Breakfast in New Mexico
Ride Overview - This is an all day ride which will take you from Tucson to Lordsburg
New Mexico by way of Interstate 10. Arriving in Lordsburg you will discover several
local restaurants, Kranberry's Family Restaurant has never disappointed in quality
of food or the reasonable prices. The trip back to Tucson is a scenic ride with only
9 miles of interstate. Heading West on I-10 exit south at New Mexico 80 towards Douglas,
AZ (90+ miles of beautiful desert landscape). From Douglas head west to Tombstone
(home of the OK Corral). Just outside of Tombstone head towards Sonoita/Patagonia.
At Sonoita head north on AZ 83 towards Tucson. This is a wonderful and relaxing ride.
Tucson to Globe Keyhole Ride
Ride Overview - A great ride with lots of wonderful scenery and not too much traffic.
Just past Oracle AZ-77 the road gets fun and takes you through Mammoth, once supported
the old Asarco copper smelter, but now struggles to survive with the closing of the
copper smelter. At the intersection of AZ-77 and AZ-177 in Winkelman there is a service
station / convenience store which is a great place for a short break. Heading north
on AZ-77 to Globe the road is awesome as it skirts the San Pedro River and has lots
of twists and turns, very fun. Follow the signs to Globe where there are plenty of
places to stop and eat. Leaving Globe head south west towards Superior. Again a great
road with many sweeping turns, lots-O-fun. At Superior exit and then head east on
AZ-177 for Kearny & Winkelman. Just outside of Winkelman head south on AZ-77 for
Tucson.
Tucson to IKEA in Tempe (no interstate driving)
Ride Overview - This route to IKEA in Tempe AZ is an interstate free ride. The route
was chosen to avoid interstate travel and to allow for a leisurely ride. This ride
will take you north out of Tucson on AZ 77 (Oracle Rd). You will then turn onto AZ
79 (Pinal Pioneer Parkway). The Pinal Pioneer Parkway leads to Florence AZ. There
is a Burger King located at the intersection of AZ79 and AZ87 which is a good rest
stop (approximately 1 hour from the Chevron at Oracle and Magee). Heading west on
AZ 287 will take you into Chandler and then into Tempe. The ride in general is simple
and free of heavy traffic. See the route map for detailed directions. IKEA is a very
large household goods store with emphasis on European style. The store is extremely
large and can take two hours or more to wander through. There is a cafe located on
the second floor that serves awesome food at a very reasonable price. It is cafeteria
style with a limited menu (usually two or three entrees to choose from) but the best
Swedish meatballs!
Tucson to Zula's Resturant in Nogales
Ride Overiew - A favorite ride for many Tucson motorcyclists. While the ride description
says it's a ride Zula's restaurant this ride can also be just a loop ride. This ride
takes you south through the scenic Santa Rita mountains on AZ-83. This is an wonderful
ride with some great sweeping corners. At Sonoita, AZ you will turn right heading
south west towards Nogales, AZ. The road to Nogales will take you through the very
small town of Patagonia, AZ. Zula's restaurant serves up a mean breakfast and is
very reasonably priced. The ride back to Tucson is quick if you use I-19. Enjoy the
ride and good appetite.
Copper Butt Ride (550 Miles)
Ride Overview - This ride is challenging and very scenic. Leaving Tucson head east
on Interstate 10 to Safford. Drive through Safford and head for Clifton, AZ (Clifton
is a small mining town with very limited services). Leaving Clifton head north to
AZ 191. This is where the work begins. AZ 191 has nearly 500 turns in a span of 140
miles. Some of the turns are so sharp the road nearly turns back on its self. This
ride can be accomplished in one day, but it's a challenge and will take approximately
11 hours to complete (this allows for only short stops). Turning the ride into an
overnighter will definitely add to the pleasure of the ride and will greatly reduce
your fatique level. It's not recommended to do this ride during the winter months
since there will more than likely be snow on the road. Also watch out for deer and
elk on the road. Enjoy the ride because it's awesome.
Elgin Loop Ride - Arizona's Wine Country
Ride Overview - Want to spend a relaxing afternoon in the southern Azizona high country?
Do you like wine? Do you not want to ride on any interstates. This this ride is for
you. Leaving Tucson you will head east (OK I lied there is about 11.5 miles of interstate
to ride) I-10 to AZ-83 (exit # 281). Heading south on AZ-83 you will quickly realize
how scenic this ride is going to be - it's fun too. At the intersection of AZ-83
and AZ-82 you will turn left towards Sierra Vista. At approximately 8.5 miles you
will turn right onto Upper Elgin road. In about 4.5 miles you will be entering the
small town (I would call it a village) of Elgin. There are several small wineries
in Elgin, so make sure you stop in and visit. Elgin was founded when the Santa Fe
Railroad built a line that ran from Benson to Nogales. Elgin is now home to several
wineries that produce vintages from colorful picnic-style wines to serious award-winning
varieties. When in this area keep your eye out for pronged horn Antelope - they are
always in this area. Enjoy the ride and the scenery of this wonderful area!
