Going to Globe

[cactusjack]

So what are you guys going to do, just ride to Globe and back?

You could keep going E on 60. It becomes US-70 just past Irene's and a couple miles further E, turn right onto AZ-77. This will take you over Diablo Pass and down to Winkelman. Turn right at Winkelman onto AZ-177, and it will take you past a huge open pit copper mine and back to the US-60 at Superior.

Or, turn on AZ-188 and ride past Roosevelt Lake, through the towns of the Tonto Basin, past Jake's Corner (a biker bar, restaurant, campground and small store) and you hit AZ-87 (Beeline Hwy) about 18 miles S of Payson. Turn left and it will take you back to Ftn Hills.

Both are real nice rides and quite scenic.

[danimal2]

Originally Posted by Stu

I would have enjoyed riding with you guys. Keep me in mind for the next ride you decide to go on.
Hope you have a good ride.

Just saw this. Unfortunately I need a day's notice to get off work. You've got my numbers Mark. Give me a shout if you's are doing a ride (or pm works too, I check in daily). I don't always post as my .91 post per day would indicate, but I always check in.

[markclark57]

I looked up Irene's Restaurant and put the address into the GPS.

[Sin City Stan]

I'm going to file this away for the time either one of you invite me on a ride. Dirt roads, I won't say never, but not pretty close.

[ponch]

I have a 1200, but this quote from the writer Peter Egan may be relavant:

"Few people appreciate the off-road capabilities of the R1150RT. Those who do are mostly dead or in hospitals."

[cactusjack]

I wouldn't ride my Harley or a Nomad on that road. I've driven it in a truck, once. As I recall there are some mighty sheer dropoffs on the left hand side.

The ride from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flats is great, though. Probably better on a day like this than during summer when you have heavy RV traffic going to and from Canyon Lake. You never know when someone towing a boat is going to cross the yellow line.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I wouldn't ride my Harley or a Nomad on that road. I've driven it in a truck, once. As I recall there are some mighty sheer dropoffs on the left hand side.

The ride from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flats is great, though. Probably better on a day like this than during summer when you have heavy RV traffic going to and from Canyon Lake. You never know when someone towing a boat is going to cross the yellow line.

I would tell you not to do it. It'll pound your bike and yes there are some post life experience facilitating drop-offs.

[markclark57]

I'm thankful that I was "waiting" or "slowing" for Ponch at times or I may have been one of those fatalities. He's definitely the more sensible rider.

Grace's 205 Car Tire might have given me some unfair advantage, but some of those turns and narrow spots are suicidal. I won't be back on that road even in my 4X4.

Edit: Especially in my 4X4. Some spots would be tight for 2 motorcycles to pass . . .

[ponch]

Originally Posted by markclark57

I'm thankful that I was "waiting" or "slowing" for Ponch at times or I may have been one of those fatalities. He's definitely the more sensible rider.

Grace's 205 Car Tire might have given me some unfair advantage, but some of those turns and narrow spots are suicidal. I won't be back on that road even in my 4X4.

Acrophobia makes one cautious. That and the fact I am still making payments.

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by ponch

Acrophobia makes one cautious. That and the fact I am still making payments.

Mine's been paid for a long time . . . Still not going back on that road again.

[cactusjack]

Did you not know it was a dirt road until you got there? You should have asked.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Did you not know it was a dirt road until you got there? You should have asked.

I didn't. Mark asked if I minded riding on dirt roads, I said no...I had no idea it was 22 miles of it and at that point, it was longer back than ahead. I kind of feel like a boy scout that earned a merit badge.

[danimal2]

Originally Posted by markclark57

I won't be back on that road even in my 4X4.

Edit: Especially in my 4X4. Some spots would be tight for 2 motorcycles to pass . . .

I've heard tell in the summer time people take big 5th wheel trailers and class A motorhomes with boats in tow down that road. It can be real miserable when there's one coming from each way and only one can make it through (barely). It can take hours to back one of them up enough so the other can make the squeeze past.

I'll have to say, I never actually witnessed this, but have heard the stories. I always came in from the north (Roosevelt 188) and it's quite a bit wider up that way.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by danimal2

I've heard tell in the summer time people take big 5th wheel trailers and class A motorhomes with boats in tow down that road. It can be real miserable when there's one coming from each way and only one can make it through (barely). It can take hours to back one of them up enough so the other can make the squeeze past.

I'll have to say, I never actually witnessed this, but have heard the stories. I always came in from the north (Roosevelt 188) and it's quite a bit wider up that way.

We came in from the south side and I can tell you I can't see a 5th wheel getting all the way through there without damaging something or going over a cliff.

[crazygene49]

So, when all is said and done, you had a good time?