Fwd: Ride to Fountain Hills on March 24

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Phillip Parsons <parsonspj@live.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 24, 2021 at 5:31 PM
Subject: Ride to Fountain Hills on March 24
To: Duane Switz <d_switz@hotmail.com>, Duane Switz <ddswitz@gmail.com>

It was a brisk 59° as 11 bikes and 14 riders assembled at the Chevron for today's ride, which had been planned to go to Oracle. Because there were rain forecasts around, there was discussion about changing the location, which turned out to be the Ft. McDowell golf club, where they have a nice outdoor seating arrangement. A couple riders chose a different location. We enjoyed the meal under blue skies with clouds around four peaks.

After breakfast/lunch Max suggested a recreational ride to the park directly north of Rio Verde.  It includes plenty of curves, and some interesting desert flora as well as an area called the needle. That's a small hike from a nice parking lot with picnic tables, if you ever choose to go there.

The loyal five riders enjoyed some conversation and a return trip via the Bush Highway. We had seen four separate groups of horses on the way out, and several of them were still around in the area between the Bush and the Beeline.  We had about 110 miles for the tour, and returned  to GV just after 1:30 PM.

Each day a couple more riders are headed for their home in the north. Duane will fill in the destination for Saturday's ride, and we know the rides will continue right into summer.

Phil Parsons brisk

.

Thanks for the report, Phil. Saturday's ride will be to Winkleman, either to Maria's or the Golf course

Duane

Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday Ride

Just a reminder: We will start at 9 AM again on Wednesday

Duane

Rim Ride

There were 14 people with 9 bikes ready for our annual "Rim Ride", our journey along the Mogollon Rim. We were also joined at the station by Vern Chrestensen, our venerable tail dragger with the great voice on the CB radio. Vern is leaving GV, and we will all miss him!  Good Luck, Vern!

We headed up the Bush Hwy, with Bob S. leading with myself on the tail. We were concerned that we would encounter cool temperatures on the way to Payson, but were pleasantly surprised to see temps of 60 degrees when we arrived. Our first stop was the Crosswinds Cafe, where they had tables ready for us. After a good breakfast, we were ready to tackle the Rim. We headed out on the 260 Hwy, marveling at the vast pine forests and the marvelous vistas as we traveled along. We encountered snow along the way in the higher elevations, along with cooler temperatures, Dan K spotted a deer standing along the highway, but no elk. Our next stop was Show Low, with a welcome stop for gas and a break. We then headed out on the 60, toward the Salt River Canyon. We descended into the canyon, winding around the many turns and switchbacks until we reached the rest area at the bottom. After a much needed rest break, we climbed back on our bikes for the last leg of our journey, stopping again in Globe for another rest before continuing on. We encountered warm temps as we descended into the valley, registering 86 degrees as we traveled through Gold Canyon and home. My bike registered 309.9 miles traveled, returning at 4:15 PM, ending our yearly "signature" ride of the Blue's Angels!

Next Wednesday's ride is to Oracle and the "Oarhouse", a new spot for us. They don't open until 11 AM, so lunch is in order.

Duane

The road into the canyon

Salt River canyon

Snow along the highway

Vern & Phil

St Patrick's Day Ride

There were 8 bikes & 13 riders at the station ready for the ride to Catalina and the Sunny Side Up restaurant. We had a lot of debate and discussion concerning the Rim Ride, with even a spreadsheet from Bob K. showing the temperatures at various locations along the way! So it was decided we will do the ride on Saturday, March 20th. We then headed out, with Bob S. leading with myself on the tail. It was a pleasant day as we headed down the 79 thru Florence, but the temperatures dropped as we proceeded toward Catalina. We arrived at the restaurant, in anticipation of hot coffee and a good meal. But, the waitress came out and said I'm sorry, we only have 2 waitress's and we can't handle you right now! This is after Bob had called before we left AJ, telling them there were 13 people coming and they said that was ok. So, as we discussed alternative places to go, standing outside the restaurant, a different waitress came out and said, give us a few minutes and we will be able to serve you!

So, in we went - and had our coffee and food. Afterwards, we started back, taking the Park Link Rd across to the frontage road and up to Hwy 87 and home. We arrived back @ 2 PM, traveling 236 miles.

Saturday's ride will be the "Rim Ride" starting at 8 AM!!

Duane

Ride change

Since tomorrow is St Patricks day, Euro Pizza is booked because of the fountain being green water. So it was decided to go to Catalina and Sunny Side Up. They have a separate room for us to eat or bring your lunch.

Duane

Wednesday Ride

Due to the cooler weather, I am changing the schedule. We will change the Rim Ride to March 31, hoping for warmer weather, and go to Euro Pizza in Fountain Hills tomorrow. They have outside seating or bring your lunch.

Duane

Fwd: Ride to Eloy Airport on March 13 (updated copy)

We are scheduled for the "rim ride" on Wednesday, but with a low of 26 degrees in Payson & a high of 55 we may have to reconsider our destination. Ride TBD

Duane

Report by Phil Parsons: 

 

The superstitions were shrouded in clouds when three intrepid riders showed up at the Chevron.  Our goal was to watch the skydivers at Eloy airport, and after recruiting Paul, we were in on our way.  Dennis was the leader and Paul B took up the tail.

 

The sun was shining before we got to Florence, and by the time we got to Eloy the planes were taking jumpers up every 15 minutes. There were lots of people around the airport, and the  Bent Prop was serving meals in modest fashion.  I'm thinking "Wouldn't it be fun to be young again," not acknowledging that I've had my chance.  It's really great to be back in Arizona, and we've discovered that even the COVID season has been a good one with friends.  Dennis told us some interesting stories from his past.  He is a Class D Skydiver with 350+ jumps to his credit.  His Air Force service included precision jumps and an appearance in the Knights Skydiving team. He also carries his card as a private pilot and as a SCUBA diver with plenty of experience. 

 

We eat our lunch at the tables, watch the skydivers coming down against a fairly stiff wind, and suddenly some low clouds came in from the southwest.  The next flight returned to the tarmac, and suddenly skydiving was over for a short period. I had failed to get a picture of any parachutist, so these two photos will have to do.

 

We returned on the 87 through Chandler, dodging a shower on our way. The temperatures were pleasant and the ride was an enjoyable one despite a threatening start. We returned about 1:30 with 155 miles and a good time. I understand the ride on Wednesday will be the venerable salt River Canyon circuit.  Warm temperatures are promised, and there will be more good rides during the season.

 

Phil Parsons

 

PS: through a quirk I have a new battery that fits a Spyder, and perhaps other bikes. It's for sale if anyone is interested.

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

Wednesday Ride

Not too much info on ride, I didn't go as we got our 2nd shot. 9 bikes & 14 riders, I understand headed to Ma's Kitchen with Dan leading and Dennis on the tail. They enjoyed good food & conversation there, then most headed around Roosevelt and back on the 87.

Saturday's ride is to Eloy airport. Food available at restaurant or bring your own.

Duane

Saturday's ride to Pine

11 bikes with 17 people were ready to head north on a warm morning, with temperatures set to be in the 80's later in the day. Mini Al brought up Blue's Angels long sleeved T-shirts and 2 types of ladies caps that he had made. See Al if you asked him to order these for you. He also has Angel's pins for sale. The t-shirts are $15 and the caps/pins are $12.

I led the group, with Bob S on the tail. As we headed up the Bush highway, we were rewarded with the sight of 2 groups of wild horses! There were about 20 in the larger group.

We proceeded up the 87, encountering a lot of wind as we headed north. We arrived in Pine and the Early Bird Cafe, where they were ready for us to be seated on the outside patio. They served us hot coffee right away to warm up, and were served our food very quickly for such a small restaurant. After our meal, we headed back, with a stop for fuel in Payson. We also stopped for a rest at Tonto Basin where we shed some clothing as we headed past Roosevelt Lake on the way to Globe. we got back to GV about 3:15, having traveled 236 miles.

Next Wednesday's ride is to Ma's Kitchen, were I understand there is some outside seating.

Duane

Wednesday 3/3/21 Ride

(Sorry about the first message, accidentally hit the send button)

We had 8 bikes with 14 riders ready for the ride to Casa Grande. There was much discussion and examination of Dennis' new bike, including pictures! I discussed next Saturday's original plan to go to the Coolidge airport, and decided we would go to Pine instead, since the weather is supposed to be in the 80's. Bob S led the way to the Cracker Barrel with myself on the tail. We made good time and soon arrived at the restaurant, where there were outside tables to use. We were soon served with coffee and food, along with plenty of conversation! 2 riders headed in different directions, so only 6 bikes headed back. The wind was starting to pick up as predicted, and we saw plenty of dust on the way back. When  we returned to GV, we could not even see the mountains because of the dust! Anyway, we traveled 124 miles, getting back at 1:15 PM.

Again, next Saturday's destination is to Pine, where they have outside patio seating.

Duane

Wednesday ride 3/3/21

There were 8 bikes with