I'm not sure What could be better than a mid-December ride on two–wheels in upper 60 degree temps and clear skies.  Hmmm, ok, how about having my girlfriend join me! Kobi (of the “41 Mile Report” fame) and I rolled out of Phoenix for a day of riding today.  Being that it was both a weekend day and perfect weather, I suspected every motorcycle owner in the area would be on the road, so I selected a route I thought would give us the best chance for steering clear of the crazies. The first 15 minutes of being on US-60 we saw a total of 4 disabled motorcycles roadside.   They all had one thing in common beyond a very confused rider standing beside them on a cell phone, and I’m willing to bet all my friends would be able to guess that commonality (hint: the brand of bike rhymes with “Marley”).   This is actually not an uncommon site to see – disabled bikes roadside – when the weather is perfect and it's snowbird season around here since all the fair weather local riders as well as the newly arrived snowbirds (who towed their bikes here) take to the streets.  At least they attempt to do so.  I stopped to take a photo of the Superstition Mountains since my snowbird friends Sandy and Ron from Duluth, MN will be arriving at the end of the month and they stay in this area.  I figured perhaps a sunny and warm reminder might cheer up their sub-zero and snowy day:  These big guys are Arizona’s state flower – yes, the Saguaro cactus is considered a flower even though they can weigh up to seven tons.  They are protected by the US Gov’t so I wouldn’t plan on taking one back with you during a visit here to the Sonoran Desert:    Once out of the Phoenix metro area, Kobi and I made it up US-60 to the turn-off to AZ-177 towards Winkelman without seeing any other disabled bikes.  Actually we didn't really see much of any traffic thankfully:   I’ve crisscrossed and done countless loops around the country and I can say that there are road signs that are indeed regional.  You don’t see many (any?) of these signs east of the Mississippi: Nope, it does not mean that hamburgers can be found for the next 30 miles.  Here in the wild west it means the bovine has the right of way, and in fact, it can very well be IN your way.   Riding in areas of “Open Range” can bring about a degree of anxiety, especially if you don’t have a lot of riding experience like my mate today.  I feel a bit more “prepared” to meet a cow since my bikes are armed with an upgraded air horn that scares the beejeezus out of most two and four legged (as well as wheeled) creatures.  An extra second is sometimes all you need to get out of a situation. Thankfully, Elsie doesn’t have the same athletic ability as Bambi though I’m not very keen on anything trying to inhibit my forward progress.  During the "FJR Fall Full Circle" while Scott and I were riding back from Tennessee, he was introduced to “Open Range” while we were in Utah.  In fact, here’s proof:      In case you're wondering, I wasn't kidding when I said the bovine has the right of way.  If you consult laws concerning Open Range you will find that the law would fault you and hold you responsible should you inhibiting Elsie's forward progress.  Yeah, you'll be paying the farmer for damages not visa versa.  I think Scott's first reply to learning about Open Range was "Ha!  And people think we're backwards in the South!"  Webmaster Note:   I'm of the opinion that this could have been a valid idea in 1909 but this is 2009 (at least for a few more days).  In 1909 people were traveling by horseback or "Horseless Carriage" and moving about 10 miles per hour.  In 2009 people are moving a good bit faster and with a little bit more mass.  The thought of coming around a curve and seeing Ole' Bessie standing in the middle of the road just doesn't really cause me to relax and enjoy the ride.  I prefer the south where we are smart enough to keep the cows out of the roads! Thankfully, no cows today in the Open Range area...: ...just smooth sailing along with great views!: I knew the elevation would change from 1,100’ (elevation of Phoenix) to about 3,600’ during our ride today so I warned Kobi she might want to take an extra layer.  When the temperature dropped below 65 she decided to re-gear. (Yeah, it’s mid-December… woo-hoo!!): While Kobi was getting her layers together I decided to walk over to the edge of the road and see what was below: Although I don’t know for absolute certainty, I’m willing to bet it’s a copper mine give the location.  Did you know Arizona is the Nation's number one mining state with the largest value of non-fuel mineral production in the country?  Kobi said for me to be sure and include a recommendation here for folks who are coming to the Phoenix area: visit the “Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum”.  The $2 fee is well-worth the price of admission even if you’re not riveted with excitement about mining. Seeing this dirt road made me want to go exploring, but my riding partner said I’d being going solo for that detour:  "There shall be no comments about how long it takes me to get ready, AGirl":  While I was patiently (and silently) waiting roadside, I investigated the area in my GPS and a place popped up on our direct route called "Christmas, Arizona".  Being that we're a week away from Christmas Day, we couldn't possibly pass up the photo opportunity: After Christmas, we pulled over for another gear adjustment. (Geez, what an odd sounding sentence!). The stop allowed me to not only take another photo of the area, but to also take a moment to reflect on how thankful I am to be alive and able to seize the journey!: End of day GPS... and what a GREAT day it was!:   Map of today's route for those who would like a visual:   Kobi and I both would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.  May you seize the journey unlike ever before in 2010! AGirl   NEXT JOURNEY REPORT HERE   If you wish to receive direct emails from me whenever a new Journey Report has been posted than simply click: This Link Copyright © 2006-2012, All Rights Reserved.