Epic views from National Scenic Byway - Beartooth Highway

View from Beartooth Highway

 

 

I love mountain air and the amazing vistas.  I enjoy looking out in all directions and seeing miles of valleys, mountains, lakes, and wilderness. Some mountain passes are breathtaking.   I take a lot of photos even though the photos never capture the awesome beauty.

On my trip to Yellowstone and again on my trip to Alaska I made plans to ride US 212 a.ka. the Beartooth Highway that connects Montana and Wyoming by way of Beartooth Pass.  The Beartooth Highway is designated an "All-American Road" which means the US Department of Transportation deems the road worthy of being a tourist destination unto itself, due to the scenic uniqueness.  Of the 150 National Scenic Byways there are only 37 roads with the distinguished All-American Road designation and this one is well deserving. 

Top of the pass in late June - no snow or ice on the roads luckily

 

The  Beartooth Highway runs 67 miles from Red Lodge, MT to Silver Gate, MT (northeast gateway to Yellowstone NP) crossing the MT/WY state line twice.  The 38 miles stretch between WY 296/ Chief Joseph Highway (another great road) and a point about 12 miles west of Red Lodge, MT is the most scenic, invigorating, and challenging portion of the road.  The road has breathtaking vistas, hairpin curves, elevation changes, sweeping curves and wildlife.

The Beartooth Highway twisting up the mountain

 

The road reaches an elevation of 10,947 ft. at Beartooth Pass.  Cliff hugging switchbacks, tight curves, steep grades, and mountain plateaus make for an amazing stretch of pavement.  The high elevation makes drastic weather changes a constant possibility so riders should be prepared.  When we rode up on July 15 the temperature dropped about 25 degrees from the Beartooth Highway/Chief Joseph Highway intersection to the pass and state line.  We had to stop and bundle up before we got too high.  Glad we did since it was cold and windy at the pass.

Heading towards the pass

 

At the pass and at the MT/WY state line we enjoyed the vast scenery.  It was amazing.  The mountain lakes were deep blue, the peaks were still snow capped, the meadows were alive and green, and the vibrant tundra stretched out around us.  Both sides of the pass are fantastic and challenging. 

 Twin Lakes 

 

 Beartooth Mountains

 

Forest and stream on west side of the pass

 

There is one store along the route known as the "Top of the World Resort."  You can get fuel, snacks, drinks, t-shirts, and souvenirs.  There is also a nice area with picnic tables to sit and enjoy the surroundings.  The staff was very friendly and informative.  We enjoyed a nice break on top of the world.  If one was so inclined the resort has lodging available.

Top of the World store - a great place stop

 

 

The road offers great views and fun curves

 

We hit the pass around noon so the chance to see much wildlife was not good.  We were too late (or too early depending on how you want to look at it).   We did see some bison not too far from the road as we were heading to Cooke City, WY.

Bison roaming near the road - watch out!

 

The Beartooth Highway is a great All-American Road and is well worth the ride.  The beauty and the fun is intense.  If you get to that area of this great country make sure to include US 212.  You will not be disappointed.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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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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9 Motorcycle Myths - a guest post by Warren Massey

9 Myths About Motorcycle Riding

There are motorcycling myths that are just too good to die. Below are 9 of those myths, a few with my own commentary, which seem to hang around forever.  

1. Open-face helmets are just as good as full-face helmets: Full-face helmets provide better protection by covering the entire head, including the chin and face. They reduce head injuries by 64% and neck injuries by 36% compared to open-face helmets. Plus, they offer better noise reduction. 
2.  Using car tires on motorcycles is fine: This myth is dangerous. Car tires are incompatible with motorcycle dynamics, especially during cornering. Stick to motorcycle-specific tires for safety. While I have never seen this in person, it must be something that happens as this comes up from time to time.

3. The rear brake stops a bike better than the front brake: Actually, using the front brake is more effective and safer. Proper braking technique is crucial, and the front brake provides over 70% of a motorcycle’s stopping power.
4. Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars: While motorcycles have inherent risks, proper training, gear, and awareness can mitigate these risks. Responsible riding matters more than the vehicle type. Statistics show that more riders are injured in single vehicle crashes than in crashes with cars.
5. Helmets break necks in a crash: False. Helmets protect your head and neck. They do not cause neck injuries; they prevent them.
6. “Laying it down” is the best way to avoid a crash: No, it is not. Staying upright and using proper braking and maneuvering techniques is more effective for avoiding accidents.
7. You must be strong to ride a motorcycle: Strength matters less than skill and technique. Proper body positioning and control are essential, regardless of physical strength.
8. You can get expert skills just riding on the road.  Just riding from point a to point b over and over will only give you the skills to ride from point a to point b.  You really need to take, at least, the basic and advanced riders’ course to hone your skills.  There are other levels of training to move your skills to a higher level.  Then do the training with your passenger.
9. Loud pipes save lives: Contrary to widely held belief, loud exhaust pipes do not necessarily make you safer. Becoming a better rider through skill development and awareness is more effective for safety. While less restrictive exhausts may add some horsepower, OEM exhausts are designed for midrange performance where you spend most of your time riding. I can debate this one with myself. I have two motorcycles, one with stock pipes and one with loud pipes. Anecdotally, I see more folks look around for me as I move up in traffic when I am on my loud bike, they can almost feel the rumble. But I cannot prove it one way or another if this is really a myth.

Remember, understanding these myths may help you become a safer and more informed rider!

If you have a Motorcycle Myth riders should be aware of let me know in the comments. - Oz

About Warren Massey – Warren began riding motorcycles at the age of 5, according to his mom, and has never looked back!  Warren started his blog IJustWant2Ride.com in 2013 and currently has over 20,000 followers. Warren is also a co-host on the world’s longest running motorcycle podcast “The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio” which has run weekly for 16 years. 

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Why a Motorcycle Blog - Revisited

My son and I in North Carolina in July of 2011

Original Objective

Why did I start the The Ordinary Biker Oz blog?  I began the blog in September 2007 with the goal of being useful to both new motorcycle riders and experienced motorcyclists.  One of the original objectives was to provide straightforward and honest reviews without crazy, absurd and/or silly comparisons. As I stated in the introduction post "I read several motorcycle magazines and websites. I especially like the product reviews, except for the unique descriptions (which are often silly) that journalist sometimes use to try to sound clever".  I actually heard a comparison between the sound of a sport bike motorcycle to a million mad hornets - how does that help?

Although the blog has evolved and hopefully improved, the founding purpose remains "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."  Occasionally I did share some more personal post with one of my favorite was about my dad and our trip with Honor Flight to Washington DC for World War II veterans.

Wendell Osburn PFC, Purple Heart recipient talking to some brave American soldiers. 

2020 and Beyond

With the beginning of 2020 I want to renew the goal to provide useful information and reviews.   Encouraging and helping bikers to ride safely, comfortably and often, is part of that goal. 

With my goal in mind I have recently made some improvements and additions to the blog.  Please notice the tabs below the blog description.  The "Recommended" page provides links to numerous other sites including my own personal YouTube Channel, The Moto Oz webpage (I am a co-owner and will say more about Moto Oz products below) and affiliate businesses.  I want to be honest and upfront with you about my affiliate business relationships. If you use the link to visit one of the affiliate business and make a purchase I get a small commission, but your low prices are not affected.  Any purchases are greatly appreciated and will aid in fuel fill-ups :) .

Standing by 1909 HD which Dale at Wheels Through Time Museum told me based on the photo of my Grandfather, is probably the same year & model.

The tab for "Top Review Post" will display the seven most read reviews on the Ordinary Biker Oz blog.  The V Star 1100 Review is the top review and it has been read over 57,000 times while the Arai Helmet review has been read over 1,200 times.  These reviews have been used by a lot of riders to gather information.  The page will change when other reviews have more views.  I will update 2-3 times a year as needed.

Feedback Appreciated

I am always open to suggestions, questions and comments.  If you would like more information on a review, or would like to see some specific reviewed or discussed I will try my best to help out.  You can follow the blog via email, just enter your email address below.

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Moto Oz the side business

Beat The Heat Tours

2019 Beat The Heat tour in Colorado, stopped at a reservoir on the Highway of Legends - CO 12.

Another aspect of our Moto Oz venture is the Beat The Heat summer motorcycle tour.  We call it Beat The Heat because we leave Texas for a week during the hot summer and spend a week in a cooler climate.  The Rocky Mountains in Colorado and New Mexico or the Smoky Mountains around Tennessee and North Carolina are the favorite riding spots.  There are many great roads to ride.  We have been doing the summer trip for 12 years and it has changed into the Beat The Heat tour.  I plan and organize the trip and lead the rides each day.

In 2020 we will be going to southwest Colorado where we will ride the Million Dollar Highway (aka US 550) and The Silver Thread Scenic Byway (aka CO 149).  We will stop at the small on of my favorite bakeries in Lake City, CO.  We will spend time in the historic towns of  Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Telluride and Ridgeway.  I am planning to add more trips per year in the future.  Once I retire I would like to conduct 4 to 5 tours a year and several long weekend trips.

Be safe and I hope to see you on the road

I hope you find some of the posts useful, informative, humorous or at least mildly entertaining all the while being honest and straightforward.  As stated above, comments, questions and suggestions are always welcomed.

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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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I have been Flashed!!

Everybody Wants Better Performance

In the winter and spring of this year (2016) I debated about changing from the Honda VFR 1200 back to the Yamaha FJR 1300.  I ended up deciding to stay with the VFR 1200 and make some changes to fit what I wanted.

The latest customization has proven to be the biggest grin inducing change!  After a lot of reading and talking to a fellow VFR rider I decided to have the ECU re-flashed by Don Guhl Motors. 

It was almost time for a valve adjustment and other maintenance so I took the VFR to my mechanic.  I removed the fairings and the ECU.  While the ECU was being sent to Don the bike got a valve adjustment, new plugs and new air filter.

Removing seat, fairings and gas tank to get to ECU

VFR sure looks

Time for a new filter!

The VFR's 1237cc V4 engine comes stock with 150hp at the wheel and weights 589 wet, but Honda has several restrictions on the motor.  The Don Guhl re- flash eliminates limits and raises the rev limiter by 500 rpm (if desired).

Little box control the big engine

I mailed the ECU to Don with the appropriate information including what exhaust was on the VFR.  The day after he received it the re-flash was performed and the ECU ship Next Day back to me all for $375.

Once back installation was easy, but the fairings where more difficult.  Thank goodness for friends.  I got the bike home, but too late to ride that night.  The inaugural ride would come the next day.  While the bike was out of commission I also added the mounting plate for the Givi case I ordered.

Givi case mount installed and ready for the first ride after the re-flash

The throttle response was immediately noticeable.  I was careful not to over do it and perform my first ever wheelie, several riders had experienced an unattended wheelie after the re-flash so I was wanting to avoid that.

The transition from gear to gear is now so smooth with no lag in power.  It is like I am constantly in the optimum power band.  Acceleration is immediate and produces a big smile.

The VFR and my sons ZX6R - he noticed the difference when following.

This is the first performance modification I have made on a bike and I am very happy with it.  I would without hesitation recommend Don Guhl Motors for your motorcycle's ECU reflash.  You will be smiling when you feel the power.

 

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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