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|  | CLICK HERE to view all of today's photo's... | Twenty two bikes with 23 people headed to Cracker Barrel at Casa Grande on this clear, cool day for another great Arizona ride. After greetings had been exchanged and instructions given, Blue led the first group with Wrangler at the tail and Captain Yamaha with his wife Ann led the second group with Eric LaFoy bringing up the rear. Recently our route has been taking us thru Florence, Coolidge and Eleven Mile Corner. That’s right, there’s a stop light at that corner, and it’s 11 miles east of Casa Grande. On our way out of Gold Canyon there was a herd of horse trailers heading for Peralta. Their group should keep those trails hopping!
There is everything to like about Cracker Barrel. Even though they don’t take reservations, there was an open room and two servers, who brought in more coffee and food than we have any right to expect. There was a welcome chance to bask in the sun before departing. Blue suggested the Park Road from Picacho Peak to Highway 79, a most interesting extension of a pleasant morning. Twelve bikes made that trip, returning after lunch. Eight other bikes returned via #387 and Coolidge to the Park, and a couple others made tracks up the freeway to follow the Obama caravan into the big town. Another great ride with 130 to 150 miles of travel depending on your route.
The ride on Saturday will be to Kearney. Look for warmer weather and a return by a different route. How about it, ladies?
Phil Parsons
My thanks again to Phil for his prompt and interesting account of the ride. Well done... My only question to you, Phil, is .... Should we know anything more about the "two servers"??? This certainly is a full service facility!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..... Shutterbug | | |
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|  | CLICK HERE to view today's pictures. Use Slideshow option under Actions Tab | Note from Shutterbug: I had promised that if I was able to resolved the problem of having no photo's from the Wednesday ride that I would repost it and share the images.. This evening I had access to the storage card and downloaded the images, so here is the report again, and all of the pictures taken by Mike.
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12 bikes met at the Chevron with one passenger. Capt. Yahama & Mrs. Yahama led the group to Sunny Side with Wrangler on the tail. The service & the food was good as usual. We were in and out in less than an hour. At this point Blue took over as lead and took us west on ____Pike lane to US 10 It was a fantastic ride thru the desert. We then headed east to Coolidge and onto Florence Jct. for the ride home. We rode approx. 200 miles. It was a little chilly when we left but AZ weather when we arrived back at Golden Vista. (Meridian Manor | | |
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|  | See all of this day's photo's by clicking here (recommend slide show feature under Actions Tab) | This is the season for Snowbirds to enjoy Arizona in the wintertime, and 26 bikes and one cage assembled at the Chevron to make the trip to Ma’s Kitchen, a small and unpretentious enclave at the south end of Roosevelt Lake off Highway 188. You have to know where and what it is to go there; once you eat there, you will want to return. Blue divided the many riders into two groups. Broker led the first group with Wrangler as tail dragger. The second group was led by Vern Chrestensen with Blue bringing up the rear. There’s a photo of the Dean of our group, Ray Moore. B.J. Williams came along today in his new pickup. Our group was graced today by 3 women, a situation I think will change quickly when warmer temperatures grace our state. Chatter on the radio was about a low of 38 degrees and the snow atop the Four Peaks between Globe and Roosevelt.
Today’s partly cloudy skies produced a soft yellow color on the cliffs of Picket Post Mountain and accented the browns in the mountain canyons as we approached Globe. After a short stop at Walmart, the first group arrived to find our tables set. Coffee was soon served to warm our cold hands. Ours was a raucous crowd that really enjoys itself while more food is served than at nearly any place we go. There were also a few hunters there who had licenses for deer and javelina.
After a full meal, the two groups turned right at the highway to complete the circle by returning on the Beeline. After a short fuel stop at Tonto Basin, light rain appeared ahead in the mountains, but only a few drops hit our windshields on the 4-lane. In due course the Bush Highway appeared. Check this; some riders saw a half-dozen wild horses to the right on our way to Saguaro Lake. The weather warmed on our return to the suburbs and the Park. It was a great ride that totaled 183 miles.
Next Wednesday’s ride will be to Cracker Barrel at Casa Grande. Count on a good group.
Phil | | |
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| | | Note from Shutterbug... Mike McDonald, in addition to providing us with this account of the Wed ride, sent a group of excelent photo's, however I am unable to download them from his Kodak Site.. I hope to resolve this and will repost the report and the photo's if we are successful. In the meantime, here is the account>
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12 bikes met at the Chevron with one passenger. Capt. Yahama & Mrs. Yahama led the group to Sunny Side with Wrangler on the tail. The service & the food was good as usual. We were in and out in less than an hour. At this point Blue took over as lead and took us west on ____Pike lane to US 10 It was a fantastic ride thru the desert. We then headed east to Coolidge and onto Florence Jct. for the ride home. We rode approx. 200 miles. It was a little chilly when we left but AZ weather when we arrived back at Golden Vista. (Meridian Manor)
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| | | I stopped by Blue's this afternoon to inquire about this week's ride schedule. He had it and now you get it.....
Wednesday, Jan 18th THATS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!
Depart from Goldfield Chevron at 9 am for Sunny Side Up in Catalina.....
Saturday, Jan 21st... Depart from Goldfield Chevron at 9 am for Ma's Kitchen... Roosevelt Lake...
Hope some of you get pictures and that I get a report to share..
Rise safe Angels...
Shutterbug | | |
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|  | CLICK HERE to see today's pictures |
Today’s special event was to join the Ride for Homeless Veterans, a fundraiser here in the East Valley. Blue had arranged an 8:00 AM departure to the gathering point at Mesa Market. Before we left, Bob DeCorte told Golden Vista members about the Blue’s Angels name plate that can be hung on your Park name tag.
Good thing our destination was close on this 40-degree morning. The Ride for Veterans proved to be a well-run event that attracted hundreds of bikes. Thirteen bikes with 14 Angels, led by Broker, met at the station for the short trip to registration and breakfast. A program took place there after the meal, and the escorted ride was to Tortilla Flats. The Angels agreed that a separate ride for our group would be more enjoyable, and after some confusion about departure, we were on the way to Globe. Highway 77 south from Globe is very scenic; passing thru lime rock cliffs to the San Carlos River valley at Winkelman and home via Superior. The area south of Globe is still having a dry winter, with a touch of snow on the peaks. Some riders noticed that the Hayden Mill was unloading the hot slag from its furnaces atop the pile-it looked like a volcano eruption. Our return ride was somewhat chaotic, because a couple riders needed to be back for Marty Jacobs’ Memorial service this afternoon.
Most of the Angels re-joined the Ride for Veterans at Superstition Harley, where free lunch was being served by Mining Camp Restaurant, followed by a long and impressive display of flags and patriotism, complete with band and entertainment. All in all, it was quite a day; about 180 miles traveled.
Phil Parsons
Note from Shutterbug: thank you Phil for the report and pictures and also to Mike McDonald who also sent some of the photo's. | | |
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|  | See today's pictures by CLICKING HERE | Thirteen bikes met at the Chevron for a cool ride to Phil’s Grill in Fountain Hills. Today’s event was meant to be a short one, because some riders had other destinations. To begin, Blue is shown distributing a sheet that gives group riding hand signals adopted by the Harley riders. We tried them for the first time. Blue led the ride, with Wrangler as the tail gunner. “Little Al” Servais had Melissa, the second of his “rented daughters” as his passenger.
We hardly appreciate the beautiful scenery along the various routes we take, because it is all around us. Today I’ve included a few photos from the Bush Highway to remind us of the reason we so enjoy traveling outside the Park. A foreshadowed construction project is underway, and the machinery took up half the roadway. When we arrived at Fountain Hills, the 600-hp fountain spouted as if on signal! Our tables were waiting, and getting our cold hands around a warm cup of coffee was most welcome. The pace today was relaxed, with lots of food choices. Our group split up after the meal. Blue led a short ride that returned by the freeway; two riders left their bikes for maintenance and some returned direct to the Park. The total trip ranged from 80 to 105 miles.
On Saturday, January 14 the Ride to Help Homeless Veterans sponsored by Stand Up and Stand Proud.org will be held. It will be the Angels ride as well on that day. Registration is from 7:00 to 10:00 AM at Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet, with 2-hour rides scheduled from there. The donation is $20/bike or cage. Breakfast is provided at the grounds, and lunch is provided after the ride at Superstition Harley-2 meals. Those that would like to join the ride are asked to meet at the station on Saturday at 8:00 AM. The group will then ride to the Market area together. It should make for an interesting morning.
Phil Parsons | | |
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|  | CLICK HERE to see today's photo's..... | Today was another glorious day for a ride as the Angels set out for the North today. Lining up at the station seemed to take longer, but the proof is getting to the destination, and there were 19 bikes and riders with 6 additional passengers when we were all seated at the Crosswinds Restaurant at Payson Airport. Vern Chrestensen was our leader today, and Wrangler took up his position as the tail dragger. Lots of traffic on the Bush highway, but it soon spread out on the Big Road; the lowest temp recorded in the mountains was 45 degrees with our return to the valley at 72 degrees. Nobody complained.
Blue has great “pull” with the restaurant trade as you all know. He made the call, and when we arrived the tables at Crosswinds were all set with no less than three waitresses standing by to serve our every need. It’s amusing to see how quiet the place gets when everyone has been served. The meal disappeared quickly, and soon the conversation moved outside near the bikes. Today we saw Al Jeanquart with his Blue Gold Wing Trike, which turned 100,000 miles on the way home. Al brought rider Larry Karnitz, a friend from home.
The planned route home was along Roosevelt Lake, now down 35% in elevation from its peak last spring. One contingent made a direct return via the Beeline, with a couple more riders cutting out as we turned left toward the lake on #188. A stop to stretch was made at Walmart in Claypool (that’s right), and soon we were over the ridge and into a somewhat hazy Valley of the Sun, returning after 3:00 with 220 miles.
On Wednesday January 11 the Angels will head for Phil’s Restaurant at Fountain Hills, a shorter trip to allow for other activities. There is a trip planned to a Veterans Memorial next Saturday-stay tuned for details. Midwesterners may be interested in a new Shoppers Supply holding its Grand Opening January 18 on the Trail. It’s a Great Life.
Phil Parsons | | |
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| | | After a very long period of deliberation and consltation with Wanda and Steven, I have decided that the ride I have been trying to organize for this summer is going to be cancelled. There has not been much interest expressed to date and I feel as if I have been trying to pressure members to join us. I don't like that feeling, so, Wanda, Steve and I will be making the ride as a smaller family adventure. For those of you who have expressed interest in making the trip, I apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause.
We will take the ride as outlined, on the same dates, but, as we will be riding with just a couple of bikes, we will not have to make the plans and reservations for meals and lodging, which as you might guess takes a good deal of time and some expense.
If a couple of you decide that you want to join us in route or make the ride with us, you are welcome to do so, but I will ask that you make your own room accommodations.
As has been my custom, I will be detailing the ride on this site each day and hope that many of you enjoy our report and pictures.
Thank you for understanding.
Shutterbug | | |
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|  | Click Here to see all of today's photo's | Seventeen bikes and Jack with his Smart Car assembled at the Chevron on a beautiful sunny day for the ride today to Petrol in Eloy. Blue led the group, with Captain Yamaha Hewett and his wife Anne bringing up the rear. The route chosen went east thru Florence and Coolidge, then to Casa Grande and the freeway to the Eloy location. Each time we see new or returning faces; today Hal Ruegamer appeared with his Boss Hoss trike which we first saw at the D & D event in December. I also saw Jack Parsons and Darvin Kedinger for the first time today.
Riders enjoy their trips for a variety of reasons, but one is to observe the country side where we live. There was heavy haze in the air south of Coolidge, apparently aggravated by acrid smoke in that area. This year the cotton picking machines are late in finishing their work because of more acres to harvest. That came about because of the high price of raw cotton.
After plenty of coffee and a most ample breakfast, Blue described a new route that would take the group from south of Picacho Peak to Highway 79 north of Oracle Junction. They found a good road with 11 miles of most interesting desert; saguaro and barrel cactus packed so close together that walking between them would not be possible. The return trip came north on #79, and riders were back at the Park after a great day for riding the 182 mile trip. Five riders that needed to meet a time schedule returned by the freeway route.
Phil Parsons
Note: Blue called this evening to let me know the ride plans for Saturday call for a 9 am departure and the destination will be the Airport in Payson...... My thanks again to Phil Parson's for his prompt report and the pictures. It will be a bit longer before Wanda and I can rejoin the group so we appreciate the help.
Shutterbug
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| | | The ride for January 4th will be to Petro. Departure at 9 am from the Goldfield Chevron....
Shutterbug | | |
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|  | CLICK HERE to see all of the pictures | There was a full lineup of 23 bikes ready for the last ride of Year 2011. The lineup included 6 passengers and 6 trikes with a number of just-returned riders. Butcher Hook, in the Tonto Basin, was our goal. Blue started the proceedings with a short safety lecture, reminding the Angels that the group should continue in formation if anyone drops out. The Tail Dragger will stop and help, but when everyone stops we create our own traffic jam.
Broker Dennis led the group today, with Wrangler taking the Tail Dragger position. Our route was north on the Bush and Beeline Highways; the group needed to get to Butcher Hook before 11:00 to get the breakfast menu. There was plenty of radio chatter, and everyone was in a good mood. There’s already a touch of green in the desert on this sunny day after the winter rains. Roosevelt Lake was placid with a lowering water level. Those rains have to keep coming if we want to see it full again.
Butcher Hook is named for a ranch Brand that is still active, according to the history on the menu, and has steady traffic. Blue’s charm and reservation were good, and the group filled the main tables for a most generous meal. We returned via Globe and Highway 60 with a short stop at Walmart. Today’s trip was 181 miles.
Blue’s wish for all the Angels is for a Happy New Year. It’s a marvel of our time that this group continues to bring pleasure to its informal membership, and we look forward to great Rides in 2012!
Phil Parsons
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Note from Shutterbug:
My thanks, first to Phil for submitting this report and the pictures and then to all of you who have helped to provide all of the reports this past year. I know that there are many who read the accounts with interest and without your help, many would not have happened. And my sincere appreciation to Blue who devotes so many hours and so much effort to be sure that our rides occur with a minimum of problems and the maximum enjoyment. Thank you sir. As indicated by Phil, this will be the last ride, ergo the last report for 2011... It's been a good one... See you next year.
Pat
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| | | I don't know how many of you have received one of Country Boy's annual Christmas Letters, but if you have, you know that just the reading of what he does throughout each year is enough to wear a person out. He and his family are "really busy". His letter to me arrived today and he has authorized me to publish it for the Angels Family.... I am certain that you will enjoy it......
I am going to give you a link to the letter. It will take you to a folder that when you click on it, the letter should appear. This is my first attempt with this type of file, so if it does not work, don't yell at me, just let me know and I will work on a solution. (That means I will ask Ed Kelty to make me smarter).. OK, here comes the link... good luck!!!!!! CLICK HERE
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The “Blue’s Angels” was formed in 1995 by John Kelty. The name of the group came from John’s current 1993 1500 cc blue Goldwing which he has named “Blue”. The "Angels" was chosen because all the riders are all such good little boys with their toys, and most of all because we wanted prayer involved as we rode and socialized.
Blue’s Angel's started with six bikes from the Golden Vista Resort and four from West Phoenix. There are now over 40 active, enthusiastic guys and girls. Every time “Blue” meets a new person at Golden Vista he asks “why don't you buy a motorcycle?” Many do!
Blue’s Angels strive for comradeship while doing a fairly dangerous hobby and enjoying every minute of the time we ride. Blue loves people and wants them all to feel as he does.
The Angels have no specific restrictions of membership. The only requirement would be that members maintain a safe bike. All riders are encouraged to complete a motorcycle safety course. To be an official member one must invest $12.00 to buy a Blue's Angels Cap. After that huge expense, there are no dues or fees.
The main goals are:
to keep the group going forever
to keep it simple and informal
to keep the prayers flowing for all in need |
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