Since we traveled from Budapest, Hungary we really wanted to explore Arizona, so we made two large loops, the first up to the Grand Canyon and back to Scottsdale and then down to Tucson. As it turned out, we were one of the last riders to head up to the Grand Canyon before it got too cold. We felt privileged! It was surprising to leave Scottsdale and have the temperature drop. Gabor and Monica told us it would be cooler, but it was hard to comprehend that it could happen in Arizona.
The route that we were given was great, the perfect mix of riding and attraction visiting. One of our most memorable moments was during the return to Scottsdale, there was a road that was blanketed with pine needles and as the bike rode over them, it created such a wonderful smell, it was as if we were riding through a forest! We were so taken by the landscape that I drove at about 25 mph so that we could take everything in! There was so much to see that by 9pm we were happy to fall into bed. We spent a few days in Scottsdale and then headed down to Tucson, which for us was at least as enjoyable as the northern loop. Dora took some of her best pictures, here, the light the landscape; it was another photographer’s paradise. We saw the most spectacular lightening in Sonoita. How the bolts darted against the blackened sky to light it up created such a show!
"We ventured down to Tombstone, to visit this Old Wild West town and I really wanted to see Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. Big Nose Kate was the girl-friend of the legendary Doc Holiday. She originated from Budapest, Hungary so we were intrigued to learn more about her. We had a great time at the Saloon, I got to go behind the bar and pour beer, while Dora dressed up as a bar maid. The town is well able to maintain its authenticity. We rode the 1200GS which was great since we were able to explore some of the dirt roads as well."
I have plans to visit again and explore some more spectacular roads in Arizona.
