I am an ordinary guy who enjoys riding motorcycles. I love riding all makes and models. I love short rides, long rides, and multi-day road trips. I lead an annual summer tour in various parts of the USA. I post reviews about motorcycle gear, motorcycles, roads, restaurants, sights, gadgets and more. Check out the "Motorcycle Facts,Trivia and History" page, the "Oz on Pods" page and the other pages for other useful and fun information. Ride carefully and Prayerfully, Oz.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Best Motorcycle Podcasts

 

In the Fall of 2019 my work commute was 45 minutes, if traffic was good and could be much longer if someone had a fender bender.  I listened to a lot of radio, especially talk radio as the political campaigns were ramping up.  I found all the negativity, name calling, hyperbole and hypocrisy put me in a bad mood by the time I got to work and/or when I arrived home.

I knew I needed to get some "positive" input for my brain so I decided to try listening to podcasts. I listened to some financial, investment and spiritual podcasts and enjoyed them, Podcasts were new to me but I was getting the hang of it.  I tried a couple of different podcast apps.  Each one had some features the other one did not have.  I experimented with both podcast apps, but ultimately decided I like the Google Podcast app.  I really liked the ability to change the replay speed.  I could set the replay speed of the broadcast and hear more over less time.  At 1.5X normal speed I could get through most shows without having to listen to the "pregnant" pauses or other moments of silence. 


I I decided to add motorcycle related podcasts to my listening portfolio.  With a simple Internet search I found there were a lot of podcasts from all over the world.  I did find when I listened to some of the British podcasts I had to slow down the speed of the broadcast - my Texas-speak ears needed more time for the Brits. :) 

https://dukecannon.com/?rfsn=3578014.7da392

To begin I did a simple search through the app for "motorcycles" and subscribed to a few podcasts.  I later searched the Internet for "Best Motorcycle Podcasts."  I cross referenced some websites and subscribed to the podcasts which appeared on multiple sites.  I figured if two or three people liked the podcast it would be good - not necessarily, I learned.  


I listen to multiple episodes before eliminating a podcast from my list. Some broadcast just stopped producing new episodes without explanation while at least one announced the end and concluded with a final show.  A few appear to be very sporadic with episodes months apart so they may or may not still be going.  Some are sponsored by large companies, but most are sponsored by listeners and smaller companies.

I loosely group the various shows into the following five categories:

Racing News & Commentary - Professional racing of all types with race reviews, predictions and interviews of current or former racers

Industry News/Opinion - Manufacturer news about bikes, gear, accessories & interviews of riders or industry experts

Women's - Specifically for women and/or by women - interviews and information specifically designed to educate and motivate female motorcycle riders.

Builders/Garage/Mods - Information about vintage and modern bikes, modifications and DIY information

Reviews/Information - Random reviews of bikes, gear, accessories and at times interviews of riders (professional and nonprofessional)

A couple of the "top rated" podcast were just guys talking and joking about motorcycles, politics, etc.  I found them to be just opinionated ramblings with some coarse joking and overrated, but you need to decide for yourself.
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The following podcasts I found to be entertaining and informing (I am a big fan of MotoGP and other roadracing series and a novice fan of motocross, supercross).  I recommend you listen to two or three episodes of the following shows:  (Alphabetical order)

Adventure Rider Radio - Information, stories and interview dealing with adventure riding
Girl on a Moto - "Girl on a Moto is a podcst for women by women, to empower one another in the motorcycle community" - I do not listen to this now, but it is highly recommended by female riders
Greg's Garage - Racing news and interviews - MotoAmerica, WSB, MotoGP, Flat track, Supercross and more
Highside Lowside - sponsored by Revzilla, all topics of the motorcycle world covered
MotoAmerica Off Track - Information and interviews about MotoAmerica racing series
MotoWeek - Expert review of MotoGP and other series, great insights and interviews
Paddock Pass Podcast - motorcycle racing series covered and racer interviews
The Full Tank Motorcycle Podcast - motorcycle news and stories discussed
Throttled Motorcycle Podcast - "We discuss the news and tell semi-true stories from the world of motorcycling."

I have greatly enjoyed the variety in the podcasts I have listened to.  There are professional broadcasters, everyday riders, big sponsored, listener sponsored, lifetime industry members, racers, enthusiasts, experts, novice and everything in between.

Full discloser - I do not know or have any connection professionally or personally to any of the podcast members or companies, but sure would love to meet some of them!  

I hope you enjoy listening, learning and being entertained.  If you have a favorite podcast please let me know in the comments.
Ride carefully and prayerfully!    
  
Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

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* 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 

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Update



Page changed to "Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and History" from Tuesday Trivia after two years of posting.

The Ordinary Biker Oz Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and Historypage is now 1 year old!  The first entry was made January 14, 2020 concerning a German engineer named Gottlieb Daimler. A new installment has been added each week, except for the week of June 30th (I was leading a week of riding in the Rocky Mountins of Colorado for some friends) and the week of Thanksgiving (I was in rural Mississippi visiting the in-laws and eating great country cooking).

I have learned a lot and learned I have a lot yet to learn.  The history of motorcycles and the men and women who have help to advance motorcycle technology, riding, racing, usage and enjoyment is interesting and creates a spirit of thankfulness to those who have ridden ahead of us.
The number of "failures" and disappointments are far greater than the successes and exuberant moments which make it to the "history books."  I often wonder how many versions of the first KTM motorcycle failed before the R100 was released (see September 22 post).  

How many riders died before T.E. Lawrence's death and Sir Hugh Cairns decided to develop safety motorcycle helmets (See July 14th's Trivia) and the development of rider safety gear that followed.

I look forward to learning, sharing and adding more Tuesday Trivia in 2021.  I hope you enjoy it and learn something new and interesting. 

It has also been a year of my affiliate relationships with Dainese and Duke Cannon.  As an affiliate, if a reader follows a link from here to the affiliate site and makes a purchase I get a small commission.  I have ordered and used products of both companies before becoming an affiliate and I still am a customer to both.  I enthusiastically recommend both companies and would even if I wasn't an affiliate partner with them. 

Thank you to the readers who have followed a link and made a purchase!  

Be safe and enjoy the ride and when not riding visit Tuesday Trivia, my most read review posts, my recommended venders page or the latest post at Ordinary Biker Oz.      Be sure to leave a comment and/or question.  I love hearing from you.
       
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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!
 
Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Epic Ride in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Great roads in Colorado
Mountains and Rivers make for curvy roads

Mountains make for curvy roads, elevation changes and scenic views.  Rivers never run in a straight line also making for fun roads.  When you combine mountains and rivers you get great roads to ride. Some of the most scenic roads I have ridden are in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Highway 92 falls into the categories of scenic, fun, curvy and exciting.

The Gunnison River running through the Black Canyon

While leading the Beat The Heat Tour 2020 I took the guys on a ride which included 53 miles of CO 92 on the north side of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and WOW the fun we had.  Prior to our ride on June 29, 2020, I had only ridden 1/4 of the road a few years back and it was from the Blue Mesa Reservoir Dam on the south end and this day we were riding from the north end.  On that first solo ride on CO 92 I had ridden to the Lake City Bakery  (awesome bakery that I highly recommend) from Montrose and on the return ride I experience a small portion of the road.

We were lodging in Ouray so we rode up US 550 to Montrose hitting US 50 to Delta and turned East on CO 92 to Hotchkiss (almost 80 miles).  I knew once we turned south on CO 92 it would be 90+ miles to our next stop in Montrose and with all the curves and overlooks it would take us over 2 hours so we stopped at the Stop N Save for fuel, hydration and a snack.  The attendant was very friendly and they had a pretty good selection of drinks and snacks and we were only 0.2 mile from where CO 92 turned south.  

53 miles of Colorado Highway 92 running along the north rim of the Black Canyon

The first 23 miles of CO 92 is pretty straight and runs through Crawford, CO and besides Crawford Reservoir and Gould Reservoir.  There were great views of the Elk Mountains to the east and the San Juan Mountains southwest as we road.  South Baldy Mountain was to our left and rises to 12,385 feet.

The last 30 miles was very interesting and fun.  Of course I did not count the curves, but there are a lot of them.  The Black Canyon of the Gunnison was on the right with its steep cliffs descending below us at times several hundreds of feet.  At times to the left were the steep sides of the mountains.  

CO Hwy 92 gets fun and challenging on the north rim of The Black Canyon of the Gunnison

We enjoyed the road with very little traffic and good road conditions.  There were three paved overlooks allowing for extensive views of the canyon and the Gunnison River: Hermits Rest Overlook, Pioneer Point and the Blue Mesa Dam Overlook.  There has been sightings of Bald Eagles, deer, Big Horn Sheep and more, although we did not see any wildlife on this midday ride. 

The road twists and turns while it gains and losses elevation.  Elevation in Hotchkiss was 5,331 feet and the road reached heights of over 8,000 feet with the Blue Mesa Reservoir Dam at 7,519 feet.  At first the curves are sweeping and smooth, but soon there are some switchbacks and tight corners with elevation changes.  For the most part the camber in the corners was correct which allowed good lean angles and fun corner speed.

I will not mention top speeds, but it was a spirited ride which all nine rides enjoyed greatly. We had sport bikes, touring bikes  and cruisers.  We pulled over at the southern most overlook, the Blue Mesa Dam Overlook. The views of the canyon and dam are impressive. 

Blue Mesa Reservoir Dam
View of the earthen dam

VFR at the Blue Mesa Reservoir Dam overlook

We continued on CO 92 and rode over the dam then climbed up to the intersection of CO 92 and US
 US 50 which lies almost half way between Gunnison and Montrose.  We turned west and enjoyed the view of a portion of the canyon from the south rim.  
Beat The Heat 2020
Playing around at the overlook

With typical riding in Colorado we encountered some road construction which can provide opportunities for photographs and conversations.  Once the one lane traffic was allowed to continue west we rode to Montrose for fuel and a late lunch at Jimmer's Steaks-BBQ Bar and Grill.

Beat The Heat 2020 at road construction stop
Road construction stop on US 50 heading to Montrose

#BeatTheHeat2020
Jimmer's had great Texas Style  BBQ

#BeatTheHeatTour
Beat The Heat 2020 guys ready for lunch

We enjoyed some good Texas style BBQ and superb service from the waitstaff.  It was a great day of riding.  We loved CO 92 and I would highly recommend you enjoy the road whenever you are in the area. 

The Moto Oz Beat The Heat Tour 2020 had a great time throughout the entire week riding mountain and river roads.
Monarch Pass on the Beat The Heat Tour
The group earlier in the week at Monarch Pass

Beat The Heat 2020 t-shirt
Beat The Heat t-shirt with some of towns and passes

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    
  
Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

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Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more
Please visit the following great companies:

 

* 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 


Sunday, March 1, 2020

Best Motorcycle Boots

 It isn't always sunny
If you ever had to ride for very many miles with soggy socks and wet feet you know the importance of waterproof riding boots.  The experience of riding with wet feet is so uncomfortable. It can destroy the enjoyment of the entire ride.
Photo by Bruno Kelzer on Unsplash
Learning the Hard Way
I learned the importance of quality waterproof boots when I attended my first benefit ride in 2004.  It was a VFW Poker Run on a drizzly Saturday.  I was so excited as I geared up and put on my boots, which were water resistant at best.  After 30 minutes of riding in drizzle and light rain my boots, socks and feet were thoroughly soaked. I finished the poker run and ended with the second place hand, but I hated every squishy step I had to take.  After getting home and drying out, I decided to make sure I would never go through that unpleasant experience again.


Not Everyone has Learned the Same Lesson
Amazingly I have known many new and experienced motorcycle riders who spent good money for a nice helmet, a protective jacket, gloves and reinforced riding jeans or riding pants, but overlooked waterproof protection for his or her feet.  Choosing a great waterproof motorcycle boot is very important, especially if one plans to ride a lot and/or on longer trips.  Weather can change quickly and a rider needs to be prepared.  Good boots also provide protection in case of an accident or mishap.
On a recent ride with a local group I noticed this person is not ready for rain or a accident
My First Two Pairs
My first pair of waterproof boots were the Harley Davidson FXRG-2 (now discontinued) boots. They worked great and were comfortable, but a little pricey.  When it came time to replace them I started researching waterproof riding footwear. There were a lot of options with a wide price range.

After reading reviews and shopping around for over four months I decided my next pair of boots would be a pair of Rocky boots.  Rocky claimed the boots were waterproof, so I took a chance and ordered a pair of 8 inch boots with side zippers.
After years of use and miles of riding it was time to retire the Rocky boots
At the time I purchased them I did not think of photographing them, but wished I had.  I found the boots comfortable from the very beginning.  I wore the boots while riding in multiple states and in Europe through all types of weather conditions.  In June 2017 I rode in the Alps in Switzerland and Italy.  I had plenty of opportunities to ride in the rain and the boots lived up to the waterproof claim. 
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Comparison of the older soles with the new boot's sole.
For over 6 years and literally 100,000+ miles of riding the boots were found to be comfortable, durable, breathable and they kept my feet dry during the most heavy rain storms and warm in cold weather.  They were comfortable even for a day of walking when I wasn't on the bike. The non-slip soles claim proved to be true and were very durable.
The full grain leather looks great and can take a lot of usage. 
The Rocky boots (I am not 100% sure what the model was, but if it was not the Alpha Force it was the almost just like them) performed so well for me I decided I wanted another pair of Rocky's.

The seams never loosened or broke
My lovely wife surprised me at Christmas with the latest Rocky Alpha Force zippered boot!  I was so pumped.  Coming right out of the box they looked great and the leather felt strong.  The workmanship and materials are high quality.  The zipper is sturdy with big teeth and a large pull and slider makes it easy to secure.  I love the zippered boot.  The zipper makes it quick and easy to put on or take off the boot and the tightness of the laces stay consistent.

Santa a.k.a Jennifer gave me a great pair of waterproof boots
Made with full grain leather and 1000 denier nylon fabric the boot was a little stiff, but with use has softened up.  Rocky states "...boots have been built with Rocky waterproof construction, this creates a barrier that is guaranteed to keep water out".
The fit and finish is top notch
My feet are cradled by the soft insole which is very supportive and comfortable while riding or walking.  The out-sole has effective grip and is advertised as non-marking and resistant to oil and slipping. When I place my feet down during a stop I have a firm base and feel very secure.
Non-marking, non-slip absorbent soles

Full-grain leather will hold up to the demands of riding
 Riding with Confidence
Indication from my first pair of Rocky boots is that the leather and soles will hold up under a great deal of wear including the toe shifter.  The 8 inch boot provides support for the ankle and coverage for the lower calf, which is important in case of an accident.

I am looking forward to many miles and hopefully dry miles, but if it rains I know my feet will stay dry and comfortable in my Alpha Force Boots by Rocky.  When it comes time for your next pair of boots consider Rocky Boots.
Ride carefully and prayerfully!    
  
Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009663932095

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more
Please visit the following great companies:

 

* 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