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Six bikes with seven riders met at the station under a clear cold sky this morning. The plan was to visit the Hideout Steakhouse in the east mall at Casa Grande, where other groups had dined before. Dennis was our leader today as we chose the 79 to Florence with the idea that we would see the water flowing under the Florence bridge. Instead, we joined a half mile backup of traffic as the ongoing construction appears to be accelerated by the river's flow.
The Florence bridge is described as a monument to the river's treachery. Most riders remember it was always bumpy. It has been rebuilt three times before this construction, and was the first bridge over a river in Arizona, and the last resurfacing had been in 2000. Now separate lanes are being built in each direction.
Without seeing the river, the Angels ducked right on the Hunt Highway, past Coolidge on the 87 and south to 11 mile corner. The Cotton gin yards are full of raw cotton from the fields, probably because they are short of workers. It appears many fields of wheat are being grown this year, because wheat grain has passed historic high prices, caused by the war in Ukraine . We noticed two farms next to the defunct Phoenix market are being sold. Does that mean new life for an abandoned project?
The Hideout is a neat new bar and restaurant next to the Harkins theater. We were seated in their large back room, where we were soon cradling, orange mugs of coffee. Gary knew about a meal called Pain Perdue that several riders ordered. It was good! We enjoyed the meal and the talk.
We made a fast return trip on the 10 because a couple riders have appointments to meet. As we left Casa Grande we were riding beside a shiny new Lucid electric car that was probably making its maiden voyage from the factory only a few miles back.
Our ride today was 125 miles at 55 mph with 2:16 hours lapsed time.
Jean and I will return to Minnesota on Wednesday for a date with the snow. We hope someone will take up pen and camera to keep this story going. I'll be back in March, looking forward to new territory. We need a Leader to assure us good spring rides and a Spring Banquet!
Phil Parsons.
Sent from my iPhone
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