Logan’s Run & Three Flags Classic – August 28, 2018

Up and at it 5:30 this morning. Rolling at 7:00.  From Kanab we rotated south on 89A to the Le Fevre Overlook which was a spectacular view of the Vermilion Cliffs.  The name gives you a clue about the colour of the cliffs but does not alllude to the distance we could see.

This is one fantastic route. The pavement was the smoothest we have experienced yet, smooth, new, sweeping curves through pure evergreen forests. The evergreen forests were remarkable in that there is no undergrowth, just these massive trees and no ground level brush.

High on the Kaibab Plateau at an altitude of 2,214 meters (7,920 feet) we discovered Jacob Lake

To our surprise there are elk here. In spite of how far south this area is, the altitude of Jacob Lake keeps it cool enough for the elk.

The curves through the incredibly beautiful forest eventually gave way to the floor of a very hot dessert valley.  The view was again almost overwhelming. Only this time we are looking up at the Vermilion Cliffs offset against a brilliant blue sky.  There is so much to do and see throughout this entire area.  Next we came upon the Cliff Dwellers which has a somewhat bazaar link to Ziegfeld Follies. Kilometer after kilometer continued to fill the visual senses. We finally reached the bottom of the valley at Marble Canyon
At the convergence of 89 and 89A three temperature reached the mid 20 degrees C so it was time to remove our liners.

A brisk ride on 89 brought us to our next fuel and snack stop at Cameron.

Flagstaff was a bit of a pain to get through.  One road just sort of ended and the start of the next was not very clearly marked.  But between GPS’s, our com-systems and a smattering of road signs, we eventually picked our way through Flagstaff.

I had a pretty good laugh as we rolled past a motel Marion and I had stayed in.  The attached restaurant that was not run by the motel people served great food, but the ‘continental breakfast’ provided by the motel was the worst we ever had.  I had to share that with the buds. Of course, as we turtle our way through Flagstaff the temperature continues to climb through the upper 20’s into the low 30’s.

Finally! We are through Flagstaff.  Tally ho and away we go! Well…. not exactly. In spite of having a long ride ahead, in spite of the climbing temperature, in spite of our artival time in the Phoenix area already inpinging on rush hour,  some unfathomable and inexplicable reason we decide that a side trip through the Sedona Canyon was a great idea.  It was definitely a beautiful route with some gorgeous views.  And traveling behind a gazillion other people at 30 – 40 know who were also admiring the same view, we also had a lot of time to enjoy the scenery.  And the temperature continued to climb, now into the mid to upper 30’s.

Arriving in Cottonwood, it was time for a meal, shade and air conditioning at another excellent restaurant called El Patio Bar & Grill, owned by a Ma & Pa who have built 2 of these in the local.

It’s getting hotter by the minute.  Hydropack is starting to get low, we are nearing Phoenix and the temperature has now hit 42.5 degrees C. We are so ready to be checked into an air conditioned motel. The drivers in the Phoenix area are as near as we can tell, almost all psychos. We skirted around the edge of Phoenix as we headed for Buckeye and that was close enough to the city for me.  I’ll not dwell on the details, but do think long and had before driving here.

Almost at the motel, it’s hot, almost there, we can feel it. One GPS does not agree with the others and off the rider goes, right past the motel and keeps riding into the sunset.  What to do? Bike is over heating, it’s in the yellow alert zone.  What to do? Now it’s in the red. Another bike is overheating. Try to catch up to the wayward rider, third bike is getting hot.  Chase?…. naw, he will find his way back.  Into the  motel parking lot, find shade, park, shutdown. Twenty minutes later we are all reunited.

Anyhow, checked in, showered, clothes changed, laundry done, cooled down.  Now time to reflect on what an amazing day it has been. Yes, the twisty roads, the smooth pavement and the great views all contributed, but ultimately, having a great group of guys to ride with was the most important factor in the day.