Every year for the last 8 or 9 years a fellow by the name of Don Cameron in Deming New Mexico has been holding a 'gathering' for Veterans Day. http://www.deminggathering.com/ Don used to own the local Motorcycle shop in Demming and was known as the "Go to" guy for all the motorcycling needs. When he retired he sold the business, but couldn't give up the friendships and relationships he'd developed during his many years in business. So, the gahering began, small at the start, and always limited to the first 175 folks that signed up and paid their 10 bucks for the Bar-B-Que. The Long Distance Riders http://www.ldriders.com/ and local New Mexico clubs participated. It's grown.
Enter my friend, Bob. He's a LD Rider and has been attending this event for years, and has invited me along a number of times but I'd always been out of time off or had other commitments. This year I got to say "Yes!" when the invitation came along.
This was to be a week long ride from the Bay Area, through and around Arizona to the Mexican Border and up to Deming by Saturday for the party.
We left around noon on Wednesday the 4th of November and made a slab bee line down to Bakersfield and the Crystal Palace for the night. Did it 'Just to get out of town' 
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Dinner at the palace consisted of an excellent steak and some very fine entertainment. I left my camera in the motel, but have to share this one picture of Bob and his desert from my cell phone - Mud Pie - that sucker was HUGE!
As Bob was finishing his mud pie his cell rang and we found that another friend that was going to the gathering had just checked into the hotel and would be joining us for Dinner. A few minutes later our friend Bob Shelton arrived. He ate while we talked about the upcoming ride. We decided to be Bob'd (Butts on Bikes), Feet up and wheels turning at 08:00 on Thursday. So I toddled off to my bed and a nights sleep.
Thursdays Route and Spot Tracker:
Note that all routes we took will be highlited in yellow.
The route for Thursday was to take the ride across the Tehachapi Pass , through Mojave then take 395 South at the 4 corners toward Apple Valley . Through Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, following the desert along highway 62. We eventually crossed the Colorado River and entered Parker, Az. We also lost an hour.
Along the way. Bob H. in the lead, Bob S. and me. We're in the desert and we're a small pack!
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
The desert can be a VERY lonely place. This was taken about 10:00 and the temps had warmed to about 74 from the chill of the morning of 55.
Along Highway 62
Bob S. - The man was never without his still camera or his hi-def video camera.
We arrived in Arizona about 14:00 and still had another 2 1/2 hours to go before arriving in Wickenburg for the night. Where we were to pick up the 4th Member or our Pack later in the evening.
Taking a break from the sun.
Your's truly.
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Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Well we arrived in Wickenburg about 17:30 and got checked into our Best Western. The hotel in Wickenburg is really quite nice, rooms are a bit small, but then too - so is the town! Dinner that night was across the street at "The Golden Nugget" Good food - no pics - forgot the darn camera again.
The 4th packmember arrived about 22:00 after riding in from Salt Lake City - a 650 mile day for him. 4th member is Dennis.
Friday's route and spot tracker:
We got up and went through the same routine as the day before (Bob'd, feet up and wheels rolling by 8:00) - only this time we had to make sure we had a full breakfast first.
Once underway we headed for us-63 and Arizaona 89 for a ride up toward Prescott and through the Skull Valley .
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
A little fall color along the Skull Valley . Cottonwoods with their tell tale Green bottom leaves and their brilliant yellow top leaves.
Along Az-89 toward Prescott .
Another shot along the way.
Along US-89A toward Jerome.
And beautiful Downtown Jerome, Az.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
We made a quick stop at the I-15 and Az-260 intersection for fuel and refreshment before continuing on through the Verde Valley on Az-260 toward Payson.
A couple of shots along the way.
At Payson we turned right and headed South along US-188. It wasn't too long before we reached the Colorado River once again and the Rosevelt Dam and Lake . This area of Arizona is known as the Tonto Preserve (no, not of the Lone Ranger fame (at least not that I'm aware of)).
Cactus anyone??
Rosevelt Lake .
Tonto Cliff Dwelling.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Highway 188 heading in toward Benson , Az.
We arrived at 18:30 in the small town of Benson and were welcomed to the Best Western with gifts of cleaning rags for the bikes, kickstand Pucks (for those soft shoulder stops we like to make), and hand cleaner.
Talk about being Biker Friendly -- YES - Best Western Benson - Recommended.
We orderd in Pizza and waited for the 5th member of our pack to show up. His name is Bill. -- Skinny guy, black shirt.
Todays route spot tracker:
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Ok, we have nearly the entire pack together, only missing one and he's riding in from Texas so we won't see him till the gathering.
We still have a ways to go. Today's route will take us even further South into the town of Tombstone and further yet into Bisbee. I'm pretty sure that if you spit (even in a light breeze) from the Southen town limits of Bisbee it would wind up in Mexico .
The highways were very remote today, pretty much the only other traffic we saw was the Border Patrol, and there were lot's of them.
But, I get ahead of myself -- first - here are today's route and spot tracker.
Early morning getting ready to leave.
It was so early in the morning, and so late in the season there wasn't any activity in Tombstone , so I took just the one picture and then we headed out of town.
The town of Bisbee , Az came into existance because of the discovery of Copper. The Lavender mine - long closed is still the center of attention when riding through. This picture is of the lake at the bottom of the pit.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
There are several other 'noteables' about Bisbee. The first is Dot's Diner, and the Second is the Shady Dell Motel.
Dot's Diner is a 'purpose built' structure - it was constructed soley to be a diner, I supposed if you wanted to gut it and turn it into something else you could, but who would want to??
This very small little place has exactly 10 seats in it and pretty good food too.
From left to right -- Unknown local, Bill, Me, Dennis, Bob S., Bob H.
The back wall.
The Kitchen.
Ummm What's left of my breakfast by the time I remembered to take a picture.
And the building itself.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
The other noteable is the Shady Dell Motel. This place is a hoot! If you've ever been in Northern Ca. and stayed at the Railroad Park Motel up there then you'll be able to relate to this place. It's a motel that is made up entirely of old 'air stream' trailers. I'm talking Vintage stuff here. They have 12 units, 8 of which have bathrooms. Mostly trailers, but several buses and one Chis Craft boat.
After Breakfast we decided to take a stroll around the Motel.
The owner was out doing work and was thrilled to show us around.
We bid goodbye to the friendly town of Bisbee and headed East and South. The Mexican Border on our right and the dust and sand of Arizona 's desert on the left.
Eventually we crossed the border into New Mexico and gradually headed North toward Deming.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
The Gathering -- Wow. This first shot was taken about 14:30 as people began arriving for the 16:00 lunch bell.
Bill found a missing Pack Member who we didn't know for sure was coming. Say hi to Pat.
They had mini bike races. The idea here was not to see how fast you could go, but, rather how slowly -- without putting your foot down.
Bikes from everywhere and of all kinds. There were a lot of BMW's, as well as Honda's.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
When parking at the 'Ranch' ran out they just put them across the street.
Attendees brought their new bikes with sidecars!
Their classic old BMW's
Even a new Kawi Connie showed up.
And there was plenty of food. Now I have to tell you that that smoke ring aroung the beef was perfect and wow was it flavorful.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Folks enjoying Don's hospitality and food.
Later in the evening they had a large bon-fire and 'closing ceremony's'. The way this works is the attendees pay for their food, and then, as they want, purchase raffle tickets for a 50/50 drawing and / or participate in the other games during the day. At the end of the day the drawing is held and half the money goes to a lucky winner, while the other half goes to the local veterans home for their expenses. I didn't win. 
The next morning the rat pack seperated. The two Bob's needed to be home by Monday, and Bill wanted to return on Sunday (IBA Indeed!). I however wanted to take a more leisurely ride and spend some time on the Coronado trail.
Saying goodbye to Bob and Bob.
My route and Spot for the Ride on Sunday.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
The Coronado Trail extends from Stafford , Az in the South to Springerville, Az. in the North. It is also known as highway 191. Many motorcyclists will remember it as the 666 highway. For reasons that we don't need to discuss here it was renamed to 191.
The highway out of Stafford is smooth, fast and fun.
It changes pretty quickly into more challanging conditions. By the time I arrived in the Company town of Clifton the highway was all 2 lane and well traveled.
A few miles North of Cifton is the old Comany town of Morenci . I was intrigued by this sign. It says it's a 'Sanitary Market' . Didn't look particularly sanitary to me...
There is an interesting story about Morenci and Clifton . Seems that the fine folks of Morenci were the original workers at the Springerville mine just outside of town. Well, they felt they deserved a raise and when no raise was forthcoming they went on strike. The owners of the mine proceeeded to shut them out vowing to hire no one from the town of Morenci . Instead th company built the town of Clifton and advertised that they were looking for employees -- all they had to do was be from Clifton .
Go figure.
The highway continued on toward what has to be one of the largest operating copper mines in the world.
My first view of the mine. This thing stretches for miles!
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Crushed ore ready for the next step in the process.
A couple more shots of the mine.
Now, once past the mine the highway became quite interesting. It climbed and then climbed some more. Very slow speed limts. Arizona seems to have adopted the philosophy of "Well we can't enforce a 'yellow' reccomended speed limit, so we'll just set the maximum speed to what we would reccommend.".
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Enjoy the Coronado Trail. Mostly Speedlimits of 25. Once I made it to flat spots the speed would increase to 35 or 40. Lot 's of campgrounds along the road. Not to much traffic, but really very scenic. Technical in spots and downright fun the whole way.
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
A final shot of the trail as I headed into Alpine. I should note that I did indeed run into a bit of snow at the top. Mostly along side the road, but there were several spots where it was deeply shaded where I needed to navigate along cage tracks.
Once out of Springerville I picked up US-180 and took it into Holbrook, Az where I spent the night at the Arizonian Inn - (another Best Western) -- They even had my information from the last time I was there (and I can't remember when that was!!).
The Ride along 180 had this one ineresting spot.
Holbrook, Az. IS an old route 66 town - there's evidence everywhere.
Once in Holbrook it was a slab ride all of the way home. No more pictures. Just the tracker into Bako.
And my GPS Report.
This rat's pooped. Hope you enjoyed riding along with me.
Cheers!
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 
Hi all,
Bob -- Thanks for getting me out of the house and on the road again - as usual your routes and sights are first class!
Bonnie -- Yeah, I gotta say seeing that mine blew me away -- I can't tell you how many times I've been across Arizona , knowing it was home to these Giant mines, but never took the time to find one... Glad I did on this trip.
Chris -- Well let me see -- Seems to be somewhere in the vicinity of about 32,000 for the year -- not a bad year at all! (Did have to change wheel bearings earlier in the year and I'm on the third set of tires.....)
Dave -- We were told that when it rains down there it's a monsoon -- glad we didn't have to deal with what you did. That would have been no fun at all.
Larry -- Yeah, I do own a spot tracker -- I won't leave home without it as it offers my family a way of seeing how I'm doing on my ride. Plus the 911 service is invaluable in my opinion anyway.
Thanks again for the great comments! Glad you all enjoyed the ride along.
Cheers!
__________________
Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle. 