One day to ride in/around Phoenix - where to?

[Aaron]

I'm going to be in Phoenix during the holidays and my girlfriend and I are renting bikes for a day. We'd like suggestions for a nice day ride. Not looking to set any distance records; the rental agreement only allows for 300 miles free.

I know a bit about the area (we lived there for about a year and a half, six years ago) and I know we don't really want to go too far north this time of year. Just looking for some decent scenery, twisties, etc.

What've you got?

[vwkaferman]

Akron Ohio huh? Worked downtown there a few years back.

Plenty of good rides even this time of year. I live on the East side so I'm partial to that side of town, you can check out Canyon Lake/ Apache Trail out by Apache Junction. REALLY twisty road and this time of year the boat hauler traffic should be minimal. Be careful though, really windy tight twisty road and potential for gravel on road. I ride it 5/10ths all the time, no biggy. NOW, once you hit Tortilla Flat, keep going up until it hits dirt, THAT is some nice pavement and very clean. Pretty new pavement, once again, pretty technical and quite a few blind 1st gear type corners. Fun run though, even if not hauling ass, nice scenery. It's a there and back run, not a loop unless you want to take Apache Trail all the way to the dam which to me, on a street bike, ain't fun.

One of my favorite quick getaways is what I call my Roosevelt Loop. Basically involves taking 60 to Globe, then taking 188 over and by Roosevelt Lake. Eventually it runs into the "Beeline" or Highway 87 which runs from Mesa to Payson. At this intersection, take a left to go back to Phoenix, or right to Payson. This is a fun run, you can stop at the dam, couple of overlooks. On down the road is Jakes Corner Bar, had some grub there a few years back, wasn't too shabby.

Another quicky that I like is take 60 to Superior (going towards Globe) and take 177 until you hit Winkelman. Then I take a left at the T, towards the back side of Globe, then take 70 back to Globe, turns into 60, back to the valley.

Have fun, let us know what you do even if not one of these routes!

James

[DangerMoney]

Another quicky that I like is take 60 to Superior (going towards Globe) and take 177 until you hit Winkelman. Then I take a left at the T, towards the back side of Globe, then take 70 back to Globe, turns into 60, back to the valley.

That route is one of my favorites. Plenty of sweepers and scenery. From the East Valley (Mesa) it takes 4 hours without stops and is 200 miles. Plenty of places to eat in Globe. There's also a huge open pit mine about 8-10 miles south of Superior on route 177.  There's a public observation site shown in replies 9 and 12 of this thread.

[buls4evr]

   You are going to suffer a lot of frustration with such a short time period and mileage limitations. I would say Salt River Canyon out of Globe would be great too but maybe put you past your mileage limitations to go over to Show Low and back to Payson. Whatever you do watch your altitude this time of year! In Ohio those are just clouds.... In AZ those clouds are a snowstorm above 6K ft! Enjoy yourself, dress for anything and use common sense up there.

[Reddog]

Would you share the details on the rental (type, price, location)?  Wife and I frequent the area and are always looking for a way to try something new and perhaps stumble across the perfect bike for us.

[Aaron]

This is the ride we chose:

One of my favorite quick getaways is what I call my Roosevelt Loop. Basically involves taking 60 to Globe, then taking 188 over and by Roosevelt Lake. Eventually it runs into the "Beeline" or Highway 87 which runs from Mesa to Payson. At this intersection, take a left to go back to Phoenix, or right to Payson. This is a fun run, you can stop at the dam, couple of overlooks. On down the road is Jakes Corner Bar, had some grub there a few years back, wasn't too shabby.

It was around 220 miles total, which worked out nicely. It was a nice day, though a bit chilly once we got out of Phoenix (around 50-55 degrees). Roads were smooth, great scenery, tons of fast sweepers. Thanks for the great suggestion.

The rental company we used was http://www.azsportbikerentals.com. I rented an SV650, basically because it was the cheapest thing they had. Total cost was around $124. I got the optional insurance, which has a $1000 deductible. My girlfriend rented a Ninja 650R, which was around $150, including a tailbag rental.

Both bikes were mechanically good, but showed some bumps and bruises from previous rentals. They were serviceable bikes, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to rent from the same company again. Besides, they seem to be the only game in town if you don't want to rent a Harley and you don't want to spend $200+.

If anyone has any questions about the rentals or route, please don't hesitate to PM me.

Right now, I'm sitting in the airport, waiting to go back to Cleveland. I think I'd rather be renting bikes again ...