Most of my miles are of the solo, long-distance, multi-day variety.  The only time I really “day ride” (start and end in the same location) is when I'm in the “Valley of the Sun” during the winter.  Two of my Phoenician friends, Russ and Ron, are a pair of the funniest people I know.  Every time we ride, whether locally or over to Southern California, I seem to spend most my time laughing.  I probably ride five times the annual miles they do combined.... and one of the reasons I enjoy two wheel time with them is because of their simple joy for riding; they're not the least bit concerned with talking gear, equipment, mechanics, the next rally, etc.  Quite refreshing indeed, especially when I'm in company with folks from time to time who are leaders in those areas.  Russ usually leads our charge unless we're in an area where we need to follow a GPS (despite the fact he actually has a GPS, Ron and I have yet to be convinced after, shall we say, a plethora of missed exits, that Russ actually consults it for navigational purposes).  I think Ron always prefers to ride last since he knows his chances are good he'll get to where we're going and do so without a speeding ticket since he's behind me (I run a GPS and radar detector, plus I've never EVER had a ticket).   Those who follow me know that the three of us have ridden to California multiple times over the years.  In fact, earlier this year we went with my friend (and webmaster) Scott from Tennessee (report: HERE).  We've made San Diego a frequent destination (report: HERE).  Russ and Ron met me in Durango, CO when I was coming back from my 15,000 mile Alaska journey and we rode back to Phoenix together (report: HERE).  You'll notice a common theme in these reports: PIE. Yes, these boys are all about pie.  All of our stops involve searching for pie and many of our destinations are based on the location of pie.  Today was no different.    Given it's late November here in Phoenix, it is perfect riding weather.  (My condolences to those who are battling old man winter and looking at their motorcycles sadly parked in the corner of a frigid garage.)  We all met just off I-17 in Central Phoenix and did so under clear, 70 degrees, and sunny sky: Since riding within the bounds of the 5th largest city in the US isn't much fun, we headed north in the direction of Flagstaff, AZ.  There are quite a few tarmac-licious roads (and pies) offered within easy reach from Phoenix.  A very popular loop ride among Phoenix area motorcyclists, especially during the summer's inferno heat since it goes through elevation in the 5,500'-7,000' range, is going through Camp Verde, Strawberry, Payson, and back to Phoenix.  I'm not sure if it was Russ or Ron who decided today's loop would involve a bit of a twist.  Hey, no complaints from me as I'm all for detouring and exploring!  However, they mentioned taking a road that I was certain was of the unpaved variety since I was on it earlier this spring before leaving for my “East Coast 2009” adventure.  At a gas stop about 20 miles from the turn-off to this “National Forest Road-462”, I reiterated that I was positive that it was unpaved but that I was also confident that they could handle it on their cruisers.  Onward we went until we reached confirmation...: ...but that didn't slow down these boys!  I think they could smell the nearby pie!: Of course, I had to get a shot to commemorate the off-road occasion: Yeah, we're in the middle of nowhere: I think Russ is trying to find pie in the woods...: While I was trying to find possibly another road to explore, but to no avail: Russ insisted the yellow-heads pose for a pic: I'm not sure how many miles we rode in the packed dirt/gravel, but I have a feeling I was the only one sad to see we'd reached pavement again: After going through Happy Jack, AZ (which has no services or any indication that you've passed through the place), we reconnected with state highway 87.  This rural, tall pine area happens to be experiencing a US Forest Service controlled burn as we passed through.  Our fearless leader stopped roadside and advised Ron and I he had never seen a controlled burn in person.  I guess this would be a rather odd sight to someone unfamiliar with the controlled burn process: Ron said he believed “Mo”, my famous Alaskan moose passenger, wasn't too thrilled about seeing the sight...: ...and I believe Russ suggested we go warm our hands up by one of the “open campfires”: Being at 7,000 feet in late November makes for a bit nippy riding.  Good thing the main via point of the ride today wasn't too far away – the Strawberry Lodge: Any guess as to why these boys like this place? Not a bad joint to take a respite from the road on a cool weekday, huh?: Russ with his pie: After lunch we started back towards Phoenix by way of Payson.  Unfortunately, in the process we didn't escape a slight road construction delay: - traffic The road from Payson to Phoenix is state highway 87 also known as the “Beeline Highway”: The windy decent from Payson to Phoenix is about 4,500', which means you will meet a temperature change along the way.  Since we were all wearing our heavier gear in the high country, we stopped on our way down to shed a layer or two since the temperature was going up.  Here's Russ before we all pulled back onto the road: Now, for this next part let me remind you of a few things aforementioned like Ron and I are not sure when Russ consults his GPS and that I've never had a speeding ticket.  So, we're cruising down the “Beeline” about 20 miles outside of Phoenix, with Russ in the lead, me following, and Ron behind me when suddenly my radar detector alerts a hit ahead of me.  I've become so accustomed to immediately letting off the throttle and tapping the brake that it's second nature.  Doing so today created a space between me and Russ since he kept charging ahead.  Soonthereafter, a law enforcement vehicle passed on the opposite side of the highway, and within seconds my radar alerted another hit from behind.  I knew the LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) had flipped around and was going to coming up from behind so I maintained legal speed.  Russ, on the other hand, was not only unaware of this fact, but also to the fact that Ron and I had dropped back considerably from him.  Sure enough, the LEO zooms by Ron and I and pulls behind Russ with his lights on.    I was laughing so hard my eyes were watering as Ron and I passed Russ and the LEO roadside.  We rode to a common meeting spot ahead that we knew Russ would eventually find us at if he wasn't hauled off to jail for perhaps trying to bribe the officer with pie.  Eventually he rolls into the parking lot where we were waiting and relates his experience with the tribal policeman (we were technically on tribal land).  He said the officer clocked him at 94mph (which is absolutely wrong since I know for a fact he wasn't anywhere close to that number).  Russ said he told the officer he wasn't sure his bike would go that fast and also pointed out to the officer that his GPS unit, which he uses to monitor his speed, must be broken since it was displaying an erroneous max speed of 280mph.  Russ said the LEO returned with his driver's license and remarked Russ hadn't had a ticket or accident in 30 years and therefore only issued a warning along with a “firm” reminder to be respectful when passing through tribal land.  Here's pic of Russ' “broken” GPS: (Russ may have skirted a ticket from the LEO but he will never live this down from me or Ron!) Here's a map of today's route for the curious: Another memorable adventure with friends on a beautiful day!  Dang, it's good to be alive and able to seize the journey! AGirl   If you wish to receive direct emails from me whenever a new Journey Report has been posted than simply click: HERE Copyright © 2006-2012, All Rights Reserved.