I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that 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.

1. North Rim of the the Grand Canyon. (5 Star Destination. Best of the Grand Canyon Rides)
Whenever anyone mentions the Grand Canyon, the South Rim is usually what they are referring to. It is the closest to the Phoenix area, the easiest to get to and the most often visited by far. In fact, of the 5 million visitors to the Grand Canyon every year, only about 10% make it to the North Rim. But as far as I'm concerned, those 90% are missing the real beauty of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is much more beautiful in my opinion. It seems to be enhanced by more erosion which creates more of a 3D look to the canyon versus the "big ditch" look of the South Rim. It is a really pretty ride to get there and plenty of miles to ride along the rim. Cabins are available for overnight stay. Dress warm as it is at 8800 feet in elevation. The park is only open from Mid-May to Mid-October. Put this one at the top of your list for an overnight ride this year. Click Here for Full Story.
Click Here for Google Map.
Click Here for 190 Beautiful 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. Enjoy and RIDE SAFE!

 

Tidbits and Updates:

 

**REMINDER: The Arizona Centennial Ride is coming up on Saturday, February 11th. If you are interested in getting a T-Shirt or Ride Pin for this once in a lifetime event, I would suggest that you pre register to guarantee that you get one. For a registration of $25 you will get a Centennial Ride T-Shirt, Ride Pin, One ticket entry to win the Copper Chopper and be able to participate in the ride. On site registration will start at 10 AM at Mesa Riverview. Ride will leave at 2 PM. This will be an escorted ride that will go through Downtown Phoenix and on to the Capitol building where Phoenix Best Fest will be in full swing and Dierks Bentley will perform. T-Shirts and Pins will be available until they run out for on site registration, Pre Register to guarantee your collectibles. CLICK HERE to Register.

 

 

 

Saturday, January 21st

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Hogs and Dogs Chili Cook-Off. Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson as they hold a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 21st, from 11 a.m. to 3 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 1st and 2nd place prizes, the Anthem H.O.G. chapter 2376 will be serving FREE food 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.

 

Saturday, January 21st

Superstition Harley-Davidson Customer Appreciation Party – Join Superstition Harley-Davidson at our 2012 Customer Appreciation Party. Enjoy Live Music by 2 Shades of Blue, FREE Food, Raffles. There will also be Storewide Savings on this day only. End of season and discontinued merchandise on sale now. SAVE Up To 60% on select end of season merchandise in Motorclothes. Save up to 70% on select discontinued, aftermarket and obsolete Parts and Accessories. Sale Tire prices as marked. Discounts cannot be combined. Shop Early for best selection. Visit Superstition Harley-Davidson at 2910 W Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ. Call 480.346.0600 for details or visit www.superstitionhd.com

 

Saturday, January 21st

Welcome Home Iraqi Freedom Troops. This ride is to raise money for those in need when coming back. The charities benefiting from this event will be Sally's Place and Operation Homefront of AZ. The ride will be sponsored by the "COMBAT VETS"! There will stops along the way, starting at Hacienda HD with breakfast on the patio provided by the Breakfast Joynt. KSU at 11:00 am sharp, heading to American Legion Post 2, then on to the SandBar at Desert Ridge. From there, it's off to the Hideaway Grill!!! The raffle and auction will take place at the Hideaway Grill where there will be live music, and maybe even some special guests!! We will have lots of AWESOME gifts to raffle off, along with some great auction gifts, including a SIG AR-15! A weekend stay at the all new Indian Bend Caino and Resort, autographed guitars from Alice Cooper and Brett Michaels! AND MUCH MORE! The sign-ins will start early from 9:30am til 11am at Hacienda Harley. This ride will be DONATIONS ONLY! Its a free ride! This is gonna be a ride to remember, so we look forward to seeing everyone, and showing your support! If you do not have a bike or cannot participate in the ride you can still drive your car up and join us at The Hideaway to show your support!

 

 

Saturday, January 26th

Men’s Garage Party (For Men Only) at Chester’s Harley-Davidson sponsored by Tilted Kilt. This is basic training for guys who are ready to ride. Come have some fun 6-9 PM while learning about the lifestyle. Ride already? Don’t worry, bring a friend that does not ride and show him what he is missing. RSVP today at 480-894-0404.

 

Saturday, January 28th

Buddy Stubbs Hogs & Dogs Chili Cook-Off. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson will once again ring in the New Year with a Chili Cook-Off! If your chili recipe is as polished as your chrome or if you simply consider yourself an expert sampler, be sure to join them on Saturday, January 28th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to take part in the festivities. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place will be handed out along with FREE food, drinks and museum tours with Buddy. To sign up for the chili contest or for more information contact marketing@buddystubbs.com or (602) 970-3400. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022, or on the web at www.buddystubbshd.com

 

Saturday, January 28th

Chandler Harley-Davidson Classic Car Show and Used Parts Swap Meet. Join us for our always anticipated Classic Car Show and Swap Meet. See some fantastic classic cars and get some bargains on used parts that you have been needing. Or clean out the garage and come sell those extra parts. Registration starts at 9 AM. Trophies awarded for car show winners beginning at 2 PM. No vendors or new items. Used parts and merchandise only. To pre-register contact Kevin at 480-496-6800. Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. 

 

Saturday, January 28th

AZ STaR 9th Annual "Paws of Life" Poker Run. This Poker Run will benefit Arizona Search Track and Rescue, Inc. a non-profit organization that provides specially trained dogs and personnel to locate missing people. Entry fee will be $10.00 per person. Registration will begin at 10:00 am at the Steel Horse Saloon located at 1768 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ. Kick stands up at 11:00 am. Last card will be at 5:00 pm at the Steel Horse. First 100 participants will receive a ride bag and a ride pin. One of the stops will include the K9-Games Training facility where there will be different types of demonstrations by the Search and Rescue Dogs of AZ STaR. www.azstar.org .

 

Month of January

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson “New Year – New Tires”. Penny Tire Special for the entire month of January. Purchase the rear tire at retail and receive the front tire for a PENNY! First tire at retail price and the lesser retail value will be at one cent. No other offer combined. Must be installed at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. Please mention this advertisement to receive the special pricing.

 

Month of January

Chandler Harley-Davidson “New Year – New Tires”. Penny Tire Special for the entire month of January. Purchase the rear tire at retail and receive the front tire for a PENNY! First tire at retail price and the lesser retail value will be at one cent. No other offer combined. Must be installed at Chandler Harley-Davidson at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800. Please mention this advertisement to receive the special pricing.

 

 

Saturday, February 11th

Arizona Centennial Ride. Plan to attend this “Once in a Lifetime” event to celebrate 100 years of Arizona Statehood. This will be a DPS escorted ceremonial ride of approximately 15 miles that will take us West on the Loop 202 to I-10 through downtown Phoenix past Chase Field and West on Jefferson to the Capitol where we will end at the Centennial Best Fest featuring a performance by Dierks Bentley. This will absolutely put a rumble in Downtown Phoenix like they have never heard before. I can’t wait. The cost for the ride will be $25 per person that will include participation in the ride, a commemorative t-shirt, ride pin and one (1) ticket for the drawing to win the AZ Copper Chopper. The t-shirt and ride pin will be in limited quantity so you will want to pre-register to guarantee that you get these collectible items. Once they are gone that is it. There will be a very cool patch that will be available to purchase at registration. I will have a picture of that in a couple of weeks. Click the following link for a picture of the shirt design that I took with my cell phone at a meeting. This will be shirt back.