Welcome to the Sooner Pearl BMX Raceway site.
HOT NEWS Archived Posts
Date 07-01-2010 to 12-31-2010 with the newest at the top of the page.

12-31-2010
NEW YEARS EVE
Today most are looking to get the year end stuff out of the way and to start a new year. All of us at Sooner Pearl BMX and okbmx.com want to wish you and your family and friends a HAPPY NEW YEAR, be safe and have some fun. The year 2010 has all but gone down in the record books and is now history. For the sport of BMX 2010 has been a banner year and most everything is going to point to another great year for us in 2011.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-30-2010
GREAT WEATHER
Today was agreat day for riding around with the windows down and getting some fresh air in your hair. It was in the 70s today and we took advantage of the nice weather to work a little around the track. Now things are going to start getting better and we hope to have our electricity service up and going in the next few days. We have been out looking at hardware for this now to get some material and get this party started.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-29-2010
LAST WEEK OF 2010
Today we have some weather that was a little unusual for our area. Windy somewhat warm and very overcast with mist and fog. It was 62° today. Not bad but very damp even with the wind, tomorrow the upper 60s. If it is 69° and mostly sunny we will darn sure take it. Today the weather for the 1st weekend of 2011 is not looking so good with near freezing high for Saturday. That will change before the weekend, here it always changes.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-28-2010
KEEPING THE WHEELS TURNING
Yesterday was another day devoted to vehicle work. The starter was the focus of our work and it was replaced but not before a little trouble shooting. We also spent time talking with Sooner State Games about the annual Sooner State Games BMX race. In 2010 there was the 3rd annual race at Sand Springs BMX. We are hoping to continue to build this race as the years go on so 2011 will be another for our record books.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-27-2010
LAST WEEK OF 2010
On the down hill side of 2010. The year has proven to be a year to remember. From new tracks to new Track Operators it has had more news to talk about than we can keep up with. Now looking to 2011 the news is turning toward who will be racing come January 1, 2011. As it looks now Sand Springs and Miami will be open for racing on Saturday. Don't forget in 2011 ABA Nationals will be 'RANDOM GATES'. It looks like all the tracks will have the new controller box but maybe not a 4 light setup for the random gates. We have been told using a 2 light setup will make the timing off as opposed to the 4 light units. Anyway the tracks are ready for it, it may be a little time before we see a 4 light setup. Get ready!
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-04-2010
TAKING TIME OFF
Most of the rest of this month we will be taking off for the holidays, the track and web site. Hve a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Oklahoma BMX Parents Association and Sooner Pearl. We will talk to you soon before the new year.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-03-2010
SICK AGAIN TODAY
On the down hill side now, the worst is over and we can get back to some real work. We still have over 3 weeks left in 2010 and there are still a few surprises ahead. But it is coming up on the Christmas Holiday and things slow down for our sport. New bikes are being bought and parts are arriving, all the big races are over for now. Time to race local and relax for the Holidays.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-02-2010
MORE RACING AHEAD IN 2010
The weather is going to allow racing to continue this year. Miami BMX has closed for the year but the other tracks are racing as usual. Nice to see the year has not ended yet and to see those working on District Points till the end of racing on December 15th.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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12-01-2010
GRANDS FLU
Many have had it before and many will get it in the future. Some of us are not lucky and come down with Grands flu. At least that is our story. It may not be pretty but we will get over it soon.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-30-2010
DRY, WINDY MONTH
A little unusual this month has been on the weather side. Not even a full inch of rain all month, only 7 days with below 20mph wind gusts, 6 days with below freezing lows. It was warm and windy. Many days to work outside. We have been lucky this year with Mother Nature, thank you.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-29-2010
ON TO THE END OF 2010
Back at home it is time to see what we have in store to finish out 2010 and start looking into 2011. One thing is sure 2011 will bring 'random gates' to ABA Nationals.
As for the end of 2010. A few thoughts come to mind. What a great year for Oklahoma tracks, riders and families. Once again as in many years before the Oklahoma riders came to compete. What a great group of families. Oklahoma's Dennison Smith won Overall #1 A Pro for 2010 and finished 2nd at GRANDS. He was not the only bring home awards. Win or lose they gave their best and we are proud of every one. Here we come.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-28-2010
2010 GRAND NATIONAL
As time goes by the numbers are drawn down for the final moto or Mains. The races this year have to be historic to say the least. Racing was intense and the BMXers let it be known we were here to race and compete. Bikes where stolen and recovered thanks to quick reactions. Last we heard of 7 bikes stolen 6 had been recovered and a handful of very young men discovered you don't want to get caught.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-27-2010
2010 GRAND NATIONAL
Another early start today, it starts with the Parade lap at 8am then racing starts at 8:30am. This year with 532 motos the event was huge and as time went by things got a little behind. A sign of things to come with the shear number of riders with one age group having 73 riders.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-26-2010
ROC, NAG5 CHALLENGE, PRO SPECTACULAR
Race of Champions 2010. Things got started early as usual at 7am with 421 motos for ROC. That alone means this will be a big weekend of racing. What a great group of riders have traveled to race here. The competition will be second to none. There will be a lot of hardware and memories to take home.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-25-2010
PRACTICE DAY
All day of Practice sessions broken up by class and age. A new change to the schedule this year different timed sessions and only one session per age group. At 25 - 45 minutes there is quite a range, Six and under Boys won the longest session at 45 minutes.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-24-2010
GETTING READY FOR GRANDS
Can't sleep? Already have your bags packed? Some are on their way at this minute and some are there. What? Only the biggest yearly race in our sport. ABA Grand Nationals. Four days of intense BMX. Thanksgiving Day sees the track. Different every year this year the track is a little retro and a little technical but just a huge track with six total straights. Awesome. After the looks are finished then Practice begins. All day. Then 3 days of hard core racing at its best.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-23-2010
WORK
Think about the fresh air, the sun in your face and the wind in your hair. Now thats the nice part what about the sweat and sore back? It all has to happen before any track is ready for events. Many hours of hard work. Today we got in a few more of those hours.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-22-2010
WORK
A late evening work session. Working to clear the back side of the first turn. This is the largest turn on our track, theres a lot of land on the back side. One more evening and it is done.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-21-2010
LUCKY?
How many times did you race in the last week? What was holding you back? Did you offer to help for a few minutes when at your local track? The sport is growing. Are you going to stay behind or up in the front? To many questions?
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-20-2010
YUKON DOUBLE
As the end of the year draws near there are going to be some Double Point races. Today is one of those and on November 24th another. Todays event at Yukon BMX Raceway. The other race is at Sand Springs BMX, contact the track for the latest info.

What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-19-2010
TRACK CLEARING
It was a nice day and we spent some time working around the track. Only a couple hours on site. There is still alot of this work ahead before the track opens. This month the weather has been pretty dry and warm enough to be working.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-18-2010
ELECTRIC?
Today we had another setback in the electric but in a way it will put us ahead and take more time. Another attack on our temporary pole, to strip a couple dollars in copper wire has made us change plans and go ahead with our main service. Since we have had 4 attacks it is time to change.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-17-2010
ELECTRIC PERMIT
In the past few weeks we have been working to get our electric service ready for a temporary power pole and more work to start. Today after again making several calls, waiting and pleading to get this started we finally had a little luck. Now we are waiting for the inspection after that OG&E will be out to hook us up.
We did however have a small anomaly in the weather today. The forecast was for a few clouds and there were clouds. Then the rain came. Out of the blue there was light rain falling. About a quarter inch on the east side, enough to get the track wet again after we had started to dry from the rain last week on the 12th and 15th.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-16-2010
WORK
Its time to get the work going most every day. The evenings are short but we are getting a lot of work done before sundown. Today we worked on the 1st turn. To finish getting the backside cleared and ready for grass cutting. This is the largest turn on the track and there is a lot of land on the back where most never venture. When this turn is done half the sides of the track will have been cleared and be ready for mowing or the weed eater.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-15-2010
ELECTRIC?
Another week of waiting for work on the electric service. Today we talked to several people to get this off high center, we have been doing that a lot on this project. Again we got no solid answers and some were pointing fingers at others for the delays. Still no permit even though we have been told in was 'called in' on the 'hotline'. More delays so far.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-14-2010
WORK DAY
It was a nice day and a couple of us were out working at the track today. The job was to start clearing the track. No small task but as said 'it will never look like this again' and so the work began. No real grooming was done just clearing the weeds, grass, rocks and debris from the track. Our dirt has its share of rocks, not unlike the old Sooner Pearl track. With that in mind if we had been there you would know what it is like. One good thing about the new dirt is it has much more clay and little sand.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-13-2010
HOME WORK TODAY
It was another day we took off from Trosper to get work done around the house. After that there was some time to work on paperwork for the new track. One of these days we will be up to our necks in work to get the new track open. After the electricity will come concrete work, building forms and pouring several slabs. A slab for the gate, another for the porta potty, another for our permanent electric service hardware and an enclosure for the water works. There is much work to be done.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-12-2010
WHERE IS THE ELECTRIC?
This week will be like the last few weeks because there has been no movement as far as the electric goes. Still no permit as of 5pm today so again another week of waiting. We would have thought this would go sooner but no. Already we are getting bills for water service. Things are going to have to straighten out so we can open and generate funds. We have bled enough.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-11-2010
VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY
In the past few years this holiday has become a day to get back to our roots and get behind those who have given to our great country. Today we honor those who did come back and those who did not. Each day we live in a FREE country and it due to our veterans sacrifices. Thank you for your service!
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-10-2010
MORE ELECTRIC WORK
Its time to get this thing off center and back on track so to speak but it will not happen today or tomorrow due to the holiday. With any luck maybe a permit on Friday and some electric next week. Friday is not looking to good if you go by the weather forecast with is a high % for rain.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-09-2010
WHERE IS THE ELECTRIC?
Things are beginning to look as if this week will be like the last few weeks as far as the electric goes. This is looking much like the water service in that it is taking way to long to get a small amount of work done. It seems any time we have to get the city involved (they are involved with everything) it will take 10 times as long as it should and costs way to much money.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-08-2010
NOW ITS GETTING INTERESTING
Now there has been a big push to get riders to the tracks ahead of GRANDS. It looks like all the Oklahoma tracks are starting to race twice a week and there are even free events (practices) so there is no excuse not to be ready for GRANDS. Full speed ahead!
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-07-2010
WORK DAY
Today we got a lot of work done but we still have a huge amount ahead. Now the weather is getting cooler and the work more intense in an effort to get this place open before the end of 2010. That is a BIG question now will we be able to race at the start of 2011?
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-06-2010
RACE, RACE ,RACE
November is getting very interesting in the ABA BMX world. The local racing scene has turning into racing mania. Could it be this year will go down as many have before with many Oklahoma riders walking away with awards? Our state has had GRANDS since back in the 1980s, our race tracks have been around since BMX really became an orginized sport. Another shining year for a driving force in ABA BMX.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-05-2010
ELECTRIC SERVICE
It was not pretty. As of this evening there is not permit showing on the city web site and we had not inspection today. No electric service this week and things are not looking good for next week. Now we have entered the 'Twilight Zone' again, time has no meaning, stories abound and lots of looking around get done. It looks like many other jobs, one step forward five steps back.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-04-2010
A LITTLE BIT OF WORK
At Trosper today there was a little motion. Our power pole was rebuilt for the 2nd time. With this we were told there would be an inspection tomorrow. With this inspection we would get our power lines installed for electric service.
Also there was more track area work today and yesterday. This work is coming along and will be finished soon. Then to clearing the track.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-03-2010
TRACK TALK
An event this week has taken on all the tracks in this state. In an effort to allow riders more track time before GRANDS an additional race day has been announced by 3 of 4 tracks in the state. Not only that but there are 2 Double Point races before GRANDS. Who said there is no racing going on?
The Double Point races are at Yukon BMX and Sand Springs BMX. Check their web sites or call for the latest info.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-02-2010
GRANDS AHEAD
So it is November and every BMXer knows that means 2 things. The GRANDS are around the corner and if you want to race this race you have a lot of work ahead to be ready. Oklahoma is very lucky to host this race which is the biggest BMX race of any year. Tulsa is the place and we will see you there.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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11-01-2010
ELECTRIC SERVICE
Another week has gone by and still we have no permit or inspection for our electric service. We are hoping this is not like the water service which took 2 years almost to the day to get connected. At least we have been working on this for over a year now but we still have no progress.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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10-31-2010
HISTORY
The last day of October 2010 and things have been much as we had predicted back in April or May when we said there was much change in store for 2010. Not to long after our little blurb was when Miami BMX was to open. Then there was a little grumbling among other things which has now ended with the new Track Operator at Yukon BMX. So what is in store for the last 2 months of 2010?
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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10-30-2010
OFF TODAY
Today we took off the day from working on track stuff and get a little bit of work done around our houses. We all have those little jobs that seem to pop up here and there at home.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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10-29-2010
YUKON BMX
After spending some time working on equipment we made a trip to Yukon BMX for a little volunteer work. The new Track Operator and family are just beginning to get their feet wet on their track. Now they are working to wind up the Full Moon Series for 2010 with the final race tonight.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-28-2010
OFF TRACK WORK
We spent a little time working at Trosper today. Most of our time was working to clear the off track areas of weeds and debris. A little more work and time and we will be half finished with this work. Then it will be time to get started on the track surface.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-27-2010
OFF TRACK WORK
Another late afternoon work session to clear to area off the track today. The track is big and there is a lot of work to clearing these areas. Things are beginning to look a lot better now. More work ahead like this to finish.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-26-2010
MORE ELECTRICIANS NOW
Today it was decided to go another route to get our electric service on line and connected. We again have contacted another contractor to get our permit and inspection. Hope things go better with this guy tahn the last. We do know it will not happen this week.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-25-2010
SHOCKING OR NOT
It is Monday and we are talking to the electricians wanting to know what is the outlook for getting the electric service hooked up. Last Thursday we tried to talk but had to leave a message. No call back today, Last Friday or on Thursday after we left a message. Again we called to find out that we have been blown off. Back to calling our electrician #1.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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10-24-2010
TRACK WORK
Today we spent time pulling weeds around the track. Most of the first straight is cleared of weeds on the sides. Some of the first turn remains and we will then get the weedeater out and go over the cleared places. Since our forecast is without rain for a few days we hope to get some of the track sprayed to kill the grass. We will also be working on the electric service and get some mowing done in the week ahead.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-23-2010
A LITTLE MORE RAIN
Not really much rain today but it was cloudy cool and windy. The wind did little good with the spotty very light showers. Most of the rain and clouds were gone by 4pm so it warmed up a little and started to dry at the end of the day.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-22-2010
RAIN
We got quite a bit of rain today. It was not hard or continuous just light showers here and there. They moved pretty fast but the clouds were here for most of the cool day. Our official total was .88 inches of rain at Will Rogers airport.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-21-2010
ERRANDS
Part of the day was spent running errands for the track. To the plumbers office to drop off a faucet set and a check. To the Post Office to pay for another years rental of our post office box. Also we cleared out the box and found some interesting letters from the city of Oklahoma City.
We attempted to contact our elecrician today but was only able to leave a message on the phone. It looks like we will not have electricity this week. As of today there has not been a permit for the work so this will not happen soon like we wanted.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-20-2010
FOR THE KIDS
They may be small, they may be 'young at heart' or they could be like me, older than dirt (as some say). But is all for the kids. Just to get this straight, personally I use kids to describe all of the above. Siblings and young people are children. So all our work is for the kids and we are not alone. Every Track Operator does it for the kids. Now read the text below.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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10-19-2010
STILL NO ELECTRICITY
No wures again today, this is beginning to be another long drawn out job. Could we compare it to getting water? It took 2 years and $9000 to get the water. All we needed to get water has to hook up an old pipe from the main to our meter, 4 feet of ditch and a few thread turns of existing pipe. To get the electric service will not require much on the money side maybe a thousand or so but its the 'wures' and inspections that is killing this.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-18-2010
A LITTLE RAIN HERE AND THERE
The slight chance of rain we had earlier this week has turned into a good chance of rain for today. On the way to Yukon BMX today we got a little rain but there was not enough to talk about in Yukon. It was a good night to be there and get to know the new Track Operator. All had a good time.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-17-2010
STILL NO ELECTRICITY
Another day has gone and (see if I can get this right) 'we got no wures'. It is not rocket science and does not require a degree just some 'wures'. Yes that is not spelled correctly it should be wires but to make it a little more say interesting we will use a word from an old buddy. He knew all about wures, thats what the electric stuff goes through and that kinda thing. I know one thing, he was no rocket scientist but he knew wures. Sorry it just makes me laugh every time I say it.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-16-2010
OFF TRACK WORK
One thing a Track Operator should do is research and a lot of it. There are many things to research. In 2011 ABA requires all tracks to start using a gate controller which offers 'random gates'. For many years most every track has used a Shur-start controller for races but if you have noticed when attending a National event 'random gates' have creeped into ABA races. At this time the only way we know which will get 'random gates' is to use a controller which is not Shur-start. A new job for some will be aquiring and learning to operate a TARA controller. Thats the easy part, getting riders ready for the change seems like much more work than learning to use the box.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-15-2010
WEEKEND RACING
The weather forecast is for a slight chance of rain but it looks like local racing is on for the weekend. Just a few short weeks till GRANDS and if you want to compete you need track time. This will not be easy, some travel thousands of miles to come to Oklahoma to show their stuff. Time to step up the game.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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10-14-2010
OFF TRACK WORK
The vacation is over for us today, we have work to do. It is a lot of work being the 'Track Operator without a track'. The work goes on even when the vacation is in full swing. So we worked today off track but for the track or should I say the 'track that isn't'. For a track at isn't there sure is a lot of talk about it!
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-13-2010
VACATION
Today we did not work at Trosper. We were busy with other things. One of those was to pick up Ricky Axtell from the airport. Not just Ricky but his wife and son. For the next 2 weeks they will be in Oklahoma City. It is going to be great to see all of them and the next 2 weeks will be a lot of fun. We're on vacation!
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-12-2010
ELECTRICAL WORK
So now we have water and have been working a little on clearing the grass and weeds off the track but we have been more focused on the electric service. It already appears we will have another stuggle ahead. One struggle is not much to be concerned about. We have many things ahead BEFORE we will be able to run races not just the electric. One good thing is the list of things ahead is getting shorter.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-11-2010
CHANGE
A friend posted this the other day. I thought it could apply to the new track.
When you give up something great, it's not always easy or feasible to get it back. Think twice before moving to what appears to be greener pastures you just might end up starving.
Yes I thought about it, for about a half second. Call it corny but I have seen it, I have seen greener pastures.
What have you done at your local track this week?



10-10-2010
WATER LINE DITCH WORK
It was not an easy day getting ready to work at the track today. After much work and repairing the light system on the trailer we finally got things in order to take the Bobcat to the track to work today. Late in the afternoon we started to fill the water line ditch. Considering it took about 6 weekends of Bobcat work to cut the path for the water line our work went fast. In a couple hours we had over 100 feet filled before it started to get dark.
After we left for the evening we started to get rain, mostly light rain. The way things have gone it is so dry most of the rain will soak in since it was so light.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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10-09-2010
WORK DAY
More cleaning today and we worked on this most of the day. We tried to get more Roundup sprayed on the track today but the sprayer was not in the mood for that and will now need some repairs and cleaning out. This time we did get a stronger formula of Roundup so we should now be able to clear everything off the track.


10-08-2010
WORK DAY
More time spent lugging the weed eater around and knocking down a huge amount of grass and weeds off to the side of the track. We will be working to get the grass cleared from the track in the next week and get things in line to start building forms for the gate and water control box.


10-07-2010
WORK DAY
Another afternoon out working on the track. More work with the weedeater today. That weedeater is a real work saver when it comes to claering out tall grass and small weeds however it will not cut down everything we have growing around the track. There are sunflower plants that are 8 feet tall on the sides of the track and backs of turns. It will take a lot of time to get that mess cleaned up.


10-06-2010
REWORKED WATER LINE LEAKS
There is now water to be had at the track but our newly reworked water line had one little leak which will need to be fixed before we can truely use the water service. Then we will need to protect the water control valves and we will be building something similar to what we had at the old track for protecting the valves. Our new control box will be poured concrete with a metal lid and not all steel like the old track.


10-05-2010
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
It was not just another day working at the track today. After many attempts to get water service for the new track it happened today. Word is now that we were just tied into an existing service from the other side of 29th street.
We also got time to run the mower today for a couple hours.
What have you done at your local track this week?


So who said it was going to be easy?

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10-04-2010
WORK DAY
More cleaning today. There is still a huge amount of work to be done as it is with any BMX track. Today we cleaned up brush and trash along the front of the property. We stiil need to install our post and cable barrier in this area and we were cleaning up for this job.


10-03-2010
WORK DAY
Today we spent time lugging the weed eater around and knocking down a huge amount of sunflowers which have grown everywhere around the track. The flowers look nice but it is time for them to go. We will be working to get the place mowed and a lot of things cleaned up.


10-02-2010
WORK DAY
Another afternoon out working on the track. Out running the weedeater was on the menu today. That weedeater is a beast and will wear a person out fast if you let it. We were glad the weather has been cooler. Maybe we won't have an Indian Summer after all for 2010. Cooler weather would be nice.


10-01-2010
WHAT IS AHEAD
There are going to be many changes this last half of the race season and 2010. The way things have been going it looks like it may be next year before we are able to get the track ready for racing. Today we had yet another call on the water service. Another meeting by the city was today and we got word after that the city is going to do work across 29th street to the water main. In the meeting about the main it was decided there will be a temporary service line installed so we can get water. Several months from now the city will extend the main about 800 feet to replace the 60 year old main there now. Mid 2011 we will have a complete new main, service line and water service for the track.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-30-2010
VEHICLE WORK TODAY
There was a lot of work today but again it had to do with vehicles and not the track. Until we have this problem solved we are not able to tranport equipment to the track to work there. We are not having any good luck with the problem.
We still do not have our electric service. More calls for this subject and some of the time these things just take time to complete.


So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-29-2010
VEHICLE WORK TODAY
This truck is not co-operating. The brake problem is not going away after several hundreds of dollars of parts and many hours of work nothing has changed and the problem is still there. We did have time to work on a side project for the track today. We got a bunch of donated wood for the forms we need at the track. With the electric service and water service it will be time for us to start pouring concrete soon.


09-28-2010
WARMER WEATHER
After a few days of 70 degree weather it is back into the 80s today. The evenings have cooled off and have been down in the 50s these last 3 days. It has given the old air conditioner a rest of the evening. We will warm back up a little but we have not rain in the forecast and we should have good weather for working at Trosper this coming week.


09-27-2010
WHAT?
Facebook, a word many have come to say more each day. There has been a lot of words flying around Facebook lately about Sooner Pearl and Yukon BMX. People please get a grip. There is a lot of carcastic language used on Facebook. This reminds me of many years ago when BBS started. Ask me some time and I will explain.


09-26-2010
OKLAHOMA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Today is the 2010 Oklahoma State Championship Final at Yukon BMX. Get all the latest info on this race from their web site at Yukon BMX Raceway.
Some of us will be there but not to race and some of us will be out working at Trosper today.



09-25-2010
DOUBLE POINT RACE
Today is the 2010 Oklahoma State Championship Pre-race at Yukon BMX. Get all the latest info on this race from their web site at Yukon BMX Raceway.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-24-2010
RACE TONIGHT
Today is the will be a regular single point race at Yukon BMX. Get all the latest info on this race and the other races this weekend from their web site at Yukon BMX Raceway.


09-23-2010
MORE WORK TODAY
A good day at Trosper today. Our electrician was out, he and his helper replaced all the items on our temporary power pole. We were told we may have hook up as soon as tomorrow if the weather is OK. Now to protect that item.
We also worked on other projects today. Finishing the hole for the water box, which was no easy job. Now we need some forms and concrete to finish this little project. We worked around the north side of the track today. We have a large ditch there and we still have much work ahead for us there.



09-22-2010
BACK TO WORK SO TO SPEAK
Another evening out working on the track. Today we had some nice weather and got some work out of the way. Our work was digging the water box hole. Not a real glamour job but it has to be done to protect our water lines. We are hoping to get our water service complete next week.


STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
The coming weekend will be the 2010 State Championship race at Yukon BMX Raceway. It looks to be an interesting race for the Oklahoma riders. With a fresh track rebuild there has been a lot of work done to this track for this race. Not many have riden the new track some it will be new for most. Some good racing.


09-20-2010
RAIN AHEAD?
Our weather forecast has a chance of rain for mid week into the weekend. Since we did not get any work done at Trosper this weekend the rain may slow down our planned work. We will have to deal with the weather that is thrown at us. One thing is sure we need to get some mowing done this week.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-19-2010
NO WORK TODAY
Another day when we has no work ongoing at Trosper. We are working on vehicle repairs so we can get the Bobcat to the track safely. One thing we need to work good are the brakes. Very important! Stopping that thing is work.


09-18-2010
NO WORK TODAY
There was no work at Trosper today. Vehicle repairs stopped us cold in our tracks so to speak. A malfunction of the front brakes has made a lot of work for us. A complete rebuild on one side and pads, rotor, caliper and seals on the other side. Today we have many more parts to purchase for repairs due to all the modern functions of our vehicles. ABS brake sensors are one of those items which have been added. More work for us.


09-17-2010
WEEKEND RACING
After all the rain we have had in the state this week it sounds like racing will mean traveling. Sand Springs will be racing tonight and tomorrow, Sooner State BMX will be racing Sunday. Miami BMX has suspended racing due to rain for the weekend and Yukon BMX is still working on their track since te rebuild last month.


09-16-2010
EQUIPMENT WORK
Another day working to get our mowers ready for their weekly workout. We spent time working on the Troybilt and getting the starter recoil back in working condition and testing it. The repairs seem to be working well. The Dixon is having problems with the clutch which spins the blades, we think most of the problems are old switchs now after testing the wiring and the clutch which is electromechanical.


09-15-2010
WATER SERVICE
There has no been a change on our water situation. It seems the city will be out to rework the service line for the track. It most likely will be next week before the work is started and we don't know how long it will take. Some new pipe will be installed but we are not sure just how much pipe, we just want to get the water working.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-14-2010
LITTLE RAIN
There was no real rain most of the day and we did get a very tiny amount at the track, just enough to wet things down. The weather was pretty warm again today. The last 4 days we have stayed under 90° so today we rose back into hot days again. Our weather forecast shows little rain soon so things will be drying out before the weekend.

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09-13-2010
NO WATER BUT RAIN
After starting the day with a bunch of phone calls and getting no where fast it seems it was time to have a meeting. We are working to get our water service connected and there seems to be a problem. Now we have talked to more people in the city and that may help or hinder us in the long run. It seems a small problem can become a maze of answers and suggestions but no real answers are coming. Now it seems we need to wait till mid week next week before we have may have any real answers?


09-12-2010
EQUIPMENT WORK, RAIN
So after spending almost $70 to have the small mower repaired we still are having problems with it and today we worked on that problem. The repairs were not guaranteed for the mower. It seems we may have a real problem with the pull start mechanism. We have been told it can not be repaired short of replacing the crankshaft or the entire motor. That is what we will be looking at today.


09-11-2010
EQUIPMENT WORK
There was no real work at the track today. We did not have time to spend there and get all our other work completed. We will try to go out tomorrow but that will depend on our work on the equipment. We need to get our mowers back working to get a whole lot of mowing done.


09-10-2010
WARMER AND CLOUDY
After a nice cool day it warmed up a little today but it wass cloudy most of the day. With the clouds we dried very little again today. The area around the track was still a little damp and it was easy to leave footprints most everywhere we walked. We still have rain in the forecast for the weekend. Now our change for rain has been moved to Sunday.
Still no word on our water service. It looks like it is going to be another of those challenges we have faced for this project.


So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-09-2010
CLOUDY AND COOL
The day after Tropical Storm Hermine dropped rain on us it is cloudy and cool for this time of year. Not a lot of drying will happen today even with the wind we have. We have more rain in the forecast for Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday evning. There may not be much racing this weekend in Oklahoma if the sun does not come out soon.


09-08-2010
NO PROGRESS ON WATER + RAIN
The water sevice situation has not changed today and as most times we have had working with the city is getting worse as we go along. One of the many reasons we used our PUD (Planned Unit Development) was to get water and electric service to our track. Now it seems we have a problem even with the PUD.
Today we got rain most of the afternoon and evening. The weather service shows we had 1.4 inches at the airport. This is the leftovers of Tropical Storm Hermine and has already caused flooding in Texas. Most of the rain was a slow shower which could soak in and will not dry fast.



09-07-2010
NO WATER TODAY
All of this looked to be falling into place. Today we were to get a meter and water service. Well that was not to happen. Now we have more problems than you can shake a stick at. Not only do we not have water nor are we getting water soon, no one told us about what was happening on the city end regarding our water service. After spending a huge amount of time on the phone with no less than 6 people working for Oklahoma City it may be we either run about 1000 feet of copper line to 'feed' our water service or we drill a water well on site (if we the city will allow) or we punt for water.


09-06-2010
NO WORK THIS WEEKEND
All the work will have to wait for next week.
We will not be working this holiday weekend.
Have a fun and safe holiday.
Good luck to all riders who race this weekend.


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09-05-2010
NO WORK THIS WEEKEND
All the work will have to wait for next week.
We will not be working this holiday weekend.
Have a fun and safe holiday.
Good luck to all riders who race this weekend.


So who said it was going to be easy?

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09-04-2010
NO WORK THIS WEEKEND
All the work will have to wait for next week.
We will not be working this holiday weekend.
Have a fun and safe holiday.
Good luck to all riders who race this weekend.



09-03-2010
WORK EVENING
A hard days work at Trosper Park. With our work focusing our water service we spent our time working on the south end of the water line. Since we have had vandalism already on our temporary electrical pole, the front gate, the water line, horse riding and motorcycle, 4 wheeler and bicycles. We will protect our water line from this vandalism in a similar way to what we had at the old track. Todya we worked to ditch for a box to enclose the south end of the water line. This area had sandstone bedrock like most of the area under or near the track. Not easy work.


09-02-2010
WORK EVENING
The water line work is out of our hands now so we are focusing on other jobs this week. Today we spent a little time working on the starting hill. We have a lot of work ahead to prepare the starting hill for our concrete and gate. Now our weather forecast has changed and we have a chance of rain in the forecast for the next 3 days. We did not have any rain today but there is rain not far away and moving toward us.


09-01-2010
WORK EVENING
The water line work was not all we have been working on this week. Most know we have a lot of work to clear the track, groom the track and all the area around the track. There is a lot of space to mow, weed eat and groom. Without water we will not be able to groom the track and most of the work to groom around the track. We do however have time after rain events to do some landscaping work.

So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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08-31-2010
RAIN
The end of the month is here and we did get some rain today. Most of town only get enough rain to wet down the dust but it looks like we will have more soon. This round on rain looks to be light rain with only small areas of heavy rain. The heavy rain missed us today. The light rain is a welcome sight and we hope for more soon. The light rain will help save us water to work on the track. Unlike many tracks and cities Sooner Pearl we be paying a water bill for our water use.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-30-2010
WORK EVENING
The water line work is out of our hands now so we are focusing on other jobs this week. Today we spent a little time working on the starting hill. We have a lot of work ahead to prepare the starting hill for our concrete and gate. Now our weather forecast has changed and we have a chance of rain in the forecast for the next 3 days. We did not have any rain today but there is rain not far away and moving toward us.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-29-2010
WAITING ON WATER
Since the piping inspection was last Friday we will have to wait to be connected to the main before the water is working. Now we have rain in the for cast for tomorrow and the next day. We did get a little rain last Tuesday but not much if you consider the NWS at Will Rogers Airport only get .02 inches from the last rain although most of the rest of town got a little more that was still not much. Now we have a chance of heavy storms rolling in for the next couple of days. We did get out late in the day to work at Trosper today.


08-28-2010
NO WORK TODAY
The track had to take a back seat today so we could dwvote time to working on other projects. The heat slowed our work as it has for the last month or so but the work will be completed and we will be back out to work at Trasper Park soon.


08-27-2010
INSPECTION
Today was another big day for us at Trosper Park. The city finally came out and inspected the work repairing the damaged water line and completing the work to get the new line in the ditch. All the work was approved and now we will wait to have the water meter installed and connection to the water main. Considering we waited 4 days for the inspection of the line work it may be next weekend before the water is working. Hey we are getting the job done now we will focus on the electric service.


08-26-2010
DAY OF CHANGES
It started out just like so many days before but ended like no other day. There are days we all want to just be over and go on to the next day, today was one of those days. Things just did not go the way we wanted today. Now we will have more time to devote to other projects.
NO INSPECTION TODAY



08-25-2010
NEW CONTROLLER
Our new TARA controller arrived today. For now we will be using the old style light set up for the track but we are working to update the light unit in the future. SInce we have had some problems with our air cylinder during use at the old track we will be repairing that while we are closed. Now to get our water connected.
NO INSPECTION TODAY


So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-24-2010
INSPECTION - RAIN
The ditch has been reworked and our new water line has been laid and is ready for 3 things. Now we wait for the City Inspectors to look it over, make sure it is deep enough to prevent freezing and check the plumbers work quality. Then we get a new water meter and we can finish this very important job. Once the meter is set we can begin to cover the ditch. One last item on the to do list for this job, a 'water box' and we finish the filling of the ditch. Job complete. Next on to the electric service and our work to groom the track.
NO INSPECTION TODAY DUE TO RAIN?



08-23-2010
NEW WATER LINE
Today we had another big day of work at Trosper. Our plumber was hard at work repairing the damaged water line and completing the work to get the new line in the ditch. Once this is done we wait for the City to inspect and set our water meter. We will have water service this week! Next weekend we will cover the line and install our water box. This job is finished then and we can start to groom the track 'with water'. After 2 years of legal work, spending over $10K on permits, and other items to get us to today our water line is now ready for water. Just 2 years ago we talked to the OKC Water Department to get our water service. We had a meter, we needed water service so we called the Water Department. We were told 'have a licensed plumber install a water line, get an inspection and the water will flow.
What a joke that was. After $3400 of work and materials we were ready for inspection, the City was called and guess what happened? One of the biggest fights we have had on this project. After the City came for an inspection we learned we had been mis-informed. Many permits were required. the City Water Department took our meter and said 'see ya'! That was the start of 2 long years of fighting for this track project.



08-22-2010
WORK DAY
The water line ditch work is finished and we have much work ahead of us. We worked today on 2 jobs, digging a hole for our water box and work to groom the starting hill for our concrete and gate. The gate has been built and it is a beauty. The new gate is much different than our gate at the former Sooner Pearl. Custom steel tubing was ordered, there is no middle connection to fall apart and require rewelding. All the work was completed by a few local workers who spent a lot of time making this happen. If you have ever seen the plans ABA has for a BMX gate you would notice small things which you just don't see on a finished gate. One of those items are the hinges shown on ABA plans. Nice factory made hinges with bearings and grease zerks. They are on this gate. No more queaking gate drops, nice and quiet. Custom lengths of tubing which go all the way across the gate and Gator Grip for each rider lane. We used 2 inch heavy walled tubing not the recommended 1-1/2 inch tube. Unlike the old gate this new one will be cast in concrete and have no open space for trash to collect (like the old gate) and will get a newer modern look.


08-21-2010
NO WORK TODAY
Since this new track was started we have been very lucky that our volunteers have been healthy and ready to work when we are able to work. That was not the case today. Our string of over 100° days had finally taken toll on on of the volunteers, we decided to stay away from the track today. Maybe we will be there tomorrow?


08-20-2010
PA SYSTEM
We have had one last major item to purchase for the new PA rack and that was some storage space in the rack. We now have a metal drawer on its way for this job. With only 3 items left to purchase, cables, more speakers and our outdoor wire to have this job completed for now. Since we are looking at opening the track without a building only part of the new system will be used to open the track. When we have a building the rack will be installed, then the light poles, lights and speakers will be installed. It will be nice. We may post some pics soon of the rack and other items which were donated for our new PA system.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-19-2010
NEW CONTROLLER ORDERED
Next year ABA will require tracks to start using the new style gate controllers. Most will use the TARA AGC-4 unit by Cartessa which is set up for ABA, NBL or UCI starting sequences. This is a change from the Shur Start units which have been the mainstay of ABA racing for many, many years. This change is a move to better unify the starting sequence for riders who want to compete in UCI events and introduces 'random gates' to ABA riders. Needless to say with an our Shur Start2 boxes will go in a box to become a history lesson for future riders and who knows we may drag in out to use once in a while for old time sake.
Volunteer at your local track!



08-18-2010
COOLER AGAIN
The weather was a little nicer today because it was cooler than yesterday. There was almost no wind today which is unusual for this place. Tomorrow is forecast to be back in the upper 90s with low winds. It looks like an Indian Summer is in our future.


08-17-2010
COOL WEATHER
Another day we did make into the 90s but the low 90s. Any break for over 100 is always welcome! We also got a little rain shower today but it only knocked down the dust and was gone. Maybe our hot spell is over for the year? We could live with some cooler weather.
Volunteer at your local track!



08-16-2010
RAIN, REALLY
It was a little cooler today, we didn't make it to 100! It was still warm and our wind was under 10mph. Another day we didn't want to go outside to work. There was a time when we had some showers coming our way but we got little if any rain. More or less it knocked down the dust.


08-15-2010
REST DAY
What a day it was working yesterday at Trosper Park. Our high for yesterday was 102° and it felt every bit that hot. Working on the water line ditch was no cake walk. In the heavily wooded area with little wind made things seem even hotter. The heat did one thing, it made for lots of work breaks for water intake and rest. That heat drained us some we took off today to rest up for the work week ahead.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-14-2010
DITCH WORK
The ditch work is now complete. We worked today to finish clearing about 80 foot of the ditch which needed either cleaning out or dug a little deeper. After 4-1/2 hours of work we completed the job. Now we will have the pipe repaired and put in the ditch. Next week we will have a meter set and an inspection then our water can be turned on. We will be building a box to protect the upper end of the pipe. This box is where all our other water piping will start from. Now to get the electric rolling.


08-13-2010
LUCKY
Since there was not much to write about on this Friday the 13th as far as BMX is concerned we will write about another subject. That subject would be VOLUNTEERS.
In our sport we have basically 2 types of tracks. For profit tracks and non-profit tracks. All the current tracks in Oklahoma are non-profit which means they are ran by volunteers. Each track has a group which manages to keep the track open and useable for their riders. Every job which is done is done by a person who wishes to help others and a side effect of this is they can feel better about themselves for their work. As a Track Operator I volunteer for every job which needs to be done. No fame nor glory. I do it for the fun. To watch others have fun.
Volunteer at your local track!



08-12-2010
ANOTHER HOT DRY DAY
The weather is what we see every year. Very hot and dry. This week we have had little wind which is almost unusual for Oklahoma. Today was our 31st day since we have had any real rain. It is very dry now. We do however have rain in our forcast for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. A small chance but a chance none the less.


08-11-2010
DITCH WORK
Another hot day and we worked at Trosper Park again tonight. More work on the water line ditch was the job for today. With about 80 feet of ditch left to be worked on to complete this job we have about 4-5 more hours of work ahead of us. With the heat the work takes much longer. Many work breaks are needed to keep us from collapsing when we are working. All this work should be finished very soon.


08-10-2010
MORE DRY HEAT
We had a hot day with a high of 99° today. We did not work at Trosper Park today after the heat of working drained us. We hope to finish the ditch work before the coming weekend but Mother Nature will have a hand in the mix on this job. If we have more 100+ days we will wait till the weekend to complete the work.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-09-2010
MORE HEAT TODAY
Even though we didn't make it to 100° today we again had no rain and this place is dry, very dry. This time of year is when we have very little rain do this is not unusual but a little rain could cool us down and make our ditch work a little easier. The weather forecast has no rain so we will have to watch the heat when we work. Our safety is very important.


08-08-2010
REDLINE QUALIFIER/DITCH WORK
Today was the day to visit Miami BMX to race their Redline Qualifier.
Good luck to all who race!

Now on to the reason some of us did not travel to Miami BMX today. After another long hard Work Day we have nearly completed another job. A little more attention and we will have things lined out to really get our water line installed and water to the track. We want to thank Tra for the use of his Ditch Witch for the weekend. Digging nearly 400 feet of ditch from track to water meter is no easy job. Where were you when we were having all the fun?



08-07-2010
LAST STATE QUALIFIER/DITCH WORK
Today was the day to visit Miami BMX to race the last STATE QUALIFIER.
Good luck to all who race!

What a day of work at Trosper Park. After picking up a loaned Ditch Witch we were able to get started on our water line ditch. We had dug some out already but we had over 300 feet left to dig. No one wanted to help, but we got a lot done today and we will be working on it till it is done and ready for pipe. Water is near.



08-06-2010
MORE WORK
The weather for the weekend is supposed to be dry so we will be working on our water service this weekend. Due to some mis-communications we will need to remove the pipe we have in our current ditch. Long story short. Our pipe was installed and we didn't have the right permits. The pipe has been in an open ditch for 2 years. It has to be removed, the ditch cleared and the pipe re-installed before we can get water.
We have a Ditch Witch to do most of the work but digging about 380 feet of ditch will take some time and a lot of work. We would like to complete this over the weekend which is a tall order. We will see what happens. Water soon.
Also we have set up our part for the electric service. We are waiting on our electrician, OG&E and the City. This job should be complete very soon.



08-05-2010
MORE WORK
After another hot day we worked at Trosper Park again tonight. More work on the second straight. We also opened an account with OG&E today for our electric service. Now to get the meter set and a handful of inspections to get that item off our list of jobs.
It looks like we will be out working this coming weekend. We have a hot pair of work days ahead. The rain in our forecast stayed north of us and the weekend will be dry.


So who said it was going to be easy?

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08-04-2010
MORE WORK
Again we had a hot day on tap with a high of 102° and a little wind. Late in the day there were thunderstorms just north of town but none got close to us. It was a nice light show however with 3 thunderheads rising up northwest, north and northeast of town. We could have used some rain from them. Things did cool off when the front with the storms moved through the city area. It has been 10 days since we had any real rain at Trosper Park.


08-03-2010
MORE WORK
Our weather forecast has a chance of rain for tonight and through tomorrow evening. It was a hot day again with our high at 102°. A little rain would do us some good since it has been 8 days since we had any real rain at Trosper Park..
Today we worked a little at Trosper late in the day. We did a little mowing and spent time running the weed eater near the entrance gate. Things are starting to dry out and some work will have to be done with equipment. With some luck we will be working next weekend. Our plan is to work on the water line and ditch. We want to get our water service on.



08-02-2010
NO WORK TODAY
We will not work at Trosper Park today.


08-01-2010
WORK TODAY
Today we worked at Trosper Park late in the evening. One thing we also did was catch a horseman riding around the track area. We are starting to have more trouble with horse riding. Some places have some really bad turf now after the riding these last few days. We did not visit the track over the weekend and it must have been a good time to ride. We hope to stop this before we start racing.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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07-31-2010
NO WORK TODAY
The weekend will not see us working at Trosper Park. We all have other work to do and will not be volunteering again today. Hey we have to mow our grass at home too.

So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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07-30-2010
BROKEN MOWERS
A second day we will be without either mower. Thr Dixon has an issue with spinning the blades and 'Killa' has a problem with the starter recoil. 'Killa' has been in the shop for a second day. We are hoping to have it today but will not be ready. We will not be working this weekend.

Who said it was going to be easy?

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07-29-2010
PA SYSTEM
Now today we spent some time working on the new PA system rack. We have all but 3 pieces that we will fabricate to fill the rack. Today we get the last of the filler plates to cover empty space in the rack. We still have more work for this job. We have not wired anything and we still have to purchase more speakers and a few cables but it is starting to look good.


07-28-2010

Now on our 9th day of no rain and no change to our weather forecast. The weekend ahead is looking dry and we are ready to get to work on our water service and some mowing.
It was hot and dry today with a good amount of wind. It was 96° and with all the wind we have had things are starting to dry out in a big way. Some places the weeds are starting to dryout from the lack of rain. Next thing be a fire alert!



07-27-2010
COOLER TODAY
It was a little cooler today. Our high was only 90° and it was cloudy part of the day. We did not get rain at Trosper Park but there was some rain showers but not in the southeast part of town. The wind was low again today.


07-26-2010
NO WORK TODAY
We did not work at Trosper Park today.
It was hot and dry again today. Our high was 97° and almost no wind so it was quite warm all day.



07-25-2010
WORK DAY
Without a little trouble what would a day be like? Now both our mowers are broke and the Bobcat is acting up again. We did make it to the track today and got in some work time before more trouble with the Bobcat. It was almost 9pm before we got things lined out and were able to leave. We did get the path for the waterline cleared today. We will need some equipment to finish the work in the ditch. Maybe next weekend, who knows.
We did get a little rain shower today at Trosper. Not a lot but enough to make the places we had work this weekend muddy. We had horse riders at the track again today. It had been 13 days since we had any rain.


So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB

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07-24-2010
WORK DAY
We worked today to get our waterline ditch back in shape. We had some real fun times working to get our water service. First we had a meter then we didn't. We had a ditch dug and 380 feet of line laid in the ditch but we couldn't get an inspection to get things hooked up. Now we have all the paperwork in order. Our plumber has set our meter. Now we have to get the line ready for hookup. Only thing is it was been in a ditch uncovered for a long time and we will have to redig the ditch before we get an inspection.


07-23-2010
HOT AND WINDY
Almost a copy of yesterday with one exception, now we have rain in the forecast for the weekend. Another 96° day with just a little less wind. Now the weather forecast has rain on Sunday and Monday only a 20% chance but here that could mean rain and maybe a lot of rain. We will be out working this weekend as planned. Maybe we will have the Bobcat out for a little play in the dirt. Our focus will be on the water line for our water service.


07-22-2010
HOT AND WINDY
Now on our 9th day of no rain and no change to our weather forecast. The weekend ahead is looking dry and we are ready to get to work on our water service and some mowing.
It was hot and dry today with a good amount of wind. It was 96° and with all the wind we have had things are starting to dry out in a big way. Some places the weeds are starting to dryout from the lack of rain. Next thing be a fire alert!



07-21-2010
BIG RACES AHEAD
The weekend ahead has a few multi-point races scheduled. Both Saturday and Sunday we have races in Ponca City. Race for Life (Double) Saturday and State Championship race (Double) Sunday? Check their website for the latest info.
Sooner State BMX



07-20-2010
NEW THINGS AHEAD
With the opening of our track in sight there are many things we have planned to get the new track started. As of today we still only have a projected date of our first test racing. If all goes well maybe next month? We have many projects to just get the track ready for riding, A place to have some sort of business transactions like signing up racers. Satisfy a few remaining items to get inspections on our water, electricity, sign, fencing around our portable toilet and about 10 other items to get an occupancy permit to have legal races. That may sound like a lot of things but it is a small amount compaired to when we started.
As for the track we have killed most of the grass now and are waiting for get the water working before real work can be done.
The area around the track is looking better, cleaner, most is covered with soil and grass! If you could have seen all the bare rock, now we have one big area which will take some work and time to clean up.
As of today we will not have a building up when we start racing. We can not have a mobile mini, the city will not allow it. The building we purchased and planned to use was stolen from the track. Our building restrictions for the city are a far cry from what we had at the old Sooner Pearl location. As crazy as it sounds a wood covered building, concrete block or metal alone is not enough. When we do build it will have to be a very nice appearing building.
We will be updating most of our track equipment. A new starting controller is ahead so we can comply with the ABA rule change which will change over to random start controller. Now we will have to have some 'Old School' races with the 'old' Surestart control, maybe a step back even further?
We still need a huge amount of dirt. The land was stripped of dirt. We had maybe 500 yards on site to start this track. We had 5600 yards trucked in but we need about 1500 yards more.
We have purchased posts to secure the property to stop (most) of the MX, horse and 4 wheeler riders. This will help with the problem we have with people dumping trash. We have already filled a 40 yard dumpster. We have had a least 2 dumpings in the last 2 months, 4 in 6 months.
We have a new area to use now since the old oil well was removed. That work cleared a large area east of the track and we have plans for this in works. So now comes the fun part. What would you like at the new Sooner Pearl? We are after all building on a long time hallowed ground in the ABA BMX world. Trosper Park BMX, Metro BMX, those have come before here and now Sooner Pearl BMX. Let us know what you think!


So who said it was going to be easy?

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07-19-2010
A LOSS
Some say it is a small world. One thing which is sure, when a friend is killed it is not easy. I (Richard Axtell) have known Clyde Riggs mostly for construction work involved things but as long time friend as well. Clyde was a very nice man, avid cyclist and a real character. We all lost Clyde early Sunday morning as he cycled in Northeast Oklahoma City. As cyclists ourselves we can understand his love of cycling. A great man who will be missed by many. I'm sure there is room in heaven for another carpenter.
RIP Clyde Armstrong Riggs

The weekend was also deadly Saturday for another local cyclist. Alan Spencer of Edmond was killed Saturday morning in a hit-and-run accident. This accident was only 4 miles from the Sunday accident, both occured in Northeast Oklahoma City in rural areas.



07-18-2010
WORK DAY
A couple of us did go to Trosper today to work and we got a lot of it done thanks to equipment. James manned the Dixon and mowed up a storm while me (Richard Axtell) rode the Bobcat like a bucking bronco and moved some dirt. We managed to stir up a lot of dust but things are turning for us now. We also cleaned up a few areas, built a dirt berm over the right of way over one of the 4 underground pipelines which crosses our little pie shape piece of City Park property. The berm is to stop horse riders, 4 wheeler riders and MX cycists from riding on and around the track. Those riding horses have been making quite a mess in more than one way.


07-17-2010
PLANNED WORK DAY CANCELLED
Only a few knew we were going out to work today but that got put on hold due to equipment malfunctions. Most of the day was spent working to correct those malfunctions, to change mower blades and get the Bobcat and its trailer ready to go tomorrow. The Dixon mower has had some starting problems and has had the starting switch replaced today, that seemed to do the trick. We did have a learning moment today, don't install the blades on the Dixon with a hand tool. A Craftsmen 1/2 inch breaker bar could not get the blades tight enough to stay on we have to use an impact wrench for the job. We also have a list of replacement parts for this mower which will be ordered soon to tighten things up and make sure it is in top shape for the long Summer ahead.


07-16-2010
WHERE TO RACE?
Now that things have dried out where are we racing this weekend? It seems if you live around here you have to travel to race. Ponca City or Sand Springs are the closest tracks open this weekend. We are on track to get things ready for our race season soon. We have many things to be done but since we have been unable to race for near 3 years we are ready to get it going again.


07-15-2010
BUSY WEEK
Rain has now cleared out and we are drying out nicely. For most of the city it has been 7 days since any real rain has fallen. Trosper is now dry and we are looking forward to getting in some work time this coming weekend. We do have a huge amount of work ahead. It has been a busy week.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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07-14-2010
SOONER PEARL RACE SCHEDULE
We have waited for a long time to get to say we are working on our race schedule for Sooner Pearl. We will not have a State Qualifier race since we were unable to schedule the race till this time. We are talking and it the weather stays somewhat dry a few weeks it will be a much different place. As for the schedule we have always told people we would stick with our 'old' schedule of racing on Sunday, practice on Tuesday and while we have sun light maybe a race on Thursday evening. More on this very soon.


07-13-2010
HOT
It was a hot and humid day again. The wind didn't help much today but at least we dried a little. The track area is still to wet to walk around so we will have to wait till tomorrow for any work. Our plumber is to begin working to get our water on. Electricity is right behind.


07-12-2010
MORE RAIN, THE DOOR IS OPEN
OK enough with the rain thing. At least it was just a very small rain. Now it is going to turn hot and humid. Maybe we will dry out for a few days and get some work going again. We have a huge amount of mowing to be done weekly.
We got some great news today about the new track. We are now at a place where we wanted to be 2 years ago. Now the real work begins.



07-11-2010
RAIN LATER?
Well most of the day was dry. Just about sundown the storms rolled into town today. It looked like it was going to be heavy storms but fizzled about when it got to town. We did have the highest gust of wind this month today at 47mph and out peak wind was 39mph. All the high wind was from the storms.


07-10-2010
NICE DAY
A day without any rain. Now that was good even though it was dry we had a good dose of wind today as well as some some sunshine. We had some good things happen today and got some work done as well. More stuff for the PA system today. Good day.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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07-09-2010
HOT AND HUMID
After a day at work which was hot and humid we almost went 24 hours without rain but it happened. Spotty showers around town but not anything like 3 days ago. Today is the 8th day we have had some rain. Have we moved to another place? Some strange things have been happening.


07-08-2010
MORE RAIN
We have had a frontal boundary more or less parked over our heads for 3 days which has caused the rain we have had since the leftovers of Alex moved across the state several days ago. Now it looks like we may have rain till the middle of next week, maybe even later next week. More water logged days ahead.


07-07-2010
MORE RAIN?
It looked like it could rain any minute. It did rain around the city but some areas didn't get rain. We think there has been enough rain for now. Lets get back to working on the new track. Today was 5 days of rain.


07-06-2010
MORE HEAVY RAIN
Well it did rain today, late in the afternoon just about 5pm was when it started. This rain came with little warning and was very heavy for a few minutes and then dropped to a light sprinkle. This storm was a real fast starting but slow moving storm. We got nearly 2 inches of rain in about 30 minutes and some places in town got more at a faster rate. We also spent more time at Plan Review today getting things lined out for more permits.


07-05-2010
OFF TRACK WORK
Another day which included time which we spent preparing and purchasing materials to construct the gate a the new track. This has been a long time in the works and things are progressing nicely. Now to line out the other materials and time to do the work on site. Now we can really do construction on site without fear of getting in trouble with the city.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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07-04-2010
DAY OFF, MORE RAIN
Independence Day with rain. Many events where canceled today due to the rain which stopped shortly after the events where canceled. More local cities did not have fireworks displays due to rain. unofficial rain total is 1.73 inches of rain. We did however need the rain as we have had a somewhat dry Spring. The timing could have been a little later like the middle of next week. We will stay busy even with the rain and the holiday weekend. So much work.


07-03-2010
EQUIPMENT WORK AND MORE RAIN
A day for us to stay inside due to the rain and get some work done on things not at the track. Today we worked on the new version of our PA system. The system we have had to rebuild much like the new track from scratch. So we think the PA system will be ready well before the track.


07-02-2010
LEFTOVERS
It was a day of rain from the leftovers of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Alex which came today and put a damper on most all outdoor activities. Our unofficial rain total is 1.73 inches of rain. We did however need the rain as we have had a somewhat dry Spring. The timing could have been a little later like the middle of next week. We will stay busy even with the rain and the holiday weekend. So much work.


07-01-2010
WATER FOR THE TRACK
We have had few words for many situations regarding our new track. The road to get construction started has been a winding maze of people, departments and various jobs we have performed to get a building permit and to where we are today. Water is the next job, then electricity. We have much work ahead.

So who said it was going to be easy?

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