Ride to the Casa Grande Cracker Barrel on January 30

Subject: Fwd: Ride to the Casa Grande Cracker Barrel on January 30

It looked like All Hands on Deck as the Angels gathered 27 bikes with at least 37 riders on what started out as a warm cloudy morning. Leader Duane had our attention with a few announcements, including the first call to donate prizes that make our annual Spring Picnic such a success, this year to be on March 17.  Our ride was scheduled for the Cracker Barrel in Casa Grande where they're known to keep everything moving, so Al and Sandy with Vern at the tail started the parade of three groups headed off thru Florence to the Cactus Highway, then west to Casa Grande.  The second group was led by Paul with Dependable Don taking up his friendly position.  Jay on his trike led the third group with Dennis as the taildragger.

 

We can look for changes in the farming landscape during the next year as the Arizona Drought Water Plan is being finished tomorrow in the AZ Legislature.  Water levels have been dropping for years in Lake Mead, and the several states that share this and other water sources will have to agree on less available water for all users to avoid rationing in years to come.  Traditional water rights are assigned on a first user basis, which granted farmers and Indian tribes a larger supply.  Cities now have huge needs for water, so this is the time for re-allocation.  On the other hand, those huge crops of cotton and hay that we see grow only where water is pumped or flows from the canals.  Bob Keeler points out that most local fields are flood irrigated, which is not the most efficient.  We already see barren fields; perhaps there will be more next year if underground sources can't replace it.  Agreement appears likely on the future of our water supply.  Speaking of vacant fields, did you notice the vacant land around the unfinished PhoenixMart near Casa Grande?  And, did you see the grazing flocks of sheep in some fields?

 

At the restaurant a smart hostess delegated our riders to scattered tables of 4 to 8 persons where the regular servers were able to take orders more quickly.  As usual, the Cracker Barrel food was delicious, and in one hour the whole crowd was gathering outside for conversation and a ride in the sunshine on different routes home.  One group stopped in Gold Canyon for ice cream.  Everyone was home around 1:00 with 122 miles of riding in 2 hours 41 minutes lapsed time at average 43 mph. 

 

The Road Captains will meet tomorrow, Thursday in the GV Pima Room at 4:00 PM to plan rides for February. 

 

Notice Paul & Bonnie's pictures, including the Florence courthouse and a selfie of Paul & Don! I had to edit some of the pictures due to some servers not accepting messages over 25 MB.

 

2ND MESSAGE - SIZE WAS STILL TOO BIG, TRYING AGAIN.