Jeans for cold weather riding

 Riding in the winter

The weather in North Texas is temperate enough to allow riding year round.  The temperatures in North Texas do not get too cold for too long. 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.

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

I do not have heated grips or a heated seat.  Nor do I have heated gear like a heated vest, or gloves.  So, I have to be prepared for the cold temperatures.  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.

Non heated 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 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!

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Goal of the blog and YouTube channel

I started this blog September 2009 with a goal of posting 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.

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.  

 

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 or some other little nugget.  In the future I will interview other "ordinary" riders about their choice of bikes, gear and accessories so riders can get the views of actual users/riders.  There will be full reviews, trip highlights and more forthcoming.

I will even post some "motovlog" video, 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.

I will continue to post here on a regular basis also.                 Be safe and enjoy the road. 

 

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Please visit the following great companies:

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* 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!
 

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Bell Helmet Qualifier review

 So many choices!

I have owned six full-faced helmets and three half helmets in my 12.5 years of riding.  Due to life situations I always be on a tight budget, but over the last two years or so the budget for riding gear has increased.  So my first five full-faced helmets leaned more to the economical end of the spectrum.

During the June 2016 Moto Oz Beat The Heat Tour the chin air vent cover of my AFX Freedom Helmet, which I wore for approximately four years, fell off.  I liked the helmet, but decided to get a new one.

Checked out top helmet reviews

I did more research than usual and narrowed my list.  I decided to buy within the mid-range ($200 - $350) of helmets.  While talking about my options with a friend he praised his Bell helmet, especially the Transition visor.  That got my attention.  I ride a lot including mornings and evenings.

I had one Bell helmet in the past and like it.  With my friend's recommendation the Bell helmets moved to the top my list.  I had to decided which one.  I found the Qualifier helmet fit great.  I had the option of the Qualifier with the standard visor or the Qualifier DLX with the Transition Adaptive Shield.  I purchased the Bell Qualifier DLX Rally Helmet with the Matte Titanium Rally color scheme.

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Image from BikeBandit.com

I am very pleased with my purchase!  There are several features which makes this the best helmet I have owned.  Most notable is the transition visor. 

In the shade

In the sun

 Features of a quality helmet

The transition from clear to shaded and back is not instantaneous, but is pretty quick and sufficient. When shaded only the most sensitive eyes would need to also wear sunglasses.  Not have to take two visors when knowing there will be some evening/night time riding is so convenient.

The padding is soft, comfortable and snug.  By far this is the most comfortable helmet I have owned.  The fit is snug without being too tight and the padded wind collar reduces slippage and wind noise.  The removable lining provides moisture wicking and is washable.

The three vent locations (chin, forehead and top of the head) allow for adequate ventilation.  With all helmets more air flow increases wind noise.  The Qualifier DLX is a good combination of reasonable air flow with less wind noise.

Final Thoughts

Overall this helemt a great value.  The "bang for the buck" is impressive. The comfort, the fit, the transition visor and the air flow add to the value of the helmet.  Having worn the Qualifier DLX for for 10000+ miles I am a very satisfied customer.

 

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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* 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!
 

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Visiting Europe June 2017!

This post is both an announcement and a invitation for input.  

I will be starting my first trip out of the USA on June 2, 2017 as I fly out of Dallas Milan, Italy and I am so excited!

Received my first passport

My trip will be divided into three distinct stages.  Each stage has its own purpose, atmosphere and flavor.  The stages have been moderately planned, but I welcome input concerning sites, restaurants, roads, tips, suggestions...

Mugello Circuit - photo from MotoGP.com

Stage 1 - solo - June 3-5:
MotoGP race at  Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Mugello Circuit)
I will arrive in Milan on the 3rd and ride a train to Florence where I will stay two nights and attend the races on Sunday the 4th.  Early Monday the 5th I will fly to London for second stage of the trip.

Valentino Rossi's bike at Circuit of the Americas - April 2015

Stage 2 - meeting four friends - June 5-16: World War II tour 
We will spend two days and nights in London visiting numerous sites including the Imperial War Museums. On Wednesday the 7th the Chunnel will take us to Paris for one night and a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

The Texas version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas

Thursday we will rent a vehicle and visit the Palace of Versailles on our way to the Normandy area where we will stay three nights and visit the beaches, museums, memorials and the Normandy American Cemetery.

Normandy beach - photo by Leland Giles co-owner of Moto Oz

On Sunday June 11th we will drive to Bastogne in Belgium and spend one night.  This is an area where my dad, Pfc Wendell A. Osburn, marched with his platoon during the war on their way to Germany.  His platoon replace men loss during the Battle of the Bulge.  It was later in the forests of Germany he was shot.

US Army PFC Wendell A Osburn - 2010

We will travel to Luxenburg for a night before return the vehicle to Paris on Tuesday the 13th and flying out to Munich.  We will spend three nights in Germany and visit Dachau, Eagle's Nest, Neuschwanstein Castle and other sites.

Road to Eagle's Nest - photo by dangerousroad.org

The Alps in Germany - photo by wikimedia.org

Stage 2 - meeting a friend from the USA in Milan - June 16 - 25: Riding the Alps
Brian and I will meet in Milan and rent motorcycles to ride in the Alps for a week.  We will ride Stelvio Pass, Susten Pass and more.

Stelvio Pass - photo from Pintrest

My research has found so many awesome roads in the Alps.  Probably can not get to them all, but looking forward to riding all I can.   

The flight home will be Sunday June 25 from Milan to Dallas, Texas.

As plans are being finalized any suggestions or comments are welcomed.

 

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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* 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!
 

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Tail bag Review

Motorcycle Luggage

Extended motorcycle trips are a lot of fun and I look forward to those trips.  The challenge with trips lasting several days is packing what is needed and/or wanted for the trip.  Storage/luggage space can be a concern for all but a few touring bikes.

Awesome gear for every rider!

For my June trip to the CMA National Rally in Hatfield, Arkansas and  the Moto Oz Beat the Heat tour to Colorado I knew I would need some additional luggage. The Seahorse side cases are narrow (6.2 inches - interior) and I had a lot of camping and hiking gear as well as my food to transport.

Being a budget minded rider I wanted to get the biggest "bang for the buck" I could.  I opted for the Viking Bags Economy Line Bag system.  The bag is a combination of leather and Cordura.  The stitching looked good and held up to tight packing and rough handling.

Both photos from www.vikingbags.com

The main bag's dimensions are 19X17.5X8 and the roll bag is 14X9.  The mounting straps for the bags are sturdy and work to make a good tight fit.  A rain cover, adjustable universal mounting system and backpack straps are included.

Photo from Vikingbags.com

The big zippered top opening allows for easy access which makes packing larger items convenient.  It held up to being stuffed tightly, the seams did not appear stressed.  The front pouch, with quick release strap, held smaller items for quick access.

Nice fit on the VStrom.

The D-hooks worked efficiently with the mounting straps or bungee cords to secure the bag on the bike and still allow for easy access to what is in the bag.

While on my trips I never had to use the rain cover so I decide to test the cover.  The video below shows the rain cover works great.  (Please excuse the amateur videoing)

I found the Viking Bag highly functional, well made and versatile.  If you are needing some quality motorcycle luggage I would recommend Viking Bags.  The Economy Line offers big bang for the bucks!

 

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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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