Day Trippin AZ STYLE

If you want to explore our country but can't afford the big ADV bike or the time for multi day trips there are alternatives. I have a 1995 Honda XR65L with a heart transplant thanks to MrFixit in WS that I rode from Prescott to Grand Canyon & back home yesterday. 439 miles.
Almost 5:00 time to get rolling.

Dawn sky heading east.

Took Old Cheery Cut Off & GWT over to 17.



Up Copper Canyon to Camp Verde



Up 118 to Beaver Creek & up into the forest.

Getting hot here but would cool as soon as I hit the forest.


Up & over to Winona Rd & up to 40. Gas & up & across the Res. My favorite part of the ride. Desolate & serene.


No water in the Little Colorado today.


A bit windy.



Bookin on the Res.
http://s43.photobucket.com/user/rtb1940/media/PICT0003-1_zpsd9bea65a.mp4.html

http://s43.photobucket.com/user/rtb1940/media/PICT0002-3_zps41a70f1f.mp4.html

You can go south & take the Gray Mountain Truck Trail heading north west from 89 up to 64 but I wimped out today:eek1 & took the gravel Rd over to Tusayn.

Gas in Tusayn, west by the Tin House, down Espee RD & west on FR 6 into Williams, down Prekinsville RD. out through Drake & home.
Yes I was there!






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Last gates for today. Great country I have here to ride in, but anywhere you are riding on a motorcycle is the best. So fill those tanks & get out there & see our beautiful world

Before

After

Awesome bike, see any wildlife?

Coming into Williams about 6:30 it looked like a Deer convention. Lots of wild horses on the Res.

I love ride reports from Arizona! I was stationed at Huachuca for many years in 80s,after my initial motorcycle riding in 70s and way before I returned to bikes. Man I want to come to AZ and DS!

Thanks for the reminder that I don't have to have a long block of time to enjoy a ride.

We are closer than you think

Great report Tom. Once again an ironman ride.

How long did the round trip take?

Awesome ride, Tom!!

Got in just before 8:00 pm. Could have been done in 12 hours easily but a couple wrong turns, not paying attention to my $100 Nuvi & one equipment self enduced failure made it a little longer. Also the heavy Deer traffic around Williams slowed me down And of course, younger , faster riders on better bikes would take less time but for me if you never stop to smell the roses, why go:huh

Relaxing, solo ride?

High / low temps?

Nice pictures

Great ride, report & pics. Thanks!

Good stuff...great pics and a good loop that really shows all the best spots in Northern AZ. Takes me back...it's cold and been raining for three days here in NZ...

Great ride report, thanks for sharing. Not many people would undertake a trip like that solo (I am another one). People don't realize how relaxing a solo trip can be, not worrying about who wants to go where and who needs to stop when etc.

Yes riding with others has advantages too but sometimes it is just nice to clear your head and GO!!!

When in my 40's, 50's & 60's I would put off a ride for, it's too hot, it's too cold, it's too far, i'm too tired, I need a better bike But at 72 you begin to think, how many more opportunities will I have, so I try & plan accordingly. Have much confidence in my bikes 1995 XR650L & 2008 WR250R. Have a little mech. skill accumulated over the years & some great friends that after a couple days would come looking for me Always invite others to join me on these rides but if no takers I go solo & really what's the worst thing that can happen?:eek1

Thanks for sharing. I guess I'd feel more comfortable if I was with someone out there.

RZ Rob

I totally agree with the solo riding ! ! !

DAMN, Tom a 439 mile "day" is more like an endurance ride. Hell my ass is sore, knees a knock'n and thigh's burn'n... just think'n about it! :eek1 ... and I'm several years short of your age.

Tom... I agree with your thinking... re/opportunities. Having confidence in your riding skills and bike make solo travel much easier.


Looks like a great trip. Thank you for taking us along.

Just a matter of mind set & an XR650L Barkalounger couch