travel – Page 11 – Maduko World Headquarters

Memories of the Kon Tiki

Jackie discovered this vintage postcard from the Kon Tiki Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. On the back it explains the Kon Tiki offered a “fabulous Polynesean (sic) atmosphere in the midst of Phoenix.”

Back in 1989 we made the trek to Phoenix, Arizona for the U.S. Grand Prix. Now as Formula One Grand Prixs go it was a mediocre affair- the course was set out on the streets of downtown Phoenix and, needless to say, it was hotter than hell. And yes, it was a dry heat.

One of the non-automotive highlights of that trip for me was our accommodations. A friend from Spartan had told me about a unique hotel at the corner of 26th and Van Buren. “You’d love the place,” were his words, “And it’s across the street from the State mental institution.”

Hmmm, lovely. Not knowing much more than that I dug around and found out a hotel called the Kon Tiki was located at 26th and Van Buren. Turned out it was a mecca of island kitsch, soaring Fifties rooflines and orange Trimline phones. It was also smack in the middle of the red light district- but that’s a story for another day.

“Come to KON TIKI and take away a life long memory.”

Mr. Sam on a Shirt

Here’s a new shirt design featuring one of our favorite folks from Two Wheel Oklahoma. It’s Mister Sam!

Mister Sam is a fellow who works at the iconic Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma. He’s something of an icon himself!

If you haven’t experienced Mister Sam check out our Route 66 episode…

Tulsa One of Many Potential Shuttle Stops

Tulsa is hoping to land one of NASA’s surplus Space Shuttles. And we’re not the only ones- cities from Huntsville to London have lined up for a piece of that ceramic tile action.

But we have one ace in the hole, something no other city can boast. We have Roadside America rooting for Tulsa!

www.roadsideamerica.com/blog/land-that-space-shuttle

Monorail… monorail… monorail…

Harley Rider Checklist

More from the Best of Craigslist…
Here are a few excerpts from the Harley-Davidson Rider Checklist. This is especially timely and helpful as I prepare to ride off on the Tulsa Toy Ride.

Harley Rider Pre-Ride Check Off List

Date: 2009-09-01, 9:06AM PDT

Harley rider pre-ride check off list:
1. Comb baseball player goatee and mustache
2. Spend 6- hours polishing gaudy chrome pieces. Be sure people can read the “Live to ride- ride to live” statement on gas tank lid.
3. Assure suspension can handle at least 560 pounds of rider
4. Pack cell phone and have tow service numbers programmed.
5. Look in mirror and perfect the “I’m a bad ass motherfucker” harley riding scowl.
6. Affix tassels from daughters bicycle to handle bars for added gay appearance.
7. Test flashers for when bike breaks down (99% probability)
8. Put on your wrist brace to help carpal tunnel from all of the unnecessary revving
…

For the full list go here:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/1353199509.html

Go Karting Grows Up

I recently had the pleasure to visit a Pole Position Raceway on a group outing for my birthday (below). If you typically yawn when someone mentions go-karts then this place is for you! When we arrived I think my coworkers were a little intimidated. After signing several liability releases and removing open-toe shoes we were instructed to don balaclavas and full-face helmets.

First off, this is not the typical amusement park foot-to-the-floor stuff. There is no way to make a complete lap with the pedal to the metal. At least I couldn’t! The cars are electric, but don’t let that fool you. These are not toys for toddlers to tour the yard turf. They are capable of 45 MPH on straight and level and handle… well, like a go kart.

The track we visited in Las Vegas was a 1/4 mile long with about seven turns. Two of the turns were very tight and require some real skill to maneuver swiftly. Track sessions last for twelve laps, which gives you plenty of time to get a feel for the track and the way the cars work. Our group did the Grand Prix Package which includes three of those 12-lap sessions- a practice, a qualifier and the main event. In the main event we lined up on the grid and started from a standing start. Just like Formula One!

In the end I blew it in the second to the last turn on the very last lap! After setting the fastest lap in each session and whittling my time down to 27 seconds, I spun out mere feet from the finish line. Chris managed to slip by for the top spot on the podium (right).

A rematch is being planned.

Pole Position has locations in California, Las Vegas and Oklahoma City. After the great time we had in Vegas I definitely plan to visit the location in OKC soon!

Through November 8th race for only $10 with this special coupon.

Check it out!