[spudbanker]

So I have not been to the Grand Canyon and I am throwing the idea out there. I know there are a couple people that said they would love to go. I have a pretty messed up school schedule so I was hoping to set this ride up somewhere between the 1st and 19th of June at the latest. What I need from you is ideas, routes, places to eat/sleep if we decided to make this a couple day event. I'm not going to sugar coat this and say I know what I am doing because I don't. All I know is I want to ride my bike and go see the grand canyon, have fun, take pictures and enjoy the company of other riders on the way there and back.

I have no problem doing the leg work, aka finding routes etc but I have not been out of the phoenix area much so any and all tips and opinions are welcome.

Let the chaos planning begin!!! :mosh:

TL : DR

Destination: Grand Canyon
When: 7th-8th June (two day ride for enjoyment)
Why: Because we can! (I haven't seen it yet)


EDIT: This is also on the VTXOA Forum. Just as a heads up for the OA users.
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/showthread.php?418130-Grand-Canyon-Blast&p=4520250#post4520250

 

[spudbanker]

I've been told from a very reliable source that going to the actual touristy part of the Grand Canyon isn't all that great and I assumed (watch where this gets me lol) he was talking about going around to the north rim. This is a rough idea of the route. Check link. Any thoughts?

https://goo.gl/maps/1vs2H

 

[AZRoadRunner]

No matter what part of the Grand Canyon you go to, if you have never been there, it is spectacular. Just know that going to the north rim adds about 6 hours to the trip (3 hours each way) from Phoenix and there aren't a lot of lodging options nearby. Seeing the the sunset and/or sunrise is something to behold. Just my 2 centavos.

 

[AZRoadRunner]

I don't want to limit anything, but I am available the 2nd weekend of June (14 & 15)

 

[spudbanker]

No matter what part of the Grand Canyon you go to, if you have never been there, it is spectacular. Just know that going to the north rim adds about 6 hours to the trip (3 hours each way) from Phoenix and there aren't a lot of lodging options nearby. Seeing the the sunset and/or sunrise is something to behold. Just my 2 centavos.

Totally didn't think about sunrise/sunset idea.:doh: That would be pretty awesome!

I don't want to limit anything, but I am available the 2nd weekend of June (14 & 15)

You aren't limiting anything. I just threw out a time period that would be the best for me. You just did the same so now we can see if we have more people chiming in.

John and Dina from the OA said they would most likely be joining us no matter the time frame.

Ok so lets see if we have any takers for the 14th and 15th of June.

I know this event is a ways out and some people have no idea about their work schedule which is cool. As I've noticed from the tech session and pie run sh** happens and stuff comes up and some people just can't make it which is fine. So for those that want to chime in and aren't sure, don't be shy!

 

[Mykul]

I don't think my ass will be able to take it after my trip to MN with my daughter. But you never know...

 

[brando79az]

Huh, this is so tempting. I was upset to miss the pie-run. I think I can make it. I never loaded up tents or anything onto my bike so I will need to research that. Also, I need to talk it over with the boss (wife.) She does not have a motorcycle... yet.

 

[Phreakish]

Was just there a month ago or so. This is from the south rim. Plenty of tourists, but lots of space. Once you get away from the areas closest to the parking lots, the crowd thins out plenty. If you make a day of it, Sunset crater is also worth a stop, and I haven't checked the route length but cutting across the Navajo nation with a stop at some of the monuments there is definitely worth the seat-time!

I highly recommend the El Tovar hotel restaurant. Reservations recommended, expect to spend $50+ ea with drinks, but very worth it.

For those coming along highway 40 from the west, there's a few small towns to grab gas in that are worth a stop and look around:

 

[spudbanker]

Was just there a month ago or so. This is from the south rim. Plenty of tourists, but lots of space. Once you get away from the areas closest to the parking lots, the crowd thins out plenty. If you make a day of it, Sunset crater is also worth a stop, and I haven't checked the route length but cutting across the Navajo nation with a stop at some of the monuments there is definitely worth the seat-time!

I highly recommend the El Tovar hotel restaurant. Reservations recommended, expect to spend $50+ ea with drinks, but very worth it.

Phreakish those are some beautiful pictures! Also thanks for the advice. My to-do-sight-seeing list keeps getting longer and longer lol

 

[AZRoadRunner]

Awesome pics, Freakish. There is so much to see and do in northern AZ. We need to start planning some good rides.

 

[Phreakish]

Northern AZ is awesome. I love riding through Sedona, Jerome is a great place to check out. Prescott is amazing with plenty of watering holes that happen to also be historical.

Always a good time. Then again, tombstone and Williams and Sonoita can be great as well.

 

[AZRoadRunner]

Northern AZ is awesome. I love riding through Sedona, Jerome is a great place to check out. Prescott is amazing with plenty of watering holes that happen to also be historical.

Always a good time. Then again, tombstone and Williams and Sonoita can be great as well.

You hit on a few of my favorite haunts. Drop a line the next time you are down this way.

 

[Phreakish]

Definitely will.

 

[spudbanker]

So I was definitely hoping to get more input. However I did come up with a route that might work.

https://goo.gl/maps/OKavu

Is this too much for one day? Would we be rushing instead of enjoying the ride? Should this route be a 2 day route?

Everyone's input is more then welcome. Hopefully there will be more responses or ideas.

Thanks.

 

[Dakotaz]

Grand Canyon

Two days would be much better. Figure on probably three gas stops which might add 1.5 hours to your trip depending on how many riders are along. Also on the way home outside of Flag pick up 89A and ride into Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, and then into Prescott. Just a thought.

 

[Phreakish]

I've done that route almost exactly in a day. With a group it could be tough depending on how long you plan to stay at each destination, number of gas stops, and how early you start. Long loops like that I always started at 6 or 7am and they've usually ended just after dark.

The direction of your route is perfect though! Would love to make it, but it's 4-6 hrs to get from LV over to any place in AZ and most weekends I'm busy with one thing or another. Will definitely see if I become available though!

 

[spudbanker]

As a person who has never planned a long, ride let alone set up a long group ride, that info helps a lot dakotaz! Thank you.

And phreakish if you aren't busy that weekend you are more than welcome to join us. Its always nice meeting new people.

Ok so as of right now plan for a two day ride. More ideas the better.

 

[AZRoadRunner]

Two days would be much better. Figure on probably three gas stops which might add 1.5 hours to your trip depending on how many riders are along. Also on the way home outside of Flag pick up 89A and ride into Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, and then into Prescott. Just a thought.

Dan, I know you like the twisties, so Dakotaz's suggestion to go through Sedona and down to Prescott will make your heart sing. Also, doing an overnighter gives you a lot of freedom to do other things. Have you settled on when you are doing this?

 

[spudbanker]

I'm off school between the 1st and 19th of June and you are the only one that gave a date so I figure 14 and 15 of June (Saturday & Sunday) which sounds good to me.

Dan, I know you like the twisties, so Dakotaz's suggestion to go through Sedona and down to Prescott will make your heart sing. Also, doing an overnighter gives you a lot of freedom to do other things. Have you settled on when you are doing this?

Just looked at the route. That's pretty awesome. I guess we could go back down the same way we came up once we hit Prescott?

 

[Philscbx]

Was just there a month ago or so. This is from the south rim. Plenty of tourists, but lots of
space. Once you get away from the areas closest to the parking lots, the crowd thins out plenty.



Hope there's a railing there.

Great Shots as always.
It's been quite a while since last time there -
Not sure about this - but back then - a small tribe used to live down in the valley that a tour could be taken by horse back.