Sunday, January 13, 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Odds n' Endos:
Check it out ... we received word from our friends at Steel Wheels BMX in Portage Indiana that they are planning the second annual "Future Pro Challenge" race on Saturday December 15, 2007. I know a few of you made last years race ... and, if memory serves, Milwaukee BMX volunteer John Wethall was actually made famous on YouTube at this very race last season.
Check out this video shot by our pals over at MilleniumBMX.com of the 2006 action. Great stuff. The files are of both the boys and girls finals.
Boys:
Check it out ... we received word from our friends at Steel Wheels BMX in Portage Indiana that they are planning the second annual "Future Pro Challenge" race on Saturday December 15, 2007. I know a few of you made last years race ... and, if memory serves, Milwaukee BMX volunteer John Wethall was actually made famous on YouTube at this very race last season.
Check out this video shot by our pals over at MilleniumBMX.com of the 2006 action. Great stuff. The files are of both the boys and girls finals.
Boys:
Girls:
Walworth 2007 Finale this weekend:
Finally, this is the last weekend of racing in 2007 at the Walworth County BMX indoor. There are single point races both Saturday evening and Sunday during the day. If we don't make it out ... thanks again to everyone for a successful 2007 racing season at Milwaukee BMX ... and we certainly hope to see you again in 2008.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Milwaukee BMX on MYSPACE:
Check it ... if any of you bonzai-icle, super-rad Milwaukee BMX dudes and dudettes have a Myspace page ... you might want to link to the Milwaukee BMX myspace page.
BMX World Magazine, Greg Hill (GHP Products & legendary pro racer) and a few other legends are already in the house.
Kevin O'
Check it ... if any of you bonzai-icle, super-rad Milwaukee BMX dudes and dudettes have a Myspace page ... you might want to link to the Milwaukee BMX myspace page.
BMX World Magazine, Greg Hill (GHP Products & legendary pro racer) and a few other legends are already in the house.
Kevin O'
Monday, December 03, 2007
Holiday Happenings:
So, it's probably not entirely by cooincidence that I'm starting to think about the holidays ... after all, Christmas is now less than a month away, and a fresh blanket of snow, covered with a crisp ice candy shell all around SE Wisconsin now complicates the fact that I still haven't started my holiday shopping ... and I'm definitely starting to feel the pressure.
Still, I want to try and make life a bit easier for a few of you BMX moms and dads who might be far enough removed from the racing season to be thinking about BMX gifts for your little racers as the holiday's approach. So, here's my advice, as somebody who was a little BMX'er once. BMX presents are always good. From a new set of tires, to new grips, a new padset, numberplate ... or, if they've been really good ... a trick new scoot.
As for where to send Santa for your BMX presents ... these are the shops that supported and helped us get up and running at Milwaukee BMX in 2007.
- Crank Daddy's Bicycle Works - 2108 N. Farwell - Milwaukee, WI
- Wares Cyclery - 1306 S. 108th St., Milwaukee, WI 414-454-0550
- South Shore Cycles - 4758 S Packard Ave - Cudahy 414-831-0211
- Ben's Cycles - 1018 W Lincoln Ave - Milwaukee 414-384-2236
- Johnson's Cycle & Fitness - 6916 W North Ave - Wauwatosa 414-476-2341
- Corey The Bike Fixer - 2410 N. Murray Ave. - Milwaukee 414-967-9446
- Allis Cycle - 9622 W. National Ave - West Allis 414-327-1290
- Emerys Cycle and Fitness - Milwaukee / Glendale / Menomonee Falls 414-463-2453
Please remember, this holiday season, to think globally, and buy locally. And, that doesn't just go for BMX bikes. I hope we'll all do what we can to keep SE Wisconsin a vibrant and sustainable community.
Grands Moments:
We received this picture from Randy Olson, proud papa of Dirt Warriors 14I Brad Olson ... who is carting around one heckuva tall trophy. This is for his second place finish in the 14 intermediate main at the Grands ... which is a solid enough finish ... but, doesn't exactly tell the whole story. Brad's lap was one of the few mains I was lucky enough to catch through the live feed @ GO211.com . His lap couldn't have started worse as he came unclipped about two pedals out of the gate. After getting his foot back on the pedal, and getting the cleat engaged, he was easily 3 or four lengths behind the field. And, that's when Brad went to work. Picking off riders on every straight and in each turn, until he finally wound up all the way back up to 2nd. Awesome job, Brad -- way to go !!!
I'm still tripping over the size of that trophy. The O'Donnell house is so small that if Dane ever brings something like that home at Thanksgiving ... we're going to skip the Christmas tree and just decorate the trophy !!!
Meeting Reminder:
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Regular Monthly Club Meetings to RESUME
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Benno's in West Allis
All who have helped in the past and any newcomers are welcome to attend.
We'll be discussing and drafting our 2008 racing schedule at our first meeting. And, there's a nice multi-pointer that John received confirmation of at the Grands that we'll have on the '08 schedule. If you wanna know more, join us next Wednesday night. Or, you can read more on the announcement right here in a couple of weeks.
__________________________________________________
Additional meetings will occur on the first Wednesday evening of each month (January 2nd, 2008; February 6th, 2008; March 5th, 2008) at 7:00 p.m. at Benno's in West Allis.
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Benno's in West Allis
All who have helped in the past and any newcomers are welcome to attend.
We'll be discussing and drafting our 2008 racing schedule at our first meeting. And, there's a nice multi-pointer that John received confirmation of at the Grands that we'll have on the '08 schedule. If you wanna know more, join us next Wednesday night. Or, you can read more on the announcement right here in a couple of weeks.
__________________________________________________
Additional meetings will occur on the first Wednesday evening of each month (January 2nd, 2008; February 6th, 2008; March 5th, 2008) at 7:00 p.m. at Benno's in West Allis.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Grands Time !!!:
Allright you Milwaukee BMX'ers ... it's ABA Grand Nationals time ... who's going, what are your goals, and how have you prepared? I had a chance to talk to a few of you over the weekend, but hope that a few of you will take a few minutes to reply to this post with your own experiences in your own words. We look forward to reading your stories below.
Walworth Indoor BMX Videos:
These lame videos were shot with my KODAK D700 digital camera. They are grainy, but, what the heck ... we thought you might enjoy them anyway.
The first footage is the 36-40 and 41-45 cruiser mains, in which Curt Zizzo shows that he's still on top of his game by winning by nearly a straight over Milwaukee BMX regular Mark Kluth and Mike Coyne. Bryan Dickerson still has the pull in 41-45 cruiser and though chased all the way by a determined Ed Morris, who raced with us a lot this summer, hangs on for the win. Good stuff, you guys.
Allright you Milwaukee BMX'ers ... it's ABA Grand Nationals time ... who's going, what are your goals, and how have you prepared? I had a chance to talk to a few of you over the weekend, but hope that a few of you will take a few minutes to reply to this post with your own experiences in your own words. We look forward to reading your stories below.
Walworth Indoor BMX Videos:
These lame videos were shot with my KODAK D700 digital camera. They are grainy, but, what the heck ... we thought you might enjoy them anyway.
The first footage is the 36-40 and 41-45 cruiser mains, in which Curt Zizzo shows that he's still on top of his game by winning by nearly a straight over Milwaukee BMX regular Mark Kluth and Mike Coyne. Bryan Dickerson still has the pull in 41-45 cruiser and though chased all the way by a determined Ed Morris, who raced with us a lot this summer, hangs on for the win. Good stuff, you guys.
I'm posting the next video as another "sympathy" video to all you BMX mom's and dads. Earlier this summer, I wrote about how absolutely nerve racking it can be to send your little ones out there. With the amount of information we are asking 7, 6 or even 5 and under minds to process, it's just remarkable we get those kids on track at all.
The story here goes ... my son, Dane, who's a 7 novice, managed to qualify into the 7/8 open main last weekend at Elkhorn by winning his second moto. And, while it's easy for me to wrap my 40 year old brain around the fact that racing the fast kids is the way that you learn to step up your own game, I also realize, to a little kid, it's got to be intimidating as heck.
About 5 seconds after the gate drops, all heck breaks loose out there, and Dane, who's coming out of gate 6, winds up getting balled up with the fast kids coming in from the outside and another kid who is veering across from the inside, nearly out of control. Suddenly, there's little kids and little bikes, all coming to the same spot on the first jump. The fast kids, including Reece Rankins (who ran an awesome lap, finishing second) separate out, while the clump of kids somehow manages to separate itself, with everybody staying upright. (as a parent, this is where I breath my first huge sigh of relief). But, I can see that Dane is rattled, as riders move by him through the first turn and down the second straight.
As he crosses the line, I give him our customary thumbs up, but, he's not having anything to do with it. He's clearly bummed about finishing last. When I tell him how proud I am of him just for making that main, he breaks into tears. Not, like sniveling little tears of not getting his way, these were the waterfall style that typically seem reserved for life's biggest disappointments. Kids want to make their parents happy, and, at some point, Dane must have come to the conclusion that what makes me happy is him finishing well.
Of course, Dane's still got his "class" main to run, and, his main is coming up fast. Drying tears and giving my rider a pep talk in staging must have just been a strange scene to be sure. And, as I left him going into his staging lane, I had no idea what to expect from his lap. He started from gate 8, with the other riders down in 5 and 3 ... and gave a great chase all the way to the line ... to score the second ... (side note: to anybody who heard a giant whoosh as Dane finished that lap ... that was me finally taking a breath). Seems ironic that he did all the racing but at the end of the day I would speculate that I was just as exhausted as he was.
Nearly 25 years of BMX'ing now, it seems, and I just keep learning something new each time that I go to the track.
Kevin O'
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
BMX'er is SI Kids “Youth Athlete of the Year”
Brock Heffron from Gilbert, AZ was announced this weekend as Sports Illustrated for Kids 2007 “Youth Athlete of the Year”. Brock was featured on national television on the “CBS Early Show” Saturday morning where they unveiled the December cover of SI Kids featuring Brock posing with Superbowl MVP, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. Brock flew to Indianapolis Colts Training Center earlier this month for a photo shoot with Peyton who is SI Kids “Athlete of the Year”.
Brock was chosen out or over 6,000 athletes for his many athletic accomplishments in football, baseball, and BMX as well as outstanding grades in school.
Brock's father John Heffron was asked by SI Kids, what makes your son so special? John stated “Brocks desire to do what ever it takes in practice to be #1” this is the #1 quality that makes a great athlete, with this attitude Brock will achieve great success in everything he attempts.
Brock is sitting #1 in the ABA BMX National Cruiser Title points, but will not be racing the ABA Grands due to an injury sustained playing football. Brock will be on hand to sign autographs for all the fans and cheer on his Redman Yamaha teammates.
Brock is the first ever SI for Kids "Youth Athlete of the Year". This award is a major accomplishment for Brock and a huge milestone for the sport of BMX. The ABA, on behalf of all Track operators and members would like to congratulate Brock and his family. Be sure to pick up a copy of the December SI Kids at the newsstands which not only features Brock on the cover but also a 2 page article and pull out poster. A link to the video footage from the "CBS Early Show" is below for your enjoyment.
http://aba.loopd.com/Members/BrocktherockHeffron/Default.aspx
Brock Heffron from Gilbert, AZ was announced this weekend as Sports Illustrated for Kids 2007 “Youth Athlete of the Year”. Brock was featured on national television on the “CBS Early Show” Saturday morning where they unveiled the December cover of SI Kids featuring Brock posing with Superbowl MVP, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. Brock flew to Indianapolis Colts Training Center earlier this month for a photo shoot with Peyton who is SI Kids “Athlete of the Year”.
Brock was chosen out or over 6,000 athletes for his many athletic accomplishments in football, baseball, and BMX as well as outstanding grades in school.
Brock's father John Heffron was asked by SI Kids, what makes your son so special? John stated “Brocks desire to do what ever it takes in practice to be #1” this is the #1 quality that makes a great athlete, with this attitude Brock will achieve great success in everything he attempts.
Brock is sitting #1 in the ABA BMX National Cruiser Title points, but will not be racing the ABA Grands due to an injury sustained playing football. Brock will be on hand to sign autographs for all the fans and cheer on his Redman Yamaha teammates.
Brock is the first ever SI for Kids "Youth Athlete of the Year". This award is a major accomplishment for Brock and a huge milestone for the sport of BMX. The ABA, on behalf of all Track operators and members would like to congratulate Brock and his family. Be sure to pick up a copy of the December SI Kids at the newsstands which not only features Brock on the cover but also a 2 page article and pull out poster. A link to the video footage from the "CBS Early Show" is below for your enjoyment.
http://aba.loopd.com/Members/BrocktherockHeffron/Default.aspx
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Object Lesson: Don't Kill the Messenger
(*Besides, I hear this web dude over at MilwaukeeBMX.com already has a cracked rib.*)
Yeah, so, we've made calls to a few of you ... and heard from a few others who were bummed not to be able to make the season ending party this Sunday ... so, we made the call today to call it off.
We'll re-schedule ... with a venue and date to be determined.
We'll also request RSVP's (meaning, you tell us if you are planning to attend ... and, I'm not trying to talk down to anyone here ... but, figuring that I probably would have thought RSVP was a band, or, some sort of threat, when I was 14). So yeah ... look for details coming shortly ... hopefully we'll have something more to report on early next week.
As always ... keep the faith ... and we appreciate your patience with us.
Walworth Indoor
It was good to see a bunch of our regulars doing battle out there this past weekend ... and, I wish I could do a better job of giving updates on how our locals fared. But, after bailing hard in practice (later diagnosed with a cracked rib) and having my own little guy to shag around, I was simultaneously too sore (er, self absorbed, eh?) and busy to keep track of much else. Speaking of the wreck, I got word that Shane McNallie was involved in that crash ... and, I just want to communicate that I'm sorry about that. I'm pretty confident it was my shabby riding that led up to the wreck ... and, believe me ... I've been in your shoes ... somebody goes down in front of you and there's nowhere to go, nothing you can do. I just hope you are feeling okay.
I did really enjoy watching Curt Zizzo's young son Justin finishing 4th in the 5 and under novice class ... and, I'm pretty sure he's only 3 !!! He was all smiles and high fives at the finish line. It's pretty clear that the apple didn't fall very far from the tree in the house of DC. Great stuff.
Looking forward to heading back down this weekend for the Saturday evening single point / Sunday double point racing weekend for sure.
Kevin O'
(*Besides, I hear this web dude over at MilwaukeeBMX.com already has a cracked rib.*)
Yeah, so, we've made calls to a few of you ... and heard from a few others who were bummed not to be able to make the season ending party this Sunday ... so, we made the call today to call it off.
We'll re-schedule ... with a venue and date to be determined.
We'll also request RSVP's (meaning, you tell us if you are planning to attend ... and, I'm not trying to talk down to anyone here ... but, figuring that I probably would have thought RSVP was a band, or, some sort of threat, when I was 14). So yeah ... look for details coming shortly ... hopefully we'll have something more to report on early next week.
As always ... keep the faith ... and we appreciate your patience with us.
Walworth Indoor
It was good to see a bunch of our regulars doing battle out there this past weekend ... and, I wish I could do a better job of giving updates on how our locals fared. But, after bailing hard in practice (later diagnosed with a cracked rib) and having my own little guy to shag around, I was simultaneously too sore (er, self absorbed, eh?) and busy to keep track of much else. Speaking of the wreck, I got word that Shane McNallie was involved in that crash ... and, I just want to communicate that I'm sorry about that. I'm pretty confident it was my shabby riding that led up to the wreck ... and, believe me ... I've been in your shoes ... somebody goes down in front of you and there's nowhere to go, nothing you can do. I just hope you are feeling okay.
I did really enjoy watching Curt Zizzo's young son Justin finishing 4th in the 5 and under novice class ... and, I'm pretty sure he's only 3 !!! He was all smiles and high fives at the finish line. It's pretty clear that the apple didn't fall very far from the tree in the house of DC. Great stuff.
Looking forward to heading back down this weekend for the Saturday evening single point / Sunday double point racing weekend for sure.
Kevin O'
Saturday, November 03, 2007
End of Season Celebration Date is Set !!!
Please join us next Sunday afternoon (NOVEMBER 11th) from 4 to 8 p.m. (perfect for those of you on your way home from Walworth BMX) for the Milwaukee BMX end of season celebration.
We'll provide the primary eats (still deciding on Pizza or Party Subs) and encourage anyone who wants to to bring a side dish to pass.
Party will be held in the Crystal Ridge Lodge (next to the track). We'll be playing some BMX movies (no, probably not RAD!!!) for entertainment, doing a fair amount of bench racing and handing out a few season ending awards (so secret that not even I know much about them).
SWAP MEET TOO:
For $5 (all proceeds benefit Milwaukee BMX) you can rent an 8' table to sell a few of your odd and end BMX goodies at. We'll also be advertising this on CRAIGSLIST.com throughout the week to try and stimulate some interest outside of our normal racing crew.
Please RSVP to my attention by Friday of this week if you are interested in a swap meet table. lavacycles@sbcglobal.net
If anybody needs directions to Crystal ridge, click the link in the right hand column, right over there. ----------->>>>>>>>
Please join us next Sunday afternoon (NOVEMBER 11th) from 4 to 8 p.m. (perfect for those of you on your way home from Walworth BMX) for the Milwaukee BMX end of season celebration.
We'll provide the primary eats (still deciding on Pizza or Party Subs) and encourage anyone who wants to to bring a side dish to pass.
Party will be held in the Crystal Ridge Lodge (next to the track). We'll be playing some BMX movies (no, probably not RAD!!!) for entertainment, doing a fair amount of bench racing and handing out a few season ending awards (so secret that not even I know much about them).
SWAP MEET TOO:
For $5 (all proceeds benefit Milwaukee BMX) you can rent an 8' table to sell a few of your odd and end BMX goodies at. We'll also be advertising this on CRAIGSLIST.com throughout the week to try and stimulate some interest outside of our normal racing crew.
Please RSVP to my attention by Friday of this week if you are interested in a swap meet table. lavacycles@sbcglobal.net
If anybody needs directions to Crystal ridge, click the link in the right hand column, right over there. ----------->>>>>>>>
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Milwaukee BMX Classified Ads:
Not entirely sure why we didn't get around to this sooner ... but, if you've got some old race gear hanging around your basement that you've been thinking about selling, but, maybe like me, just forget to bring to the track ... this would be the place to list it up for sale.
If you scroll down to where you leave comments, you can post your stuff up for sale. Don't forget to leave an e-mail address or telephone number so anybody who's interested in your stuff can contact you.
Finally, when your item is sold ... shoot us an e-mail at LAVACYCLES@SBCGLOBAL.net so that we can remove your ad.
Kevin O'
Not entirely sure why we didn't get around to this sooner ... but, if you've got some old race gear hanging around your basement that you've been thinking about selling, but, maybe like me, just forget to bring to the track ... this would be the place to list it up for sale.
If you scroll down to where you leave comments, you can post your stuff up for sale. Don't forget to leave an e-mail address or telephone number so anybody who's interested in your stuff can contact you.
Finally, when your item is sold ... shoot us an e-mail at LAVACYCLES@SBCGLOBAL.net so that we can remove your ad.
Kevin O'
Sunday, October 28, 2007
ABA / Disney Fall Nationals:
We want to express our congratulations to all the local riders who did just an awesome job representing Wisconsin BMX at the Fall Nationals in Orlando Florida. You guys make us really proud.
Our favorite line of the weekend came from announcer Mike Redman, who as he called Ben Kohls across the finish line as the ABA's newest 16 expert gave us: "Hey Ben! Turn around, man ... that's your class". Redman was referring to the expert class that was making it's way around the course after Kohls crossed the line. It was also nice to hear Redman give a call out to Milwaukee BMX during the Sunday webcast.
For the record, Kohls had a perfect weekend, crossing the line first in all three 16 intermeiate mains. He also won the 15-16 mixed open class on Saturday. The local expert class has been waiting for this kid for a little while now. We bet they'll be filing this under the "careful what you wish for" category as Ben just keeps getting faster and faster. The kid was quick coming into this summer -- going out of it, he's leaving a vapor trail!
Kohls' little bro, Colin also had himself a super weekend, scoring a 2nd Sunday (after getting a huge holeshot and showing some awesome first straight pull), a 4th on Saturday and a 2nd in the pre-race on Friday. Colin just recently turned 15 and just like his brother is a rider to watch out for -- his wins are going to come fast.
Dana Mittelstadt who was a nervous novice when I first met him last winter wound up 2nd Sunday after scoring a 4th Saturday. Those finishes were in intermediate. Mittelstadt is another rider who has really stepped up his game this year.
Kommanche Jordan made a bunch of mains in 20 and on his cruiser. Friday he finished 6th in both cruiser and class, Saturday he turned in a sixth in cruiser and Sunday he wound up 5th in cruiser. Great job Kommanche.
Annie Eiring scored a nice Sunday win in women's 26-30 cruiser after finishing 3rd in the Friday pre-race.
"Duece Coupe" Jacob Hinzpeter finished 7th in 11-12 open in the Friday pre-race
Cory Caliendo is a kid I hope we'll being seeing more of in the future, the Sussex hot shoe made a ton of mains this weekend which began with an 8th in cruiser Friday, and was followed up by a 4th in Cruiser and 8th in class on Saturday and 4th and 5th in cruiser and class on Sunday.
MilwaukeeBMX.com is super stoked for all of you guys (and gal!). We hope everybody has a safe and quiet trip home and we look forward to seeing you a few of you in person at the barn or up at Fondy next weekend.
We want to express our congratulations to all the local riders who did just an awesome job representing Wisconsin BMX at the Fall Nationals in Orlando Florida. You guys make us really proud.
Our favorite line of the weekend came from announcer Mike Redman, who as he called Ben Kohls across the finish line as the ABA's newest 16 expert gave us: "Hey Ben! Turn around, man ... that's your class". Redman was referring to the expert class that was making it's way around the course after Kohls crossed the line. It was also nice to hear Redman give a call out to Milwaukee BMX during the Sunday webcast.
For the record, Kohls had a perfect weekend, crossing the line first in all three 16 intermeiate mains. He also won the 15-16 mixed open class on Saturday. The local expert class has been waiting for this kid for a little while now. We bet they'll be filing this under the "careful what you wish for" category as Ben just keeps getting faster and faster. The kid was quick coming into this summer -- going out of it, he's leaving a vapor trail!
Kohls' little bro, Colin also had himself a super weekend, scoring a 2nd Sunday (after getting a huge holeshot and showing some awesome first straight pull), a 4th on Saturday and a 2nd in the pre-race on Friday. Colin just recently turned 15 and just like his brother is a rider to watch out for -- his wins are going to come fast.
Dana Mittelstadt who was a nervous novice when I first met him last winter wound up 2nd Sunday after scoring a 4th Saturday. Those finishes were in intermediate. Mittelstadt is another rider who has really stepped up his game this year.
Kommanche Jordan made a bunch of mains in 20 and on his cruiser. Friday he finished 6th in both cruiser and class, Saturday he turned in a sixth in cruiser and Sunday he wound up 5th in cruiser. Great job Kommanche.
Annie Eiring scored a nice Sunday win in women's 26-30 cruiser after finishing 3rd in the Friday pre-race.
"Duece Coupe" Jacob Hinzpeter finished 7th in 11-12 open in the Friday pre-race
Cory Caliendo is a kid I hope we'll being seeing more of in the future, the Sussex hot shoe made a ton of mains this weekend which began with an 8th in cruiser Friday, and was followed up by a 4th in Cruiser and 8th in class on Saturday and 4th and 5th in cruiser and class on Sunday.
MilwaukeeBMX.com is super stoked for all of you guys (and gal!). We hope everybody has a safe and quiet trip home and we look forward to seeing you a few of you in person at the barn or up at Fondy next weekend.
Friday, October 26, 2007
ABA / Disney Fall Nationals Live Webcast:
Is on now ... click the image above to link to the live coverage from Orlando, Florida. We'll be keeping an eye open for our local WI-01 hotshots and wish them luck!
Walworth BMX Season Opener
This weekend the fine folks at Walworth BMX have scheduled a big single (Saturday afternoon / evening) double (Sunday afternoon) weekend to get the indoor season kicked off. More information available at www.WalworthBMX.com
Is on now ... click the image above to link to the live coverage from Orlando, Florida. We'll be keeping an eye open for our local WI-01 hotshots and wish them luck!
Walworth BMX Season Opener
This weekend the fine folks at Walworth BMX have scheduled a big single (Saturday afternoon / evening) double (Sunday afternoon) weekend to get the indoor season kicked off. More information available at www.WalworthBMX.com
Friday, October 19, 2007
Racing and Party 10/20/2007 CANCELLED:
You can read about the details of our soggy track below ... but, the long and the short of it is ... we won't be racing tomorrow. We are trying to rescudule our season ending party on a Saturday in November. Details will be forthcoming ... but, based on the availability of the lodge, we're planning a swap meet (vendor donation of $5 for an 8' table space), picnic style buffet (brats, burgers and hot dogs courtesy of Milwaukee BMX) and a whole lot of bench racing. We'll have an LCD projector set-up with a DVD player and Laptop so that we can play Joe Kid on a Stingray and show photos from througout the season. We'll also be giving out some special year end awards.
Specific date and time details should be out in the next couple of days.
Rain, Rain ...
Well, it looks like tomorrow is going to be a washout. File this under the careful what you wish for category ... but, when our track area grew last month ... our makeshift drain tile job ceased it's primary function ... draining the track. As of yesterday, there was standing water in the second and first turns ... and with more precipitation expected throughout the day, our chances of running a race tomorrow look about as bleak as the skies over Milwaukee as this is being written.
So, although we're likewise feeling a little glum ... it has been a really awesome season and we're so glad for all of you who volunteered, sponsored, raced, or even just came out to check it out ... without you and your ongoing support ... there would be no reason or ability to have a BMX track in Milwaukee. But, together, we not only proved it can be done ... but, done well ... and we'll just keep improving everything we can as we move forward.
An "official call" will be posted here later today after John takes a peek at the track early this afternoon. We'll also have word on the status of the little after race party that we were planning as our way of saying thanks. Because of the uncertain status of the race ... we may still decide to postpone the party as well.
Racing Around the Area
We received word from the Weimer's at Fond du Lac BMX this morning that they are planning to run outdoor races as long as weather permits. They are hoping to run one this Sunday - October 21st, and, after taking the next weekend off (there's a multi point race at Walworth County BMX on Sunday the 28th -- as well as the ABA's Disney national) they will attempt to be back with a Saturday and Sunday race on November 3rd and 4th.
Speaking of Walworth, the track is built, and, although the turns remain the same as they have been for years, the obstacles are decidedly different from what we ran last year. It ought to be a fun track. I was able to join many of the same guys who have been so key to building and maintaining the Milwaukee track including: Mike Froh, Bryan Dickerson, Fred Yanke, Todd Zimmerman, Curt Zizzo, Todd Lewis, Mark Kluth, and a few of Jake's regular track volunteers. The track came together in about 2-1/2 days, and should be smooth and fast as usual. Below are a few photos from the build and early rides.
I'm told that the dirt was a lot easier to work with than last year ... and you can see how everything is already packed in that this track is going to hold up throughout the year and roll super fast. One of Jake's normal track volunteer's sons gets an early shot at the step down out of the first turn.
A little older, a bit more grey ... but, like me ... everyone of these "kids" still seems to get a kick out of playing in the dirt. L-R: Fred Yanke, Curt Zizzo, Todd Zimmerman, Todd Lewis-Smith, Mike Froh, and "bow legged" Bill Dickerson.
Almost done ... track and ancillary items (gate, staging, etc.) are all in ... couple more water and roll sessions, some lines ... and a whole lotta riders ... and the indoor season will be on.
You can read about the details of our soggy track below ... but, the long and the short of it is ... we won't be racing tomorrow. We are trying to rescudule our season ending party on a Saturday in November. Details will be forthcoming ... but, based on the availability of the lodge, we're planning a swap meet (vendor donation of $5 for an 8' table space), picnic style buffet (brats, burgers and hot dogs courtesy of Milwaukee BMX) and a whole lot of bench racing. We'll have an LCD projector set-up with a DVD player and Laptop so that we can play Joe Kid on a Stingray and show photos from througout the season. We'll also be giving out some special year end awards.
Specific date and time details should be out in the next couple of days.
Rain, Rain ...
Well, it looks like tomorrow is going to be a washout. File this under the careful what you wish for category ... but, when our track area grew last month ... our makeshift drain tile job ceased it's primary function ... draining the track. As of yesterday, there was standing water in the second and first turns ... and with more precipitation expected throughout the day, our chances of running a race tomorrow look about as bleak as the skies over Milwaukee as this is being written.
So, although we're likewise feeling a little glum ... it has been a really awesome season and we're so glad for all of you who volunteered, sponsored, raced, or even just came out to check it out ... without you and your ongoing support ... there would be no reason or ability to have a BMX track in Milwaukee. But, together, we not only proved it can be done ... but, done well ... and we'll just keep improving everything we can as we move forward.
An "official call" will be posted here later today after John takes a peek at the track early this afternoon. We'll also have word on the status of the little after race party that we were planning as our way of saying thanks. Because of the uncertain status of the race ... we may still decide to postpone the party as well.
Racing Around the Area
We received word from the Weimer's at Fond du Lac BMX this morning that they are planning to run outdoor races as long as weather permits. They are hoping to run one this Sunday - October 21st, and, after taking the next weekend off (there's a multi point race at Walworth County BMX on Sunday the 28th -- as well as the ABA's Disney national) they will attempt to be back with a Saturday and Sunday race on November 3rd and 4th.
Speaking of Walworth, the track is built, and, although the turns remain the same as they have been for years, the obstacles are decidedly different from what we ran last year. It ought to be a fun track. I was able to join many of the same guys who have been so key to building and maintaining the Milwaukee track including: Mike Froh, Bryan Dickerson, Fred Yanke, Todd Zimmerman, Curt Zizzo, Todd Lewis, Mark Kluth, and a few of Jake's regular track volunteers. The track came together in about 2-1/2 days, and should be smooth and fast as usual. Below are a few photos from the build and early rides.
I'm told that the dirt was a lot easier to work with than last year ... and you can see how everything is already packed in that this track is going to hold up throughout the year and roll super fast. One of Jake's normal track volunteer's sons gets an early shot at the step down out of the first turn.
A little older, a bit more grey ... but, like me ... everyone of these "kids" still seems to get a kick out of playing in the dirt. L-R: Fred Yanke, Curt Zizzo, Todd Zimmerman, Todd Lewis-Smith, Mike Froh, and "bow legged" Bill Dickerson.
Almost done ... track and ancillary items (gate, staging, etc.) are all in ... couple more water and roll sessions, some lines ... and a whole lotta riders ... and the indoor season will be on.
By the time I arrived Saturday a.m., the crew had already roughed in the second and third straights ... big obstacles on the first straight, corner packing, and installing the gate and staging areas were still on the "to do" list at this point.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Photo Album 10/6 & 10/7/2007
Nate Booth chases Chris Wipijewski down the first straight over the step up / step down. Wipijewski has been killing it all season long on a Dyno freestyle bike that's nearly as old as he is and we hear he's about to score himself a long overdue new racing machine. Chris has a bunch of wins and we expect he'll make the move to intermediate soon. After Chris moves on, Booth will get his wins in a hurry and we wouldn't be at all suprised if by mid June of next season we ourselves a nice 15 intermediate class at Milwaukee BMX. Good stuff, guys!
I spy with my little eye -- one of the best rivalries in a while in Wisconsin BMX. Ben Kohls leads out Dallas Weimer down the first straight at Fond du Lac BMX. Both of these guys are super quick and have a ton of skills in their pocket. I have no doubt that there's a couple more NAG numbers that will get locked down between these two guys in the next few seasons ... and, along with Kommanche Jordan, this group is perhaps the best prospect of a nice little Wisconsin pro-class since Tim and Greg Eiring and Kris Weborg in the mid and late 90's.
Colin Kohls out front and in command of the 14i class at Fond du Lac. Colin had himself a fantastic weekend, having taken the win over Kommanche Jordan, a super fast 13 expert, at Milwaukee as well.
Quiet guy, Dana Mittelstadt, making a fantastic sweep into the last turn at Fondy to nail down the three spot in the main. The progress he has made since we started running the outdoor at Milwaukee is absolutely incredible. Dana has transformed from quick but tepid novice right at the end of the indoor season, to an absolute go-for-it intermediate who rides with quickness and confidence today. Chris Bratz who took the win over Dana and the rest of the class at Milwaukee the day before, and is third in this image, took a nasty hard fall in the first round of motos at Fondy Sunday.
This weekend was unseasonably warm, and definitely a challenge for Walruses like me. But, the warm weather is also an excuse to extend the outdoor BMX season just a little longer ... so, we jumped at the opportunity to race Milwaukee and Fond du Lac this weekend. Here are some of the moments we shared.
Nate Booth chases Chris Wipijewski down the first straight over the step up / step down. Wipijewski has been killing it all season long on a Dyno freestyle bike that's nearly as old as he is and we hear he's about to score himself a long overdue new racing machine. Chris has a bunch of wins and we expect he'll make the move to intermediate soon. After Chris moves on, Booth will get his wins in a hurry and we wouldn't be at all suprised if by mid June of next season we ourselves a nice 15 intermediate class at Milwaukee BMX. Good stuff, guys!
Nepotism at it's finest! When I was Dane O'Donnell's (my son) age (7), I had a cinder block, a couple foot length of 1 x 6" plank, and television images of Evil Kneivel and later Ponch and John from CHiPS pushing me on. Dane's gotBen Kohls and Jacob Hinzpeter as his modern day local track heros. Heck, those two are my heros too, come to think of it ... scroll down to learn why. Nice air, Dane!
Lucas Rupp is tearing through the 5 and under novice class like the Green Bay Packers offensive line at an all you can eat buffet. Another race weekend, and another win for the young fella from Muskego. Dinnertime!
The first thing that came to mind when I saw this shot is that the bulldozer in the background is such an obvious visual metaphor. Three big guys with plenty of straight ahead power (me, Karl Ausdembruch and Mark Kluth) and almost no chance of "catching air" ... yup, that's a bulldozer allright. In fact, I even did a "bulldozer" immitation first round when I blew up and moved some dirt down the last straight. Maybe John Lennon said it best when he sang "I am the Walrus - Koo Koo Ka Choo ..."
I spy with my little eye -- one of the best rivalries in a while in Wisconsin BMX. Ben Kohls leads out Dallas Weimer down the first straight at Fond du Lac BMX. Both of these guys are super quick and have a ton of skills in their pocket. I have no doubt that there's a couple more NAG numbers that will get locked down between these two guys in the next few seasons ... and, along with Kommanche Jordan, this group is perhaps the best prospect of a nice little Wisconsin pro-class since Tim and Greg Eiring and Kris Weborg in the mid and late 90's.
Colin Kohls out front and in command of the 14i class at Fond du Lac. Colin had himself a fantastic weekend, having taken the win over Kommanche Jordan, a super fast 13 expert, at Milwaukee as well.
Quiet guy, Dana Mittelstadt, making a fantastic sweep into the last turn at Fondy to nail down the three spot in the main. The progress he has made since we started running the outdoor at Milwaukee is absolutely incredible. Dana has transformed from quick but tepid novice right at the end of the indoor season, to an absolute go-for-it intermediate who rides with quickness and confidence today. Chris Bratz who took the win over Dana and the rest of the class at Milwaukee the day before, and is third in this image, took a nasty hard fall in the first round of motos at Fondy Sunday.
It's tough to get a bad photo of Jacob Hinzpeter, who is just about as dialed in as 12 year olds can be. So, this week, in the photo album, ol' Jacob gets two pictures ... same obstacle at Fondy (table into the first turn) different perspectives.
What's more, while announcing the races Saturday, I introduced Jacob as the "Little Deuce Coupe" before the main. Good kid, great new nickname.
For months, I struggled to get a decent shot of Ben Kohls jumping. All that time he was pulling some really cool stuff ... and I'd either have my bike and was still riding, announcing, or whatever. Saturday, we decided to work for the shot, and this one makes up for a lot of frustration for sure. After getting a couple of good looks at this "look back" jump from the front, Ben thought it would be cool to get the image as he was moving away. Good call Ben ... this is a great shot ... and I'm sure it won't be the last.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Results - Saturday October 6th
Moto 1: 16 Cruiser
1. Dallas Weimer, 14c - Fond du Lac, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Ben Kohls, 16c - Racine, WI - CSR Sinz
2. Kommanche Jordan, 13c - Green Bay, WI
Moto 2: 36-40 Cruiser
1. Kevin O'Donnell, 40c - Milwaukee, WI
2. Mark Kluth, 38c - Waukesha, WI
3. Karl Ausdembruch, 38c - Racine, WI
Moto 3: 41-45 Cruiser
1. Michael Froh, 41c - Milwaukee, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Jon Engelhart, 44c - Madison, WI
3. Terri Bratz, 47g - Kansasville, WI
Moto 4: 5 and under Novice
1. Lucas Rupp, 5n - Muskego, WI
2. Rachael Rankins, 5n - Twin Lakes, WI
3. Max Schmitt, 4n
dnq: Sam Maneely, 5n
Moto 5: 7 Novice
1. Dane O'Donnell, 7n - Milwaukee, WI
2. Luke Maneely, 7n
3. Jonah Ausdembruch, 7n - Milwaukee, WI
dnq: Garrett Kluth, 6n - Waukesha, WI
Moto 6: 8 Intermediate
1. Reece Rankins, 8i - Twin Lakes, WI
2. Max Maglio, 8i - Lynwood, IL
3. Raymond Eckert, 8i - Muskego, WI
dnq: Brittany Brzezinski, 8n
Moto 7: 9 Intermediate
1. Kasen Vanooyen, 9i - Oshkosh, WI
2. Samuel Rupp, 9i - Muskego, WI
3. Austin Bailey, 9n
Moto 8: 12 Intermediate
1. Jared Engelhart, 12i - Madison, WI
2. Jaden Vanooyen, 11i - Oshkosh, WI
3. Cecilia Ausdembruch, 10g - Racine, WI
Moto 9: 14 Novice
1. Chris Wipijewski, 14n
2. Nate Booth, 14n - Milwaukee
3. Jeff Drierzak, 12n
Moto 10: 14 Intermediate
1. Collin Kohls, 14i - Racine, WI - CSR / SINZ
2. Kommanche Jordan, 13x - Green Bay, WI
3. Jacob Hinzpeter, 12x - Twin Lakes, WI
dnq: Christopher Magio, 14i - Lynwood, IL - CSR / SINZ
Moto 11: 15 Intermediate
1. Dallas Weimer, 14x - Fond du Lac, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Andrew Wipijewski, 15n
3. Josh May, 15n
Moto 12: 19-27 Intermediate
1. Chris Bratz, 20i - Kansasville, WI
2. Dana Mittelstadt, 17i - Shorewood, WI - CSR / SINZ
3. Ben Kohls, 16i - Racine, WI - CSR / SINZ
dnq: John Sanfelippo, 26n
Moto 1: 16 Cruiser
1. Dallas Weimer, 14c - Fond du Lac, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Ben Kohls, 16c - Racine, WI - CSR Sinz
2. Kommanche Jordan, 13c - Green Bay, WI
Moto 2: 36-40 Cruiser
1. Kevin O'Donnell, 40c - Milwaukee, WI
2. Mark Kluth, 38c - Waukesha, WI
3. Karl Ausdembruch, 38c - Racine, WI
Moto 3: 41-45 Cruiser
1. Michael Froh, 41c - Milwaukee, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Jon Engelhart, 44c - Madison, WI
3. Terri Bratz, 47g - Kansasville, WI
Moto 4: 5 and under Novice
1. Lucas Rupp, 5n - Muskego, WI
2. Rachael Rankins, 5n - Twin Lakes, WI
3. Max Schmitt, 4n
dnq: Sam Maneely, 5n
Moto 5: 7 Novice
1. Dane O'Donnell, 7n - Milwaukee, WI
2. Luke Maneely, 7n
3. Jonah Ausdembruch, 7n - Milwaukee, WI
dnq: Garrett Kluth, 6n - Waukesha, WI
Moto 6: 8 Intermediate
1. Reece Rankins, 8i - Twin Lakes, WI
2. Max Maglio, 8i - Lynwood, IL
3. Raymond Eckert, 8i - Muskego, WI
dnq: Brittany Brzezinski, 8n
Moto 7: 9 Intermediate
1. Kasen Vanooyen, 9i - Oshkosh, WI
2. Samuel Rupp, 9i - Muskego, WI
3. Austin Bailey, 9n
Moto 8: 12 Intermediate
1. Jared Engelhart, 12i - Madison, WI
2. Jaden Vanooyen, 11i - Oshkosh, WI
3. Cecilia Ausdembruch, 10g - Racine, WI
Moto 9: 14 Novice
1. Chris Wipijewski, 14n
2. Nate Booth, 14n - Milwaukee
3. Jeff Drierzak, 12n
Moto 10: 14 Intermediate
1. Collin Kohls, 14i - Racine, WI - CSR / SINZ
2. Kommanche Jordan, 13x - Green Bay, WI
3. Jacob Hinzpeter, 12x - Twin Lakes, WI
dnq: Christopher Magio, 14i - Lynwood, IL - CSR / SINZ
Moto 11: 15 Intermediate
1. Dallas Weimer, 14x - Fond du Lac, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Andrew Wipijewski, 15n
3. Josh May, 15n
Moto 12: 19-27 Intermediate
1. Chris Bratz, 20i - Kansasville, WI
2. Dana Mittelstadt, 17i - Shorewood, WI - CSR / SINZ
3. Ben Kohls, 16i - Racine, WI - CSR / SINZ
dnq: John Sanfelippo, 26n
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday October 6th - single points race
signups: 10:30 to Noon
Racing: ASAP
Saturday October 20th- single points race
signups: 10:30 to Noon
Racing: ASAP
BMX Picnic - Appreciation Party (please bring a dish to pass) afterward.
Photo Essay - BMX Racing in SE Wisconsin 9/29 & 9/30
Autumn is always one of my favorite times of the year ... summer yard work is winding down, and I generally have a little bit more free time to do the things I really enjoy doing. So, when Dane asked me if we could make the trip to Fond du Lac on Sunday, after racing Milwaukee on Saturday, the answer came pretty easily.
Here then, is some graphic evidence of the racing weekend that Dane and I did over the weekend. For fun, and out of much respect for our friends in Fond du Lac, let's begin our journey on Sunday the 30th in Fondy.
Ben Kohl's folks, Mike and Laura, are in big trouble now for sure. Ben has pretty much always had his head in the air ... but, now he's adding his front wheel as well. Style for miles and stretching one heckuva huck over the second straight triple at Fondy.
Not at all an unusual shot for Dallas Weimer at all ... double manual through a triple and just as smooth as you will find in execution. I will never get tired of watching this kid ride.
Milwaukee's newest Intermediate, RJ Eckert, had his move up stoke going ... until he saw his moto sheet ... a couple of older intermediates and experts is a humbling way to make the move. But, that's racing. RJ will be right in the mix in no time flat.
Q: How many times have we seen this? A: A lot! Colin Kohls (41) looking for a way around another rider. This kid has made more moves in the past year than Allied Van Lines.
It's hard to imagine a rider with more determination than Kommanche Jordan. I've heard from comments about this kid's intensity from several people that have been around BMX for a long time. With his skill, determination, and attitude ... he's just going to keep picking up speed.
Cole Baake made the trip to Fondy from Port Washington and scored a second place finish.
Saturday October 6th - single points race
signups: 10:30 to Noon
Racing: ASAP
Saturday October 20th- single points race
signups: 10:30 to Noon
Racing: ASAP
BMX Picnic - Appreciation Party (please bring a dish to pass) afterward.
Photo Essay - BMX Racing in SE Wisconsin 9/29 & 9/30
Autumn is always one of my favorite times of the year ... summer yard work is winding down, and I generally have a little bit more free time to do the things I really enjoy doing. So, when Dane asked me if we could make the trip to Fond du Lac on Sunday, after racing Milwaukee on Saturday, the answer came pretty easily.
Here then, is some graphic evidence of the racing weekend that Dane and I did over the weekend. For fun, and out of much respect for our friends in Fond du Lac, let's begin our journey on Sunday the 30th in Fondy.
Ben Kohl's folks, Mike and Laura, are in big trouble now for sure. Ben has pretty much always had his head in the air ... but, now he's adding his front wheel as well. Style for miles and stretching one heckuva huck over the second straight triple at Fondy.
Not at all an unusual shot for Dallas Weimer at all ... double manual through a triple and just as smooth as you will find in execution. I will never get tired of watching this kid ride.
Milwaukee's newest Intermediate, RJ Eckert, had his move up stoke going ... until he saw his moto sheet ... a couple of older intermediates and experts is a humbling way to make the move. But, that's racing. RJ will be right in the mix in no time flat.
Q: How many times have we seen this? A: A lot! Colin Kohls (41) looking for a way around another rider. This kid has made more moves in the past year than Allied Van Lines.
It's hard to imagine a rider with more determination than Kommanche Jordan. I've heard from comments about this kid's intensity from several people that have been around BMX for a long time. With his skill, determination, and attitude ... he's just going to keep picking up speed.
Cole Baake made the trip to Fondy from Port Washington and scored a second place finish.
Now, we turn our attention to more local pursuits ... here are a few photos from Milwaukee BMX taken on Saturday. My wife Denise was behind the lens this time, and did a pretty fair job for her first shot at shooting "action sports".
No, there's no need to try and adjust your screen, and, we haven't created any "two way" straights at Milwaukee BMX. This is just Sam Rupp (right and on the last straight) with a huge lead over Austin Bailey and Cecelia Ausdembruch (moving left to right and heading for the last corner.
The apple didn't fall very far from the tree here ... Cecelia Ausdembruch all decked out in SE colors and tearing it up on an "SE PK Ripper". Founder Scot Breithaupt (Scot Enterprises - SE) and current SE BMX group leader Todd Lyons would be proud.
Thing about this picture that's even more interesting about this picture than the fact that you are looking at the very first women's cruiser (gotta love the moto moms) class at Milwaukee BMX ... what's that dude in the background laughing at. Listen buddy boy ... if you think getting around that track is so easy, bike #26 is yours any time you wanna take a lap. Nice job Ginger and Terri ... it's pretty rad that you guys got out there.
Talk about competitive at the national level, those gray number plates mean that the two riders to the right in this frame are among the elite riders in their age group in the nation. National Age Group (NAG) numbers are earned by racing at and doing well in the ABA national series. And, 3&4 mean that there are only two better in the nation than #3 Randy Behnke (Wauwatosa) and #4 Curt Zizzo (Kenosha). FYI, #1 36-40 cruiser racer, Chris Verhagen, was ABA's national #1 cruiser racer in 2007. Mark Kluth sits first among the mere BMX mortals in this shot.
Six 36-40 cruiser racers were joined by Ben Kohls (16) and Dan Tritt (13) to run out a full gate of cruiser riders. Horsepower was on the line. From left Tritt, Zizzo, Kohls, Behnke (who about flipped the gate and is still in recovery mode here), O'Donnell, Wilson and Ausdembruch (Mark Kluth didn't quite make the frame and is coming out of gate #1.
No, there's no need to try and adjust your screen, and, we haven't created any "two way" straights at Milwaukee BMX. This is just Sam Rupp (right and on the last straight) with a huge lead over Austin Bailey and Cecelia Ausdembruch (moving left to right and heading for the last corner.
The apple didn't fall very far from the tree here ... Cecelia Ausdembruch all decked out in SE colors and tearing it up on an "SE PK Ripper". Founder Scot Breithaupt (Scot Enterprises - SE) and current SE BMX group leader Todd Lyons would be proud.
Thing about this picture that's even more interesting about this picture than the fact that you are looking at the very first women's cruiser (gotta love the moto moms) class at Milwaukee BMX ... what's that dude in the background laughing at. Listen buddy boy ... if you think getting around that track is so easy, bike #26 is yours any time you wanna take a lap. Nice job Ginger and Terri ... it's pretty rad that you guys got out there.
Mike Froh doing exactly what he's done all year -- pulling the 41-45 cruiser class on into the first corner. Mike's leading WI-01 cruiser points -- and tells me he's never been a district #1 -- so, it's an accomplishment he'd like to add to an already lengthy resume. He's doing it mainly on the points he's earned in local races, although he's been super competitive at the few nationals he's traveled to. We're pulling for ya' Mike.
Talk about competitive at the national level, those gray number plates mean that the two riders to the right in this frame are among the elite riders in their age group in the nation. National Age Group (NAG) numbers are earned by racing at and doing well in the ABA national series. And, 3&4 mean that there are only two better in the nation than #3 Randy Behnke (Wauwatosa) and #4 Curt Zizzo (Kenosha). FYI, #1 36-40 cruiser racer, Chris Verhagen, was ABA's national #1 cruiser racer in 2007. Mark Kluth sits first among the mere BMX mortals in this shot.
Six 36-40 cruiser racers were joined by Ben Kohls (16) and Dan Tritt (13) to run out a full gate of cruiser riders. Horsepower was on the line. From left Tritt, Zizzo, Kohls, Behnke (who about flipped the gate and is still in recovery mode here), O'Donnell, Wilson and Ausdembruch (Mark Kluth didn't quite make the frame and is coming out of gate #1.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Results - 9/29/2007
Moto 1: 36-40 Girls Cruiser
1. Terri Bratz - Kansasville, WI
2. Ginger Kluth - Waukesha - WI
3. Michelle Mittelstadt - Shorewood, WI
Moto 2: 36-40 Cruiser
1. Randy "Sweet RB" Behnke, 36c - Wauwatosa, WI
2. Curt "Snackbar" Zizzo, 37c - Kenosha, WI - Factory Direct Link
3. Ben Kohls, 16c - Racine, WI - CSR / Sinz
4. Dan Tritz, 13c - Wildwood, IL
5. Kevin O'Donnell, 40c - Milwaukee, WI
6. Mark Kluth, 38c - Waukesha, WI
7. William Wilson, 38c
dnq: Karl Ausdembruch, 38c - Racine, WI
Moto 3: 41-45 Cruiser
1. Michael Froh, 41c - Milwaukee, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Ed Morris, 44c - Fort Atkinson, WI
3. John Wethall, 42c - Lake Mills, WI
dnq: Len Cabaltera, 42c
Moto 4: 5 & Under Novice
1. Lucas Rupp, 5n - Muskego, WI
2. Mikey Cabaltera, 5n
3. Max Schmidt, 4n
Moto 5: 7 Novice
1. Dane O'Donnell, 7n - Milwaukee, WI
2. Sam Cabaltera, 7n
3. Jonah Ausdembruch, 7n - Racine, WI
4. Garrett Kluth, 6n - Waukesha, WI
5. Luc Marchessault, 6n
6. Maxwell Wilson, 7n
dnq: Evan Kerkman (new rider)
Moto 6: 8 Novice
1. Raymond "RJ" Eckert, 8n - Muskego, WI (advances to Intermediate)
2. David Smith III, 8n
3. Brittany Brzezinski, 8n
Moto 7: 10 Intermediate
1. Samuel Rupp, 9i - Muskego, WI
2. Cecilia Ausdembruch, 10g - Racine, WI
3. Austin Bailey, 9n
Moto 8: 14 Intermediate
1. Dan Tritz, 13x - Wildwood, IL
2. Collin Kohls, 14i - Racine, WI - CSR / Sinz
3. Jacob Hinzpeter, 12x - Twin Lakes, WI
dnq: Lewis Wethall, 14i - Lake Mills, WI
Moto 9: 15 Novice
1. Christopher Wipijewski, 14n
2. Andrew Wipijewski, 15n
3. Nate Booth, 14n - Milwaukee, WI
dnq: Josh May, 15n
Moto 10: 19-27 Intermediate
1. Dana Mittelstadt, 17i - Shorewood, WI - CSR / Sinz
2. Ben Kohls, 16i - Racine, WI - CSR / Sinz
3. Chris Bratz, 20i - Kansasville, WI
4. Len Cabaltera, 42n
dnq: Karl Ausdembruch, 38n - Racine
Notes:
Our next race at Milwaukee BMX will be next Saturday, October 6th ... a race we will add to the schedule to take the place of one of our earlier rainouts. If you really have the BMX bug, a few of us plan to head to Rockford for their night race after racing Milwaukee that day.
Super good to see Randy Behnke and Curt Zizzo in 36-40 cruiser yesterday, both riders finished in the top 4 (Behnke #3 and Zizzo #4) in the nation in the class last year. And, both were laying down some serious horsepower throughout the day.
Ben Kohls was looking sharp with his new Redline Cup #1 plate, earned a week earlier at the Redline Cup Central finals which were held near Kansas City, Missouri.
RJ Eckert moves to intermediate by earning his 8th win in 8 novice - RJ is the second rider to advance at Milwaukee BMX.
The "moto moms" got together to form up their very own class yesterday -- the women's cruiser class was a first at Milwaukee BMX, and, something we certainly hope to see a lot more of in the future.
Bill Wilson passed along a couple of coupons for 661 Racing Gear (quality stuff) that he scored as swag at a WORS downhill race at the Ridge earlier in the season. Those coupons were awarded to Josh May and Brittany Brzezinski for their fine sportsmanship and support of Milwaukee BMX.
Both Fond du Lac and Rockford race today, Sunday, September 30th. My son Dane now seriously has the racing bug ... so, we will be leaving for Fond du Lac in just a bit.
See you at the finish line.
Kevin O'
Moto 1: 36-40 Girls Cruiser
1. Terri Bratz - Kansasville, WI
2. Ginger Kluth - Waukesha - WI
3. Michelle Mittelstadt - Shorewood, WI
Moto 2: 36-40 Cruiser
1. Randy "Sweet RB" Behnke, 36c - Wauwatosa, WI
2. Curt "Snackbar" Zizzo, 37c - Kenosha, WI - Factory Direct Link
3. Ben Kohls, 16c - Racine, WI - CSR / Sinz
4. Dan Tritz, 13c - Wildwood, IL
5. Kevin O'Donnell, 40c - Milwaukee, WI
6. Mark Kluth, 38c - Waukesha, WI
7. William Wilson, 38c
dnq: Karl Ausdembruch, 38c - Racine, WI
Moto 3: 41-45 Cruiser
1. Michael Froh, 41c - Milwaukee, WI - Factory Direct Link
2. Ed Morris, 44c - Fort Atkinson, WI
3. John Wethall, 42c - Lake Mills, WI
dnq: Len Cabaltera, 42c
Moto 4: 5 & Under Novice
1. Lucas Rupp, 5n - Muskego, WI
2. Mikey Cabaltera, 5n
3. Max Schmidt, 4n
Moto 5: 7 Novice
1. Dane O'Donnell, 7n - Milwaukee, WI
2. Sam Cabaltera, 7n
3. Jonah Ausdembruch, 7n - Racine, WI
4. Garrett Kluth, 6n - Waukesha, WI
5. Luc Marchessault, 6n
6. Maxwell Wilson, 7n
dnq: Evan Kerkman (new rider)
Moto 6: 8 Novice
1. Raymond "RJ" Eckert, 8n - Muskego, WI (advances to Intermediate)
2. David Smith III, 8n
3. Brittany Brzezinski, 8n
Moto 7: 10 Intermediate
1. Samuel Rupp, 9i - Muskego, WI
2. Cecilia Ausdembruch, 10g - Racine, WI
3. Austin Bailey, 9n
Moto 8: 14 Intermediate
1. Dan Tritz, 13x - Wildwood, IL
2. Collin Kohls, 14i - Racine, WI - CSR / Sinz
3. Jacob Hinzpeter, 12x - Twin Lakes, WI
dnq: Lewis Wethall, 14i - Lake Mills, WI
Moto 9: 15 Novice
1. Christopher Wipijewski, 14n
2. Andrew Wipijewski, 15n
3. Nate Booth, 14n - Milwaukee, WI
dnq: Josh May, 15n
Moto 10: 19-27 Intermediate
1. Dana Mittelstadt, 17i - Shorewood, WI - CSR / Sinz
2. Ben Kohls, 16i - Racine, WI - CSR / Sinz
3. Chris Bratz, 20i - Kansasville, WI
4. Len Cabaltera, 42n
dnq: Karl Ausdembruch, 38n - Racine
Notes:
Our next race at Milwaukee BMX will be next Saturday, October 6th ... a race we will add to the schedule to take the place of one of our earlier rainouts. If you really have the BMX bug, a few of us plan to head to Rockford for their night race after racing Milwaukee that day.
Super good to see Randy Behnke and Curt Zizzo in 36-40 cruiser yesterday, both riders finished in the top 4 (Behnke #3 and Zizzo #4) in the nation in the class last year. And, both were laying down some serious horsepower throughout the day.
Ben Kohls was looking sharp with his new Redline Cup #1 plate, earned a week earlier at the Redline Cup Central finals which were held near Kansas City, Missouri.
RJ Eckert moves to intermediate by earning his 8th win in 8 novice - RJ is the second rider to advance at Milwaukee BMX.
The "moto moms" got together to form up their very own class yesterday -- the women's cruiser class was a first at Milwaukee BMX, and, something we certainly hope to see a lot more of in the future.
Bill Wilson passed along a couple of coupons for 661 Racing Gear (quality stuff) that he scored as swag at a WORS downhill race at the Ridge earlier in the season. Those coupons were awarded to Josh May and Brittany Brzezinski for their fine sportsmanship and support of Milwaukee BMX.
Both Fond du Lac and Rockford race today, Sunday, September 30th. My son Dane now seriously has the racing bug ... so, we will be leaving for Fond du Lac in just a bit.
See you at the finish line.
Kevin O'
Monday, September 24, 2007
Fond du Lac (Milwaukee North!) single pointer Sunday September 23rd.
William Wilson and Mark Kluth getting their speed jump on over the first straight table into the first turn. Mountain Bikers take note -- Bill is on a 26" "four cross" bike (similar to the urban free-ride bikes like a Specialized P series or Giant STP) and, has a bit of an advantage over Kluth on the first straight. "Can you race BMX on a mountain bike?" is a question we hear a fair amount ... and, the answer, is absolutely yes. In fact ... I've been seriously thinking about dumping my old XC bike for a new P series bike. Honestly ... if Wilson runs that post out another couple of inches, it's easy enough to imagine him riding that bike to the grocery store, or, even putting on some trail miles ... my cruiser on the other hand ...
I'm impressed -- and, still trying to figure out exactly how many motos you guys helped add to the Fond du Lac BMX moto count yesterday. I know that 3/4's of the 36-40 cruiser class, 2/3's of the 41-45 cruiser class and the entire 7 novice class was comprised of Milwaukee riders ... and we all did pretty well. Props to the Weimers and the whole Fondy crew for putting out a great track and for providing an enjoyable day of racing.
William Wilson and Mark Kluth getting their speed jump on over the first straight table into the first turn. Mountain Bikers take note -- Bill is on a 26" "four cross" bike (similar to the urban free-ride bikes like a Specialized P series or Giant STP) and, has a bit of an advantage over Kluth on the first straight. "Can you race BMX on a mountain bike?" is a question we hear a fair amount ... and, the answer, is absolutely yes. In fact ... I've been seriously thinking about dumping my old XC bike for a new P series bike. Honestly ... if Wilson runs that post out another couple of inches, it's easy enough to imagine him riding that bike to the grocery store, or, even putting on some trail miles ... my cruiser on the other hand ...
Kluth and Wilson again ... but this time it's the shrinky-dink versions ... Garrett Kluth and Max Wilson ... having a spirited competition in the competitive 6 & 7 year old class. Garrett must really be focusing on the task at hand ... as, in most of the shots I have of him, he's looking straight at the camera.
Luc Marchessault was looking awful proud of the medal he earned yesterday. I hope the young racer also appreciates a nice photo on the Milwaukee BMX website. Right on, Luc ... pedaling right over a roller and looking sharp.
Chris Trapp, in full manual about 30 seconds prior to really wrecking himself. BMX can be a fickle game ... one second you are "only" 34, but still a kid, jamming with 16 year olds and feeling on top of the world -- but, the ground can have a funny way of bringing you back to the 34 year old adult you really are, writhing in pain, and trying to figure out how to explain to your boss that the reason you are hurt and out of work involves a kids bike. Don't sweat it Chris ... when I showed up to work with five stitches in my forehead the day after Dane (who was five at the time) hit me with a golf club (a sweetly swung 7 iron) while we were at the practice range, the explanation didn't come much easier.
More Video
Chris Trapp, in full manual about 30 seconds prior to really wrecking himself. BMX can be a fickle game ... one second you are "only" 34, but still a kid, jamming with 16 year olds and feeling on top of the world -- but, the ground can have a funny way of bringing you back to the 34 year old adult you really are, writhing in pain, and trying to figure out how to explain to your boss that the reason you are hurt and out of work involves a kids bike. Don't sweat it Chris ... when I showed up to work with five stitches in my forehead the day after Dane (who was five at the time) hit me with a golf club (a sweetly swung 7 iron) while we were at the practice range, the explanation didn't come much easier.
More Video
Karl Ausdembruch sends the link for this video he's posted to YouTube of the 36-40 and 7 novice classes from the very first day of racing at Milwaukee BMX. Dads and groms ... we seem to have plenty of both at Milwaukee BMX ... which really underscores what a family oriented sport Bicycle Motocross has become. Props to young Jonah Ausdembruch (who wins the 7 novie class toward the middle and end of this clip) for an awesome performance on Milwaukee's opening day !!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Fond du Lac BMX video
Delivered as promised -- check out the video above of Sammy Rupp, Raymond "RJ" Eckert and, I believe Rachael Rankins going around the Fond du Lac track during the Redline Cup Qualifier race back in late July. Again, Fondy will be running this weekend if you've (or your kids) still have a racing itch that needs to be scratched. You can learn more about the Fond du Lac BMX club, and their remaining schedule of races by clicking on THIS LINK
Weather permitting -- Dane and I will certainly be there -- dudded out in our red and black Milwaukee BMX gear. Stop by and say hi if you do come up.
Milwaukee BMX Jerseys
Speaking of Milwaukee BMX gear, yeah, so my friends at Fly Racing sure know how to push my buttons. I'm just a sucker for closeouts ... and, sure enough, the jersey style that we used for the Milwaukee BMX jerseys earlier this year is on sale. I ordered 40 more in a variety of sizes today ... that should be here early next week ... then another couple days to the screen printer ... and, maybe, if we're lucky ... we'll have them for sale at our September 29th race. As was the case previously -- they'll be $20 each ($1.95 less than the suggested retail) -- and, part of the proceeds will benefit Milwaukee BMX. Cool.
Next Milwaukee BMX Race - Saturday September 29th.
Yes, I did work on the track a bit this past weekend ... pulling weeds and filling cracks mainly. The track is still in good shape overall ... and with a little TLC on the hill, will likely ride as well as it has all season. We're looking forward to the 29th.
Farmer Vic
See, now if you recognize that name, it's safe to call yourself an "old schooler". Farmer Vic came up in a conversation with my BMX buddy Jim Morey last night. Morey asked if I could imagine what things would have been like if I was heading up this website in the days of the old Ranch BMX track in Menomonee Falls. My reply was a respectful -- that would have been just awful -- mostly because, between 1980 and about 1984, the Ranch routinely pulled 40+ motos for its weekly events ... and, that's a heckuva lot of results to post each week.
Still, it's not hard for me to imagine moto counts at Milwaukee BMX in the high teens and low twenties next summer -- and, hey -- the more the merrier. Viva la BMX !!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Racing Ahead:
We took a note from our friends at Fond du Lac BMX earlier this week asking us to remind all the Milwaukee BMX shredders who aren't headed to the Redline Cup Central Finals in Missouri this weekend -- that Fondy will be holding a single point race on Sunday.
Hey, great September weather, an easy one hour ride up scenic highway 45 (out of Milwaukee) and then 41 (to Fond du Lac), terrific food at the concessions stand, good friends and a fast track -- sounds like a plan to me !!!
I'll try to post up a video of the Fondy track late today or early tomorrow for you guys who haven't been there yet to feast your eyeballs on.
Shameless self promotion:
As the guy who is normally on the business side of the camera which shoots most of the photos used on this site I don't often get to see photos of myself in action. So when Brian Woods sent along this shot from the Illinois State Championship race a few weeks ago I was totally stoked. That's yours truly, number two-six on the two-four and getting my speed jump on over the first straight step double at the Rock. Yeah, I've got the dope MilwaukeeBMX colors on -- always promoting !!! Photog is Brian Woods.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
I will be at the track for a couple hours early this afternoon. Just filling some washouts through the rythm section that I noticed at our last race.
If you want to help out ... I should be to the track by 11:30 and will be around until about 4 this afternoon.
Thanks,
Also, can I get a show of hands as to anybody planning to race tomorrow and where ... right now, it's looking like Dane and I are heading up to Fondy.
Kevin O'
If you want to help out ... I should be to the track by 11:30 and will be around until about 4 this afternoon.
Thanks,
Also, can I get a show of hands as to anybody planning to race tomorrow and where ... right now, it's looking like Dane and I are heading up to Fondy.
Kevin O'
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
First ever Milwaukee BMX video post
Besides being super easy to update, one of the cool things about the 2nd party developer software that I'm using for the website is that new features are being added all the time. As somebody who doesn't have a ton of time to dedicate to learning new software packages to maintain a hobbyist website, I like that.
Still, when I saw the new video feature pop up in my toolbar ... I realized it was time to join the 21st century ... and take a shot.
So, without further ado ... here is the 41-45 cruiser main from the Wisconsin State Championships held at Central Wisconsin BMX in Wisconsin Rapids this past weekend. These guys ought to look familiar ... as all but one (Paul Weimer) in the entire class calls Milwaukee BMX their home track. Mike Froh, Brian Woods, Ed Morris, John Wethall and Paul Weimer may be old (well, older than me) but, they can still hook it on.
Besides being super easy to update, one of the cool things about the 2nd party developer software that I'm using for the website is that new features are being added all the time. As somebody who doesn't have a ton of time to dedicate to learning new software packages to maintain a hobbyist website, I like that.
Still, when I saw the new video feature pop up in my toolbar ... I realized it was time to join the 21st century ... and take a shot.
So, without further ado ... here is the 41-45 cruiser main from the Wisconsin State Championships held at Central Wisconsin BMX in Wisconsin Rapids this past weekend. These guys ought to look familiar ... as all but one (Paul Weimer) in the entire class calls Milwaukee BMX their home track. Mike Froh, Brian Woods, Ed Morris, John Wethall and Paul Weimer may be old (well, older than me) but, they can still hook it on.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Wisconsin State Championship at Central Wisconsin BMX in Wisconsin Rapids
Since we didn't have a chance to make the trip, we're looking forward to reading the stories of those who did ... How'd you guys wind up? Leave your story in the "comments" area below this post ... and, please sign your name so that we know who you are.
That's what we're talking about !!!
Ask and ye shall receive, aye. This is a picture submitted by Lynnea Rankins (manager of the world famous Team Rankins) and shows how far a couple of young racers can come when they have a BMX track to hone their skills on near home. RJ Eckert (on the left) and Reece Rankins (on the other left) both won their classes - 8 Novice and 8 Intermediate respectively - taking home some awfully big hardware in the process. Reece also earned the #2 plate for 8-year-olds -- which is super tough as an intermediate and a big accomplishment for sure.
Hey Milwaukee BMX volunteers ... check out the smiles on the faces of these two -- if you are like me -- every drop of sweat, each blister, the unanticipated donations and out of pocket expenses, not to mention the political disappointments -- all just seemed to evaporate! Just awesome, you guys ... and a really fantastic finish to a great season for both of you.
NEXT RACE @ Milwaukee BMX - Saturday September 29th
Work Day - Saturday September 22nd
A few of us will be out for at least part of this Saturday filling some of the washouts that have formed between the obstacles on a couple of the straights. For anyone who would like to join and help out, I'll post more details as the week progresses on what hours I'll plan to work.
A few of us will be out for at least part of this Saturday filling some of the washouts that have formed between the obstacles on a couple of the straights. For anyone who would like to join and help out, I'll post more details as the week progresses on what hours I'll plan to work.
Utterly random BMX photograph of the day:
We have no idea who this kid is ... but, his style is undeniable. Love the stretched manual, and the rolled up bluejeans are also cool. The kid is full snort moto in this shot. KO shot the image at the Illinois State Championships last weekend. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Racing Ahead:
The race scheduled for this Saturday is definitely still on, weather permitting.
Understanding that our friends at Central Wisconsin BMX in Wisconsin Rapids are also running a Saturday night race, (registration from 6-7:30 - race ASAP) we will do our best with the track and try to keep things moving along swiftly for those of you who are planning to try and race both. Two races in one day used to be common in this area. The trip appears to be just about 3 hours and roughly 180 miles, so, it's definitely doable.
* Thursday September 5th Practice - CANCELLED *
Seems like there's just not reasonable enough daylight left to make a serious go of additional practices this season ... so, rather than be bummed that we're all getting repeatedly bitten by the most ravenous mosquito population in recorded history ... we'll call it good for the year. Remaining events will be on weekends only.
Random images from the Illinois State Championship:
Well, not so random ... most are our riders, after all. We had a chance to hit up the Illinois State Championships this past weekend. It was really good to see Milwaukee regulars like the Rankins (Rachel and Reece), Kohls (Ben and Colin), Wethalls (John and Lewis) as well as others who have run our track throughout the summer. Jake and Candy run an absolutley primo facility down there ... and it continues to be the model for other tracks to follow. Mike Froh, Brian Woods and I drove down together and had a great day.
Ben Kohls runs out a ridiculously big gear and in this shot is pulling crazy speed through the step double.
Colin Kohls definitely prescribes to the philosophy that "scars are stories" ... a way of life I'm not sure his folks are exactly wild about. Right hip ... turn one casualty. You guys really sure you want asphalt turns at Milwaukee?
Lewis Wethall rolls the second straight double in the lead of the second round of motos, moments after Colin's biff (see above).
With a name like Yanke, what did you expect on the second straight doubs? A Leary? A Henderson? Hardly !!! Our man, Fred, pulling like there's no tomorrow with a big lead over Josh Coplan and the rest of the 28+ expert class. Fred also rode super well in the 36-40 cruiser class, where he finished second for the day.
More props to Mike Froh, who took down the win against 8 other riders in the 41-45 cruiser class. Brian Woods made the first trip of his life to Rockford and nailed down a spot in the main, qualifying first moto. John Wethall was also in that main. Like I've written before ... 41-45 cruiser at Milwaukee BMX has an awfully solid group of riders from week to week. Good stuff guys.
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