Two Wheel Oklahoma

CMRA Racing

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:05:00 +0000

CMRA Racing is in Oklahoma in May! This motorcycle road racing organization has been around for years and has spawned some of the best, top level riders this country has seen. The long list includes such names as Colin Edwards, Ben Spies, Keving Schwants, Sam McDonald, Doug Polen and the list goes on forever as a "Who's Who" of roadracing. In fact, the CMRA has produced more motorcycle roadracing champions (National and International) than any other road racing club in the world.

This is where you go to polish your skills before going to the big leagues, such as Moto GP and Superbike. The CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) was born from the CRRC (Central Road Racing Club) and it is one of the most active clubs in the nation with over 800 members. The racing is always close and most of the classes are sure to contain a national or world champion.


Linz Leard/NineSevenImages

Whether you want to give roadracing a try at an amateur level or just go watch some of the best in the country battle it out on the track, give the CMRA a try.

A few links to help you get started:

CMRA Schedule

How to get involved

Empty Your Pockets

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:28:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a challenge?

Today I came across an interesting post on another motorcycle blog about buying new riding gear. The author was struggling with the transfer of "stuff" from old pockets to new. If the new pockets are smaller you may have a problem.

Then she asked, "What's in your pockets?"
Read Full Article »

Art of the Bowling Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:47:00 +0000

You just never know what you might find out there cruising the backroads of Oklahoma. Like maybe a yard full of bowling balls?

About a mile northeast of Nowata you'll find a curious art installation- made completely of bowling balls. A sign at the driveway invites you in and encourages visitors to see the "special bowling balls" in the little house. Of course the little house is made from, you guessed it... bowling balls!

The installation is the work of Chris Barbee, a retiree who just wanted something to do with his newfound spare time. His wife's rose garden needed some extra ornamentation so Chris added some homemade "gazing balls." They were old bowling balls. Those gazing balls gave him the inspiration- that plus a huge surplus of bowling balls- so next he built a fence.

As the popularity of bowling in America declined, the supply of unloved bowling balls skyrocketed. Disposing of something so indestructible was challenging, even resale shops and thrift stores stopped accepting the hefty orbs. So when Chris posted a sign in front of his home asking for old bowling balls, the responses literally rolled in.

Today the installations include a rosary, the alphabet, an American flag, a pool table and many more. It's become so popular there's even a website devoted to the Bowling Ball Man and a listing on Roadside America. If you'd like to visit the Bowling Ball Man head toward Nowata on your preferred highway- it's at the junction of US-60 and US-169. Depending on which way you're traveling watch for a sign on Road E021 or N4150- then go a little over a mile up the gravel road.

Here's a slideshow with some more photos from our visit to Nowata and the bowling ball lawn art...

Chris continues to expand his collection. If you have bowling balls, trophies, bowling pins or other related memorabilia be sure to load it up and donate it!

Two Wheel Oklahoma Now Nationwide

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:22:00 +0000

Manly Network Adds Oklahoma Travel Show

Beginning May 12, 2012 viewers in 19 states will be able to enjoy our highly entertaining show via the TUFF-TV network.

TUFF-TV launched in 2009 offering sports and outdoor programming targeted at men. Since we both happen to be men we thought it sounded like a great fit! That means our show (and advertisers) are seen all over the country, including major markets like Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle and Charlotte. Heck, you can even get it in Oklahoma City! So help us spread the news, and tune in Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM and Sundays at 11:30 AM CST.

And here's a handy link if you're wondering whether a TV station near you carries TUFF-TV...

Station List for TUFF-TV

One Busy Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Wow... is there too much going on or what?!?

First off we wanted to let everybody know Brookside Motorcycle Company will have their Spring vintage bike show this Sunday, April 29th. Head over between 11 am to 3 pm and enjoy free barbecue! Come out and say hey and look for me and Brad- we might even have some cool swag for you!

Also, our good friends at the Rock Cafe in Stroud are inviting everyone to ride up and play TV star this Sunday. They're filming a scene for an upcoming television series about Route 66 and the Rock Cafe. So if you're not enjoying vintage bikes and barbecue at Brookside, run up to Stroud and play Hollywood!

And those are not the only awesome motorcycle happening this weekend. For a list of events in and around Oklahoma be sure to check out our free motorcycle events calendar.

Roadside Renaissance in Ponca City

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:07:00 +0000

Just outside of Ponca City is one of Oklahoma's most unusual parks.

The stone turrets and Romanesque structures look like a Medieval hamlet was magically plopped down in the prairie. In reality it's the Wentz Group Camp & Pool.

Read Full Article »

Splashdown at Oologah

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:27:00 +0000

Near the shores of Oologah Lake we found one of Oklahoma's oddest roadside attractions. The mysterious space capsule of Winganon, Oklahoma.

Houston, we have a problem.

This startlingly authentic sight is actually the work of local artists Barry and Heather Thomas who decided to freshen up the local landmark last September. What appears to be an Apollo rocket capsule is actually a cement mixer on the shoulder of Winganon Road.
Read Full Article »

Why Do Motorcycles Pay Tolls?

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:52:00 +0000

Chances are if you live in Oklahoma you have traveled our state's many turnpikes. If you're like me you may have wondered why the toll for motorcycles is the same as the Hummer in the next lane. Seems like my 489-pound motorcycle would cause less damage to the pavement, reduce congestion and make everyone's turnpike commute a less stressful experience. Why isn't the toll for me and my motorcycle cheaper?

Heck, why am I paying a toll at all?

The tolls are based on axles- something most of us have but few could define. Murkier still is how the number of axles relates to road use or wear-and-tear. To understand the "logic" behind this pricing structure requires a little history.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority was created in 1947 to build the first toll road in Oklahoma, the Turner Turnpike between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. This was the postwar boom and America's nascent interstate highway system was beginning it's cross-country trek. When the turnpike opened in 1953 the gameplan was for the road to become a free road once the original bonds were retired. Ironically the original language also called for dissolution of the turnpike authority. But that's not quite how it happened.
Read Full Article »

Task Force Promotes Route 66 in Tulsa

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:27:00 +0000

It's amazing what you can discover in your own back yard.

I am quite pleased to learn that a task force is being created to better market Route 66 in Tulsa. The effort to spiff up the old road is being championed by rookie city councilor, Blake Ewing (District 4).

Signs near Oklahoma's borders tout saving time on the turnpike.
I always wanted to post a sign that touted saving our history.

The Tulsa World reports the task force will examine ways to spur development, rehabilitate neglected structures and clean up abandoned brownfields.

Sadly, it wasn't that long ago that many locals were befuddled by all the tourists coming to Tulsa to experience the Mother Road. In the early days of the Internet it was not uncommon to find more information on Tulsa's stretch of Route 66 from a website located in Japan or Germany. Some guidebooks even skipped over T-Town, it was the dedicated "roadies" who discovered Tulsa despite our lack of effort. Ironic for a city that was home to the man commonly known as the Father of the Mother Road.

I think this is good news. In recent years my home town has done a better job of marketing the history of the Old Road. But there's so much more that could be done. Although we're late to the party, maybe efforts like this can help us capitalize on this wonderful resource.

After all, it's in our own back yard. Literally.

Sharing Seaba Station

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:06:00 +0000

KFOR in Oklahoma City did a nice video piece on the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick, Oklahoma.

The segment is called "Is This a Great State or What?"

We couldn't agree more.

Lost City: Find Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Local Ride

When you only have time for a quickie.

Last week while roaming around the wilderness near Fort Gibson Lake we found Lost City, avoided a speed trap, and stumbled across a wonderful destination tucked away in the Oklahoma hills.

Lost City Road takes you on a 12-mile stretch through Cherokee County. It runs from Peggs to Hulbert, passing through the mysteriously named town of Lost City, Oklahoma.

Read Full Article »

New Triumph Explorer

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:36:00 +0000

Another brand new bike from Europe is the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer. Sporting ABS, traction control, shaft drive, ride-by-wire and 135 horsepower the new adventure bike is set to take on the U.S. market in 2012.

Here's our interview with Triumph NA rep, Pete Carleo.

New Ducati is the Pride of Bologna

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Panigale Dispenses with Convention

Breaking with long-standing Ducati tradition the new 1199 Panigale has a monocoque frame and... a name! Unveiled at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milano last month, the first example in America will be touring the 2011-2012 International Motorcycle Show circuit.

Read Full Article »

Ducati 1199 Panigale

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 23:56:00 +0000

Trust us, if you are a sportbike rider, you want one of these. Available this spring. Interview with Ducati coming up.

Triumph

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Cameramen need to ride too!

Dream Pavilion

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Lots of great prototypes here. I think we've decided this is our favorite part of the show.

Welcome from Mike Caudill and Scott Russell

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Here's a couple of short video clips from our first day at the International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in Dallas.

Read Full Article »

Dallas Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:40:00 +0000

Dallas International Motorcycle Show: Day 1

Rubbing elbows with old racers, drooling over cool prototypes and yes, we like Ike.

We made the drive to Dallas today and stormed the Convention Center with cameras blazing. Attendance at the show was light for this first day, but the overcast skies and occasional drizzle probably kept many riders away.

But for us, the first day of the show was pretty darn busy. We got to meet Superbike legend, Scott Russell, talked trials with the Smage brothers and got the scoop on several new motorcycles that are new to the American market.

Brad interviews five-time Daytona 200 winner
and AMA Hall of Famer, Scott Russell.


As Seen on TV: Smage Brothers, finalists on America's Got Talent

Fun day? You bet.

Stay tuned.

Rex and Brad's Excellent Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:53:00 +0000

We're going to Dallas so you won't have to!

The 2011-2012 season of the International Motorcycle Shows has kicked off and they're once again making a stop in Dallas. Since this is the closest venue to Oklahoma on the tour we're planning to head down and get the goods on all the new bikes, gear and industry news we can soak up in three days.

Road trip!

Read Full Article »

Best-Of Show this Week

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Special Two Wheel Oklahoma Episode for the Holidays

Travel Show Offers Viewers a Special Treat for Thanksgiving

A special edition of Two Wheel Oklahoma will premiere November 23 at 8:30 p.m.

The special show is a best-of episode featuring clips from eight journeys around Oklahoma. Co-hosts, Brad Mathison and Rex Brown, travel the backroads and highways of the Sooner State by motorcycle and share their experiences in a travel journal format. Highlights will include locations such as Arcadia, Watonga, Sapulpa, Spavinaw and many more.
Two Wheel Oklahoma is available on the Cox Channel (HD channel 703 or SD channel 3) on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM with encore showings on Saturdays at 9:30 PM and Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM. Cox subscribers will also have access to watch the show whenever they like using a video-on-demand service.

Husky Moab Wows 'em in Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Steve McQueen Rides Again

Husqvarna rolled out a nifty new concept bike today at the big international motorcycle exhibition in Milano, Italy. The prototype is called MOAB, as in the Utah desert, and fans of On Any Sunday will surely recognize the distinctive Husky color scheme.

The distinctive red and silver tank brought back memories of Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen riding their Swedish racers around, through and over impossible obstacles.

Read Full Article »

Life Beyond the Beeline

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Alternate 75 is the first new episode of Two Wheel Oklahoma produced in 2011. It had been a year since we had shot any video so we decided to stay close to home. When I suggested we explore US-75 towards Okmulgee the response was a collective yawn.

Photo by Travis Edwards

This highway is not typically known for its scenic beauty or sweeping curves. Most of the way through Oklahoma it's pretty darn straight. Especially the section between Tulsa and Okmulgee. In fact, it's called the "Beeline" by the locals due to its boringly linear track.

But what most people don't realize is the old highway is still alive and kicking. It's even an officially recognized Federal highway between Sapulpa and Beggs- and if you keep your eyes peeled you can make it all the way to Okmulgee on old highway 75.

Read Full Article »

Backroad to Birch Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Local Ride
When you only have time for a quickie.

This is the latest in our series of local rides. If you have a ride you'd like to share contact us.In our fourth episode Brad and I visited Barnsdall, Oklahoma in Osage County. You might remember it as the town with the oil well in the middle of Main Street.

But it turns out that's not the only attraction to see near Barnsdall.
Read Full Article »

Urban Cowboy: Aprilia Mana 850

noreply@blogger.com (B Mathison) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Last week I got to spend a few days on the Aprilia Mana 850. This is a unique bike that isn't for everybody- but it's perfect for many.


Italian styling with a twist (and one less lever).

Parla Italiano?
I had to spend a few minutes learning how this Italian motorcycle works before riding off. The basics look pretty simple. Standard bike, with comfortable, sit-up riding position, Brembo brakes and a comfy seat. The Mana uses a trellis style frame with a wheelbase of 55.6". So far, so good. In fact, this looks and feels very similar to the slightly smaller, but more powerful, 750 Shiver that Aprilia has imported here for a couple of years.

Read Full Article »

Oklahoma's Smallest Town

noreply@blogger.com (Rex Brown) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:03:00 +0000

Population Trend Looking Grim for Mule Barn

Mule Barn, OK— Times are tough for small towns in Oklahoma.

Corporate farming, foreign oil, offshore manufacturing and more have impacted our rural way of life. Declining populations make it difficult for smaller municipalities to cope- and nowhere is that more evident than Mule Barn, Oklahoma.

Once a thriving community of 3, today Mule Barn's population is 0. A dramatic 300% decrease in only 13 short years. Many people ask themselves: How could this happen?

Read Full Article »