10 years later-a revisit

Having lived in the PHX area for 13 years, I had the chance to ride a lot of the really good motorcycling roads in AZ. One of my favorite rides has always been HWY 89-go West from PHX to Wickenburg, a little further and turn right. Stop when you get to Flagstaff and repeat the other way when possible. I moved away 10 years ago, but still come out every couple of years to see my parents.
I get to ride in the Ozarks and the Colorado Rockies every year, but I decided this year it was time to rent a motorcycle and ride a few of my old haunts out here. A little Internet research led me to the AZride website, and after a conversation with Monica, I reserved the FJR1300 for Tuesday 11/23/10. Got there a wee bit early (I was excited!), and Monica graciously got all of the paperwork out for me early, and I left @ 7 minutes AFTER the opening time of 9a.m.
I'm always a bit cautious when riding an unfamiliar bike, but fortunately I had been able to ride another FJR approx 2 weeks earlier, so I had a tentative feel for this one-by the time I got to Wickenburg for gas, I was feeling pretty comfortable with it. On to 89 and up the mtn to Congress-this is one of my all time favorite sections of road, as once you start up the mountain, it is 2 lane sweepers with an occasional 20-30 mph posted turn. When I lived here I rode that section a lot on my modified '79 CBX. After about the 1st two turns the bike felt great, so I relaxed and was able to really enjoy the ride through the corners. On to Prescott via 89, and that section of road is a blast! Lots of twisties and 180 degree switchbacks. Then on to 89A-I was hoping to get to Sedona, then Flagstaff. Unfortunately it was cooler than normal, and coming over Mingus Mtn prior to getting to Jerome, there was snow on the ground. I was insulated enough from the cold, but when the thermometer display got down to 36 degrees, that meant it was time to head for lower altitudes and warmth-the bike had felt fine up to that point, but not knowing how well the tires were going to work in those kind of temps kept me on the cautious side. And after 5 hours I was getting a bit tired, and the bike is a bit compact for me @ 6'3", so with the discretion I have learned through the years, I headed South to I-17. Got back to the shop at 4:00p.m., checked out and was extremely happy I had done it. Monica and Gabor were very friendly, helpful, and just plain nice people. This will now become a must do whenever I get back here.