Two Wheels to Train Tracks

 

Riding in the Colorado Rockies, July 2023

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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

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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

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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.

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Epic Ride in the Rocky Mountains of 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. 

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.  

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.

Road construction stop on US 50 heading to Montrose

Jimmer's had great Texas Style  BBQ

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.

The group earlier in the week at Monarch Pass

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

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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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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# 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!
 

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Thoughts on my first trip out of the USA

Texan flies across the pond!

In October, 2016 I announced I would be traveling outside of the USA for the first time ever.  I would be heading to Europe for a three part trip.  I would be attending a MotoGP race in historic Mugello, enjoying 10 days of WW2 and castle sites with some friends and end with 7 days of riding in the Alps, both in Switzerland and Italy, on a rented BMW.

I left on June 2, 2017 and landed back in Dallas on June 26, 2017 with some amazing stories, photos, videos and memories.  In one word the trip was AWESOME.  There were a few moments of stress, but it all turned out good.

Beautiful lake in the Swiss Alps

The moments of stress included: trying to find transportation to and from the MotoGP races, having an older (with no service) phone pick-pocketed while on the train in Paris (I was using it as a camera primarily), getting to my Airbnb lodging one day and the host did not respond to messages or show up and finally loosing my passport (yes, that is right - I lost my passport).  Each situation worked out in fine fashion.

Italian love their motorcycles and scooters - Florence, Italy

The six mile walk to find a train station after the race provided me the opportunities to burn calories (I then could eat more gellato!), see the Italian countryside and meet a very polite and helpful young man from the USA who was in Europe for six weeks by himself after graduating from college.

The MotoGP fans were awesome - great energy at the races

No valuable info was on the phone/camera (although I took precautions and changed passwords...) and I learned to keep my valuables in a secure pocket and stay alert.  Airbnb customer service was helpful and quickly resolved the issue.

Enjoyed a river tour around Paris

The US Consulate General office personal are very friendly, helpful and prompt.  It was on a Monday I discovered I had lost my passport (most likely as I removed my phone from riding jacket to take pictures in the Alps somewhere between Lucerne, Switzeerland and Bormio, Italy).  I emailed the US Consulate General to ask about getting a replacement and I received a reply in about 30 minutes.  I highly recommend having a couple of photocopies of your passport and drivers license stored safely in your luggage - that sure helped me.

The Lion of Lucerne was a very moving memorial in Switerzland

I have been asked "what was your favorite part of the trip?"  There is no way to answer the question because it was like I took three trips: MotoGP, WW2 and riding the Alps.  Each part had special meaning and moments for me.

The gates at Dachau concentration camp were haunting, humbling and saddening

I experienced the intense energy and excitement at a European MotoGP, the humbling atmosphere on the Normandy beaches , the thrill of riding Stelvio Pass, the beauty of the Swiss Alps on Grimsel Pass, the genius and talent in da Vinci's "Last Supper" painting and so much more.

I will share more reviews and comments about the trip in future posts as there is too much for one post.  The trip was great and I hope to visit and ride in Europe again in not too distant future.

The road between Furka Pass and Grimsel Pass, Switzerland

West side of Stelvio Pass, Italy

Pizza!

BMW R1200RS and the Alps, Italy

Formation in the Dolomites, Italy

Pistachio gelato!

Duomo di Milano

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

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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