Remember the slogan: "You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda"? Well, it turns out that you can meet the nicest people through the internet as well. That's how I came into contact with Monica and Gabor of
AZride.com, seeking two 1200GS bikes for 4 days for a trip with my father-in-law. From the outset, Monica addressed all my queries with a speedy and friendly reply. Do you have 1200 GS bikes we can rent for a tour of AZ? YES. Does it cost an arm and a leg? NO. Can you help us create a custom itinerary? SURE! Although the plans were made last minute every detail was addressed and without sounding redundant, the cost was extremely affordable. We arrived from the east coast on Sunday June 6, and stayed just down the street at the Holiday Inn Express, a hotel that far exceeded our expectations. AZRide has a deal with them and well, trust me, they take good care of everyone. The next morning the free shuttle van transported us and our gear the three blocks down the street to AZRide, where a friendly Monica greeted us with all the paperwork ready to sign (definitely listen to her when she suggests sending info prior to arrival, it speeds the time it takes to get out on he road). Gabor then arrived, demo'd the bikes and answered all questions. He even programmed our entire tour on the rented GPS ! (Highly recommend the GPS).
Off we went through Scottsdale in the arid desert and then on to Wickensburg, Jerome, etc. to Sedona. The route was progressively more scenic (and comfortable as we climbed altitude), with over 90 miles of pure switchback country between stops.
It was challenging to not stop at every scenic overlook and view. At the end of Day One we stayed at the Hilton in Sedona (recommend) eating at the Markeplace (promoted by staffers at Hilton, but do NOT recommend, service is horrendous, excuses and apologies "we were short staffed" etc, but suffice it to say the only disappointment of the trip). Lessons learned we departed Sedona the next morning and road through what can only be described as flat out spectacular roads, scenes and euphoria-inducing sensations as we headed to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff. Again, Gabor's routing did not disappoint.
Along with switchbacks, we experienced 20 and 30 mile rides across the wide open ranges of Arizona, where strong crosswinds challenge the rider to keep two up in ever-changing gusts. Several comfort stops along the way took us to Prescott and Flagstaff for refreshments and lunch, followed by a Hopi Indian gas-n-go with kind and courteous proprietors. Then we continued up the eastern approach to the South Rim entrance of the park, along the way stopping for more photo shoots. Definitely avoid the small but annoying pocket parks charging $2 for a quick look down a local canyon as others are free if you just continue on. That was the only tourist trap in the whole trip however.
Finally arriving at the park around 2:00pm, we parked the bikes at the several scenic areas for a first look at the Grand Canyon. While I've been there before, these little areas are less traveled and congested than those at the main portions of the South Rim, especially before 11am and after 3pm when everyone else is heading back. We really lucked out in several ways too. On our first night we had reservations at the Yavapai Lodge, which is clean and comfortable but food accommodations definitely not so great (cafeteria style and it shows. Bagged burger anyone? How about charbroiled burnt pizza?) Stopping at El Tovar just down the road, we lucked out for dinner, as another couple was too tired to keep dinner reservations and gave us theirs (Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Hall). I walked over to the front desk and learned that there were cancellations freeing up two rooms for the next night and grabbed them immediately (Thanks Desk Trainee Sarah). So we scored two sought after rooms at El Tovar that book 9-12 months in advance, and they were CHEAPER than the Grand Lodge that we had reserved for previously. How can that be? Don't know, just glad we cancelled those without charge. After some time in the bar and on the porch drinking a few beers, our reservation was called and dinner was served. Delicious and excellent service. Tom at the matre'D desk was overwhelmed by requests but met all of them with a smile.
The next day we puttered around the park, getting up early and taking as many pictures as possible (YES, it is worth it to bring your BIG EXPENSIVE SLR camera to get every shot!), We traveled the East Rim but did not have time to put in the 5 hours (one way) to the North Rim for a trip to the Skywalk, though we were told it was worthwhile if you had the time.
On Thursday June 10th, we packed up the bikes (everything fit easily, but rent the top box too for sure) and headed back to Scottsdale, stumbling upon the Valle Air Museum and being a private pilot, I was thrilled. The planes in the museum were as rare as the hospitality of the curators, a husband and wife team who actually opened up 20 minutes early to admit us so that we would not be unduly delayed or riding in hot temperatures longer than we had to (Can you believe that?!) After 90 minutes it was back down route 180 for a windy but scenic trip that ended up at AZRide by 4pm, where Monica and Gabor met us with smiles and saw to it that we remained well hydrated. In fact, the one common thing throughout the trip was hydration. Don't underestimate the value of drinking more water than you think you need.
The only mishap was a broken key in one of the sidebags, but that was unexpected. I would definitely recommend intercoms for riders to stay in touch as we used the latest Scala G4 that come pre-paired out of the box. We talked for 10 hours at a time, and between conversations, I was able to listen to my iPod and take/make phone calls as needed (few were). This too really increased the enjoyment factor as we were able to truly experience the trip in communication with each other while still riding separate bikes.
Monica and Gabor keep their equipment in impeccable condition. You would never know that these bikes are out on the road every day as they look showroom new, despite 40,000 plus miles on several. I rode a 41,000 mile GS that was truly a pleasure and it has caused me to come home thinking about buying one myself or perhaps the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. Monica and Gabor also have smaller sized bikes and more touring than adventure touring choices, but it really boils down to preference. Any of them would be great.
It certainly was also a distraction to peruse the Royal Enfield inventory (AZ Ride is a new R.E. dealer) but best of all was the professional and flawless operations at AZ Ride that saw to all our needs and even called us a cab for our last night in Scottsdale before leaving the following day.
Thank you Monica and Gabor, Looking forward to booking the Route 666 ride very soon!
CT Kimmel and Marty Ryan.
