| Author | Message | ||
     Xtreme6669 |
Also if any of you guys are on Facebook and want to "friend" me, you can find me here: https://www.facebook.com/nick.fouts.9 | ||
| Ghostrider |
So... I took a ride about two weeks ago and never posted up any of the pics or details, so I figured I would do it now since it's sorta quiet in here. I got two days off during the week, a Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, 4/25, I rode south out of Tucson to visit the Tumacacori National Monument. This is basically and old Spanish mission settlement. There was a lot of history in the place, talking about all the times they were attacked by Apaches and all the settlers killed, etc. Quite interesting stuff.     That trip was short and sweet. I rode down in the mid-day and was back before the evening. Always fun stopping for the Border Patrol checkpoints. The next day, I had a big ride planned. I wanted to visit three different National Monuments: Casa Grande Ruins, Hohokam Pima, and Tonto. I mapped it out in advance on Google Maps to give me an idea of where I was heading.  As you can see in the image above, there is clearly a spot designated for Hohokam Pima. More on that in a minute... I set out in the morning around 9am or so from Tucson. I took the route on the map, I-10 to AZ-87, into Coolidge. The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is easy enough to find. Unfortunately, the whole visitor center is under renovation, so you have to figure out where to go based on their totally inadequate temporary signs. Eventually, I found the theater which was serving as temporary office and welcome center. Sorry... no photos. The monument itself is pretty interesting. It's a pre-Columbian structure originally four stories tall. Built sometime around 1350, archaeologists can't seem to figure out what it was for.  In the 1930's, an early attempt at preservation was made by building a roof over the whole thing.  You can see some of the early to mid-19th Century graffiti.  In the image below, that porthole in the top left will line up with the sun at summer solstice. There is another that will line up with the full moon at some point, too. Something to do with seasons and harvest.   This is how the National Parks Service preserves old structures. It cakes them in mud adobe. Saw the same thing in NM at the Ft. Union National Monument. None of those structures were originally adobe, but now they are.     So... when I'm leaving Casa Grande, I try to plug in my next destination, Hohokam Pima National Monument. My GPS is telling me that I'm there. 0.0 miles to go.  OK... well, no problem. I mapped it out ahead of time on Google Maps. Just because my GPS isn't updated doesn't mean I won't find it. I'll head out. I ride out to where this place is supposed to be. Turns out, it isn't. I'm literally riding all over creation out there on every paved road I can find all over the reservation and there are no signs leading me anywhere. And I'm in the right area. I even see a bridge to nowhere over the interstate that basically leads right to where it should be. But it's a dirt road. I talk to the guy at the gas station, and he says, "Oh, no. It's not there. It's up a ways and turn left and it's the red building down there. You can't miss it." Ok.. I'll try that.  I find said red building. The building is a cultural building and museum for the Gila River Pima Indians. Turns out, the lady inside knows what I'm talking about. The National Monument is essentially non-existent. If I had taken the time to browse to it on the internets ahead of time, I'd have discovered this:  Well... shit.  After wasting an hour or so looking for that, I decide to drive on to my final stop, the Tonto National Monument. For that, I'd looked at the internets and found what I thought would be a really cool route. Basically, from Apache Junction, just go northeast on AZ-88. Goes almost right to it. Intersects with AZ-188 and then five or ten miles and Viola! So, off I go.  First thing I notice when I get on AZ-88 is that basically, this road sucks ass.  There is a small parade of cars ahead of me. And two of them are towing boats!  In the desert! Soon, I find out why. After going along destroying my kidneys on the "bump every ten feet" section of the road, we eventually get to a "scenic overlook." I decide that I'll stop and let some of the traffic go and see if it lightens up in a few mins. That's when I get my first glimpse of the water.  OK... that explains the boats. Just after I took the photo, the "People of Walmart" showed up and their brakes were literally smoking. I didn't take a photo, I just left. I continued on and found there were more than a few boats up there on this lake/river/reservoir or whatever it was.    Before long, I arrive at a place called Tortilla Flat. I don't understand why it was called Tortilla Flat. It wasn't. However, about 100 yards past Tortilla Flat (where there is an enormous gap between the concrete bridge/washout thing and the asphalt that really made me think I might have bent a rim) the road gets good. I mean, I was shocked. There were no cars and it was curvy and smooth and really quite nice. I obviously picked the right road. I turned up the throttle and leaned into it. Good times. Until...  WTH?!? Now it's decision time. I can ride the 22 miles of unpaved road (whatever that means) or I can backtrack all the way around to Apache Junction, out US-60, turn at Globe, and go up AZ-188 to Tonto National Monument. I don't know how long the backtrack ride around would have been, but I estimated two hours. I figured that with any luck, I'd be off the "unpaved road" within an hour or so. How bad could it really be? It's pretty country out there. Just not too many people.    I get a few miles in... maybe seven or eight. Then I see where I gotta go.  And how I'm going to get there.  In all, the road isn't terribly bad. I mean, it's fine for cars. They can't fall over. Hell, they could probably go pretty quick. In most spots, I felt like I could go pretty quick. I got up to about 20mph a few times. But with the sport touring tires, it's not what you'd call "confidence inspiring." So, I get to the bottom of the hill, start running out the flat-ish bits and I see this:   In what universe is this a HIGHWAY!?!? I mean, I couldn't believe it was a numbered road. Now, there's a highway department yard, with trucks and equipment and everything! Of course, it was a weekday and it was closed. But it's about halfway between the two bits of pavement. Totally useless. Just past the highway yard, there is a long bit, maybe a mile or so, of really loose sand. Sorta deep too. Made me think they dumped it there near the yard and spread it around so they could get paid. Only because of my unmatched skill and expertise did I manage to keep the shiny bits upright and escape without blemish or injury from my foolhardy attempt to carry too much speed into the softness of an Arizona highway. There were definitely a few pucker worthy moments. But... I drive on! Eventually, I find Apache Lake Marina. (Incidentally, they have a paved road off the dirt road going down to the boat ramp area and campsites. Go figure.)    After something greater than an hour, I arrive at the end of the "unpaved road."  There is a dam and a nice river there.   This is where James Bond runs out and bungee jumps off the thing:   It was very scenic. Very rocky in these areas.  At last, I arrive at AZ-188, which will take me to Tonto National Monument.  This is Roosevelt Lake, which as you can see is quite low on water.  At this point, I hook a right and head into the monument area. Unfortunately, it took me so long to ride up that crap road that I arrived too late to go up to the cliff dwellings at the monument.  I didn't even take any photos of the area. I guess I was bummed. I turned south on 188 and hit Globe without too much trouble. I gassed up and headed south for Tucson on AZ-77. That's a really nice ride down to Winkelman. There were a couple spots in there with construction, one land bridge with traffic lights, etc. I did pass one group of Hardleys being led by a guy on a Beemer R-1200ST. Fun times. Hope to see some of you guys out on the road. I'm heading to Overland Expo this weekend. Should be pretty cool. I'll post up some pics. | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Great write up. That fun section of the 88 above ttf is awesome to do laps on... We like to haul lass up and down between the restaurant and where the road turns to dirt. Getting to the nice section is getting rough on my kidneys thou. | ||
| Rex |
thanks for the write up. REX | ||
| Rex |
Tim, Rex here. Reminder. I will meet you tomorrow night to pick up the trailer. Thanks, REX | ||
| Bartimus |
Anybody need a room mate for Springfast? Somebody on the meetup board is looking to split a room | ||
| Larsgm |
Hey Barimus, I could use a bed for SpringFast, cell is 602-400-3768 or larsgm@gmail.com -bill | ||
| Rex |
Meeting location for June. Think about it on your trip. REX | ||
| Bartimus |
Bill, Chris posted over on the meetup site. He will split a room with you. See everyone up in Alpine! Bart | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Kelly, Bill and myself are meeting at the Chevron gas station off Idaho and the 60 at 9am. Riding up to Globe where we will meet Art at the Chevron at the turnoff to Showlow at 10-1030. | ||
| Ljm |
Where you all going for springfast? Any schedule of where you might be? | ||
| Bartimus |
Based in Alpine, az. At the tal wi wi lodge. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=37&post=2393622#POST2393622 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Friday we ride from Phoenix up thru salt river and eventually into alpine. We stay at the tal wi wi lodge fri and sat night. Saturday we ride down to Morenci. That route seems to vary every year but we will ride the 191 either up/down or both ways. Have lunch and then ride back to alpine. Sunday we head home again. You got my number Larry so call or text if you wanna try to meet up. 602 620 2520 | ||
| Ljm |
At Top Spoke for warranty work to fix O2 code. Hopefully out to ride soon. The sales guy is just closing on his second RX. He said to let you all know they have a demo bike and want you all to come ride it. | ||
| Arizona_buell |
Oh Crap I want to ride it.! !! | ||
| Ljm |
Stop by and see Jason (I think. I've met him 3 times and still can't remember). I have to warn you that if you ride this, you are going to want one. I got to ride the RX today with no adult supervision. It is very comfortable, turns easily and is surprisingly fast. It doesn't have the nosebleed torque that the RS has when it hits 7k, but it is an apples to oranges comparison since the RS has race ecm, full race exhaust, other tweaks. The powerband is flat as they say. It pulls so evenly you don't notice that you are in 3 digits. Nice bike. | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Where is top spoke? Is that the one on mcklintock and curry? | ||
| Ljm |
Yep. Curry and McClintock. | ||
| Ljm |
Went by the shop get Priscilla's bike back. Met Bill Brooks, in charge of marketing the EBR'S. He bought a City X to familiarize himself with the brand and he wants to meet you guys and ride as well. Btw, he has an FXR with 319 K miles on it. BTW, he has a 635i and needs front end work. Told him to look you up Nick. , | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
pringFast 2014 was a success!! There was 8 bikes with 9 of us total... 6 of the bikes were buells. Weather was threatening but turned out not too bad. We got a little wet after HonDah casino on the way up Friday. Saturday started out a bit cold but the sun soon came out and the day was awesome! We rode thru a light mist on our way out and our way in but we never had to stop and get out rain gear. Was cold both nights but the lodge had ok food and we all had a good time. We also got to check out a little local car show at the Cafe. Art from Tucson's son Robert went down twice on Saturday but both he and the bike are ok. Art also had his rear tire wear down to cords and let go just before he made it home to Tuscon... Some pics:              S | ||
| 1eyert |
My Springfast ride report. My son Robert and I left Tucson around 0730, Robert rode my xb and I rode the 1125. Robert has only been riding for about a year on his blast so I had him ride the xb several times around Tucson up Mt. Lemmon to get him ready for mountain roads. The leg to Globe was uneventful and we met with Nick, Bill, Kelly and Lizette around 1030. Up through Salt River canyon and through the res to the casino as it got cooler. We lunched in Pinetop at Charlie Clarks Steakhouse as a good friend of mine works there and invited us. Great atmosphere, decent food, pricey. It was raining and thundering during lunch but it had mostly stopped by the time we left. On the way it sleeted/snowed/rained on us and was cold but everyone made it to the lodge safely. Saturday dawned cold, frost on the bikes, everyone pushed the bikes out into the sun so they thawed out. After breakfast we checked out the car show in Alpine, gassed up and off we went, sunny and warmer but rain forecast in the afternoon. The ride to Hanigans meadow was awesome, the roads were good, dry and clean. We stopped for the traditional photo and then rode on. Robert was ahead of me and I was a little concerned as the ride gets a lot tighter and sure enough as I rode further on I came on him off the road. He had come into a left hander a little hot and low sided, luckily he stopped short of the edge. Nothing was damaged except a bent shifter but it was ride worthy. So I rode ahead of him, slowed my pace and kept watch in my mirror. A few miles later he didn't reappear in my mirrors after a turn so I doubled back and sure enough he had overshot a right hander and low sided again. He was nervous and wasn't looking far enough ahead, just fixated on the road just ahead of the front wheel. This time he landed in some rocks and broke the front footpeg and some of the plastics. Still able to ride but now without any confidence we rode back to the lodge. The rest of the group arrived about 1630 damp but missing any hard rain. By now I was feeling ill, something I ate the day before was giving me GI fits. So I went to bed early hoping I would be feeling better in the morning. Sunday dawned warmer, no frost on the bikes. After breakfast we packed up. When we left Tucson my rear tire looked good, a little worn but fine. By the time we left the lodge on Sunday the cords were showing in one spot. I had to chance it on the way home, two up on the xb was out of the question! Our group of five got to the casino without problems, Kelly and Lizette split off to get home via Payson. We rode straight through to Globe and stopped for gas and Nick and Bill headed to Phoenix and Robert and I to Tucson. About 5 miles short of Oracle my tire had finally had enough and died. I sent Robert on home to fetch my car and I limped on towards Oracle hoping to find somewhere safe to park the bike until Tuesday when I could arrange a tow. A pickup with an old wooden trailer stopped and offered me a ride into Tucson and we managed to get the bike up onto the trailer and tied down. He took me to the shop I use and we parked the bike behind the building. You can't see it from the road, I locked the steering and will check on it today. The guy only asked for gas money! Awesome good Samaritan! Overall it was great to see everyone but the weather could have been warmer/dryer. Its always an adventure on these rides and I have come to greatly enjoy my fellow Buellers! Thanks to everyone for putting up with my smart assed son and I hope he learned from your combined wisdom. Bart, Jody and Chris from NM and Colorado had a safe trip back to Alb.. And all of us Arizonans made it home safe also. See you next year for the tenth annual Springfast, pray for warmer weather!... | ||
| Rex |
Monday night is coming up. Have we locked in a meeting place yet? REX | ||
| Rex |
Monday night is coming up. Do we have a location yet? Some of the cafe racers are doing this ride this weekend. they are heading up the Devils highway today and will arrive in alpine and springerville tonight. tomorrow is all around new mexico. | ||
| Rex |
ASBN is tonight! 6:30 pm. California. Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, 3430 Village Drive, Castro Valley, Ca. 94546. Several things to discuss. S2 gathering coming up this month. July World Superbike Racing. Future ASBN destination Rides. Arizona. Sorry, still not determined yet. We are looking for a new location tonight, and waiting to verify. Watch the ASBN AZ text line. Several things to discuss tonight. S2 Gathering coming up this month. Alpine, Devils Highway destination ride. New Track day company. New EBR’s. Cycle World just did a test of an EBR against a Ducati Panigale. Thanks, REX | ||
| Rex |
Mellow mushroom in ahwatukee. 14205 south 50th st Phoenix AZ 85044 | ||
| Ljm |
I won't be there tonight, but Priscilla and I accidentially found the track/race day at Wildhorse Pass driving by. We stopped in and talked to them and seems like a pretty good group. They are planning a track day (at night under the lights) at the end of June and then two combined events, one in September and I can't remember when the other one is. Their combined schedule is to have track day in the morning, and races in the afternoon. They have a racer school during the trackday for new racers to get your license, and a 5 lap race to start out. They have four races in the afternoon, I want to say are Heavyweight, Middle weight, lightweight, and then the Formula Az race that is a split the pot, money race (in that order I think). I couldn't get a definition of what displacement/horsepower fall into each class and their website doesn't work for that page either. In any case, about 50 total bikes racing, and missed most of the track day so not sure how many. Seemed like a nice setup, and no noise restrictions. www.desertroadracing.org Larry | ||
| Ljm |
To follow up: I spoke to Jayson Citron tonight via email. Middleweights are twins under 1000 cc, and over that are heavyweights. Formula AZ is anything you want to run. He is very interested in getting the Buells on the track. Maybe we could plan a Buell outing at trackday there sometime. | ||
| Xtreme6669 |
Sounds awesome! | ||
| Rex |
Neat. The Mellow Mushroom was nice. Food seemed very good. Nice turn out. July Meeting? July 7th. Any thoughts? Closer to Tucson? Tucson, are you planning on coming up? Just thought I would start the conversation.....REX | ||
| Rex |
Chases Diner for July. WE might do other things too. REX |
