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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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.
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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.
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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?
TOP OF PAGE 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.
