We assembled behind the hotel after morning breakfast and departed for Busbee around 8 AM. The day was started warm, sunny, and breezy.

 

 

It took quite a while to work our way out of the sprawl of the Phoenix area, through Tempe, then working south. It was just town after town, traffic and stoplights.

 

 

Eventually, we reached the open desert and starting making good time. The winds had picked up quite a bit. The sky was hazy and occasional clouds of dust wafted across the road. Soon the iconic sequaro cactus were everywhere along the roads as we rolled through small settlements here and there.

 

 

As the day matured the temperature climbed to 90 or so. Skirting Tucson we stopped for lunch, a good lobster enchillada for me.

 

 

South of Tucson the wind let up a bit, the terrain grew more desolate. We passed the first border patrol station well inland of the southern frontier. The roads grew smaller and started to curve through the low mountains at times.

 

 

It was around 4 PM when we arrived in Bisbee at the Jonquil Motel. The courtyard behind it was busy with riders and bikes.

 

 

Our host at the hotel was Eva Rupert, a three time contestant of TV's "Naked and Afraid" . She was warm and welcoming and makes a good margarita. We were briefed on the routes by Sterling Noren of YouTubes Motorcycle Travel Channel and chose our paths for tomorrow.

 

 

All in all a good day.

 

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Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at America Rides Maps.com