Click HERE For The Slideshow

On Friday morning, April 9, 2010 sixty excited members on thirty-seven motorcycles gathered at the departure point for the much anticipated first overnight ride of the year, “The Old West Rio Rico Ride.”  It was a beautiful Arizona morning as ride host; Robert Martinez welcomed the riders and presented the pre-ride briefing for the ride to Rio Rico. 

The members were divided into four riding groups that departed in ten minute intervals.  Robert had searched out a great route to Rio Rico. Following a very short ride on the Interstate, riders were treated to low traffic two lane roads, lined with beautiful wild flowers.  The route totally by-passed the dreaded traffic congestion in the Tucson area. 

Robert had planned a lunch stop for the group at 3 Points Restaurant.  We are not sure how Robert found this jewel in the middle of no where, the food was fantastic, the service outstanding, and everyone enjoyed the delicious food and the friendly conversations.

After lunch, the riders were treated to more great motorcycle friendly roads as they made their way to the Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico.  The members checked into their rooms, unloaded their bikes, put on their party clothes, and headed to the terrace for the evening’s festivities.  The members were treated to a gorgeous view and a beautiful sunset as they enjoyed the club sponsored hospitality party.  The party soon moved into the bar where members joined in on Karaoke night, taking turns belting out their favorite songs.  It was a party!

The members awoke to a spectacular Saturday morning and gathered at the fountain in front of the hotel, where Robert briefed them on the days ride to the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee and the Earl Lanna Memorial Lunch.  It was a fun ride to Bisbee, with stops in Patagonia and Tombstone.  Robert had arranged for a group lunch by the pool at the Copper Queen, where everyone enjoyed a delightful BBQ lunch.

After lunch, it was time to head back to Rio Rico, and prepare for the evenings activities.  Excited members hiked to the Mesquite Gulch where they enjoyed a fun cocktail party and wonderful Old West BBQ Cookout. As the members enjoyed the western atmosphere, they were given the chance to participate in a fun 50/50 Raffle, and closed out the evening dancing to the music of the evening’s entertainment.  It was a beautiful and memorable evening.

Sunday morning found the group up early as they prepared for their open return ride back to the Phoenix area. 

Everyone would like to thank ride hosts, Robert Martinez and Karin Johnson for planning our first overnight ride of the year.  All of the attendees agreed that the route was awesome, and the events were first class and a blast!!

Also, a special thanks to our Ride Captain Group and to Deb Anton, Kim Caine, Lori Kollas, Bob Hickerson, Gene Adee, Arie Louie and Roddy Levy for providing the superb pictures of our first overnighter of the year. 

4/17/2010