After a substantial breakfast of MzPam’s doing we went for a nice ride up to Alpine, AZ.

Getting ready to go *shot by Frenchy

Dean’s amazing GT

Me on my Bandito2 *

Being the Labor Day weekend, I was surprised how little traffic was traversing the roadways. The weather was still warm, but there were some rain clouds hanging in the sky, just enough to keep the weather fairly cool. The higher we rose in elevation as Alpine approached, the cooler the air. Alpine rests on two legs of some of the best riding in AZ/NM. Hwy 191 or the Devil’s Highway heads south out of Alpine and Hwy 180 twists its way to New Mexico. I have been fortunate enough to ride both and see some of the sights along the way. If you end up in Alpine, do consider both roads, as you won’t be sorry. Sadly today, we were riding a local loop and neither 191 or 180 would be realized.

When in Alpine, a lunch stop at the Bear Wallow Cafe is mandatory.

Highway 191 and 180 from earlier this year…Ride um!!

Riding up to the Bear Wallow Cafe

The group *

Roger at Bear Wallow *

Judy and me *

Returning through the community of Pinetop, AZ

Me *

The adventure called Dean’s driveway!

The arrival of Doug and Grommet

Grommet was quite possibly the most well behaved dog I have ever met!

Relaxing after a good ride…So Sandy, what did you do while we were gone?

Around Dean and MzPam’s are the most amazing amount of Hummingbirds I have ever seen. I sat on the deck and tried desperately to photograph the lot, but it wasn’t easy. I believe Gary could have gotten a good shot with his amazing camera, but this was the best my little Canon point and shot could achieve.

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting, and enjoying the company of one another. Tomorrow, some of the group would be leaving and the rest the following day. I was looking forward to a full day off the bike, before heading through Utah for my return home. I would be sorry to say goodbye to all my MCB&B pals!
Sir Simon would be taking home a USA flag signed by all in attendance. What a wonderful souvenir of his journey to visit his forum mates.

Monday morning, those of us that were left, got ready to leave. SoCal Rob, was heading by to the Los Angeles area, Don back to Amarillo, and me to CA via UT.

Rob

Our wonderful hosts, Dean and MzPam

Dean, Pam and Dave

Group shot by Frenchy

I hated leaving, but knew it was time to get my arse home.