Transplanted Buckeye! (from left:) Bryan Dickerson, Fred Yanke and Todd Zimmerman examine Milwaukee BMX's newest track improvement Saturday afternoon. All of the Milwaukee BMX volunteers work hard ... and then there's Fred. All he did this weekend was drive to Ohio on Friday morning, load a 1,200 lb 24' long mass of steel and wire onto a trailer, tow it back to Wisconsin the very next day ... and, within 10 minutes of arrival had it roughly positioned on the hill. The dedication of Milwaukee BMX's volunteers is absolutely amazing.



Good News ... Bad News ...

The track operations team met last night to discuss a bunch of stuff, and since we covered a whole lot of ground during our meeting, there's plenty of each (good news + bad news) to report.

The most important result of the meeting was ... practices are nixed (cancelled) until further notice ... we've got a whole lot of work to do and a few super independent minded ducks we've still got to get in a row (due dilligence).

Good - We have a gate (see photos above and below)
Bad - (alright, this doesn't count entirely as a bad ... just not good) The gate we have needs a bit of work, and so does the hill to make everything workable.










































Good - Fred and Mike are figuring it out. There's a whole lot of experience between the two ... so, we're confident what they come up with is going to be right.
Bad - the weather forecast this weekend really looks pitiful as far as being able to get any work done. There is a chance the starters house is going up there this weekend and on Friday John will compact and roll the jumps we enlarged last weekend.

Good - An Angel donor has made an offer to finance at least part of the upgrade to the hill and the starting gate ... that totally rocks.
Bad - Another political hurdle that needs to be cleared popped up yesterday, and I'm afraid this one isn't cheap. The special use permit we were asked to pull is chump change compared to what popped up yesterday.

Good - were determined ... we're going to make this work.
Bad - it's just not going to work this year.

Good - We're talking about a 12 race schedule in 2007.
Bad - We're almost completely sure, based on what lies in front of us, that there will be a 0 race schedule in 2006.
Good (counterpoint) - Thank goodness for the Walworth County BMX ... and the decision to take our track ABA ... indoor season will start in a little over a month so, all of you who bought a membership still have somewhere to race through the winter. Walworth County BMX is located at the Walworth County Fairgrounds about 45 minutes SW of downtown Milwaukee, making it the next closest track to Milwaukee BMX.

Good - after deciding that at least 12 races would be the magic number, we had three volunteers step forward to get rolling on selling "event sponsorships" for the races.
Bad - there is no bad for this one ...

Good - we're planning several fundraising events (1 this fall ... 1 in spring) that will benefit Milwaukee BMX. The fall event is likely to be a swap meet at Crystal Ridge and the spring event will involve the Milwaukee Premiere of Joe Kid on a Stingray at an event TBD. We're also going to be at Walworth County BMX both racing and horsing around ... and, with Jake's (the Walworth BMX track operator) permission, learning the track operator and volunteer ropes. Jakes entire operation is entirely first rate, so, we feel really fortunate to have such a great resource. If we run our races half as well as the Walworth crew runs theirs, I know a bunch of you are going to be really pleased with racing at Milwaukee BMX.

We're going to be rolling out additional print promotional materials at Crystal Ridge and local bike shops ... they seem to be going through it pretty quickly. We'll also put information for Walworth BMX at many of those locations.

Just news, not good or bad ...

We are going to move ahead and procure the ram and sure start system from the ABA and finish up as much of the gate refurbish and starting hill improvemenets that we can this fall. We all felt we should put things together as much as we can this fall so that we can move forward. Our goal is to set up the gate to make sure everything fits and works properly this fall. Hopefully, that will make coming back and setting it up in the spring a much simpler task.

We established a "Wish List" of things we (the club) really could use between now and the first time we race (April or May). The list includes, but is not limited to:

- an electrical power run from the chalet to the start hill area.
- a compressor (size TBD)
- T-Posts (I'm going to be donating a bunch ... but, I figure you can never have to many of these)
- Laptop Computer - (ideally a P-3 that will run moto-maker in a hurry)
- printer
- equipment shed
- chalk liner
- plexiglass (size TBD)
- outdoor lighting
- chain link fence (ideally we're looking for both 4' and 6' ... if you catch wind of somebody who needs to get rid of a fence ... we offer a real economical means of removal)
- grass seed (fescue would be best as it's hearty and will practically grow in concrete)
- public address equipment - amplifier, speakers, sound board, microphone ... what have you got sitting your attic?
- a wooden playhouse structure - sure, this seems like a weird request ... after all ... most of us around 6' tall. That said, we'll take a look at anything that's free ... with a little TLC, this could become our announcers tower and scoring area.

So, there you have it ... lots of stuff to report after last night.

Allright Riders ...

So, here we are ... 3 months after having our very first meeting ... with a rideable track, drain tile installed, some well-deserved and hard earned (thanks for your dilligence, John) political support, a cool open house in the books ... and now, the newest acquisition, a pretty doggone cool second-hand gate (the tread lightly sustainable types will be sure to appreciate this).

Milwaukee BMX is the real deal. Having been pretty close to all of this ... I know that there were very few things that we accomplished in the last 90 days that were easy. But thanks mostly to John Mittelstadt, Dana Mittelstadt, Michelle Mittelstadt, Fred Yanke, Mike Froh, Bryan Dickerson, Todd Zimmerman, Jay Labecki and Russell Jobs, the future of Bicycle Motocross Racing in Milwaukee looks pretty doggone bright. Gotta' also thank Craig from Pro Electric for the many hours he has allowed us to put on his Skid Loader. Finally, Bob Bruns from Kettering BMX and Dayton BMX in Ohio (hey Bob ... what on earth is a "Buckeye" anyway? -- believe it or not, it's a chesnut ... yeah, I'm real glad my forefathers at the University of Wisconsin were wise enough to choose a ferocious little animal as a nickname and mascot over a freakin' seed !!!) for helping out with that gate. We are truly blessed to have received the continued support and physical help from all of the people above.

To help us plan next steps, all who are interested are invited to meet tomorrow night, Wednesday - September 20 at 7 p.m. at Benno's on Greenfield Avenue (7413 w.) in West Allis east of State Fair Park.

Looking Good ...

A small group of the hardcore volunteers who will be racing through the winter at Walworth BMX will be sporting the jerseys below. We'll have tee-shirts soon as well. The jerseys are Fly 303 and Ray Hudson gets props for helping out our startup promotional effort. If you catch somebody at the track wearing one of these shirts ... and you dig Milwaukee BMX ... show 'em some love ... these guys are the reason Milwaukee BMX happened and is becoming real.



That's it for now ... keep ridin'

Kevin O'

ALL HANDS ON DECK !!!

We can use the help of anybody who can come out around 5 this evening (Saturday September 16, 2006) to help unload the new Milwaukee BMX starting gate.

Yes, gate ... there, I wrote it, and the cat is officially out of the bag ... hide the cat nip !!!

Yeah !!!, that felt at least as good as I figured it would !!!

Questions ... call me @ 414-305-9698.

Kevin O'

WEDNESDAY PRACTICE CANCELLED

Aw Mommmm !!!
Yeah, mother nature threw the brakes on tonight's practice in a big way ... and, since we'll be working on the track throughout the weekend, it looks like we'll try to re-load for next Wednesday - 9/20 and probably try to do a Saturday afternoon thing on September 23 & 30.

Next Practice:
Wednesday 9/20 - 5:00 p.m. to twilight
Saturday 9/23 - Noon 'til Four (or later if anybody's got legs left!)
Saturday 9/30 - Noon 'til Four

October Schedule (TBD)

Kevin O'

Practice Night - Wednesday September 13.

Start: 5:00 p.m. -- End: Twilight

Cost: $4 (seasonal discount) first family member ... $3 for additional family members.

(Jay Labecki stretches a manual over the second straight dubs.)

Track Update:
A bunch of stuff has been cooking over the last couple weeks and although it's been largely unreported on the website (my fault, ugh) there is a major track change that will be happening very soon. All I can announce at the moment is that the change involves Mike and I digging up some stuff trackside this weekend, and a merry band of Milwaukee BMX Gypsies (John M., Fred, Todd, and Dana among others) heading to Ohio with a couple of large vehicles, a big old trailer, a couple of race bikes, tanks full of gas, plenty of gatorade and a mission to return with something our track really needs (hint, hint).

With the change will come a pretty big switcharoo on the practice schedule. After this weekend, when a bunch of work is going to go down, we are considering switching practices to Saturday afternoons so that ya'll can have more time to enjoy the track. Current thinking would open practice from noon until around 4. It would be terrific to get some feedback from you guys on the subject. You can reply on the site ... or, chat with myself or John Wednesday evening.

Questions? Post 'em up !!!

Kevin O'

prrroooggggrrrreeeessss:

Yeah, it's been a bit slow on the blog site lately ... with TO Mittelstadt with a well deserved week off ... followed up by a week off of my own ... I've been more lax than I should on keeping you guys updated on our progress.

Gate:
The single largest cost of getting a BMX track started is obviously the starting gate. Well, maybe it's not so obvious, but, it is a costly item. We're eeking along on getting some of the funds together thanks to the support of you guys ... our very loyal rider base. We have been scratching our heads at trying to come up with a really cost effective solution that would might get us up and running with something yet this year ... but, I'm afraid I can't report much more than that at this time. We also recognize the importance of shaking the trees for sponsor dollars ... but, the proposition is a bit chicken and egg ... do we race to get sponsors, or do we get sponsors to race? Anyway, I hope that (vaguely) explains where we're at with pro-actively selling our program. TO Mittelstadt did find a nicely constructed ticket sales shack that we will be using as our gate house. Fred Yanke has made the thing beautiful, according to John ... I'm looking forward to seeing that thing go up.

New Riders:
I want to personally thank (and will follow up with personal e-mails to each of the following) for coming out to ride our track at practice as perspective ABA members.

- Samuel and Sara Huang
- Kirt and Aaron Konkel
- Josh Dretzka (signed up to a full ABA membership !!!)

You guys and gals are the future of Milwaukee BMX, and, if it's going to work out in the long run ... it's going to have a lot more to do with you than with most of us. Still, our group is more than excited to help get the thing in place.

Old riders we're seeing again

Danny Tavela is going to step up to his full ABA renewal one of these days. He's a former fast expert who turned A-Pro around '87 and returned to racing cruiser a few years ago. Mostly, lately, he's been doing the XC mountain bike thing. But, it's easy to see where his skills were as he was going pretty fast and looking stylish to boot a couple weeks ago during practice.

Amedio Gilmore many of you know Amedio as one of the few pros from the state of Wisconsin to make it to the AA ranks in his career. I can think of only three, Todd Blazer (Madison), Kris Weeborg (Oshkosh) and Gilmore. I remember him from the little bit of racing I did in the mid 80's and that my good friend Jason Leikam was often chasing him around, despite being pretty doggone quick himself. Amedio popped into our open house a few weeks ago and went lap after lap after lap ... finally declaring, I'll be back ... which, I believe he will. It's funny how strong the BMX bug really is ... even 20 years after racing gets left behind ... there's a pull that has brought many of us back into it.

Wednesday Practice:
It's my understanding that, weather permitting, Wednesday practice is going to go off as usual tomorrow night. Please bring your ABA cards.

Kevin O'

Saturday Pictures !!!

Humongo thanks to Tammi Schulz (I think - as Brian Schulz forwarded these pics) for sending these.

BMX in Milwaukee is getting better ... but, we've still got a ways to go.

Yeah, so maybe the world is larger than our little Bicycle Motocross track, we all get that (although, with the amount of time that we've spent with the venture, there are, no doubt, some of our family members that would make the case that some of us seem to think that out little BMX track is at the center of the universe). Anyway, Bicycle Motocross is surely more than just about racing. So I was particularly interested to find this article about a public use skate / bicycle park being planned for Hart Park in Wauwatosa. This thing may be a few years off, but, with strength in numbers, it's absolutely cool to see the cooperation between skaters and bikers in trying to pull this thing together. I have contacted one of the members of Tosa Skateboarders United to lend our support to their cause. And, because ... I had another big old idea.

The Sandlot
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Bicycle Motocross and its major rise and fall in the number of active participants. I recall when I was a kid that there were several riding areas I could hit on any given day. Some were "sandlot" type open lot tracks, others big huck jumps and some were street riding obstacles -- in school yards, at churches, shopping facilities and parking lots. The street stuff really remains the same today. But, I can't think of a single "sandlot" type track in the Milwaukee area.

I quizzed my friend, Chris Reimer, who many of you know from Ware's Cyclery, if he had heard of anything good in this area. Chris could think of nothing ... zip, zero, nadda. No doubt ... this explains why we've released such a powder keg of pent up Bicycle Motocross energy with the Crystal Ridge track.

The practice track that Bryan Dickerson built in Hartford with the support of the Hartford Parks department is definitely the closest to what I'm thinking about. It's the type of place that kids can hit at pretty much whenever they are moved to do so. If there is more than one kid there ... it's probably a safe bet, that just like when I rode those spots with my little buddies 25 years ago, an informal race is going to break out. How many of us followed the same path into racing? Kill it on the "sand lot" track until we discover a kid with a "real" racing BMX bike. Maybe meet that kid and learn about the "real" racing that goes on at the "real" track he goes to every weekend. Maybe that kid's got a mom or dad who realizes that getting new kids into the sport is what will help it grow. Mr. Sandlot upstart hitches a ride out to the race track and probably gets really hooked ... really quickly. Luckily for him ... he's got some speed and more than a few skills in his pocket from his riding at the sand lot track.

We need more practice tracks
So many people associated with bicycle motocross automatically jump to the conclusion that we need more tracks. I think a legitimate argument can be made that, for the moment, at least, there are already enough. There is almost constant discussion of low moto counts around the nation. What we could really use, eh, is more riders. In the 80's ... formal race tracks popped up everywhere. There were probably more than a dozen tracks in Wisconsin in the hay-days of BMX. But, as more tracks popped up ... the informal riding areas went away. When the first crop of racers got old enough to get their licenses and moved on to other activities (sure do wish I had just stayed on the bike!), the fresh crop of "sandlot" kids wasn't there to replace them.

Take a good look at this kid. He's either 7 or 8 ... and won the time trial at Hartford recently for his age group. The bike is obviously too big for him, and far too heavy ... but, dang if he doesn't look like a very young Stu Thomsen in this shot. Since he's got a place to ride, and some ability, I fully expect that a sharp eyed reader (with a really good memory ... obviously not me) may be able to pick him out at the races in Milwaukee someday.



Without the practice track, or the time trial, is this same kid even interested in riding? Would he ever have a chance of becoming a racer at our track if Bryan not made the effort to get the Hartford track started? Moreover, would this young guy, or his parents, have been able to muster the courage to take him straight to Rockford, or Fond du Lac, or Oshkosh, and throw down $45 for a membership for him to be able to "compete against" (read, get smoked by) experienced kids who have had plenty of track time?

Bryan told me that the track, which he and Todd Zimmerman are primarly responsible for constructing, likely cost the city much less than a thousand dollars. In 2006 dollars, a municipality can't even purchase a decent swingset for that kind of money. This should be a no brainer. A practice track is a minimal impact proposition with regard to the environment and economics. However, the social impact is substantial.

So, I've contacted Tosa Skateboarders United and I'm planning to start attending the Wauwatosa park commission meetings ... wish me luck ... I'm certainly late to the dance with my request ... but, I'm motivated and willing to give it a shot.

More Thanks

Boy, in all the excitment of thanking the riders, the politicians, the volunteers, et al, I sorta forgot to thank one of the major supporters of the day. Sun-Ringle threw a bunch of swag our way and didn't even require the "persuasion" of Fred Yanke's alter ego, Hackett. Props to the Sun-Ringle crew for the help the support provided ... their product is some of the best on the market. Now, I know ... they gave us stuff ... so, of course I'd endorse the goods. Here's the thing ... I've been buying and running Ringle stuff on my bike, paying retail for years. The strongest endorsement for any part in Bicycle Motocross comes from those who pay retail for it. I run Sun Rhyno Lite rims and Ringle Zu Zu platform pedals.

Kevin O'

Thank you ... thank you ... thank you !!!

To all the riders who participated in yesterday's "open house" ride at Milwaukee BMX. We just built the track ... it's you guys who are going to make it stick ... and we're super stoked at the amount of support you showed yesterday. Yeah, it's been super hard work ... but, the payoff was yesterday. Watching the first group of 8 and under swoop down into the first turn gave me goose bumps.

The smiles on the faces of John, Michelle, Dana and Leah Mittelstadt, Fred Yanke, Todd Zimmerman, Jason Leikam, my wife Denise and I (the volunteers on hand yesterday) were completely formed by pride.

Sadly, my camera was left at home, so, if anybody has pictures you want to share ... forward them to kevin.odonnell@zdg.com and I'll gladly post them up.

What's Next?
A few of you asked John when we can do this again. Just as soon as we know more, we'll let you guys know as well. We are going to keep the ball moving, however, and work on procurring a gate begins on Monday.

We are tentatively scheduling a practice for ABA members this Wednesday night while we are continue work on the track. Mountain bikers will be welcome to join on an ABA one day membership or encouraged to sign up for a full ABA membership. Practice fees will again be $5 per rider and you can ride from six until dark. ABA rules in effect, helmets, bike pads, and long sleeve shirts and pants or appropriate safety gear will be enforced. Riders who are under 18 will need parental or guardian release as part to sign up for the one day membership.

Closed track:
The track BMX track at Crystal Ridge designated a closed track, and we want all of you to know that you can be ticketed for trespassing if caught riding any time that is not an sanctioned ABA event. A closed track wasn't our choice, but, it's what we've got ... so, please respect it so that we can keep building the sport in our community.

Thanks again for all of your support and cooperation.

Local Riders win Factory Trophy for DirectLink at Land of Lincoln Nationals:
Bryan Dickerson reports that DirectLink won the factory trophy at the Land of Lincoln Nationals in Brighton Illinois. Local DirectLink riders include the Dickersons (Bryan, Payton, Hailey and Abby), Curt Zizzo, Tim Eiring, and Randy Behnke. Great job guys. DirectLink is planning to host a training clinic at Milwaukee BMX.

Kevin O'


Kevin O'

MILWAUKEEBMX.com CONTACT INFORMATION

By e-mail:

Web-Filler - lavacycles@sbcglobal.net

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday 8/16 evening: Rake, water and roll and finish spectator fence

Friday 8/18 evening: clean track area, rake, water, and roll - chalk line track

Saturday 8/19: volunteers arrive at track @ 9 a.m. - Riders arrive at 11. Open practice from 11-1 p.m. by various age groups. Riding and racing demonstration (no starting gate) from 1-3 p.m. Please bring your ABA membership info.

Saturday August 12 - WORK DAY !!!

We'll be working tomorrow, weather is supposed to be good and we should really be able to make some essential progress toward track completion. Bring rakes, shovels ... and your bikes. If we get far enough we should be back to ridable by the end of the day.

Hartford Time Trial Report
Bryan Dickerson remains the track record holder at the Hartford practice track, and deservedly so. He built it, he maintains it, and helps organize the annual time trial put on by the City of Hartford parks department. My son Dane and I were stoked to be able to compete. Dane and Jason Leikam's daughter, Cassidy finished second and third in the 7 and under class. Nice going, you guys.

What else did I want to write about Hartford ... hmmm ... ah yes, pictures:


Cassidy Leikam (6) gets her crank on heading into the first turn.


Dane looking super determined as he rounds the last corner and gets ready to head for home.


Here's Bryan doing what Bryan does best (and everybody in 41-45 cruiser knows it) -- laying down the power.


Todd Zimmerman is a good friend, valuable volunteer, and stylish rider ... big tuck, high speed, major determination.


Generation Next - Payton Dickerson has speed and skills. My money was on him to strip his old man of the speed title ... but, no dice ... it was old age and treachery over youth and enthusiasm for, at least, one more year.


Your author, Mr. Turnbar ... what I lack in both style and speed I more than make up for in the ridiculous overuse of safety equipment. Yeah, I'm safe, and that's a good thing.

ABA Press Release:
This will go up here and remain the message for the balance of this week after tomorrow. Today, we posted the release to the ABABMX.com website announcing the open house for ABA members next Saturday. The track will be open from 10-1 for open practice and we'll have some demo racing laps going off between 1-3. Looking forward to seeing all my BMX friends there.

That's it for now ... keep riding.

Kevin O'

Saturday Work Morning:

A small team is getting together trackside for a few hours of work tomorrow morning. On the agenda are forming the first obstacle on the third straight, beginning to rake out the backside of the start hill, potentially putting in some drain tile, and location marking for a control fence along the first straight. That said, rakes can always be dragged and rocks picked. If you want to come on out ... we'll be there from 8 until around noon.

We'll know after tomorrow wether we'll also be working Sunday.

Time Travelers:
A reminder that the Bicycle Motocross Time Trial at The Hartford BMX practice track, a nice little one laner with some knee high 10' gap double jumps, tables and rollers, is going off at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Directions to the track are

1. Hwy 60 to Hartford to:
2. South on HWY K (corner of Kwik Trip, Cherry Auto & McDonalds) to:
3. West on Monroe Street (right turn) to:
4. Independence Park (on left)

Track is located in the Eastern-most area of the park and is nearest the North Soccer Field.

Check out this cool new feature of Yahoo Maps ... you can go from Map to Satellite View in one click. You can actually see the track from space. Cool.



Small World:
I met with, Jack Hirt, who is the director of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin today. Jack is a friend and co-worker from 15 years ago while we both were employed (read goofed off) at a golf course in the Sheboygan area. I had absolutely no clue that Jack was at all into biking, but now learn that he's won several Cyclecross championships and has been killing it on XC trails all over the midwest for years. It's so weird to catch up with somebody after many years. We're both dads ourselves now ... and both avid cycling advocates.

Jack has a ton of media contacts and he's going to help us get the word out about the track, which is super exciting, because getting the word out is going to absolutely be key to our success.

Behind the Scenes:
Track Operator - Mittelstadt has been doing a whole lotta due dilligence this week with the City of Franklin. We've got a bit more work to go in the process of pulling a permit, but all indications are positive at this point. I will be writing more about an upcoming meeting in the City of Franklin on August 14 in which we are likely to be granted permission to hold our August 19 riding demonstration. Yeah, it's sure cutting it closer than we would like to have. But, that's life.

Keep the fire's lit, boys and girls ... there will be Bicycle Motocross Racing in the Milwaukee area again soon.

Kevin O'

Housekeeping:

Just a note to those who may be in need of a renewal, or interested in a new membership application for ABA-BMX Racing, Milwaukee BMX is ABA Track #1730. I finally got around to putting up links dealing with new rider questions and to the ABA membership application.

Talk about humble roots ... check out this photo from my early days. 13-14 year olds on the gate at the old Holiday House track in Manitowoc, WI. It's got to be early 1982, making this, probably the last race I competed at until my first comeback when I was 20. Yeah, it's not your eyes bugging out ... that gate is pink. Jason Leikam has the story for anybody who's interested. The gate was a six laner (harder than heck to make a main at that place !!!) and had something like toilet paper deliniating the lanes. Crazy, but bio-degradable !!! The dude in the Torker Jersey, on a sharp Supergoose, and snapping with some sweet OTB style is Rick Adema ... who went on to become a formidable expert in the mid 80's. The cat in the schwinn jersey with the god awful garden gloves, pie plate and enormous Premier helmet is ... ahemm ... your webmaster. The bike is a late 1981 Hutch Pro-Racer.




Got a cool shot you want to share on MilwaukeeBMX.com? e-mail the image -- (and the story) ... (and, duh, we prefer shots that involve Wisconsin BMX of some sort) -- and we'll try to put up what we can.

Thanks again for all your support ... we're loving the comments, e-mails and phone calls we've been getting over the last couple of weeks.

Kevin O'

Momentum:

We've got it ... and, these are the people you can thank for the help they've provided.


From the left:

Kyle Schulz - the broom may be taller than he is ... but, he's down with helping out. Not only is Kyle having a "killer time", he's also showing great political sensibilities for a young man his age. Vote for Pedro !!!
Steven Palumbo - I'm sorry you didn't have a chance to hit up the track on Saturday, you can see the kid is full of power, and, though we've had some good riders take laps, Steven looks like the kind of kid that is ready to make all our jaws drop when he hits it up.
Krystal Schulz - Brian, you and Tammi have some really super kids -- Krystal has a quick wit and works really hard.
Brian Schulz - Yeah, he's a dad, like me ... with a big honkin' BMX Jones that he lugs around with him. Brian is working on opening a track of his own in the Kenosha area ... and, I can't wait to help with that one too.
John Mittelstadt - Keep us moving along, T/O.
Dana Mittelstadt - Don't ever forget my words of advice ... well, at least until you are on your own. if your dad tells you you are leaving at 7 ... get some sleep that night ... dad's never let their kids off the hook because they got to bed late.
Curt Zizzo - Snackbar has been tearing it up all year for Direct Link ... but, took a few hours to swing up and help us move forward. If you don't like the roller double out of the second corner, you can blame Curt ... right, Mike?


Mike Froh - Told me a bunch of times that if somebody would step up to run a track, he'd be happy to build it. Mike, meet John Mittelstadt ... John, meet Mike. Mike is the difference between a track and a great track. Volunteer with us for one day and you'll see what I mean.
Craig from Pro Electric - You don't see him in this photo ... but, you do see his equipment. Skid steer rental is costly, but essential when building a track. Craig has very graciously allowed the use of his loader on four weekends. That is a killer donation.


Todd Zimmerman - Todd is just about world famous for his volunteer efforts on BMX tracks. In fact, I think he's lined up to help form jumps in Seoul in 2008. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago.


Fred Yanke - I couldn't talk Fred into being part of this image. He said he would "when it's done". So, anyway, here is Fred's incomplete work providing a design element to our start hill. Fred and Mike are both landscapers in current and previous lives, respectively ... and make the rest of us look like absolute klutzes with a rake in our hands. This picture is from last weekend.

Also helping Saturday, but not pictured, Jason Leikam (a friend for 20+ years), Troy Kasper (T/O from Winnebegoland), Tammi Schulz (Brian's wife who cheers really loud for him during races and does an excellent job with the video camera), and Theresa Palumbo (Steven's mom who jumped right in to help after getting roped into giving Steven a ride to the track). Also, for their past help, props to Tim Eiring (Direct Link 28X who is setting the world on fire), and Bryan Dickerson (Direct Link 36+ X who has built and run several tracks during his, ahem, 30 years of involvement with BMX).

On the Clock:

We received this e-mail correspondence from Dickerson last week:

I will be hosting a BMX time trial event at my local practice track on the 5th at 1pm and am wondering if any of you were interested in helping. I would like to put on a speed show.

The track maybe too small for RB.

This is a non-sanctioned event that will run timed laps around a BMX practice facility constructed by Dickerson in a park in Hartford, WI. It's a totally cool little riding spot that my 6 year old Dane and I have hit up a number of times. The jumps are small, but super fun, and the total track length is about 800 ft. I'll get some directions up for those of you interested later this week.

That's it for now ... stay cool everyone.

Kevin O'

Rain, Rain -- Enough Already !!!

Man, normally, I'm hoping for just a teensy bit of rain at this time of year to keep my lawn from going "seasonal" brown and gold. My neighbors are really less than stoked on the patch of clover and mustard where grass used to be. But, hey brother ... it's sustainable ... and even sorta pretty when it hasn't been cut for a couple of days and the stuff starts to flower.

But I digress.

The rain is beginning to drive me a little nutty ... but, despite ma nature's best efforts to wreck shop, our little track is definitely holding its own.

Dane (soon to be six novice) and I did a little rake and ride of our own last night and yee-haw ... it was probably easily the most fun I've had on track since I was a teen myself. Not that I need to elaborate on my pitiful riding ... but, the track is already beginning to flow really well. And, the first turn definitely has a "rail" line up top. Good stuff.

The team is still shooting for a full Saturday work day ... hit us up anytime between 8 and 4 ... and, yeah ... I finally pulled my head out of my arse and put some directions up for you out of the area types. If you want to work ... bring a lawn or thatching rake ... those seem to work the best for the hand work we still need to do. John and Fred met trackside tonight, and yeah, I was supposed to be there, but me being behind on yet another proposal that's heading out the door tomorrow meant tonight was a DNF for me. Between the two of them and Mike ... they'll have plenty for the rest of us to do on Saturday.

Suddently getting a fair amount of interest around these parts ... which is just dang cool. We really appreciate all your support.

C-Ya Saturday.

Kevin O'

Bicycle Motocross at Crystal Ridge is GAME-ON !!!

Track Operator Mittlestadt and I met with officials from Milwaukee County and the City of Franklin who have embraced the idea of the track and will be helping us navigate the process to procure the proper city approvals / blessings, etc. We have got to be mindful of being good neighbors to Franklin. We've learned that even though Bicycle Motocross is a medal sport in the 2008 Olympic games ... there are still a lot of people who have never seen it ... and have many pre-conceived notions of the chaos our riders could bring to their community. Of course, it's not like that, but, since perception is often reality ... we have to be super sensitive about being polite, clean, and well run.

Key Dates Ahead



Saturday August 19th
All ABA licensed riders are invited to join us, Saturday, August 19th for a day long practice. We'll schedule age groups throughout the day based on participation. This practice session is in response to the Mayor of Franklin's request for us to host an "open house" and mock race day on August 19th in coordination with the City of Franklin's 50'th anniversary celebration. Although we will not have our gate in by that time, we are certainly capable of having the track open to riders and hosting the event the Mayor's suggesting. Let's pull it off ... you can help show your support of Milwaukee BMX just by showing up with your race bike (and, please, bring your uniform, if you have one ... part of the purpose of this "open house" is to get people interested in Bicycle Motocross.

Saturday July 29th
Rake and Ride day ... please bring safety equipment if you are going to ride. It has still not been determined if our track will be "open" or "closed", so we've got to set a good example with safety gear if we ride ... no question. John is working on procuring a trencher so that we can finally resolve our corner drainage issues.

Saturday August 5th - rake and ride (see above)
Saturday August 12th - rake and ride (see above)

We may also add weeknight's as we go along.

Big thanks to Fred and Bryan for cutting some drain relief ditches last weekend.

That's it for now.

Kevin O'

Now On The Web @ MilwaukeeBMX.com

MilwaukeeBMX.com is now owned by and under the control of, well, Milwaukee BMX, which pretty much rules because ... milwaukeebmx.blogspot.com is really hard for people to remember.

Anyhow ... it's another step in the right direction as this crazy idea Mittelstadt had becomes a reality.

Mike Froh and Fred Yanke have been working tirelessly through the weekend and made some enormous strides toward the completion of the track. I could sit and write lots about the progress, but, it's a whole lot easier to just show pictures. After all, they are worth a thousand words, right? Based on my math, it would take me a couple of days to write all the words you all should have for these:











first straight, first jump - step up, step down (and ya' do the hokie pokie ...)








Second jump, first huck ... 21' lip to lip into turn one makes jump #2 a leap of faith. That said, it's going to be an absolute gas watching the older experts blast this baby at full song.















Here's what jump #2 looks like from the riders perspective ... well, if said rider was all the way outside and probably getting smoked into the first turn. Note the backside is nice and mellow for us older (or younger) folks.



This "enhanced image" shows the second straight from the reworked back half of the big first berm. The corner used to shoot you out at the left side of the jump, so, Mike hopped on the skid steer and provided a sweet remedy. I fudged in the stripes out of curiosity. Mike spent a lot of time on Friday making sure things were evenly spaced and that the straights all have a consistent width on the obstacles. There should be a lot of passing opportunities here. Straight is step up, followed by two 19' lip to lip ABA "National" style doubles.


This shot looks down the second straight from the second jump. For those that air it out here, a lot of backside pump can be had which will make this a really strong momentum straight. Rolling and pumping looks as though it will be a solid alternative as well.


Here's kind of a strange view from the mid point of the second turn, looking right across the apex and into the third straight rhythm. Mike is going to build a new first obstacle for the third straight, but needed to have that space open to gain access to the rest of the straights with the loader for the time being.


Finally, looking out of the entrance of the last corner. This is another weird shot as the riders will be heading straight for my vantage point on the straight immediately centered. To the right is the second straight, on which the riders will be going away from me. To the left is the final straight on which riders will also be heading away from where I'm standing.

Track Promotion
This weekend will be spent focusing on promotion as the WORS (Wisconsin Off Road Series) Mt. Bikers converge on Crystal Ridge. Hundreds of riders on site gives us a huge opportunity to promote our new track among our big wheeled brothers and sisters. John and I are working on promotional materials to hand out, but, we really could use some help with somebody to sit at a table for a portion of Sunday and hand out literature on the track. Please get in touch with me if you think you can help with this.

Here's a draft of a promotional flyer that I worked up yesterday:



Kevin O'

Random Thoughts:

Though it has been a while since anybody's asked how I got started in BMX, the Milwaukee BMX venture has me thinking about it a fair amount. I'm not totally sure how I may have answered in the past, but, whatever the reply was, it probably wasn't entirely accurate. This recent introspection makes it quite clear that there was a "point" at which I became a BMX'er.

Yeah, sure, I had the speed for the neighborhood around the block races, and caught my share of air off the obligatory cinder block with 1 x 6 plank for a ramp. I was, I suppose, a brave little imp on a bike back then who must have seemed bent on making my mother nervous.

The Early Days ...
In 1977, as a 10 year old, BMX was around me, but I was just about completely unaware of it. The kids in my neighborhood were mainly into racing around the block and pretty much we were all just about goofing off back then. I think '77 was also the year that I got my first "MX" bicycle ... some odd sort of Huffy that I absolutely knew was "MX" ... because it said so right on the back of the saddle. I immediately proceeded to deck out my "MX" with just about every non MX item I could think of. We're talking mirrors, some big honking headlight ... and, yeah ... an even bigger honking horn. Those who are helping Milwaukee BMX a reality some 30 years later are probably not at all suprised to know that I was a dork.

Somewhere, in one of my mom's crusty old photo albums, there is absolute proof of this. The photo sequence highlights me "dialing in" my "MX", then on some obvious bonzai run, and, in the next shot, I've eaten poo. It must have been a premonition that led me to throw on a toy Green Bay Packers helmet, and my body was similarly well protected by my gold windbreaker with "Monroe Shock Absorbers" sticker and plaid denim pants. All of you guys who chuckle at what a yard sale I look like when I show up to the track now ... should have seen me then.

The little MX got pretty thrashed that summer ... and, I'm pretty sure it went missing all together from the front lawn one evening. Even crappy bikes have a way of vanishing if left unobserved ... even in Sheboygan, Wisconsin ... even in 1977. Anyhow, by '78 I was riding some wild and weird, even more motorcycle looking Huffy with a 3 speed shifter mechanism, and bright green body panels. I'm quite certain that Kawasaki was way past making BMX bikes at this point, but the cheapo Huffy / Kawasaki replica lived on in the O'Donnell household. So did my tendancy to not keep a real close eye on my bikes. And so it was that the Huffy disappeared one night as well. (Seriously, in retrospect, I can just imagine the neighborhood thugs just hovering around the O'Donnell house ... easy pickin's after all).

Perhaps it was a weird twist of fate ... but, my carelessness with bikes led me to a bikeless beginning of 1979. That is, until Sheboygan's finest called to let us know that the first huffy had been recovered in some kids garage raid. So, the "MX" returned, and I was back off and riding.

The Start of Something New ...
Around this same time, I was becoming increasingly aware of some crazy new thing that was going on called BMX. In fact, the new 1979 Mongoose bikes that had arrived at Bike N' Ski warehouse were just as overt in informing kids like me that they were BMX as the little Huffy was with it's obvious notation of "MX". Perhaps it was just cooincidental that the Mongoose "BMX" was simply a change in perspective from the Huffy "MX". While the Huffy was MX from the back ... the Mongoose told you right up front that it was BMX.

In 1979, I must have visited Bike N' Ski warehouse 6,466 times; sat on the Mongoose bikes 247,567,987 times; and irritated the heck out of Mike LaBouve every single moment during those visits. As evidence of the fact that sometimes, parents just don't get it, my repeated requests for some "sponsorship" from mom for a new 'Goose evolved into a deal for me to make good grades as I entered the 7th grade ... for a Schwinn SX-1000. Now, the Schwinn was a good bike, but, it wasn't a Mongoose. But, I was game for the deal, because hey, I wasn't dumb. My grades, however, seemed to indicate otherwise. Evidentally, early in the 7th grade, I became really good at hiding ... which evolved into being really good at being bullied and my grades just sucked as a result. Such is life. The SX-1000, which was on lay-a-way, had a full deposit returned to my mom ... and I got myself a paper route.

Having saved up just enough at the tail end of '79 to convince my mom that it would be really cool if she met me 1/2 way on a much less expensive, but still kinda cool Murray with Motomags, I was able to retire the little huffy at Christmas of '79.

The Moment:
About two months later, still making awful grades, with a heavy new ride, I caught, out of the corner of my eye, the cover image of March 1980 Bicycle Motocross Action at the South High Pharmacy drug store. The Panda Pro-Am on the cover, subject of that months big bike test, was like nothing I had quite ever seen before. It had alloy wheels, an alloy seatpost and looked absolutely purposeful. The Mongoose and Schwinn dealers in town had a fair amount of "thrasher" inventory, but, for a long time, the SX-1000, that I had almost laid claim to, with its mild steel frame, was the closest in town to anything like the Panda. And, there were all sorts of bikes that were built just like the Panda inside the magazine. JMC's, CYC's (Ronnie Ames Stormer), Lagunas, GT's, Race Inc.'s and on and on. Though I was generally headed in the BMX direction, clearly, the moment I laid eyes on that magazine was the moment I became a BMX'er.



It's impossible to say how many kids that saw that very same issue as their first of Bicycle Motocross Action went on to become BMX racers themselves, but, in my case ... I did. Spending even more time at Bike N' Ski until they finally gave me some tasks to complete in exchange for payment toward a Redline MX-II they had on the floor. My first race was the 1981 SE / Rondo Classic, an indoor national on the ABA tour that was held at the convention center in Minneapolis. Talk about jumping in with the sharks ... but, that's another story.

The Moral of the Story:
The moral of the story, quite obviously, is that we all have a story. It makes me really proud to know that in 30 years, perhaps some 40 year old former or current BMX'er is going to be asked the question ... "so, how did you get started in BMX". That rider will spend some time pondering the answer, which, with clarity, will arrive, fresh and ready as it was the day he had his moment. The day he arrived, with his parents, a bike and maybe a friend, at Crystal Ridge, and slowly made the drive up the driveway ... until the BMX track came in clear view.

Kevin O'

first straight - Friday evening


track overview - Saturday afternoon

Forward Progress:
Thanks in large part to the efforts of Mike Froh, Fred Yanke, John Mittlestadt, Dana Mittlestadt, Jason Leikam, Todd Zimmerman, Milwaukee BMX at Crystal Ridge is really beginning to take shape. The crew worked a ton Friday and Saturday and have the first and second straights in their final form and to the point that they are ready to be compacted. Serious thanks to these guys for volunteering a whole lot of sweat, and a little bit of blood to make the dream of Milwaukee BMX a reality. I still can't get over how ridiculously efficient Mike is in building jumps, like an artist working in a dirt medium, every stroke of the rake counts big toward the final outcome of the jump ... there is no wasted motion ... Mike is an exercise in efficiency, or, appears to me to be, at least. Yeah, it's safe to say we owe Mike a heckuva lot.

Props to Fred as well ... who, has a similar skill set to Mike's ... and had a fair amount of collaboration into the final outcome of the jumps. Not to mention ... he really gets how to work to get the job done. Saturday afternoon, I kept finding myself hoping he'd call it a day ... but, on we worked ... and I still think I'm beat as a result.

Todd Zimmerman brought Bryan Dickerson's drag, that worked particularly well for progressing the shape of the third straight rhythm and last straights.

Work left to do includes finish work on the last two straights and finish work in the turns. Having personally raked the first half of the first turn now twice, I think it's safe to say ... it's going to be a muther of a job.

I took a few track pics with the digital that I will get uploaded this afternoon or tomorrow.

We owe huge thanks to John's friend Eric, who provided the use of a skid steer that worked flawlessly all weekend. One or two more days with that machine and the fearless crew mentioned above would have us riding for sure.

Because we are still working without water, compacting began to some degree with Fred's ATV ... the dirt is sticking against the wind, but is soft beneath tires. Our MTB friends have been really cool and totally responsible with regard to how patient they've been. But, we can not emphasize enough the amount of work you guys can save us through your continued patience. We are still shooting for late July ... so, please hang tight ... you'll all be riding soon.

Fun(d) Raising:
Every track needs some cash outside of entry fees to run. And, though we've temporarily shelved the Joe Kid on a Stingray screening that we had in mind for this summer (we'll shoot for next spring as an alternative for the event), an idea for an alternative fund raiser has come up. When the time is right ... we're just going to invite a bunch of you to come out and check out the new track with us ... suggested donation is probably going to be like $5 per rider. With the amount of progress made on the track this weekend, it would seem as though we're shooting for late July for this event. Details are going to evolve quickly, so stay tuned on it for sure. We're planning: open jam at trackside, a tailgate cookout of some sort, fundraising raffle and blah blah ... you know ... pretty seriously fun stuff that gets you guys on track, and affords us the ability to construct and pay for a gate.

ABA Great Lakes Nationals
Milwaukee BMX regular contributors Tim Eiring, Bryan Dickerson, Randy Behnke and Curt Zizzo absolutely killed it for team Direct Link during the ABA Great Lakes Nationals at St. Cloud, MN this weekend. Three of the four doubled in the older cruiser classes (Eiring 26-30, Behnke 31-35, Zizzo 36-40 and Dickerson 41-45) and Eiring had a 1st and 2nd, plus a win in 28+ expert on Saturday. We hope Direct Link is able to capatilize on the team's recent success as all riders also had top finishes at the recent Midwest Nationals. All four have been helpful in the development of Milwaukee BMX and we're obviolusly stoked to have the participation of a factory team on a week to week basis. Kids who wonder what it takes to get fast would be wise to learn from these four guys. They practice together, pushing one another further on just about every lap, and, the results pretty much say it all.

That's it for the moment ... track images and details on the fund raiser will be coming very soon.

Kevin O'