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November 2010 Third Saturday Ride Report

 The Third Saturday Ride for November had 26 motorcycles and 31 riders meeting at the Chevron station near Carefree Highway and I-17. Tom Clements, ride host, gave a briefing to the Leads and Sweeps of the three groups and passed out directions and some maps of the few tricky places. A big Thank You goes to all of the Lead and Sweep Ride Captains: Tom and Barbara Russell for Group 1, Arie Louie and Gene Adee for Group 2, and Christian Belzunce and Ed Graham for Group 3. A general briefing was held and Group 1 hit the road shortly after 8:00.

 Weather was good, with many patches of sun amid a few high clouds. The temperatures started in the low 60s, went as low as 45 in the mountain passes, and then got up to the low 70s back in the Valley on the return. Wind was a factor at times, but didn’t seem to stay around too long. 

Group 3 was originally scheduled to be Group 2, but decided to delay when a rider found that he needed to retrieve something important from home. After they finally got underway, a navigation error saw them meandering around Chino Valley before getting back on track to Jerome and Camp Verde. Thus, this group arrived at Babe’s Round-Up restaurant in Camp Verde after the other two groups had finished eating. Bummer!

 Another boo-boo was when Tom pulled off into a scenic view area on the north flank of Mingus Mountain just shy of Jerome to verify that his group was still intact behind him. As the next rider came to a stop, control was lost and the bike did a zero-speed tip-over. Sadly, Tom’s Yamaha had been overlapped by the falling bike, so what should have been a single motorcycle mishap became a case a “motorcycle bowling” involving Tom’s bike as well. Lesson for all: Do not overlap another bike when coming to any stop during a group ride! Except for minor scratches and dented egos, no damage was done.

 Babe’s did a great job of seating everyone, taking orders, and delivering the tasty BBQ in an efficient and timely manner. Although many riders had decided to do the longer return via Payson instead of the faster trip down I-17, by the time the last group joined in and lunch was near its end, enough time had elapsed that the general consensus was to do the quick way back. Stalwarts Jim Moore and (guest and ex-BMMC member) Bob Tomlin left about 1:30 p.m. via the long route, followed by Tom and Gene who followed about an hour later. Either route offered a fine finish to a great motorcycling day.  

This ride had originally been hosted by BMMC’s VP, Jim O’Hara, and was planned with a different itinerary. Unfortunately, Jim is undergoing treatments for his cancer condition and was not able to attend. During the general briefing, all club members took time for a moment of silence, sending their individual prayers and positive energy to Jim, wishing him a complete and rapid recovery. We love you, Jim, and look forward to your return to full BMMC participation! 

Thanks to our Ride Captain Director Tom Clements for hosting, planning and leading our 3^rd Saturday of the month Ride for November. Great job Tom. Also thanks to Roddy Levy for taking the fun photos of the ride.