Greetings Riders,

 

Well, the first week of 2013 is now in the books and we are all enjoying some cool mid west type of weather. If we could only figure out a way to order some of this up about mid July. In the meantime, enjoy every minute of it while you can. As I turn my attention to the first 4 months of the year, it is hard to believe that start of the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night is only about 10 weeks or so away. I don’t have a firm start for it yet because the new NHL hockey schedule has not been finalized. Those dates will have an impact on when we can use Westgate. I should have a firm date in the newsletter next week. And not only that, Arizona Bike Week is only 12 weeks away. It starts pre rally days on Friday, April 5th. Get ready for the Doobie Brothers in concert on Friday, April 12th.

 

When the calendar changes to the new year, my thoughts turn to developing ride ideas and destinations for the next few months. For the first few months of the year it is likely that we will be staying in the State for some day or weekend rides. Prime riding season will soon be upon us and I for one am already putting together a "to do list" of where I would like to go. We have some beautiful places to ride in the State of Arizona and the scenery is so diverse that within a couple of hours the landscape can completely change. I have been fortunate enough to have seen most of the State and am now planning on visiting some of what I consider to be the most special places from the North to the South.

 

This week I will list for you 5 of my favorite destinations in the State. Some happen to have good roads to get to them, some not so much. But these are 5 destinations of what I consider worthy of putting on your "to do list" this year. I will give you a brief description of each and then a link to the story and photos.

 

2. Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. (Never get tired of this one)
Located just 25 miles South of Flagstaff, Arizona.The red rocks of Sedona at 5000 feet in elevation are so unique and one of a kind that it is a place that I never seem to get tired of. I have ridden all over the Western United States and Canada and haven't seen a place that compares to the color and beauty of Sedona, Arizona. And the good part is that it is only 90 miles away from Phoenix. People come from all over the world to see the red rocks of Sedona and it also happens to be one of the best places to ride a motorcycle through. The best way to get the full view of riding into Sedona is to take Hwy. 179 off of I-17. This way you get the views for about 20 miles as you ride in. There are plenty of places to eat, stay or hike while you are there. Then head up 89A toward Flagstaff to cap off your ride. This is a really good 25 miles of riding. Here are some photos from the ground. And here are some exceptional photos from the air that will give you an overview of what you will see.
Here is a link to the Day Ride feature for Sedona that was done several years ago with a map that includes Jerome.
Click Here for Map.
Click Here for Full Story. 

3. Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake. (Best Local Destination)
Located just 14 miles East of Apache Junction, Arizona. This destination has been and always will be my favorite ride in the Valley area. If you are looking for a ride with magnificent desert landscape packed with centuries old Saguaro cactus nestled in between the mountain backdrops of the Tonto National Forest, this is the one for you. In my opinion, if that is your criteria, this is one of the most beautiful, curvy, and enjoyable rides that you can take in the Phoenix area topped off by an extraordinary view of Canyon Lake as you make your way to the old stopping point known as Tortilla Flat for lunch. Don't forget to take the additional 6 miles of asphalt past Tortilla Flat. Most riders have not done this section or have even heard of it. But it is the icing on the cake. When the road turns to dirt, turn around and enjoy the 20 miles back to Apache Junction.
Click Here for links to recent Story, Photos and Map.
Click Here for original Day Ride Feature with map.
Ever wonder what the road looks like from the air? Click here for a birds eye view. Very interesting. 

4. Mt. Lemmon and the Catalina Highway. (5 Star Ride and Destination)
Located on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona. The ride up to Mt. Lemmon on Catalina Highway is exceptional in many ways and is a motorcyclists gem of the Southwest. This 30 miles of road has you in awe from the beginning as you ride through 3 eco-systems with massive amounts of huge saguaros and beautiful desert, twisty roads and canyons, breathtaking vistas that will have you rubber necking to get a peek as you are riding, Hoodoo's that will entertain you followed by tall pines and Aspen as you drop into Summerhaven to try and absorb all that you have just experienced. It is truly like being in 3 different places all in a 30 mile ride. The best way that I can describe this ride is that you start out on your way to Tortilla Flat, you get a glimpse of Bryce Canyon minus the red Hoodoo's on your way to the Sierra Nevada's and Yosemite National Park in California before ending up in Colorado. At the top in Summerhaven there is a good little place to eat. This is at 8200 feet. So check the weather before you go. Click Here for the Full Story with photos and maps.
Click Here for the original Day Ride feature with maps.
Click Here for Map 

5. Kartchner Caverns. (An Unforgettable Experience)
Located at Kartchner Caverns State Park just 50 miles Southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Kartchner Caverns has got to be one of the coolest and most memorable places that I have been in Arizona. Kartchner Caverns is a still virtually pristine massive limestone cave that has 13,000 feet of passages and two rooms as long as football fields. The State Park offers tours through these multi-colored formations that are live and still developing today. You will see the 58 foot tall Kubla Khan column as well as many other formations. 

The Caverns are the combination of the awesome colors and natural beauty that nature has been preparing for us over the last 200,000 years combined with the diligence of the State Parks to bring to us this phenomenon and light it in such a way that it is a real "life experience". I'm not going to give it away, but the end of the 1.5 hour tour is phenomenal. The last 5 minute production is worth the whole trip, you will be moved by this experience. The visit to Kartchner is still something that I think about often. The park is open year round. There are 2 separate tours in 3 rooms that you can take. The Big Room is only open October - April. You will need to make tour reservations ahead of time as there is limited space per tour. Cost is $22.95 per person for ages 14+ and well worth it.

I highly recommend a visit for the whole family to Kartchner Caverns.
Click Here for my story with maps and photos.
Click Here for Map to Kartchner Caverns.
Click Here for Kartchner Caverns State Park information and to buy tickets. 

So these are 5 of my top destinations to put on your upcoming list of places to ride. I will be visiting a few of these myself again this year. Feel free to forward this to your riding groups to share some ideas with them.

Enjoy and RIDE SAFE!

 

 

Sunday, January 13th

Celebration of Life for Charley Vidal. As most of you know, Charley Vidal lost his battle with cancer last month. He was a long time friend of the motorcycle community and will be missed by many. A celebration of life for Charley Vidal will be held at Charley’s favorite hangout, The Hideaway in Cave Creek at 2 PM on Sunday, January 13th. There will be words from a few of his friends, a permanent plaque placed at the Hideaway and a release of balloons to Charley. All begins at 2 PM.

 

Through the End of January

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale Rumble Into 2013 On a New Harley. This promotion ends soon so don’t miss your chance! This might be the only time you’ll ever see a deal like this on a new Harley. Only at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale where our interested customers take test rides every day! Oh... and it’s 100% FREE! 3 Ways to get on 2 wheels.

 

 

Saturday, January 19th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson Chili Cook-Off. Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson as they hold a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 19th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Do you have the best tasting chili on your block? Then don’t miss this event where you can showcase your culinary skills! Whether you like your chili sweltering, hot or pleasantly mild there will be something for everyone to sample. For more information or to sign up for the cook-off e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com. In addition to Hottest Chili as well as 1st and 2nd place prizes, the Anthem H.O.G. chapter 2376 will be serving FREE Hot Dogs and drinks to support their H.O.G. chapter charities. Get out and enjoy this great riding weather and visit Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem, AZ 85086. They can also be found on the web at www.anthemhd.com or by calling (623) 465-1122.

 

Sunday, January 20th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Swap Meet. Looking for a good excuse to clean out the garage and get rid of some of those used parts you have laying around?? Bring them to Arrowhead Harley-Davidson on Saturday, January 20th and sell them. The Arrowhead HD swap meet is from 7 AM – Noon. This is a great opportunity to raise a few bucks from old parts to go buy some new shiny chrome for your ride. This is also a good time to find that obscure parts you have been looking for. There will also be Food Vendors, Raffles and More. No competitive items or bike sales please. Space is limited so call 623-247-5542 or email ahdebay@ridenow.com to reserve your spot. AHD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ.