Looking for an excuse to get out of the house? Consider taking a bridge tour.
No matter whether you prefer to do your touring by car or motorcycle, a bridge tour is a great excuse to discover some unique Oklahoma history.
A few months ago we heard about an unusual bridge that happens to be the longest one-lane bridge in Oklahoma. After a little research my wife and I found its location- and discovered several interesting websites about old and unique bridges.
Finding historic, unusual or defunct bridges close to home is really quite easy. And interesting. We browsed for older bridges close by and found several interesting examples- mostly the metal girder style that's shaped like a camel's hump- thus the name "camel back truss" to describe this type of bridge.
One unique design that caught my eye was a bridge south of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma that sported two inverted triangles for supports. A friend who grew up nearby tells me it was a popular pastime for young hooligans to ride their Schwinn Stingrays across the narrow iron beams.
Oklahoma has a diverse inventory of historic bridges. In fact, 171 have been identified as worthy of consideration for the National Register of Historic Places. Granted, many are not picturesque- most of them are the steel girder style. I'm not aware of any wooden covered bridges like you see on a jigsaw puzzle- you'd probably have to travel back East for something that old. However, there is one bridge in Oklahoma like none other in the world.
On I-44 near Vinita you'll find the only restaurant situated over a U.S. Interstate Highway. The Glass House restaurant opened in 1957 as a fine dining venue for transcontinental travelers. Today it's a McDonald's and lays claim to being the world's largest. The food may not be as good, but it still serves hungry drivers heading east or west on the Will Rogers Turnpike.
Exploring historic bridges can be fun because they're usually in rural areas- the type of place you might go for a Sunday drive anyway. Plus the history these bridges reveal can tell you a lot about a community, the landscape or the road that passes over them. It's also interesting to see the engineering of these older contraptions with exposed hardware, something hidden by concrete on most modern bridges. These exposed spans show off an artistic lattice of iron and rivets from an era before pre-stressed concrete became the preferred material for bridges.
Oh, and that one-lane bridge that started all this?
Still haven't been there. But it's a converted railroad bridge across the Canadian River built in 1902. It connects the towns of Wanette and Byars. Total length: 780 feet.
Want to make your next day trip a bridge tour?
It's easy- the darn things are almost everywhere! Here are a few links to get you started...
Bridge Hunter
Lists historic bridges all over the U.S. Use the map to search by state (there are currently 500 listings in Oklahoma) or by county or by type of bridge. Most listings include photos and map links.
Oklahoma Bridges
Wes Kinsler has been cataloging the bridges of Oklahoma since November 2000. Along with photographing historic bridges and maintaining the website, he is also a founding member of the Oklahoma Highways Group. Notable sections of this site are the Bridges by Highway and the Field Guides page that you can download and take along on your travels.
Spans of Time
This dry but informative site is the product of an Oklahoma Department of Transportation project called the Oklahoma Historic Highway Bridge Project. The site offers photos of early bridges in Oklahoma and the 171 bridges identified as candidates eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Bridges are listed mostly by type so it can be difficult to use as a reference- but it's fun to browse.
Interesting bridges you may have seen on our show...
No matter whether you prefer to do your touring by car or motorcycle, a bridge tour is a great excuse to discover some unique Oklahoma history.A few months ago we heard about an unusual bridge that happens to be the longest one-lane bridge in Oklahoma. After a little research my wife and I found its location- and discovered several interesting websites about old and unique bridges.
Finding historic, unusual or defunct bridges close to home is really quite easy. And interesting. We browsed for older bridges close by and found several interesting examples- mostly the metal girder style that's shaped like a camel's hump- thus the name "camel back truss" to describe this type of bridge.
One unique design that caught my eye was a bridge south of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma that sported two inverted triangles for supports. A friend who grew up nearby tells me it was a popular pastime for young hooligans to ride their Schwinn Stingrays across the narrow iron beams.Oklahoma has a diverse inventory of historic bridges. In fact, 171 have been identified as worthy of consideration for the National Register of Historic Places. Granted, many are not picturesque- most of them are the steel girder style. I'm not aware of any wooden covered bridges like you see on a jigsaw puzzle- you'd probably have to travel back East for something that old. However, there is one bridge in Oklahoma like none other in the world.
On I-44 near Vinita you'll find the only restaurant situated over a U.S. Interstate Highway. The Glass House restaurant opened in 1957 as a fine dining venue for transcontinental travelers. Today it's a McDonald's and lays claim to being the world's largest. The food may not be as good, but it still serves hungry drivers heading east or west on the Will Rogers Turnpike. Exploring historic bridges can be fun because they're usually in rural areas- the type of place you might go for a Sunday drive anyway. Plus the history these bridges reveal can tell you a lot about a community, the landscape or the road that passes over them. It's also interesting to see the engineering of these older contraptions with exposed hardware, something hidden by concrete on most modern bridges. These exposed spans show off an artistic lattice of iron and rivets from an era before pre-stressed concrete became the preferred material for bridges.
Oh, and that one-lane bridge that started all this?
Still haven't been there. But it's a converted railroad bridge across the Canadian River built in 1902. It connects the towns of Wanette and Byars. Total length: 780 feet.
Want to make your next day trip a bridge tour?
It's easy- the darn things are almost everywhere! Here are a few links to get you started...
Bridge Hunter
Lists historic bridges all over the U.S. Use the map to search by state (there are currently 500 listings in Oklahoma) or by county or by type of bridge. Most listings include photos and map links.
Oklahoma Bridges
Wes Kinsler has been cataloging the bridges of Oklahoma since November 2000. Along with photographing historic bridges and maintaining the website, he is also a founding member of the Oklahoma Highways Group. Notable sections of this site are the Bridges by Highway and the Field Guides page that you can download and take along on your travels.
Spans of Time
This dry but informative site is the product of an Oklahoma Department of Transportation project called the Oklahoma Historic Highway Bridge Project. The site offers photos of early bridges in Oklahoma and the 171 bridges identified as candidates eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Bridges are listed mostly by type so it can be difficult to use as a reference- but it's fun to browse.
This heavily traveled bridge on I-44 was built in 1957. And it shows.
Interesting bridges you may have seen on our show...
This is a railroad underpass on a stretch of original Route 66 near Sapulpa.
- Words and Pictures by Rex Brown
Labels: places
1 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Monday, January 25, 2010 at
9:25 AM. 
Most people hear Bartlesville and think Phillips Petroleum Company. Even though the company merged with Conoco in 2002, and subsequently moved their headquarters to Houston, the impact of Phillips on the city and its skyline is unquestionable.
Old and New
The petroleum industry brought wealth to Bartlesville beginning with the first gusher in 1897. Since then a steady flow of people and money has followed the oil business. With the wildcatters came a flood of new construction- commercial and residential. Oil companies sought out the finest craftsmen and architects to create their corporate headquarters. The homes of these early oilmen must have seemed like palaces to the local Osage. Oil money is responsible for much of the distinctive architecture found in Bartlesville today.
Those boomtown days are long gone, but Bartlesville remains quite cosmopolitan for a town of 35,000. Public arts such as the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and Civic Ballet are well supported by the city. Annual events like the National Biplane Association's fly-in and OK Mozart attract visitors from the world over.
Architourism
Yes, there really is such a thing. Bartlesville is home to buildings designed by many famous architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, Edward Buehler Delk, John Duncan Forsyth and a proposed expansion of the Price Tower Arts Center by Zaha Hadid. Visitors can easily find interesting buildings built in the Teens and Twenties, right up through the Seventies.
The most renowned building in Bartlesville has to be the Price Tower. The only Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper ever built, the unusual design was cutting-edge for 1956. The 19-story tower featured retail, office and residential space anchored by the headquarters of the H.C. Price Company. Today the building is home to Price Tower Arts Center, a boutique hotel and the Copper restaurant/bar.
Across the street from the Price Tower is another unusual building. Some people have compared it to a circus tent, but I've always called it the hat box. The Bartlesville Community Center was designed by William Wesley Peters, a student of Wright's. Begun in 1979 the 94,000 square foot facility has been recognized for its excellent acoustics.
Other notable buildings in B'ville include the streamline Bartlesville High School designed by John Duncan Forsyth, the Santa Fe Depot, and the original Cities Services headquarters (now known as the Reda Building).
More
To explore more of Bartlesville's architecture you can download walking tours from the Bartlesville Area History Museum. Enjoy!
Old and New
The petroleum industry brought wealth to Bartlesville beginning with the first gusher in 1897. Since then a steady flow of people and money has followed the oil business. With the wildcatters came a flood of new construction- commercial and residential. Oil companies sought out the finest craftsmen and architects to create their corporate headquarters. The homes of these early oilmen must have seemed like palaces to the local Osage. Oil money is responsible for much of the distinctive architecture found in Bartlesville today. Those boomtown days are long gone, but Bartlesville remains quite cosmopolitan for a town of 35,000. Public arts such as the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and Civic Ballet are well supported by the city. Annual events like the National Biplane Association's fly-in and OK Mozart attract visitors from the world over.
Architourism
Yes, there really is such a thing. Bartlesville is home to buildings designed by many famous architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, Edward Buehler Delk, John Duncan Forsyth and a proposed expansion of the Price Tower Arts Center by Zaha Hadid. Visitors can easily find interesting buildings built in the Teens and Twenties, right up through the Seventies.
The most renowned building in Bartlesville has to be the Price Tower. The only Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper ever built, the unusual design was cutting-edge for 1956. The 19-story tower featured retail, office and residential space anchored by the headquarters of the H.C. Price Company. Today the building is home to Price Tower Arts Center, a boutique hotel and the Copper restaurant/bar. Across the street from the Price Tower is another unusual building. Some people have compared it to a circus tent, but I've always called it the hat box. The Bartlesville Community Center was designed by William Wesley Peters, a student of Wright's. Begun in 1979 the 94,000 square foot facility has been recognized for its excellent acoustics.
Other notable buildings in B'ville include the streamline Bartlesville High School designed by John Duncan Forsyth, the Santa Fe Depot, and the original Cities Services headquarters (now known as the Reda Building). More
To explore more of Bartlesville's architecture you can download walking tours from the Bartlesville Area History Museum. Enjoy!
Labels: places
2 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, November 13, 2009 at
11:12 AM.
On our third episode we visited Fort Gibson, Oklahoma then turned south and explored OK-10. We discovered that no matter who you are, you'll probably find something to enjoy on Oklahoma State Highway 10.
Greenleaf State Park is located near Braggs, Oklahoma and is one of the seven original Oklahoma State Parks. The centerpiece of Greenleaf is a sparkling 900-acre lake. The lake and rustic rock cabins were originally built in the Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Later renovations were performed by German POWs housed at nearby Camp Gruber. Another unique structure is the Gruber Group Camp building which once served as the officer's lounge, and is still used occasionally by the National Guard and Reserve.
In addition to 15 cabins, Greenleaf offers visitors an 18 mile hiking trail, bike trails, a heated fishing dock, more than 200 campsites and a nature center offering year-round programming. A special “cabin in the lake” is an award-winning facility reserved for handicapped visitors. The group camp is also available for family reunions and groups. Boats and canoes are available for rental, but personal watercraft are not allowed on Greenleaf Lake.
Just a few miles up Highway 10 from Braggs, Oklahoma is the Gruber ORV area. This is a popular off-road vehicle riding area known for its rocky terrain and wooded trails. The park was created in 1990 when a 455-acre sliver of Camp Gruber was deeded to Muskogee County. The property is bounded on the east by Oklahoma Highway 10 and the Arkansas River on the west.
Regional competitions are held at Gruber including enduros, observed trials and cross-country races. But lots of folks like to just come out and spend an afternoon putting around. There are plenty of challenging trails that twist through these woods and over rocky ledges.
Greenleaf State Park is located near Braggs, Oklahoma and is one of the seven original Oklahoma State Parks. The centerpiece of Greenleaf is a sparkling 900-acre lake. The lake and rustic rock cabins were originally built in the Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Later renovations were performed by German POWs housed at nearby Camp Gruber. Another unique structure is the Gruber Group Camp building which once served as the officer's lounge, and is still used occasionally by the National Guard and Reserve.In addition to 15 cabins, Greenleaf offers visitors an 18 mile hiking trail, bike trails, a heated fishing dock, more than 200 campsites and a nature center offering year-round programming. A special “cabin in the lake” is an award-winning facility reserved for handicapped visitors. The group camp is also available for family reunions and groups. Boats and canoes are available for rental, but personal watercraft are not allowed on Greenleaf Lake.
Just a few miles up Highway 10 from Braggs, Oklahoma is the Gruber ORV area. This is a popular off-road vehicle riding area known for its rocky terrain and wooded trails. The park was created in 1990 when a 455-acre sliver of Camp Gruber was deeded to Muskogee County. The property is bounded on the east by Oklahoma Highway 10 and the Arkansas River on the west.
Regional competitions are held at Gruber including enduros, observed trials and cross-country races. But lots of folks like to just come out and spend an afternoon putting around. There are plenty of challenging trails that twist through these woods and over rocky ledges.
Labels: places
1 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, November 6, 2009 at
7:55 AM.
Highway 20 was one of Oklahoma’s original state highways. A map from 1925 (right) shows Route 20 running from Claremore to the Arkansas state line, pretty much the same as today. Later it was extended west, through the Osage. Today OK-20 runs 144 miles from the western terminus just shy of Ralston, Oklahoma to the Oklahoma state line at Three Corners. The stretch of OK-20 between Salina and Jay is known locally as Copperhead Trail. These twisties are legendary and attract motorcyclists from far and wide. The road, like its namesake, is twisty and has been known to bite the unsuspecting. No matter what you're driving- pay attention and watch your speed.
There are also numerous side roads along this route that are worth exploring if you have the time. We'll begin in Salina, at the junction where Highway 20 meets Highway 82...
Salina is on the shores of Lake Hudson. Long before the lake was built Salina was a trading post and Oklahoma’s first white settlement. Auguste Pierre Choteau, a trader from St. Louis, set up camp here and traded furs with the local Indians. But when we visit Salina today we usually trade at the Dairy Deal. Check out their sign and you can see who has a birthday coming up, and their malts are pretty darn good.From the 20/82 junction we'll find our first side trip: Kenwood Road.
Head east from the junction and the road follows along a beautiful creek. Eventually you'll pass through the town of Kenwood, an old Cherokee town. If you continue east the road winds its way to OK-10/US-59. Alternatively you can turn north toward Upper Spavinaw- that turnoff is marked by a sign for the Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area.
If you continue eastbound on 20 from Salina you'll head north through gentle curves. A few miles outside of Salina the curves begin tightening up as you approach the ridge that runs along Spavinaw Creek. Watch your speed here, especially when you see an unusual warning sign- it marks a decreasing radius corner that has taken out more than few motorcycle riders.
Eventually the twists and turns descend into the valley along the creek and passes the Spavinaw State Park. The park is a great spot to pull over and watch the water roll over the spillway. Tulsans might recognize the lake as the source of their drinking water. A concrete flowline runs from this dam to Lake Yahola in North Tulsa. When the dam was completed in 1924 it created the first man-made lake in northeastern Oklahoma, and made Spavinaw an instant resort destination. Just past the town of Spavinaw highways 20 and 82 part company. Highway 20 continues east toward Jay, passing the tiny town of Eucha and State Highway 28. Jay is the county seat of Delaware County and the limestone block courthouse marks the center of town. You'll also see a road sign for OK-127, our next side trip: Zena Loop
The Zena Loop, or the roller coaster as we like to call it, is a 12 mile stretch of twists and turns that pass through the tiny community of Zena, Oklahoma. But watch your speed, the curves aren’t marked and there is absolutely no shoulder! At the end you can turn south and return to 20, or turn around and do it again!
OK-20 continues on past Jay toward Arkansas and Missouri. This final stretch of Oklahoma 20 runs along the Arkansas border for about 5 miles. This is the only state highway in the United States that shares the highway signs of two states: Arkansas 43 and Oklahoma 20. Just in case that isn’t confusing enough, the next road sign you’ll see is Missouri 43. That marks the end of Oklahoma’s 20 at Three Corners. There’s an Ozark Historical Society marker here that marks the spot where Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma meet. Well worth a photo stop!
From here you can keep going for a few more minutes and be in Noel, Missouri- ready to tour Missouri’s highway 90. But that’s a story for another day!
Labels: places
1 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, October 16, 2009 at
3:50 PM.
Long before there was a Hard Rock Cafe- heck, long before there was hard rock, there was the Rock Cafe.
This popular roadside eatery in Stroud, Oklahoma has become sort of a local legend. The name describes the stone walls, made of local sandstone dug up during construction of Route 66. The brown stone walls have stood the test of time- and more recently fire.
This popular stop along Route 66 enjoyed a steady business from locals and travelers since opening its doors in 1936. Situated at the halfway point between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the restaurant's location was a perfect stop for weary drivers.
Stroud was, and still is, known as Midway to many Oklahomans. That's also a reference to the Howard Johnson's that once stood on the Turner Turnpike near here. In 1955 a sleek modern bridge over the Interstate opened that allowed drivers going either direction on the Turner Turnpike to stop and have a HoJo. This was a companion novelty to the Glass House on the Will Rogers Turnpike.
Several years ago an outlet mall opened also hoping to seize on Stroud's central location. It might have worked if it weren't for that darn tornado. Today on the turnpike there's just the Pike Pass toll plaza and a McDonalds between the highway lanes. But back on the Old Road, the Rock Cafe is still going strong.
A fire in 2008 nearly closed the Rock Cafe for good. Most owners would have walked away. It reopened one year later.It wasn't always. The brown stone eatery declined through the Seventies and Eighties until a resourceful girl from Yukon decided to give it a go. Dawn Welch set to work restoring the Rock Cafe, and listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. The original idea was to spend a year to get it up and running, then sell the business to finance a trip to Costa Rica. That was sixteen years ago.
Today the Rock Cafe is frequented by travelers from around the world, discovering America via the Old Road. But the greatest claim to fame came in 2006 when Disney execs working on the movie “Cars” visited the Rock Cafe looking for inspiration. They stopped looking for a burger, but left with a good deal more. Welch inspired the character Sally Carrera, otherwise known as the blue Porsche voiced by Bonny Hunt.
This popular roadside eatery in Stroud, Oklahoma has become sort of a local legend. The name describes the stone walls, made of local sandstone dug up during construction of Route 66. The brown stone walls have stood the test of time- and more recently fire.This popular stop along Route 66 enjoyed a steady business from locals and travelers since opening its doors in 1936. Situated at the halfway point between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the restaurant's location was a perfect stop for weary drivers.
Stroud was, and still is, known as Midway to many Oklahomans. That's also a reference to the Howard Johnson's that once stood on the Turner Turnpike near here. In 1955 a sleek modern bridge over the Interstate opened that allowed drivers going either direction on the Turner Turnpike to stop and have a HoJo. This was a companion novelty to the Glass House on the Will Rogers Turnpike.Several years ago an outlet mall opened also hoping to seize on Stroud's central location. It might have worked if it weren't for that darn tornado. Today on the turnpike there's just the Pike Pass toll plaza and a McDonalds between the highway lanes. But back on the Old Road, the Rock Cafe is still going strong.
A fire in 2008 nearly closed the Rock Cafe for good. Most owners would have walked away. It reopened one year later.It wasn't always. The brown stone eatery declined through the Seventies and Eighties until a resourceful girl from Yukon decided to give it a go. Dawn Welch set to work restoring the Rock Cafe, and listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. The original idea was to spend a year to get it up and running, then sell the business to finance a trip to Costa Rica. That was sixteen years ago.
Today the Rock Cafe is frequented by travelers from around the world, discovering America via the Old Road. But the greatest claim to fame came in 2006 when Disney execs working on the movie “Cars” visited the Rock Cafe looking for inspiration. They stopped looking for a burger, but left with a good deal more. Welch inspired the character Sally Carrera, otherwise known as the blue Porsche voiced by Bonny Hunt.
0 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at
8:23 AM.
The 18th annual Ride To Work Day will be held Monday, June 15.
Ride to Work is a a non-profit organization advocating and supporting the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, and providing information about everyday riding to the public.
Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how these vehicles make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.
A weaker economy is causing many commuters to turn to motorcycles and scooters to save money on transportation. These new everyday riders are finding cycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town. Because of the world-wide depression, this year is expected to be the largest Ride to Work Day demonstration ever, according to Ride to Work.
According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America's 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.
Ride to Work is a a non-profit organization advocating and supporting the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, and providing information about everyday riding to the public.Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how these vehicles make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.
A weaker economy is causing many commuters to turn to motorcycles and scooters to save money on transportation. These new everyday riders are finding cycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town. Because of the world-wide depression, this year is expected to be the largest Ride to Work Day demonstration ever, according to Ride to Work.
According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America's 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.
0 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, May 29, 2009 at
7:21 PM.
..and all over Oklahoma!
'Tis the season for bike nights- and the schedule is really heating up! Scroll down for a list of Oklahoma Bike Nights listed by city.
Two Wheel Oklahoma will be showing up at some of the local bike nights, shooting some video and handing out some cool swag!
We will be working with Cycle Gear and Roadhouse Motorsports, showing up at a couple different spots in Tulsa. And thanks to the Roadhouse Motorsports Girls who helped us toss out goodies to the crowd at Twin Peaks last night!
Watch for us out at Twin Peaks restaurant on Thursdays, a show that typically draws over 150 bikes every week. It's a pretty cool bike night because you see all sorts of rides- cruisers, sportbikes, even a few scooters.
On Mondays we'll head up 71st Street to Freddie's. It's quickly growing into a large event. Perfect way to kick off your week!
Below we've listed all the bike nights we could find info on. If you know about another one we invite you to post a comment and let everybody know about it. You just might see us there!
Oklahoma Bike Nights
Tulsa
Mondays-
Freddie's Frozen Custard, 71st near Mingo
Wednesdays-
Schlotzsky's, 101st & Memorial
Joe's Crab Shack, 61st & Memorial
Thursdays-
Twin Peaks, Memorial at 71st
Hooters, 61st and Memorial
Oklahoma City
Mondays-
Joe's Crab Shack, NW Expressway
Tuesdays-
Sliders
Kona Ranch Steak House
Hooters Northwest
Wednesdays-
Spinozi's
Wormy Dog Saloon
Charley's Last Stand
Thursdays-
Hooters South
Cross-Eyed Moose
Norman
Tuesdays-
Santa Fe Cattle Company, I-35
Lawton
Tuesdays-
Chele's Club, 609 S. Sheridan
Guthrie
Thursdays-
Rockway Bar
Chickasha
Tuesdays-
Eduardo's
Did we miss one?
Let us know!
'Tis the season for bike nights- and the schedule is really heating up! Scroll down for a list of Oklahoma Bike Nights listed by city.Two Wheel Oklahoma will be showing up at some of the local bike nights, shooting some video and handing out some cool swag!
We will be working with Cycle Gear and Roadhouse Motorsports, showing up at a couple different spots in Tulsa. And thanks to the Roadhouse Motorsports Girls who helped us toss out goodies to the crowd at Twin Peaks last night!
Watch for us out at Twin Peaks restaurant on Thursdays, a show that typically draws over 150 bikes every week. It's a pretty cool bike night because you see all sorts of rides- cruisers, sportbikes, even a few scooters.On Mondays we'll head up 71st Street to Freddie's. It's quickly growing into a large event. Perfect way to kick off your week!
Below we've listed all the bike nights we could find info on. If you know about another one we invite you to post a comment and let everybody know about it. You just might see us there!
Oklahoma Bike NightsTulsa
Mondays-
Freddie's Frozen Custard, 71st near Mingo
Wednesdays-
Schlotzsky's, 101st & Memorial
Joe's Crab Shack, 61st & Memorial
Thursdays-
Twin Peaks, Memorial at 71st
Hooters, 61st and Memorial
Oklahoma City
Mondays-
Joe's Crab Shack, NW Expressway
Tuesdays-
Sliders
Kona Ranch Steak House
Hooters Northwest
Wednesdays-
Spinozi's
Wormy Dog Saloon
Charley's Last Stand
Thursdays-
Hooters South
Cross-Eyed Moose
Norman
Tuesdays-
Santa Fe Cattle Company, I-35
Lawton
Tuesdays-
Chele's Club, 609 S. Sheridan
Guthrie
Thursdays-
Rockway Bar
Chickasha
Tuesdays-
Eduardo's
Did we miss one?
Let us know!
Labels: places
1 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Friday, May 22, 2009 at
11:42 AM.
The third annual Precious Moments Tour stormed ashore at Osage Beach, Missouri on May 15-17, 2009. Once again our headquarters was the Tan Tar A Resort and we visited the Cave Restaurant (coming soon) outside Richland and enjoyed lunch at Gary's Place in Lebanon.
We've posted a few photos online...
Big thanks to all the great folks who helped sponsor the 2009 event. Our gracious sponsors provided some great door prizes and valuable gift certificates!
BMW of Oklahoma
New Enough
Action Powersports
K&N Yamaha
Arrrg t-shirts
Cycle Gadgets
Places 2 Ride
Victory Leather
Empire Motorcycle Covers
Fox Creek Leather
We've posted a few photos online...
Big thanks to all the great folks who helped sponsor the 2009 event. Our gracious sponsors provided some great door prizes and valuable gift certificates!BMW of Oklahoma
New Enough
Action Powersports
K&N Yamaha
Arrrg t-shirts
Cycle Gadgets
Places 2 Ride
Victory Leather
Empire Motorcycle Covers
Fox Creek Leather
Labels: places
0 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at
1:47 PM.
It all started with a side-trip.
The event is a chance for motorcycle riders to shake off their cabin fever and ride the endless twisties around Lake of the Ozarks and central Missouri. Headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A resort complex in Osage Beach, Missouri, with a nearby State Park for camping accommodations. Resort accommodations may not be the typical place to hold a motorcycle rally, but last year we, along with many other motorcyclists discovered the Tan-Tar-A Resort was a great place to hang our hats between blasts down the two-lanes.
The best part is food, drinks and a pool are all within walking distance. Instead of riding into more populated parts we found the convenience of walking downstairs for libation was not only convenient, but safer too. Advance registration by April 30th is only $15, or $20 on-site, and includes an event T-shirt.
This event will be a casual gathering. Riders can follow suggested routes, ride with groups or explore on their own. Each evening we'll gather back at Tan-Tar-A for dinner, drinks and bench racing. On Saturday we'll give away door prizes and award the "winner" the coveted title of Most Precious Moment.
Register Now
Options? We've got options.
There are plenty of optional accommodations near the resort. And for the rough and rugged set there's Lake of the Ozarks State Park just across the highway.
Nearby Hotels
During a Spring motorcycle trip to Lake of the Ozarks we made an innocent pit stop in Carthage, Missouri. Pretty soon we found ourselves strolling the grounds of the Precious Moments Park.The third annual Precious Moments Tour will storm ashore at Osage Beach on May 15-17, 2009. All bikes are welcome, but be prepared for some great curves and scenery!
We were so moved by the disturbing cuteness we decided to make it an annual event!
The event is a chance for motorcycle riders to shake off their cabin fever and ride the endless twisties around Lake of the Ozarks and central Missouri. Headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A resort complex in Osage Beach, Missouri, with a nearby State Park for camping accommodations. Resort accommodations may not be the typical place to hold a motorcycle rally, but last year we, along with many other motorcyclists discovered the Tan-Tar-A Resort was a great place to hang our hats between blasts down the two-lanes.
The best part is food, drinks and a pool are all within walking distance. Instead of riding into more populated parts we found the convenience of walking downstairs for libation was not only convenient, but safer too. Advance registration by April 30th is only $15, or $20 on-site, and includes an event T-shirt.
This event will be a casual gathering. Riders can follow suggested routes, ride with groups or explore on their own. Each evening we'll gather back at Tan-Tar-A for dinner, drinks and bench racing. On Saturday we'll give away door prizes and award the "winner" the coveted title of Most Precious Moment.
Register Now
Options? We've got options.
There are plenty of optional accommodations near the resort. And for the rough and rugged set there's Lake of the Ozarks State Park just across the highway.
Nearby Hotels
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Published by B Mathison
on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at
9:27 PM.
Ride To Stone Bluff Cellars
Come join the T.W.O. crew for a ride out to one of our favorite spots. Grab a friend and enjoy beautiful scenery along rolling highway with some fellow riders. Not to mention that the owner of this winery and some of his crew are avid motorcyclist!
Sunday, November 16
Ride to Haskell, Oklahoma
Meet at Roadhouse Motorsports at 12:30
Ride at 1:00
RSVP to 918-250-1400
Or sales@roadhousems.com
Come join the T.W.O. crew for a ride out to one of our favorite spots. Grab a friend and enjoy beautiful scenery along rolling highway with some fellow riders. Not to mention that the owner of this winery and some of his crew are avid motorcyclist!
Sunday, November 16
Ride to Haskell, Oklahoma
Meet at Roadhouse Motorsports at 12:30
Ride at 1:00
RSVP to 918-250-1400
Or sales@roadhousems.com
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Published by B Mathison
on Friday, October 31, 2008 at
10:50 AM.
We braved the 100 degree heat this weekend to attend the 5th annual Biker Boyz Weekend in Tulsa. This event has grown each year and attracts riders from across the nation. For 2008 the festivities were held at Expo Square, with headquarters and lodging once again at the Doubletree Downtown.The exhibits featured some unique customs and must-have sportbike hardware. There was even a bikini contest on Saturday to take your mind off the mechanical. But the real fun was happening outside under the scorching July sun.
Some of the best regional stunt riders were showing their stuff for the crowds. We just knew you'd want to see some so we here's a sample....
watch high quality version
We're already looking forward to 2009.
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Published by Rex Brown
on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at
8:41 PM.
Update July 16, 2008- The weather was perfect this morning for our Ride to Work Day breakfast. All morning a steady stream of motorcycles flowed in and out of the parking lot in front of the Savoy Restaurant.
Thanks to the media covering the event today- including Fox 23 Daybreak, KRMG Radio, Urban Tulsa, the Tulsa World and KJRH Channel 2.
photos...
Resources for the potential motorcyclist...
Get your motor runnin'...
Tulsa mayor, Kathy Taylor, has officially proclaimed July 16, 2008 as Ride to Work Day. Riding your motorcycle or scooter to work on this day will help show Tulsans that motorcycles aren't just for recreation. We also hope it will increase driver awareness and make the roads safer for bikes and scooters.
Ride to Work Breakfast
To help everyone get their ride to work started right, we're having a rider's breakfast on the morning of July 16th at the Savoy Restaurant, 6033 S. Sheridan Road. Join us from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and meet fellow two-wheeled commuters. Ride in and get a free cinnamon roll with your breakfast (quantities limited).
Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how motorcycles and scooters make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.
Thanks to Vespa of Oklahoma on Brookside and K & N Motorcycles for helping us make this possible.
Official proclamation from Mayor Kathy Taylor
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Published by B Mathison
on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at
8:02 AM.
The 17th annual Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day is Wednesday, July 16th. Every year on this day over a million workers commute via motorcycles and scooters to demonstrate the positive benefits of our efficient vehicles.According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and only about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride to Work Day the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a much larger number of
That is the official blurb. Now for our take.
As fuel prices continue to go up, I am seeing more motorcycles (and scooters) on the road during the normal business-day commute. This is good for a couple of reasons. Of course it saves on fuel and puts a couple dollars back in your pocket. It also helps to cut emissions to the only earth that we have. And just as important to me, is that by putting more motorcycles on the road, it makes a few more people aware of them.
Maybe by helping to promote and getting the word out about this annual event, we can get more bikes on the road. I know I would rather be running through traffic with a bunch of bikes rather than trying to navigate around the 6,000 lb SUVs piloted by cel phone talking, late to work people that I normally see. I actually rode by a young girl last week "driving" through traffic on a busy highway (Hwy 169) that had one foot out the drivers window and was looking down texting with both hands. But that's another story.
If for no other reason, it adds a little enjoyment to a normal day to be able to get in a ride on the way to work and on the way home. So try it, you might like it.
We are currently talking with the Mayor's office and trying to get some city involvement. If all goes well, we will have incentives to ride to work and Tulsa will be the first city in Oklahoma to endorse the National Ride to Work Day.
Remember, motorcycles are not just meant for the weekends.
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Published by B Mathison
on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at
8:41 PM.
What a blast!
The shindig in Missouri this weekend was a really great time. A small but enthusiastic group of riders from as far away as Iowa and Oklahoma City made the trek to Osage Beach. The hardware was a mixed bag of BMWs, retro Hondas, a Ducati, a Buell and a Bandit.
The highlight of the weekend was touring some backroads with Scott Hubbard and getting to see his collection of bikes and vintage BMWs. Afterwards we hit the Elbow Inn on old Route 66 for some BBQ in the shade.
Saturday evening at Tan-Tar-A we gathered on the patio for door prizes and awards. Chris Ternes received a belated award for not tightening his oil drain plug before last year's ride. In "honor" of that slippery moment on I-44 the Most Precious Moment Award features a drain plug with a reminder on a greasy post-it note. The 2008 recipient was James Saar for a horizontal pirouette he performed near Spavinaw on Oklahoma Highway 20.
Many thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make this year's event a great success...
Brookside Motorcycle Company Green Country Cycle City 1888FastLap.com The Kinetic Playground Places 2 Ride Ride Oklahoma
We have a limited number of event shirts still available.
Order Now
The shindig in Missouri this weekend was a really great time. A small but enthusiastic group of riders from as far away as Iowa and Oklahoma City made the trek to Osage Beach. The hardware was a mixed bag of BMWs, retro Hondas, a Ducati, a Buell and a Bandit.
The highlight of the weekend was touring some backroads with Scott Hubbard and getting to see his collection of bikes and vintage BMWs. Afterwards we hit the Elbow Inn on old Route 66 for some BBQ in the shade.
Saturday evening at Tan-Tar-A we gathered on the patio for door prizes and awards. Chris Ternes received a belated award for not tightening his oil drain plug before last year's ride. In "honor" of that slippery moment on I-44 the Most Precious Moment Award features a drain plug with a reminder on a greasy post-it note. The 2008 recipient was James Saar for a horizontal pirouette he performed near Spavinaw on Oklahoma Highway 20.
Many thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make this year's event a great success...
We have a limited number of event shirts still available.
Order Now
Labels: places
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Published by Rex Brown
on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at
1:50 PM.
sponsors...
First off, thanks to the sponsors who are helping make the second Precious Moments Tour possible. Their names are proudly displayed on your right. We've also provided a link to their websites for your convenience.
Precious Moments Tour
May 16-18, 2008
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is about 90 miles north of Springfield, MO. The weekend is fast approaching but it's not too late to register. Registration gets you the ubiquitous event T-shirt, our handy route sheet and the chance to win coveted awards most motorcyclists can only dream of. Advance registration (before May 15) is only $10 and on-site will be $15. Cheap.
Our headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO. The resort offers a wide range of conveniences within walking distance- a coffee shop, bar, water park and restaurants ranging from Burger King to a full buffet. The basic rooms offer two double beds and a sleeper sofa. Tan-Tar-A offers a special $99 rate for those staying three nights. Otherwise choose a "non-lakeview" room in the Resort Complex and the rate will be $109 per night. Reserve online or call 1-800-826-8272.
Alternate accommodations can be found in Osage Beach. One is the Hawk's Nest Lodge at $79.00 for 2 people per night. (573) 348-1741 for reservations.
The other we found is the Country Hearth Inn for $79.99 – 2 people per room. Call(573) 365-4566 to reserve a room.
Camping and rustic cabins are also available at nearby Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
- Brookside Motorcycle Company
- Green Country Cycle City
- 1888FastLap.com
- The Kinetic Playground
- Places 2 Ride
- Ride Oklahoma
First off, thanks to the sponsors who are helping make the second Precious Moments Tour possible. Their names are proudly displayed on your right. We've also provided a link to their websites for your convenience.
Precious Moments Tour
May 16-18, 2008
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is about 90 miles north of Springfield, MO. The weekend is fast approaching but it's not too late to register. Registration gets you the ubiquitous event T-shirt, our handy route sheet and the chance to win coveted awards most motorcyclists can only dream of. Advance registration (before May 15) is only $10 and on-site will be $15. Cheap.
Our headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO. The resort offers a wide range of conveniences within walking distance- a coffee shop, bar, water park and restaurants ranging from Burger King to a full buffet. The basic rooms offer two double beds and a sleeper sofa. Tan-Tar-A offers a special $99 rate for those staying three nights. Otherwise choose a "non-lakeview" room in the Resort Complex and the rate will be $109 per night. Reserve online or call 1-800-826-8272.Alternate accommodations can be found in Osage Beach. One is the Hawk's Nest Lodge at $79.00 for 2 people per night. (573) 348-1741 for reservations.
The other we found is the Country Hearth Inn for $79.99 – 2 people per room. Call(573) 365-4566 to reserve a room.
Camping and rustic cabins are also available at nearby Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Labels: places
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Published by Rex Brown
on Monday, April 7, 2008 at
9:39 AM.
Here's a current list of motorcycle-related events in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Bookmark this page for quick access to future info!Is your upcoming event listed?
If not add it now, it's free and easy!
Add Your Event
- Poot Fest & Chili Cook-off
2/21/2010
Denison, TX
Other - Wide Open Bike Show
2/27/2010
St. Charles, MO
Bike Show - House Family Fundraiser
2/28/2010
Denison, TX
Poker Run - Jeff Williams Motorcycle Swap Meet
3/7/2010
Sedalia, MO
Swap Meet - South Texas Expo & Stunt Competition
3/19/2010
San Antonio, TX
Exposition - Thunder In The Hill Country
3/26/2010
Bandera, TX
Rally - Indoor-Outdoor Motorcycle Swapmeet/Bike Show
3/27/2010
Melbourne, AR
Swap Meet - Moore Motorcycle Madness
3/27/2010
Moore, OK
Rally - Carts Bikers and Babes
4/9/2010
Lyons, TX
Rally - JIIIZ Memnorial Run
4/9/2010
Alice, TX
Rally - Viet Nam Vats-Legacy Vets M/C Bike Show & Swap Meet
4/10/2010
Avoca, AR
Bike Show - Party Hardcore
4/16/2010
Conroe, TX
Gala Event - Bikers Against Breast Cancer
5/8/2010
Pasadena, TX
Group Ride - POSSE Bikers Play Day / Rally
5/21/2010
Grove, OK
Rally - Ride For Kids
5/23/2010
Tulsa, OK
Group Ride - Ride for Rachel House
6/26/2010
Kansas City, MO
Group Ride - The Texas Rally
9/9/2010
Lyons, TX
Rally - Rumble On The River
9/24/2010
Bandera, TX
Group Ride - 2010 OK State H.O.G. Rally
10/7/2010
Ardmore, OK
Rally
Event listings courtesy Places2ride.com
Labels: places
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Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, April 4, 2008 at
7:19 AM.
Download Flyer (PDF)
Register Now
Precious What?
Places 2 Ride and Two Wheel Oklahoma are sponsoring the second annual Precious Moments Tour on May 16-18, 2008. Two Wheel Oklahoma will also be shooting video for an upcoming episode.Register Now
Precious What?
The event is a chance for motorcycle riders to shake off their cabin fever and ride the endless twisties around Lake of the Ozarks and central Missouri.
Headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A resort complex in Osage Beach, Missouri. Resort accommodations may not be the typical place to hold a motorcycle rally, but last year we, along with many other motorcyclists discovered the Tan-Tar-A Resort was a great place to hang our hats between blasts down the two-lanes.The best part is food, drinks and a pool are all within walking distance. Instead of riding into more populated parts we found the convenience of walking downstairs for libation was not only convenient, but safer too. Make your reservations now at www.tan-tar-a.com or call 1-800-826-8272.
This event will be a casual gathering. Riders can follow suggested routes, ride with groups or explore on their own. Each evening we'll gather back at Tan-Tar-A for dinner, drinks and bench racing. On Saturday we'll award the "winners" such coveted titles as Dirtiest Bike or Most Precious Moment.Register Now
Advance registration is $10 or $15 on-site and includes one event T-shirt. Additional shirts available- same prices. To register now tell us about your bike, choose your shirt size and click Pay Now...
Registration for 2008 Event is Closed
View Larger Map
Labels: places
2 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at
9:34 AM.
Last fall we headed up to Potosi, Missouri for the Falling Leaf Rally.
For information on the upcoming Falling Leaf Rally visit www.gatewayriders.com
For information on the upcoming Falling Leaf Rally visit www.gatewayriders.com
Labels: places
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Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, February 15, 2008 at
4:25 PM.
