Ordinary Biker Oz: February 2024

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

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

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

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.