| Author | Message | ||
     Bttrthnwrk |
This year I spent my 1 week summer vacation like I wanted to last year, but couldn't. I did the "around AZ" tour. Last time I wanted to, but wound up just riding from Tucson to Clifton/Morenci and then running up Arizona's Coronado Trail (AZ 191 - a GREAT ride!) to Springerville. Overnighted in a motel there and came back home down AZ 60 to Globe (another great ride) and then back home so I could go to San Diego with my wife. Of course, it was 35 degrees cooler in San Diego than it was in Tucson, so I can't complain too much. This year, though, I timed it to coincide with my wife's trip to Laughlin NV with her sisters for a gambling run. More about that part later. She won't get on the bike with me. She must have better sense than that, I guess, so I go alone. From Tucson, I headed southeast to Douglas, AZ, on the Mexican border. Douglas is the southern terminus of AZ 191. I left home around 7AM. It was only around 72 degrees outside then. When I got into Douglas around 11 AM it was hitting 97 outside. After gassing up, I headed up 191 to Safford, AZ, where I planned to spend the night. It was going to get into the low 100's as the day wore on, so I got out my evaporative vest and soaked it in the plastic bag I keep it in with some gas station water. I wrung it out a little, put it on, and closed up the bag, saving the water inside for "refills" on the vest. On top of the vest goes my mesh Joe Rocket jacket. Mesh pants over PJ bottoms (thanks for the idea, Dr. Greg!). Jeans just won't let enough air through, and turn into hot wet sponges under the mesh. PJ bottoms work fine, though - light and breezy, and they keep my lilly white legs from shining through all the little holes in the mesh overpants. AZ 191 from Douglas to Safford is pleasantly rural, but pretty straight. It even runs coincident with I-10 for a few miles. About 60% desert/grazing/empty looking, and 40% farmland. Except for the occasional playas, that is. There's a sizable one just southeast of where I-10 and AZ 191 meet. Most of Arizona's desert is fairly green, for desert. Not the playas, though. Nothing there but sand, and the mirage of water covering it. Sometimes the water mirage looks like it's floating in the air about 4 feet above the sand. Creepy. After spending the night in Safford, I rode the 45 or so miles to Clifton/Morenci along AZ 191 and finally got to the start of the good stuff. I believe I might have mentioned elsewhere that I'm not much for stopping and taking pix. I'm a lot more like the dog who's hanging his head out the car window with his tongue flapping in the breeze for that - go, Go, GO! I mostly only stop for gas and do whatever else I need to do then. About the only exception is if I forget to drink enough at gas stops - I've been known to pull over and crack open a mocha or a tea out of the little cooler I keep in my right-side Outdoorsman bag. However, I do keep a camera RAM mount on my handlebars, and sometimes record either movies or automatic "every 2 second" snaps while I'm riding. All I have to do for that is the initial setup and then ride! So here's a few of the 206.4 MB "every 2 second" snaps from the 95 or so miles of AZ 191 (the Coronado Trail) from Clifton to Alpine, AZ. The first real greenery after passing the open pit copper mine (finally) in Clifton:  Still climbing out of Clifton:  Halfway up - maybe 5000 ft. elevation:  I'm able to see more hills in the distance:  I told my wife I obeyed all the speed limits:  There's nothing like a good, stout guardrail to inspire confidence at 7000 ft.:  It's hard to tell, but I'm finally up in the pines:  Yes, real pines:  And some of the them have burned off:  I had originally planned to run this part of AZ 191 3 times, once from south to north, turn around at Alpine and go back south to Clifton, and then turn back north again and finally spend the night in Springerville or Show Low. It's mostly 95 miles of sweeps and hairpins and general curviness - perfect for a Uly. There's even 10 to 20 miles of that 95 that are pretty straight. High up, but pretty straight. I couldn't do it, though. I found that I had to pay so much attention to EXACTLY what I was doing that by the time I ran that stretch of road once, I couldn't do it again. I was thinking I'd start getting too sloppy, and wind up as a red smear somewhere at the bottom of a cliff. So instead I took the easier way out and just rode the 300 or so miles from Springerville to Page, AZ, instead. Spent the night there. After waking up in Page, I backtracked about 30 miles and started heading west toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. My wife and I have been to the South Rim, but never to the North Rim. Of course, she still hasn't been there, but that's not my fault. Even though it was going to be in the 100's in Page, I had to put in my jacket liner and change gloves as I got closer to the North Rim. Chilly up there. Several miles of the Kaibab National forest north of the North Rim were burned in a fire a few years ago. Many burned off trees still evident. Miles of them, in fact. Once there I parked next to another Buell. I believe the owner said it was an '02, but I could be misremembering...  From there I headed to Las Vegas. Getting hot again, so I break out the evapo-vest again. I had to resoak it about every 2 hours. That mesh jacket lets a lot of air through, and the water in the vest evaporates pretty fast then. Maybe I'll try out a vented textile jacket with the vest next time, to see if the water lasts longer in the vest that way. 104 degrees in Vegas that day. From Vegas, it's about a 2 and a half hour drive to Laughlin (where my wife is, remember?). I rode down to see her and her brood of sisters. Spent the day and the night with her. Then we all headed back to Tucson - me on my Uly, them in her car. Temp in Laughlin was about 107 as I recall, and it was similar to that in Tucson. Been a warmish weekend, too. I don't think I'll ever get rid of that evapo-vest. Problems? Well, halfway between Las Vegas and Laughlin, my Visa carrier decided all those pint-sized gas purchases around the state and the motel bills added up to "suspicious behavior" and cut off my debit card. I was thrilled. When I called them to straighten it out later that day, they said they removed the temporary hold and I could use my debit card again in an hour or so. Nope - the debit card still won't work. Of course, by then they're closed back east and don't answer. Ggrrr. After getting my wife to use her debit card the next morning for some gas cash for me (hers still worked, it's just mine that wouldn't), I took off back home. The Visa carrier folks said there had been a slight "blip" and the temporary hold on my debit card hadn't quite been completely removed, after all. Oops. At least it works okay, now. No problems with the Uly, though. 1610 miles from Monday AM to Friday noon, counting the day of lost miles (and wages) that I spent in Laughlin. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Once there I parked next to another Buell. I believe the owner said it was an '02, but I could be misremembering... That was mine! Yeah, it's an '02. Looks like you had one hell of a ride. Funny, too, as I was also in Page the night before and stayed in Las Vegas that night. Small world. | ||
| Iamike |
Several years ago we were headed down 191 from Showlow. Unfortunately we had to turn around at Alpine and never made it to the good part. Someday I'll be back Thanks for the writeup and the pics (and the North Rim looks enticing too). | ||
| Bartimus |
Mike, Us locals do 191 twice a year, the Springfast event in May, and again in late September just before the snows close it down for the winter. Keep an eye on the AZ thread in the spring and fall, we'd love to have you down for a ride! | ||
| Iamike |
Bart, You were the ringleader last time we were down there. BluzM2 & I are discussing a Fall trip and I am leaning towards AZ. | ||
| Bartimus |
we are planning another HWY191 ride, tentatively for the first weekend of October. We ride up on the 1st, tide the HWY191 loop on the 2nd, and head home on the 3rd. It will still be in the triple digits down in the valley, but gorgeous weather up in the Mts. Keep us in mind, we would love to see and ride with you guys again! Here is a link to our SpringFast ride this year, only a few riders, and only one Buell.  http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 567481.html?1274486766 | ||
| Ruggles |
Did 191 use to be 666? It sounds like an ominous road I use to take when I was flying out of Tucson, especially the open pit mine. | ||
| Bartimus |
Yes, it was 666, but that was not "politically correct" so they renamed it HWY191. Mike, This falls ride will be on October 8th, 9th, and 10th, and will follow the old BRAG torqueFest route. Check out the AZ thread in the storm fronts for details. | ||
| Whatever |
I have been to the North Rim, just stunning scenery up there... also Sedona, through Four Corners and up to Durango and Boulder, CO... I see you told your wife you obeyed all speed limits... but we know better...  | ||
| Iamike |
Bart- I'd love to make it but just too busy right now. BluzM2 & I have been kicking around getting back out there soon. It's killing me since I've banked almost 8 weeks of vacation now but just too busy to use it. I just have to visit vicariously through stories and pictures like these right now. | ||
| Bartimus |
We will be doing the Springfast ride, now in it's 7th year, again in May. | ||
| Reindog |
Hopefully, you will be invaded by SoCal Buellers next Springfast, as Torquefest II was great a few years back. I'll try and drum up support for West of the Colorado River riders. Maybe we can talk Jerry and Denise to venture out West for the festivities. Have a good ride this weekend. | ||
| Denisea |
Maybe we can talk Jerry and Denise to venture out West for the festivities. hmmmm.... | ||
| Iamike |
I'll never forget riding up the curve into the Spars at what I thought was a good clip. And all of a sudden here comes Jerry & D on their FJR schooling me with an inside pass. Man was that a fun trip. | ||
| Bartimus |
It would be great to see FB&D again. While he may not be doing too many inside passes on the Hawg, I bet he will still be showing up quite a few riders, two up no less.  | ||
| Prior |
I think Ferris can still hustle the HOG pretty well... Looks like I'll be camped out in AZ December 6th-17th and headed to California to see some family before the holidays. Weekdays will be busy, but I do have one free weekend... Perhaps we can drag FB&D out from hiding then! | ||
| Denisea |
Ferris seems to think if he can just get the RK in the front of everyone there aint much room to get around him so we be set.  although I know better, having the best seat in the house Mike, that was 191?  If weather.com still shows sn*w out here in May we may just have to extend our California winter into an Arizona winter. Though Long Beach in December is sounding pretty nice.  | ||
| Iamike |
The first one was on Hwy 89 on our way to Prescott in the curves before Yarnell. The next time was when we were in heavy traffic, on 260 maybe. Both of you really impressed me with your riding. | ||
| Bartimus |
Denise, I would have to agree with you, passing the RK may prove to be a challenge. HWY191 gets snowed in by Christmas, and doesn't thaw out until late April... | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Mike, Denise, Jerry, Bart, we gotta do that again! Next spring??? Brad | ||
| Bartimus |
Brad, "We will be doing the Springfast ride again in May 2011." | ||
| Denisea |
Bart, Brad, Sounds like the snow thaw there will be about the same time as here in Fancy Pants, VA. Will most likely be back in the mountains by May. But agree, we gotta do that ride again! Mike, thanks for the kudos! Baby Bart, Won't take much arm twisting to get you know who out of hiding.  | ||
| Bttrthnwrk |
Hah! I'd forgotten I even wrote this (it's been awhile since I've been back in the Tales section). Glad you all liked it. Remembering AZ191 trip(s) is great stuff - not in the same league as actually running it, but at this time of year, it's either play the "remember when" game or go with the smaller 200-300 mile runs locally. Not that that's anything to sneer at, especially at this time of year. If only I didn't get so tired after one time through those mountains... Not to mention the stiff neck I wind up with from looking through all those curves. I'll probably be doing that again next year, assuming I still have a job that I can take a vacation from. Never can tell, you know... | ||
| Bartimus |
SpringFast 2011, dates have been set: http://www.meetup.com/motorcycle-19/calendar/16102 193/?from=list&offset=0 | ||
| Xl1200r |
Would it be crazy if I rode from NY to attend this? | ||
| Bartimus |
not at all. You can stop in Albuquerque, and overnite at my place, then ride with us out to AZ to meet the Arizona riders in Alpine... | ||
| Xl1200r |
Thanks for the offer. I'm planning another multi-week trip, was figuring on spending a night with f_skinner in Colorado Springs... from there I was going to head northwest to Glacier National Park, but this is a tempting route as well. I did a lot of the southwest desert last year and wouldn't mind it a bit again. | ||
| Iamike |
Mark, When are you planning your trip? Another guy & I are looking at 2 weeks in early June, about 6k mi. total. Right now we are going to Phoenix to visit daughters & friends then over to SD & LA. I haven't been to any of the good parks in CA so we are going back up through Death Valley, Yosemite, Redwooods, Crater Lake, Lolo Pass, Glacier. I wonder if Brad would ride his S2 along? | ||
| Xl1200r |
Unfortunately, it looks like nothing quite this "big" will be happening this year, crossing my fingers for next year, though. I'll probably do a week-long trip and hit friends/family in OH and PA, but I won't get out west again. All I've seen in CA for parks was Death Valley. Time it so you can get there early in the morning before the heat really sets in (I passed through around 9am this past June and it was easily WAY over 90 degrees. The roads and area surrounding the park will be some of the most deserted and serene you'll ever see, a truly cool experience, and a beautiful area. I love the desert. Some see absolute nothingness, but I think the nothingness is exactly what that 'something' is. | ||
| Iamike |
Yeah, but it's a dry heat. When it was 104 in Utah a couple pulled up in a Mustang convertible with the top up. I asked the guy why they were riding around on such a beautiful day in a convertible with the top up. He replied that they were from Sweden and the heat was killing them. I guess it's all a matter of perspective. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Hmmmm, on the S2? Maybe but I think I'd prefer the Uly.... I think I better check my June schedule... Brad | ||
| Iamike |
Hey, I forgot about the Uly. Right now we are planning on taking off June 8 for 2 weeks. On our way to Phoenix I wanted to ride 191 from Alpine to Clifton, to pick up on that stretch last time we were down there and missed it. I'll copy the proposed route to a PDF and send it to you. The 3 of us would make a good riding group. | ||
| Bartimus |
Two Weeks until Springfast 3 day ride, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday, 13May: 0900 hrs-Meet at the Flying J truck stop, south of I-40 and 98th ST. There is a Dennys there, if anyone is hungry. KSU at 0930 hrs. I-40 west to Grants, turn south on 117 to Quemado. We can stop here for lunch if the group is hungry. Continue on US60 to Springerville/Eagar, there is a Safeway we can stock up on supplies if needed. Continue south on HWY191 to Alpine and check in at the Tal wi wi Lodge. Lodge info: 928-339-4319 A block of 8 rooms are saved for us, $80 a night, two double beds, or one king. Free wifi, Restaurant, 4 miles from Alpine, AZ. Tell them you are with the "SPRINGFAST" group. http://www.talwiwilodge.com/index.html Saturday, 14May: 0800 hrs- Meet at the cafe in Alpine, AZ for breakfast and riders meeting. Depending on the riders, I tend to break the group up into smaller groups. This lets the "fast" riders lead off, and stay in front. Most riders can ride in the second group, and we will have a sweep rider, at the back of the pack. There is very little traffic along 191, it will more than likely be just us. KSU at 0900 hrs. Ride south down HWY191, stop at Hannagins Meadows for photos, then continue on. I expect we will stop a few times as there are overlooks, and spectacular views, plenty of photo ops! Lunch in Morienci at a local cafe, good grub, and friendly folks. Head back up HWY191, we can stop at the open pit copper mine if anyone wants photo's, it is HUGE... Once again, we can stop along the way and take breaks, there are numerous overlooks, and picnic areas between Alpine, and Morienci. Saturday evening, dinner at the Tal wi wi restaurant, and social hour... Sunday, 15May- meet at the cafe in Alpine, AZ around 0830 hrs. KSU sometime before 1000 hrs. bid farewell to our Arizona riders, and head back to 'Querque. if we didn't stop at any of the scenic views on the way down, we can stop on the way home... Stopping for lunch in Quemado is again, an option. The weather changes in a minute so make sure you pack warm gear, and rain gear if you have it. I've even seen hail in the middle of August up there. Any questions, feel free to contact me: Buelligan63@gmail.com I look forward to meeting and riding with you... Route Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=A lbuquerque,+NM&daddr=I-40+W+to:Quemado,+NM+to:Eaga r,+AZ+to:Alpine,+AZ+to:Glenwood,+NM+to:Morenci,+AZ +to:Alpine,+AZ+to:Quemado,+NM+to:Albuquerque,+NM&g eocode=FctYFwId_6Gk-Sl7gwnT3QoihzH99tm4zvjTwA%3BFc 1NFwIdsJ2T-Q%3BFQIMDAId_HyI-SmFLpcm8Y8mhzEQvRxsV0F GJg%3BFbZ-CAIdLVh8-Sl96MZGUBEmhzHFN-hkt9TFfA%3BFSx 7BAIdpJt--Sm_ZZ61YUgmhzF8NpByJu-X3Q%3BFXlf_AEdUZOC -SnlebPtvJ4nhzFrCKP7Fhzjsg%3BFXpM-AEdXsp7-SkRWu8Ak fAnhzFtH3mKf9P-lw%3BFSx7BAIdpJt--Sm_ZZ61YUgmhzF8Np ByJu-X3Q%3BFQIMDAId_HyI-SmFLpcm8Y8mhzEQvRxsV0FGJg% 3BFctYFwId_6Gk-Sl7gwnT3QoihzH99tm4zvjTwA&abauth=bc 6e1921:ty5G4wKtkLz2iNydecrUb-XEPNI&hl=en&mra=ls&vp s=11&jsv=334b&sll=34.0299,-108.023071&sspn=2.54463 ,6.245728&num=10 |
