Ordinary Biker Oz: River Road

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Top Scenic and Beautiful Road - Utah to Colorado

I realize there are a lot of great roads in the US and each has its own special aspects. State Road Utah 128 is one of those great roads. The road is designated the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway & is part of the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway which is a National Scenic Byway. Due to the blind curves and no shoulder large vehicles (55,000+ pounds) are prohibited from using it.

UT 128 connects US 191 on the north end of Moab to I-70 west of Grand Junction, Colorado. UT 128 runs beside the Arkansas River for about 28 of the 43 miles. The road has sweeping curves, some tight curves and a good number of small hills that can make your stomach drop if you moving a long at a good pace. Link to map

We started on the west end of UT 128 after we left Arches National Park. We filled up and I sure am glad we did, as it was about 90 miles before we passed a gas station or store. Make sure you and the bike are ready before you take off.

We started off following the curves of the river with steep sandstone walls on both sides. The road was in great shape and at 3:30pm there was not a lot of traffic. There are several camping sites along the road so one must watch for traffic. As we traveled east the road leaves the canyon and rises from 4000 feet to 6000 feet above sea level and crosses the arid desert area until UT 128 intersects with I-70.

This was a fun and scenic road. I would love to ride it both directions in the same day. Is it the type of road to make sure you ride, even if it means adding miles to your trip? Yes!

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

Christian Motorcyclists Association

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

HOME

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Top Motorcycle Riding Boots

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends over-the-ankle leather boots when riding motorcycles. A good pair of boots is a worthy investment.

I have owned two different pairs of boots. The first were the Side-Zip Highway Boots ($80-$90) by River Road. They were comfortable and durable. The side zipper was very convenient and aided in keeping a snug fit. Once I had tied my laces with the exact amount of tightness that I wanted I never had to mess with them again. The zipper let me put my boots on or remove them comfortably and without disrupting the laces.

The sole was a durable slip-resistant rubber and had another year or so worth of wear when I replaced them after 3+ years of use. I wore them all year in all four seasons. The only reason I replaced them was that one of the zippers broke.

The boots were water-resistant, but not waterproof. I used waterproof boot covers when I had to ride in the rain. Otherwise they were great boots.

I replaced the River Road boots with the Harley Davidson FXRG-2 boots ($125-$180) with Gore-Tex. These boots cost about twice as much as the River Road boots, but I no longer needed to wear boot covers during the rain. In the summer the Gore-Tex fabric allows the feet to breath and yet are totally waterproof (I have ridden is some hard rain and walked t

hrough ankle high water).

The soles are slip-resistant, but do not seem quite as durable as the River Road. The boots lace up and the laces must be loosened to remove the boots. The boots fit great and are very comfortable. I can wear the boots all day, even when I spend a great deal of time walking and not just riding.

Would I buy either pair of boots again? Yes. If I had to pick one it would be the FXRG-2 boots. I really like that the Gore-Tex fabric is breathable and waterproof. As far a style and looks both boots are great. So, if you don’t ride in the rain you can save some money if you buy the River Road boots.