AZ Highway 191

[AZrider]

The plan was to ride Arizona Hwy 191 but by Monday night my pillion (wife) was complaining and being the whimp I am I agreed to take the truck. Bad decision as the scenery and road more than exceeded its reputation. 191 had every type of turn known to man. On one hairpin I thought I was going to have to take it in two cuts (Well maybe that's stretching it). But the curves were in any form and grade that I have ever seen and some that I could not believe. I tried to humor my wife by twisting my right hand and making motor sounds; I even asked her to lean with me into some of the corners but she just kept repeating "if you ever went over the cliff.....(fill in your favorite freak-out statement). There was snow at the summit but the temp was only down to 60F (from 85F in the valleys). There were also straight sections that crossed plateaus and ran through pine forests so dense you would have thought you were in the Rockies. I'm planning a return trip only on the FJR in a month or two. Here are some pics of the road.

AZ

https://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u122/AZrider_photos/

 

[SkooterG]

Always fun to hit the old 'Devil's Highway', or as they call it now - the more PC 'Coronado Trail'. Great road that requires much caution and concentration. Well worth the time to get there.

 

[Badcat]

I try to run 'ol route 666 at least once a year. Great ride.

 

[Big Sky]

My wife and I rode this in October on the FJR. I would say it's as good as anything I've ridden in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington and British Columbia. It is superb. We traversed from north to south, which was good because the southern end just before Morenci is definitely the climax. There is a little store and lodge about half-way (perhaps you stopped?) and a wrangler aboard a horse there told us, "Yep, on some of them turns, you'll meet the back end comin'." We rode in a pretty aggressive manner and though there are some nice, mellow stretches with big sweepers, in the twisties it was a lot of physical work muscling the big FJR around, staying in the saddle when G forces wanted you over the front or off the side (or even off the back). My wife complained later of sore quadriceps as she was using a lot of thigh muscle via the footpegs to keep herself planted and to keep from going up over my back as we braked hard for the downhill 10, 15, 20 and 25 mph-posted corners. It was a major hoot and if we didn't need to get to Phoenix the next day, I would have turned right around and run it again. We plan to go back soon, probably in the fall. I will say make sure your tires are decent because this will take a lot of life out of them.

Glad you enjoyed it. Next time, DO take the bike.

 

[Cdogman]

Gonna have to look into that road....... Sounds nice and the piccies are great

 

[bogey]

The Devil's HWY has always ben a favorite. I especially like to do it as a loop ride by coming back through New Mexico via Reserve back to Morenci. Tough to do it as a day ride from Tucson but spending the night in Alpine and returning the next day makes a great overnighter. Hannigan's Meadow is a great place for a rest and getting some food. We should probably schedule an annual FJR Ride and invite the out of staters to jion in on the fun.

 

[AZrider]

Thanks to those of you who have ridden the old 666 or 191 and posted comments.

We slowed down at Hannigans meadow and you're right about being a great place to stop. The switchbacks up from the Morenci copper mine were mind blowing and my wife kept commenting that she was glad we were in the truck and not on the bike. So, maybe it was for the best as I know how much hard work it would have been on the bike and especially hard if she were hanging over me looking off the side of the mountain. I do want to ride it alone, however.

On another site (BMW) that I used to belong to there were these riders from L.A. who took off on Friday afternoon and rode through quartzite, Prescott, and to Springerville. They spent the night at Springerville and then rode the old devil's hwy (666) down to Morenci, Safford and then back on I-10 to L.A. on Sunday night!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought at the time (we lived in SF) that they must have been in pretty incredible physical condition, but after driving it I'm amazed that anyone could hang in that long on I-10 after riding 191 without drugs. :dribble:

The perfect bike for that road would be one of the 600cc sport bikes IMO.

AZ

 

[Big Sky]

Yeah, Hannigan's Meadow is where the little store and lodge are. The FJR acquits itself quite well on this magnificent piece of pavement but is a handful when the going gets really tight and steep - 1,100 pounds of machine and people and gear requires some serious flogging. And I agree, soloing an R6 or its brethren would be ideal, or maybe a hot sporting twin. I'd make sure my medical and life insurance was paid, had on my best gear, then let it rip.

As for hosting a ride for out-of-staters (me), that is a gracious and generous thought (one I'd take you up on next October), but be careful how much you advertise this treasure. More motorcycles would probably be okay, but a LOT more would soon attract the constabularly and they'd have a ticket fest every weekend.

We approached this from Farmington, NM and struck south on a remote two-lane where you could often see five miles ahead, so we loosened the reins and let the FJR lope along at 95-105 when the way was clear. We kept seeing signs that said "Do Not Pass" and "Pass With Care" and I kept wondering, "Pass who?" We saw about a dozen vehicles in 80 miles. As we stopped for a butt break, a little compact came flying over the gravel road from the east, eventually pulling up and stopping. A Native American youth, well into the morning's party, ambled over and said, "Nice bike. Does it speed?" I didn't know quite how else to reply so I said, "Yes, it speeds." We then cut over to Gallup and then to Zuni and then St. John, then Springerville, if my memory is correct. The rest was a three-hour rush of pleasure and adrenalin (including a few stops along the way).

This piece of highway reminds me of... nah, I'll refrain from advertising our local treasures. Just contact me before coming to Montana and I'll share the goods.

One warning: A room at Morenci or Clifton is a long, long shot as the booming mine has filled the rooms with workers and contractors. Plan on going at least as far as Stafford.

 

[AZrider]

An annual FJR ride would be something to behold on (666) 191. Around here it seems like I'm the only rider that hasn't ridden 191.

Maybe everyone could meet up in Springerville, have dinner, spend the night then ride the 666 on their way back to wherever. Would be a great ride if everyone were careful and didn't get too ambitious. There were many curves I saw that if you screwed up you would be airborne for a long drop, made my pucker strings tighten just looking.

Then there were other areas that were.............wow!

AZ

 

[CCook82]

Rode it north to south in June 2005. Absolutely loved it. Liked it better than 550 back into Colorado. Would like to do it again, but may be fall before this Smoky Myn boy gets anmother chance.

Cliff C in east TN

 

[Bruno]

I enjoyed this for the first time last fall during the week that SWFOG was scheduled to happen and didn't. Especially liked how long the stretch was without interuption of intersections/stops. Did y'all happen to notice the funky graveyard at the south end just above the mine? Caught it out of the corner of my eye on the way by and just had to go back for a closer look. I just thought it was incredible how they planted people and monuments on the side of that rocky hillside amongst the catus. Check it out some time if you haven't already.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

There are 'ghost-town' townsites of Granville and Metcalf in that area; from the times when people lived there. btw, the copper mine seems to be advancing northward -- so, like many other good roads, ride 'em as often as you can -- their future can be uncertain.

If you're fortunate enough to time it right? eating at the Hannagan Meadows Lodge is a real treat. Not your average commercial eatery; more like being invited to someone's home -- their hours are quite limited, though. If you miss it (and you're north-bound), there's always the Bearwallow in Alpine -- good food and ambience there.

 

[Badcat]

An annual FJR ride would be something to behold on (666) 191. Around here it seems like I'm the only rider that hasn't ridden 191.
Maybe everyone could meet up in Springerville, have dinner, spend the night then ride the 666 on their way back to wherever. Would be a great ride if everyone were careful and didn't get too ambitious. There were many curves I saw that if you screwed up you would be airborne for a long drop, made my pucker strings tighten just looking.

Then there were other areas that were.............wow!

AZ

Hey I'm game to help put together and annual Route 666 ride. When do want to have at it? This could be fun.

Burk

Phoenix

 

[CAJW]

The plan was to ride Arizona Hwy 191 but by Monday night my pillion (wife) was complaining and being the whimp I am I agreed to take the truck. Bad decision as the scenery and road more than exceeded its reputation. 191 had every type of turn known to man. On one hairpin I thought I was going to have to take it in two cuts (Well maybe that's stretching it). But the curves were in any form and grade that I have ever seen and some that I could not believe. I tried to humor my wife by twisting my right hand and making motor sounds; I even asked her to lean with me into some of the corners but she just kept repeating "if you ever went over the cliff.....(fill in your favorite freak-out statement). There was snow at the summit but the temp was only down to 60F (from 85F in the valleys). There were also straight sections that crossed plateaus and ran through pine forests so dense you would have thought you were in the Rockies. I'm planning a return trip only on the FJR in a month or two. Here are some pics of the road.
AZ

https://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u122/AZrider_photos/

Here's a ride report I did in Oct. of 05', can't wait to do it again!

Hwy 191 Ride Report 10/20/05

Eric (Mr. Nasty) and I met up in Globe and departed about 10 till 9 and headed to Safford via Hwy 70. Temps were in the low 60s and only one LEO seen along the way. Light traffic and NO wind made the trip enjoyable (as was pretty much the whole day) so the conditions were excellent! Made Safford a bit before 1100 and aside from a DPS un-marked unit and a Graham Co Sheriff, not another LEO until about 10 miles east of Eager. Departed the Clifton Circle K (last gas for 90 miles) at noon and finally hit Hwy 191 (old 666) where the twisties are plentiful. Took a few quick photo ops at the mine viewing point and along the road in a few spots, but the riding was soooo good, didn’t want to stop! In a number of the turns, when the signs state 10 mph, it’s pretty close to the mark. Got the FJR’s chicken strips down to an acceptable level, but didn’t try to grind any hard parts as it was it’s maiden voyage and my first time on 191. Eric (who has ridden the road many times) let me lead the first 50 or so miles and enjoyed watching me negotiate the following: hairpins, decreasing radius, off camber (cliff side!) rocks from softball to football size, pine needles, leaves, the occasional 200 lb. brown bear (dang near tagged it!) and a snake or two. Near mile post 194 the road opened up on a ridge for about a 4-5 mile straightaway for clearing out the pipes and around mp 221 some connected sweepers put a grin on our faces for a few outstanding miles.

Lunch in Alpine at about 1400 hrs. at the High Country Inn. When the pre-teen waitress asked how lunch was, Eric said “ I think it’ll stay down†I almost cracked up. Funny thing is, the waitress didn’t even blink, musta heard that one before.

Got a Apache Co. Sheriff escort from about 10 miles east of Eager (thanks to the motorist who flashed his lights) all the way into town to be picked up by another sheriff in a S-10 Blazer who assured we adhered to the painful 25 mph speed limit all the way through town. We stopped at the Hondah Casino for fuel to part ways and I headed along on 260 toward Payson. Heavy LEO presence along 260 along with a near encounter with a Bambi near Christopher Creek kept me on my toes. Made Payson at sunset, switched shields and headed down the hill with no other encounters except for DPS lights out in the median just past Shea on the Beeline. Thanks to the guy in the pickup who passed me just as we passed said unit and he got the award. (Note to self, MUST get radar detector mounted up). We behaved most of the day, but definitely need to watch your speed on 260/87. Got home about 12 hrs. after leaving the house, 570 miles for about an average speed of 48 mph all day , including stops. Good ride to break in the FJR and defiantely will go back to play on the “Devil’s Hwyâ€. If you haven’t ridden it, you owe it to yourself to commit a long day and do it!

JW

Keep in mind this was a shake down cruise with a stock seat so no remarks please about my 48 mph av for 12 hrs. I'm sure there are more than a few IBA riders smiling at that one!

 

[Wolfhound]

I did an overnight trip up there last month leaving on Sunday : , Phx -Springerville - Silver City NM(overnight) & up 666 & home Monday, Excellent as usual ! There's a ride in August called the Sick Sick Six , 500 miles with one loop thru NM. It may be by invite only, not sure though. They want to be sure those that attend are up to the task of 2500 + curves and mini LD ride. . .

 

[Badcat]

I did an overnight trip up there last month leaving on Sunday : , Phx -Springerville - Silver City NM(overnight) & up 666 & home Monday, Excellent as usual ! There's a ride in August called the Sick Sick Six , 500 miles with one loop thru NM. It may be by invite only, not sure though. They want to be sure those that attend are up to the task of 2500 + curves and mini LD ride. . .

Website for the group that does the Sick Sick Six ride. Click

Could be fun.

 

[ELP_JC]

LET'S DO IT FOLKS! I did that road last year on my BMW, and had a blast. I also made it a 2-day trip, but rather than staying in Alpine (a mistake), I made it all the way to Greer, CO. After Alpine, it was a waste of gas, so next time, I'll stay in Alpine. That's where I had breakfast, and it was delicious.

I live in El Paso, TX, and made it via I10/I25, then 26, 27, and the incredible 152 thru Gila, then 180, and then took 78 to Guthrie, and finally 191 north. On the way back, I took 180 from Alpine, and it was incredible too, but I also would like to take 191 south this time, so don't mind doing it both ways this time. Guthrie would be a good place to meet, since we'd be coming from all over the place. I'm all for it guys. The FJR should be broken in by then; picking it up tomorrow. It's paid already, but we're swapping panels, so I'll have a brand new '07 A in silver. Later.

JC

 

[Xbrit]

The plan was to ride Arizona Hwy 191 but by Monday night my pillion (wife) was complaining and being the whimp I am I agreed to take the truck. Bad decision as the scenery and road more than exceeded its reputation. 191 had every type of turn known to man. On one hairpin I thought I was going to have to take it in two cuts (Well maybe that's stretching it). But the curves were in any form and grade that I have ever seen and some that I could not believe. I tried to humor my wife by twisting my right hand and making motor sounds; I even asked her to lean with me into some of the corners but she just kept repeating "if you ever went over the cliff.....(fill in your favorite freak-out statement). There was snow at the summit but the temp was only down to 60F (from 85F in the valleys). There were also straight sections that crossed plateaus and ran through pine forests so dense you would have thought you were in the Rockies. I'm planning a return trip only on the FJR in a month or two. Here are some pics of the road.
AZ

https://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u122/AZrider_photos/

Great ride <I did it 3 weeks ago Coronado trail and stayed overnight in Springerville. I just came back from a 5 day trip through Zion Park Utah then did the loop finishing up at Bryce, awesome scenery and great riding.

 

[dwilli]

The plan was to ride Arizona Hwy 191 but by Monday night my pillion (wife) was complaining and being the whimp I am I agreed to take the truck. Bad decision as the scenery and road more than exceeded its reputation. 191 had every type of turn known to man. On one hairpin I thought I was going to have to take it in two cuts (Well maybe that's stretching it). But the curves were in any form and grade that I have ever seen and some that I could not believe. I tried to humor my wife by twisting my right hand and making motor sounds; I even asked her to lean with me into some of the corners but she just kept repeating "if you ever went over the cliff.....(fill in your favorite freak-out statement). There was snow at the summit but the temp was only down to 60F (from 85F in the valleys). There were also straight sections that crossed plateaus and ran through pine forests so dense you would have thought you were in the Rockies. I'm planning a return trip only on the FJR in a month or two. Here are some pics of the road.
AZ

https://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u122/AZrider_photos/

I've ridden AZ191 several times, great road.

Also look at NM 15 from the cliff dwellings back to Silver City, NM.