In
May 2008, Carolyn and Bob Musgrove offered a well planned adventure
to riders of antique motorcycles in the Sedona Red
Rock region of Arizona.
The
distributed information packet included not only the requisite map,
directions, and schedule but also history, attractions, and
facilities.
Three
days of riding provided challenge for man, woman, and machine
along with a small taste of local color. All rides were
capped with a social
session at the motel occupied solely by participants.
The
short Thursday ride took us to Montezuma’s castle, a 1200 year old
cliff dwelling that had nothing to do with Montezuma!
Friday’s
travel led us up Oak Creek Canyon (a riders delight) and on past
Lakes Mary and Mormon. The lakes had improved H2O
quantities this
year. No elk were sighted. Lunched at the lodge and
returned. The canyon
looks different in this direction.
Saturday’s
route yielded a varied sample of Arizona. We traveled the
rocky zones, desert, crossed a busy freeway, and on to
the winding mountain
pine country. Our destination was Strawberry lodge
(strawberries in
Arizona?).
We stopped at a convenience market with gas pumps in Camp
Verde. Some of us met an old timer who did his shopping
on horseback (He
didn’t exactly ride his horse into the store)! The return
was approximately
the same route. We fully appreciated the hospitality
hour back at the motel.
Mechanical
incidents were not exactly unknown. One spiffy Triumph
shed its drive chain, but miraculously, roadside
repairs were successful. Not
so successful was the repair of the machine ridden by
the welder’s son.
Arc
welding (12 volt DC) depleted the battery. The side car complicated
recovery, but it was accomplished.
Dinner
reservations for a large group in Sedona during busy times seemed
a bit shaky. Strong words toward the restaurant
manager brought about
quickly arranged accommodations. It was a fine gathering
enjoyed by all.
Sunday
A.M. saw the send off of long time and new friends. All agreed
that it was an event worth repeating.
Congratulations
to the Musgroves.