Riding the Best Motorcycle Rides in New Mexico

Rio Grande River in New Mexico

 

A few years back I rated some roads I had ridden (Scenic Roads #6-#10 and Scenic Roads #1-#5) and found especially scenic.  Since then I have had the opportunity to ride many other great roads and one in particular has become a "favorite" road.

Nestled in the northeast corner of New Mexico is The Enchanted Circle, a well known Scenic Byway which includes the mountain towns of Angel Fire, Eagles Nest, Questa, Red River and Taos.  This is a is a great place to ride, camp, hike, sightseeing and enjoy local New Mexico cuisine.

However, I have decided the 76 mile stretch of US 64 between the Enchanted Circle (just northwest of  Taos, NM) and Tierra Amarilla (south of Chama, NM) is a fun, scenic must ride for motorcyclists and well worth the detour off the Enchanted Circle.  Not to mention the charm of Chama and several good restaurants in the town.

 

76 miles of New Mexico landscape

 

What does this road have to offer?  Expansive views for the Rocky Mountains, a drive by the Greater World Earthship Community, sweeping curves, hairpin turns, elevation change, scenic overlooks, wildlife and solitude (traffic is minimal).  

 

Heading west from the Enchanted Circle US 64 passes over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge which is 600 feet above the floor of the gorge.  A visitor center with access to the walkway across the bridge is on the west side and is worth the stop and walk.  US 64 intersects with US 285 then continues through the Carson National Forest.  Riders need to be aware of the potential for wildlife so keep alert.  With a total of 5 passes over this road I have seen a bunch of suicidal ground squirrels (they will dart out right in front of you) and a few deer, but they were never very close to the road.

 

A scenic view of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the Rocky Mountains

Spirited riding is almost mandatory.  The sweepers on the eastern sector allows for consistent throttle and very little downshifting. The middle sector has nice elevation changes with some straight sections where some riders (not that I would :) ) could test bike velocity.  In the western sector there are some tight turns allowing the outer portion of tires to get some usage.

Great view from US 64

 

Great views abound and the road reaches an elevation of 10,507 feet at Brazos Summit (second highest point on any NM highway), so the temperature can dip even in the summer.  Like all mountain areas, rain is always a possibility so have good rain gear.  Two of the five times I have ridden the road I have experience brief light rain showers. 

 View from overlook before descent to Tierra Amarilla, NM

 

The combination of various radius curves, elevation change, spectacular vistas, minimal traffic and great destinations at each end makes this a road worth the fuel to experience and enjoy.

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

 

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

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.

HOME

Christmas Gifts For Motorcycle Riders

HOME

Shopping for Christmas gifts can often be difficult.  Trying to find something a person will like, but doesn't already have, takes time and sometimes creativity. Motorcycle accessories and gear can be expensive so many people resort to less than personal gift cards.

Here are some affordable gift ideas that most bikers will enjoy and find useful.. Although numbered, the list is in no particular order and with the exception of the fifth item, I will receive NO compensation or consideration from any of the companies mentioned, even if you buy from them.

Happy shopping for your biker!

A Book Motorcycle Riders Will Love

1) If your motorcyclists loves traveling and quality photographs France in America will make him/her smile.  After retiring Gary France from London, England shipped his Harley Davidson RoadKing to New York City, NY and began a 6 month, 21,475 mile trip to fulfill his dream of riding across America. 

While riding in 27 states he experienced some of America's greatest sites. roads, food and people. He documented his travels with professional quality photographs and writing that pulls the reader along on the ride.  This is an inspirational travelogue coffee table that is also a great resource for trip planning.  Any biker or adventurer will enjoy this book.   Order Here at France in America

Three action packed road racing series

 

2) Finding motorcycle racing on television (free) is extremely difficult if not impossible, but it is one of the most thrilling sports to watch and I haven't found many riders who does not enjoy watching good motorcycle racing.  A subscription to a racing series would be a welcomed surprise a rider.  One would enjoy the gift for a year and share with friends with a "watching party."  There are several series but here are my three favorite:

MotoGP World Championship - the world's best riders on prototype machines.  The subscription includes years of previous races, interviews, technical explanations, documentaries, highlights, practice sessions, qualifying sessions and races for all four classes in the championship: MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE.  Races can be watched live or on demand afterwards.  With 20+ rounds there are plenty of races for the money.

World Superbike Championship (WSBK) - modified production motorcycles ridden by world class riders.  This subscription also includes years of previous races for all four classes in the championship: Superbikes, Supersports, Supersports300 and Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WCR).  Races can be watched live or on demand afterwards. WSBK has 12 rounds with two or more races per class each round.

MotoAmerica -  Ten round series in the United States of America. There are eight classes using different size production motorcycles modified within the specifications.  MotoAmerica includes the wildly popular King of the Baggers.  Although this is a national series there is an international flavor as there are numerous riders from other countries including riders from the two world series.  MotoAmerica has become extremely competitive and highly respected globally.  Watch the rising stars where many have moved to the world stage after successful seasons.

Dixxon Flannels are high quality and a great value.

3) Dixxon Flannel Shirts - This is a great company that my son introduced me to a few years back.  They make flannel shirts, short sleeved shirts, t-shirts and more.  High quality, stylish and comfortable shirts that can be worn when riding or when out and about.  For riders who want to ride even when temperatures are less than ideal the flannel shirts provide comfort and warmth.   Dixxon.com

Rocky Boots Alpha Force - side zipped, comfortable and waterproof

 

4) Rocky Boots - Comfort, ankle and foot protection, waterproof, side zipper, non-slip soles, durable - all are characteristics of  the Alpha Force Rocky Boots.  I got my first pair in 2014 and wore them for 6 years.  I am now heading into my fifth year with my second pair and they are still in great shape.  When needing to ride in the rain they have never failed me.  These are great waterproof boots for an affordable price.  Check out the Alpha Force and many other styles and models - Rocky Boots

 

 

5) Duke Cannon - Christmas 2019 I received some Duke Cannon soap and shampoo.  I immediately enjoyed the funny and direct packaging/marketing Duke Cannon uses i.e. "Not for clowns" was part of directions for the shampoo.  I also was happy to see the company's commitment to financially supporting our military.  The bar soap and many fragrances were inspired by our American soldiers.  They have a wide range of products for hair, body, face, beard and more.  Ever Duke product I have used have been excellent quality.  Since that Christmas I have used Duke Cannon products exclusively. 

Full disclosure -this is the only company on this list of which I am an affiliate partner.  So if you follow this link and purchase I will receive a small commission. 

Still riding even when it is cold outside

 

6) Fleece Lined Jeans - about 8 years ago I discovered fleece-lined jeans at Cabela's and decided to try them during an upcoming charity event.  I was not disappointed.  The jeans are comfortable, durable and the fleece lining feels great.   After the event I purchased a second pair in order to be prepared for cold weather riding, camping or any outside endeavor during the winter.  I have used them multiple times.  Here is a video review I did with more info.

7) Haul Master Wheel Cleaning Stand - I have NEVER had one of these, but I want one.  Just recently saw one at Harbor Freight and love the idea.  As I have gotten older and now own a "bagger," cleaning that rear wheel is difficult.  Getting up and down to move the bike 1/8 to 1/4 wheel turn is tough on this old man.  If I could stay down, rotate the wheel and keep cleaning it would be much nicer.  Maybe Santa will bring me one.

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

 

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

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.

HOME

Perfect Shirts For Cooler Weather - You Will Want to Wear Them Daily!

Living in the South I get to ride my motorcycle pretty much year-round.  Ice and snow will hinder riding 5-15 days each winter with an occasional "harsh" winter adding a few more non-riding days.  The main issue when riding during late fall to early spring is dealing with the cold temperatures.  That is where a high quality flannel shirt earns it's keep.

(*** I have not received nor will I receive any discounts, commission or any form of compensation from Dixxon Flannel.  Well, unless after this they want to send me some shirts :) ***)

Six years ago my son gave me a Dixxon Flannel long sleeved shirt, but now I have several of them so it is time to share my thoughts on the Dixxon Flannel shirts.  Richard gave me the "Bixby" flannel for Christmas.  What is a "Bixby?" Dixxon.com states the "Bixby" was "inspired b the grey's of the architecture and the lush green surroundings of Big Sur."  

The company makes a limited run of each design and many have special connections and color schemes to people, musicians, places, movies or things.  For example, the "Thriller Miller" was named after MotoGP motorcycle racer Jack Miller while the "Bixby"was a nod to the beauty of Big Sur.

The "Bixby" was perfect for an October breakfast ride.

Dixxon Flannels also have designs for Black Sabbath, Freddy Kruger, Fender "Stratocaster", Slayer, Autism Awareness, The Kramer (yes, Kramer from Seinfeld), S & S Cycle, Pantera to name just a few.  Dixxon states, "With superior quality, intentional design, limited drops and badass collaboration our products sell out fast and are often featured in extremely sought after collections."  The limited drops means you'll not be dressed like the next guy.

Dixxon collaborated with Jack Miller for the "Thiller Miller"

Dixxon Flannels was started by Danny Dreyer, a former Harley Davidson technician.  Danny "has unapologetically embraced the counter-culture he grew up around motorcycles, skateboards, tattoos and hardcore-punk music." - https://www.dixxon.com/pages/about-us

Armed with the knowledge and experience of what bikers want and need from apparel he has build company that produces high quality clothing with attention to detail.  

Left to right - The "Cove", inspired by the skate park in Santa Monica and the "Kramer" are two of my favorites.

Why are these shirts now my favorite shirts of all time?  Each shirt has an exclusive colorway (color combination and design) so I don't see the same shirt at events, shops and/or rides.  The quality of the fabrics, buttons, snaps and the workmanship is top-notch.  

Each flannel comes with hidden button downs for the collars and a soft microfiber triangle sewn to the left front, inside at the shirt tail.  The microfiber comes in so handy for cleaning sunglasses, glasses or phone screens or camera lens.

The microfiber is a very useful feature of Dixxon Flannels.

The fit and feel screams "quality."  I love wearing them and I have now purchased some of the short sleeved bamboo shirts, which are made to the same high standard.

The Dixxon short sleeved shirts are also high quality

 

The flannels are great for riding in cooler weather.  Instead of wearing a t-shirt and needing a jacket once parked at the latest toy run or other event, the flannel is warm and stylish and all I need when looking at all the other motorcycles and/or visiting with friends.  

The shirts are great for riding, a night out to a football game, church, going out for dinner or hanging around the house.  

I highly recommend you try one.  They are worth it and you will end up wanting another one.

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

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.

HOME

 

Top 5 Videos On Biker Oz YouTube Channel

 

There is absolutely no doubt social media videos are watched a great deal.  People enjoy social media videos for various reasons and their popularity are growing.  On line business to business company finally.agency states on its website: "In general, video's are much easier to consume; they convey information quickly and simply, and remove the need for the user to read lots of text or scroll through numerous pages."

I know my amateur videos aren't the best out there, but they even get a good amount of views.  I decided to see which had the most views out of the 99 videos as of Sept 1, 2024.  I was surprised by the two most viewed. Number 4 & 5 were expected to be popular since they are about riding some of the best roads in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (6 of the top 10 are from Colorado).  The second most watched video really took me by surprise as it is about a large swap meet in Texas.  The most watched is about an awesome motorcycle that Honda no longer manufactures.

Here are my top 5 most viewed videos on my YouTube Channel - in reverse order.

5) The Million Dollar Highway (US 550) in Southwest Colorado crosses over three major passes including Red Mountain Pass - elevation 11,018 feet, Coal Bank Pass - elevation 10,640 and Molass Pass - elevation 10,910.  Amazing scenery and beautiful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton and Ouray are all part of the Million Dollar Highway. VIDEO #5

4) Independence Pass on CO 82 from Twin Lakes (east end) to Aspen is a challenging road with great vistas of Colorado's tallest mountain, Mount Elbert, and the surround mountain range.  A stop at the top of the pass offers breathtaking views.  VIDEO #4

3) Interestingly Pitkin, Colorado sits in the middle of Colorado Rockies and the video occupies the middle of the top 5.  Pitkin is a small town and the hub to a lot of ATV, 4WD and dirt/adventure bike routes.  I had some pretty good bbq while I was there.  VIDEO #3

2) The Pate Swap Meet is held at the Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas.  It started in 1972 as the South Central Swap Meet.  According to pateswapmeet.com the swap meet has 1200 for the three day event.  VIDEO #2

1) The most viewed video from my channel is my long term review of my 2012 Honda VFR1200.   The VFR 1200 sport touring motorcycle came out in 2010 and was discontinued in 2017 when Honda release the VFR1200X, an adventure bike version.  I rode my VFR1200 for almost 8 years and 72,000+ miles.  VIDEO #1

Which was your favorite video of these five?  Let me know!  Also feel free to leave suggestions in a comment, as I try to improve on technique, editing and subjects.

Subscribe to the channel to keep up to date on forthcoming videos.

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

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.

HOME

Why I Write A Blog And Have A YouTube Channel

 When I started riding motorcycles in 2004 I tried to read a lot of motorcycle magazines and books.  I learned a lot.  One thing I learned was some authors, especially authors of reviews, tried to be way more clever than they needed to i.e. "the engine started up with sound of a million angry hornets..."

So I started this blog September 2009 with a goal of posting straightforward, clear and useful information.  On the first post I stated "part of this blog is to give straightforward reviews of items that I have personally used, places I have eaten, roads I have traveled, and/or bikes I have ridden. At times I will use the reviews of close friends that I ride with and respect." 

 

Lower Falls in Yellowstone NP

 

I have strayed off motorcycle related topics a few time i.e. my WWII veteran dad, Honor Flight..., otherwise the gear, roads, restaurants and other items have been related to my motorcycle addiction.  I have also had some "guest posts" including one by Warren Massey author of I Just Want 2 Ride blog.

 

Dad at WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

 

With the same goal and desire to provide useful, honest information and reviews I launched a YouTube channel "Ordinary Biker Oz". 

 

Ride on a great road in Oklahoma

The videos are much more varied and sometimes provide just a clip of a great road to ride, a neat place to visit, a motorcycle review or some other little nugget.  

 

 Indian Challenger Pursuit Review

I also post some "motovlog" videos, which are spoken blogs while riding the motorcycle.  Topics will vary.

My first vlog is about upcoming trip in June, 2017

My son riding US 129 aka The Tail of the Dragon on his own bike for the first time

 

I would like to invite you to visit the YouTube channel and give me some feedback.  I have a lot to learn about vlogging and all comments are welcome.  If you like what you see please subscribe.   

                                                              Be safe and enjoy the road. 

 

Connect and follow on social media

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences 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!

# 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.

HOME