Coronado Trail/Devil's Highway

[pinhead]

Id been wanting to ride Arizona 191 for some time and I just happened to have some vacation time I needed to burn up. Add to that a promising, late-season, high country weather window and a riding buddy who had some time on his hands… sometimes the stars align just right.

Day 1, Gunnison to Springerville:

Robb showed up at the meeting place in Gunnison just as the sun was warming things up

and we headed west toward Montrose under a perfect blue sky.

Next we approached Telluride

and Lizard Head Pass, where there was still a little color in the trees.

There wasnt much going on in Rico.

After leaving the mountains at Delores, we trudged into the land of straight roads and casinos.

Shiprock in the distance.

Touristy trading post at the AZ/NM border.

Did I mention the straight roads?

 

[pinhead]

Day 2, THE ride:

Jim in Phoenix came over from Pinetop to ride the loop with us. We took US 180 into New Mexico and down to Hwy 78, and then 78 back west to 191. Both of those roads were fun and interesting.

We played around with the cameras a little on that stretch.

(Jim)

(Me)

(Robb)

You cant tell, but I was smiling.

(Jim and me)

We gassed up in Clifton

and stopped to check out the little ol mine they have there in Morenci. Its barely noticeable and easy to miss if youre not looking for it.

I guess this is the Morenci Motel? The accommodations looked primitive, but the view was nice.

From Morenci to Hannigan Meadow, the road was incredible. Im pretty sure that was the longest set of twisties I have ever been on, and the conditions were superb. Thanks to Jim for leading me through there at a nice pace. It was helpful to have someone familiar with the road ahead of me. I didnt get a chance to take any pictures of that stretch of road.

Lunch at Hannigan Meadow (dont order the chili)

and back to Springerville for the night. I was too lazy to look for a liquor store and the gas station next to the hotel didnt have much of a selection.

 

[pinhead]

Day 3, another pass on 191:

Quite simply, we didnt get enough on day 2 and decided to run it again in the opposite direction.

After mooshing a few thousand of these large, unknown bugs in the road, Robb got curious and stopped for a closer look. They turned out to be some kind of cannibalistic grasshopper thing.

I wanted to stop in Clifton the second time through and poke around a little. Someone with a better eye for photography than me could kill some serious time in that battered, forgotten little town capturing all kinds of Americana.

We looped back up 180 to Hwy 12 and out across the high desert grasslands. Big country out there.

Lunch in reserve, NM was probably the best meal I had the entire trip.

Stopped to take in this arch not far from I-40.

Spent the night in Grants where we were welcomed quite warmly by the locals. No hard feelings. I guess he was just doing his job.

Day 4, home:

Day 4 was kind of a bust for me. As soon as I hit Farmington the traffic picked up and I got target fixated on home. Though I did get to ride the Million Dollar Highway, I had the pleasure of sharing it with a large number of slower moving vehicles. Figures. Robb opted for a less traveled route and, though less scenic, I think it worked out better.

Thanks again, Jim. It was good riding with you.

 

[beemerdons]

Fantastic Ride Report and Photos, pinhead; Thank You!

 

[Auburn]

Great RR! Nice pictures!

 

[Joe]

Nice pictures.

To bad we were not able to get together on this.

Don and I missed you by a couple days.

Next time, maybe.

Joe

PS we did not ride 191, Just the BBQ

 

[okmac]

Loved your photo's, I have ridden 191 3 different times and your pictures brought back old memories. Thanks for sharing.

Mac

 

[nik.hisham]

Hi,

Love the pics. Especially the colorful trees. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

Great report and pictures. Even my wife was impressed. Hell, I'm impressed! If you have done this ride, and if you haven't done this ride, plan to do it. Perfect weather, perfect roads, great companions, unbelievable bikes. Need I say more?

 

[escapefjrtist]

Looks like a great time was had. Thanks for sharing the trip with us pinhead!

--G

 

[BwanaDik]

Great report! :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

Looks like you got the hole shot on the weather.

Thanks for taking us along!

 

[flyingz06]

who makes the bag on the black fjr for leaning against?

 

[str8]

Bag

 

[Niehart]

What, you don't have my phone number? Oh, good pictures and RR!

 

[wheatonFJR]

How did I miss this???

Great report!!

Oh, BTW...when asking a once sentence question, it's not necessary to quote someone else's photo laden post.

 

[Bokerfork]

Great RR. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the Aspens(?) with the leaves, and without.

Thanks for sharing.

Mark

 

[K Rider]

Great RR! Beautiful country out there! Only been out west once and it was in a cage. Still enjoyed it, but it's just not the same. Thanks for posting.

 

[flyingz06]

Bag

is that a CL-85?

 

[flyingz06]

Bag

is that a CL-85?

Thanks for the reply