Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/15/05 

Greetings Riders,
 
When I left you last week we were winding down from our ride up the Coronado Trail at the beautiful Greer Lodge in Greer, Arizona. If you need to catch up and read last week's letter Click Here. As I mentioned last week we followed the trail that Francisco Coronado blazed on foot and on horseback in 1540, now known as Hwy. 191 and The Coronado Trail. He was in search of the gold buried in those hills, but we were in search of that golden experience one of the better motorcycle rides in the State, if not the United States, and we just might have found it. Click Here for the photos.
 
But one of the things that I really enjoy at the end of a day of riding is being able to relax in a beautiful place with a good dinner to review the map and talk about what we have seen and experienced that day. We found the perfect place to stay that was equal to the caliber of ride that we had that day at the Greer Lodge. From the back patio of the lodge there is an awesome view of the tree lined mountains with the sound of the Little Colorado River running just a few feet from where you are sitting. You can enjoy the crisp mountain air at the 8500 foot elevation while watching people fly fishing in the nearby lake. Greer Lodge is the perfect end to a great ride. You will want to call 928-735-7216 for reservations as there are only 11 rooms inside the lodge and a few cabins available if you have a larger group.
 
Every time we walked through the lobby of the Greer Lodge we saw this "Old Timer" setting in one of the recliners with a cowboy hat, jean jacket and a pair of boots on. He never seemed to move but he looked very life like. Take a look for yourself. Upon closer examination we found that he was a very good mannican masquerading as the local sheriff. So we decided to have a little fun with him, and in the spirit of the weekend, make him the resident Greer Biker. Take a look! 
 
The 2nd day of our trip started out from Greer and would take us through the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, The Salt River Canyon, Globe and then back to Phoenix. As you leave Greer and head West on Hwy. 260 you will notice the trails of Sunrise Ski Resort on your left and will once again be at around 9000 feet in elevation. About 8 miles from the Greer turnoff is Hwy. 273 where you can enjoy the 7 mile ride to the resort and take the ski lifts to the top of the mountain on Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm.
 
After about 16 miles of a beautiful ride through the tall pines you will go through the small town of McNary and then to the intersection of Hwy. 260 and 73 where you will see the Hon Dah Casino. You will then go South and then West on Hwy. 73 starting at 7000 feet in the tall pines through the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and Whiteriver before ending in the high desert at Hwy 60 and around 3200 feet.
 
From here you will start your memorable 62 mile ride through the Salt River Canyon to Globe. After about 22 miles of high desert pines, mountains and outcroppings of red rock you will get your first glimpse of the 2000 foot deep Salt River Canyon, sometimes known as the mini Grand Canyon, with its sweeping vistas carved by millions of years of erosion. Those who travel this route to the White Mountains know it as the magnificent midway point between Phoenix and destinations such as Greer. You will make you your 2000 foot descent to the bottom of the Canyon where you will cross the Salt River via a scenic bridge before snaking your way back up the other side through steep inclines and hairpin curves. Be careful to keep your eyes on the road as the fantastic views can easily distract. There are many pullouts along the way for you to take photos and enjoy the view. To give you an idea of the amount of curves and switchbacks in this area, there is 4 miles of road to make it from one side of the canyon to the other. But as the crow flies, it is only 3/4 of a mile.
 
The Salt River Canyon contains a wealth of history and was said to be used by Apache warriors during the 1800s as a refuge from pursuing U.S. calvary troops. Nowadays, the river provides a border between the San Carlos Apache Reservation to the South and the White Mountain Apaches to the North. Once you have made it to the top you will be back to high desert at around 3500 feet elevation for the 33 mile ride to Globe. Depending on what time of day you are coming back to the Valley you will probably be ready for some food or refreshments. Globe has plenty of opportunities for both of those.
 
As I said in last week's letter I give this 2 day ride the highest marks on the Cyclerides.com rating scale of 5 spokes out of 5. In this 600 mile ride you will see just about every type of scenery that you can see in Arizona. You will go through farming communities, mining towns, 9000 foot elevations, beautiful meadows, red rocks and the stunning Salt River Canyon.
 
Click Here for the complete Coronado Trail Overnight Ride Feature.
Click Here for the latest photos from Day 2 of this trip.
Click Here for photos of Day 1 of this trip.
 

Stay tuned next week for Day 1 of the overnight ride that Mrs. C. and I took last weekend. Another good one that you will want to do. 

June 24th - 26th: Take as much as 1/2 off all Women's, Men's, and Children's clothing at Chosa's on Mill's Beach Party Blowout! That's right--all the clothing you could possibly need, for as little as 1/2 price! Look good, feel good, and keep as much of that hard-earned cash as you can where it belongs: your wallet!
 
Sunday - Saturday
June 12th - 18th
Chosa's Need a Gift? Think Harley! At Chosa’s Harley Davidson, we’re declaring this Father’s Day the Year of No Ties! That’s right, this year there is no better way to celebrate Father's Day than with Harley Davidson® MotorClothes and Genuine Motor Accessories. Whether you get dad a leather MotorClothes® biker jacket or a pair of Harley-Davidson® boxer shorts, we’ve got gifts that will definitely loosen up his collar. And get this: with any MotorClothes™ or Parts and Accessories purchase between June 12th and 18th, you earn an entry to win a Harley Davidson® cooler filled with genuine Harley parts and accessories, valued at a $100! Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. 480-894-0404.
 
June 16th - 18th
2005 Arizona State H.O.G. Rally.
Come join us for some "Old West" hospitality and flavor at the 2005 Arizona State H.O.G. Rally in Williams, Arizona. Riding Abounds in the Williams Area. The Williams area offers cool summer temperatures due to the 7000-foot elevation - great for riding. Williams is within easy riding distance of Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome mining town, Indian Ruins and other attractions including the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic steam train that travels to the Grand Canyon daily. The South Rim is a beautiful 66 mile ride through a pine forest with an exceptionally well maintained road with plenty of curves to stimulate your senses. We will be adding more details to the web site in the upcoming months, so be sure to check back. Until then, plan on heading West and joining us at the 2005 Arizona State H.O.G. Rally! Click Here for all details.
 
Saturday and Sunday, June 18th - 19th
Father's Day Weekend Show and Shine. Many of you know CCV where the Hearts to Heroes Ride was started this past March. CCV is having a Car and Motorcycle show with over 100 vehicles expected to be on display. The "Show and Shine" Car Show will take place right on CCV's campus and is free for everyone. The show is Saturday 4-8pm and Sunday 9am-1pm. Like any good car show, many different types of vehicles are expected, including classic cars and trucks, street rods, custom cars, race cars, imports, motorcycles, golf carts, monster trucks and more. To whet your appetite a bit, here's a quick rundown on the types of cars that are expected: The Original Big Foot II and The Monsterlimo, supposedly "The world's largest (and currently only), street legal monster truck limousine." Everything from a 39' Roadster to a 66' Mustang and amazing vintage Corvettes. Off-Road racing cars and trucks, Motorcycles, custom Low-Riders, Sand rails (think Dune Buggy), Golf Carts and Imports. If you have a motorcycle you would like to display either day, call Dan Simpson at 623-298-2958. All participants will receive 2 complimentary dinner passes on both days. 

Extras 

For those Ladies that attended the first Buddy Stubbs Ladies Night, "YOU ROCK!". I have never seen a more enthusiastic crowd of Women in a Harley Dealership ever before. There were over 200 screaming Ladies that attended the Ladies Night that featured "Stubbs Studs" models showing the latest in Men's riding wear including the latest in HD Boxer Shorts. The attendees were treated to wine and cheese, museum tours, shopping specials and a 25 minute fashion show. Stubbs setup a model runway stage complete with lights, sound system for music and an MC. Congratulations to all of you that came and had a good time and to Andreanne for a great event for Women only. I can't believe you talked me into that. See you at the next one. Click Here for some pictures.
 
As for me this weekend, due to business here in town I am going to miss the H.O.G. Rally in Williams this year. For those of you that are going, have a great time and ride safe.