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Buell_nm
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2014 - 09:32 am: | 
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I took the long way home from Abq on Sunday through Jemez springs, Valle, and Los Alamos. The road is in great shape. Only down side is they were filming up there and I had to stop for about 10 minutes. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 - 01:43 am: |
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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. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - 08:43 pm: |
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Went for a Springfast pre-ride 2 weeks ago, met Kelly in Alpine, rode down to Morenci, and then camped over near the NM/AZ state line.
The road is ok, some loose stuff here and there, still rough pavement in the lower end.
Kelly got a trick new tent
Good morning!
Looking forward to this weekend! |
Prior
| | Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 07:20 am: |
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You're still carrying around rubber poo? |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 11:25 pm: |
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Went for a Springfast pre-ride 2 weeks ago, met Kelly in Alpine, rode down to Morenci, and then camped over near the NM/AZ state line.
The road is ok, some loose stuff here and there, still rough pavement in the lower end.
 |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 11:27 pm: |
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Alex, I carry that everywhere 
Never know when you will need a little poo |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 11:38 pm: |
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Springfast pics
(I hope I don't break the links to these pics :-)
Hail storm
Morning frost
 |
1eyert
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - 02:28 pm: |
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Posted on Monday, May 26, 2014 - 12:09 pm:
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
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!... |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - 11:16 pm: |
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Wow... sounds like a real adventure. Art, glad your son made it without further incident. 191 is a nice ride, but a real challenge for a new rider. We've seen a few people have problems there over the years.
I worked all weekend. Not nearly as fun. |
Xtreme6669
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 - 04:15 pm: |
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Hey CJ... You should hold the SW Buell Rally in alpine...!! |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 12:21 pm: |
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HAHA! Yeah, that would be fun. But then it would tread on the toes of Bart and his rally. No reason not to have two rallies. See the diversity of roads and scenery in the Southwest! |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 12:34 pm: |
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Taos?
Again?
Why not pagosa springs?
Or lake city,
Mancos? |
Reiver
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 03:49 pm: |
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Pagosa was nice last year. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 11:38 am: |
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I don't know about Taos. I personally liked Red River the best. But then I haven't attended since 2011. So in terms of AGAIN, it's not like that FOR ME.
I liked Durango, too, but the hotel pissed me off. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 12:00 pm: |
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Durango, I don't know why you decided to go to that fancy smantsy resort. Simple and close to a town is best.
Red river is ok, there again, pricey.
I ride the roads around Taos, red river, angelfire on a regular basis. So I probably won't be interested in paying for a room, to ride somewhere that's close to home.
I understand its great for the Colorado guys since they probably only ride those roads during your rally.
Personally, im interested in central and western Colorado. Lots of beautiful roads, and decent towns.
Heck, Gunnison is a great hub for a rally.
149 loop, independence pass, 92 through Crawford, all kinds of quick day rides from there. |
Reiver
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 02:10 pm: |
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I'm good where ever you choose but if you really want to make it a SOUTHwest rally come down to my neck of the woods. Ruidoso/Cloudcroft. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 11:34 pm: |
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You know, over the years we've threatened to set up a weekend down there. It's just never happened.
I also like Western Colorado. The Gunnison area is great. I'm interested in exploring Utah. There's tons of national parks and interesting roads but I've not gotten to many of them. |
Xtreme6669
| | Posted on Friday, June 06, 2014 - 12:03 am: |
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Moab area? |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Monday, June 09, 2014 - 11:20 pm: |
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Here's some other thoughts... keep it up in Northern NM for the CO riders but base somewhere completely different... say Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, or even the Sipapu cabins (like the annual BMW rally)? |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, June 09, 2014 - 11:37 pm: |
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I looked into that in past years. That's when I set it up in Red River. I talked to Sipapu that year but they had some other group in over our dates.
I like the idea of Moab, but that may be better for a dirt ride. Not sure. For this rally, this year, it's too late to make alternate plans, but for future years anything goes. |
Reiver
| | Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 10:10 am: |
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CJ,
So whats the verdict for the rally? Please tell me its not the weekend of the 15th. I missed Springfast for my daughters graduation now I have to move her to Iowa for college on the 15th. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 02:24 pm: |
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I thought the Colorado guys set the date/place for the SW Rally?? Taos, Enchanted Circle, US64 etc... Based on history and TRADITION!
It appears we have local NM Buellers (myself included) who don't have time to set things up or even participate that much; and the CBR guys wanting to ride Northern NM. So be it. At this point in the year, I say we keep the CBR schedule for Taos and start thinking about next year.
I think the usual Northern NM (SW) rally; and Springfast are traditional rides we should keep; and perhaps add a SE-NM rally in the Sacramento Mtns, Cloudcroft, Ruidoso etc. Mountains are better than deserts IMO. |
Reiver
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2014 - 02:53 pm: |
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I dont see any dates posted on the CBR page. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2014 - 05:17 pm: |
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Through email...
August 22-23-24 Taos NM.
(Message edited by Buellnick on July 01, 2014) |
Reiver
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 10:54 am: |
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Thanks Nick, guess I need to get on the email list. Anyone else going to this??? |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 01:57 am: |
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Hey guys...
I was planning to attend, but I have not made a hotel reservation yet. I need to see what's up with work. I'm going to be in Santa Fe the weekend of August 2nd for my sister-in-law's wedding. I'll have to see what availability there is to take those dates off. I'm also trying to attend some safety certification training in Phoenix that week, so it would be pretty likely I'd ride in from there.
I'll let you guys know as it gets closer. |
Blake
| | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2014 - 04:51 pm: |
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Doug (Reiver),
You have email (BadWeB PM) with contact info for Dave Kanimen, who'd like to get in touch with you.
If anyone here can remember Dave's BadWeB username, please let me know. We've been trying to find it with no luck.
Ride safe,
Blake |
Reiver
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2014 - 03:40 pm: |
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Thanks Blake. |
J2blue
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 11:52 pm: |
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Hello All,
Yuppity Yup, Lake City was really fun, weather was hot coming home, and the traffic sucked in parts,,,
Don`t get me and Scotty started about the Harleys with the 20 cars stuck behind them,,,
We have the Taos Buell Rally coming up Aug 22-23-24,
We`ll be staying at the Sagebrush Inn, their # 1-800-428-3626
I`m sure we`ll be talking about Saturday ride routes at our next get together in Morrison next Sunday.
We`ll come up with something good I know.
Give us all a holler and let us know if you`re interested in going,
We can hook up for a group ride, or just meet up with you there ,
Give us a shout and Ride Safe,
Dave |
J2blue
| | Posted on Thursday, August 21, 2014 - 09:57 pm: |
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FYI - I just booked a room and right now it is just me, but if someone wants to split the cost I would appreciate it. |
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