Two weeks ago, I took off from Carefree, AZ. with my Aspen motorcycle buddies to explore southeast Arizona. Me on my trusty Diva Glide, Brother Will on his bad ass Harley Wide Glide, Roy and Dave on their brand new BMW enduro/touring R1200 GS bikes. .We travelled east of Phoenix, Az. on Hwy 60 to Apache Junction, south on Hwy 79 through Florence. We went around the city limits of Tucson, Az. hooking up with I10 east to Hwy 80 south to Bisbee, Az.
My friend, Jay Allen, owner of the Broken Spoke Saloons---who lives in Bisbee, had drinks waiting for us at Santiago's ---the local Mexican joint. We met our fabulous hosts, Tamara and Mike Page, who own our hotel, San Ramon, Santiago's, Bisbee Grill, and Bisbee Coffee Company. It was election night---a crazy atmosphere with lots of festivity....and shots---results of the election much to Will's disappointment---but he still rallied. Hotel San Ramon is right above Santiago--darling rooms with thoughtful amenities--right down to the home baked cookies on the bedside tables! It is within walking distance of everything.
We hit the road after breakfast at the Copper Queen Hotel, right next door---the place and the people were quite colorful!! We toured Jay Allen's home and garage--it was a boarding house for all the miners in it's day--some of the ghosts still live there! We then explored the town of Tombstone--had Buffalo burgers for lunch and toured the Bird Cage Theater and hang outs of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday--loose women, cards, guns, and whiskey---perfect for us. Heading east--we rode to the top of Chiricahua National Monument--check out the great self photo--shot right before Will's camera blew off the rock perch and down into the ravine! Breathtaking 360 degree views and chilly winds--race to the bottom! On the way home in the dark--I was in the lead--missed a turn and we rode dirt for a while to the main Hwy 80--Roy and Dave put their BMW's to the test to see how fast they could go --Will and I ate their dust! Low key, but great dinner at Bisbee Grill---miles and wind wore us out--but it's all good and wonderful...no shots tonight!
Breakfast was at the world famous Bisbee Breakfast Club---in one of the remodeled historical buildings right up the street from Jay's place--fab menu from chorizo and eggs to granola pancakes--the boys finally filled up their bellies for the morning! Off to Agua Prieta, Mexico just south of Douglas---we followed some deported illegals across the border, and felt lucky to be us---guess this is one of the biggest crossings in the area. We were off to shop ...not much here....but the farmacia was a must stop for the Diva to buy Retin A! We had lunch at Jay's suggested place called La Reforma (muy picante!)--made some friends there who drove us back close to the border. The great thing about my three dudes is that they love to take it all in with lots of photos---we shot a great one at the abandoned train station there on the Mexican side of the border. Check all the photos out in my gallery on the web site! Back to Bisbee and while the guys took the copper mine tour--I walked the streets to shop. I was well rewarded with shops full of antiques, resale treasures, turquoise jewelry, vintage cowboy boots, and lots of galleries. My favorite was 55MAIN--met the owner, Cristina Plascencia, and loved the assortment of art there--I think she needs some Team Diva hats! Cafe Roka was our place for dinner--(be sure to make reservations!) Entering the place the smells are incredible--housed on Main street in one of the old building with the tall metal stamped ceiling--food was incredible--and met a darling couple trying to have a romantic dinner (he was shipping off to Iraq soon)--romantic???.....not if we can have anything to do with it!!! WE then dragged them to the Stock Exchange (the historical bar in town) with lots of live entertainment--and a band too!!
After 3 jam packed nights and days in the area--we said good bye to all our new friends--and hit the road for the Kartchner Caverns. This place was discovered in the '70's and it is not to be believed. We watched the movie and took the tour--(make reservations for the tour!) and it was incredible--a MUST SEE. A force of nature at it's best! Mounted up and toured the Saguaro National Park--lots of cactus--then off to ride to the top of Mt.Lemon slightly north of Tucson. It is hard to believe we started with cactus and ended up at the top with evergreen trees and a ski area! The guys had a coasting race to the bottom--hilarious to watch as I followed them.
After a chilly ride back through Florence--we made it home in the dark--the days are just not long enough for us to get it all in! We figured we rode close to 800 miles--saw everything we could--the BMW boys even saw more travelling on the dirt. I am a lucky Diva to have such a great posse to ride with and explore. Those who were curious---- we let them know that I was their parole officer--trying to keep them in line--one woman said I wasn't doing a very good job...o well.... Diva has a lot on her plate!! In reality--they took great care of me--I really did feel like the Diva!
Check out my other photos on Team Diva web site, http://teamdiva.com/
Also--check out my calendar---I will be in Las Vegas for Rodeo Finals--set up at Sand's Expo Dec. 4-13, and will have a personal appearance at Hacienda Harley of Scottsdale on Dec. 13---if you are in the area--come see me!
I hope you all have a nice Turkey Day--get out and enjoy!
Viva la Diva (aka P.O.)
Links:
Photos:
Riding upper Main in BisbeeHotel San Ramon
Saguaro National Park
Chiricaua National Monument
Diva and Jay Allen
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