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Eleven motorcycles, three SUVs, and 17 members made the trek to Elephant Rocks Golf Course in Williams for the BMMC 2009 Golf Extravaganza. The meeting and briefing place was the Chevron station at I-17 and Carefree Highway, Co-hosts Robert Martinez and Tom Clements welcomed, introduced, and briefed the group, and Tom acted as Lead for all riders while Jim Whiting did the Sweeping chores. Robert gallantly gave up his motorcycle on this day with perfect riding weather to instead drive his Jeep Grand Cherokee filled to the brim with the golf clubs.

On the road at 7:30, the group made a quick bio break in Wickenburg then took the route via Yarnell Hill, Kirkland, and Skull Valley before making a longer rest and fuel break in Chino Valley, at about the 118 mile mark from the start. Back on the road for the last 57 miles, all arrived at the course about 11:20, leaving plenty of time for lunch at the club and some time on the driving range and putting green before the first of four groups teed off at 1:00 p.m. Did we say the weather was perfect? Not too hot nor cold, a gentle – well, OK, sometimes not so gentle – breeze blowing to keep the air circulating. Robert had organized challenges on there of the eighteen holes: two closest to the pin honors on par 3s and one longest putt contest. Our two women golfers – Ruth O’Brien and Pat Scheckner – along with Steve Hollars were the contest winners. Congratulations you Tigers!

A club-sponsored Happy Hour at Wild West Junction began at 6:00 with dinner there following. A short walk from the motel, this place won high honors from the attendees for its ambiance, friendliness, service, food, and drink. The owner, Mike DuCharme, has a one-of-a-kind collection of John Wayne memorabilia and artifacts housed in a small museum with irregular hours, right there on the property. He offered a personal, private, tour that many of the group attended and all agreed that it was truly a highlight of the trip. Each member not only saw Wayne’s Winchester Model 94 30-30 with the big oval lever-action handle, but those who wished even got to shoulder, cock, and dry-fire it, as well as the Duke’s Colt .45 SAA replica he used in numerous films. Put that on your “Must do When in Williams” list!

After a night at the Mountain Side Inn, some of the group left for home Sunday morning, others dallied in Williams and enjoyed its offerings, one had a minor motorcycle boo-boo – They don’t start worth a darn when the keys fall out of a pocket and get run-over numerous times by cars! – and six stalwarts made it to the tees on Sunday for 8:30 and 8:40 start times. Although chilly when we awoke, it was amazing how quickly the sun warmed the course and no one wore a jacket even on the first hole. Again, grand weather was enjoyed and the golfing was, well, like golf always is…some good shots, some bad shots. (But that Pat…Geez, not many bad shots!) Fun time!

Not a bad way to enjoy a weekend…doing four of the things we enjoy the most: Riding, golfing, drinking, and eating, of course! Oh wait! Maybe it’s five…

Our most appreciative thanks for our intrepid photographers--Bobby Romero, Tom Clements, Barbara Russell and Leslie Jenson.  Thanks guys.