I'm finally going to a university. Well, sort of.
We're thrilled to announce that beginning in August 2010 you'll be able to watch Two Wheel Oklahoma on Rogers State University Public Television, KRSC-TV. Mark your calendar (or refer to ours) for Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm and Tuesdays at noon.
If you're a longtime fan of the show you'll initially be seeing some familiar episodes. I think the technical jargon is "re-runs." But our new buddies in Claremore are anxious to help us start making new shows! We're still ironing out the details, but we hope to syndicate the show to more stations and will have the cameras rolling again real soon.
RSU Public TV is the only full-powered public television station licensed to a public university in Oklahoma. KRSC broadcasts to an audience of 1.2 million viewers in Northeastern Oklahoma. Viewers can tune in via UHF Channel 35, or more than 70 satellite and cable systems including Cox Cable Channel 19 in Tulsa and Claremore.
Here's a complete list of cable providers in Northeastern Oklahoma and the channels where you'll find KRSC-TV, and Two Wheel Oklahoma!
KRSC-TV Channel List
Photo courtesy Rogers State University
We're thrilled to announce that beginning in August 2010 you'll be able to watch Two Wheel Oklahoma on Rogers State University Public Television, KRSC-TV. Mark your calendar (or refer to ours) for Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm and Tuesdays at noon.
RSU Public TV is the only full-powered public television station licensed to a public university in Oklahoma. KRSC broadcasts to an audience of 1.2 million viewers in Northeastern Oklahoma. Viewers can tune in via UHF Channel 35, or more than 70 satellite and cable systems including Cox Cable Channel 19 in Tulsa and Claremore.
Here's a complete list of cable providers in Northeastern Oklahoma and the channels where you'll find KRSC-TV, and Two Wheel Oklahoma!
KRSC-TV Channel List
Photo courtesy Rogers State University
Labels: the_show
Less than a month ago, both Rex and I had the good fortune to meet US Highland Chief Operating Officer and visionary, Chase Bales at the new U.S. Highland facility in Glenpool, Oklahoma. We were impressed with everything that we saw and especially with Chase. Both his work ethic and his vision of producing a product that he believed in, with no expense spared in quality. It was truly amazing to talk to such a person as Chase Bales.
We were saddened to hear of his death Saturday night at 10:00 pm on the north side of Tulsa International Airport. Chase was headed to Jones Riverside Airport on the way back from Michigan. After reporting they were low on fuel the plane was given the clearance to land at Tulsa International. The Cessna 412A was registered and piloted by Bales and also carried Mats Malmberg, President of Highland and Damian Riddoch, CFO of U.S. Highland.
It is not often that I have the privilege to meet somebody such as Chase. The Swedes he normally work with refer to him as "John Wayne" and for good reason. He was a true visionary, seeing and doing things that only a few of us can dream of, let alone ever accomplish. After talking with him for over an hour, we were shown projects that will be world changing. I hope some of these will come to light and Mr. Chase Bales given the credit due.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Chase Bales, Damian Riddoch and Mats Malmberg.
We were saddened to hear of his death Saturday night at 10:00 pm on the north side of Tulsa International Airport. Chase was headed to Jones Riverside Airport on the way back from Michigan. After reporting they were low on fuel the plane was given the clearance to land at Tulsa International. The Cessna 412A was registered and piloted by Bales and also carried Mats Malmberg, President of Highland and Damian Riddoch, CFO of U.S. Highland.
It is not often that I have the privilege to meet somebody such as Chase. The Swedes he normally work with refer to him as "John Wayne" and for good reason. He was a true visionary, seeing and doing things that only a few of us can dream of, let alone ever accomplish. After talking with him for over an hour, we were shown projects that will be world changing. I hope some of these will come to light and Mr. Chase Bales given the credit due.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Chase Bales, Damian Riddoch and Mats Malmberg.
Labels: people
New Mesh-Tex is Best Version Yet
Damn it's hot.
I've muttered that to myself more than a few times during rides through the Oklahoma heat. As tempting as it might be to disrobe when the mercury tops 90, I prefer not to. Exposing my bacon to the searing sun, 70 mph junebugs or, God forbid, baking hot asphalt is no way to end the day. Fortunately there's a compromise between sweaty black leather and riding nude. It's called mesh.
Mesh riding gear allows cooling air to pass through the material. The better gear offers reinforced areas or armor to protect you from road rash, not to mention shielding you from the baking sun. Most riders agree that, up to a point, you'll actually ride cooler wearing a mesh jacket than without. The Firstgear Mesh-Tex is a great example of a mesh jacket built for surviving an Oklahoma Summer.
The latest version of First Gear's popular Hypertex summer jacket dispenses with the 2.0, and is now simply called Mesh Tex. This third version of the Mesh-Tex jacket retails for $129.95 and features fully a aerated shell and better armor than previous versions. A zip out liner shuns wind and water to make this a usable Spring, Summer and Fall jacket. The Mesh Tex is available is sizes small through 4X, plus tall and womens styles.
What's to like? First off, the Mesh Tex is made like a "real" jacket. So the fit is good, the armor stays where it's supposed to and you get inner and outer pockets to stash your trinkets. But the shell is completely, 100% mesh- there are no solid panels that block airflow. Even the CE-approved armor has holes to allow the airflow- so you can enjoy fully al fresco riding! In case you leave early in the cool of the morning you can use the included nylon liner. It blocks wind and rain and is surprisingly effective.
Changes on this new model include snap closures (instead of Velcro) at the waist and wrists, added pockets, a Velcro neck closure and more substantial armor. A new inner pocket, accessible with or without the liner, is perfect for stashing ear plugs or toll booth change. This inner pocket also features an easy-to-spot red zipper- a very clever idea. The jacket interior and removable liner both offer cell phone pockets with a secure Velcro closure. Chilly mornings, or rain, can effectively be countered with the zip out liner. Previous versions included a thermal liner- but no longer. No great loss in my opinion- this is not a winter jacket.
After one year I have few complaints. I think the liner could be a tad easier to install (they could take a lesson from Tourmaster's color-coded snaps). Although the "split" zipper idea is nifty and easier to deal with than a single zipper circumnavigating the entire perimeter. Another minor irritation is the neck closure's Velcro flap has a tendency to latch on to my helmet strap. If you agree, try folding it over on itself.
But overall I'm very pleased. The airflow is sufficient to make most summer rides more comfortable. Let's face it- after you top 100 degrees nothing will tame the blast furnace. All in all this is a very versatile, and affordable, jacket for a wide range of warm weather. Even if it happens to rain, and especially if it's hot!
Damn it's hot.I've muttered that to myself more than a few times during rides through the Oklahoma heat. As tempting as it might be to disrobe when the mercury tops 90, I prefer not to. Exposing my bacon to the searing sun, 70 mph junebugs or, God forbid, baking hot asphalt is no way to end the day. Fortunately there's a compromise between sweaty black leather and riding nude. It's called mesh.
Mesh riding gear allows cooling air to pass through the material. The better gear offers reinforced areas or armor to protect you from road rash, not to mention shielding you from the baking sun. Most riders agree that, up to a point, you'll actually ride cooler wearing a mesh jacket than without. The Firstgear Mesh-Tex is a great example of a mesh jacket built for surviving an Oklahoma Summer.
The latest version of First Gear's popular Hypertex summer jacket dispenses with the 2.0, and is now simply called Mesh Tex. This third version of the Mesh-Tex jacket retails for $129.95 and features fully a aerated shell and better armor than previous versions. A zip out liner shuns wind and water to make this a usable Spring, Summer and Fall jacket. The Mesh Tex is available is sizes small through 4X, plus tall and womens styles.
What's to like? First off, the Mesh Tex is made like a "real" jacket. So the fit is good, the armor stays where it's supposed to and you get inner and outer pockets to stash your trinkets. But the shell is completely, 100% mesh- there are no solid panels that block airflow. Even the CE-approved armor has holes to allow the airflow- so you can enjoy fully al fresco riding! In case you leave early in the cool of the morning you can use the included nylon liner. It blocks wind and rain and is surprisingly effective.Changes on this new model include snap closures (instead of Velcro) at the waist and wrists, added pockets, a Velcro neck closure and more substantial armor. A new inner pocket, accessible with or without the liner, is perfect for stashing ear plugs or toll booth change. This inner pocket also features an easy-to-spot red zipper- a very clever idea. The jacket interior and removable liner both offer cell phone pockets with a secure Velcro closure. Chilly mornings, or rain, can effectively be countered with the zip out liner. Previous versions included a thermal liner- but no longer. No great loss in my opinion- this is not a winter jacket.
After one year I have few complaints. I think the liner could be a tad easier to install (they could take a lesson from Tourmaster's color-coded snaps). Although the "split" zipper idea is nifty and easier to deal with than a single zipper circumnavigating the entire perimeter. Another minor irritation is the neck closure's Velcro flap has a tendency to latch on to my helmet strap. If you agree, try folding it over on itself.
But overall I'm very pleased. The airflow is sufficient to make most summer rides more comfortable. Let's face it- after you top 100 degrees nothing will tame the blast furnace. All in all this is a very versatile, and affordable, jacket for a wide range of warm weather. Even if it happens to rain, and especially if it's hot!
Labels: gear
Local Ride
When you only have time for a quickie.This is the first in a series of Local Rides we're presenting here on our blog. If you have a favorite ride you'd like to share contact us for details on how you can submit it.
West of Tulsa is a two-lane road that snakes through Creek County between Sand Springs and Mannford. It's called Coyote Trail and it's been a favorite local ride of mine for more than 20 years.
This curvy 14 mile ride is perfect as a scenic route to Keystone Lake from Tulsa.
One highlight of the ride is a historic marker commemorating the Battle of Round Mountain. This was the first Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory. Where this battle actually took place has been vigorously argued for many years. Some experts believe it happened more than 20 miles away- somewhere west of Yale, Oklahoma. But the marble marker still stands at the western end of Coyote Trail.
To find Coyote Trail head west out of Tulsa and look for West 41st Street in Sand Springs. You can take US-412 and go south on OK-97, or take I-44 and look for the West 51st Street exit. This map shows the route beginning at OK-97 and West 41st Street...
View Coyote Trail in a larger map
When you only have time for a quickie.This is the first in a series of Local Rides we're presenting here on our blog. If you have a favorite ride you'd like to share contact us for details on how you can submit it.
West of Tulsa is a two-lane road that snakes through Creek County between Sand Springs and Mannford. It's called Coyote Trail and it's been a favorite local ride of mine for more than 20 years.
This curvy 14 mile ride is perfect as a scenic route to Keystone Lake from Tulsa. One highlight of the ride is a historic marker commemorating the Battle of Round Mountain. This was the first Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory. Where this battle actually took place has been vigorously argued for many years. Some experts believe it happened more than 20 miles away- somewhere west of Yale, Oklahoma. But the marble marker still stands at the western end of Coyote Trail.
To find Coyote Trail head west out of Tulsa and look for West 41st Street in Sand Springs. You can take US-412 and go south on OK-97, or take I-44 and look for the West 51st Street exit. This map shows the route beginning at OK-97 and West 41st Street...
View Coyote Trail in a larger map
Labels: places
Brad and I had the good fortune to attend an open house event at US Highland's new facility outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The weather was near perfect and Highland treated the crowd to good eats from the Rib Crib and Backyard Burgers. But there was a lot more here than just a free lunch! The on-site test track was open for demo rides and examples of the company's high performance off-road motorcycles and four-wheeler were on hand. Highland AB is a Swedish company that has been building boutique bikes for over a decade. They also engineer nifty components for everyone from Husqvarna to Harley. Of course, we never hear about that stuff. A couple of years ago an American businessman took the bold step of suggesting motorcycle production be moved to the States. US Highland was born.
I have to admit, we walked in the door having no idea just how impressive this operation would be. We weren't sure what to expect. Through the years there have been a slew of cottage industry bike builders, many armed with more money than business sense. It looks like Highland has the scratch and the savvy, and are serious about success. To get the details, we met the man responsible for transplanting a little taste of Sweden in Northeast Oklahoma, US Highland Chief Operating Officer and visionary, Chase Bales.Bales has raced all manner of motorbikes, and is a big guy. Fitting his large frame on mass-produced machines was partial inspiration for the custom-fitted motorcycles he now builds. He speaks with a booming voice and an assertive attitude that tells you he knows where he's going, and he plans to get there. It's no wonder the Swedes call him John Wayne.
He showed us around the facility, an existing building which they transformed into a motorcycle factory in only 3 weeks. We ask about the rumors that Highland will be another repackage of Chinese hardware. He laughs and explains there is a Chinese manufacturing component to the Highland family. But for now their output is 150cc scooter engines solely for third world consumption.
And that international reach is what sets Highland apart from the majority of specialty motorcycle makers that have come and gone. Highland designs and develops for some of the industry's biggest players. Motorcycle sales will not drive the company. In fact, they don't anticipate making a dime from motorcycle sales for at least five years.
What Highland is building are custom bikes, running race-bred engines ranging from 350cc to 1050cc. The current lineup includes MX, Supercross, enduro and desert racing off-road bikes; a street legal flat tracker; the Viking sportbike and a four-wheeler. Each frame is made of stainless steel, suspension is Ohlins and it's all assembled at the factory in Tulsa. Each bike is built to specifications and measurements for each customer. Company plans include an online "builder" so anyone can configure the bike of their dreams.We continue our tour through the engine assembly room. Every motor is built by hand- fully blueprinted and tailored to the customer. Bales points out a 950cc crankshaft assembly that's currently off balance by less than 1/10 of a gram.
"It will be zero before it goes out the door," he explains. "We don't deal with tolerances, we deal with perfection."
From some people that would sound like marketing speak. Coming from Chase it sounds like something John Wayne might have said.
