DesertSTOC ??

[Mellow]

There are a lot of southern CA and AZ folks here.. sure seems like an official DesertSTOC should be an annual event...

Any ideas on where and when?

Keep in mind, not just a RTE but a 2-3 day event so a location w/camping and affordable hotel lodging.

Or.. is it just too darn hot?:nuke1:

[georgeorge]

January or Febuary please! Pretty please. Sounds like a nice ride to me. I have not heard any talk about a techstoc in McKinney in a while so I'll assume I won't be making that trip this winter.

[STill Fiddlin]

And here I was all ready to sign up for DessertSTOC. Gotta read those thread titles more carefully.

[Mellow]

And here I was all ready to sign up for DessertSTOC. Gotta read those thread titles more carefully.

Well, now that you say it.. we could have an annual RTE at famous spots known for their Dessert... just a one day event that is moved every year..

[Mark]

There are a lot of southern CA and AZ folks here.. sure seems like an official DesertSTOC should be an annual event...

Any ideas on where and when?

Keep in mind, not just a RTE but a 2-3 day event so a location w/camping and affordable hotel lodging.

Or.. is it just too darn hot?:nuke1:

It isn't really too hot in late Fall, Winter and (maybe) early Spring; it is the problem with roads... in the desert west we get good roads that go 50 miles without a bend.... boring!!!!
As soon as you get through the straight stretches you climb into mountains where people find there is a reason that desert folk talk about heated grips and electrified clothing...

Mark

[Mellow]

It isn't really too hot in late Fall, Winter and (maybe) early Spring; it is the problem with roads... in the desert west we get good roads that go 50 miles without a bend.... boring!!!!
As soon as you get through the straight stretches you climb into mountains where people find there is a reason that desert folk talk about heated grips and electrified clothing...

Mark

Hey, we have a TexSTOC which has actually been in Arkansas...

Maybe this is a good time to revive 4CornerSTOC?

[BigTom]

I don't know. If everybody north of paradise wants to trailer in January our roads aren't so boring. I mean if your roads are ice and snow covered, ours look pretty darn good. If that's the case, I'd think seriously about Laughlin. Cheap, warm, not so crazy as Las Vegas.

If we want to have a 'ride in' it'd probably be best in April or October. The high country is still rideable, and the desert is cool enough for folks from say, Michigan. Tucson is probably a good spot for this time frame, good roads and things to see in close proximity.

A Yuma ride in would be a problem. It is 100 miles (minimum) to good riding, doesn't matter what direction. Winter weather is great, riding is long.

I'd be willing to do what I can, if it's so decided.

[motomac]

4cornerSToc??? I don't recall toooooo many curvy roads there either. I did have fun on Salt River Canyon Road this spring on the way to Apache Junction.

[George]

29 Palms, easy reach to Arrowhead and Big Bear, and Angeles Crest if they ever get it open again. NOT a winer time ride as the snow falls up there and stays til late spring. NOW would prolly be good.

29 Palms is easy access for both South CA and most of AZ.

Prescott is good, too. I've done Prescott, Jerome, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon in January without a second thought. Farther for the CA folks but handy for AZ.

Never been to Yuma so can't judge.

Boulder, NV offers Lake Mead shore road and Valley of Fire State Park, but not much else.

Three day rides out of Kingman:
Jerome, as already noted, via Bagdad, Kirkland, and Prescott;
Lake Mead and Valley fo fire, as already noted;
Oatman, Needles, Laughlin, Katherine's Landing (for lunch) and return.

Just a thought,

George
NOT in Kingman, Arizona

[BigTom]

Oh, dear me, George. Never been to Yuma? You poor, culturally deprived, soul. How can that be? Ah, you're not missing much unless you really like lettuce. Or cotton.

I have to put a pitch in for the Bagdad to Hilldale and Skull Valley route. But you are right. Kingman has some real possibilities. I'd vote for Kingman and George and guru. Plus he knows every good piece of pie place in 150 miles.

4cornerSToc has some day and half day ride possibilities. Tucson, too.

[Raven]

Tucson would be great! There's camping in the desert just west of town or on Mount Lemmon. Hotel Congress (http://www.hotelcongress.com/) is also pretty neat and not too expensive. The annual Vespa Rally to Nogales starts there every year (kind of neat to see the parking lot full of a couple hundred Vespas!).

There's also a great little hotel in Nipton, California (right on the Nevada border) - of course, it's not so twisty there but. . . .

We could take over the WigWam Motel (http://www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam/) in Holbrook, AZ

The La Posada Hotel (http://www.laposada.org/)in Winslow is really great too - not too expensive - lots of atmosphere - awesome food!

There's also some nice cabins in Alpine, AZ

A haunted hospital that's now a hotel in Jerome.

The Copper Queen or the Shady Dell (http://www.theshadydell.com/rates.html) in Bisbee.

[AzDesertRider]

Winter Desert STOC

Cool, Lets do this thing! Anywhere but Yuma, it really is over 100 miles in any direction to the first corner.

[illzoni]

Tucson.

It'd be a homecoming for me!

Really, the biggest downer to Arizona riding is the distance to the twisties. However, if you're content with some pleasant riding to get there, there is some fun to be had.

Tucson makes a good choice for winter riding, as many of the better roads in Southern Arizona are within a reasonable distance. On the other hand, locations like Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Alpine all get too much winter weather to be good choices during that season.

I'd be glad to be an assistant disorganizer for Tucson.

Jon Ransom
Ventura, CA
STOC 063
MSF RiderCoach (www.msf-usa.org)
current: 91 SSM-ST1100 (new 40A alt)
former: 85 Vulcan, 93 ST1100A, 96 VFR, 89 HawkGT
www.illzoni.com/bikes

[Nevada]

Winter? Laughlin for cold winter, Mesquite for fall and/or spring. Laughlin gives base for riding the Mojave and Route 66 in Arizona, including some interesting side trips such as Prescott to Cottonwood, via Jerome.

Mesquite is a perfect base for doing some nice riding through Color Country, aka Southern Utah. Whether its a bit too far for SoCal and Sun Country STeeders is something they'd have to decide for themselves.

[Raven]

I'd be glad to be an assistant disorganizer for Tucson.
Jon Ransom


Since you've volunteered for the assistant disorganizer, I'll volunteer for the 2nd assistant disorganizer!

hopefully I'll have a STeed in the near future!

[ST_Jim]

We've done DeathSTOC (my term) in Death Valley the last few years.

Camping available, as well as low cost motels in Beatty NV just outside the park.

On second thought - maybe it IS time for something new!

- Jim :04biker:

[BigTom]

The BMW off road people have a big gathering at Ocitillo Wells Jan.1 every year. They seem to get along just fine...

[Mellow]

This is great... Now I can take myself out of the loop, other than posting the links once everything has been decided. I think I only spend 5 mins on this event.. :mw1:

So, illzoni and raven have volunteered... he he he... you should know better..

You guys in the area know better than I do what would work well. I do think good riding is a key point, even though it's in the desert. So, more people will show up for that along with those that just want to show up to meet each other.

Lots of good suggestions. If we need a poll to help determine where, then we can determine when.. or visa versa...

We need more STOCs in the WeST.. WeSTOC is great and it's big but once a year to meet each other isn't enough, we need more.. more ... more... I'll contribute my 15 mins wherever it's needed.

Thanks guys!

[Louie Louie]

Everyone welcome to Palm Springs. In October they have a big motorcycle Rally!
Louie

Good riding in the fall or springl and Joshua Tree is open and available.

http://www.road-shows.com/american_heat.htm

[BigTom]

Paul

Laughlin has all the amenities of Las Vegas, just less expensive and warmer. I mean, Paul Revere and the Raiders are headlining at Harrah's as we speak;) It is warmer and cheaper, and those rides are still available with the addition of Route 66 through Oatman, a really fun ride. Then we could all meet George for dessert at his place in Kingman. Depending on the time of year, Bikini watches are often posted at Laughlin. Those casinos really do sit right on the river, with sun terraces all the way to the water.

I'm up for wherever...whenever. Let me know how I can help.

[Mellow]

Hope this hasn't lost momentum... I was looking at the map today and looks like Prescott would really be a great place.

I could start a poll and see what people think based on the suggestions, allow for multiple votes and choose the one with the most votes.

[Raven]

Prescott is a good choice depending on the time of year - it is a higher elevation and can get quite cold during the winter months not to mention occassional snow.

Maybe we should start a poll regarding the temp range, types of riding, accomodations, event time frame, travel time frame, scenery, etc. that people prefer.

Just a thought.

[Mellow]

Prescott is a good choice depending on the time of year - it is a higher elevation and can get quite cold during the winter months not to mention occassional snow.

Maybe we should start a poll regarding the temp range, types of riding, accomodations, event time frame, travel time frame, scenery, etc. that people prefer.

Just a thought.

That's a complicated poll..

What's the best riding in the AZ area? I don't think the temps are a huge issue.. these are STers after all..

[Raven]

Well, there's lots to choose from. . . .

The White Mountains are great but tend to get snow in winter.

In the Southern AZ area there's Mount Lemmon, Kitt Peak, Mount Graham, Chiracahuas, Sonoita Hwy, Tombstone/Bisbee, even a dip into New Mexico and/or Old Mexico is possible, along with access to the White Mountains if the weather is okay.

The area around Payson, Prescott, Jerome, etc. is really nice with twisties about but tends to get some snow and one tends to see some elk.

Obviously Northern Arizona has some great scenery (GC, Monument Valley, 4 Corners, Hopi & Navajo Res) but lacks a bit in twisties (suppose one could always do a high-speed wobble test though). :mcrider:

So the big question is what time window are folks thinking?
October (kind of pushing it time-wise for disorganization)
November (usually nice weather for most of the month)
December (rainy season usually starts up in here around mid-month)
January (still winter rains so it's hit or miss weather wise)
February (end of February is usually really nice)
March (now we're moving way out in the future)

[Mellow]

I'm thinking February.. only because it give enough time for the idea to gain some more momentum. And, you said it was great weather.

That being said, I say go for the area with the most twisties.

[BigTom]

Agree with Raven 100%.

Maybe the poll could be

Do you want a winter STOC?
Fall? Spring?

Use the Northern seasons. Sometimes we can't tell. I like the Prescott idea, or Tuscon. Prescott is clearly Fall or Spring (may be dirty roads in spring), Tuscon can put up good rides year round. North east in the Fall/Spring, South east in the winter. Everybody ought to see Tombstone:) And Mexico calls for those who wish.

I presume nobody wants a "Surface of the Sun STOC", we couldn't even get one going amongst the local riders.

[TPadden]

I usually attend BMW Internet Rider's Death Valley Daze in January. Provides a good winter break and Furnace Creek has good riding, camping, and motel rooms. The only trouble is finding a date when BMW's or Harley's haven't taken over the place!



Tom
Gainesville, Mo.

[Raven]

Okay -

If we're looking at Tucson. . . .

How about the last full weekend in February? That would be Thursday thru Sunday the 22-25. This is Rodeo weekend in Tucson (so those interested in soaking up a little bit of unique Tucson could check out the Rodeo and the Rodeo Parade - the largest non-motorized parade in the Western Hemisphere - worth seeing at least once).

We could plan a day ride down to Tombstone/Bisbee for those interested in the "Wild West" flavor. We could plan a day ride through the White Mountains, assuming weather is good, for those wanting twisties. There are also a number of good short rides around town for those who like shorter rides.

twisties:
• Mount Lemmon - couple of hours
• Kitt Peak - couple of hours

places of interest:
• San Xavier Mission - an hour
• Tubac & Tumacacori - an hour
• Nogales - couple of hours
• Saguaro National Park - an hour

National Parks Tour (for those going for their National Park stamp collection)
• Casa Grande Ruins [61 miles away.]
• Chiricahua [63 miles away.]
• Coronado [70 miles away.]
• Fort Bowie [93 miles away.]
• Montezuma Castle [168 miles away.]
• Organ Pipe Cactus [114 miles away.]
• Petrified Forest [186 miles away.]
• Hohokam Pima [61 miles away.]
• Saguaro West [8 miles away.]
• Saguaro East [14 miles away.]
• Tonto [95 miles away.]
• Tumacácori [45 miles away.]
• Tuzigoot [187 miles away.]

of course any of these could be combined

There's also lots of good places to gather for food.
• Pie on Mount Lemmon
• Chafin's Restaurant (they've a Burger Challenge I'd bet some of this group would go for) - Tucson
• Hotel Congress - Tucson
• Wisdom's - Tumacacori
• Big Nose Kate's - Tombstone
• Dot's Diner - Bisbee
• Safehouse Coffee Shop - Motorcycle Hot Spot Tucson

Hotel Congress is a fun place to stay, convenient, and not too expensive for those that like a place that's not your typical hotel room.

There's camping available just west of town near the Desert Museum (definitely a must see if you've never been).

Those are just some thoughts and possibilities in the Tucson area. If others have ideas for other areas that would be great, too.

[BigTom]

Raven

I like it. You covered the area really well.

My questions would be about room availability and cost. You mentioned the rodeo, and I think that is near time for the gem show. Both really put the pressure on rooms in Tucson, don't they?

I think 'Big Nosed Kate's' should be mandatory. If you haven't had a sasparilla at the most famous whore house in the west, you haven't lived.

From Boot Hill
"Here lies Les Moore
4 slugs from a .44
No Les
No Moore"

[msnyder755]

I first of all admit I know nothing about the roads in Arizona but what about a smaller town like Gila Bend or Casa Grande? Not sure how close the nearest "fun" roads would be but surely there are some fun one somewhere

[Raven]

My questions would be about room availability and cost. You mentioned the rodeo, and I think that is near time for the gem show. Both really put the pressure on rooms in Tucson, don't they?


Gem show finishes up the middle of February and despite the popularity of the Rodeo there's not a huge press for rooms (and Tucson has plenty of hotels). I'm willing to check on room blocks and possible discounts if we can get a tentative head count and possible time frame.

:D

[AzDesertRider]

Wife & I would love to attend. Can only take a Friday or Monday (both?) off of work this time of year, so it would have to include a weekend or a long commute to work.


Looking forward to doing Tucson.

[illzoni]

Raven,

Great poST!!!!

Tombstone: I'd like to add the OK Cafe in Tombstone. Great place for lunch serving beef, buffalo, and ostrich burgers. And followed with some great apple pie a la mode.

Real twisties: Mt. Graham east of Tucson near Safford. I've only ridden it once, and that was on my HawkGT....and it was challenging on that. For ST riders wanting serious twisties, Mt. Grahams the ticket.

Safford: I've some friends that camp at/near some hot springs near Safford at least once a year. I've never made it with them, but they seem to love it. Guess it's a great place to quad.

Tourist / Aviation buffs: Can't miss the Pima Air and Space Museum (www.pimaair.org).

I need to just press 'sumbit' before I think of more.....


Jon Ransom
Ventura, CA
STOC 063
MSF RiderCoach (www.msf-usa.org)
current: 91 SSM-ST1100 (new 40A alt)
former: 85 Vulcan, 93 ST1100A, 96 VFR, 89 HawkGT
www.illzoni.com/bikes

[Mark]

You might want to add 191 in for the Long Riders too.

Mark