DragonRider Posted August 18, 2008 Share #26 Posted August 18, 2008 A few sights I had to take in when I was out that way were the Great Meteorite Crater, The Petrefied Forest & the Painted Desert, and if possible the Grand Canyon, especially at sunrise.....thats a sight you wont believe............Have a great time and be careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tx2sturgis Posted August 18, 2008 Share #27 Posted August 18, 2008 (edited) Looks like you will just miss the White Buffalo Bikefest in Snyder Texas...oh well...I'll tell the Molly Hatchet band you tried! Hey what route are you taking across Texas? If you pass thru on I-40, ( and stop in Amarillo at one of our famous biker bars with great food!) hitting US 60 to the southwest, then its not far out of the way to check out Palo Duro Canyon...you can ride down INTO this canyon, and its the second largest behind the Grand Canyon. It will take most of a day to divert there and enjoy the park road thru the canyon. Nearby Canyon, Texas has good reasonably priced rooms. In New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns is awesome...it will take at least half a day, depending on which trail you take. The town of Carlsbad has good prices on motels..and hey, your right near a Wal-Mart! When leaving Carlsbad, heading west over HWY 62-180 to El Paso, there is only one gas stop in about 150 miles. Be sure to travel that stretch during the day, and its not a bad idea to carry a small can of extra gas...that stretch of desert is pretty lonely...although quite beautiful, especially passing thru the Guadalupe mountains. There is some ongoing construction on 62/180, south of White City...be careful there. Have your mp3 or xm radio ready cuz the only radio stations that you can hear are all playing Mexican music. Entering El Paso, take loop 375 over Transmountain road...this gets you past all of the hectic I-10 traffic, and from the rest area near the top of the pass, you can see Mexico! Binoculars are great up there! Then the downhill cruise takes you right over to Interstate 10...and in 4 hours or so, you will be in Tucson. (There are Border Patrol Check Stations going in and out of El Paso, so if you are carrying anything that the drug sniffing dogs dont like...well...your trip might be interrupted for awhile.) Any time you stop and eat in this part of the country, if you order Mexican food, you will be asked if you want red or green sauce...I recommend the green...it spices up the enchiladas, and green chili burgers are excellent! If you have time, check out the Pima Air Museum on Valencia Road while your in Tucson...that will take a half day to see most of it. They have everything from the Wright brothers flyer (replica) to the giant Super Guppy and the SR-71 BlackBird, and everything in between! When you get up to southern Wyoming, why not divert thru the Black Hills of South Dakota? Not that far from your route, and they are some of the best places on Earth to ride a motorcycle. Take at least 2 days minimum...and take the loop by Mt Rushmore and down thru Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway. It will be cool in early October...check the weather reports often and bring your gear! Dont forget to swing thru Deadwood...and bring in 10's and 20's for the casinos! Stop in at Saloon Number 10. Say 'Hi' to Lori...blackjack dealer and part owner..and easy on the eyes too! Whew...lessse...now that I've planned the whole trip fer ya...one more thing....I WANNA GO!!! Edited August 18, 2008 by tx2sturgis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share #28 Posted August 18, 2008 A few sights I had to take in when I was out that way were the Great Meteorite Crater, The Petrefied Forest & the Painted Desert, and if possible the Grand Canyon, especially at sunrise.....thats a sight you wont believe............Have a great time and be careful. Thank you Lewis! I would love to see the Petrified Forest, my uncle and dad were there when they were teenagers! Tell Charlene hello for us! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share #29 Posted August 18, 2008 Looks like you will just miss the White Buffalo Bikefest in Snyder Texas...oh well...I'll tell the Molly Hatchet band you tried! Hey what route are you taking across Texas? If you pass thru on I-40, hitting US 60 to the southwest, then its not far out of the way to check out Palo Duro Canyon...you can ride down INTO this canyon, and its the second largest behind the Grand Canyon. It will take most of a day to divert there and enjoy the park road thru the canyon. Nearby Canyon, Texas has good reasonably priced rooms. In New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns is awesome...it will take at least half a day, depending on which trail you take. The town of Carlsbad has good prices on motels..and hey, your right near a Wal-Mart! When leaving Carlsbad, heading west over HWY 62-180 to El Paso, there is only one gas stop in about 150 miles. Be sure to travel that stretch during the day, and its not a bad idea to carry a small can of extra gas...that stretch of desert is pretty lonely...although quite beautiful, especially passing thru the Guadalupe mountains. There is some ongoing construction on 62/180, south of White City...be careful there. Have your mp3 or xm radio ready cuz the only radio stations that you can hear are all playing Mexican music. Entering El Paso, take loop 375 over Transmountain road...this gets you past all of the hectic I-10 traffic, and from the rest area near the top of the pass, you can see Mexico! Binoculars are great up there! Then the downhill cruise takes you right over to Interstate 10...and in 4 hours or so, you will be in Tucson. Any time you stop and eat in this part of the country, if you order Mexican food, you will be asked if you want red or green sauce...I recommend the green...it spices up the enchiladas, and green chili burgers are excellent! If you have time, check out the Pima Air Museum on Valencia Road while your in Tucson...that will take a half day to see most of it. They have everything from the Wright brothers flyer (replica) to the giant Super Guppy and the SR-71 BlackBird, and everything in between! When you get up to southern Wyoming, why not divert thru the Black Hills of South Dakota? Not that far from your route, and they are some of the best places on Earth to ride a motorcycle. Take at least 2 days minimum...and take the loop by Mt Rushmore and down thru Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway. It will be cool in early October...check the weather reports often and bring your gear! Dont forget to swing thru Deadwood...and bring in 10's and 20's for the casinos! Stop in at Saloon Number 10. Say 'Hi' to Lori...blackjack dealer and part owner..and easy on the eyes too! Whew...lessse...now that I've planned the whole trip fer ya...one more thing....I WANNA GO!!! I am breathless after reading this! Thank you so much for all the info. There is so much to see and do that I know we will be planning another trip like this! By the way, I have family in Plainview and Kress area. Vic Martin was my uncle if by any chance you know them. Uncle Vic passed away several years ago and my aunt remarried, Adeline Barnes, married to Gary Barnes, and my cousin "Tex" should still be living in the area! By the way, saddle up and come join us! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEER30 Posted August 18, 2008 Share #30 Posted August 18, 2008 Dang Bobbie . Are you on vacation now ? Never saw you post so many times in one day ! :rotf: BEER30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share #31 Posted August 18, 2008 Dang Bobbie . Are you on vacation now ? Never saw you post so many times in one day ! :rotf: BEER30 You are funny, Beer! When I spoke to George at lunch, I told him about the post and he wondered in anyone was working today!! Can you tell I am excited about the trip?!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tx2sturgis Posted August 18, 2008 Share #32 Posted August 18, 2008 By the way, I have family in Plainview and Kress area. Vic Martin was my uncle if by any chance you know them. Uncle Vic passed away several years ago and my aunt remarried, Adeline Barnes, married to Gary Barnes, and my cousin "Tex" should still be living in the area! By the way, saddle up and come join us! Ride safe, Bobbie If it works out that I am in town, I'd be glad to meet you either here in Plainview or in Amarillo. Alas...my large bike trip for the year is past now. I blew my wad going to Sturgis...but maybe next year! Yall have fun...and I'll PM my number to ya...feel free to call when you get into Texas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share #33 Posted August 18, 2008 If it works out that I am in town, I'd be glad to meet you either here in Plainview or in Amarillo. Alas...my large bike trip for the year is past now. I blew my wad going to Sturgis...but maybe next year! Yall have fun...and I'll PM my number to ya...feel free to call when you get into Texas. I know our card will be exhausted when we finish this trip! We would love to meet you and we'll definitely give you a call! Looking forward to it! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossman Posted August 18, 2008 Share #34 Posted August 18, 2008 Hey I sure do envy youall. Sounds like a good time. Depends on which route you take if you deceide to come through NM to get to Carlsbad, I say that because you can go through Lubbock TX on down to Carlsbad. But If you deceide to come this way I live in Portales, Give me a hollar If you need a place to spend night no problem. I will even see if I can convence mama into making some tortillas and a fresh pot of beans and chile. My # is 575-760-4877 till 3:00 and 575-356-8102 after that. Larry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve S Posted August 19, 2008 Share #35 Posted August 19, 2008 We are thinking that too and extra gas. George is looking to see about putting a little rack on the back for water and gas! Have to survive so I can post pictures! Thank you! Ride safe, Bobbie Mechanic. There has been a lot of new growth in the area so we found that there was plenty of fuel depots out in that area. The only time I used reserve was while I was on the interstate and didn't want to stop. Of course I didn't push the issue and never let it get below 1/4 tank. That being said, have Sleephawk put the rack on for an ice chest. You will love being able to grab a drink whenever you stop. I did that and it was a very nice accessory to the bike. We both welcomed a good cold bottle of water every time we stopped. Good luck and.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mraf Posted August 19, 2008 Share #36 Posted August 19, 2008 A lot of good sightseeing has been said. The only thing I could add is that in Holbrook, Arizona there is a motel that is made up of cement T pees. With a classic car next to each one. We didn't stay there because we had already rented a room before we seen these.The wife says next time we are through there its a must do. It's on the old route 66 road. You'll have a ball! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted August 19, 2008 Author Share #37 Posted August 19, 2008 Hey I sure do envy youall. Sounds like a good time. Depends on which route you take if you deceide to come through NM to get to Carlsbad, I say that because you can go through Lubbock TX on down to Carlsbad. But If you deceide to come this way I live in Portales, Give me a hollar If you need a place to spend night no problem. I will even see if I can convence mama into making some tortillas and a fresh pot of beans and chile. My # is 575-760-4877 till 3:00 and 575-356-8102 after that. Larry. Larry, thank you so much for the invitation! Homemade tortillas and chili sound soooo good. I am not sure though that we will be traveling northward at that point, but if we should, we will give you a call in advance. By the way, George's parents were asking us about any open to the public hot springs in New Mexico for that time of year. Do you know of any? If so, please let me know! We are so looking forward to this trip! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted August 19, 2008 Author Share #38 Posted August 19, 2008 Mechanic. There has been a lot of new growth in the area so we found that there was plenty of fuel depots out in that area. The only time I used reserve was while I was on the interstate and didn't want to stop. Of course I didn't push the issue and never let it get below 1/4 tank. That being said, have Sleephawk put the rack on for an ice chest. You will love being able to grab a drink whenever you stop. I did that and it was a very nice accessory to the bike. We both welcomed a good cold bottle of water every time we stopped. Good luck and.. Thanks for the info. The scarcity of gas stations was one of our biggest concerns, but Sleeperhawk is going to get a rack also for an ice chest for water and cold drinks (I put a camel to shame when it comes to drinking water)! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted September 19, 2008 Author Share #39 Posted September 19, 2008 7 more days to our trip!:dancefool::dancefool::dancefool: Sleeperhawk has the rack on the bike, and it is all wired up and very bright in the back! (Got to have some place to put my camera batteries and chips!) Camera is sitting on top of the pile, wintergear is packed, clothes are almost packed, Sleeperhawk's laptop is ready, along with the maps! NOW WHAT?!!!!! A painfully long and agonizing wait until Friday, September 26, at noon when we will be WEST BOUND!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aimhigh Posted September 19, 2008 Share #40 Posted September 19, 2008 Texas: the Alamo, the Riverwalk, Palo Duro, Big Bend (won't be able to hit all, but do go to as many as you can) New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands Have a great trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brainfart Posted September 19, 2008 Share #41 Posted September 19, 2008 sounds like a WONDERFUL Trip! Just outside Tucson you might consider a visit to the *last* TITAN Missle Silo. The Docents who conduct the tour actually worked in the silo during the cold war. Kartchner Caverns too, and Tombstone, AZ. and don't forget "THE THING" (just a bit east of Tucson) the Biosphere is outside Oracle, AZ When near Flagstaff - take Hiway 89A thru Oak Creek Canyon. It parallels I17 and doesn't take you much off the main-line. Locals claim it's more beautiful (albiet smaller) than the Grand Canyon. We live outside Phoenix - if you need us while you're passin thru here - we're available. ride safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZSpyder Posted September 20, 2008 Share #42 Posted September 20, 2008 I couldn't tell for sure when you expect to arrive in Tucson. If you are able to sight see on the 4th I can be a guide. I do know where a bunch of good and inexpensive places to eat are. There have been a number of good suggestions. There is also a nice mountain ride to see the most southern ski lift in the country. On another mountain is a big time observatory complex. There a lots of rides around, lakes, other dams and mountain roads. Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted September 20, 2008 Author Share #43 Posted September 20, 2008 sounds like a WONDERFUL Trip! Just outside Tucson you might consider a visit to the *last* TITAN Missle Silo. The Docents who conduct the tour actually worked in the silo during the cold war. Kartchner Caverns too, and Tombstone, AZ. and don't forget "THE THING" (just a bit east of Tucson) the Biosphere is outside Oracle, AZ When near Flagstaff - take Hiway 89A thru Oak Creek Canyon. It parallels I17 and doesn't take you much off the main-line. Locals claim it's more beautiful (albiet smaller) than the Grand Canyon. We live outside Phoenix - if you need us while you're passin thru here - we're available. ride safe! So much to see and do and just not enough time! I know we will have to make return trips to the area. It sounds like my kind of country! Thank you for the offer - may have to meet up for a mini Meet and Eat! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted September 20, 2008 Author Share #44 Posted September 20, 2008 I couldn't tell for sure when you expect to arrive in Tucson. If you are able to sight see on the 4th I can be a guide. I do know where a bunch of good and inexpensive places to eat are. There have been a number of good suggestions. There is also a nice mountain ride to see the most southern ski lift in the country. On another mountain is a big time observatory complex. There a lots of rides around, lakes, other dams and mountain roads. Jerry We will be getting into the Tucson area on Friday, October 3 - George's brother is turning 50 on the 4th so we will be spending time with the family. Wish we could take you up on the offer - can't beat a personal tour guide. As I stated above, we will have return trips to the area, I know we will not get to see all that we want to in the short time we are on this trip! Maybe we will be able to meet up one day! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawk Posted September 20, 2008 Share #45 Posted September 20, 2008 Ok, the plan is to be at the Grand Canyon area around Wednesday, October 1, late. Ride around the area, see Boulder Dam, may go into Las Vegas because for the Bikefest going on that week in Las Vegas. Leave early Friday morning and ride to Tucson. See brother and his family. Leave out early Sunday morning and head to the 4 corners and on into Colorado. Depending on how far we get, hopefully around the Ft Collins area that night, leave out early Monday, ride into Laramie, Wy. via the mountain routes, if the snows have not fallen yet. Then come on into Nebraska panhandle to visit some relative, then on into Kansas to see parents and the other brother. Cut across Oaklahoma Friday and Arkansas into Tennessee. Then Saturday back into Columbia. I think that will be enough for a couple of weeks. :cool10: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted September 20, 2008 Author Share #46 Posted September 20, 2008 Ok, the plan is to be at the Grand Canyon area around Wednesday, October 1, late. Ride around the area, see Boulder Dam, may go into Las Vegas because for the Bikefest going on that week in Las Vegas. Leave early Friday morning and ride to Tucson. See brother and his family. Leave out early Sunday morning and head to the 4 corners and on into Colorado. Depending on how far we get, hopefully around the Ft Collins area that night, leave out early Monday, ride into Laramie, Wy. via the mountain routes, if the snows have not fallen yet. Then come on into Nebraska panhandle to visit some relative, then on into Kansas to see parents and the other brother. Cut across Oaklahoma Friday and Arkansas into Tennessee. Then Saturday back into Columbia. I think that will be enough for a couple of weeks. :cool10: Nahh, not enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thumper1 Posted September 22, 2008 Share #47 Posted September 22, 2008 we used to live up near sedona, and no trip would be complete without going through sedona and uphwy 89a through oak creek canyon to flagstaff then up to the top of the snow bowl on san francisco mtn. a great motorcycle ride . enjoy maybe next year for us. ride safe and be cool, thumper1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share #48 Posted September 23, 2008 Three more days before we leave (that does not include today!) :dancefool: Packing a little bit more wintergear! Sleeperhawk informs me that we will probably be running into cooler weather - as low as 29 degrees in the mornings the second week of our trip around Colorado! What a change from what we have had here in South Carolina. But we'll take it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Krom Posted September 23, 2008 Share #49 Posted September 23, 2008 Hello to you both, I live in Phoenix :scorched:and I would be glad to meet with you on your way through if you like. Let me know your personal email and I will give you my phone number. Give me an idea of your route as there are a couple of places in Texas that you should see and a couple of places to eat that should not be missed (Tex Mex). If you let me know how you are coming into Tucson (I-10 is the best) and how you will go through the state of Arizona, I will give you some great spots to see and some great ride routes to see them from. Let me know. Regards, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawks Mechanic Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share #50 Posted September 23, 2008 Hello to you both, I live in Phoenix :scorched:and I would be glad to meet with you on your way through if you like. Let me know your personal email and I will give you my phone number. Give me an idea of your route as there are a couple of places in Texas that you should see and a couple of places to eat that should not be missed (Tex Mex). If you let me know how you are coming into Tucson (I-10 is the best) and how you will go through the state of Arizona, I will give you some great spots to see and some great ride routes to see them from. Let me know. Regards, John Hi John! We are leaving Columbia this Friday and spending the night in Meridian, Mississippi. Saturday, we will be getting into Joshua, Texas where George's daughter lives and spending a couple of days with her. We will leave there and head to Ballinger, Texas on Monday afternoon. Tuesday at noon (September 30), we will be riding to Lowake Inn Steakhouse (ummm, steaks and onion rings). I grew up not far from there and the quality of food has always been the best! From Lowake, we will be riding to Albuquerque, New Mexico and spending the night. I am not sure which way George plans on getting to Albuquerque. Leaving Albuquerque, we are headed to Needles, California so I can get California on my map! From there, we are headed to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and then by Friday, October 3, we will be in Tucson. George's brother turns 50 on Saturday so we will be spending Friday and Saturday with them! Early Sunday morning, we will be heading out towards Colorado. And from there, weather will be our decision maker, but we will be going to Kansas to see George's parents! After reciting all of this, I am ready to leave now!!!!! Just a small issue of having to be at work! I have sent you a PM with my email address, thank you for your offer! If we don't get to see you this trip, we will be back in the future! Ride safe, Bobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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