Day 4 Ride Route

High School Domed Stadium in Eagar, NM

Today is day 4 of my 5000+ mile, 17 day motorcycle ride. We are still riding west down US 60. Our first stop today is just a few blocks away. We are riding over to have a look at the first domed high school football stadium in the world… I’ve seen it from the outside before, but I’m hoping I can get a look inside. I’m a bit curious about how it was constructed… Luck is with us… I was able to have a look inside. Local high school marching bands are competing at the stadium. Several of the competing bands stayed overnight in the stadium. There were cots everywhere with sleeping kids. It was early and most, if not all, the kids were fast asleep. One of the chaperones let me in but requested I be as quite as possible so the kids could sleep. I spent a short time quietly taking pictures… I was amazed; the dome was constructed from laminated wood beams! I was in awe… At one time I wanted to study architecture and it was an engineering marvel to behold. I thanked my host and quietly excused myself.

Inside the Round Valley Dome Eagar, AZ

Riding to Ft Apache Photo by Larry A.

It was early, but a bit warm for this time of the year, so we headed on down the road to Fort Apache. Judging from the last 3 days of riding it could get hot before the day’s end. Fort Apache is just 60 miles down the road via highway 260/73.  A detour from US 60, but a scenic detour, with a tree-lined roadway and rugged hill views in every direction.

Made in the Shade at Ft. Apache

Ft. Apache, AZ

Arriving at Ft. Apache, Larry A. found us a shady place to park our bikes. We toured the displays at the cultural center and museum. The cultural center is committed to the celebration and perpetuation of the Apache heritage. The museum has displays of Apache art, manuscripts, publications and historic photographs.

Theodore Roosevelt School Ft. Apache, AZ

After visiting the cultural center and museum we toured the various buildings on the fort. The fort has several structures ranging from an early log building to two-story dormitories, a headquarters building, sleeping quarters, corrals, storehouses, a guardhouse, a magazine, stables and an old military cemetery.  In 1923 the fort became the site of the Theodore Roosevelt Indian School and still operates to this day.

Ft. Apache, AZ

Admission to the museum and park is $5.00 per adult, and $3.00 for seniors (64+) and students. Children under 7 are admitted free. Admission also includes the Kinishba Indian Ruins which is located about 5 miles west of Fort Apache. If in the area this is a must see…

The fort is nothing like what was shown in the movies but is a step back in time. I can only imagine the sights, smells and sounds of that other time. If walls could only talk…

Walking to Kinishba Ruins

To get to the Kinishba Ruins take Hwy 73 west 2.7 miles, then turn right onto W. Kinishba Road. Follow the road about 2 miles to the ruins. The W. Kinishba Road is hard packed gravel that is a bit rough and dusty. At the ruins the turnaround area is a bit tricky on a motorcycle. The area is covered with smooth stones fist size and larger. I would suggest making the turn while maintaining your speed and park so you are headed out to the road.

Kinishiba Ruins near Ft; Apache, AZ

Centuries Old Window view…

I really like the ruins. No one was there except us. The area is beautiful and I can see why the inhabitants settled here. The ruins were occupied by Zuni and Hopi ancestors until about 1400 AD. At its peak, Kinishba may have housed up to 1000 occupants. No one knows why this site was vacated. As I always do, I spent my time here walking around taking a lot of pictures, imagining what life was like when Kinishba was inhabited… If walls could only talk…

These stone walls have stood for centuries… Amazing…

Back on the road we headed 22 miles west on Hwy 73 to continue our ride down US 60.  We are riding to the scenic Salt River Canyon. This is our second canyon on this ride. The Salt River Canyon has stunning scenic views, breathtaking twisty turns up and down throughout the ride. It is like riding the rim of the Grand Canyon but with turnouts for photo ops. As in our past 3 days, the temperature is rising and getting hot so we didn’t make a lot of stops. Riding into Globe, AZ after leaving the canyon area the temperature climbed to 103 degrees (F). We were ready to get to Globe, get out of the heat and finally eat some lunch.

Salt River Canyon in Arizona

Salt River Canyon

Salt River Canyon

I’ve been to Globe several times over the years and it is a place you may want to have a closer look at. Globe is an old mining town with a lot of colorful history. I like the old downtown area because of its old buildings and the small town businesses. There are several locally owned restaurants with hometown ambiance that you may want to check out. Spend some time walking around downtown rubbing shoulders with the friendly people of Globe and check out those businesses.

Because of the heat taking its toll on these three old men, we didn’t spend much time here today, but decided to get back on the road.

Saguaro Cactus Hwy 188 AZ

From Globe we leave US 60 behind and head up Hwy 188, 89 miles, to Payson, AZ. The ride to Payson was a scenic ride with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There was a surprising number of Saguaro Cactus along the roadside. Riding past Theodore Roosevelt Lake we looked down on the beautiful cool blue lake that looked very inviting to three very hot motorcycle riders.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake Hwy 188 AZ

Riding down Hwy 188 AZ… With Larry T & Larry A in mirror

Riding to Payson we were climbing in elevation of about 1500 feet above Globe. At the higher elevation it cooled to 95 degrees (F) but still 6 degrees warmer than average. After another day riding in the heat we were glad to get to our home away from home for the night. It was a hot riding day, but still a good ride…

Tomorrow we will pick up US 89/89-A north of Prescott, AZ. We head north on twisty US 89-A to Jerome and then on Sedona, Flagstaff and stay the night at the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, AZ.

Come follow along and enjoy the ride over the next 13 days… I hope we see you down the road somewhere. Ride safe…

If you liked this ride post, you may checkout the other post from this ride below…

• Introduction to our Motorcycle Ride (5000+ Miles In 17 Days)
• Day 1 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Georgetown, TX to Canyon, TX 458 Miles)
• Day 2 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Canyon, TX to Ft. Sumner, NM 173 Miles)
• Day 3 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ft. Sumner to Eagar, NM 343 Miles)
• Day 5 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Payson to Cameron 222 Miles)
• Day 6 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Grand Canyon to Cameron 130 Miles)
• Day 7 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Panguitch 287 Miles)
• Day 8 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Panguitch to Ogden 287 Miles)
• Day 9 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ogden to Jackson 235 Miles)
• Day 10 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Jackson to Gardiner 203 Miles)
• Day 11 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Gardiner to Great Falls 226 Miles)
• Day 12 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride
• Day 13 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Great Falls to Billings 402 miles)
• Day 14 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Billings to Spearfish 332 miles)
• Day 15 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Spearfish to Alliance)
• Days 16 & 17 of My 5000+ mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Alliance to Home)

Hera are other rides you may like too…

• National Park Motorcycle Ride – 5542 Miles in 16 Days 2013
• Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Ride June 2014
• Big Bend & Carlsbad Caverns National Parks Motorcycle Trip September 09
• Our First Big Bend Motorcycle Ride
• Big Bend National Park Motorcycle Ride April 2007

I hope we see you down the road somewhere… Ride safe…

Today’s ride route down US 60

Today is day 3 of my 5000+ mile, 17 day motorcycle ride. Two days ago, I met my riding buddies, Larry T. and Larry A. (the Larry’s) in Canyon, Texas. Today we continue our ride down US 60. The start of today’s ride looks a lot like yesterday. More miles of flat and straight highway paralleling the BNSF railroad with freight trains hauling tons of freight through miles and miles of ranch land with mountains in the distance.

BNSF Freight Train off US 60

Riding US 60 in New Mexico

The scenery has been steadily changing from flat, treeless landscape with mountains in the distance to occasional trees while winding through the valleys between the mountains. As the day progressed the temperature kept climbing… We were hoping as we continued to climb in altitude it would bring cooler weather…

Doing minor repairs in Lemitar New Mexico

183 miles down the road we did make an unscheduled pit stop at Lemitar, NM. Larry A. was having issues with the heel toe shifter on his HD Limited, so we stopped for gas and he tightened a bolt that had come loose. With the temperature climbing, it was a welcome rest stop to rehydrated and visit with other riders before heading on down the road.

Pie-O-Neer in Pie Town, New Mexico

Our only stop, other than gas, snacks and rest, is lunch at Pie Town, New Mexico. Pie Town is located on the Continental Divide at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet. Pies have been sold in Pie Town on and off since it was settled in the late 1920’s, when Clyde Norman enjoyed making pies and shared them with locals and people passing through. The town applied for a post office 10 or so years later. The government wanted a more formal name, but Pie Town stuck. Getting to Pie Town things were few and far between, but when we were at the Pie-O-Neer, we felt like we were in the middle of everything. Lots of people like ourselves stopping for lunch, and of course, everyone had to try the pie. There were so many pie choices it was hard to decide. The green chile was great, but the apple pie was even better. The wait staff was friendly and eager to fill us in on some of the history of Pie Town. Beside the food and pie, they have other items for sale to commemorate your visit to Pie Town.

Pie-O-Neer in Pie Town

If you are in the area you must bring your appetite and stop. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m all about pie and this town is all about pie… What a perfect match…

Pie in Pie Town, NM

From Pie Town it was a short 72 mile ride down US 60 just across the state border to Eagar, AZ. At 7080 feet elevation it was a bit cooler, but was warmer than expected. All of our days riding have been above average temperatures so far. When planning our ride, I looked at the average temperature all along our route for June and they were very mild. It appears everywhere on our route is experiencing a heat wave. So much for planning…

Riding to Eagar, AZ down US 60

Eagar is located in “Round Valley”. They say to leave town in any direction, you must go up. Eagar is the home of the Round Valley Ensphere, the first domed high school football stadium in the world. Tomorrow, I plan to ride over to have a look at the stadium. I’ve seen it from the outside before, but I’m hoping I can get a look inside. I’m a bit curious how it is constructed…  Eagar, with a population of 4750, is a quaint little bedroom community.  It was Incorporated in 1948, so it is a new community.

Riding down US 60 to Eagar, AZ

Tomorrow we continue our ride to Ft. Apache, Kinishiba Indian Ruins and through the Salt River Canyon to Globe, AZ. From Globe we will leave US 60 and head to Payson, AZ for the night. Come follow along on our ride… Hope we see you down the road somewhere. Ride safe…

If you liked this ride post, you may checkout the other post from this ride below…

• Introduction to our Motorcycle Ride (5000+ Miles In 17 Days)
• Day 1 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Georgetown, TX to Canyon, TX 458 Miles)
• Day 2 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Canyon, TX to Ft. Sumner, NM 173 Miles)
• Day 4 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Eagar to Payson 231 Miles)
• Day 5 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Payson to Cameron 222 Miles)
• Day 6 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Grand Canyon to Cameron 130 Miles)
• Day 7 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Panguitch 287 Miles)
• Day 8 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Panguitch to Ogden 287 Miles)
• Day 9 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ogden to Jackson 235 Miles)
• Day 10 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Jackson to Gardiner 203 Miles)
• Day 11 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Gardiner to Great Falls 226 Miles)
• Day 12 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride
• Day 13 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Great Falls to Billings 402 miles)
• Day 14 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Billings to Spearfish 332 miles)
• Day 15 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Spearfish to Alliance)
• Days 16 & 17 of My 5000+ mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Alliance to Home)

Hera are other rides you may like too…

• National Park Motorcycle Ride – 5542 Miles in 16 Days 2013
• Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Ride June 2014
• Big Bend & Carlsbad Caverns National Parks Motorcycle Trip September 09
• Our First Big Bend Motorcycle Ride
• Big Bend National Park Motorcycle Ride April 2007

I hope we see you down the road somewhere… Ride safe…

Day 1 Ride Route Georgetown to Canyon

The day has finally arrived… Today is day 1 of 5000+ mile, 17 day motorcycle ride. The plans have been made and the fun comes as each day is ridden. Today will be my biggest challenge. I am riding north and heavy rain is moving in from the south. The rain is forecasted for later in the day. I am leaving early to ride ahead of the rain. The best laid plans… It was misting rain when I left but 2 blocks from home it began raining. Out came the rain suit. 20 miles down the road it was raining heavily and continued to rain heavily, more or less, for the next 200 miles. Eventually the sky did clear and the remainder of the ride was what I had hoped it would. There are no stops planned except for gas, food and a little rest. Today I meet my riding buddies for the next 17 days. Larry T. and Larry A. are riding in from Tunnel Hill and Atlanta, Georgia.

Rest stop

Larry T. at Route 66 Museum Elk City, OK Photo by Larry A.

Although I’ve ridden this route many times it is still a fun ride.  The ride starts in the “Texas Hill Country”. The Hill Country consists of rugged hills of thin layers of soil atop limestone or granite. From the hill country I ride into the “Panhandle Plains” region which is relatively flat with rolling plains. Around Abilene, cotton, sorghum, and wheat are cultivated. Many oil wells are seen all along the route as well as large areas of ranching. Everything you would expect to see in Texas. Something you may not expect is hundreds of windmills generating electricity around Sweetwater, Texas. Wind is another resource Texas has an abundance of…

Larry A. & Larry T. at Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK Photo by Larry A.

Because I left early I arrived at our motel in Canyon around 2:30. The Larry’s arrived a couple of hours later. While stopping at the Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklohoma the Larry’s met a couple who told them about a show in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park and said it was a must see. The Larry’s wanted to eat dinner and see the “Texas” show. After we got settled in at the motel we rode out to Palo Duro Canyon. I’ve always wanted to see the show and tonight was the night… The Pioneer Amphitheatre, where the shows are put on, is carved out of the natural basin in the Palo Duro Canyon. The Palo Duro Canyon is the nation’s second largest canyon and is the perfect setting for this show.

Heading to Canyon, Texas

With a cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers the show’s fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800’s. The story is told through songs and dance with lots of Texas humor dispersed throughout the show. I loved the singers and dancers. Most of the younger cast were college students who got to hewn their talents during the summer while making a little money for college.

Because we are getting an early start tomorrow we left early and it allowed us to beat the crowd leaving the show. Riding out of the canyon in the dark in traffic would not have been much fun…

The Pioneer Amphitheatre before the show starts at Palo Duro Canyon Photo by Larry A.

Tomorrow we will be returning to ride through the canyon before heading west down US 60 to Fort Sumner, NM. Come follow along as we ride US 60, US 89, US 212 over the next 16 days.

If you liked this ride post, you may checkout the other post from this ride below…

• Introduction to our Motorcycle Ride (5000+ Miles In 17 Days)
• Day 2 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Canyon, TX to Ft. Sumner, NM 173 Miles)
• Day 3 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ft. Sumner to Eagar, NM 343 Miles)
• Day 4 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Eagar to Payson 231 Miles)
• Day 5 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Payson to Cameron 222 Miles)
• Day 6 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Grand Canyon to Cameron 130 Miles)
• Day 7 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Panguitch 287 Miles)
• Day 8 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Panguitch to Ogden 287 Miles)
• Day 9 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ogden to Jackson 235 Miles)
• Day 10 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Jackson to Gardiner 203 Miles)
• Day 11 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Gardiner to Great Falls 226 Miles)
• Day 12 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride
• Day 13 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Great Falls to Billings 402 miles)
• Day 14 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Billings to Spearfish 332 miles)
• Day 15 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Spearfish to Alliance)
• Days 16 & 17 of My 5000+ mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Alliance to Home)

Hera are other rides you may like too…

• National Park Motorcycle Ride – 5542 Miles in 16 Days 2013
• Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Ride June 2014
• Big Bend & Carlsbad Caverns National Parks Motorcycle Trip September 09
• Our First Big Bend Motorcycle Ride
• Big Bend National Park Motorcycle Ride April 2007

I hope we see you down the road somewhere… Ride safe…