HOT NEWS Archived Posts
With the newest at the top of the page.
06-30-2011 WORK DAY
Today we started the day working to unload the Bobcat. While we had it out
we did some maintenance. Most of this was to grease pivot points on the arm
and the attachment point up front. Then it was out to the track for more
digging on the starting hill. We also had the sprinkler out today and spent
and hour just watering in our work area on the starting hill. We will have
this work finished tomorrow, it has taken longer than we planned due to the
heat.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-29-2011 WORK DAY?
Was it hot today. Only 101° just a little warmer than yesterdays 94°
cool down but not like Tuesdays 103°. Anyway we worked today but not at
the track. An early trip to Vanek Screenprinting and Design was in order to
help with some freight. We got our work done and then had a flat on our
trailer and ended up not having time to work on the track as we had hoped.
We also sent in paperwork to close out our last stormwater permit. Our state
DEQ permit has been a lot of extra work and we are glad to be closing it out
and getting it behind us.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-28-2011 WORK DAY
We got rain early this morning so we waited till early afternoon to go out
to work. We are working to finish excavation on the starting hill. Today we
got the lower part cut out and started on the upper part. We also worked on
getting the edge work under the gate, a few places needed more dirt to fill
low spots. We had the sprinkler out today watering east of staging in the
open area.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-27-2011 WORK DAY
We got in a full day of work today on the starting hill. We should be able
to finish the last bit of excavating on the top to prep for the forms and
concrete. We had a little dirt that needed to be removed under where the
gate will be located. We also got some watering done today while there and
we had some visitors just about the time we were gathering up the tools
today. Ray Wright and his wife came out and talked for a while it sounds
like Ray might come back out to race when we open.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-26-2011 WORK DAY
It was another hot day today and we waited to go out to work until late in
the day. We only worked for a half day today. All our time was spent
watering the top of the starting hill. The hill is so packed and hard we
have to water it for a few days ahead of our digging. After 3 hours of
watering it down until water started to run off and we only got the top 2
inches damp.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-25-2011 WORK DAY
Today we got in a full day even though it was 105° here. We had planned
to take a trip today and maybe visit Yukon BMX since they had their State
Qualifier today but the work cames first when we have volunteers ready to
help. All our work was on the starting hill and we are getting close to
having all dirt work done then we will be working on the forms next.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-24-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on starting hill again and watered.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-23-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on starting hill again and watered.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-22-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on starting hill again and watered.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-21-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on starting hill again and watered.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-20-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked until the rain came rolling into town about 8pm. We got the
water hose out and wet down the top of the starting hill and worked on
getting ready for the forms. While we worked on the starting hill we also
got a little watering done. At 5 gallons per minute we don't water much. We
didn't get much rain at the track tonight, it will be dry tomorrow.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-19-2011 HAPPY FATHERS DAY
We all took off for Fathers Day. Late in the day we went out and watered for
a little while.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-18-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on starting hill again and watered.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-17-2011 EQUIPMENT WORK
Today we spent most of the day battling the fuel pump but got that fixed,
still have electrical problem. We did not work at the track today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-16-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on Brutus again. This is another problem with the fuel pump
going out. We went to the track late and watered.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-15-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on the starting hill and a couple of little drainage
projects near staging and behind the 2nd turn. Now we have areas we are
watering to get grass growing. The starting hill is looking good now but we
have a lot of work ahead on this job.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-14-2011 WORK DAY
Today we picked up some donated items and delivered them to the track. We
also checked on rental of equipment for current and future work. It did rain
today but the track got about a 15 minute shower and some nice thunder and
lightning. All the rain did was settle the dust, we do need some rain bad.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-13-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on Brutus. There seems to be a problem with the charging
system. Not fixed yet. It looks like we have a wiring problem and we are not
charging the battery at all. We have had the alternator checked twice and it
seems to work fine and the battery is fine so it has to be wiring.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-12-2011 WORK DAY
Today we got in a long full day of work. We started our work with the
sprinkler so we can get our grass growing better. Then we worked on a little
drainage work up near staging. After that we got to the important work, at
the end of the day we had the starting hill leveled. Next up will be a
compacting of the dirt then a layer of gravel on the area. Then we can start
getting our forms set for the gate slab.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-11-2011 WORK DAY
We got a late start today because we had some vehicle problems but we did
make it to the track and did several things. We put more dirt back on the
berm over the south pipeline so people would quit driving in there. We added
some gravel in a couple of low spots in the driveway. Filled in a hole the
parks guys left when they removed a post beside the driveway and worked on
the starting hill.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-10-2011 WORK DAY
We closed out 1 of our remaining permits. Our city stormwater permit, we
still have a stormwater open with the state deq. We also have building and
fence to close then our final for occupancy. At least the list is getting
shorter!
More work on the starting hill today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-09-2011 WORK DAY
An interesting day, we ran off a trespasser (said he was homeless and
sleeping in his car?) about 6pm, is our track a good place to sleep? About
8pm we had horse riders were out riding again on our property. We put all
our tools away to leave when 2 guys came up riding motorcycles about 9pm, we
called 911 and ran them off. The police came about an hour later, we had a
good talk with them about the cycle riders who live in the trailer park on
Highland east of the track.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-08-2011 WORK DAY
Work again on the starting hill today. More work there tomorrow.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-07-2011 WORK DAY
We were out working today on the starting hill. We have a lot of work to be
done before we can start setting the forms for the gate. We have a lot of
dirt that needs to be removed before we can start setting forms. The weather
is getting hotter and hotter so this work will progress slowly. We are going
to take our time and not get to hot while working but it is going to take
some time.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-06-2011 DAY OFF WORK
We did not work at the track today after spending all day yesterday working
on the forms for the starting gate slab. We got all the work done we could
do until time to set the forms on the starting hill. It was a long hot day
of work but we did have a huge shade tree to work under.
Today we spent a little time working on Brutus.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-05-2011 OFF TRACK WORK DAY
After a day of rest (yesterday) a couple of us got time to devote to the
track today. We worked off track since there was 2 things we needed and they
were off track, shade and equipment. After a trip for material, we got the
tools out and started our work before the hottest part of the day.
The prep work for our forms for the gate have now been built. Next step is
finish the prep work on the top of the starting hill, then we start the
work to install the forms.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-04-2011 RACE TALK
Today we have a message about what is happening in UCI BMX Supercross. Some
may not know about this but if you are interested in becoming an Olympic BMX
rider you know about this subject. One week ago was the last UCI BMX
Supercross event in Netherlands and the track has been the subject of much
talk. A link to the article on BMXNews.com
Elites speak out on SX tracks
An interesting article on the future of our sport.
No work at the track today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-03-2011 TOTAL DAY OFF
Everyone took a day of from work on the track today. It looks like Summer
has come early this year since today was our 3rd day of plus 90° weather
and this is just the start. All we have is above 90° in the forecast for
the next week.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-02-2011 WORK DAY
Today we out getting some real work done for a change. We spent all our time
mowing today with the Dixon. We still have some areas we are not able to use
the Dixon due to conditions and its size we are able to mow most of our
property now. This mower has helped us cut our mowing time down to less than
a day. Now we can mow and weedeat in about 2 days total.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 06-01-2011 WORK DAY
We spent most of our day working on equipment today. The mowers were what we
worked on most to get them ready for mowing tomorrow. We think we have
finally fixed our problem with 'Killer' our walk behind mower. The pull
start was the problem. After taking it to a mower shop and being told the
only way to fix it was to replace the motor or replace the crankshaft in the
motor we fixed it with a lot of work, testing a replacing a handful of parts.
Not quite the engine replacement but it works well again and was much less
cost but it did take some time.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-31-2011 WORK DAY
Today we took advantage of little wind and got started spraying the track
again. After getting most of the 2nd straight sprayed the wind started to
pick up and we had to stop our spraying. We also did a little work to clean
up an area were much material had been dumped since the old track was here.
We have a huge amount of work to finish this job and it is way down on the
list of important work to be done. We have worked on this on and off and
have cleaned a lot of areas up already.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-30-2011 NO WORK TODAY
Another day we were all to busy to make it to the track for any work. We
will be working on getting things lined out for the gate work this week
ahead. Have a great Memorial Day.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-29-2011 WORK DAY
We lucked out this morning and the wind was down for a while so we sprayed
on the track again till the wind came up. We also got some watering started
today, we need to get things greened up for one of our final inspections
before we can open the track for business. This will be our biggest job to
get ready for opening the track. We need 70% of all dirt work areas covered
with grass or some other material to slow down erosion. We also still have
to get a final inspection from ODEQ for the same reasons. All before we can
open.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-28-2011 WORK DAY
Today we finished filling in the drainage pipe ditch and worked a little
more on the basin for this last drain pipe. We then had time before
nightfall to get after a some Roundup spraying since the wind died down
enough for this work. We have to spray on days which the wind is less than
13mph per the city. Those days with little wind are sometime few and far
between.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-27-2011 DAY OFF
We all took the day off today. We have a 3 day weekend ahead and spent time
with family today. It was a nice day for a trip around Oklahoma.
The long Memorial Day weekend means multi point races are all around and
many will be out traveling this weekend. Please be careful, have fun and
remember our fallen military and family. Have a good weekend!
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-26-2011 WORK DAY
Again we worked on our drainage project today. We got the pipe in the ditch
and started to cover the pipe but ran out of light and did not finish the
fill today. At least we got the last pipe in the ground now to finish the
basin which will require the Bobcat for the heavy work. We will let this
job cool down for a while until we have the Bobcat back to do work. That
will not be long from now as we have several jobs ahead needing heavy dirt
work. Then we will mark off drainage work for a long while. We also got a
load of gravel today for our next project on the starting hill. We will use
about 25% of that 23 yard load for placing under the gate slab.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-25-2011 DRY AS A BONE
We thought the rain yesterday was heavy enough to keep us from working today
but the track was dry and we worked on our current drainage project and some
landscaping while it was cool today. We got a lot of water last night even
though the NWS showed only 1.31 inches we got much more than that at the
track.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-24-2011 WORK DAY / RAIN DAY
We had some wild and wet fun at the track today. While we worked on our last
drain line and the basin for that drain we started getting rain. Well truth
is we had Super Cells dropping tornadoes all around us. We left the track
just as the hail started to fall. After working the the nice cool rain for
about an hour it looked like time to go. It was a loud and wet evening then
things started to cool down and the storms moved east.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-23-2011 NO WORK TODAY
We had work to be done which did not involve the track today. It was another
day off we will mark up to using volunteers for all our work lately.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-22-2011 WORK DAY
Today we got a lot of work done. We started out working on the ditch
along and between the 1st and last straights. All together that was about
60 feet of ditch we hand dug because the Bobcat is to big for this job. We
finished the last 36 feet of ditch and started on our last drain pipe ditch.
All but about 10 feet of that 40 foot ditch was dug today. We wanted to use
the Ditch-Witch for all this drainage work but were unable to get things in
order to get the machine from our electrician or it was in use. The hand
digging will be all over soon.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-21-2011 WORK DAY
It has taken a lot of work but we are getting close to the finish of our
drainage ditch and pipe work on the last straight. Another day after today
and we may have this job finished and can move on to our last drain pipe
work. It is nice to see these jobs getting completed. We are getting to the
end of our job list and that is nice to see. Not much more work till we can
start getting all our final inspections to open the track.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-20-2011 RAIN DAY
It seems we did not get enough rain yesterday so Mother Nature got in gear
and dropped another 2 inches on us today. Almost 6 inches in 2 days and the
track did not wash away. The drainge system is working well for us. We still
have some fine tuning to go but all our work is showing now. What a good
feeling when our plans come together and we see our hard work paying off.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 05-19-2011 WORK DAY
We did manage to get some work time in today before the rain started. It was
another day of work on our current drainage project. It looks like today we
ran into east end of the concrete conduit while digging next to the roller
in the last straight. Maybe now we can move on with this work. We also left
the track about 8:30pm because lightening was over our heads, the rain had
not started yet. At midnight the Weather Service had us down for 3.86 inches
which would put it at a heavy rain event, maybe the worst of this year?
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-18-2011 WORK DAY
Back at work on the ditch today. It was warm today and we didn't make a lot
of headway because of this concrete conduit. We have not found the east end
and we already know there is more heading west. Was this a drain for the old
BMX track? We have found PVC pipe (4 inch) while working around the area
but concrete conduit? This is just more buried treasure.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-17-2011 WORK DAY
Our second day of work on this ditch and we are going now where fast. Just
another job which will take much more work than we had planned but a job
which needs to be done. We still have one more of these things to finish the
drainage for the track. We are starting to finish jobs now, the end is now
getting closer, really.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-16-2011 WORK DAY
There was no sign, not a marking or warning to be found. One thing is sure
this job is not going to be easy. We should have paid attention when we dug
the ditch for this pipe. A ditch chipped out of the sand stone under the
track with a little dirt covering it up. It wasn't easy and it sure wasn't
pretty but it is done. Now on to the fun stuff. While digging a basin for
this drain we found things buried about a foot down while digging today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-15-2011 WORK DAY
Now that we have the drain in under the track and completed digging so the
drain will drain it was time to start work on the basin and ditch to feed
the drain and stop water crossing the last straight. The basin is about 8
feet wide and will be about 20 feet long and 2 feet deep. Then another 40
or so feet of 6 foot wide by 1 foot deep ditch along side the end of the
last straight. When done it will be another thing of beauty and not noticed
by anyone but the people who built it.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-14-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on the track and things turned out pretty nice in the end.
The 2nd turn was where most of the work was going on but we also installed
our next to last drain pipe, filled the ditch and packed it in. But the
2nd turn looks good after our 1st real work on it. It started with a good
wetting down then a raking and pack. Then another watering and a 2nd pack.
Now all we need is some rain to smooth it out.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-13-2011 WORK DAY
Since we had rain there was water to be had, free water. Another run at
emptying our pit where our water service ends. So we worked on 2 jobs today
watering the 2nd turn and digging a 32 foot ditch for our drain we are
working to install. We got about 3/4 of the turn watered before we had to
leave for the evening. We also got enough of the ditch dug to put the pipe
in and backfill the ditch. Not any fun at all but we got it done. Only one
more drain to go.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-12-2011 WORK DAY
Still another day we were not able to pick up the trencher. We did however
go to the track in the afternoon and got some work done. We were again
working on our drainage. Today we found the track dry even after the rain we
had yesterday. All of our other drainage work so far has done what we wanted
which is get the water off the track. Now to finish this up and start on
another job. Right now we are on hold for the gate work, until we have some
paperwork we can't start this job. We are waiting on others for this
paperwork. Also we got a single sign installed by the city today to help
stop our horse riding neighbors.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-11-2011 RAIN DAY
It was another one of 'those days' today. We were up early today to meet up
with people to get the trencher. After a couple hours of waiting for phone
contact we never had a chance. By the time we had given up on waiting for a
phone call well rain had moved into town. The National Weather Service put
our total for the day at 1.39 inches of rain. Needless to say we did not
work today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-10-2011 WORK DAY
Our plans for this day went like so many days since we started this project.
We had wanted to go get the Ditch-Witch to trench for our last 2 drains for
the track but that didn't happen. 'Brutus' wanted no part of it today, we
had to replace the alternator. That put us out of commission till to late
today to get the trencher. We instead went out and worked on drainage at the
track till dark.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-09-2011 NO WORK TODAY
We all took of the day today, some to rest from a very busy weekend of hard
work.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-08-2011 WORK DAY
Happy Mothers Day to our BMX moms.
There was quite a bit of work for us today. Since it was Mothers Day we got
a late start on the work. Lets see, we watered, raked and packed the last
turn. Then watered again and packed again. This was the 1st time we had
worked on any turn to get the track smooth. The turn is looking good and so
the last half of the track is smooth enough to ride. By no means 'finished'
smooth but OK to ride.
We also finished our drainage work between the 2nd and 3rd straights. It
took some time to get this area dug out but all the dirt was used to fill
in washed places on the 2nd straight. We have 3 places to rough out to
finish the 2nd straight. We do have more drainage work ahead for this week.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-07-2011 WORK DAY
Another day we worked on drainage, filling washed out places, roughed in a
jump and got some off track places cleaned up. We are about half finished
filling washed out places on the 2nd straight. We still have 4 places which
need more dirt and another double will be roughed in, this is the 3rd
double in the 2nd straight, Now we have a couple rollers and the step-up
which goes into the 2nd turn. We worked on cleaning up the outside of the
2nd straight, removing rocks, smoothing and raking dead grass and weeds. The
place is starting to look like a really BMX track!
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-06-2011 WORK DAY
Another day of working on drainage and many other things today. Some time
was spent to install a receiver-type hitch on 'Brutus' today. We have a few
minor changes to be made but it is hanging. Now we will be able to pull
about anything since it already has a 5th wheel setup and a bumper pull hook
up as well on the back and another trailer hitch on the front bumper.
Oh, the 454 helps a little too. Now if we can train 'Brutus" to pass a gas station...........
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-05-2011 WORK DAY
Today we worked on the 2nd straight, drainage and an errand. The errand was
to pick up a receiver-type hitch for 'Brutus'. We need this to pull a
heavy duty trailer for some equipment. This is for more drainage work ahead,
if the weather holds and we can make the hitch work we will be able to
finish our pre-opening drain pipe work. We still have some ditches to
cleanup or dig but not much and the equipment will do most of this work.
Our drainage work will give us some dirt which we will use to fill in jumps
and bottoms which have washed out. Today we worked on the 1st jump coming
out of the 1st turn which is a double 'decision-maker', go left into the
PRO-SECTION, go right into the amateur section. It was washed out and needed
5 wheelbarrow loads of dirt for fill. Don't sound like much work? Move that
dirt on top of a 4 foot tall jump by hand. Next we started to work on
filling the wash out on the next jump in the amateur section which is
another double. We did not get this finished today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-04-2011 WORK DAY
The drainage work we have been working on is coming along now. Today we dug
out a lot of dirt and moved about half of it to places in the 2nd straight.
The work is starting to shape up and will help keep the track drained much
better. We will also slow down our erosion from this area to. Our only test
so far this year has been a near 2 inch rain and we had water standing in 2
places, this is one,. The other place has already been addressed.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-03-2011 WORK DAY
We sprayed Roundup on the track again today. We only sprayed the areas which
has not died out from our last spray session. That went quickly and we did
it today because the wind was below 12mph. The city requires us to spray
when the wind is below 12mph. That does not happen much here. We also got
some work on on our drainage between the 2nd and 3rd straights. Such a
small work area we can't do the work with the Bobcat, hand work all the way.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-02-2011 WORK DAY
Today we started worked on drainage between the 2nd and 3rd straights. We
will use the dirt removed to fill places in the 2nd straight. Today worked
to fill some wash out in the decision-maker.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 05-01-2011 RAIN DAY
We did not work at the track today. We got rain today and things were to wet
to get close to the track, The track was dry again so it should be dry
enough for us to work tomorrow. Things are starting to get all wound up but
the work is getting done.
We were out mowing for the most part today. A little work was done on the
last straight, we raked and packed the table top. The roller and double will
be waiting for another day. We got all the mowing done early today so we
did not stay till dark today. It looks like we will be getting rain tomorrow.
southwest side of town and .80 inches in the northwest side but the area of
the track is east of those places and most heavy rain passed over the track
and we got more rain. What a great water saver this rain will be.
TOP OF PAGE 04-29-2011 NO TRACK WORK TODAY
We did not work at the track today. We spent our time getting blades off and
sharpened so we could put them on again. We plan to mow up a storm tomorrow
and need to be ready. This will be our second mowing this season, things are
looking much better now that we have had a little rain. Green is peeking out
all around now both on and off the track.
TOP OF PAGE 04-28-2011 WORK DAY
More roughing in the drainage in the last turn today. Most of this was to
build one of many dirt berms or terraces around the track to slow down our
soil erosion. We have a lot of slope on the land the track was built on, the
track was built up but around the track was not. There be much of this work
ahead
TOP OF PAGE 04-27-2011 WORK DAY
More drainage work in the last turn now that drainage area in roughed in
and ready for more rain. We also finished removing all debris from around
the track for now. We still have more raking and cleaning ahead but that
will be finish work. We will do this work as we have time. But all the big
piles of grass and rocks are now cleared, the rocks are in a pile for now.
TOP OF PAGE 04-26-2011 WORK DAY
We tried to take advantage of the rain from the other day which watered the
track and worked on the track surface this afternoon. One thing we did not
plan on happening was the track was already bone dry, we had to water before
we could work on anything. It looks like the new track will handle water
much better than the old track.
TOP OF PAGE 04-25-2011 WORK DAY
More drainage work today in the last turn. We just about have this area
roughed in. We removed a lot of dirt from this location but a little more
needed to be removed for better drainage off to the side of the track. We
still have a bit of drainage work ahead before we open the track. We want to
get this work finished before we groom the track as some of it involves
ditches across the 1st and last straights. Also we will be adding about 4
inches of dirt on top of the track to level and raise that last straight
work area.
TOP OF PAGE 04-24-2011 RAIN DAY
It has been a long time coming but as yesterday became today the rain
started to drop from the sky above. The storms we had watched develope just
southeast of us on Friday were over our heads today. A line of storms which
stayed here most of the day and developed along a familiar southwest to
northeast line. At times it was heavy rain but most of the time it was a
nice slow shower which had time to soak in and not run off. Needless to say
we did no work today however one person was out and trying. With shoes
covered with mud a lesson was learned.
Our National Weather Service has said we got .89 inches of rain in the
southwest side of town and .80 inches in the northwest side but the area of
the track is east of those places and most heavy rain passed over the track
and we got more rain. What a great water saver this rain will be.
TOP OF PAGE 04-23-2011 WORK DAY
We had a beautiful day on tap for working today. After watching huge storms
develope most of the day yesterday to the southeast of the city area. Those
storms never made it to the city so we watched as rain fell just miles away.
We did get a very brief shower early today most of the day we had clouds and
windy conditions but no rain. We had a great time out working today. We got
a lot of work done and had time to begin to ride the track. It is still very
rough and loose but as it is with our species there is a way found. After a
few slow passes then comes a 'line' and then the flow begins.
TOP OF PAGE 04-22-2011 WORK DAY
It was another day we got out late in the day to work on cleanup around the
track. Most of our time was devoted to cleanup but we also spent time on
grass removal. Today we had gone over most of the track except the triple
going into the 1st turn and the 1st turn. Today we had 95% of all piles of
rocks both on and off to the side of the track cleaned up and a majority of
the removed grass and weeds cleaned up as well.
TOP OF PAGE 04-21-2011 WORK DAY
We had another day we were supposed to get rain but it never came to the
city. We spent time out at the track today, we took advantage of the low
wind speed today to spray Roundup to kill our grass. We got about half the
track sprayed this afternoon. If it don't rain overnight we may be able to
finish tomorrow. We will see since we are forecast to get rain tomorrow.
TOP OF PAGE 04-20-2011 WORK DAY
Today we cleaned up piles of rocks and dirt just to make more to move when
we worked on more drainage ditch cleaning today. With a little more work
and either rain or watering we will have the hip turn roughed in and all the
drainage work there finished. We still have more work in the area, down the
back of the decision-maker and drainage ditch work on the far right side
of that jump. That will complete all the rough work on the 2nd straight, it
will be ready for finish work.
TOP OF PAGE 04-19-2011 WORK DAY
More work on the 1st straight today. We have some time late in the day and
we worked to get this straight cleared. We may put a drain pipe in yet but
that will have to wait till we have equipment to dig with and then we will
put in at least 3 drains to finish the drain work.
TOP OF PAGE 04-18-2011 DAY OFF
Today we all took a day off to do other things. Not sure what the others did
but I spent some time working on a neighbors computer. Replace the hard
drive and clean up several nasty infections. So bad it took 3 scans with
several programs to clean up the mess.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-17-2011 WORK DAY
Our work today was focused on the area off to the side of the track. We
still have lots of grass and rocks to clean up. We are more than half
finished now and when we are finished we will be able to mow and weedeat.
We still need to install some drain pipes, 2 or maybe 3 to finish the
drainage system.
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 04-16-2011 WORK DAY
It was a fine day and we spent a lot of time working on the top of the
starting hill. Planning what our start area, where the gate will be located
and how big our gate slab would be. Looks like we will have a slab 30 feet
wide and about 8 feet down the hill. Later we plan to add another 5-6 feet
behind the gate. We also worked on clean up on the side of the track.
TOP OF PAGE 04-15-2011 WINDY DAY
We took off again today but it was more from the weather than anything else.
Did we say WINDY? Because if we did not say WINDY we need to say WINDY.
Mother Nature was all about showing us how windy Oklahoma really is today.
Our average wind speed was just over 26mph and our high gust was 67mph.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-14-2011 WORK DAY
Another day of getting things cleaned up. You may be getting tired of
hearing that but we have a huge amount of material (grass, weeds, dirt and
rocks) to move. We also have to move a lot of dirt to start working on the
track. In 2 years there has been some washout from the track, that will
need to be replaced. We have some of this done already. We have much more
of this work ahead.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 04-13-2011 EQUIPMENT AND OTHER WORK
More work on our truck today. We finally tracked down the problem with our
lighting system for the trailer. Maybe once a long time ago that mess did
look good but it does not now. Some changes are order and one is to change
out the wiring from the trailer plug to the truck wiring. We have the parts
now we will get it done. We also worked for a couple hours at the track.
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 04-12-2011 DAY OFF
We took the day off from work on the track but we did do work at the track
today. Most of our work was on the south west side of the open area. The
area south of the pipeline right-of-way in the tree line. We are setting up
several areas for storage of material for the new track. One thing we are
starting is to make some compost for use at the track. A money saver in the
long run, we will have recycled material for the compost and some of that
material will come from cleaning up the track and our property. Less waste.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-11-2011 DAY OFF
Everyone took off the whole day for other things today. It is Spring time
and we need to attend to our personal space.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-10-2011 DAY OFF
There was no work at the track today however we did do a little work to
prepare for pouring concrete in 2 places. Reading to learn because we will
be doing the work. We have a slab for our Porta-potty and the first slab on
the starting hill.
TOP OF PAGE 04-09-2011 WORK DAY
More mowing today. Most everything got mowed today, We did not mow along the
sidewalk on the south side of the property, that area is mowed by the city.
Since it has been so dry here we were covered in dirt and dust at the end
of our day. We need rain bad.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-08-2011 WORK DAY
First day of mowing this season. Today we used 'Killer' to mow down most of
the area on the north side of the track from the starting hill and staging
to the 1st turn. We also mowed the area on the east side of our property, an
area about 60 feet wide by about 300 feet.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-07-2011 EQUIPMENT WORK
Today we spent most of our day working on the Dixon mower. We need to tune
it up, change the oil and filters along with the blades. It is in need of
several parts which we got ordered today. One pulley needed to be replaced
and our parts dealer had it in stock so we can mow until the other parts
arrive. For the next year or so this mower will get a beating when we mow.
We still have many areas around our 'work site' which are rough and need
a finishing touch, all in time.
What have you done at your local track this week?
TOP OF PAGE 04-06-2011 EQUIPMENT WORK
It was time today to work on 'Killer' for another mowing season. Working on
this mower has become a routine thing. The recoil for the pull start has
been a problem. We have already replaced several parts and done other work
but it is still acting up. The pull start got a lot of attention today and
we replaced filters, cleaned up and replaced the blade today. We will take
it to the track some time this week for more testing of our repairs.
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 04-05-2011 EQUIPMENT WORK
It is becoming a big mess. Things are starting to pile up around us and we
are getting more work to do. What is it, we are getting items donated to the
track. Now we have a little more equipment and that means more maintenance
work for us to do. Today we worked on 'Killer' for the mowing season. We
will be getting rain soon and we will need to prepare for that since we have
so much to mow.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 04-04-2011 OFF DAY
Another day off for other things. Later in the evening we did work on
drawings for the Porta-potty enclosure. Now we wait for a while till we get
things ready for other work. Some rental equipment is needed for several
jobs and we are getting things in line for all this work. It was also
another day without rain.
TOP OF PAGE 04-03-2011 WORK DAY
More work on the rhythm section today and we started work on drainage for
last turn. Our drain pipe for the last turn needs some touchup and the turn
has had no drainage work since we built the track over 2 years ago. Now it
is much better shape, now we need grass back in that area.
TOP OF PAGE 04-02-2011 WORK DAY
It was a party at the track today because we had help working today. Part of
us worked to clean up our big mess and some worked on the rhythm section
(3rd straight). This is really our 1st time at working to get any of the
track ready for riding. From the looks of what happened today we have a huge
amount of work ahead.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 04-01-2011 WORK DAY
After spending some time working on the trailer for the track we got things
ready for working with the Bobcat this weekend. We are having a problem with
the lights and still have not been able to pin down what is causing us to
not have brake and turn signal lightups on the left side of the trailer. It
is beginning to look like it is the truck wiring and not the trailer wiring.
TOP OF PAGE 03-31-2011 WORK DAY
Got a late start to work on the track today. More work on cleaning up around
the track. Today we worked on the 1st straight and getting more johnson
grass removed. Man this stuff grows everywhere and it is a job to remove.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-30-2011 WORK DAY
All this track is getting cleaned up and we are starting to look forward to
our little job which is getting the enclosure built to our Porta-potty. We
have the area marked off and most of it cleared of grass. Today we worked on
screening the removed dirt. We do have a lot of rocks now and there will be
many more screened before we open the new track. We may use some of the
smaller rocks for landscaping.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-29-2011 WORK DAY
More work on the 1st straight today. We spent our time cleaning up grass and
rocks into piles for removal. Now we have most of the track cleared of grass.
We will have much more soon to contend with but that will be green and we
can kill it with Roundup. It really is looking like a BMX track again.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-28-2011 DAY OFF
Started work on the last places to clear on the track. Not much left and
what is left is on the 1st straight. The jumps of the 1st straight are all
already cleared of grass. We will not clear the starting hill until the
gate is installed. Next up on the track is beginning to smooth and pack
until we pour the gate.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-27-2011 WORK DAY
Another evening of work on the track today. We finished clearing out the
debris in the 1st turn and are left with all the dirt we screened out of the
material we dug out of the turn to clear the grass. Some nice dirt and we
will use it to smooth and finish the turn. Our weather started to change
today, most of the week we had rain in the forecast for today but it stayed
north and cooled down into the 40s.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-26-2011 WORK DAY
Most of our work for today was in the 1st turn. We finished screening the
last pile of dirt/grass and spent a little time cleaning up more johnson
grass. Next up will be finishing the 1st straight and getting our concrete
poured on the starting hill and for the potty enclosure and fence. Looks
like next week we will have our hands full of work to prepare. We had
another nice day except the wind was a little on the up side but it didn't
cause much trouble today not like yesterdays winds.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-25-2011 WORK DAY
It was another day were we spent time getting another permit of the track.
This was the last for a while at least until we are open for some time. We
have 2 items left to build and our construction is finished. The concrete
on the starting hill and our enclosure for the Porta-Potty. We started to
clean up a place for the potty, its fence and concrete slab. Another windy
but nice day today. We still have rain in the forecast for Thursday or Friday.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-24-2011 WORK DAY
We had another nice day to be out working on the track today, it was windy
but nice for being outside working. We worked on the 1st straight today and
finished cleaning between the triple and double as well as some touchup on
the backside of the double. Now it looks good except the places we dug out
the johnson grass. Now we have only about 100 feet left to finish the job.
There was some work on our electric service today and now we have the last
of our utilities installed. We are going down the backside now.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-23-2011 WORK DAY
It was time to work on some of our equipment today to get ready for mowing
and weed eating around our property. The Dixon needs some parts replaced and
an oil change and new filters for the season. An oil change and filter for
the weedeater and get our power rakes back in shape for smoothing the track.
Lots of work ahead to get ready.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-22-2011 WORK DAY
Started work on the last places to clear on the track. Not much left and
what is left is on the 1st straight. The jumps of the 1st straight are all
already cleared of grass. We will not clear the starting hill until the
gate is installed. Next up on the track is beginning to smooth and pack
until we pour the gate.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-21-2011 WORK DAY
Worked on the triple going into the 1st turn today, it is now clear of grass
but not the mess. There is more work on the 1st straight and a little
cleaning up on the other 2 jumps but we are down to the last straight now.
It won't be long till we are ready for smoothing and packing.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-20-2011 WORK DAY
At last we have come to the end of work in the 1st turn. We still have 2
small piles of dirt/grass to screen and this is finished. It was a lot of
work to get this thing cleared. Today it was very windy and we all eat a
bunch of dirt. We hauled 6 pickup loads of grass out today and screened at
least a dozen wheelbarrow loads of rocks were removed also. We do however
have some really nice clean dirt we screened in the process.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-19-2011 WORK DAY
We took most of the day off today for other things but did manage to get in
about 4 hours of work. The back side of the last turn was almost cleared.
Once this is cleared all the area around the track will have been cleared
of tall grass and weeds. We still have a few big piles of dirt and grass to
haul out of the turn but we are getting close to finishing the turn.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-18-2011 WORK DAY
Another day of work at the traack with the Bobcat. Today we worked on the
finishing touches to our work from yesterday and started work in the area
between the 3rd and last straights. Added some dirt here and there and
started to dig out the last turn. We atill have a 2 drains to install in
this area. OG&E was out again today to flag the trench for our service.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-17-2011 WORK DAY
We accidentlly met with OG&E this morning when we arrived at the track.
They were out to see where we had staked out things around the electric
service. They also wanted us to do a little dirt work to help get things
where we could agree on the install of the underground service piping. Later
in the day we were back with the Bobcat and finished our part of the work
and other work we had planned.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-16-2011 WORK DAY
Things were going well today. Our electrician met with OG&E this morning
to look at the situation for our service. Work on the 1st turn continued
today with the clearing of all the debris in the turn. We were working on
a screener today as well. Until we have some power we will use a stationary
unit small enough to load by hand (shovel). We got about 1/3 of the turn
cleared today.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-15-2011 2011 TEAM SERIES / WORK DAY MJT 2011 Oklahoma State Team Championship Series
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Randy Webb there will be a state
wide team series in 2011. A team can be most any group who passes the rules
for competition. Anyone who would like to form a team is welcome to enter.
The rules and team sheet paperwork are available below in WORD, EXCEL and
PDF formats. If you need more information drop us an email and we will
help you contact Randy Webb. Oklahoma State Team Championship Series.doc Oklahoma State Team Championship Series.pdf Roster and team sheet.xls Roster and team sheet.pdf
More working with OG&E today on our electric service. Now it looks like
we finally have everything in line to get the service installed. The is no
scheduled date so we will have to wait till they are ready. We are hoping it
will be in the next couple weeks.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-14-2011 WORK DAY
Another day of work today but we did no work at the track. Our electric
service seems to have stalled again. After a few calls and much waiting on
hold and navigating electronic phone systems we found out work had stopped
on April 4th. We were told on April 7th that OG&E would be notified to
begin work on our entrance service, that did not happen. Late this afternoon
we were notified that email had been sent. Another example of what we have
been working with for nearly 5 years.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-13-2011 WORK DAY
Today some worked on the track, some worked on a piece of equipment we need
to help with our track work and a few rode the track. Mind you it is still
rough all over but being BMX racers they were able to find a 'line' smooth
enough to ride. They had fun and that was the most important thing. Today
most of the step-up triple going into the 1st turn was cleared of grass. We
ran out of time to test our newest piece of equipment but that will come
soon. While working today we did get some very light misting rain, not
enough to wet things down but it may if it lasts all night. If wet enough
tomorrow we may try to smooth and pack some of the track.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-12-2011 WORK DAY
The first turn was cleared today of all grass. Now on to the mess we made.
Next up is finishing the 1st straight. The turn is looking much, much better
now along with the rest of the track. Soon it will look good enough to at
the least get in some time for practice. Our next big job will be our
Porta-Potty enclosure with concrete pad require by the city. Once that is
finished we will install the gate and finish our water service control
enclosure. That will complete our construction before opening the track.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-11-2011 WORK DAY
Today is was official 'The Beast' was at Sooner Pearl. What is 'The Beast'
you may ask. A 1986 Dodge Ramcharger. At the old Sooner Pearl we had an
older Nissan 4wd pick up we used to pack most of the track. During the
build of the new track the Nissan met an untimely end in an accident. May it
rest in peace (if that is possible for a vehicle destroyed when hit by a
drunk drive while parked). It is big, ugly and heavy which makes a good
candidate for a track packer. Thanks to James Vanek for the use of 'The Beast'.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-10-2011 WORK DAY
Grass is all gone but the johnson grass and about 1/2 the turn is clear of
that as well. The turn is beginning to look good but is still rough and will
need a lot of work to use for racing. We may be able to finish the clearing
and clean up the mess by the end of the weekend ahead. That is a large turn!
We also had some interesting events today when leaving the track about dark.
We were able to prevent a person from dumping trash in the park.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-09-2011 WORK DAY
We worked on the 1st turn again today and got all but about 20 square feet
cleared of grass, tomorrow we will finish this and start working on removing
the johnson grass and roots. The end in in sight for this turn.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-08-2011 WORK DAY
A good day for working on the track and that is what happened. The 1st turn
is now about clear of grass but we still have a lot of debris to remove. We
had not removed all the johnson grass yet, this will be the last thing
removed because it requires much more digging than the other grasses.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-07-2011 WORK DAY
A long day of many jobs was on tap today. There was no work on the track
surface today. We worked many other things that also have to be finished.
Another few calls to the City and a meeting about our electric service got
all out work out of the way now we are waiting on others for the final work
to be done. More work on design of our Porta-Potty enclosure, we are hoping
to get a permit this week. Until we get another building this enclosure will
be our last job to complete construction on our building permit. Our next
construction will be concrete for the gate.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-06-2011 WORK DAY
What a wonderful day to be out working on our new track. Now that we have a
good method worked out to clear the grass and weeds things are going much
faster. We have tried several ways to do this and now we a good plan. When
we started work today the 1st turn was about 1/2 complete, when we left it
was near 3/4 complete. There is a mess to clean up but the grass is going
away and the turn is starting to look much better. The thing is so big and
it is by far the worst overgrown.
We also got a good start on clearing the back of the 3rd turn today. This
is the last area off track to be cleared. Another job which will give us
more debris to remove off the track.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-05-2011 WORK DAY
More work on the 1st turn. We have made it to about half cleared today. It
is beginning to look good. This turn is big, maybe the biggest in Oklahoma
and is the only place there is a turn inside a turn at any Oklahoma track.
Today work began on our next project at the track. With no building we are
using Porta-Potties. The City requires us to build and enclosure with a
sight-proof fence and concrete slab to 'hide' things. Our design work began
today. We will also have to buy a permit to install the fence around it,
one thing we have learned is they get you coming and going once a
construction project starts. We have spent over 10% of our budget for fees,
permits and inspections and still have a few more items before us in this
catagory.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-04-2011 SUPER NATIONAL - WORK DAYS
Today is the start of the Super Nationals in DeSoto Texas. This race is
close to us and there will be a bunch of Oklahoma riders there to compete
and bring home more hardware. Best of luck to all of you, be safe, have fun
and race hard!
Today we got a lot of work done on a couple of items at the track. It was a
day of heavy work, driving many miles and getting people and work together
for a little forward progress. On the track we worked out a method to reduce
the labor to clear the track. Our 1st day has shown quite an improvement in
the speed the work is done. We also got some work going on our electric
service today, it has been a long time coming. We are on the downhill side
of this work now and it will be finalized soon.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-03-2011 WORK DAY
The track has been slowly but surely getting cleaned up for riding. We have
been working on it for a couple months to clear it of grass and weeds.
Mother Nature has been kind to us on the weather side we have had some rain
but the cold days have delayed this work. When we left the track today the
1st turn was about 1/3 cleared.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-02-2011 WORK DAY
It was a day of work on the track but a lot of the work was in the form of
driving and time on the phone. A call to our electrician today about the
planned timeline for the work on out service stand/box work was the topic.
Then we found out there was a problem with the permit. It has dragged on
for a long time since we have had 3 electricians and we are coming up on our
2nd inspection. Anyway a letter delivered to the City from us cleared this
up in a hurry. Then we did have a little time for working on the 1st turn.
We have rain in the forecast for Saturday and that evening. There may not be
a lot of work this weekend if we have rain. There will be many who will be
at DeSoto BMX for the Super Nationals and the volunteers will be away.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 03-01-2011 WORK DAY
Now that 1st turn is BIG, it has been a while since Billy Allen built this
track and we have forgotten how wide it is but it is big enough to have
another turn inside it. It will take some time to get this monster cleared
but we are making progress. We are hoping to get the stand for our electric
service installed this week if the nice weather holds out. We have rain in
the forecast for Friday and Friday night followed by real nice weather for
the weekend. Next weekend is the weekend of Super National in DeSoto Texas
so most everyone will be in Texas for the weekend. If we don't get rain we
may have some outside help to work but that will depend on the weather. No
rain means we finish most if not all the track clearing. We will see.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy? TTLB
TOP OF PAGE 02-28-2011 WORK DAY
The track was our last order of business today we got some of our Winter
landscaping work completed. What landscaping work was to relocate some of
our native plants to new places out of harms way and away from high traffic
areas. Our Winter weather has almost stopped us from most of the work we had
planned for this Winter, guess it will wait till next Winter. After moving
6 plants we got back to the track work on the 2nd straight to finish that
area of the track, now 4 of our 5 straights are clear of grass and 2 of the
3 turns.
So who said it was going to be easy? 02-27-2011 WORK DAY
After things have began to dry out we were out working on the track again
today. Again today we had a few extra hands out working so we got a lot of
work done on the 2nd straight. Most of this work was focused on the PRO set
and almost all the work was completed today. There were a couple places
which were still to wet to work so this will wait till tomorrow. We did make
our way to the 1st turn. Tomorrow we will finish the 2nd straight and get
back on some landscaping tasks which need to be complete before we have
come to the end of Winter.
02-26-2011 WORK DAY
Now it was a pretty nice day after about 10am when things started to clear
out and it got above freezing. By afternoon it was short sleeve weather and
a few of us got out and worked on the track. At the end of the day we had
less than half a roller to finish in the PRO set all the other jumps were
finished and we got 1 of 3 bottoms finshed in the PRO set. Soon we will have
the 2nd straight finished which is 2 straights, the amateur side and the PRO
set. We will be down to 1 turn and finishing the 1st straight to clear, then
we start the smoothing and packing. It looks like we will have a 4 wheel
drive vehicle to pack most everything on the track. A heavy vehicle with
narrow tires to get some hard packing. Yes!
02-25-2011 NO WORK TODAY
The track was way to wet to even walk on today in all but a few places. We
did have some standing water in the hip turn, this was to be expected since
we had no time to reshape it before the rain. We did have some damage today
both on and off the track. Someone rode a dirt bike around the property
since the rain. One thing for sure was they found all the soft spots on the
track where we filled in dirt but have not packed in yet. They did get muddy
the dirt bike today.
TOP OF PAGE 02-24-2011 RAIN DAY
The rain it came early this morning, we had thundershowers starting around
5am today. There was some small hail in the mix this morning. All in all
not a dry day at all. Unofficial record is 1.3 inches on rain. In a couple
ways it was a good day since we got some very needed moisture which made the
track very nice to work and it showed how some of the drainage work we have
been working on will function. Now we will have to wait for it to dry
at least 36-48 hours to dry enough to work.
02-23-2011 WORK DAY
More good weather today and we took advantage of it with the Bobcat work on
the track. Added dirt to most of the jumps in the 2nd straight where things
had washed out. Finished the fill on the hip turn but did not have time to
reshape before dark. We also dug around one of our drains and worked a
little on drainage. This was the first time we used the 3/4 ton truck to
move the Bobcat.
02-22-2011 WORK DAY
Yesterday and today the weather has cooled down a little but it was still
and good day to be out working. Nice sun shine with a little breeze. We
spent more time on the hip turn today but have done all the work we can
without a lot of fill dirt which means the Bobcat will finish this maybe
tomorrow. We also got most of the double before the hip turn cleared today.
02-21-2011 WORK DAY
Finished cleaning out 2nd turn today. All of the turn was dried out enough
to finish clearing the grass and weeds and we removed all the debris from in
the turn. There was a lot of material moved from this turn but it looks good
and as with everything else has retained its shape.
02-20-2011 WORK DAY
Hip turn work again today. Some fill dirt was loaded in the ditch and we
worked on the drainage pit and ditch. Clearing weeds, planting grass and
playing in the dirt. It was a nice day again today, really nice.
TOP OF PAGE 02-19-2011 WORK DAY
We had some great weather today and we spent several hours working on the
hip turn. We dug a ditch across this obstacle for a drain pipe, this ditch
is about 6 feet deep in one place so it will take some time to fill it and
reshape this obstacle. A job for the Bobcat is what we think. We also need
to work around the drain pipe beside the hip turn and a ditch between
the amatuer side and Pro set of the 2nd straight.
02-18-2011 WORK DAY
Late in the morning we got outside to prep the stand for delivery. The paint
was nice and dry and everything looks good so we wrapped it up with some
heavy paper wrap and loaded it for a trip to Yukon. Next item for this is
getting the enclosure box and meter base box mounted. when that is finished
we will dig a couple ditches. One ditch will be to concrete the stand in
the ground and the other is for a riser pipe for the electric service. Then
we wait for OG&E to come ditch and install the power line from the pole.
After that a Final inspection and we have permanent power service.
02-17-2011 WORK DAY
More work on the stand today with the finish coats of paint getting laid on
for a good day of drying before we deliver it to our electrician. More
wind today and our paint did not come out a fine as we had wished but it is
painted. We also made a visit to the track late today for our horse riders
watch. They were on the south side of Grand but didn't try to ride on our
property today.
02-16-2011 WORK DAY
Another day we spent working but not at the track however we were at the
track today late in the day about horse riding time. It was a good thing
because those riders were ready to ride in until they saw me holding a video
camera. They do not like those for some reason. Anyway we cleaned and
cleaned on the big ugly metal thing today to prep for painting. After we
went to the local car wash we wire brushed the welds again and wiped the
thing (we will call it a 'stand') with thinner to remove all the grease and
oil. After that a few light coats of black paint. It was almost to windy
to paint outside today and spraying was not fun.
02-15-2011 WORK DAY
A day of work but most of our work was not at the track today. Late in the
afternoon we made a visit to our favorite fab shop to have some fun and get
a job done. A few cuts on the band saw, some grinding and then the fun part.
In about 2 hours we had a big ugly greasy metal thing to hang our service
enclosure for the electric service. Next up is a paint job.
TOP OF PAGE 02-14-2011 OFF DAY
There was not work at the track today. The day was nice as far as the
weather was concerned but we were a little sore from working on the track
this weekend. We did spend time there late in the day. It seems if we are
not there the resident horse riders find there way on the track. We also had
a 4 wheeler on the track early today. Most of the track is dry so there was
not much damage.
02-13-2011 WORK DAY
What a nice day we had today. The weather was gorgeous and we got a bunch of
work done on the track. We had already cleared the last turn and the 3rd
and 4th straights. Today we worked on the 2nd turn and got it to about
90 percent cleared, there were places at the bottom which were still to wet
to work on today. We also worked on the amateur side of the 2nd straight
which was about 30 percent cleared and the last big jump in the PRO-SET was
cleaned up as well.
Some pictures from
2011 02-12-2011 WORK DAY
A couple of us got out and worked on the track today. We started our work on
the outlet end of the 2nd turn working backwards. With about 5 hours of work
we had the turn 60 percent cleared but still have a mess in the bottom. With
all the snow we had the bottom is still wet. We more or less left all our
debris in the turn. As it looks we will not be able to finish the turn
tomorrow because it will not be dry enough. We will start work on the 2nd
straight tomorrow, at least the dry areas anyway.
02-11-2011 DEAD BATTERY AND NO TIME
A combination of a low battery and loose cables was how we started this day.
After getting the battery charger out to charge the low battery we
discovered the negative cable was almost loose and needed to be cleaned. We
did that and started the charger. While that was in work we made a couple
calls and was in waiting mode. Waiting to get some shop time to cut and
fabricate out stand. Not open time today we found out about 6pm. The shop
will not be open Saturday. We will wait till next week.
A few of us will be out working on the track this weekend. The weather is
supposed to be in the 50s or 60s and today most of the track was dry.
Around the track was muddy but the track is dry enough to work.
02-10-2011 JUST A LITTLE
It was cold this morning. The official low was -5° hopefully this is as
cold as it gets this year. We were not supposed to get above freezing today
but we made it to 32° and with clear skies and lots of sunshine things
once again started to melt away. Tomorrow the streets should be clear enough
to safely navigate and we hope to fabricate the stand for our electric
service box.
TOP OF PAGE 02-09-2011 YES MORE SNOW
It was cold this morning and it was snowing when the sun came up again. The
wind was back and we again had blowing snow conditions outside. In the end
we only got 6 inches of new snow. Since it was so cold when it fell we had
dry fluffy snow and more snow drifts but nothing like last week. Tonight
we will dip into the sub zero weather with a low forecast to be -5° at
least the wind is not up like last week.
02-08-2011 MORE SNOW?
It was another above freezing day but just as the sun went down it started
again, the wind picked up and the temperatures started to fall fast. From
39° to 13° and just before midnight the snow started again. It looks
like we will be getting snow for a while and the next 2 days are not
looking good. A repeat of last week.
02-07-2011 MELTING
So things are really melting away, we had above freezing temperatures for
36 hours. Now most of the streets are clear and some are dry and completely
cleared of snow and ice. So things are getting better outside just in time
for another round of snow, wind and very cold weather. They are forecasting
the snow to start late tomorrow and we may get up to another 12 inches of
snow.
02-06-2011 MELTING
Another warm day and things really got to melting today. Still this morning
walking in a yard meant snow drifts up to the knees and huge piles in
parking lots. There will be snow around for many days to come. Speaking of
snow we now have more in the forecast for the coming week along with even
colder temps.
02-05-2011 SOME RELIEF
The we made it up to 47° and the mostly fluffy snow with a thin layer of
ice under it really started to melt today. The salt, sand and melted snow
left the usual layer of grime on our vehicles but it was possible to drive
safely during the daylight hours.
The afternoon found us out working in the ice and snow. A friend who is
disabled needed help. Not being able to get home for 4 days was about all
they wanted of this weather. About an hour of shovel work cleared the
sidwalk to the door and parking lot and cleared a extra large Handicap
parking place. Add some rock salt for the overnight ice and they were good
to go.
TOP OF PAGE 02-04-2011 MORE SNOW
So we got a little more snow today but only about another inch so not bad
and it almost got above freezing with a lot of sun shine and very little
wind. We did have a very little thawing of things today but not much maybe
tomorrow.
We got the drawings for the electric service stand today. The weather as it
is stopped us from getting steel or any fabrication for this weekend do this
will be on the list for next week if thing get warm a dry out.
02-03-2011 SNOW + BOBCAT
Today is was still cold but the wind died down and one could go outside and
not get frostbite in a few minutes. We played around with the Bobcat today.
Now that was some fun stuff there, spinning and slipping and sliding in the
ice and snow. Had to jump start the Bobcat to get it started, it was good we
got it running today. Now the battery is charged up and ready for more cold
weather ahead.
02-02-2011 COLDER WITH NO NEW SNOW
It was not better today as far as the weather goes. Very windy, not as windy
as yesterday but colder with sub zero wind chill. Not much traffic again
today as most places stayed closed for a second day. We were still waiting
for the roads to get a little clear but with so much snow and all of it
blowing at 30mph clearing the streets is not easy. Another day to stay home
and inside.
02-01-2011 MORE SNOW AND MUCH COLDER
We started the day out and things got a lot colder as the day progressed. At
the end of the day National Weather Service had us down for almost 12 inches
of snow and ice. Low for the day was late in the day with 7° and high of
19°. Not a day to venture out and most everything was closed due to the
weather.
TOP OF PAGE 01-31-2011 HERE COME SNOW
Late today we had something we rarely have in Oklahoma, snow showers with
freezing rain, snow and thunder. The temperature has been dropping and we
bottomed out at 19° with blowing snow at midnight, the blizzard has
arrived. We could get a lot of snow and out weather forecast has below and
well below freezing highs and lows for the next few days. It may not be
pretty.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 01-29-2011 SOONER NATIONAL/WORK DAY
We had great weather today and the Sooner National was in full swing with
194 motos of racing. That was up 24 motos from last year. There will be a
whole lot of racing this weekend.
The track is now cleared from the second turn to the finish line. We will
start working on the second turn now. So we have most of the first straight
and the 3rd straight, last turn and last straight cleared completely. It is
starting to look like a BMX track again! Are you ready to ride?
01-28-2011 SOONER NATIONAL/TRACK WORK
What a great day to be outside or inside the Lazy 'E' arena racin' BMX.
Today was the pre-race which means most of the out of state riders are not
here and most racers are local riders and riders from bordering states. For
2011 the track at Sooner National is a little smaller than what we normally
see at Guthrie due to dirt working problems. The arena is used for many
events and the last events has left the dirt very wet.
We worked on the track today, still plugging away at the 3rd straight. That
work will be finished tomorrow if we get to work tomorrow. The last 2
straights will soon be in shape to get on and ride. The racing will come a
little later. Are you ready to ride?
01-27-2011 SOONER NATIONAL
Tomorrow marks the start of the 2011 Sooner National at Lazy 'E' arena in
Guthrie. Our local National for the state of Oklahoma. Our state is in an
elite group of states that have ABA National events. Not only do we have one
but we have 2 National events, the list of states which have 2 events is a
very short list. Good Luck to all our local riders.
We also worked on the track today. It was a really nice day and we got a lot
of work in on the track. Ready to ride?
01-26-2011 TRACK WORK
Today we worked on the track surface again. We are closing in on the 3rd
straight. Still a few days till this straight is cleared and raked. We have
not done any finish work on any of the track. We also talked more to the
parks department about the tree cutting across the street. We had nice
weather today. We also ran the horse riders off the property again today.
01-25-2011 WORK DAY
We have some great weather today and we spent some of the day working on
the track among other things. Our work on the track is coming along maybe
not as fast as some would like. We did have a little incident in the park
today. We talked to park department officials and 911 about people cutting
trees in the park south of our property.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 01-24-2011 TRACK WORK
Another day of work on the track surface and some time spent on our
electric service. We met with our electrician to talk about the new power
service and to deliver our power service box. We will need to build an
enclosure and stand for the box and meter. At least there is some movement
on this and we hope to have power soon. Considering it took 2 years to get
water service soon may mean months from now.
01-23-2011 REST DAY
After the work we did yesterday we needed a day of rest, mostly me who
needed the rest day. We did however catch 3 horse riders out late in the day
riding on the property. It looks like this will be an ongoing thing running
off the horses and riders. We guess they don't understand they could have a
lot of headaches from the local police if caught riding in a city park.
01-22-2011 TRACK WORK
Today we spent a little time working on the track. Our plan is to continue
to clear the growth from the track surface and fill all washed out areas.
Once we have the track cleared and filled we will begin to smooth and pack
the surface for riding. We also need to build the forms and pour concrete
for our new starting gate.
01-21-2011 NO WORK TODAY
Today we spent a little time getting things arranged for the newest item the
track has purchased. We now have a heavy duty truck to tow the Bobcat with
since the little monster was just a little to much for a 1/2 ton truck to
tow. Now we have a very nice clean 1984 Chevy 3/4 ton pickup. This truck is
a very nice all original truck and loaded to the max with options. Next week
we will prepare the hitch for the trailer.
01-20-2011 ELECTRICAL WORK
It was another day of work on our electric service. We have now purchased a
box to store the service wiring. This box is for an outdoors application and
is weather tight. Next is to construct a stand or rack to hang this box and
other boxes to finish our service. Then we will ditch for the underground
wiring to our sevice box and then our final inspection and hookup of the
electric.
We also got a little snow and ice today. Not even enough to really cover the
ground and the roads. Since it has been warm (above freezing) the roads
cleared off quickly.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 01-19-2011 SPENDING MONEY
We were on the road early today working to get some errands our of our way
and purchasing the main power box for our electric service. The main box is
quite large 30x36x8 inches. Due to money limitations we had to purchase a
used box, this caused us to wait until we could locate a box. A new free
standing box is well over $1400, we opted to use a wall mounted box instead
and was able to locate a used box for around $300 but we will have to
fabricate a stand to hang this and other boxes.
01-18-2011 DRY AND WARM
We had some last minute changes to the weather forecast and it was a good
thing too. We had rain in the forecast for today but last night the forecast
was changed and the rain was removed, imagine that. Well it was warm (our
high was 43°) and we had some clouds but the rain never came.
01-17-2011 WORK DAY
A few of us made our way to the track today for some work. We worked on the
first straight, clearing grass and weeds. We made it almost to the first
turn from the bottom of the starting hill. We still have a huge amount of
work to finish this clearing so we can fill the washed out places and start
to smooth and pack.
01-16-2011 COOLER TODAY
Our weather forecast has fog and a chance of freezing drizzle this morning
and warming up above freezing in the afternoon. Our weather is going back
and forth from cold to warm and this means we have some crazy weather ahead
in the next few weeks. We did not work at the track today, we had home stuff
to attend to today.
01-15-2011 TRACK WORK
Today the weather was by far warm enough to get out and enjoy so we headed
to the track for more work. We have been working on the track surface and
getting things cleared in order to get the track groomed, smoothed and begin
packing in the soil. It will be a lot of work and will take time, working
around the weather.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 01-14-2011 TRACK WORK
Another day to get out of the house and enjoy our somewhat warmer weather
for today. We made it up into the 50s today and the wind was light so it was
pretty nice outside and we worked on the track this afternoon. Racing
tonight at Yukon BMX even with the colder temps, have fun and good luck.
01-13-2011 CHANGE OF PLANS
As always the beginning of a new year brings changes and this year ia no
exception. Sand Springs BMX has changed their race and practice schedule for
2011. They are now practicing on Tuesday evening and racing on Thursday
evening. Word is this will be the schedule for 2011, this is a change to
allow for traveling to other tracks for weekend races.
01-12-2011 VEHICLE WORK AGAIN
Now it it looking like there was more damage than we had thought and we will
be having more trouble in the future. One thing is for sure, if you have a
vehicle do not let it set for long periods of time. Setting for over a year
has brought many repairs, brakes, battery, fuel pump, starter and now the
water pump is down and the heater along with it. This is not fun and it was
to cold to work on the thing outside today.
01-11-2011 VEHICLE DOWN
The pickup is down today. It seems there is a problem with the cooling
system and the heater. Late in the day was when it started to act up and we
now have coolant leaking from the engine area. It is just to cold to be out
working on that thing today and we have more cold weather forecast for
tomorrow. It may be down for some time.
01-10-2011 INSIDE WORK TODAY
It was cold again today, we did not make it above freezing today and with
the wind things were pretty chilly outside today. That kind of weather has
made us stay inside to work today and we spent some time working on the
laptop we will be using for the new track. It seems the hard drive went
south on us and has to be replaced, that was done today. Next is loading
a new operating system and getting some software loaded.
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 01-09-2011 COOLER TODAY
Since the beginning of the year we have had some nice warm weather. The days
have been warm and a couple days we made it into the 60s, that is changing
today. It has cooled of to near freezing, clouds have moved in and we have
snow and or freezing rain in the forecast. Today we did get a very light
dusting of snow and even less freezing drizzle but the worst of that weather
slid south of us and we missed out on most of the heavy stuff. We have more
in the forecast for tomoorow.
01-08-2011 WORK DAY
A couple of us were out to work on the track today. It was a little cool and
the wind was not up to much so it was a nice Winter day to be out working.
All we did was start working on the surface, just clearing grass and weeds
but no smoothing or packing. We have a lot ahead of us.
01-07-2011 RACE TODAY, YUKON
It was a little cooler today than yesterday but Yukon BMX will be racing
tonight. At least the wind was down a little from yesterday so the evening
may be a little cool but good for racing. Good luck!
01-06-2011 RACE TOMORROW, YUKON
We should have a great day of weather to begin the 2011 racing season in the
Oklahoma City area tomorrow. If the wind stays up it will be a great day to
be out racing, we made it to 60° today so it was plenty warm enough. Now
to get this year rolling.
01-05-2011 ELECTRIC SERVICE
Contact with our electrician again today about the work on our electric
service. This work will have to wait again this week so other work can be
wrapped up. So many Christmas lights to take down. We need a job like that
on days like today. Nice and warm, outside work and nearly $100 per hour.
What looks wrong with that picture?
What have you done at your local track this week?
So who said it was going to be easy?
TOP OF PAGE 01-04-2011 EQUIPMENT WORK
We thought we could put things off for a few days but that was not the case
for us. We had some surprises today when we started digging around for some
equipment for the new track. Our work is still unplanned but we will be
working on finding out the problems and getting them corrected. Computer
work is sometimes fun.
01-03-2011 LONG WEEKENDS ARE OVER
Now we have gotten all the long weekends and holidays out of the way and we
can begin to focus on 2011 and all the work we have ahead. We did spend a
little bit of time today talking to our electrician about the work for our
electric service. We have to wait a few days to allow them to finish up
their year end work for 2010.
01-02-2011 DAYS OFF
We will be taking a few days off from any work on Sooner Pearl. All our work
will be for getting other things in line for other projects. A break from
all the work will be a welcome (vacation if you will) change from many of us.
01-01-2011 HAPPY NEW YEAR
It was another new year today and it was cold for the first day of 2011. We
did make it above freezing but not much above, to only 36°. At least the
wind was low today. No racing today in the Oklahoma City area but there
was racing at Sand Springs and Miami today to start the year of racing.
What have you done at your local track this week?
