Awesome Roads in Texas Hill Country - Day 1

 

Texas is a big state and has a lot of different topology, climates and geographical regions.  One of my favorite regions to ride in is the Texas Hill Country.  The Edwards plateau, limestone hills, changing elevation (500 to 2400+ feet), numerous rivers, big ranches, little ranches and a lot of ranches raising exotic mammals are just part of what makes the region unique.  

Three of us from Tennessee met six of my Texas friends for 3 days of riding and two days at the MotoGP races in Austin.  For me this was my second time to attend the races as a spectator instead of a volunteer track marshal as I had six times over the past 11 years. 

We converged on a Tuesday for lunch at the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, TX, one of the best restaurants in Texas (I can't believe I haven't posted about the Blue Bonnet Cafe, yet).  After lunch we enjoyed a scenic ride on the east side of Inks Lake and headed to Llano.  After a fuel stop we continued south on Texas 16 towards Fredericksburg.  Prior to getting to Fredericksburg we detoured west and rode the Willow City Loop.  The loop is a county road and has a few cattle guard crossings and free-range cattle could be crossing the road, although they weren't close that day.  The views of the canyon along the loop are picturesque.  Around dusk or dawn it is very likely deer would be seen on or near the road, but we were there mid-afternoon. 

On Wednesday, day 1 of all riding together, we head south and west on some great roads and I had my action camera ready to capture parts of the ride.  (See Video)

 

After getting through and out of Kerrville we experienced very little traffic.  TX 16 is in great shape and has plenty of sweepers and elevation changes.  At Medina we turned west on Ranch Road 337.  Whenever we saw the tall fences we would look for exotics, bison or other non domesticated animals of which we saw numerous over the days of riding.

I made a mistake and turned left at the intersection with Ranch Road 187 and ended up in Utopia long before we should arrive so we stop for a break.  We heading back to Vanderpool and then continuing west on Ranch Road 337 which has nice elevation and scenic views of the surrounding area. 

At Leakey we stopped for a fuel break before taking Ranch Road 1120 to Ranch to Market (RM) Road 1050 east towards Utopia and Lost Maples Cafe.  RM 1050 was 14 miles with sweepers, tighter curves roller coaster elevation change and nice vistas.  

 

In Utopia we pulled into Lost Maples Cafe, which was suggested by my friend Jerry.  When I entered the cafe and before I could ask for a table for eight the host/waitress said "We have your table in the back."  I asked was that for us and she stated she saw us pull up and tried to count how many of us there were and proceeded to prepare for us.  The waitress was quick, friendly and had a good sense of humor.  The food was very good and everyone enjoyed his meal.  If you are in that area it's worth the stop.  Those who had pie for dessert we pleased.

After lunch we took Ranch Road 470 east to Bandera and then north on Ranch Road 689 to the edge of Kerrville where we turned on TX 27 to Comfort.  We rode through Comfort to Ranch Road 473 to Old San Antonio Road aka Old Tunnel State Park Road.  At Grapetown we took Grapetown Road to Luckenbach.

After some time in Luckenbach we headed back to the house in Fredericksburg.  So Day 1 with 220 miles of fun filled, grin inducing riding in the Hill Country was in the books.  If you haven't ridden in that area of Texas put it on your bucket list.

See Day 1 Video and watch for the next post about day 2 and the video of day 2 which included riding the renown Three Twisted Sisters.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Viking Bags - Quality saddlebags and luggage for your motorcycle travels

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Quality Leather Vest Review

It is time for another motorcycle gear review.  This time I will be reviewing a leather vest.  I love the feel and smell of new leather.  The leather vest is part of the classic motorcycle rider apparel.  Finding a leather vest that fits and looks good is not always easy.

No longer is the traditional cut vest the only option.  There are numerous options for vests for riders today.  Leather, textile, denim, high-viz, black, brown...  Viking Cycles has numerous options.

My friends at Viking Cycle recently sent me a Gardar Leather vest to wear, test and review.  The Gardar leather vest features include a Mandarin collar, an evenly finished hem, two chest pockets with snaps, two slit hand pockets and covered front snaps.  The leather vest snaps are strong and will last.  This would be a great buy for a new motorcycle rider.

I love the feel and smell of new leather.

The inside of the vest include a zippered pocket, a chest slit pock and a phone pocket on each side.  I love the pockets!  The extra pockets provide for organization of items I usually carry.

The leather has a high grade feel and look.   Due to the caliber of the vest I believe it will be very durable.  The snaps are sturdy and easy to manipulate, even when wearing gloves.  The zippers are sturdy and worked perfectly.

Three inside pockets on each side of the vest!

The lining is comfortable and is made from good quality nylon.  The finish of the entire vest is well done and stylish.  All materials used are of good quality.
I really liked the "feel" of the vest when wearing it.  It is substantial enough I could feel the weight, but not bulky or uncomfortable.  When riding,  the collision with a big bug will be absorbed by the vest and you might not even feel it.

The back of the vest is a great area for large patch or numerous patches, depending on your style.

The sizing/fitting of the vest is in line with the majority of vest sizing, so no need to adjust your sizing when ordering.

Now a word about Viking Cycle and Viking Bags.  I have had numerous communications with the company and they have always been friendly, respectful and timely.  The shipping department gets orders out quickly.  I have never had to return anything, but I suspect they handle returns quickly also.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* 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.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Heading to Europe!

I have been busy preparing for my first ever trip out of the USA and riding as much as possible.   Here are three of my latest video projects.

I fly out of Dallas on Friday June 2, 2017 and fly to Milan to start my trip.  (Post with trip details)  There are a few changes to the plan since my first posting with the biggest change being I will be riding in the Alps alone, although I suspect I will meet some riders and make new friends.

Updated details in the video.

Along with preparing for the trip I have been riding and enjoying the spring time in Texas.  Recently while riding the Honda VFR 1200 the odometer rolled over 35,000 miles and I thought it would be an appropriate time to do a "review" of the bike and give my impressions.

Review of VFR 1200 after 35,000 miles

This past weekend I had the honor of leading 20 bikes on a Memorial Day ride to a local small town veterans memorial and after some time of reflection and thankful prayer we rode to lunch.  Pilot Point, TX has a nice small memorial in the downtown area.  Just happens that my dad is from Pilot Point and his older brother was killed in WWII by friendly fire and his name is on the memorial.  It was after his death my dad decided to enlist (he had an agricultural exemption).  It is always humbling to take time to pay respects to those who gave all for our country.

Memorial Day ride, 2017

I have had a busy and fun spring and now looking forward to 26 days of traveling adventures.  I will be trying (no guarantees) to upload a video each day I am in Europe.  The videos may be "raw" and unedited, but hopefully they will show some of the great things I will see.  You can see the videos on my YouTube channel or search YouTube for Ordinary Biker Oz.

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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.

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Vist This Historic Bridge on the Red River

With progress or growth comes change and some changes are not always the most desired.  Some changes are sad, but necessary.  The population growth of North Texas has brought a lot of changes in the roads, highways and byways and there is no end in sight to this growth.  Increase traffic has stressed and strained the actual roads as well as the drivers and riders on the roads. 

Road construction has been and is large scaled and far reaching in our area.  Fun, curvy, low traffic Farm to Market roads are more difficult to find than just a few years ago. One particular casualty to the growth is a historic one lane bridge crossing the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma.

Bridge from Texas side

Bridge seen from the Oklahoma side.

The wear and tear can be seen under the bridge

 

Carpenters Bluff bridge was built in 1910.  Trains, wagons, horses and people paid a toll to cross over the bridge.  In the 1960's Grayson County was deeded the bridge and it was renovated for the modern automobile traffic.  Today one lane is for motorized traffic and a deteriorating wooden walkway on on the south side.  I have walked on it, but there are holes and missing boards.

Wooden walkway on the side of the bridge

VFR idling on the bridge for a quick photo

 

Part of the charm of the bridge is having to stop and make sure no vehicles were already crossing.  (See video below) The rusted iron bridge provides great views to the Red River while crossing; however, due to the age, condition and the increase traffic on the bridge the two states decided to build a new bridge near Carpenters Bluff bridge and close it to vehicle traffic while allowing pedestrian use.

One lane - two bikes - Honda VFR 1200 and Aprilia Tuono

 

New bridge under construction

The historic bridge is east of Denison, TX on FM 120 and west of Kemp, OK on Carpenters Bluff Road/Kemp Road.  FM 120 has multiple curves and is a fun road to travel.

FM 120 to bridge and ride on bridge

 

If you want to experience some history before growth and progress gates off the ride head to Carpenters Bluff soon.  Authorities have not release a date for the opening of the new bridge and closing of the historic bridge, but I suspect it will happen sometime this year (2017).

Update on Carpenters Bluff Bridge on Ordinary Biker Oz Youtube channel

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

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Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* 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.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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The Best Jeans for Cold Weather

Cold Weather Needs Warm Clothes

For most of the winter months the temperatures in the South does not get too cold for too long.  This allows for year-round riding for the most part.  When is does cool off most rider still like to get out and  ride, especially when there is a worth cause that will benefit from bikers generosity.   When the temperatures do drop motorcycle riders break out the cold weather gear and layer up so the ride is enjoyable.

New riders need to be prepared for the cooler temperatures so they can join in the fun of these riders, especially prior to the Christmas season because that is when so many great benefit rides take place.  If one does not have heated grips or a heated seat nor heated gear, for example, heated vest, or gloves.  being prepared for the cold temperatures is vital. 

Trying to warm up inside on a cold morning for a charity ride.

 

Knowing I would want to ride in many of the events around Christmas as well as ride with friends even when it would be colder I bought a pair of jeans in April, but did not get to wear them until December.  I sure am happy I bought them.

Jeans for the ride

I purchased a pair of Cabela's Roughneck fleece lined jeans that were on sale in April.  They are traditional 5 pocket jeans with a quality YKK zipper.  The jeans are "relaxed cut" and 100% cotton fleece lined. The fleece was very comfortable on the skin.  The denim is well made and durable.

The jeans feel great and are not excessively bulky, but I could definitely feel they were heavier than typical blue jeans.  Mobility was not hindered.  I was able to throw my leg over the bike with no problem, or at no more than usual for an old man.  I was comfortable in the saddle of my Honda VFR 1200.

I rode the bike in the lower 40's for a lunch ride.  We left McKinney and road out in the country where the temperatures drop a little.  I did not get cold.  I felt good and comfortable.  On a different day it was mid 30's when I started off so I wore a pair of long-johns with the jeans.  The combination was perfect.  Once again I was comfortable and warm.  Never did I feel like I needed more.

Video look at the jeans

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These fleece lined jeans are a great alternative to heated gear and it is much more economical.  A new rider who wants to ride when it is cold, but not sure if he or she will like it enough to ride often when it is cold these jeans are a great option.  Combine these jeans with good Black Diamond gloves and high quality Rocky boots a rider can stay comfortable.  It is unsafe to get too cold so make sure you gear up for the colder weather.  I highly recommend these Cabela's Fleece lined jeans!

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz 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!

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

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.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Memorial Day Ride 2016

Member  Of The Greatest Generation

May 30, 2016 marked the 2nd Memorial Day since my dad, WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient, passed away.  During the previous 10 years or so I had spend some of each Memorial Day weekend with him.  It was my honor to take him to several Memorial Day services and accompany him in 2010 on Honor Flight. 

Wendell Osburn PFC 1st Army, 2nd Division, 9th Regiment, Company K, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Squad

I decided to take a ride and have a Memorial Day service and lunch with some fellow riders.  We gathered at a local gas station for fuel, food, drink and the pre-ride meeting.

Fueled up and waiting on others for the ride.

Bikes at the memorial

The ride was nice and cool in the morning thanks to some late night/early morning rain.  We were careful as some of the roads were still wet, but still managed to enjoy some "spirited" moments as we twisted through the country side towards the Audie Murphy Memorial at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville, TX.

Audie Murphy statute

Audie was a Texas boy!

 Several friends on cruisers welcomed us as we rode into the parking lot at the memorial.  After looking at bikes and the normal comments/jokes about each others bikes we took time to read quotes, names (from Hunt county) and information that were part of the memorial.

A nice gathering of bikers to remember the sacrifices made for our country

One veteran reading names of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice

Reading the names is very sobering and humbling

The veterans in attendance were gathered for a photo.  We were all very honored to have them with us for the day.  A few words of appreciation for all our military, past, present and future, were said and a prayer for our country and armed forces was given.

Six veterans were with us and one join us at lunch.  It was an honor to have them with us.

After the time at the memorial we enjoyed lunch at a local hamburger establishment before a spirited ride home on dry roads.  Several riders chipped in and bought all the veterans lunch.

Thank you to all veterans and their families for the service and sacrifice made so we can go ride motorcycles with the freedoms and security we so often take for granted.  May God bless our armed forces and the USA.

I want to thank all my friends for sharing the ride and the time of remembrance with me.

 

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.

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