4th Annual Run To The Curves
Ride Review
| This was the fourth year for our Run to the Curves Ride.
The previous three years were a one night, two day event.
This year Ride Hosts, Bart Iden & Jim Boomer decided to
kick it up a notch and extended to a two night, three day
ride with optional rides on the Coronado Trail and the
beautiful Highway # 180 Loop. Bart & Jim definitely had the right idea as a record breaking 90 members signed up for this exciting riding adventure. The excited members joined their hosts at the departure point on a gorgeous Friday morning. The riders had been pre-assigned to one of five riding groups and following a pre-ride briefing, joined their assigned groups for the first leg of the ride to Silver City, NM. The groups made a gas bio-stop at the Apache Gold Casino in Globe, and then proceeded to Safford for a group lunch at The Manor House Restaurant. The participating members had pre-ordered their lunch choices and the staff at the restaurant quickly and efficiently served the hungry members. Following lunch, it was back on the road for the final leg of the trip to Silver City. On the ride from Safford to Silver City, the members were treated to a wonderful ride on motorcycle friendly Highway # 78 through Mule Creek. Upon arrival in Silver City at our hotel, the members checked in and joined the hosts in the patio area for an impromptu happy hour arrival party. The weather was unseasonably hot and the ice cold beverages were appreciated and quickly consumed. The evening’s Welcome Hospitality Party was held at the Red Barn Restaurant, just a short walk from the hotel. The party was held in a private Dining Room and the members were treated to a delicious assortment of appetizers. Everyone was definitely in a party mood, and “party they did.” During the evening’s hospitality party, maps and directions were passed out for the optional open ride schedule on Saturday. The members gathered together in groups, and planned their riding itinerary for the next day. Saturday morning found everyone up early and gathered in the hotel breakfast area to meet up with friends and prepare for the day’s ride. The open ride concept was very well received, allowing everyone to choose their route and destination preference. Everyone headed out in different directions for the ride to Show Low. Some traveled the Coronado Trail; some enjoyed a ride on Highway # 180 with stops at the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, and Mogollon Ghost Town. Members enjoyed lunch in Springerville, Alpine, and other small towns on the route to Show Low. All arrived at our hotel in Show Low for our second night stay. The evening’s Farewell Banquet was held at Licano’s Mexican Steakhouse, just a short walk from the hotel. Our event was held in a private Banquet Room at the restaurant. The hosts had arranged for a delicious Mexican Buffet for the members pleasure. Club sponsored drink tickets were passed out to the festive attendees and Leslie Jensen, our lovely 50/50 Raffle Lady sold raffle tickets for the evening’s drawing. There was definitely a buzz in the air as everyone was ecstatic about the day’s beautiful rides on the New Mexico and Arizona Highways. Following the delicious buffet dinner, Leslie called out the winning numbers and three lucky members went home with cash prizes. The members continued to enjoy conversations with good friends, and all too soon, it was time to call it an evening in preparation for the morning’s departure back to Phoenix. The Run to the Curves Ride definitely lived up to all of its promises. There were many fantastic rides on some great motorcycle friendly roads, two great hospitality parties, and quality time spent with good friends. It was FANTASTIC! All of the attendees would like to thank their hosts, Bart Iden and Jim Boomer for planning this outstanding riding adventure. Also, a special thanks to all of the Ride Captains who did their usual exceptional job of leading and sweeping the five riding groups, and getting everyone to Silver City safely. Great job, guys, you are truly appreciated. Also, we would like to thank Jim Boomer, Kim Caine, Leslie Jensen, Barbara Russell, Bob Hickerson, Charlie Unger and Liz Jones for capturing our riding adventure with some great photos of the event. |