Well I haven't done this in quiet some time --- Not alot of riding in 110+ degree weather (even though Kendall rides all the time --- I don't). How did Lil'Bit put it one time --- just because you can ride in the heat doesn't mean you have to --- I agree!
Well nonetheless --- Kendall and I both have 4 day weekends and we were chomping at the bit to go for a ride. To complicate things my Dad went up to Show Low for the weekend (against my Mother's wishes --- his health has been up & down for a while now). Anyway he had a bad spell and my sister called Mom saying they were taking my Dad to the ER and would meet an ambulance out at the highway (their property is out in the undeveloped area northwest of Show Low).
Well we had decided to go for a ride anyway -- but now looked like I might have to go up to Show Low over night instead. Long story short --- Dad was seen and released so Mom opted to wait and go in the morning --- and for the first time --- was going to ride the Valk with Kendall.
Now we've been trying to get her on the Valk for years --- I was shocked she even considered it -- let alone followed through.
We headed out about 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning ---
Another notable fact: My Valk is at Dr. BigBFs getting the petcock replaced and new tires so I rode Kendall's 2nd love --- Noisey. She's a sweet bike -- but just not mine. #1 she has a Mustang seat -(sucks)-- I miss my Ultimate -- #2 the throttle is hellalot stiffer than My bike -- #3 she has 6x6 pipes -- nice but after 2 days Noisey is the right name for her
--- #4 She's a Dark Side.
Ok --- everyone knows that the ride between here and Show Low is my absolute favorite ride --- I love the run up the hill to Superior and into Miami and Globe --- from there it is up through Salt River Canyon --- absolute sweet ride --- nice twists and turns --- with a beautiful view of the Salt River Canyon all the way down and back up the other side. I could run back and forth through this stretch of highway over and over --- anytime!
Weather was really warm by the time we headed out -- but the moment we headed up the hill into Superior the temperature started dropping and it was a sweet sweet ride. Down in the middle of the Canyon it got really warm again --- but not for long because we made zippidy time up the other side into the cool pines.
Once we were in Show Low we stopped and fueled up again -- called Dad and he come to town to meet us. Mom, Kendall & I had a good lunch at J.B.s while we waited for Dad to get into town. Once he arrived we visited briefly --- discussed his "episode" the night before and wished them safe travels as they headed back home.
Kendall wanted to ride over to Payson - so we back tracked to the edge of Show Low and went west towards Heber; Christopher Creek and into Payson. After we got into Payson we rode out towards Pine & Strawberry looking for a little motel we had seen once before hoping to get a cabin for the night --- needless to say even up in the rural areas things have changed -- and we were unable to find the motel
Ah well -- back into Payson we got a room (a bit pricey -- but cool pines in AZ summer --what could I expect??) Room was sweet and the patio view was awesome.
Up around 7:00 a.m. today --- headed back down the hill to the dreaded hot ass valley of the sun. Now it wasn't all that hot -- but after spending yesterday in the cool pines of the White Mountains --- I promise dropping off the mountain back into the valley of the sun (it's called that for a reason!!) it got HOT QUICK!!
Stopped at our favorite spot (Starbucks) and had a cool drink. Wore our awesome neck coolers (Thank you Cheryl for such a dynomite idea) and shagged home as fast as we could go without unwanted attention -- that's a task within itself --- the Valk seems to always draw attention! Let alone a pair of Valks!
All total yesterday was about 270 miles --- today was right around 150. I was certainly glad to be home --- hot & tired -- but wouldn't have traded the ride for nothing!
Another notable fact: My first real ride on the Dark Side --- had rode Noisey around here and back and forth to work a dozen times but --- nothing significant like curves or mountains. I'm PROUD to say I did an awesome job! Zipped through the turns and mountain rodes like a champ! Kendall even said he was impressed
