Trip to AZ
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Southern Arizona
Trip to AZ
I'm setting out friday for a trip I have benn planning on for a long time, Chicago to Tucson. The route will be Illinois, Missouri,Arkansas, Ok;ahoma, Texas, New Mexico, & finally Arizona. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to keep a journal here to log my trip along the way. The plan is to make 400 - 500 miles a day and to arrive in Tucson in tiime for the Arizona HOG rally May 1st. I will be avoiding interstates winding my way through the US highway system as my Dad did when he took us on vacations in the 60's. I'm going to head due south from Chicago thru Cairo Illinois into Missouri. My 1 st planned stop will be Sikeston, MO. not for any other reason other than its a good 400 or so mile ride. The plan is to pick up US 60 and too follow that all the way to Globe Arizona. along the way I plan to meet up with an old AF buddy who now lives in Clovis NM, and the my cousin who lives in Washinton State and will be in Phoenix on the 28th of April. Also I have another cousin who lives north of Tucson who is one of my best friends and I will spend a few days visiting him. My thought is to daily post pictures and a narrative of my day here along with a tenative itinerary for the next day every evening. If you are along my route, I would like to meet as many members as I can and add their picture to the daily jounal.
All comments are welcome.
Lures
All comments are welcome.
Lures
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield,Il.
RE: Trip to AZ
Sounds like a pretty good trip, looking forward to the posts. How did you pick the route? Are you doing mainly two line roads? My buddy wants to leave on May 17 for week and head towards Deals Gap, I've already done the Gap. I was thinking a trip like you were taking or maybe Maine and the east coast. Have a great trip.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Menifee, CA
RE: Trip to AZ
If you're going to take the 60 into Arizona all the way Globe, then I've got a better idea.
When you get to Eager, AZ, head south down US 191 all the way to Clifton. That stretch is known as the Devils Highway, and is reported to be the most twistiest stretch of federal highway in the entire USA. It's about 123 miles of tight twisties and sweepers and awesome views of the White Mountains. I rode this a few weeks ago. It's absolutely the best motorcycle ride.
When you get to Eager, AZ, head south down US 191 all the way to Clifton. That stretch is known as the Devils Highway, and is reported to be the most twistiest stretch of federal highway in the entire USA. It's about 123 miles of tight twisties and sweepers and awesome views of the White Mountains. I rode this a few weeks ago. It's absolutely the best motorcycle ride.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7
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From:
RE: Trip to AZ
LURES,
That sounds like a good trip.
My wife and I have traveled from milwaukee to phoenix twice.
The first time we took I-40 and alot of route 66.
Last year we took I-80 (through iowa and nebraska) to I-76 to denver. Then we took 285 from denver to monte vista, then took 160 to four corners. Then we took 191 down to I-40.
Then we took the bush highway to Mesa.
Going through colorado was great on 285.
Also, highway 89, north of phoenix is good in the sedona area.
On the oak creek canyon curves, I think I scraped my floor board....
Thanks,
Gene
That sounds like a good trip.
My wife and I have traveled from milwaukee to phoenix twice.
The first time we took I-40 and alot of route 66.
Last year we took I-80 (through iowa and nebraska) to I-76 to denver. Then we took 285 from denver to monte vista, then took 160 to four corners. Then we took 191 down to I-40.
Then we took the bush highway to Mesa.
Going through colorado was great on 285.
Also, highway 89, north of phoenix is good in the sedona area.
On the oak creek canyon curves, I think I scraped my floor board....
Thanks,
Gene
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,374
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From: Southern Arizona
RE: Trip to AZ
bigdog
I pretty much picked US 60 because it looks to go thru from MO to AZ. I am dropping a little south into AK on US 62 for a while mainly to avoid MO and the nanny mentallity helmet laws there. This is not because I don't ride with a helmet, but rather because I'm well over 21 & if my Mom doesn't care if I ride without a lid, what f***in business is it of yours! OK enuff of that, I don't want to start another helmet discussion here! Deals Gap sounds cool, I've got a neighbor who wants to make that trip, maybe I'll do that later this summer.
Stelis
Just checked my maps & the ride from Eager to Clifton down 191 looks awesome! Thanks for the tip, I think I'll take 10 outta Tucson to 191 north on my way back. Another great ride is 77 south out of Globe to Oracle Junction. Goes thru the Tonto Nat'l Forest, great views along that stretch.
Gene
Thanks for the tips, my route back is still in the planning stages. I want to go thru 4 corners, just to say that I've been there, then maybe follow a little of old 66. 285 thru Colorado sounds worth checking out. So many roads and so little time.
Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions
Lures
I pretty much picked US 60 because it looks to go thru from MO to AZ. I am dropping a little south into AK on US 62 for a while mainly to avoid MO and the nanny mentallity helmet laws there. This is not because I don't ride with a helmet, but rather because I'm well over 21 & if my Mom doesn't care if I ride without a lid, what f***in business is it of yours! OK enuff of that, I don't want to start another helmet discussion here! Deals Gap sounds cool, I've got a neighbor who wants to make that trip, maybe I'll do that later this summer.
Stelis
Just checked my maps & the ride from Eager to Clifton down 191 looks awesome! Thanks for the tip, I think I'll take 10 outta Tucson to 191 north on my way back. Another great ride is 77 south out of Globe to Oracle Junction. Goes thru the Tonto Nat'l Forest, great views along that stretch.
Gene
Thanks for the tips, my route back is still in the planning stages. I want to go thru 4 corners, just to say that I've been there, then maybe follow a little of old 66. 285 thru Colorado sounds worth checking out. So many roads and so little time.
Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions
Lures
RE: Trip to AZ
ORIGINAL: Stelis
If you're going to take the 60 into Arizona all the way Globe, then I've got a better idea.
When you get to Eager, AZ, head south down US 191 all the way to Clifton. That stretch is known as the Devils Highway, and is reported to be the most twistiest stretch of federal highway in the entire USA. It's about 123 miles of tight twisties and sweepers and awesome views of the White Mountains. I rode this a few weeks ago. It's absolutely the best motorcycle ride.
I did this during Az bike week and agree with Stelis, it was a great ride but you are thinking of doing it on the way home, that might be better you will be going up the mountain instead of down.
Good luck
Shawn
If you're going to take the 60 into Arizona all the way Globe, then I've got a better idea.
When you get to Eager, AZ, head south down US 191 all the way to Clifton. That stretch is known as the Devils Highway, and is reported to be the most twistiest stretch of federal highway in the entire USA. It's about 123 miles of tight twisties and sweepers and awesome views of the White Mountains. I rode this a few weeks ago. It's absolutely the best motorcycle ride.
I did this during Az bike week and agree with Stelis, it was a great ride but you are thinking of doing it on the way home, that might be better you will be going up the mountain instead of down.
Good luck
Shawn
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Southern Arizona
RE: Trip to AZ
[font="times new roman"][size="3"]Day 1: I sprained my ankle on Weds, but I was able to walk on it Friday morning, so I decided to head out. Shifting was a little painful, but I muscled thru it. A little pain wasn't gonna stop me from making this trip! I left the Chicago area at 9:30 am under ominous cloud cover, but very warm temps. I headed south down US 47. Very dull ride didn’tthin out traffic wise until South of Morris. At Gibson City I Picked up US 54 sw. At Clinton I headed back south on us 51. Just south of Decatur, I met a gentleman who was out for a ride on his Heritage. We started talking bikes & road trips. Seems that if you travel alone on a bike , everyone
wants to find out about you. Pretty cool. Met a couple at a gas station & she wanted to tell me her life story, I didn't want to be rude so after about 20 minutes, I said I had to get on the road.
If you have ever travelled through Illinois, you know there is not much to see except farmland. A couple of thing stood out though, running down 51, I was surprised to see that a farmer had a small herd of buffalo grazing in his field! Imagine that buffalo in Illinois. Also there is a correctional facility just north of Vandalia, signs warning you not to pick up hitchhikers. I think i could a figured that out without the signs.
It threatened rain all the way but it really didn't start until I was 30 miles Outside of Sikeston MO, my planned stop. Never hard enough for me to don the gear, but enough to be annoying. Got to Sikeston about 7:30
Day 2: My foot and ankle are better, I am still limping, but I am shifting without pain. When I stop I usually put my left foot down 1st, using right foot to brake, but this is a little painful & I am stll getting used to putting the right foot down 1st. funny what things that you never think about are affected by an injury. Much cooler today, 50's, but bright sunny skies. I left Sikeston & decided to just stay on US 60 from there rather than drop down into Arkansas as planned. Saved about 75 - 100 miles that way, & after the 1st days ride I was pretty tired. So screw it, I donned the skid lid & headed out across MO. The ride was a little better scenery, rolling hills and forest, US 60 takes you through?past the Mark Twain Natl' Forest. I'm finding that I need to stop every 100 - 125 miles to stretch my legs, take a John break get water, & gas. Still finding that people are very warm to riders all along my route. I got into Oklahoma, stopped for gas and met a local couple on their bike. They warned me about the leo's in MO just waiting for some biker to cross into their state. I already was aware of that practice so I had donned mine in Cairo IL before I crosses the Mississippi into MO. But I thank them for the info anyway. At my next stop a lady was watching me clean my windshield and said it was a good thing I had it, I said yep though a few still get me every now and then. She broke into a great big toothless grin and said “you ain't from 'round here are ya?" I said i was from Chicago, and she declared "Thought so!, You ain't got the right accent!" Ah Oklahoma!
The scenery in this part of OK is very rolling, but not much in the way of trees. You come over a hill, and you can see the road for about 3 - 4 miles ahead. Lots of cattle in the fields and the landscape is dotted with oil wells.
In Nowata OK, there was a deserted old Hotel, The Savoy, It seemed so out of place in this dusty old OK town. I had to take a picture of it. I'll do some research on it, and post my findings along with the pic.
Called my old AF buddy who lives in Clovis NM tonight, he sounds gr
wants to find out about you. Pretty cool. Met a couple at a gas station & she wanted to tell me her life story, I didn't want to be rude so after about 20 minutes, I said I had to get on the road.
If you have ever travelled through Illinois, you know there is not much to see except farmland. A couple of thing stood out though, running down 51, I was surprised to see that a farmer had a small herd of buffalo grazing in his field! Imagine that buffalo in Illinois. Also there is a correctional facility just north of Vandalia, signs warning you not to pick up hitchhikers. I think i could a figured that out without the signs.
It threatened rain all the way but it really didn't start until I was 30 miles Outside of Sikeston MO, my planned stop. Never hard enough for me to don the gear, but enough to be annoying. Got to Sikeston about 7:30
Day 2: My foot and ankle are better, I am still limping, but I am shifting without pain. When I stop I usually put my left foot down 1st, using right foot to brake, but this is a little painful & I am stll getting used to putting the right foot down 1st. funny what things that you never think about are affected by an injury. Much cooler today, 50's, but bright sunny skies. I left Sikeston & decided to just stay on US 60 from there rather than drop down into Arkansas as planned. Saved about 75 - 100 miles that way, & after the 1st days ride I was pretty tired. So screw it, I donned the skid lid & headed out across MO. The ride was a little better scenery, rolling hills and forest, US 60 takes you through?past the Mark Twain Natl' Forest. I'm finding that I need to stop every 100 - 125 miles to stretch my legs, take a John break get water, & gas. Still finding that people are very warm to riders all along my route. I got into Oklahoma, stopped for gas and met a local couple on their bike. They warned me about the leo's in MO just waiting for some biker to cross into their state. I already was aware of that practice so I had donned mine in Cairo IL before I crosses the Mississippi into MO. But I thank them for the info anyway. At my next stop a lady was watching me clean my windshield and said it was a good thing I had it, I said yep though a few still get me every now and then. She broke into a great big toothless grin and said “you ain't from 'round here are ya?" I said i was from Chicago, and she declared "Thought so!, You ain't got the right accent!" Ah Oklahoma!
The scenery in this part of OK is very rolling, but not much in the way of trees. You come over a hill, and you can see the road for about 3 - 4 miles ahead. Lots of cattle in the fields and the landscape is dotted with oil wells.
In Nowata OK, there was a deserted old Hotel, The Savoy, It seemed so out of place in this dusty old OK town. I had to take a picture of it. I'll do some research on it, and post my findings along with the pic.
Called my old AF buddy who lives in Clovis NM tonight, he sounds gr
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