Review: Venture Air Mesh Pants

I was hoping to find some mesh riding pants to survive the Summer heat. The Venture Air pants from Tour Master looked like a good choice- a full Armor-Link mesh shell with adjustable CE armor in the knees, and the choice of standard, short or tall lengths. You also get a removable two-stage liner.

The specs sounded great- then I tried them on. These aren't really advertised as overpants, but with a full-length zipper/Velcro opening up the leg they certainly look the part. And speaking of looks... ouch.

TWO Goes to College

I'm finally going to a university. Well, sort of.

We're thrilled to announce that beginning in August 2010 you'll be able to watch Two Wheel Oklahoma on Rogers State University Public Television, KRSC-TV. Mark your calendar (or refer to ours) for Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm and Tuesdays at noon.

If you're a longtime fan of the show you'll initially be seeing some familiar episodes. I think the technical jargon is "re-runs." But our new buddies in Claremore are anxious to help us start making new shows! We're still ironing out the details, but we hope to syndicate the show to more stations and will have the cameras rolling again real soon.

RSU Public TV is the only full-powered public television station licensed to a public university in Oklahoma. KRSC broadcasts to an audience of 1.2 million viewers in Northeastern Oklahoma. Viewers can tune in via UHF Channel 35, or more than 70 satellite and cable systems including Cox Cable Channel 19 in Tulsa and Claremore.

Here's a complete list of cable providers in Northeastern Oklahoma and the channels where you'll find KRSC-TV, and Two Wheel Oklahoma!

KRSC-TV Channel List


Photo courtesy Rogers State University

U. S. Highland Plane Crash

Less than a month ago, both Rex and I had the good fortune to meet US Highland Chief Operating Officer and visionary, Chase Bales at the new U.S. Highland facility in Glenpool, Oklahoma. We were impressed with everything that we saw and especially with Chase. Both his work ethic and his vision of producing a product that he believed in, with no expense spared in quality. It was truly amazing to talk to such a person as Chase Bales.

We were saddened to hear of his death Saturday night at 10:00 pm on the north side of Tulsa International Airport. Chase was headed to Jones Riverside Airport on the way back from Michigan. After reporting they were low on fuel the plane was given the clearance to land at Tulsa International. The Cessna 412A was registered and piloted by Bales and also carried Mats Malmberg, President of Highland and Damian Riddoch, CFO of U.S. Highland.

It is not often that I have the privilege to meet somebody such as Chase. The Swedes he normally work with refer to him as "John Wayne" and for good reason. He was a true visionary, seeing and doing things that only a few of us can dream of, let alone ever accomplish. After talking with him for over an hour, we were shown projects that will be world changing. I hope some of these will come to light and Mr. Chase Bales given the credit due.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Chase Bales, Damian Riddoch and Mats Malmberg.

First Gear Mesh Tex Jacket

New Mesh-Tex is Best Version Yet

Damn it's hot.

I've muttered that to myself more than a few times during rides through the Oklahoma heat. As tempting as it might be to disrobe when the mercury tops 90, I prefer not to. Exposing my bacon to the searing sun, 70 mph junebugs or, God forbid, baking hot asphalt is no way to end the day. Fortunately there's a compromise between sweaty black leather and riding nude. It's called mesh.

Mesh riding gear allows cooling air to pass through the material. The better gear offers reinforced areas or armor to protect you from road rash, not to mention shielding you from the baking sun. Most riders agree that, up to a point, you'll actually ride cooler wearing a mesh jacket than without. The Firstgear Mesh-Tex is a great example of a mesh jacket built for surviving an Oklahoma Summer.

Somewhere West of Tulsa: Coyote Trail

Local Ride
When you only have time for a quickie.This is the first in a series of Local Rides we're presenting here on our blog. If you have a favorite ride you'd like to share contact us for details on how you can submit it.

West of Tulsa is a two-lane road that snakes through Creek County between Sand Springs and Mannford. It's called Coyote Trail and it's been a favorite local ride of mine for more than 20 years.

This curvy 14 mile ride is perfect as a scenic route to Keystone Lake from Tulsa.

One highlight of the ride is a historic marker commemorating the Battle of Round Mountain. This was the first Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory. Where this battle actually took place has been vigorously argued for many years. Some experts believe it happened more than 20 miles away- somewhere west of Yale, Oklahoma. But the marble marker still stands at the western end of Coyote Trail.

To find Coyote Trail head west out of Tulsa and look for West 41st Street in Sand Springs. You can take US-412 and go south on OK-97, or take I-44 and look for the West 51st Street exit. This map shows the route beginning at OK-97 and West 41st Street...


View Coyote Trail in a larger map