Where to ride while visiting AZ May 29-June 3

[Allen_C]

I will be visiting my dad in Tucson this weekend and staying until June 3rd. Looking for someone to ride with or get an idea of where to ride near Phoenix or Tucson. I know the temps there are gonna be a blazing 100 degrees for highs so I want to stay in the hills where it may be a bit more tolerable. I will be renting an FJR in Phoenix.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[SkooterG]

Mt. Lemmon. Kitt Peak.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

North of Phoenix on 89A through Yarnell, Prescott, Jerome, Sedona, and up to Flagstaff. I took it out of Phoenix last year on the FJR and yesterday in the pickup on my way to Cedar City. The FJR was a blast and the pickup sucked.

 

[SacramentoMike]

Long ride for one day to get there, see it, and return, but if you want to do an overnight ride, especially if you haven't been there, it's hard to skip the Grand Canyon. Also it's at about 7,000 feet, as is the whole northern part of AZ. MUCH cooler. Sedona and Meteor Crater, near Flag, are near, and also well worth seeing. Flag would be a good place to stay.

 

[Gramps]

Get in touch with BeemerDons.

 

[Allen_C]

I created a route to Mt Lemmon. I'll look up Kitt Peak.

I've been up through Sedona and to the Grand Canyon north of Flagstaff. It is very picturesque and cooler but I need to stay more south this time.

I will pm BeemerDons!

Thanks guys!

 

[SFCJCA]

Out of Tucson, take 77 north to Globe, then 60 north to Springerville. From Springerville, take 191 south to I-10. Take I-10 west to Tucson. It's an all day ride, but great scenery and plenty of twisties on 191.

 

[airboss]

That is the ride,but reverse it. More fun to go up 191.

Be sure you get your route 666 T shirt.

 

[beemerdons]

Get in touch with BeemerDons.

https://www.azbeemers.org/azb-roads.php Brother Allen, we AZ Beemers maintain a favorite roads link. At this time of year you want to be in the Northeast section of Arizona. A great loop from Phoenix is through Payson, east to Showlow and then down the Salt River Canyon road.

If you have a long day available, then east from PHX to Safford, go North on The Devil's Highway '666', Springerville and then home again to the Valley of the Blast Furnace.

Sincerely yours,

Don Stanley

[email protected]

C: 480-440-4666

That is the ride,but reverse it. More fun to go up 191.
Be sure you get your route 666 T shirt.

Karl is correct, go North on 191!

 

[Allen_C]

I assume there is not actually a Hwy 666 but instead part of Hwy 191 is referred as "Devil's Hwy", maybe between Morenci and Hannagan Meadows (or Alpine)?

 

[beemerdons]

I assume there is not actually a Hwy 666 but instead part of Hwy 191 is referred as "Devil's Hwy", maybe between Morenci and Hannagan Meadows (or Alpine)?

If you are a Mormon or a Catholic it is Highway 191, if you are a motorcyclist or sports car driver it is '666'. https://azride.com/devils-highway-run/2557977

Arizona Churches banded together many years ago to have 666 designation removed and they were successful, mention it to a Biker and it's '666'!

Distance: 265 Miles

Elevation variation <6,000 Ft.

Number of curves < 1,000 The Rt. 666 Run

starts/ends in Springerville, AZ with the southernmost point at Three Way, AZ. The ride loops

clockwise, so we’ll go downhill through the broad

sweepers of NM Rt 180 and we’ll enjoy the

switchbacks of AZ Rt 191 going uphill:

- Rt. 191 South (AZ) Alpine

- Rt. 180 (NM) Luna, Alma

- Rt. 78 (NM, AZ) Mule Creek, Three Way

- Rt. 191 North (AZ) Clifton, Morenci, Hannagan

Meadow, Alpine, Springerville

 

[SFCJCA]

Both directions on 191 are fun. But I'll concede and say go North. If you go South, it really is the devil's highway as it gets hotter and hotter the further you go. Riding North, it gets cooler, like a bat out of hell!

 

[NMRoadRunner]

AZ in June means riding in the mountains and only the mountains. AZ is where the devil stays in the summer. Two words that will help "Cool Vest" have fun, set up a lunch with some of the AZ boyz while you out there. The "Tilted Kilt" maybe?

 

[Allen_C]

Don, thanks for the explanation and the pm.

@NM cooler vest is a great idea. I will check a local shop this afternoon since I leave here in the morning! If any of the AZ locals are avail, I'm up for a little cisual stimulation and grub at the Tlted Kilt.

 

[WBill]

191 is a great twisty road, and I agree it's best going north. But beware: Take it easy. This ain't the race track. I tried on three separate trips to not cross the center line, riding my FJR (going up), and only succeeded on the third try. It wouldn't be so bad, except you can't see oncoming traffic in some places, and the center line usually has a deposit of cinders so you cant swerve out of it. Add to that the lack of guard rails on the outer edge of the road, and you have a real thrill in store. I don't claim to be the best rider there is, but I'm pretty sure I'm not the worst. I have a feeling I might be among the luckiest.

I love to make reservations at Hannagan Meadows and stay there. No TV, no phone, just a wrangler who stole my nickname. "True story."

If your plans keep you from going that far north, consider riding around Tombstone, Bisbee and wine country down there. Kartchner Cavern, just east of Tucson, is a fun visit, albeit just off the slab. I've been down there many times in the summer, and It's not so bad, as long as you keep moving, keep hydrated and lotion up. 'Wouldn't want to break down out there, though.

WBill

 

[beemerdons]

If you are staying in Alpine, The Sportsmans Lodge is highly recommended. AZ Beemers and FJR Forum Riders always stay here, Frank and Phyllis are the Owners. They own a classic BMW K75S, there is a picture on their website of their R110RT and SHEEP! 'Villa and Patch LOVED the sheep!

https://www.sportsman778.com/rooms--rates.html

 

[Allen_C]

I need to start from and finish in Tucson (or Phoenix). How about from Tucson, go east on I-10 to 191 north, to Alpine, 180 east/south through Luna, NM, 78 west to Three Way, 191 south to I-10 back west to Tucson. Or, for the return loop continue up 191 to Springerville, take 60 west to Show Low, down to Globe, then 77 south to Tucson? That variation is only about 15 miles and 25 minutes longer, or should I not ride through the Fort Apache Reservation?

 

[airboss]

Like option #2. I've done that one.

The advise about taking it easy is good. Right of the fog line is usually rock face or air.

 

[Allen_C]

I will definitely take it easy. New to me bike and roads means no peg scraping!