Today I rented a Yamaha FJR 1300 from AZ Ride/MC Tours and rode out to Winkleman via Jakes Corner, Roosevelt Lake and Globe. It was fantastic. My 5 tips and highlights are:

1. The AZ Ride/MC Tours shop is clean, well kept and organised. I felt very confident when renting the bike that it would be safe, reliable and in top notch running order.

2. The bike (see above) is an impressive piece of performing art. It is a totally beautiful bike and it runs like a dream. On the road, you feel and are invincible. If someone passes you, it is because you let them. If you slow down through the twists and weaves, it is because you felt like it. In neither case do you have to.

3. The scenery is spectacular. I was planning a quick lunch stop as I wanted to spend as much time on the bike as possible. Gabor suggested pulling over by the Roosevelt Bridge. It was a great idea. You can see the view above with the spectacular hills in the background.

4. The roads are amazing. If you take the route out 87 to Jakes Corner and then south on 188 to Globe, you must take in the Hwy 77 to Winkleman and Hwy 177 back to Superior loop. I have driven stock cars at the Atlanta Raceway, driven dune buggies in the Nevada desert and flown in dog fights off the coast of Laguna Beach and I have never felt more thrilled then powering the FJR1300 through the twists and loops offered up by this route.

5. Once you get back you must spend at least half an hour talking motorcycles with Gabor. He is intelligent and knowledgeable and you will definitely find it interesting and learn something useful that you didn't know. And, he also has good taste in women (that's a plug for you Monica).

Thank you Gabor and Monica for a memorable and totally awesome day.