2008 FINAL DISTRICT POINTS POSTED AT WWW.ABABMX.COM



Milwaukee BMX Riders, please click the image below to go to the final 2008 district points standings at www.ABABMX.com Please note that the position you are listed in is your district number for 2009. Congratulations to all Wisconsin 01 District #1 Plate Earners!

• BOYS: Ben Kohls 17-18 Expert
• GIRLS: Hailey Dickerson 15
• CRUISER: Bryan Dickerson 45 Cruiser
• GIRLS CRUISER: Roxanne Schneider 17-20

Breaking BMX News !!!

ABA and NBC Universal Sign Deal to Televise BMX Racing Events in 2009:

Gilbert, Arizona- January 21, 2009— The American Bicycle Association and NBC Universal Sports are proud to announce an exclusive four year agreement to televise ABA events and the 2009 UCI Continental events.

The ABA is experiencing steady growth in membership and will continue growing and building upon the great success of BMX racing`s 2008 Olympic debut. The ABA and NBC Universal Sports will deliver over 20 hours of programming per year for the next four years to an ever growing NBC Universal Sports audience of over 40 million homes. With BMX emerging as the newest Olympic action sport in 2008, and with the American’s claiming three of the first six BMX Olympic medals ever awarded, the ABA is poised for tremendous growth leading up to the 2012 Olympics in London.

The televised race series will focus on the UCI events to be hosted at the following ABA National events

• ABA Sooner Nationals, Guthrie, OK January 22-24, 2009A \
• ABA Southern California Nationals, Lake Perris, CA February 6-8, 2009
• ABA Gator Nationals, Oldsmar, FL February 20-22, 2009
• ABA Winter Nationals, Phoenix, AZ March 6-8, 2009
• ABA Super Nationals, Desoto, TX March 20, 2009
• USAC National Championships, Desoto, TX March 21, 2009
• ABA Super Nationals, Desoto, TX March 22, 2009
• ABA First State nationals, Milford, DE June 12-14, 2009
• ABA Mid West Nationals, Rockford, IL June 19-21, 2009
  

“It has been a pleasure to work with BA and the rest of the ABA staff on the organization and execution of the 2009 UCI event calendar,” said Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling. “These events represent the top level of international BMX racing in America and are a critical link in our athlete development pipeline. USA Cycling is very pleased to be involved with such a progressive organization to bring international-level BMX racing to the United States.

The ABA has been dedicated to the sport of BMX racing for more than 32 years, and has a clear vision of the future. With this type of exposure for BMX racing in America, I’m confident that the ABA will continue to assist in the development of world-class athletes who eventually represent the United States in international competition around the globe.”

"We are very excited to expose the sport of BMX racing to NBC Universal`s 40 million homes, this agreement will continue to fuel the growth we have experienced since Beijing,” said B.A. Anderson, American Bicycle Association’s Chief Executive Officer. “The ABA has dedicated over 32 years to BMX racing and now that we are an Olympic sport we have a responsibility to our members and the country to make sure that our athletes are the best in the world,” Anderson added.

The ABA is also pleased announce that Hyper Bicycles has signed on as Title Sponsor of the first UCI Continental event to take place this weekend in Guthrie, OK. “Exposure is key for growing our sport,” said Clay Goldsmid, owner of Hyper Bicycles. "Getting the thrills and spills of BMX racing into the living rooms of America is a very exciting prospect. We think this could be a monumental step for the future of BMX. We’re excited to have this opportunity to team-up with the ABA and NBC Universal Sports to be a part of it,” Goldsmid continued.

“On the heels of such an amazing debut for BMX Racing in the 2008 Olympic Games, I am so grateful that ABA BMX, along with NBC, will be allowing many more kids and parents to witness what an all-around great sport BMX Racing is,” stated Hyper Bicycles 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist Donny Robinson. “As a racer, what more can I ask for than a four year televised series? This is unprecedented in BMX Racing and will allow the public to be involved and follow all the pressure-filled qualifications leading up to the London 2012 Games.”

More Moto-Photo

With all the quality racing we had in 2008, it wasn't hard to come by a bunch of good photos ... and, we've got a good stash of them that haven't yet been published. We'll try to keep 'em coming during these long, cold months of winter.


Easily one of my favorite shots of the entire season -- but, the snapshot quality of my Kodak digital camera never quite seemed to do it justice. If I was a photographer worth my salt, I would pack a digital SLR so I could create a very narrow depth of field, drop the shutter speed and pan like my life depended on it to keep up with speedy Jared Engelhart in this image. Jared's full Troy Lee uniform tinted goggles and very clean bike make him look absolutely pro ... good stuff.


Colin Kohls and Brad Olson, elbows up and tradin' paint. A BMX moment to remember for these two ... who are good buds on and off the track.



Yeah, it was good to see Olajuwan Davis at our State Championship Qualifier race ... as you can see here ... dude was killing it ... and when I say he had the first straight dialed beyond belief ... I mean it. He was pretty consistently tapping the brakes down into the first corner as he was carrying so much speed.

BREAKING NEWS !!! (reprinted from the Small Business Times 1 / 16/ 2009)

Chicago committee chooses Madison as cycling hub for Olympic bid

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that Madison has been selected as the cycling hub for Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. "Not only is Madison a great place to live, it's the nation's premier area for bike riding," Doyle said. "I am pleased that the Chicago 2016 Committee has chosen Madison to be its cycling hub and can't wait for people from around the world to discover our beautiful region."

Chicago 2016 has consistently placed athletes at the center of our Games plan," said Patrick Ryan, chairman and chief executive officer of Chicago 2016. "Our constituents emphasized their desire for technical and challenging courses, and we believe that the natural terrain found in Madison will exceed their expectations and make for an ideal competitive environment."

To select an ideal venue, the bid committee worked collaboratively with cycling experts, Olympic athletes and the International Cycling Union (UCI) to select courses that are technically challenging and conducive to high-level competition.

The Wisconsin Road Cycling Course would begin on the campus of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, head east through downtown and feature several steep climbs near the finish line in Blue Mound State Park.

The Wisconsin Mountain Bike Circuit would take place in Tyrol Basin, a popular ski and snowboard destination in the winter that makes for a technically challenging course that meets the needs of the athletes while allowing for a great spectator experience during the Games. Madison has one of the most extensive bike trail systems in the United States.

Wisconsin's reputation as a major cycling destination accounts for its $800 million bicycle tourism industry. Pacific Cycle, Trek and Saris, three of the industry's leading companies, are headquartered in the Madison area.
_______________________________________________________

Editor's Note: No mention of the Bicycle Motocross venue ... but, it's a safe bet that will also be proposed for the Madison area. In any event ... this is an exciting day for all of Wisconsin's cyclists to be sure !!!

Kevin O'

Please Support those that Support the Sport:

Not that we want to spend much time talkin' politics here at Milwaukee BMX ... but recently passed consumer protection legislation impacts our sport in a negative way through the required CPSC test of every unique component a manufacturer produces (both finish and construction materials). This testing will potentially add significant end costs to participants in the sport of BMX.

The recently passed legislation lumps BMX bicycles in with items such as die-cast cars and other small toys (which were produced off-shore and shipped to the United States with unacceptable amounts of lead in their finishes) by designating all bicycles with 24" or smaller wheels (or, roughly 98% of all bikes you'll ever see at a BMX track) as "toys".

To that end, there is an online petition being circulated that will be presented to CPSC with the intent to modify the law and designate BMX racing bicycles as "sporting goods equipment" and therefore exempt them from the agency's costly testing processes.

We hope you will consider joining us in signing this petition.

I added the following note to my signature:

"With all due respect to CPSC's intent to protect the health and well being of our children through mandated testing of items designated as "toys" … we believe the legislation recently passed is too sweeping with regard to the current definition of all bicycles with 24” or smaller wheels considered “toys”. Added to the 2008 Olympic Games as a medal sport, the Bicycle Motocross event was contested by the finest cycling athletes on earth, competing on bicycles with 20” wheels. We hope you will find a means to delineate between bicycles intended for “competition” vs. those consumed by the general public. "

Thank you for your consideration and support in this important matter.

Kevin O'Donnell

Holy Long Overdue Posts - Batman !!!
This might be the longest of long overdue posts in the history of MilwaukeeBMX.com. But, here are some great shots taken from over the summer and submitted about a month ago by Tina Gillis on behalf of photograher John Katner.


There's just something groovy about this late afternoon shot of Dan Blink, Brad Olson, Brennon Manske and an unidentified rider on the gate at Milwaukee BMX. I guess maybe it's because of the chill vibe these riders are giving off. Milwaukee's relaxed attitude is something you really begin to appreciate the more you travel around from track to track.



Twilight flag bearer - Ben Kohls.



Kohls again, this time surrounded by Groms that all dream of someday having his speed, style and skills.

Going fast and getting just a bit tweaked ... if you ask Ben ... the sideways in this shot is probably about scrubbing speed. Yup, I'm jealous !!!

There aren't many gals lining up to hit up our track in the 36-40 women's cruiser class. Tina Gillis doesn't just gate up ... she gets out there and absolutely kills it.

Pictures in black and white always let you see things that aren't nearly as obvious in color. For instance, look to the immediate left of Tina's hip ... and then to the immediate left of the middle of her back. What I see is two really grooved lanes in teh second turn that I had never realized were there before. Cool.

Peyton Dickerson, obviously on a practice lap and coasting through Milwaukee's second turn.

Dan Blink, at much altitude, little turn bar and seriously eyeing up his landing spot. Sitting in a flourescent lit office at 4:30 on a friday afternoon in Early January and realizing that it's nearly dark out already ... it's easy to float off into one of a million or more riding dreams while staring at this photo.

Eric Hahn is my second pick "most improved" rider in 2008. He'd be number one, except ...(scroll down)

Jacob Hinzpeter has become such a dialed rider that I don't think anybody ... and I mean even me ... got a bad photograph of the kid all season long at Milwaukee. This shot is a metaphor, because, for this young guy, the sky is the limit in BMX.

Who would believe that Bryan Dickerson "bumps up" to the 46-50 cruiser class in 2009? He's one of several riders at Milwaukee that were among the early pioneers in the sport ... and totally trashing conventional wisdoms about athletic output and aging. It's easy for me to remember the "old man" cruiser classes in the early 1980's ... Dads in their late 20's and early 30's who couldn't hold a candle to the type of riding that Dickerson is delivering each and every time he racks up today. Good on, ya, Bryan.

Yup, Chris Brotz got bit by the BMX bug real hard this summer. His riding continues to improve ... and his interest in the sport is about to carry him beyond competitor. Chris is going to be helping out more and more at Milwaukee BMX ... and we're super lucky to have him on board.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED!

Milwaukee BMX seeks your nominations for the following positions for Board of Directors for the 2009 season. These are all "working" positions, and nominees will accept the responsibility of working at the majority of events in the 2009 season. Please be sure that those you would like to nominate are willing to accept the responsibilty and will take their positions seriously.

Please call or e-mail John Mittelstadt at MJMittelstadt@Yahoo.com or 414-429-3485 -- or e-mail Kevin O'Donnell at lavacycles@SBCGlobal.net with your nominations.

These are our ideal recommended positions per discussions with other tracks and as discussed at our last club meeting in November. This list may continue to evolve prior to the beginning of the 2009 racing season.

Voting for the new board will take place at the January 6th club meeting at Benno's in West Allis.

• President – Face of Milwaukee BMX – this individual will be the primarily responsible for building good will toward Milwaukee BMX in the surrounding community through solicitation of other community service groups including, but not limited to – Chamber of Commerce organizations, Business Improvement Districts, seeking opportunities for “non-traditional” marketing (ie parades, bicycle shows, etc.) Provide oversight and guidance for strategic initiatives implemented by the club.
• Treasurer – Oversee the financial operations of Milwaukee BMX. Report on budget at all Milwaukee BMX meetings. Cut checks for track operator and make deposits from individual donations and underwriting and advertising sales. Balance accounts.
• Secretary / Sergeant at Arms – schedule board member meetings and publish meeting agendas in advance, along with recording and distributing meeting minutes to BOD.
• Track Operator – Direct oversight of all track operations ranging from volunteer recruitment and training, to race day staffing (registration, sign ups, new rider orientation, staging, starting, corner workers and scoring) and operation. Will need be present at 80% of Milwaukee BMX racing and practice events. Procure event awards. Oversee team competition.
• Communications / PR / Marketing – Provides publicity and promotional efforts for Milwaukee BMX. Website maintenance, as press liaison make media contacts, assist in new rider recruitment, sell underwriting and advertising and encourage sponsor participation in Milwaukee BMX activities.
• Assistant Track Operator – Director of Track Layout / Maintenance – In addition to collaborating with track operator to oversee track layout, preparation and volunteer coordination – will oversee operation of 20% of racing and practice events.
• Concessions – Responsible for staffing race day events and maintaining food and beverage supplies. Also responsible for setting pricing and working with club treasurer to assure that there is adequate profit margins.
• Youth Representative / Liasion - Will be one of our regular race competitors who demonstrates leadership skills and is inclined toward volunteerism. Will help recruit and train along with the director of track layout and maintenance to assist with raking, sweeping, cleanup, etc. Additionally will act as "new rider orientation" person. All new registrants will be offered the opportunity to walk through the registration process, reading a moto board, staging, etc. and learn basic track skills from this individual.

National #1 Girl Cruiser !!!

If you are a regular reader of MilwaukeeBMX.com, then you know that I recently published a column following the results of some of the competitors who have hit up Milwaukee BMX througout the year. And, to my credit ... I must have done okay, because I didn't receive a whole lot of corrections. One that I did miss, however, and it's a biggie ... because we're talking ABA National #1 Girls Cruiser ... which went to Felicia Stancil.






Jamie Stancil sent this photo of Felicia with her sweet new ride that she picked up after decimating her class and taking the national title. Can you say, "Brrraaaappppp !!!"



Just awesome, Felicia. Congratulations!

Local Riders Grands Results

Big props to the following riders who did super well at the Grands.

Tina Gillis, a regular competitor in our cruiser classes (probably 3 times out of 5 she's gating up against the guys for lack of a full women's class) made her mains in both the Friday night Race of Champions, finishing 3rd in a group of 5 ... and then backing that up with a solid run at the grands, where she finished 5th out of 9 women in the class. She was also the only "privateer" unsponsored rider in the main -- far out !!!


Tina relayed that the sweet new Fly uniform was more of a necessity than a luxury. "I left all my gear at home by accident, So I had to get to the track at 6 am on Practice day and BUY all new stuff from helmet to clip shoes!!! With 5 min to spare I made it to Practice at 7am!!!" Gillis said after returning home.

That's amazing, Tina ... way to keep your cool ... and look good while you were doing it.

Other local riders that went on through to their mains were Kenosha's Curt Zizzo in 36-40 cruiser class ... which had a huge group of more than 30 riders that he fought his way through to qualify.

Dan Tritz, who occassionally runs Milwaukee finished 5th in both 14 cruiser and the ultra tough 14 expert class ... that's an awesome accomplishment ... team managers, take notice.

Felicia Stancil, the first girl in the history of Milwaukee BMX to jump our "big set" of doubles at the end of the first straight took down a nice win in 13 girls.

Sun Ringle sponsored Desiree Roeder nabbed a 3rd in the 14 girls class.

Sussex NAG powerhouse, Cory Caliendo came home with a 3rd in 13 cruiser (sure would be good to see you at Milwaukee sometime, kid!)

and Troy Krause of APEX BMX (Oshkosh) made his main in class.

Bryan Dickerson missed mains in both cruiser and class by one spot, finishing 5th in both of his semis despite having the track dialed and riding some super fast laps all weekend. In 41-45 cruiser, there were more than 40 riders signed up!

Congratulations to all the other local riders who made the trip ... we were watching almost all weekend.

Click Here for LIVE ABA Grand Nationals Coverage  SUNDAY

Once there, you can set up a profile for yourself and then get live - streaming coverage from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Today's coverage includes 3rd Round Motos - Quarter Mains - Semi Mains and Mains.

National Champions will be crowned today.

How will our favorite local riders do?  We'll find out !!!

Far as I can tell, so far (through early in the third round) --

Bryan Dickerson has advanced in both cruiser and class

Ed Morris has advanced in both cruiser and class

Curt Zizzo has advanced in cruiser and class

Jacob Hinzpeter is through in cruiser

Happy Thanksgiving

So, what are you thankful for at the beginning of this holiday season. I have many things that easily come to mind ... but, somewhere near the top of that list would have to be the many great friends I've made throughout the years of involvement with Milwaukee BMX. I appreciate your help and continued support - volunteers, sponsors, moms and dads and enjoy immensely watching the kids having fun with the sport of Bicycle Motocross. It's what keeps us goin' over here. You guys keep ridin' and we'll keep trying to keep the races coming.

Kevin O'

Hot Shots:

Local superhero Ben Kohls dropped his cape just long enough to have these jump shots taken last fall at Milwaukee BMX. Lighting is pretty moody ... and the style is typical Ben ... always the showman.

ABA GRANDS NEWS:

The INTENSE BMX PIT BIKE CHALLENGE-

This year for the first time ever we'll have 16 specially prepared 16” Intense pit bikes added to the nights entertainment. All 16 qualified riders will be entered into two 8 man semi-main taking the top four to the Intense Pit Bike Challenge Main event. How do I qualify you ask? During Friday's R.O.C. event there will be lots going up stairs in the manufacturer and vendor areas as always. This year the Sun Bru crew will helping both Intense BMX and ABA BMX out with running a couple of scheduled qualifying sessions up stairs. You'll need to bring your pit bike, then stop by the Sun Bru booth for all the details about getting qualified for the Friday night Intense Pit Bike Challenge!

The Side-hack Challenge-

Come one, come all. If you've never seen the hacks race, it’s a site to behold. It’s a no holds bar crash and bash fest and the fans love it! Last year we added them to the Friday Night excitement and it went over really well. With a few more it should even be better. Roseville still holds the record of 17 hacks thus far, but things look good for the Friday Night event to break all records. If you've got a hack bring it on down. Didn't make the NAG 5 cut?? Well, this is YOUR chance to be involved in the big show! All hackers must be ABA members to compete. Other then that bring your hack and your best monkey to represent your team, track, or company and you are qualified!

Rockin' the "HOLESHOT"

Kelley Kelley (professional songwriter/producer, father of twins, and long time BMX racer), will be in the house rockin it out with his new song "HOLESHOT". If you haven't had a chance to here his song you can swing by myspace page and check it out. www.myspace.com/kelleykelleymusic or stop by www.go211.com to see an interview that rich and the gang did with him.

Kelley Kelley is pumped to perform "HOLESHOT" Live at BMX racing's biggest party/event, the ABA BMX Grand Nationals Friday Night PRO Spectacular. Rumor has it, he’s been cookin’ up a “special” METAL re-mix of his song just for the ABA Grands event!


More Fire Magic Grills to Give-A-Way!

All season long we've been hosting the Fire Magic Grill off series and it’s been awesome! I haven't eaten so good in a long, long time. All season long you've been racing the ABA National series and a select few classes have been chosen to be awarded another Fire Magic Grill.

Eligible Classes are as follows-

28-35 men
36 & Over men
26-60 Cruiser men and women
31-35 Cruiser men and women
36-40 Cruiser men and women
41-45 Cruiser men and women
46-50 Cruiser men and women
51-55 Cruiser men
56 and over Cruiser men

If you are in the N.AG.. 10 after the Disney Cup event and coming into the ABA Grands you are eligible for this Fire Magic Grill drawing so be sure to be there just in case you’re name gets pulled out of the hat! We'll also be drawing a winner from all the left over entries form the Fire Magic Grill off events earlier this season. So, if you entered at one of the grill offs, but didn't win, you still have a shot at another Fire Magic Grill!


More Olympian medalist at the ABA Grands!

You saw 2008 Olympic Bronze medal winner “dR” Donny Robinson in Reno, NV. You saw 2008 Olympic Silver medal winner Mike Day in Lancaster, CA. Now Team USA rider and 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist Jill Kintner will be in the house Friday Night. ABA BMX has been rewarding the Olympic medalist for all their hard work in the 2008 Olympics for the Team USA. Donny and Mike have already been presented their reward.. Now it’s Jill’s turn. Jill will be on hand for her special recognition reward Friday night, so if you'd like to see Jill and give her a bi thanks be sure to be there Friday night!


As always I'm sure the Go-4-It Gopher will be in the house mixing things up for the fans on Friday night. If you've got a mascot that can take the Go-4-It gopher, he says bring it on! We'll have lots of T-shirts to toss for the fans from all your favorite companies, the Sun Bru girls will be on hand for the fans as well. I'm sure there will be more excitement to the event then what’s been listed. Crazy things always seemed to pop up at this event and we expect this year to be better then ever! We hope everyone has a great trip out to the ABA BMX Grands and we hope to see everyone at the Friday Night PRO Spectacular/NAG 5 Challenge event!

ABA BMX would like to thank all the 2008 National Series sponsors:

American Suzuki-(http://www.suzukicycles.com/ ) Dan’s Comp (http://www.danscomp.com/)
Jig-A-Loo-(http://www.jigaloo.com/) BAWLS Guarana (http://www.bawls.com/) Bawlstyle (http://www.bawlstyle.com/)Redline Bicycles-(http://www.redlinebicycles.com/) FLY Racing-(http://www.flyracingbmx.com/) Sponsorhouse-(http://www.sponsorhouse.com/) Tangent-(http://www.tangentproducts.com/) ABABMXRACERS- (http://www.ababmxracers.com/) Intense BMX-(http://www.intensebmx.com/) T.H.E. (http://www.bmxthe.com/) Fire Magic Premium Grills (www.rhpeterson.com/firemagic/) Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex (http://www.disneysports.com/) GO211.com (http://www.go211.com/)

Without their support, we couldn't make the 2008 ABA racing season such a huge success. Support the sponsors that support ABA BMX racing.

Milwaukee BMX (cycling club) Meeting Notice

What:
General Club Meeting

Where:
Benno’s Genuine Bar and Grill
7413 West GreenfieldWest Allis, Wisconsin414-453-9094

When:
7 p.m. - Tuesday November 18th

For more information contact:
John Mittelstadt – 414-429-3485 (phone)
mjmittelstadt@yahoo.com

Primary Agenda Item:
Formation of Milwaukee BMX Board of Directors
We will present our thoughts on the formation of a Milwaukee BMX Board of Directors based on recent conversations with Central Wisconsin BMX (Wisconsin Rapids).

If there is consensus among members present that a Board of Directors is something we want to pursue, we will begin the process of identifying board positions and taking nominations to fill those positions.

Please plan to attend if you are interested in the future of Milwaukee BMX.

Kevin O'Donnell

Crystal Ball Gazing ...

Yeah, one of the perks of having a successful little online BMX column and community is that occassionally you get a glimpse of the future. This time, it's the future of Kuwahara ... Natarsha Williams-Birk (one heckuva BMX'er in her own right - now retired) was cool enough to send along these super cool 2009 Kuwahara spy shots. Some sharp new graphics are heading up the changes for '09. Can't wait to see 'em on track.

No word on the exact spec. on the bikes to us yet ... but, I am noticing that the Laserlite 24 in the top image is rolling on a totally dialed Sun Ringle Envy wheelset. This is the same wheelset that was used by all the US Olympians, so you know they are fast.

MILWAUKEE BMX NETWORKING SITES

Social networking sites are a cool way to meet new friends with common interests ... yeah, we've had a little presence on MySpace for a while now ... but, we've also had some videos up at YOUTUBE which, as you can see have gotten a ton of hits.  Yesterday, we added a FaceBook page.  Sites like this are cool because it's a great way to know what your friends are up to ... make new BMX friends from around the country ... or, possibly hook up with your favorite manufacturer or BMX Hero.  BMX Parents ... if you let your kids on YouTube or FaceBook ... make sure they set their profiles to PRIVATE ... and make darn sure that you have the log in codes so that you can keep them safe out there.  Properly used, the web is super cool ... Have fun ... and surf safe !!!  

click here for MilwaukeeBMX on FACEBOOK

click here for MilwaukeeBMX on MYSPACE

click here for MilwaukeeBMX on YOUTUBE

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE:

Please mark your calendars to note that Milwaukee BMX will have a special meeting on Tuesday November 18th at Benno's in West Allis beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to begin the process of the formation of a new Board of Directors (BOD - yeah, you could be a member of the ultra cool, super hip Milwaukee BMX BOD Squad !!!). We'll post more information about the positions the BOD will include not later than Tuesday November 11th. Nominations and resumes can be tendered the night of the meeting or via e-mail in advance.

Viva la BMX !!!

Kevin O'

State Fair Park Indoor Practice Facility is a NO GO.

Despite the best efforts of Milwaukee BMX, our sponsors and the dozen or so volunteers who chipped in their dedication, time, sweat and energy to make an indoor BMX practice facility in the Milwaukee area a reality ... the plug is being pulled on the Wisconsin State Fair Park practice facility for safety reasons.

We apologize to our volunteers and competitors that we couldn't make this work, but as the track was being completed, a variety of potential rider safety conditions within the building (that couldn't be reconciled through track re-design) became evident.

Milwaukee BMX remains committed to advancing BMX racing in Milwaukee and we will continue to work hard to realize our mission.

For those of you who would like to continue practicing and racing through the winter, please be reminded that the Walworth County Indoor BMX facility in Elkhorn is just 35 minutes SW of Milwaukee off Interstate 43. The indoor / winter racing season began at the Walworth indoor last weekend and will continue through mid-March, 2009.

Milwaukee BMX Club Meeting Announcement:
Later this week, remaining 2008 club meeting dates will be determined and published (right here) and we will also be creating an organizational "cabinet" for the club, which is entering its third year in existence, with elections held at our December meeting.

For more information, or if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact John Mittelstadt (Track Operator) at 414-429-3485.

Forward Progress:

Word coming down from Milwaukee's most famous T/O, John Mittelstadt is that the indoor practice facility is under construction and we're looking to make a big push through the weekend to get that beast ramped up and dialed in. A couple of the straights are already roughed in compliments of Fond du Lac T/O Paul Weimer and a fearless crew of volunteers who punched in early Saturday morning and called it quits late Sunday afternoon. It's still top secret, so I don't have any photos yet, but, will after the weekend.

And, with that ...

We could use a few volunteers over the weekend to help dial this beastie in.

Please contact John Mittelstadt at 414-429-3485 if you can help this weekend. We'll be working most all day Saturday and Sunday.

___________________________

Mucho thank yous to our newest friends at Wheel and Sprocket who stepped up big time to help underwrite the practice facility. Making this move took some pretty serious huevos and somehow, our fearless leader, John Mittelstadt just keeps making things happen.

By the way ... this joint will be ready for business (we built it for you to ride, that's how it works) on NOVEMBER 11th ... so, circle that date on your calendar with a big fat red marker and we'll see you then.

Little Hombre - Big Hardware:

We received this picture from Steve Nelson, who sent this image from the Redline Cup Finals Central (yup, the make up race for the rainout - thanks a bunch, Hurrican Ike!) this past weekend in Missouri.

Steve writes:

"Connor Nelson (Big Cheese) won the 5 & Under Novice Friday night prerace. He was leading the Redline US open on Sat but crashed on the triples and took 7th. He won the rescheduled Redline Cup Championship event this past Sat Oct 25 beating the local favorite (Jammin) Jake Scronce.

Many other WI riders finished well. The state of Wisconsin was well represented.

Pictures attached of Connor getting his trophy and of him with Nathan Davids who won the 6expert class."

That's a pretty rad trophy Connor ... sounds like you guys had a super weekend !!!

What a Day !!!

Here are a couple of images submitted by Randy Olson (Mr. FireMagic!) of the little cook out that we threw together on Saturday to show our appreciation for everyone who's participated at Milwaukee BMX througout the 2008 season.

This sequence of photos shows the FireMagic gas grill perched high in the bed of the deisel powered, outrageously raised white Ford Superduty crew cab -- right on through the brat and hot dog post race Milwaukee BMX fiesta. Yup, just like my on track experiences this season, I pretty much wound up at the back of the line, but still managed to score one of those super tasty brats.

Just another outstanding day at Milwaukee BMX.

Wrapping it up With STYLE !!!

Dan Blink tests the limits of laying it over as he transitions from the first straight doubles into the last corner.  

Dana Mittlestadt makes a close inspection of Jacob "Hot Rod" Hinzpeter's rear tire.  Mittelstadt later reported that it's an Intense Micro Knobby - 20 x 1.5" and added that he's pretty sure that Jacob's running about 75 psi.  Nice.

Curt Zizzo, the meat in this sandwich, is a few years on the plus side of the combined ages of Brad Olson (15) and Ben Kohls (17) ... but, don't tell him that.  I'm sure Curt would just be cool with me referring to him as -- The World's Oldest 17x.

We had a great day to wind things up ... I want to thank everyone who made the 2008 Milwaukee BMX season possible ... and, in the coming days, I'll be naming names.  For now -- we'll keep it to our Hot Shop Sponsors, Sun Ringle, Kuwahara, Milwaukee BMX Super Chef - Randy Olson, The American Bicycle Association, our AWESOME Volunteers, Craig over at PRO ELECTRIC, Ray Eckert and the fine folks at Waste Management, and especially all of you crazies who gated up with us throughout year and made the 2008 season the best yet for Milwaukee BMX.

Many More Pictures from our October 4th Race are HERE:

Thanks again !!!    

Last Call

This Saturday will be the last call for racing in the 2008 season at Milwaukee BMX.

After racing, we're planning a cookout with brats, burgers and hot dogs on the menu. Grill Master Randy Olson will be handling the sacred Milwaukee BMX Golden Tongs ... Olson won the Fire Magic grill off at the Midwest Nationals earlier this season and scored himself a choice grilling setup worth in the neighborhood of $4,000 !!!

Please bring a dish to pass if you wish.

We also have had interest in holding pit bike races. What's a pit bike? Any bike with 16", or smaller, wheels that your kids like to mess around on back in the pits -- thus, the term, pit bikes. Kids and adults alike are invited ... but, you must be an ABA member to participate.

Registration and racing will all happen at the normal Saturday a.m. times: Pit bike races will be held either during intermission ... or, maybe after the mains ... we'll figure it out!

Signups: 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Racing: ASAP

News That's Sure to Heat Things Up !!!

The flow of ideas that get cooked up high in the hilltop headquarters of Milwaukee BMX is just remarkable (remember, we're the ones that brought you Milwaukee BMX in the first place!) ... and, we're going to have some BIG news to announce in the next couple of weeks. For now, the clue and the tease is that we might not be stuck parking our BMX bikes for the winter here in Milwaukee. Sound cool? Talk to us this weekend, e-mail us, or contact John Mittelstadt at 414-429-3485 -- of course, you can also keep checking www.MilwaukeeBMX.com for additional details.