Long Spring Ride from desert to mountains

Howardr

After my recent debacle where my Prima pipe fell off during a ride, I've been trying to get back out on the road. I kept having an exhaust leak and related backfiring, but finally solved the problem with a new Prima.
One of many great things about living in the Arizona desert is that you will drive into mountains, almost no matter which direct you decide to drive. Today, I decide to go southeast from Tucson and into the Coronado National forest which goes right down to the Mexico/US border.
I took AZ highway 83 south into Arizona's wine country. Yes, wine country. Actually, as you may notice in a couple of the pics that follow, if it weren't for mountains in the distance, this part of AZ looks a lot like Kansas.
83 is 2 lane, not-so-smooth black-top with less and less traffic the further south you get. Also, the further south I got, the higher the elevation and the cooler if got. It was 70 when I left Tucson and mid-50's at Parker Canyon Lake.
Enjoy:

Kansas?

There were some excellent twisties on this ride.

Buddy on a hill

We've had so much rain, I had to do several water crossings.

Parker Canyon Lake

I couldn't help it. I had to take a little detour.

scootergator · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 6:47 pm Post subject:

Thats some gorgeous territory you have there.

Skootz Kabootz · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 8:18 pm Post subject:

What a great ride! I'll have to add that to my "dream cross country ride of a lifetime" Smile

Syd · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 2:07 am Post subject:

Looks like a nice ride, Howard. How'd you get from Tucson to Vail/Mountain View?

Howardr · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 4:51 am Post subject:

Old Spanish Trail from Tucson to Vail, then the I-1- access road to get to AZ83. An easier, though less scenic way to get to 83 is to take Houghton Road to Sahuarita Rd east and it ends at 83. If you're coming from Phoenix via I-10 you can also take I-19 to Sahuarita Rd and take it all the way to 83. If you need more routes, i've got 'em.

Howard

Nickie McNichols · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 6:50 pm Post subject:

Great photos!

jasondavis48108 · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 7:28 pm Post subject:

wow! that was some seriously beautiful scenery. I have to admit I'm a bit jealous of you at the moment. Right now michigan is cold and muddy Sad

But on the bright side it gets so cold here that most stuff that can bite and kill you can't live up here Very Happy

mattgordon · Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:09 am Post subject:

I like the St. Trop. with blackwall tires. Doesn't diminish the effect, just makes it a bit more aggressive looking.

MYSCTR · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 11:21 pm Post subject:

Yep, awesome looking country - was out in Tucson with my son for some rock climbing, camping, mtb riding in February - loved it!

Planning a trip November for the Tour De Tucson again and we want to bring the buddy's so we can hit more distances when not riding the road bikes.

Love Tucson!