Bagdad, AZ

[Warrior]

I finally was able to hook up with one of the other riders at my shop this past weekend. Ricky let me know that he was getting together with some of his riding buddies to hit Bagdad early Sunday morning. I dragged along my favorite riding partner, Moke, and it turned out that Ricky had 7 of his partners coming along.

Malina was up for a ride, so I got up early washed the Warrior, made a couple of suspension adjustments and headed out to meet them at Denny's at 0630. Obviously I was on the wrong bike, first of all it wasn't red, as only two bikes in our 9 bike roadtilla weren't, and second it weighed as much as two of their bikes combined.

No one minded though, all of us were in the Air Force and just wanting to have a good time. Didn't get to know anybody new as it was ride, gas, eat, ride. Good times though.

[Warrior]

We blazed out on I-10 west to hook up with Vulture Mine Rd, a high speed sweeper road, and when I say blazed I really mean blazed. I can read how fast I'm going just by looking at the tack, and I got to figure out how fast 110 mph was on my tack. 4200 rpm in fifth gear for the other Warrior riders.

[Warrior]

Same story on Vulture Mine Rd, I saw the GSX-R1000 and the ZX-10 leading the group for a couple of seconds before they took off across the horizon. That was the lead the group, the second group was doing about 140mph, and I was leading the third group doing 120mph. So my fears of being left behind were eased and was pleased to see the roadtilla break up without much planning.

After the high-speed hijinks we rolled into Wickenburg more civilized then a Star Riding group after taking the MSF course. Again pleased to see the switch turned on and off so easily. We flooded a McDonalds parking lot, much to the pleasure of a tour group stopping in. The senior citizens stopped, stared and smiled. One lady kept touching all the bikes and helmets, I wanted to run out there and yell "Bah!! Get away from my bike! Bah!!"

[Warrior]

After a quick breakfast we headed up the hill to Yarnell, the biggest money collection point for Yavapai county. So with all the bikes behaving we round the usual toll both the Sheriff sets up, much to our chagrin he wasn't there. We take one more corner to make sure we are not being duped, all clear, the group turns it on and flys up the rest.

No casualities so we continue on to the turnoff to Bagdad, here the group breaks up again. This time I'm riding in the second group with Moke and Ricky. We change positions, let each other lead, and ride like we've been riding together for years. Very good times!

[Warrior]

The intersection of HWY 96 and 97 was starting look like a bike night in the middle of the desert. Pulled over we start kicking tires and commenting on each other bikes. Then I learn the real reason everyone is out here is to run HWY 97 a couple of times. 11 miles long and as hairy as Viper at Magic Mountain. This road if taken at speed will bite you in the ass. It's a very hilly rollercoaster style of road, with turns at every peak and downhill. Also it's not in the greatest condition, with many dips that had me and Malina floating over our seats for brief moments. But with a little constraint and skill this road is a blast.

[the mad otter]

I love the onboard camera operation...looks like lots of fun but...I know it gets hot in AZ...140mph+ in blue jeans? I know most of us think that we are great riders and can handle anything that comes up but shit happens and when it does (and it will) better to be a little hot in the britches than hot on the asphalt.

[demenshea]

Now let me get this straight, Jason...140 mph with your wife on the back?? Did i read this wrong?? In jeans?? Do we need to do another relief ride for a pair of proper riding pants for u, young man???
ok, off my mother lecture mode.....for now.

Great pix as I have come to expect from you and Malina...u give good photo.

d

[Warrior]

Ok, I wasn't doing a 140mph, only 120mph. Did get to 130mph on a short straight though.

[ThePassenger]

Originally Posted by Warrior

Ok, I wasn't doing a 140mph, only 120mph. Did get to 130mph on a short straight though.

I think you have missed the point......Oh great Hunny........ They are trying to say we shouldn't be doing that speed in just blue jeans, which BTW we will be looking into new riding pants this X-Mas......

[motowriter]

Originally Posted by Warrior

After the high-speed hijinks we rolled into Wickenburg more civilized then a Star Riding group after taking the MSF course. Again pleased to see the switch turned on and off so easily. We flooded a McDonalds parking lot, much to the pleasure of a tour group stopping in. The senior citizens stopped, stared and smiled. One lady kept touching all the bikes and helmets, I wanted to run out there and yell "Bah!! Get away from my bike! Bah!!"

Yer too funny, Jason. Very good write-up, as always. And Malina's pix are a delight, of course. How'd ya get The Passenger to ride with ya on the back, anyhow?

This road looks like some serious fun! Must make mental note to check it out this winter on the trip I hope to make to Phoenix.