Random Thoughts From The Road
119 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsWe’re a twice a month podcast where we talk about all things motorcycles and the biker lifestyle as well as riding around the Ozark Mountains of Missouri & Arkansas and well, just about anything else that might pop into our minds. We tend to babel from time to time. Our podcast are short by podcast standards, usually around a half hour in length. It turns out that we have a short attention span, and tend to get bored sitting around listening to long format podcast for an hour or two which severely cuts into our ride time.
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Episodes
Getting your bike ready for the riding season…
April 07, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the things you need to keep in mind when getting you bike ready for the riding season. The spring & summer is the time you just want to ride, and you don’t need to wonder if your motorcycle is ready to go. Also, we talk about our featured ride, the Boston Mountain Run in Arkansas.
My new-ish Harley Davidson Street Glide, aftermarket seats and getting ready for riding season.
March 24, 2024 05:00 - 33 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode Randy and I discuss my conversion from Victory to Harley Davidson and what I’m doing to the Street Glide to make it “mine”. Also, we talk about aftermarket seats, shocks and when is it time to get your bike serviced for riding season.
Listener questions and the Harley Davidson M8 engine.
March 03, 2024 06:00 - 33 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this episode Randy and I answer a listeners question about his new/used Sportster, and touring. Also, Randy answers some questions about the Harley Davidson M8 engine. Whats, good, and what’s slightly less than good.
The most asked question we get, and an earth shattering announcement.
February 18, 2024 06:00 - 23 minutes - 26.9 MBIn this episode Randy and I address a question I get at least a dozen times a day about riding in the Ozarks. Also, we have some shocking news that will make all of mankind question what’s real, and what’s not.
Carburetors – Fuel Injection and Wheels.
February 04, 2024 06:00 - 27 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this episode… Randy is back, and he wants to talk about wheels and fuel injection and carburetors.
The Missouri Mill’s ride, and I answer the number one question I get asked about riding in the Ozarks.
January 21, 2024 06:00 - 13 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this episode I talk about the 245 mile Missouri Mill’s ride, and the four additional mill’s added to the ride. Also, a listener writes in with a question that I get at least a dozen times a week.
The differences between the Harley Davidson stage 1, 2 and 3 performance upgrade.
January 07, 2024 06:00 - 33 minutes - 32.9 MBIn the episode Randy answers a listener’s question about stage 1, 2 and 3 performance upgrades, and are they really worth doing. Also, I ask the question “Is installing a crankcase breather/catch can worth doing”?
Random B*ll Sh*t and 5 upgrades to make your ride more comfortable etc…
December 24, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode Randy and I babble on about our thoughts on how to make your ride more comfortable. Also, Randy is getting the itch to build an “Old School” chopper, and finally we go of the deep end on best Christmas Movies. Spoiler alert, he’s wrong!
Common mistakes beginner and experienced riders make.
December 10, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 37 MBIn this episode Randy and I answer listener questions about our ultimate dream bikes, and the best rides we’ve been on. Also, we touch on some of the most common mistakes both beginner riders, and experienced rider make.
Extending your riding season, and the Harley Davidson 130 hp crate engine.
November 26, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode Randy and I answer a couple of listener questions about extending your riding season thru winter, making a Youtube video of a new chopper build and Randy’s opinion on the Harley Davidson 130 hp crate drop-in engine. Also, are choppers making a return? Shockingly he has a thought or two.
A “Best of”… Walking your own path.
November 12, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode we step back in time and revisit our episode where Randy and I talk about the idea of walking your own path, and not letting yourself get shoehorned into a mindset that just doesn’t fit you. Also, we talk about our ride of the week, the Fort Leonard Wood loop in Missouri.
Need more power on your Harley? Consider a turbo!
October 22, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this episode Randy and I answer listener questions. Also, Randy schools us on the advantages of adding a turbo to your ride, along with some other ideas to get more POWER. And our featured ride, the Eureka Springs to Jasper ride in Arkansas.
Listener questions and what to look for in a used bike.
October 08, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 41.3 MBIn this episode Randy & I answer a couple of listener questions about buying an early 90’s Harley, and the best area to stay that is centrally located to the best rides, and the best time of the year to ride in the Ozarks. Also we go over some things to keep in mind when purchasing a used motorcycle. And our featured ride, the Roaring River to Dogwood ride in southern Missouri.
Rally favorites, new ride and listener questions.
September 24, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about some of our favorite things to do at rallies. Also, we have a brand new ride added to the Ozark Rides website, and we'll answer a couple of listeners questions.
We answer listeners emails
September 10, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 34 MBIn the episode Randy and I answer some listeners questions about everything from fantasy rides, Harley Davidson performance upgrade to our favorite drink. Also, our ride of the week, the world famous Pig Trail ride in Arkansas.
Great used cruisers to buy, and the ones to stay away from.
August 20, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 35.7 MBIn this episode Randy & I cuss and discuss about some of the best used cruisers to buy, and the ones that you definitely want to run away from. Spoiler Alert… Randy has some misguided ideas. Also, we talk about our featured ride, the Camdenton to Devils Elbow ride in Missouri.
The last motorcycle you can have for the rest of your life!
August 06, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about which bike we would choose if God came down and said “You can only have one bike for the rest of you life!” I was rock-solid in my choice, but of course, Randy being the indecisive little girl that he is, struggled with his choice. Also, we bring back by request our feature ride of the week.
The new American Muscle bike the Velos from Audette motorcycles.
July 23, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the Audette Velos, an American muscle bike company that some say is rivaling Harley Davidson in a “Big Way” Also, Randy has a moment on his “Soap Box”, the poor kid just needs to vent a little.
The engine that killed everything it touched.
July 09, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 39 MBIn this episode Randy & I talk about the Wankel engine that destroyed every motorcycle line it came in contact with. Also, we discuss the best tires for riding in the rain, and other babbling nonsense.
The most “Influential” motorcycles of the 70’s
June 25, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 38.8 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about what we believe are some of the most influential motorcycles to come out of the 70’s, and we “try” to back up our claims with what we believe are cogent blathering nonsense. Plus, we tend to get a little side-tracked on some other stuff.
Best first bikes for beginner riders.
June 11, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode Randy and I fuss at each other about what we think is the best type of motorcycle that would be the perfect “first bike”. Also, we touch on a relatively new trend of fat front tires. And we lament about what our fantasy ride would be.
The worst motorcycles ever made!
May 21, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode Randy and I discuss what we think are some of the worst motorcycles to ever be released in the American market.
Sportster scramblers, Big Dog motorcycles and 1% club etiquette.
May 07, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 84 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about proper decorum when around 1% bike clubs, our first negative review, “Big Dog” electrical problems and turning a Harley Sportster into an off-road scrambler.
New motorcycles or something with soul. And five types of “Bikers” we can’t stand!
April 23, 2023 05:00 - 38 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about, would you rather ride a modern bike that is always trouble free, or would you rather ride an older bike that needed a lot of attention but had soul? Also, we rattle on about the different types of “Bikers” that really grind on us. And of course we Bull S*** about many other things.
Some “Random Thoughts” about normal everyday bike maintenance, going electric and more...
April 09, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about various thoughts we came up with off the top of our limited minds. Like the bike industry going electric, normal regular maintenance of your bike, proper braking techniques, what you should keep in your tool kit and a few other things that come across our minds.
Most underrated motorcycles in history…
March 26, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 39.1 MBIn this episode Randy and I will be blabbering on about what we think are some of the most “underrated” motorcycles in history, plus we talk about the S.W. Missouri Shriner’s bike show and the outcome of Randy’s 1950 Panhead entry in the show. And as always, plenty of other senseless nonsense.
The do’s and don’ts of getting your bike ready to sell.
March 12, 2023 06:00 - 35 minutes - 38.5 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about some of the things you should think about if you’re considering selling your bike to get the maximum value. Also, we go off on a tangent about what are the fantasy bikes we would like to own.
The best V-Twin engines of all time.
February 26, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode Randy and I yap about what we think are the best V-Twin engines of all time. Also, I go to the “Cycle Showcase” bike show in St. Louis, and we go off on a mini tangent on what we think is the best motorcycle engine of all time.
Making a Honda CX500 cool, and other random nonsense.
February 12, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about what it takes to make one of the ugliest bikes that Honda ever made into something cool. Also, Randy’s daughters Sportster build update, Randy’s going “old School”, and various other random B***S***.
The best of... Random Thoughts from the Road
January 29, 2023 06:00 - 51 minutes - 45.8 MBIn this episode we run a "Best of" three different episodes. First, the best rides in the Ozarks. Next, choosing the right bike for you. Then, the "Missouri Mills Run", and lastly our first conversation with Randy Lewis.
The most influential motorcycle engines of all time.
January 15, 2023 06:00 - 32 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about what we think are some of the most influential motorcycle engines ever designed. Which engines do we think paved the way for all others.
Automatic Motorcycles and shocking news from the motorcycle world.
December 25, 2022 12:00 - 34 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the new “Automatic” bikes for 2023, and the big news from Harley Davidson that has absolutely devastated Randy.
The pro’s and con’s of buying a “salvage title” bike.
December 11, 2022 06:00 - 36 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the advantages and dis-advantages of buying a bike with a “salvage title”. It’s not always what you think. Also we talk about the coldest rides we’ve ever been on.
A ride to Prudhoe Alaska on a vintage 1946 Harley Davidson Knucklehead.
November 20, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk with Aaron Moore about his epic ride to Alaska, on his vintage 1946 Harley Davidson knucklehead. His decision to quite his corporate job, and make a life altering decision that will change the direction of his life forever.
Winter riding and other random nonsense.
November 06, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the best time to ride, the cool fall and winter riding season. Also, well throw in a spattering of random B.S. just to keep it interesting.
Harley Davidson… The AMF years & riding in the “Dead days of winter”.
October 23, 2022 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about Harley Davidson’s dark days, better known as the AMF years. Also, riding in the winter months (my favorite time to ride), and of course other nonsensical babbling B.S.
The great debate… Belt drive – chain drive – shaft drive.
October 09, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about both the advantages and disadvantages of chain drives, belt drives and shaft drives. Both in terms of reliability and application. Also, our featured ride is the “Moonshine Run” in Arkansas.
The 2022 Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest and artist David Uhl
September 25, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode Randy & I are out and about at the 17th annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, where we have a conversation with world renowned motorcycle artist David Uhl. Also we chat it up with the guys from Law Tigers.
10 Classic motorcycles from WWI & WWII that every biker would love to own.
September 11, 2022 11:16 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this episode Randy and I discuss the 10 motorcycles made famous for their exploits during WWI and WWII, and how WWII saved Harley Davidson from extinction.
10 Things you didn’t know about the Harley Davidson Sportster.
August 28, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this episode I talk about the Harley Davidson Sportster, from it’s humble beginnings to the present day. Plus our featured ride of the week, the 53 mile Sparta to Peel ferry ride in southwest Missouri.
New bikes, swizzle sticks in your whiskey and other random thoughts.
August 14, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 28.7 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the two bikes Randy has added to his gasoline harem, whiskey drinking aggravations, first loves and assorted other random thoughts.
How to stay cool when riding during the dog days of summer!
July 31, 2022 01:07 - 28 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the best ways to keep cool when riding in the “seventh circle of hell” with the 100 degree + temperatures we’ve been experiencing this summer. How to avoid heat exhaustion and still being able to enjoy the ride. Plus, our featured ride… The 58 mile Melbourne Loop in Arkansas.
The pros and cons of turning your long distance touring ride into a performance powerhouse.
July 10, 2022 02:47 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about adding performance parts to your ride if your goal is long distance touring. To remain stock or not, and how much is too much in terms of building a performance engine for a true touring cruiser. Also, our featured ride the 22 mile Chadwick to Rockaway Beach in Missouri.
The Hot Springs rally – All Out Dyno Drags and other stuff.
June 19, 2022 02:58 - 28 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the Hot Springs rally in Arkansas, and the “All Out Dyno Drags” event, Randy’s new build, and of course random thoughts. We also talk about our featured ride – the Ola to Hot Springs ride in Arkansas.
Fantasy rides and listener feedback.
June 05, 2022 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.8 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about what our “fantasy ride” would be, and give some shout-outs to a couple of listeners. Also, we talk about our featured ride of the week – The Mena Loop in Arkansas.
Black or Chrome and other random nonsense.
May 22, 2022 13:23 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBIn this episode Randy and I cuss and discuss the virtues of going all black or all chrome on your ride. And naturally, we tend to go off on various tangents because we have a short attention span. Also, we talk about our featured ride of the week – The Stockton Lake Loop in Missouri.
The I-70 Progressive AFT flat track race in Odessa Missouri
May 08, 2022 13:33 - 33 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode Randy and I go to the Progressive AFT I-70 flat track race. We talk about flat track racing, and sit down with two of the sports most prominent racers. Also, we talk about our featured ride of the week – The Searcy to Siloam Springs ride in Arkansas.
American made or just American assembled?
April 17, 2022 02:55 - 30 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode Randy and I bring you part 2 of our age old debate on what the definition of “American Made” is. Is it really American made if it just assembled in America, and the parts are imported from countries around the world? And are there any American made bikes produced in the U.S. anymore? Also, we talk about our featured ride of the week – The Eminence to Pilot Knob ride in Missouri.
Metric bikes - The good the bad and the ugly.
April 03, 2022 12:54 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about our thoughts on metric bikes. What are some of our favorites, what’s the latest and greatest and which metric bikes have great power, but are butt ugly! Also, randy and I get into an ongoing debate about… Well, you’ll just have to listen to find out what it’s about.
Single overhead cam vs dual overhead cam
March 20, 2022 14:12 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode Randy and I talk about the age old debate that has torn apart empires… Single overhead or dual overhead cams, particularly when it comes to building a cafe racer. Also, we talk about our featured ride, the “Ponce Run” in Missouri.