FJR trip Fl-CA-Fl

[FJR Bill]

Gonna do a cross country camping ride from Florida to Kalifornica and return. This will be in the last half of May. Got my route picked out to Flagstaff but seek suggestions about scenic roads and campgrounds in Arizona. I'll be going to San Diego, so wanting to head south from Flagstaff. Also would like to know if there are any Motorcycle events in May that I should know about. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I have little experience in the western states. Thanks, Bill

 

[gixxerjasen]

I have nothing to help with except to say I'll be looking forward to your ride report. Take lots of pictures please!

 

[majicmaker]

Sounds like a Blast! I'm sure many members will chime in with all sorts of valuable info for you. My pearl of wisdom for you is, every once in a while, stop at a cheap motel (They are everywhere) and take a real shower! You might not notice the stench but everyone else will. The first clue will be when you pull into a campsite and no one wants to talk to you and all the local critters run away as fast as they can. :lol:

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I just returned from a spring break family vacation in Arizona (truck not motorcycle dammit) . Heading south from Flagstaff, please take Hwy 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. This road could be great but it is let down by the traffic and the poor pavement. The scenery through there is magnificent and it is well worth your time. Sedona is a very expensive place to spend the night, but the views are incredible. You did not mention your route to Flagstaff but if there is any way you can do it, Hwy 191 running North/South close to the eastern Arizona border is well worth your time. I would put it up against the Dragon's Tail at Deal's Gap, but it is longer, more dangerous and the scenery is better. Be warned if you are from Florida the lack of humidity and the altitude are going to affect you. I live in South Louisiana and we were very happy to return to 90% humidity.

 

[SacramentoMike]

If you can, you ought to make one of the legs a bit more northerly. Be a shame to go all that way and miss southern Utah, for one.

 

[FJR Bill]

Tried to post this before and it didn't register. I'll be going thru Arizona from New Mexico in May enroute to San Diego. Looking for suggestions of scenic routes and campgrounds thru Arizona. Thanks, Bill

 

[BackRoadBob]

Arizona north or south?

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I think it did post, it is in the Ride Planning section.

 

[flyingz06]

I think it did post, it is in the Ride Planning section.

go up thru Sedona!!!!!! its a must

 

[FJR Bill]

Arizona north or south?

The current plan is to enter Arizona on HWy 60 from NM then work my way across the state to San Diego.

Thanks, Bill

 

[FJR Bill]

I think it did post, it is in the Ride Planning section.

go up thru Sedona!!!!!! its a must

Thanks for the tip.

Bill

 

[patch308]

Memorial Day Motorcycle rally in Red River, New Mexico...a town of a few hundred has thousands of bikes in it, the riding is beautiful, and the pirates are plentiful. Northern New Mexico has some BEAUTIFUL twisty roads so if you make it up near Taos/Red River let me know and I'll help with some route planning.

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

You will have a lot of options for scenic/twisty riding if you enter Arizona on US60. If it is getting late, and you are ready for a break, spend the night in Springerville or Eagar. If you have an extra day, and want a real treat, head south on US191 to Alpine, AZ, where you can take US 180 back into NM to NM 78. Head west to US 191/Coronado Trail/US 666/ Devil's Highway. Head north for over 100 miles of the best, most scenic, twistiest road you are likely to find on God's green earth. If you don't have time for the Devil's highway, save that trip for another day.

From Springerville, I'ld take AZ 260 to Show Low, and then it is decision time again. US60 heads down the Salt River Canyon, and is another great ride that gets you to Phoenix and points towards the south. An equally scenic route is to stay on AZ 260 to Payson, then back to the north and the Mogollan Rim. AZ 260 goes left to Camp Verde and another great, scenic road. Stay on AZ 260 to Cottonwood and you can reach Sedona by heading north on AZ 89A. Go as far as you want up 89A into Oak Creek Canyon but you need to u-turn and head back south on 89A. More great roads back to Jerome and Prescott, then to Yarnell, and Yarnell Hill. By now, you may be ready for some non-twisty roads and that describes AZ 71 to link back up with US 60 and head west to California. Sorry for the long post, but you are in the middle of nirvana.

 

[bclark]

Hey Bill enjoyed talking to you in Kerrville. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.