Staying Flexible and Open to Change

It has been over a month since I last posted and things have changed as they always do – remember the concept of flexibility.

It is late January and I am in Naples, Florida (not a bad place to be in late January).  However, my Indian Motorcycle is in Riverside, CT.  The reason for this is a long story and I will not go there at this time (or ever).  This creates logistical challenges that I will get to.

For the past few weeks, I have been planning and re-planning my itinerary for my 2019 Southwest ride.  Per my previous blog, I was planning to ride from New Orleans to San Diego – 1,816 approx. miles.  Unfortunately, that will not work as it would not allow enough time to explore the sites that I want to explore.  So, staying flexible, I have elected to start and finish my ride in Phoenix, AZ.

Phoenix, AZ, besides being the winter home of my brother Jon, is centrally located to many of the sites I want to experience including national parks, renowned motorcycle roads, historic routes, and famous scenery.  My current itinerary, subject to change looks like this:

I am starting in Phoenix, AZ on April 7th and going east to Safford, AZ (B) to catch the southern end of the Coronado Trail, Route 191, to the Northern end in Springerville, AZ (C).  This is rated as one of the best Motorcycle Roads in the West.  From Springerville, I am continuing north to St Michaels, AZ (D) to explore an area called the Petrified Forest.  The Petrified Forest is known for its fossils, especially fallen trees, and unique colors.

From St Michaels, I am continuing north to Chinle, AZ (E) to explore Canyon de Chelly which is known for its ruins and towering canyon walls.  After a one day stop in Canyon de Chelly, I am continuing to Kayenta, AZ (F) to explore and experience Monument Valley.

From Monument Valley, I continue my trek north into Utah to Moab (G) to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.  I am planning, subject to change, to spend two days experiencing these famous sites.  From Moab, I change direction from North to West and head to Bryce Canyon City, UT (H) to explore Bryce Canyon National Park.  From Bryce Canyon, I will continue southwest to Springdale, UT (I) to experience Zion National Park and then onto Las Vegas (J).

From Las Vegas, I head south to Topock, AZ (K) to spend a day riding what is known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, Route 66, one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway system.  Route 66, for me, ends in Seligman (L).  I will then head southeast to Sedona (M) and the famous Red Rock Country.  My ride will end back in Phoenix after a quick trip to Tucson, AZ to visit with some dear friends and catch-up.

It is interesting that the mileage of this ride is approximately 1,857 miles, close to the distance from New Orleans to San Diego.

But, before I can start my ride, I need to get my trusty Roadmaster from Connecticut to Arizona.  This is no easy feat.  Again, I am leaning on Mineola Moto, a great Indian dealership in Mineola, New York to help.  I am flying back to NYC on February 6th, praying for no snow or rain on the 7th, and driving my Roadmaster in the freezing cold from my house to Kenny Zagarek’s Indian Dealership.  There, the shipping company will pick up the bike and deliver it to Go AZ Indian Motorcycle in Scottsdale, AZ.

If all goes well, I will be heading to Phoenix Arizona on Friday the 5th of April and starting my ride on the 7th.  That is if all goes well.  Wish me luck and keep wheeling.