rex). I made it a habit to always have somebody along when taking off in the dirt, whether it be rompin' through the woods or on a Motocross track. I crash far too often in those environments to not have somebody around. It's just what I do. I crash, I get up and try not to do it again.

Another is being able to share the whole experience with others both during the ride and after. To benchrace at the end of the day over drinks and a good cigar is not something to be brushed off lightly. I try to attend as many rallies as I can, that involve beautiful roads, new places and friends that I only get to see a couple times every year.

Of course on the other end of that "riding with others" is the testosterone fest that can go on. I see that happen far too often on the street. It might happen in the dirt, but usually, everybody is crashing anyway, so it's hard to tell. I am older now and have used up most of my testosterone. When you don't have much left, you tend to ration it out more carefully.

I swore off riding with large groups a few years back because of my last ride with a large group. The group numbered somewhere around 25 - 30 and had the full mix of bikes, abilities and experience and ended with more than a few broken bones, broken bikes and lots of locals in their freshly pressed uniforms showing up. This same expericence had happened to me before, but something finally clicked in my brain that day and I realized that this was not conducive to my whole plan of not donating any more of my paychecks to the local doctors. That cured me. Now, I stick to groups of 5 - 6 riders that I know.

Now for the other 25 percent of the time. A couple of years back, I decided that I have donated my fair share to the local Orthopedic Surgeons and sold all bikes with knobbies on them. I was not trying to cut off the local doctors completely, but merely cut back on that part of my spending.

Now I try to keep it on the pavement. In the past few years, I have discovered traveling farther than my usual 200 to 300 mile days and have been wandering a little more and attended rallies in other states. Of course, this had me showing up at a rally or two alone, due to the other 4 or 5 guys bailing at the last minute after talking me in to going.

I have to admit that riding alone has its own advantages. There are the obvious ones, such as stopping when you feel like it, riding as slow or fast as you want, detours on a whim, etc., but there is also one that I had forgotten about.

I was reminded of this last one when returning home from a 1,200 mile trip that ended up with the last 300 miles in the rain. I think a friend of mine put it best when I was trying to explain it to him after that trip. He thought it was "that whole Cowboy spirit". Back when a guy would saddle his horse and mosey across the country in search of "who knows what". Riding solo is more different than most “pack riders” would realize.

Riding alone adds to the sense of adventure. If you break down, run out of gas or get lost, there is nobody there to back you up. You have to rely completely on yourself.

You also get to think. I do not listen to music or have my phone wired to my helmet, instead, I choose earplugs. Most people would be surprised how many brain cells are active when you ride across this country only hearing the muted exhaust of your own trusty steed. In today’s world of constant communication with everything and everybody, silence can be golden.

Got something to figure out? Burned out at work? Throw a change of clothes in a bag, strap it to your bike and leave in a general direction. Everything will become very clear. It might take a few hundred miles or maybe a few thousand, but you will know when it happens.

When you return and people ask you why you are smiling and remark that you seem different, then you can try to explain this to them.

Time to Tour Missouri

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:39:00 +0000

sponsors...

First off, thanks to the sponsors who are helping make the second Precious Moments Tour possible. Their names are proudly displayed on your right. We've also provided a link to their websites for your convenience.

Precious Moments Tour
May 16-18, 2008
Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is about 90 miles north of Springfield, MO. The weekend is fast approaching but it's not too late to register. Registration gets you the ubiquitous event T-shirt, our handy route sheet and the chance to win coveted awards most motorcyclists can only dream of. Advance registration (before May 15) is only $10 and on-site will be $15. Cheap.

Our headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO. The resort offers a wide range of conveniences within walking distance- a coffee shop, bar, water park and restaurants ranging from Burger King to a full buffet. The basic rooms offer two double beds and a sleeper sofa. Tan-Tar-A offers a special $99 rate for those staying three nights. Otherwise choose a "non-lakeview" room in the Resort Complex and the rate will be $109 per night. Reserve online or call 1-800-826-8272.

Alternate accommodations can be found in Osage Beach. One is the Hawk's Nest Lodge at $79.00 for 2 people per night. (573) 348-1741 for reservations.

The other we found is the Country Hearth Inn for $79.99 – 2 people per room. Call(573) 365-4566 to reserve a room.

Camping and rustic cabins are also available at nearby Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Upcoming Area Motorcycle Events

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:19:00 +0000

Here's a current list of motorcycle-related events in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Bookmark this page for quick access to future info!

Is your upcoming event listed?
If not add it now, it's free and easy!

Motorcycle Events Calendar

Event listings courtesy Places2ride.com

New Tulsa Dealers for European Brands

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:16:00 +0000

Ever since longtime Tulsa dealer Atlas Cycle closed its doors last year the rumors have been flying about who will pick up those orphaned European lines they carried. Suddenly there was no local outlet or factory support for Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi or Triumph. Not to mention all those forgotten marques that used to grace their showroom: Cagiva, Moto Morini, Husqvarna or MZ.

Atlas owner, Ken Johnson, decided to retire in 2007. He opened the business in 1965 in a storefront on Cherry Street. Over the years Ken carried all the obscure motorcycle, scooter and mini-bike brands. Eventually the shop moved to 11th Street just east of Sheridan.

Paul Rogers of Brookside Motorcycle Company

Kathy King of Polaris Outdoors

Just about every dealer in T-Town phoned up Triumph. But most of the conversations ended early- Triumph and their Eurocentric leanings forbid selling alongside Japanese bikes. For BMW and Ducati the most likely candidate appeared to be the Oklahoma City dealer, having already stormed ashore in Brookside with their Vespa shop.

The latest news is some new faces have popped on to the scene, and we're optimistic it's good news for local riders!

Early this year Brookside Motorcycles on Peoria picked up the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi lines. This shop started out as a pre-owned and consignment shop, later bringing in the Johnny Pag chopperettes. They also expanded their showroom last Fall (albeit not their parking lot unfortunately) to make room for the Italian two-wheelers. I spoke with the owner, Paul Rogers today and he assured me that the appropriate signs were on the way. However he would not comment on two other European brands this editor thinks might be landing at his shop in the near future. Keep an eye out for their upcoming Vintage Cycle Meet on April 27th. BBQ and soda provided FREE from 11am-3pm.

Then later today we confirmed with the owner of Polaris Outdoors, Kathy King, that Tulsa's newest BMW and Triumph dealership will be Polaris Outdoors, soon to be known as Roadhouse Motorsports. In addition to Polaris four-wheelers and PWC this store sells Victory, the other American V-twin motorcycles. They are in the process of expanding their showroom and building a new service facility at their present location on US-169 near 61st Street. Kathy went on to say that they have a lot of cool events coming up this year, so watch this space or their website for more information.

Finding the Road Less Taken

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Riding a motorcycle seems to bring out the explorer in us. I couldn't begin to count how many times I've glanced down a twisty lane and thought, "I wonder where that road goes?" I often detour to find out if I have the time.

Brad and I are often asked how we find our way around when exploring two-lane roads off the beaten path. Some people are surprised we don't have any GPS mounted on our motorcycles. On the road, I still rely on the "dead tree" style of maps, printed out before I leave, stuck in the top of my tank bag.

I also like to bring along a couple of maps. One is the good ol' Oklahoma state highway map. I usually pick up a few copies from the visitor center so I can fold and mutilate one to fit just right in my tank bag. The other map is one of the most valuable books I own: Roads of Oklahoma. This is a large format paperback atlas made up of USGS maps of Oklahoma. Each page is about 12 miles wide, so it gives you great detail of the landscape. It's easy to locate where you are by looking at the large state map on the back. The state is divided into segments and a big red number indicates what page you need to turn to.

Unfortunately it's not easy to find. It was originally published by Shearer Publications, but was recently acquired by Mapsco. Hopefully that means they'll be a little more plentiful soon.

A similar publication is offered by De Lorme. The Oklahoma Atlas & Gazetteer is quite similar. The main difference is DeLorme opted for topo maps, which I find a little harder to read. And locating the adjoining map above or below is more difficult because the small text is printed within the map itself, not in the margin like the R of O. But this book is much easier to find and available for many other states.

Either one is well worth bringing along on your next ride.

More of our favorite books, videos and gadgets...

Precious Moments Tour 2008

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Download Flyer (PDF)
Register Now
Precious What?

Places 2 Ride and Two Wheel Oklahoma are sponsoring the second annual Precious Moments Tour on May 16-18, 2008. Two Wheel Oklahoma will also be shooting video for an upcoming episode.

The event is a chance for motorcycle riders to shake off their cabin fever and ride the endless twisties around Lake of the Ozarks and central Missouri.

Headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A resort complex in Osage Beach, Missouri. Resort accommodations may not be the typical place to hold a motorcycle rally, but last year we, along with many other motorcyclists discovered the Tan-Tar-A Resort was a great place to hang our hats between blasts down the two-lanes.

The best part is food, drinks and a pool are all within walking distance. Instead of riding into more populated parts we found the convenience of walking downstairs for libation was not only convenient, but safer too. Make your reservations now at www.tan-tar-a.com or call 1-800-826-8272.

This event will be a casual gathering. Riders can follow suggested routes, ride with groups or explore on their own. Each evening we'll gather back at Tan-Tar-A for dinner, drinks and bench racing. On Saturday we'll award the "winners" such coveted titles as Dirtiest Bike or Most Precious Moment.

Register Now
Advance registration is $10 or $15 on-site and includes one event T-shirt. Additional shirts available- same prices. To register now tell us about your bike, choose your shirt size and click Pay Now...

Registration is Closed

View Larger Map

Potosi BMW Rally

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Last fall we headed up to Potosi, Missouri for the Falling Leaf Rally.

For information on the upcoming Falling Leaf Rally visit www.gatewayriders.com

Distracted Driving Safety Message

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:23:00 +0000

Last October the AMA and Nationwide Insurance released a video announcement aimed at raising the average driver's awareness of motorcyclists. Here's what the producers had to say about it...

"Distracted driving is a hazard to everyone on the road, as you will see in the latest Public Service Announcement from Nationwide Insurance and the American Motorcyclist Association. While the scenario shown is unlikely, I think you’ll agree that it does a good job of illustrating some of the dangers faced by motorcyclists."

We'd like to know what you think.

Should we air this PSA? Is it worth the time? Or are we just preaching to the crowd? Watch it, then click the Comment link to let us know your opinion.

Coming Soon to a Television Near You

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:37:00 +0000

It's about the Oklahoma two-lanes. It's about the backroads and trails. It's about all the places we love to ride- and the people and the bikes and the history and the businesses. Two Wheel Oklahoma is all those things that we enjoy about motorcycling in Oklahoma.

We hope you'll come ride along.

Watch your local listings for upcoming episodes of Two Wheel Oklahoma or join our mailing list for e-mail updates. For great places to ride and upcoming motorcycle events across America visit Places 2 Ride.

Want to be on TV?

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:06:00 +0000

We want you!

Product Reviews
We're looking for products and riding gear to review.
If you produce or market riding gear or accessories, or want to suggest one, please contact us.
Well, we want your videos. Your photos. Your stories. It's not that we don't want you. We just can't fit you on our scanner.

Maybe you have a cool video, a story about the open road, photos you're proud of? If it's about motorcycling in or around Oklahoma, we'd like to see them. We also want to hear about your group rides, club events or plain old get-togethers (motorcycle-related of course).

If you'd like to see your viddy or club event on television, then let us know about it! If we don't know about it we can't cover it. And if we can't cover it then... well, you get the idea.

Here's how it works:
If you have video of motorcycling in Oklahoma you can email us a link or mail us a tape or DVD (preferably mini-DV). Be sure to include your email address and SASE if you want the tape or disk back.
Contact Us

Upcoming event? Use our handy motorcycle events calendar form. We'll take it from there. Plus expose your exciting date to the legions of leather-clad, bug-spattered bikers that frequent our websites.

The fine print:
Obviously we can't use every submission we receive. But if we use your video or cover your event, we'll be sure to let you know (and politely ask you to sign a release).

Motorcycle Links We Like

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:47:00 +0000

You asked, we typed. Now click...

Do you have a website or blog?
Add a link to www.twowheelok.com today and you will live happily ever after.

more banners & images

Did we miss one? If you know about an Oklahoma motorcycling link not listed here tell us about it.

These stylish graphics will dress up any drab website...

Contact Us

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:19:00 +0000

Have an upcoming event?
Tell us about it and we'll include it on our events calendar. If there's free food we might even show up!
Tell us what you think, make a suggestion, let us know about your favorite ride, share your ideas or just say howdy. We try to read all submissions– and respond if possible.

About Us

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:19:00 +0000

"So, there aren't many good roads in Oklahoma are there?"

Brad moves up to a Benelli at age 6.

That's Rex with his first bike, a Speedway Super Spyder

That simple question, posed innocently enough by a fellow rider from Illinois, sparked the effort we call Two Wheel Oklahoma. It is our mission to use video to document motorcycle destinations and scenic highways in and around our state, and promote motorcycling in Oklahoma.

That destination might be a winery, an event or a scenic stretch of highway. It could be a weekly bike night or a greasy spoon. It might be a curve where the sunsets live. And the best way to get there may not be the shortest.

Our secondary goal is to promote Oklahoma motorcycling in general. This includes advocating for motorcycle and scooter riders and working to build grassroots support for arising issues. After all, we are they.

To make this happen we are actively seeking corporate sponsors who share our vision to underwrite production and equipment costs. If you or your company would like to be affiliated with this endeavor we urge you to contact us.

We hope you'll come ride along.

This project is the brainchild of Brad Mathison and Rex Brown, long-time motorcyclists from Tulsa. The pair created the web site Places 2 Ride in 1998 (originally as a promotion for Mathison's motocross track) to highlight interesting places to ride dirt bikes. Today hundreds of motorcyclists visit Places2ride.com every day to locate interesting places to ride on and offroad, plus motorcycle events and biker-friendly destinations.