Yarnell Ride 4/26/2009

We headed out yesterday to another local favorite pass through point called Yarnell (Arizona). This ride from Peoria, AZ takes you through Wickenburg, which I call the town that leads to all points North.

We stopped in Wickenburg at the Cowboy Cafe, which is by far our favorite spot to fuel up on energy. After a hearty breakfast and some much needed coffee it was off to the 20 minute ride to Yarnell.

As I said, Yarnell is a pass through point to Prescott. This scenic route takes you up their steep mountain climb where you can truly begin to notice the drop in temperature. On this particular day I would say there was a definite 10 degree difference. The trip up the mountain is filled with twists and turns so you need to keep your attention on the road and not drift off to the sights of the valley below. There are pull outs as you come down the mountain for that.. Also beware of rocks that may have fallen on the road.

When we arrived at Yarnell, we stopped at a local souvenir store. A lot of unique items were found in this little gem of a store.

Then it was off to the destination we rode there for "The Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains". This is located off of Route 89 in Yarnell on Shrine Road. A little known tourist spot that is maintained by volunteers and donations.

I have to say that we were taken back by the scenic beauty that encompassed this shrine. It really does not matter what Christian religion you partake in because the point is well made as you tour through.

Here is Mrs. BAM taking in the sight of one of Crosses with a story

inscribed.

Once we completed the tour it was off to home. Though there is not much to stop for in Yarnell, I would recommend that you take a quick stop by this location. Well worth the time.

Total miles for the day: 87

Route Taken: From Peoria we headed out 303 to Route 60 then to 89 (follow the signs to Yarnell).

Total Revs: 3.5

Additional Comments: If you continue on from Yarnell the Revs go up to a definite 5. The back roads to Prescott are well worth the ride. We just didn't have it in our schedule for the day..

Rubber Side Down!

BAM

Fountain Hills Ride 4/19/2009

Fountain Hills has been on our list for a while now. A day ride that easily got Mrs. BAM prepped for the coming season of several planned trips. Total mileage for the day was 114.

This particular ride started out from our home in Peoria, AZ with no particular scenary until we actually got to Fountain Hills. The particular route we took once in Fountain Hills led us through neighborhoods filled with incredible homes and amazing views.

One of several problems with this ride was the fact that heading South on the 101 we were detoured off the highway and ran into way to much traffic for a Sunday jaunt. My guess is that the detour cost us nearly 30 minutes of time which provided nothing but total CAUTION for fear we would be clipped. This nearly happened while trying to exit off the 101 detour. It amazes me no matter how many signs they put up in advance, advising that lanes are narrowing down to one, that there is always that one freakin jerk that plays the "I didn't realize" game... Well it nearly cost us big time as we headed into a slight skid but as always, the Harley kept it's cool and we moved on.

Anyway, once we arrived into Fountain Hills, noted for it's World renowned fountain, we were greeted by a pond with no running fountain. WHAT GIVES!!!! So after thinking this may be like the fountains in Vegas that go off every 20 minutes, we waited. Nothing... So we took a few picks of the local pond and then off we went to the Italian restaurant we picked out in advance. As we turned the corner to the restaruant we were greeted with a "Sorry, we're closed". Again, WHAT GIVES!!!!

We didn't have a frisbee on hand but as you can see, they have the park / pond set up to play some frisbee golf..

So off in search of another restaurant. So that you know, Fountain Hills is a town and not a city. My guess is that they hold true to this "small town" attitude as there was hardly anything open on this Sunday ride. So we were left to ask a gas station attendant where there might be a local establishment we could eat at. He directed us to "Streets of New York" which was located about 4 miles from the notorious fountain in a strip center.

We finally arrived and decided to order their popular New Yorker pizza. I have to say that it was one of the better highlights of the ride. The pizza we consumed was pretty top notch. After scarfing down a 10 inch pizza, we decided to make an unplanned stop to one of our favorite Harley stores on the way back home - Buddy Stubs.

As we made our own detour, and arrived we were greated with a closed gated and found that they were closed as well! WHAT GIVES!!!!!!

At this point we threw in the towel and headed home. Regardless of all the short changes we got, it was worth just getting out on the bike and taking in the sound of the pipes and wind..

I have read plenty on Fountain Hills from other riders and they rank it as a decent ride. But in my opinion, I would have to only give it 2 REVS. There just was not enough to take in and do at this particular location. My guess is that several of these riders continued on past Fountain Hills to get to the better part of the ride which is to Apache Junction and Tortilla Flats.

Sorry Fountain Hills.

Rubber Side Down!

BAM

Biker Down

As I have always said, riding on the I-17 at rush hour here in Phoenix is not exactly what I call a joy ride!

About 3 weeks ago I was riding back home during the 5pm rush hour. Heading north on I-17 to our 101 loop has a stretch that is filled with chaos right before you exit to the 101. To many entering and exiting lanes.

On this particular day it was the same old pattern for me. Get in the right lane and stay and keep your eyes peeled for everything and anything even though your only going 5 mph / stop and go. On my left, I had two crotch rockets riding in tandem that passed by slowing down rapidly. I knew their intention was to get into my lane but yet pass several cars before doing so. They must have realized that their luck would run out and so they made their entry.

No more did they do it and all brake lights lit up like a Christmas tree! All of a sudden I seen a guy jump out of his red pick up truck and scurry around to the front. At this point I was probably 5 cars back. Traffic amazingly still kept proceeding.

As I came up to the red pick up truck I followed the rest of the vehicles swerving to the left. I then saw the man trying to pick up one of the crotch rockets to get it off the highway! I then noticed that the rider of the crotch rocket was not there. I seen him getting up off the pavement very slowly and dizzy like trying to figure out what happened. His buddy had turned around and was heading back in our direction to help out.

Thank GOD he was wearing full gear!!!! This day he was able to walk away. All I could think was how STUPID they were for riding side by side and making an entry like that. My conclusion was that his buddy who was on the right sped up and made the entry first. The unfortunate ride on the left was to far back and followed suit to late. No one seen him coming in and he got clipped.

Here is the worst part of all - a Phoenix Highway Patrolman had a car pulled over not even 15 yards from where this all occurred. He was writing a ticket. Do you think he bothered to drop everything and run over to check on the fallen biker? NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! He stayed put still writing the ticket while everyone else was tending to the bike and fallen biker....

NICE!!!!!

Rubber Side Down!!!!!
B