Blue's Angels

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Gila Bend Ride - and beyond

We should have had an indication of things to come when we arrived at the station. We were greeted with 2 other groups already there, and another large group soon arrived. We separated into our group, where I announced that Al Negen was still in the hospital. Also clarified that it is Peter, not Joanne Vander Werff that is having open heart surgery the end of January. We wish then both the best. We left with 11 bikes and 18 riders, led by Bob & Barb Shinnick, with yours truly on the tail. As we headed to Maricopa, we encountered 2 other groups heading in the same direction, one ahead of us and one behind. They also made the turn onto the 238 Hwy toward Gila Bend. As we approached the Space Age restaurant, we saw the parking lot was full, with well over 100 motorcycles! It seems every other rider had the same destination as us in mind, since it was such a nice day! I had called ahead for reservations, but the restaurant was packed! We decided it would be too long a wait, and decided to head to the Cracker Barrel at Casa Grande instead. So we headed out on the 8 and then the 84 hwys, passing by the Red River cattle yards, with 1000's of cattle in the yards. We then passed thru Stansfield, and arrived at the Cracker Barrel. They were busy also, and had to wait more than 30 minutes for a table! It took a while to get our food, as by that time it was 1:30. So most of us opted for lunch instead of breakfast. We then stopped for fuel, and headed back thru Coolidge. We arrived back at the park at 3:45, with 210 miles ridden, after a long day.

Sorry, no pictures, as our photographer was sick.

I want to thank Garry & Anne Hewitt and Bob & Barb Shinnick for graciously volunteering to host our annual picnic in March!

Wednesday's planned destination is Ma's Kitchen/Butcher Hook, weather permitting.

Duane

Sunday, December 22, 2019

December 21st Ride

We had 6 bikes and 10 riders ready for the ride to Mammoth. 2 others decided on a shorter ride to the Florence cafe. We headed out through Superior, down the Copper Corridor to Winkleman. There was a long wait for the light to change at the bridge construction. with only one lane open. We arrived at the Mi Pueblto restaurant a little earlier than expected, but they soon had tables set up for us. The restaurant had been updated and modernized since the last time we were there. They had an extensive menu of items to choose from. We soon were served and ready to head back through Florence. We took a short detour to Catalina for fuel, and then the problems began... First Dennis' bike would not start after fueling, and after some troubleshooting. it was decided to call a tow truck. Then Garry's bike wouldn't start! It was determined he had a loose battery connection, and after tightening, we were soon on our way, with Dennis waiting for the tow truck. They transported his bike to Superstition Harley for him, and he arrived home about 5PM. The five of us got back to GV about 2:45, having traveled 185 miles.

There will be a Road Captains meeting on Monday, December 30th in the Hopi Room at 4 PM.

Next Saturday's ride TBD.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Duane

Ride to Maria's

13 bikes gathered at the station where the wind was deceptively calm when we organized. The restaurant of choice was Maria's number one at Hayden, a familiar place to all the riders. Our organizer today was Vern Chrestensen in the absence of Duane, who is installing new countertops at their home. Phil let the second group

Besides the wind, there were several things of interest. A covey of four wheelers appeared on the 177 south of Superior, then disappeared into the mountain peaks. There are groups of strikers at the Ray and Hayden mines. Huge clouds of dust appeared in the mine area; apparently the result of mine roads not being watered and used.

Our tables were waiting at Maria's and everyone enjoyed the cooking expertise at that place. Coffee was a welcome warm-up on this cool day. After the meal, we divided with about six riders going around the copper Corridor to Globe and returning on the 60 where are there are several construction projects. The temperature at the peak was down to 43° but recovered to 50° at Globe. That group returned to GV at about 1:30 with 150 miles. The second group returned about 12:30 the way they came with 120 miles averaging 50 mph. A good time was had by all.

The schedule calls for a ride to Mammoth on Saturday, and Gary is in charge.

Phil Parsons

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PIC'S FROM PAUL !!

Hi there Mr. Vern. Yes, we sure miss being down there taking part in all the activities. And the motorcycle riding with all the Blues Angels. Yes, we also miss the action with the Chair People. I usually get together with some of the Harley group of riders for lunch a couple of times a month in the nonriding weather, but it's not the same as being down in Apache Junction. A couple of pictures from up here in the Far North.