Two Wheel Oklahoma

South on Highway 10

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:55:00 +0000

On our third episode we visited Fort Gibson, Oklahoma then turned south and explored OK-10. We discovered that no matter who you are, you'll probably find something to enjoy on Oklahoma State Highway 10.

Greenleaf State Park is located near Braggs, Oklahoma and is one of the seven original Oklahoma State Parks. The centerpiece of Greenleaf is a sparkling 900-acre lake. The lake and rustic rock cabins were originally built in the Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Later renovations were performed by German POWs housed at nearby Camp Gruber. Another unique structure is the Gruber Group Camp building which once served as the officer's lounge, and is still used occasionally by the National Guard and Reserve.

In addition to 15 cabins, Greenleaf offers visitors an 18 mile hiking trail, bike trails, a heated fishing dock, more than 200 campsites and a nature center offering year-round programming. A special “cabin in the lake” is an award-winning facility reserved for handicapped visitors. The group camp is also available for family reunions and groups. Boats and canoes are available for rental, but personal watercraft are not allowed on Greenleaf Lake.

Just a few miles up Highway 10 from Braggs, Oklahoma is the Gruber ORV area. This is a popular off-road vehicle riding area known for its rocky terrain and wooded trails. The park was created in 1990 when a 455-acre sliver of Camp Gruber was deeded to Muskogee County. The property is bounded on the east by Oklahoma Highway 10 and the Arkansas River on the west.

Regional competitions are held at Gruber including enduros, observed trials and cross-country races. But lots of folks like to just come out and spend an afternoon putting around. There are plenty of challenging trails that twist through these woods and over rocky ledges.

Cortech GX Sport Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Advanced Jacket for Three Seasons

You may have seen me wearing this jacket in a couple of recent episodes. It's a comfy textile jacket with lots of pockets and includes a quilted liner. The Series 2 GX Sport is touted for its advanced ventilation system, but even with all those vents it doesn't make this a summer jacket.

Under that 600 Denier Carbolex® shell and reflective piping is a waterproof liner. Unfortunately it also blocks a good deal of airflow- even with every vent wide open. Now that might not be a problem if we lived in Seattle, but if it's August here in Oklahoma you do have a problem! I also found the Shock Cord feature (a system to hold the shoulder vents open) difficult to deal with while wearing gloves.

Otherwise it's a great jacket.

It has a very nice fit and lots of great features. I like the neck closure, easy to find even with heavy gloves, and the removable quilted liner will keep you warm even when the mercury dips pretty low. The removable armor is substantial and includes a back pad. Sizing seem to run pretty accurate, and tall sizes are also offered which add about 2" to the length of the sleeves and torso. The GX Sport 2 is offered in blue (shown above), black, yellow, silver and red.

So if you're looking for a well made waist-length jacket, look no further. The fit is one of the best I've ever worn and the weather protection is top notch. But if you're hoping to find a year-round jacket suitable for Oklahoma summers don't let all those vents fool you.

Exploring the Copperhead Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Highway 20 was one of Oklahoma’s original state highways. A map from 1925 (right) shows Route 20 running from Claremore to the Arkansas state line, pretty much the same as today. Later it was extended west, through the Osage. Today OK-20 runs 144 miles from the western terminus just shy of Ralston, Oklahoma to the Oklahoma state line at Three Corners.

The stretch of OK-20 between Salina and Jay is known locally as Copperhead Trail. These twisties are legendary and attract motorcyclists from far and wide. The road, like its namesake, is twisty and has been known to bite the unsuspecting. No matter what you're driving- pay attention and watch your speed.

There are also numerous side roads along this route that are worth exploring if you have the time. We'll begin in Salina, at the junction where Highway 20 meets Highway 82...

Salina is on the shores of Lake Hudson. Long before the lake was built Salina was a trading post and Oklahoma’s first white settlement. Auguste Pierre Choteau, a trader from St. Louis, set up camp here and traded furs with the local Indians. But when we visit Salina today we usually trade at the Dairy Deal. Check out their sign and you can see who has a birthday coming up, and their malts are pretty darn good.

From the 20/82 junction we'll find our first side trip: Kenwood Road.

Head east from the junction and the road follows along a beautiful creek. Eventually you'll pass through the town of Kenwood, an old Cherokee town. If you continue east the road winds its way to OK-10/US-59. Alternatively you can turn north toward Upper Spavinaw- that turnoff is marked by a sign for the Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area.

If you continue eastbound on 20 from Salina you'll head north through gentle curves. A few miles outside of Salina the curves begin tightening up as you approach the ridge that runs along Spavinaw Creek. Watch your speed here, especially when you see an unusual warning sign- it marks a decreasing radius corner that has taken out more than few motorcycle riders.

Eventually the twists and turns descend into the valley along the creek and passes the Spavinaw State Park. The park is a great spot to pull over and watch the water roll over the spillway. Tulsans might recognize the lake as the source of their drinking water. A concrete flowline runs from this dam to Lake Yahola in North Tulsa. When the dam was completed in 1924 it created the first man-made lake in northeastern Oklahoma, and made Spavinaw an instant resort destination.

Just past the town of Spavinaw highways 20 and 82 part company. Highway 20 continues east toward Jay, passing the tiny town of Eucha and State Highway 28. Jay is the county seat of Delaware County and the limestone block courthouse marks the center of town. You'll also see a road sign for OK-127, our next side trip: Zena Loop

The Zena Loop, or the roller coaster as we like to call it, is a 12 mile stretch of twists and turns that pass through the tiny community of Zena, Oklahoma. But watch your speed, the curves aren’t marked and there is absolutely no shoulder! At the end you can turn south and return to 20, or turn around and do it again!

OK-20 continues on past Jay toward Arkansas and Missouri. This final stretch of Oklahoma 20 runs along the Arkansas border for about 5 miles. This is the only state highway in the United States that shares the highway signs of two states: Arkansas 43 and Oklahoma 20.

Just in case that isn’t confusing enough, the next road sign you’ll see is Missouri 43. That marks the end of Oklahoma’s 20 at Three Corners. There’s an Ozark Historical Society marker here that marks the spot where Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma meet. Well worth a photo stop!

From here you can keep going for a few more minutes and be in Noel, Missouri- ready to tour Missouri’s highway 90. But that’s a story for another day!

Tourmaster Flex 2 Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:45:00 +0000

The Only Jacket You'll Ever Need

You may have seen Brad wearing Tourmaster's Flex 2 jacket on a few episodes. It's a unique jacket with a versatile design.

But is one jacket really all you ever need?

That's what Tourmaster is shooting for with their Flex jacket series. Off the rack you see a waterproof textile jacket. But unzip a few zippers (make that several zippers) and the outer shell comes off to reveal a full mesh jacket. But wait- there's more! Yes, that's right. There' s also an insulated liner underneath all that. The liner also uses more zippers and a few buttons with loops.

If that sounds like a lot for one jacket, it is. Brad has worn this jacket on several rides now and offered a few points to consider. First, the good things about this jacket:

With the jacket fully assembled, it is makes a weathertight, warm jacket with a zipper built in to the rear of the jacket to attach pants for the coldest riding that we would ever want to do. We have already had the chance to try it out in the rain and found it watertight, without a drop getting past any of the zippers or seams.
With the top cover and inner liner removed, revealing the mesh, it makes a perfect summer jacket for the warmer times.
The Flex II comes with hard, shoulder and elbow protection and soft back protection built in. It has enough pockets scattered throughout the layers that would make most similar jackets look bare in this department.
The quality is top notch with quality zippers, buttons and finish. It uses a mandarin style collar with soft material that touches the skin and enough adjustments on the cuffs, sleeves and bottom of the jacket to make fitting easy. And these adjustments are used on the top layer and underneath on the mesh base.
On the top layer, it uses two scoops, just below the shoulders that really do stay open and work and easily fill the jacket with air when using the top layer.

Now for a few downsides to this "do it all" jacket:

The Flex II is bulky and a fairly heavy jacket. Not much of any way around it with all three pieces put together. Of course, it lightens up as you start shedding parts when the weather warms up.
The removal and replacement of the liner is not an easy task. As the temperature and conditions change out on the road prepare for approximately 15 minutes. And that's laying it out on a flat surface in good light. Maybe we are just not practiced enough, but would hate to imagine trying to put it all back together in a hurry, at a gas station, out on the road, at night.
Another issue was noticed when the zippered scoops were opened up while the inner liner was removed. The scoops stayed open and really pulled in the air, filling the jacket with pressurized air. But once up to highway speed, the pressurized air that filled the jacket will also press the inner mesh to your body like a straight jacket. This was a strange feeling to be riding down the highway with the jacket blown up with air, but a constricting feeling. Like you were wearing a shirt that's two sizes too small.

Overall, we really like this jacket for both cold (all pieces in place), and the hot (mesh only) and look forward to wearing it through this Winter. And considering the typical Tourmaster quality, this one looks like it will be around for a while.

So does it replace the two or three jackets that you already have for different conditions? Well... almost.

Our First Rerun

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:21:00 +0000

We're hot out of the gate, way out in front and heading for the first turn. Then WHAM... our first malfunction!

The response to the first episode of Two Wheel Oklahoma has been tremendous, and we planned to have another great episode ready for Week Two. Alas there are only so many hours in a day, and it looks like that won't happen after all. Retro Spec has done an amazing job on the video production and editing for Two Wheel Oklahoma.

Unfortunately we were not able to complete the editing and closed captioning in time to make the air date this week. So this Saturday, instead of showing you our trip up Highway 20, we are running an "encore performance" of the Route 66 episode.

Hopefully everyone will enjoy another visit with Mister Sam?

We will be back with a new episode next week.

Stroud, Midway and the Rock Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Long before there was a Hard Rock Cafe- heck, long before there was hard rock, there was the Rock Cafe.

This popular roadside eatery in Stroud, Oklahoma has become sort of a local legend. The name describes the stone walls, made of local sandstone dug up during construction of Route 66. The brown stone walls have stood the test of time- and more recently fire.

This popular stop along Route 66 enjoyed a steady business from locals and travelers since opening its doors in 1936. Situated at the halfway point between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the restaurant's location was a perfect stop for weary drivers.

Stroud was, and still is, known as Midway to many Oklahomans. That's also a reference to the Howard Johnson's that once stood on the Turner Turnpike near here. In 1955 a sleek modern bridge over the Interstate opened that allowed drivers going either direction on the Turner Turnpike to stop and have a HoJo. This was a companion novelty to the Glass House on the Will Rogers Turnpike.

Several years ago an outlet mall opened also hoping to seize on Stroud's central location. It might have worked if it weren't for that darn tornado. Today on the turnpike there's just the Pike Pass toll plaza and a McDonalds between the highway lanes. But back on the Old Road, the Rock Cafe is still going strong.

A fire in 2008 nearly closed the Rock Cafe for good. Most owners would have walked away. It reopened one year later.It wasn't always. The brown stone eatery declined through the Seventies and Eighties until a resourceful girl from Yukon decided to give it a go. Dawn Welch set to work restoring the Rock Cafe, and listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. The original idea was to spend a year to get it up and running, then sell the business to finance a trip to Costa Rica. That was sixteen years ago.

Today the Rock Cafe is frequented by travelers from around the world, discovering America via the Old Road. But the greatest claim to fame came in 2006 when Disney execs working on the movie “Cars” visited the Rock Cafe looking for inspiration. They stopped looking for a burger, but left with a good deal more. Welch inspired the character Sally Carrera, otherwise known as the blue Porsche voiced by Bonny Hunt.

Tourmaster Transition Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Versatile jacket for all seasons.

I often wear a black Tourmaster Transition jacket on the show. So far this has been the most usable jacket I have ever ridden with. It works in almost any weather condition, except extreme heat. But that kind of versatility is what makes the Transition a really great bargain.

The current version is the Transition II (right). It's s a 3/4 length jacket made mostly of 600 denier polyester with a water-resistant coating and clever reinforcing panels that are reflective. For protection you get a foam backpad and removable CE armor in the shoulders and elbows. Included with the jacket is an insulated zip-out liner. The main zipper is a heavy duty "double zipper" which means it's made to unzip from below for comfort when seated. You also get a pants zipper to attach this jacket to riding pants (they even throw in the pant side of the zipper).

Ventilation is provided by adjustable shoulder vents plus vents in the chest, sleeves and back to create what Tourmaster calls its "pipeline ventilation system." It seems to actually work despite the catchy name. The chest vents also have a double velcro strip to hold them open in hot weather. All of the vents on the front use waterproof zippers and/or flaps.

Tour Master is known for packing their riding gear with a lot of features at a reasonable price. This jacket is no exception. For example the collar and cuffs are lined with microfiber so they're comfortable— yet also durable. A pocket across the back offers extra storage, even if it isn't the most convenient to get at. Night visibility is enhanced by liberal amounts of Scotchlite. The adjustment straps for the cuffs and waist are infinitely adjustable velcro instead of snaps. Another nice touch is a snap to keep the collar from flapping around when you ride with it open. I have to admit- that one was a mystery to me for the first week I owned this jacket!

You Are Invited

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Two Wheel Oklahoma Sneak Preview Party
Thursday, October 1, 2009 • 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Stokely Event Center • 10111 East 45th Place • Tulsa

We'd like to invite you to celebrate the upcoming television premiere of this exciting new locally-produced television program.

Two Wheel Oklahoma will debut on KMYT-41 in Tulsa on October 3, 2009 at 9:00 am. We'd like you to join us for a private viewing and live music from the Kristen Goss Band at the Stokely Event Center (map).

Feel free to bring along a friend, but be sure to let us know how many are coming. We'll be providing hors d'oeuvres, light refreshments and a cash bar.

Casual dress acceptable, riding gear recommended.

RSVP is appreciated, please email:
teresa@twowheelok.com

We hope to see you there!

Come ride along.

Saturdays at 9 AM on Tulsa's My 41

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Two Wheel Oklahoma will debut October 3rd in Tulsa on KMYT.

After two years of planning, writing and riding, we are unveiling a new television program for Green Country viewers. Beginning October 3^rd Two Wheel Oklahoma will air Saturdays at 9:00 am on Tulsa television KMYT-41. Viewers will ride along as Brad Mathison and Rex Brown tour Oklahoma by motorcycle. The show will feature local festivals, unusual places and interviews with local characters.

The majority of the show will focus on the highways, history and unique places that make Oklahoma special. The pilot episode features Claremore, Oklahoma and places like the Will Rogers Memorial. Future shows will visit destinations such as the Talimena Scenic Byway, Red Rock Canyon and Oklahoma's only railroad tunnel.

“We've been riding around this state all our lives, but I'm constantly amazed how we always seem to discover something new. If you're looking for it, there's almost always something interesting just around the next bend.”

KMYT-41, commonly known as My 41, is available on most cable and satellite carriers in Northeastern Oklahoma. More markets will be added in the near future, eventually making the show available to viewers across the state.

Downloads

Set your alarm clocks for 9:00 AM every Saturday kiddies!

Indian Motorcycles are Back in Tulsa

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:20:00 +0000

On April 14th, 2009, Joyce and Butch Drake opened the doors to Roadhouse Motorsports in Tulsa, Oklahoma under their ownership. The shop has been around for a couple years as a Polaris dealer, selling first the Polaris Outdoor line and adding Victory motorcycles when they were introduced.

The dealership has been through a few owners in the past couple of years and has seen some rocky times, but since Joyce and Butch have taken over they have added Indian motorcycles to the floor, as well as getting the dealership as a whole back in shape. They bring 37 years of successful business experience to the table from the aircraft and automotive industries. Both are avid riders, but more importantly, they are good people with good, honest business practices.

When talking to them about the bikes themselves, you will find that they are passionate about all the lines they carry. As stated earlier, they already carried the popular Victory and Triumph lines and have now added Indian to their floorplan. The Indian name carries a long line of American history with it and looks to be back to stay this time. The current Indian company has done their homework and is one of the better quality production bikes built today, that I have seen. Most people know the Indian name, and also know they are one of the first American brands, but know little of the history. They were in fact the earliest brand of American motorcycle produced in the U.S.A. and are now making beautiful, quality bikes that you have to see in person to appreciate. So, go see what motorcyclists in 1901 and Burt Munro knew all along. Not to mention that you have the Drakes now standing behind their products.

The Drakes believe in everything they sell. Enough so to offer a free 5 year warranty on all 2009 bikes through the end of September. How is that for believing in your product!

When talking to the always-smiling Joyce Drake, it's hard not to get excited about what is happening with the dealership. They are getting ready to break ground on an additional 5,000 ft of space to be used for parts and accessories, which will result in a total of 12,500 square feet of showroom.

Look up their virtual showroom online at roadhousems.com or drop by and check out the new Indian motorcycles in person, you won't be sorry.

Trailer for First Episode

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:09:00 +0000

We've been working hard on researching out-of-the-way destinations, writing scripts and creating storyboards for upcoming episodes of Two Wheel Oklahoma. Then, in between all that, we're still soliciting sponsors to underwrite the production costs for a full season.

But all that hard work goes on behind the scenes, unnoticed by the general populace. I know many of you would love to see some finished product!

So here's a little teaser for everyone out there who's taken an interest in our little travel show project. It's just a few minutes taken from our first episode, shot last January along State Highway 20 and Claremore. Consider it a thank you for your continued interest and support.

We hope you enjoy it.

Watch the Trailer

New Date for 2009 Ride to Work Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:21:00 +0000

The 18th annual Ride To Work Day will be held Monday, June 15.

Ride to Work is a a non-profit organization advocating and supporting the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, and providing information about everyday riding to the public.

Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how these vehicles 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.

A weaker economy is causing many commuters to turn to motorcycles and scooters to save money on transportation. These new everyday riders are finding cycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town. Because of the world-wide depression, this year is expected to be the largest Ride to Work Day demonstration ever, according to Ride to Work.

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 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 larger number of America's 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.

Tulsa Bike Nights

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:42:00 +0000

..and all over Oklahoma!

'Tis the season for bike nights- and the schedule is really heating up! Scroll down for a list of Oklahoma Bike Nights listed by city.

Two Wheel Oklahoma will be showing up at some of the local bike nights, shooting some video and handing out some cool swag!

We will be working with Cycle Gear and Roadhouse Motorsports, showing up at a couple different spots in Tulsa. And thanks to the Roadhouse Motorsports Girls who helped us toss out goodies to the crowd at Twin Peaks last night!

Watch for us out at Twin Peaks restaurant on Thursdays, a show that typically draws over 150 bikes every week. It's a pretty cool bike night because you see all sorts of rides- cruisers, sportbikes, even a few scooters.

On Mondays we'll head up 71st Street to Freddie's. It's quickly growing into a large event. Perfect way to kick off your week!

Below we've listed all the bike nights we could find info on. If you know about another one we invite you to post a comment and let everybody know about it. You just might see us there!

Oklahoma Bike Nights
Tulsa
Mondays-
Freddie's Frozen Custard, 71st near Mingo
Wednesdays-
Schlotzsky's, 101st & Memorial
Joe's Crab Shack, 61st & Memorial
Thursdays-
Twin Peaks, Memorial at 71st
Hooters, 61st and Memorial

Oklahoma City
Mondays-
Joe's Crab Shack, NW Expressway
Tuesdays-
Sliders
Kona Ranch Steak House
Hooters Northwest
Wednesdays-
Spinozi's
Wormy Dog Saloon
Charley's Last Stand
Thursdays-
Hooters South
Cross-Eyed Moose

Norman
Tuesdays-
Santa Fe Cattle Company, I-35

Lawton
Tuesdays-
Chele's Club, 609 S. Sheridan

Guthrie
Thursdays-
Rockway Bar

Chickasha
Tuesdays-
Eduardo's

Did we miss one?
Let us know!

2009 Osage Beach Rally Update

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:47:00 +0000

The third annual Precious Moments Tour stormed ashore at Osage Beach, Missouri on May 15-17, 2009. Once again our headquarters was the Tan Tar A Resort and we visited the Cave Restaurant (coming soon) outside Richland and enjoyed lunch at Gary's Place in Lebanon.

We've posted a few photos online...

Big thanks to all the great folks who helped sponsor the 2009 event. Our gracious sponsors provided some great door prizes and valuable gift certificates!

BMW of Oklahoma

New Enough

Action Powersports

K&N Yamaha

Arrrg t-shirts

Cycle Gadgets

Places 2 Ride

Victory Leather

Empire Motorcycle Covers

Fox Creek Leather

Gear Selection

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:57:00 +0000

After receiving a couple communication devices that we could use from bike to bike, I thought we were doing great. They worked great, came through crystal clear and really made our job easier while filming. We even did a review on the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 here. What could possibly go wrong?!?

I found out exactly what could go wrong a few weeks ago while out road testing a bike on some country roads. Coming around a left hand corner at approx. 30mph, I lost the rear end, falling on my left side. First assessment: things hurt, I couldn't stand up, let alone walk and had the wind knocked out of me. Shouldn't be that big of a deal. In my 40+ years of riding experience, I have had my share of exciting get-offs, breaking a few bones along the way. To be honest, at that point, I was more worried about the bike than myself. I always wear the correct gear and this time was no different.

After getting checked out, I later discovered that I had shattered my left collarbone into many, many pieces, cracked a left shoulder blade, cracked my left hip/pelvis and broke a bone in my right hand. Hmmm... It seems that I can slide down the track at 100mph, but was not very good at this "falling over going slow" maneuver.

The collarbone is the reason I am writing this today. I always go back and figure out exactly what I did wrong to cause the crash and also how I broke my own body parts. I kept coming back to my collarbone and wondering how I could have broken it so badly just tipping over at that speed. I have broken collarbones before a few times, but I was only still moving at about 20mph by the time I hit the ground this time. Oh well, I just chalked it up to putting on a few more years.

That was until I was swapping out my communicator from my old helmet to the new one. As I looked down at the old one sitting at my feet, it hit me. It was the communicator that was hanging down below the helmet on the left side, almost a full inch and just happened to line up with my collarbone! Damn.

The helmet was relieved upwards on the side (possibly for that very reason) but I had attached this device in the exact spot that would contact my collarbone if I tilted my head far enough to the left side. I should have noticed it when I attached it to my helmet, but it never crossed my mind.

I have moved the mount on my new helmet up to the side and used Velcro to attach it instead of the brackets supplied with the Cardo kit. Besides moving it up, out of harms way, I'm hoping that the Velcro will let go in case of an emergency.

I take my gear seriously and would never ride without it. I know it won't save me from everything, but it sure increases my odds and I like that. This time I learned that I made the mistake of second guessing the design of a great helmet (Shark RSI) and I paid the price.

Good news is, I learned something.

And I heal quickly.

Oklahoma Takes Lead on Lead Law

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Oklahoma lawmakers are proposing a resolution this week to help reign in a new law limiting lead in childrens products.

Last year reaction to Chinese toys containing lead resulted in the passage of a Federal regulation named the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The gist of the law is to regulate the lead content of products intended for children under age 12. But the regulation has been applied to a wide array of products- including motorized vehicles.

Since February 10th, the date the regulation went into effect, the 50cc motorcycle and ATV business has essentially come to a standstill. We visited with one local dealer in Tulsa to find out how this regulation is affecting businesses in Oklahoma.

Precious Moments Tour 2009

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:27:00 +0000

It all started with a side-trip.

During a Spring motorcycle trip to Lake of the Ozarks we made an innocent pit stop in Carthage, Missouri. Pretty soon we found ourselves strolling the grounds of the Precious Moments Park.

We were so moved by the disturbing cuteness we decided to make it an annual event!

The third annual Precious Moments Tour will storm ashore at Osage Beach on May 15-17, 2009. All bikes are welcome, but be prepared for some great curves and scenery!

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, with a nearby State Park for camping accommodations. 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. Advance registration by April 30th is only $15, or $20 on-site, and includes an event T-shirt.

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 give away door prizes and award the "winner" the coveted title of Most Precious Moment.

Register Now

Options? We've got options.
There are plenty of optional accommodations near the resort. And for the rough and rugged set there's Lake of the Ozarks State Park just across the highway.

Nearby Hotels

Season One Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:26:00 +0000

We have started work on a trailer for the first season of Two Wheel Oklahoma.

So far the results are looking fantastic with the help of Jason Burks and crew of Retrospec Films. Dustin Staiger of Frontline Group is producing this initial preliminary trailer.

The plan is for production of the first episodes of Two Wheel Oklahoma to begin in April and air later this year.

Oklahoma City H.O.G. Event

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:59:00 +0000

Here's some info forwarded to us from the Harley Owners Group (HOG) about their upcoming event in Oklahoma City on June 26-27, 2009.

H.O.G. Members and one guest are invited to help us celebrate a party 26 years in the making! Activities at CLUB H.O.G. ® OKC will include musical entertainment on two stages, stunt and drill teams, MDA fund-raising activities, demo rides on 2009 Harley-Davidson® and Buell® models – including the racy new XR1200, a Ride-In Show marking the eighth presentation of the Willie G. Award, the H.O.G. Wall of Ink tattoo contest, service seminars, H.O.G. Garage, The Chapter Parade of Flags, two local dealerships, FLEX - H-D’s new product trailer, H.O.G. & Co., the Biker Mania Vendor Mall, the H-D Traveling Museum, Kiddie demo rides, a street party in Bricktown, early bird party at H-D World, H.O.G. Membership Benefits & Services, free motorcycle parking, and much, much MORE.
More details...

Sounds like a great event. Registration opens in February and costs less if you're a HOG member.

Oklahoma Toy Runs

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:35:00 +0000

Bikers across the Sooner State are gearing up for the holidays and the annual slate of toy runs. Here are some notable dates to make note of...

December 7th is the date for Tulsa's first big toy ride- the Salvation Army Toy Run. The ride starts at 1:00 pm from 61st and Riverside Drive. Details>

Tulsa's 29th annual ABATE Toy Run is scheduled for December 14th. I say "scheduled" because last year some extreme weather and falling trees postponed the ride. We're hoping the only thing out of the ordinary this year is the route- it's backwards! For the first time any of us can remember the ride does not begin on Riverside. Line-up begins at 10:00 am on Tulsa's Expo Square. Details>

Up the turnpike, that same day, the folks in OKC will also be hauling toys for the kiddies in the 16th Annual Oklahoma City Toy Ride. Details>

And if you're down south don't miss the Big Texas Toy Run on December 21. It sports three different rides starting from different points in the DFW Metroplex. Details>

For more upcoming toy runs across the U.S. visit the motorcycle events calendar on Places2ride.com. And as always, check our Events Page for upcoming motorcycle events in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

Stone Bluff Winery Open House

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Ride To Stone Bluff Cellars
Come join the T.W.O. crew for a ride out to one of our favorite spots. Grab a friend and enjoy beautiful scenery along rolling highway with some fellow riders. Not to mention that the owner of this winery and some of his crew are avid motorcyclist!

Sunday, November 16
Ride to Haskell, Oklahoma
Meet at Roadhouse Motorsports at 12:30
Ride at 1:00
RSVP to 918-250-1400
Or sales@roadhousems.com

Test Ride: Moto Guzzi 1200 Norge

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:42:00 +0000

For our first motorcycle road test in this series we wanted something a little unique. Moto Guzzi's new entry into the sport-touring category seemed like a perfect choice. European chic, V-twin grunt and large carrying capacity. Advertised as the "gran turismo" motorcycle for the 21st century by the factory- we set off to find out just what that really means.

watch high quality version

The Moto Guzzi Norge is a 1200cc twin with a six speed and shaft drive. The Norge was introduced in 2006. Originally the factory claimed the bikes would be outfitted with a GPS as standard equipment. That idea didn't fly, but they do come with other neat bits, like hard luggage.

We hope you enjoy our video review of the Norge, feel free to click the Comments link below and post your opinion.

What bike would you like to see us review?
If you'd like to suggest one contact us!

Oklahoma ABATE Annual

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:59:00 +0000

The Oklahoma branch of ABATE will hold their annual shindig next month. Here's the info they provided:

ABATE of Oklahoma State Party
October 3-5, 2008
Lahoma, OK

Come "Party with a Purpose" and CELEBRATE RIDER FREEDOM!
*Bike Games! *Bike Show!
*People Games! *Tattoo Contest!
*Live Bands! *Poker Run!
*Late-Night Fun!

Lahoma is 7 miles West of Enid.

Glad they mentioned that... I'd never heard of Lahoma!

Road and Ride Tests

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Checking out the Moto Guzzi Norge in Osage CountyLast week we began working on a new segment we hope makes the final cut. It will be a series of road tests of various motorcycles- new and used. We want to know what bikes you want us to shake down!

I realize there's nothing new about road testing a motorcycle- lots of magazines and TV shows do it. But we hope to put a different spin on it.

We had originally glossed over the idea because of the lack of "local content." But then we realized that road tests could be presented in a way that might add a little local flavor. Put a local spin on things that might be lacking from the Mainstream Media. Lemme'splain...

Ooops.

Road testing can get expensive.
Brad and Paul returned from Osage County with mementos from the local constable.
Damn.
First off, the bike being tested has to be provided by a local source, right? No point in testing a bike you can't buy in these parts. That one's obvious. But then you could also ride local roads to do the road test. It's cool to read about carving canyons on the latest hot rod- but carving hollers in Delaware County might be closer to real life. How does it handle cattle guards? Bet you won't see that on Steel Dreams! We decided to go for it and jump into the Motorcycle Road Test business.

Your Turn
We can use your input. Help us decide which bikes to put through their paces.

Here's the deal- we're going to shoot two kinds of ride reports, new bikes and "contemporary classics." We're open to nominations for both. Comment on this post to offer your two cents. Tell us one new ride and one old bike you'd like to see on the show. So easy.

I promise nothing- but we'll consider all your suggestions.

Hot Weekend for Biker Boyz

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:41:00 +0000

We braved the 100 degree heat this weekend to attend the 5th annual Biker Boyz Weekend in Tulsa. This event has grown each year and attracts riders from across the nation. For 2008 the festivities were held at Expo Square, with headquarters and lodging once again at the Doubletree Downtown.

The exhibits featured some unique customs and must-have sportbike hardware. There was even a bikini contest on Saturday to take your mind off the mechanical. But the real fun was happening outside under the scorching July sun.

Some of the best regional stunt riders were showing their stuff for the crowds. We just knew you'd want to see some so we here's a sample....

watch high quality version

We're already looking forward to 2009.