CMRA Racing is in Oklahoma in May! This motorcycle road racing organization has been around for years and has spawned some of the best, top level riders this country has seen. The long list includes such names as Colin Edwards, Ben Spies, Keving Schwants, Sam McDonald, Doug Polen and the list goes on forever as a "Who's Who" of roadracing. In fact, the CMRA has produced more motorcycle roadracing champions (National and International) than any other road racing club in the world.
This is where you go to polish your skills before going to the big leagues, such as Moto GP and Superbike. The CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) was born from the CRRC (Central Road Racing Club) and it is one of the most active clubs in the nation with over 800 members. The racing is always close and most of the classes are sure to contain a national or world champion.
Linz Leard/NineSevenImages
Whether you want to give roadracing a try at an amateur level or just go watch some of the best in the country battle it out on the track, give the CMRA a try.
Today I came across an interesting post on another motorcycle blog about buying new riding gear. The author was struggling with the transfer of "stuff" from old pockets to new. If the new pockets are smaller you may have a problem.
You just never know what you might find out there cruising the backroads of Oklahoma. Like maybe a yard full of bowling balls?
About a mile northeast of Nowata you'll find a curious art installation- made completely of bowling balls. A sign at the driveway invites you in and encourages visitors to see the "special bowling balls" in the little house. Of course the little house is made from, you guessed it... bowling balls!
The installation is the work of Chris Barbee, a retiree who just wanted something to do with his newfound spare time. His wife's rose garden needed some extra ornamentation so Chris added some homemade "gazing balls." They were old bowling balls. Those gazing balls gave him the inspiration- that plus a huge surplus of bowling balls- so next he built a fence.
As the popularity of bowling in America declined, the supply of unloved bowling balls skyrocketed. Disposing of something so indestructible was challenging, even resale shops and thrift stores stopped accepting the hefty orbs. So when Chris posted a sign in front of his home asking for old bowling balls, the responses literally rolled in.
Today the installations include a rosary, the alphabet, an American flag, a pool table and many more. It's become so popular there's even a website devoted to the Bowling Ball Man and a listing on Roadside America. If you'd like to visit the Bowling Ball Man head toward Nowata on your preferred highway- it's at the junction of US-60 and US-169. Depending on which way you're traveling watch for a sign on Road E021 or N4150- then go a little over a mile up the gravel road.
Here's a slideshow with some more photos from our visit to Nowata and the bowling ball lawn art...
Chris continues to expand his collection. If you have bowling balls, trophies, bowling pins or other related memorabilia be sure to load it up and donate it!
Beginning May 12, 2012 viewers in 19 states will be able to enjoy our highly entertaining show via the TUFF-TV network.
TUFF-TV launched in 2009 offering sports and outdoor programming targeted at men. Since we both happen to be men we thought it sounded like a great fit! That means our show (and advertisers) are seen all over the country, including major markets like Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle and Charlotte. Heck, you can even get it in Oklahoma City! So help us spread the news, and tune in Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM and Sundays at 11:30 AM CST.
And here's a handy link if you're wondering whether a TV station near you carries TUFF-TV...
First off we wanted to let everybody know Brookside Motorcycle Company will have their Spring vintage bike show this Sunday, April 29th. Head over between 11 am to 3 pm and enjoy free barbecue! Come out and say hey and look for me and Brad- we might even have some cool swag for you!
Also, our good friends at the Rock Cafe in Stroud are inviting everyone to ride up and play TV star this Sunday. They're filming a scene for an upcoming television series about Route 66 and the Rock Cafe. So if you're not enjoying vintage bikes and barbecue at Brookside, run up to Stroud and play Hollywood!
And those are not the only awesome motorcycle happening this weekend. For a list of events in and around Oklahoma be sure to check out our free motorcycle events calendar.
