I am an ordinary guy who enjoys riding motorcycles. I love riding all makes and models. I love short rides, long rides, and multi-day road trips. I post reviews about motorcycle gear, motorcycles, roads, restaurants, sights, gadgets and more. The Motorcycle Facts,Trivia and History page has a lot of good info. Be safe and enjoy the ride, Oz.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Arai Helmet Review


There are so many helmet manufacturers and a plethora of models.  Making a choice can take some serious time and involve both online research and/or in person research.  So many questions need to b e answered by each individual to help make a decision that one will not regret.  Some of the questions are: What is my budget?  What type of riding do I plan to do?  What features do I want?  Is ventilation or quietness more important?  Do I want built in drop down sunglassess? Do I want full-faced, 3/4, 1/2, modular?

Taking into consideration all my answers and what I wanted in a helmet I started looking for a new helmet after I realized my AGV K1 did not have the ventilation I desired.  Ventilation locations are engineered with specific riding styles in mind and I was not riding a supersport bike so the AGV K1 wasn't what I needed.

 
I researched and read reviews before going to three different shops in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to see and try on various brands and models. I spent a good amount of hands on time with the helmets checking features, design, fit and finish.

I kept going back to a couple of Arai helmets but they just did not feel as good as the only other Arai I ever owned - Arai Profile Hotrod  I bought at a silent auction in late 2016, but that model was not available in the shops I visited.  I decided to check online for the helmet I wanted.

I found a European website, Motocard, that had the Profile!  They had a few different paint schemes including the Nicky Hayden replica.  I was so happy and placed the order.  In seven business days I had my helmet.


The Aria Profile Nicky Hayden pays tribute to the last American MotoGP champion with a high quality design and finish.  The air vents are plentiful with a big chin vent, two scalp vents,  two brow vents located at the top of the visor and five exhaust vents.  The removable and washable liner and the cheek pads are plush and durable. And, to top it off the helmet is designed for safety with the Arai "glance off" technology.


The newer version of the Profile is easier to change the visor with its pop-off side pod.  This system makes changing the visors quick and simple.  The visor comes pinlock ready and the pinlock works great and is easy to install.


Now after wearing the helmet for over a year I can say without hesitation this is the best helmet I have ever worn.  When riding at a "spirited" pace the road noise is less than other helmets I have owned.  The vents provide good air flow keeping heat to a minimum.  
Two top vents, two brow vents and a big chin vent

The big brow vents allow at airflow.


The plush interior is comfortable and wicks moisture away. Even at the end of a long day of riding (300+ miles) my face and head are not fatigued from the helmet.  

If you are looking for a quality helmet and your budget will allow $350 - $450 I highly recommend you consider the Arai Profile. 

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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Two Wheels to Train Tracks

 

Riding in the Colorado Rockies, July 2023
 hi

Riding in the Rocky Mountains is always a great experience.  Each mountain town has something fun, unique, historic, beautiful or a combination.  Durango sits on a portion of US Hwy 550 known as The Million Dollar Highway.  This road is deservedly on many lists of great roads to ride.  I have ridden it several times and enjoy the ride each time.  However, I have not always taken the time to stop and enjoy various towns, sites, attractions and experiences that are available along the way.

My 2023 Beat The Heat (BTH) tour was based out of Durango and we had five great days of riding and enjoying the breathtaking views, the unique and at times quirky mountain towns in Southwest Colorado.  Over the years I had ridden through Durgango several times but had not made time to experience the Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, well in July 2023 that changed.

The crew is preparing the train for the day's trip.

The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has a rich history having arrived in Durango in 1881.  Transporting both people and freight the train was very busy. Over time it is estimated the rail hauled over $300 million in precious metals through the years.  The train is a registered as a National Historic Landmark and Hollywood has used the trains while filming various movies including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Today the train is a popular attraction and provides year-round rides.  Several differnt rides/experiences are offered, all using original locomotives and cars.

Hollywood used the train in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

We decided on the excursion day of the BTH 2023 we were going to ride the train.  The most famous option is the ride to Silverton and back, but that is a 3.5 hour each way ride with a two hour layover in Silverton.  We were riding the motorcycles through Silverton the next day so we opted for the Cascade Canyon ride. 

The gondola allowed us to experience the ride in the fresh mountain air
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The BTH group reserved seats in one of the gondolas (roof and seats but open sides) going to Cascade Canyon.  This would be a 2.5 hour ride to Cascade Canyon with a one hour lunch time stop and then the ride back to the station.  We packed our own "brown bag" lunches for the day; however, an option to order a lunch in advance is provided, as well as a concession car is available during the ride.

There are several engines and cars with rich history

We arrived early so we could view the trains, checkout the gift store and some went to the free museum. Parking was easy, but in July there are a lot of people on vacation in Durango.  The staff did a great job of greeting everyone and when time for departure, ensuring we all loaded in a timely member. 

With a tradition long whistle from the steam engine the train pulled out of the station.  The tracks run almost parallel to CO 550 aka the Million Dollar Highway and along side the Animas River for about 16 miles.  It continues to run near the river and rises in elevation through scenic San Juan National Forest in the La Plata Mountain Range.

Our train winding up the canyon
 

Running along the Animas River the views were breathtaking

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The train ride meanders through the forest and rises to 8,500+ feet in elevation.  The train stops in Cascade Canyon allowing riders an hour to explore, eat lunch, relax, play in the river... before the designated whistle signals it's time to board for the ride back to Durango.  

We enjoyed lunch a walk around Cascade Canyon

View from Cascade Canyon

Although the trip back to Durango is on the same tracks you get a different view of the mountains, canyon and river.  Of course the angle of the sun illuminates and shadows different areas making the views different.  

The Animas River carves through the canyon

The train left the station approximately at 9:45am and we arrived back at the station about 3:00pm leaving us time to walk to Cream Bean Berry for some great ice cream!

There is always time for ice cream

When you are riding in southwest Colorado take some time and enjoy a relaxing and scenic ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train.  I bet the the fall or winter train ride would be awesome.

Leave a comment below of your favorite Rocky Mountain town, sight or attraction.


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Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 


Sunday, January 28, 2024

Is the End of Motorcycles Near?

 

For several years now I have seen more headlines and read more articles lamenting the end of motorcycling (as they see it).  Different authors and pundits point to a plethora of stats and demographic information to bolster their case.  Age of current riders, cost of ownership, declining sales, out of date image of a "biker," safety concerns and tightening regulations are just some of the "worrisome" signs for the motorcycle industry. 

However, as I continue to ride my experiences differ from many headlines on the topic of motorcycling.  My experiences; however, are not scientific in nature or method.  A little research on recent sales numbers shows positive growth in the market, although previous years had some declines.

There is a general push to attract younger riders.  Marketing for most motorcycle manufacturers is geared towards the 20-somethings and 30-somethings.  

Motorcycle Sales Chart 2018 

Autoweek stated in a July article, "Following an increasing trend in motorcycle sales and ridership started by the COVID-19 pandemic, motorcycle manufacturers are continuing to see record sales numbers in 2023."  

MotorcycleData.com reported a 1.1% increase in sales in the first 9 months of 2023.  Other publications and websites expressed similar statistics.  So what are we to believe?

I don't know, but I do know I enjoy greatly riding motorcycles, talking about motorcycles, writing about motorcycles, going to motorcycle charity events, watching motorcycle racing and most other motorcycle related things.

I do believe the more motorcyclists we have the healthier the entire industry will be.  A healthy motorcycle industry means more market competition, which means better pricing, better products and more options for consumers.  A larger and healthier motorcycle community also wields more clout in regards to regulations.

How Far Can You Lean a Motorcycle? (Max Lean Angle!) - Bike Restart
Experience the excitement of motorcycle racing

So I was thinking how can we in the motorcycle community help promote this sport, lifestyle, industry, mode of transportation, and community we love?  How can we create a win-win situation for all of us that are involved and connected to motorcycling?  

Motorcycle Humor – Humorous Motorcycle Short Stories

Below are ten ways I thought of to bolster motorcycling.  I am sure there are more and I would love to hear your ideas.

Ways to promote the wonderful world of motorcycles!

1) Ride - ride often, ride to any place, be seen having fun - just ride!

2) Assist and encourage new riders, especially on social media.  I have read too many post where someone's comments are sarcastic, unhelpful, mean or anything less than encouraging.  Why would someone want to be a part of that?  

3) Support local shops, stores and dealership.  This doesn't mean I don't order online at times, but I do make sure to buy some things locally.  I will also give them a chance to match the price.  If we lose local shops it hurts the biker community.

King of the Baggers set for European arrival with new M... | Visordown
600+ lb King of the Baggers on the race track!

4) Follow, watch and talk about the various motorcycle racing series. There is some great racing of all types of motorcycles.  Watch some of all and see what you like.   MotoGP, World Super Bikes, MotoAmerica, Supercross, Motocross, Flat Track just to name a few. (I know some require a subscription in order to watch so it's difficult to watch them all.)  The King of the Baggers  class in MotoAmerica is awesome to watch!  Search YouTube because some are free to watch there.

5) Support the sponsors of a race series - connect on social media, buy products and/or email companies and thank them for supporting motorcycle racing. 

6) Connect with riders and/or series on social media, this will increase a riders" or series' "value" to sponsors.

7) When possible attend a motorcycle event - rally, race, show, bike night...

8) Host a watch party for races.  For the past 8 years a good of friends and I have hosted MotoGP race watching at a local BBQ restaurant and plugged in the computer to the big TV and watched races that took place in Europe, Asia or other countries.   We invited others through social media and all gathered to watch even when it had taken place hours earlier.  It is fun and I met a lot of other riders and/or want to be riders.

Opening round of the 2023 season watch party at Rudy's Country Store

9) Increase knowledge and skill in order to keep yourself safe and to be prepared to give correct and safe information to less experienced riders.  Use layman terms when talking to a new or prospective rider.  Some riders talk down to new riders to show how much he/she knows.  Be encouraging, accepting and accurate, but use terms less experienced riders will understand.

Accepting and helping new riders is good for everyone.
 

10) Join a motorcycle/rider rights organization - American Motorcycle Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, ABATE to name a few.

I really believe when individuals see riders enjoying life, having fun, making meaningful contributions to the community, welcoming ALL riders and getting along regardless of different make and models those individuals will be drawn to motorcycling.  New riders will be good for the community.  

What ways do you see to help the motorcycling community?  How can we grow the sport/activity we love?  Add your thoughts in the comments.



Sunday, January 14, 2024

Tennessee Motorcycle Roads!

 

After almost 61 years I have moved from Texas and now a home owner and resident in Pulaski, Tennessee..  Born to lifetime Texans on a 163 acre Texas farm I never had a serious plan to move out of state.  But love and life has me excited about our move to Tennessee.  With the intertwining history of the two states I found a lot of positive similarities between Texans and Tennesseans; the friendliness, helpfulness, the wave when vehicles pass on rural roads, the independent spirit and the love for freedom.  

The rolling hills, rivers and historic sites are all around Pulaski and Tennessee in general.  Northwest Alabama is just 20 minutes from the house, the Natchez Trace is about 45 minutes away and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains can be reached in 2 hours or so.

2017 BTH tour - riding the Tail of The Dragon.  VFR1200 was a fun bike - wrap by NovoWorks

As I begin planning future motorcycle routes I find myself getting excited about the rolling hills, the running streams and rivers, the Smoky Mountains, the historic sites, the twisty roads and the light traffic.  I also love finding the "out of the way" eateries. I am looking forward to planning, organizing and enjoying another Beat The Heat tour.  I am excited to return to many of the places I have ridden before and visiting many new places.

 

BTH group enjoyed riding The Rattler
 

All of the possibilities of great riding prompted me to reminisce about past rides, trips and tours involving riding in Tennessee and/or west North Carolina.  I reviewed previous blog posts about some of those rides and smiled.  Check out reports from previous Tennessee trips and/or rides.  

Leave me a comment with suggestions of roads, sites and/or restaurants I need to riding in the upcoming months.

One of my favorite roads - Wayah Road i.e. CO road 1399

Tail of the Dragon - of course! 

Cumberland Gap and Pinnacle Point

Cherohala Skyway

Wheels Through Time Museum

The Rattler  

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# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 
Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Happy New Year and 2023 Review


Oz and Mrs. Oz want to wish you a Happy New Year!

2023 has been a fun and active year for us.  Here is a few things we did along the way.

January - We attended the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) South Central leadership conference in Mena, Arkansas and partnered with Jimmy A. to conduct a NETX CMA officer training for 10 chapters in Leonard, Texas

Chapter officer training in Leonard, TX

February - Enjoyed a great trip to Lexington, KY to see our daughter.  While there we attended a University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball game ,which they won (I coached girls basketball for 18 years before becoming an assistant princial).  Also stopped by Bardstown, KY just to look at some of the enormous rickhouses.

During my years of coaching girls basketball I always enjoyed watching well coached teams

One of many Bardstown Bourbon Company rickhouses - that is a lot of barrels!

March - We took a second exploratory trip to Middle Tennessee, stepped down as CMA Area Reps in NETX since we would be moving in the upcoming months. I also began hosting the 2023 MotoGP race watching meetups at a local Rudy's BBQ for the sixth year.   Link to the best race finishes of 2023

Side note - If you haven't watched MotoGP or World Super Bikes or MotoAmerica racing - try it.  The racing is fun to watch and once you get to know some of the racers and a little history it is very entertaining.  The over-the-top self promotion and "prima donna's" of so many sports is NOT there.  Yes racers are confident, but they are much more relatable and personable.  You can find a lot of previous races on YouTube.

While visiting Middle Tennessee we drove through part of Shiloh National Park
 
A large group watching the opening round of MotoGP races at Rudy's

April - I had a great first trip to Big Bend, TX with friends and yes, I have lived in Texas for 60 years, but had never visited Telingua or that part of Texas.  Also volunteered for the 5th time as a track marshal at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the MotoGP races.  Always a fun time and this time I met two of the world's greatest riders, Johann Zarco and World Champion Francesco Bagnaia.

Great scenery and fun roads in Big Bend NP.

The sunsets in BBNP were beautiful.

 

May - Enjoyed the great weather of May and tried to put some miles on the Indian.  Enjoyed breakfast with friends on various days and took time to soak in scenes that are very much "Texas" before all the growth and construction eliminates many of them.

The first Third Wednesday biker breakfast at Bebo's, Pilot Point, TX
ihihi

The icon Longhorn is a pretty beast.  This one relaxing in North Texas

June - This was a busy month as Mrs. Oz had to work out of town (what started as a couple of weeks ending up going 4 months!).  We had a family wedding, a family reunion, trips to see Mrs. Oz in Arkansas and a trip to see the in-laws in Mississippi with a stop for BBQ at the historic Blues Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Staying of the interstate on my way to Little Rock to see Mrs. Oz, so I stopped by CMA headquarters

The historic crossroads where the legend has it Robert Johnson met the Devil

Abe's BBQ sits on the corner at the crossroads and serves good BBQ



The mural on the side of Abe's BBQ depicts the infamous "deal with the devil."

July - Mrs. Oz and I prepped, packed, traveled and hosted our annual Beat The Heat Tour.  This year we staged out of Durango, Colorado with 10 biker friends joined us for a week of fun, laughter, great rides and awesome home cooked food (Thanks to Mrs. Oz).  Later in the month Mrs Oz and I enjoyed a weekend in Arkansas where we visited Eureka Springs and the Thorncrown Chapel.

The Rocky Mountains make us smile.  Molass Pass Overlook with the group.
 
We stopped by the Jack Dempsey birthplace in Manessa, CO.


The Durango Train - one day we rode the train to Cascade Canyon.  Awesome views!


North Clear Creek Falls off of CO 149 (aka The Silver Thread) between Creede and Lake City

The last full day of riding took us to Silverton and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway!

Thorncrown Chapel just outside Eureka Springs, Arkansa is so beautiful and peaceful
 
The chapel is designed to draw the outdoors in and be part of the surroundings of the mountains.

August - I attended the 46th National Biker Roundup which was held in Memphis, TN (the rally changes locations each year).

While at the rally with brothers from New Boston, TX we visited longtime friend Kerry in Mississippi

September - Attended and worked as a track marshal at my first MotoAmerica races. It was the first time MotoAmerica hosted a full round at COTA in Austin, Texas.  All the races were exciting but watching the King of the Baggers live was great!  Towards the end of the month Mrs. Oz got word that September would be her last month to work in Little Rock!

Factory Indian Motorcycles King of the Baggers

Those Baggers have great brakes to shut it down to make the sharp turn 11 at COTA.

Being close to the action and seeing the skill is awesome.
 

October - This was a packed and packing month.  After a lot of talk, prayers and planning Mrs. Oz and I were moving to Tennessee and it would begin the first of November.  October was busy!  I visited our son in Meredith, New Hampshire and a dear couple met me and rode with us one day. (Thank you Laconia Harley Davidson for providing a Roadglide for me to ride).  Held a garage sale, sold items of FB marketplace, rode in a big escort for the Chris Kyle statue to Waxahachie, Texas.  The rest of the time was spent packing, storing and cleaning as we prepared for our move.

New Hampshire country in the fall is so colorful

Friends Claud and Beverly joined us on a ride through the White Mountains.

Richard and I spent some time at the Sig Sauer Experience with his latest purchase

A nice morning at Lake Winnisquam


Escorting the Chris Kyle statue was a great honor.  Just five of us out of 100+ who rode.

November - After an active and stressful last weeks of October we moved into a vacation rental outside Iuka, MS temporarily while we began our hunt for a house in the southern part of Middle Tennessee.  The month included house shopping, job hunting for Mrs. Oz (after an abrupt elimination of her position), driving on the Natchez Trace, visiting an Amish community and Thanksgiving with family in Mississippi.  A house near Pulaski, TN found, offer made and accepted with a January closing (who wants to be moving during the holidays)!

One of the colorful sunsets we have seen in Tennessee

Country road to where we are staying near Iuka, Mississippi

Memorial Spring Bridge in Iuka, MS.  Neat town, worth a visit.

Fall foliage on the Natchez Trace in Tennessee

Amish farm in Ethridge, TN

Historic tobacco barn on the Natchez Trace

Homemade donuts made with "whomp biscuits" - can biscuits.  Mother-in-law made them
 for me

December - Met for lunch at High On the Hog with a friend I hadn't seen in about 7-9 years, a family gathering in Texas, Mrs. Oz secures a great job, more exploring, a quick trip to Chattanooga and Gatlinburg, TN to see Christmas lights and a little shopping followed by a few days around Christmas in Mississippi with family.

It was great meeting up with Stan

Old church in Cade's Cove - Smoky Mountain National Park

We saw a lot of wild turkeys in Cade's Cove

Plenty of deer were scattered around Cade's Cove

The park is a great place.  Looking forward to riding the Indian and hiking in the park

Christmas spirit could be found in Chattanooga in a lot of neighborhoods
 
We really enjoyed driving around and seeing the lights

More Christmas cheer


Here is a little video from the trip to enjoy nature and Christmas lights

 

Florence, Alabama at the Honda shop for maintence on Mrs. Oz's Honda Passport - interesting

Family time on Christmas Eve

How was your 2023?  What was your favorite trip, adventure or event?  Let me know with a comment below.

We have a lot of new advertures, roads and fun ahead of us in 2024.  Stay tuned for future posts!

I hope and pray your 2024 will be blessed richly.

Connect and follow on social media and return to see future posts

         https://www.instagram.com/ordinarybikeroz/?hl=en       https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009663932095
 
Please visit the following great companies:


https://dukecannon.com/?rfsn=3578014.7da392
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Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more


* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 
Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.