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.

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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Arai Profile Helmet Review

 Do you wear a helmet?

Once a rider gets past the debate of to wear or not to wear a helmet if the decide to wear a helmet there are still many more helmet questions to answer.  There are half helmets, full-faced helmets, 3/4 helmets and modular helmets.

So many helmets

There are a numerous helmet manufactures each with dozens of models.  A motorcycle rider can find a helmet for less than $100 or up to over a $1,000.  So many choices.

This can be overwhelming for a new rider.  Making a good decision and keeping the cost in a budget can be difficult.  New motorcycle riders will have friends giving a lot of advice and opinions. Probably the hardest and yet the most important decision revolves around cost.  Does a higher price make that big of a difference?

I have owned six full face helmets made by four different manufacturers over the years as well as multiple half helmets and one 3/4 helmet.  I have been very budget-minded when purchasing gear.  I had to be careful and not spend too much.

I had friends who did not wear helmets, some only half-helmets and among those who wore full-faced helmets there was a wide range of brands and cost.  I would look at the helmets of riders who wore more expensive helmets and I wondered if the money spent was really worth it.  Of course they thought so.

Time for a new helmet

In July 2016 I decided to increase my budget on gear.  So after some shopping around I made a purchase and spent the most I ever had for a new helmet when I bought the Bell Qualifer DLX.  The helmet came with the  Transitions® Adaptive Shield which intrigeud me .

In November 2016 I wrote a review on the Bell Qualifer DLX.   I was very pleased with the helmet and the visor.  The full review gives more details.  You can find the helmet at the Motorcycle Gear Superstore.

Bell Qualifier DLX

Upgrade opportunity

As luck would have it I attended a friend's event called the Martin Hootenanny in October of 2016.   At the event there was a silent auction benefiting CMA Run For the Son.

I noticed a pre-owned Arai helmet up for auction.  I examined the helmet and asked some questions.  I decided to bid on it and I won the silent auction for the pre-owned (worn about 5 times) Arai Profile Hotrod helmet (Hotrod graphics).  The helmet had no signs of usage and reports were it had been worn very little.  For $85 I thought "how can I go wrong?"  This was an inexpensive way to get first hand experience and knowledge about a high-end helmet. The graphics are not what I would have chosen in a perfect situation, but the yellow stands out and probably is more visible to automobile drivers. 

Arai Profile - Hotrod

 hime to wear the Arai

I did not start wearing the Arai helmet until January, after I secured a second Sena 20S helmet mount.  I could now transfer the Sena 20S from Bell helmet to Arai helmet without having to move the mount and speakers.  You can find Arai helmets at the Motorcycle Gear Superstore and
if you make a purchase I get some gas money.

At first I rotated between usig the Bell helmet and the Arai helmet.  By March I had decided on wearing the Arai for every ride.  The three major reasons for wearing the Arai full time were comfort, ventilation and reduced wind noise.  The fit and feeling of the Arai was so comfortable.  The material on the inside was smooth and soft.  The shape fit me well, although I know some motorcycle riders where the shape is not best for them.

The airflow was noticeably better.  My head did not get as hot or sweaty and I could feel the air flow over the skull.  The chin vent and forehead air vents allowed a good amount of airflow and they were easy to open and close.  With the amount of air flow provided I was surprised the road noise was not more intense.  The noise level was the least I had experienced with a full-faced helmet!

The Aria helmet is one of my favorite and best motorcycle gear buys so far!  I made a video review of the Aria helmet for my YouTube Channel and you can see it by following this link to Arai Profile Video Review.  You will find other reviews, ride videos and more on the Ordinary Biker Oz Channel.  Subscribe and you will get notice when I post new videos about gear, roads and more.

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 

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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.

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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Leadville, CO - Great Pizza

If you perform a quick search for "pizza" on this blog you will find I like pizza and two of my favorite pizza restaurants are located in Colorado.  Well, I found another place in the Rockies that serve up great pizza.

Our annual Moto Oz Beat The Heat motorcycle tour (we leave Texas when the temperature get high) in July of 2016 was based out of Breckenridge, Colorado.  On Thursday of the trip we rode to Aspen and I experienced my first ride over Independence Pass - CO 82.  Wow, what a fun road!  It is also a road on which one cannot afford to let his/her concentration slip.

 Watch video on YouTube - Independence Pass road - CO 82

Of course we had to stop at the overlook of Independence Pass and check out the view.  The short walk up the small hill is worth the time.  The view of the Collegiate Range with Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak at 14,439 feet, was breathtaking.

Independence Pass Overlook- YouTube

After making it to Aspen and  looking around for a little while we wanted to get away from the crowd.  We  decided to ride back to Leadville for lunch.  I had read reviews on High Mountain Pies and decided we should try the pizza.  Once in Leadville it was easy to find High Mountain Pies.  The place was one block west off the main road, US 24 on 4th Street.

High Mountain Pies - 115 W. 4th St., Leadville, Colorado

The small blue building had limited seating inside, but several picnic tables outside.  There was a good crowd at the restaurant even after 1:00, which signals people must like the place.

Due to the size of our group we commandeered two picnic tables and ordered some pizza, salads and drinks.  The outdoor seating was a nice atmosphere and we enjoyed the crisp mountain air.

The pizza was handmade to order.  We did not mind waiting the 20 or so minutes.  We relaxed in the shade sipping our drinks.

 Being a bunch of guys we ordered the all meat pizza with thin crust.  The pizza arrived fresh and hot.

Hot meat pizza from High Mountain Pies

By the end there was no need for a doggie bag.  All the pizza was eaten.  The ingredients were fresh, the spices were flavorful and the crust was a great base for all the toppings.  I love it!  If you are riding through Leadville, Colorado and it is time to eat stop by High Mountain Pies - you will not be disappointed.

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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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

 Watch on YouTube If you like the video please give it a thumbs up and subscribe

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 

HOME

Motorcycle 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.   

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

* 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