The Roosevelt Lake ride followed the snowy weekend, and was so beautiful that there were too many pictures. We'll split the text and the photos, then try it again.
Today's ride in the sunshine and +70 degree temperatures was the reason we all come to AZ, and should be expected for most of a normal winter. There were 24 bikes and a flock of passengers assembled at the station when Leader Duane called everyone to order. Duane called attention to the Spring Picnic coming on Saturday, March 16 in the GV Apache Room. The picnic tickets are available from Al and Sandy for $5.00 each, and raffle tickets are 6 for $5. Sandy has made a beautiful Motorcycle quilt which will also be raffled for 6 for $5. Riders are encouraged by Al to give prizes and gift cards to be used in the raffle.
Today's goal was a visit to Tonto Valley and Roosevelt Lake, with breakfast at two different places because of our numbers. Gary and Ann led Group 1 to Butcher Hook Restaurant via the Bush and Beeline highways with Derek as their tailgunner. Group 2 headed east on Highway 60 at about the same time led by Dennis and Mary with their destination being Ma's Kitchen. Dan was the tailgunner. This account reflects the sights as Group 2 saw them.
Imagine our part of the Rockies covered in snow with its pristine Roosevelt Lake below, and that was the sight as we topped the #188 pass to see the 20-mile long lake before us. We were looking at the back side of Four Peaks and Mount Ord still covered in snow that will melt and fill our reservoir for next year's water. It was a brilliant picture best captured by seeing it. There were headlines today about the residents of Punkin Center who must cross flooded Tonto Creek to reach their homes in the Salome Wilderness Area. Their only access now is by use of a restored Army 6 x 6 that sinks to the top of its fenders in the main channel. The photo shows a regular ATV in the shallow channel, and another shows the water crossing on the old Hiway 188 Missouri Bridge in town. Snow along the Beeline (#87) is beautiful when the temps are warm and the highway surface is mostly dry!
Ma's Kitchen had a busy day with riders today; ours was the second of three groups between 10 and noon. They were up to the task, and the Angels were well served and finished in one hour. The two groups met along the 188, so service at Butcher Hook obviously went well.
Total miles traveled was about 185, and all the riders were home by 2:00 PM after a great ride! If you're interested, the lapsed time was 3 hours 58 minutes at 46.3 mph. There will be a Road Captain's meeting Thursday at 4:00 to plan the rides for March, including this coming Saturday.
Phil Parsons
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