BMMC’s Prescott Night on the Town Ride

May 21 - 22, 2011

On Saturday morning, May 21st, 64 excited members on 37 motorcycles met at the Target parking lot on Shea in Fountain Hills, for the Prescott Night on the Town Ride. The weather was fabulous and the ride promised to be equally so. The members had been pre-assigned to one of (4) riding groups.  After an informative riders meeting by co-host, Christian Belzunce and assisted by Ride Host, Alan “Captain” Wagener, riders joined their assigned ride groups and Ride Captains in preparation for departure. The (4) riding groups departed in 10 minute intervals, for the first stop in Payson. 

After a brief bio and gas stop in Payson, riders continued toward the planned lunch stop in Cottonwood, enjoying the sweeping curves on SR260. All arrived at Murphy’s Grill in Cottonwood hungry and ready to enjoy a hardy lunch. They were not disappointed as the friendly efficient staff quickly served the members their pre-ordered delicious lunch items. It was evident that Murphy’s Signature Chicken Pot Pie was a big hit with the guests, followed by the Cobb Salad. The great food and super staff at Murphy’s was appreciated by all.

Following lunch, the riders joined back up with their groups and headed to Jerome.   Everyone did a fabulous job of navigating the quirky, narrow streets of Jerome and went on to enjoy the curves and twisties on Mingus Mountain. All of the riders enjoyed the fun ride over Mingus Pass. At a cool 7,000 foot elevation, the very comfortable temperatures and scenic pine forest were a delight for everyone.

You could feel the buzz as everyone realized that it was only 24 miles to “Party Time”.  The groups descended Mingus Mountain for a short 4 miles downhill to the flats leading to Prescott Valley and our final 20 miles to our destination in Prescott, the Majestic Hassayampa Hotel. 

Upon our arrival at the Hotel, riders were directed to the secured reserved parking lot, unloaded their bikes and checked in for the overnight stay. When the members entered the hotel lobby, they were greeted by Host, Lynne Whitcomb, co-hosts, Kathy Allison, Patti Belzunce and Ruth Levy who presented the riders with a welcome gift bag filled with an assortment of delicious homemade cookies. (Yummy)!   

 After freshening up, (and having a cookie or two), everyone gathered on the beautiful patio area for an impromptu pre-cocktail party.  The weather was delightful, and all enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the day’s ride.

Ride Hosts, Lynne Whitcomb and Alan Wagener then welcomed the festive members to the evening’s club sponsored hospitality party hosted in the hotel’s beautiful Marina Room.  The members were greeted at the door by Lynne, Kathy, Patti & Ruth and received their complimentary drink ticket, name badge, and the opportunity to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets from our very own 50/50 lady, Miss Leslie Jensen.  

After a lively cocktail hour, the hungry guests headed to the buffet tables to partake of the delightful assortment of delicious food expertly prepared by the hotel staff.

There were Mini Crab Cakes, Teriyaki Hot Wings, BBQ Meat Balls, Spring Rolls, Chicken Skewers, Prosciutto wraps, and lots more. At the end of the food line, the Hosts surprised the guests with a huge Baron of Beef. It was a wonderful bountiful feast.

Ron then welcomed everyone and introduced the Hosts and Co-Hosts thanking them for hosting this very enjoyable event. Ron then ask Miss Vickie and Leslie Jensen to come up front for the evening’s 50/50 raffle.

At this point, everyone was really ready to party.  Members adjourned to the infamous “Whiskey Row” a block away from the hotel for a night of frivolity, fun, song, and dance.  And oh yes, there were a few drinks served at the bars that night!  Many of the BMMC members gathered at Matts Saloon for some Country Western dancing (see Slideshow) and then moved down the street to the Birdcage Saloon, where the band was rockin. 

When the band cranked up at the Birdcage Saloon the dance floor was filled with BMMC members who remained on the dance floor for the band’s entire set.  They were all rockin’ (see slideshow). 

Other members wandered down Whiskey Row, sampling other bars, all having a wonderful time in the cool evening in Prescott.  Soon, the members leisurely departed for the short walk back to the hotel, and a good night’s sleep.  Sunday morning, everyone awoke refreshed and enjoyed the hardy complimentary breakfast served in the dining room of the hotel.  Following breakfast, it was check out time and the happy members joined friends in small groups and departed for the open return to the valley.  

All of the Prescott ride participants would like to thank ride hosts, Alan “Captain” Wagener and Lynne Whitcomb, Co-Hosts  Chip & Kathy Allison, Christian & Patti Belzunce, and Roddy & Ruth Levy for hosting this fantastic weekend overnight ride.  The ride was beautiful, the hospitality party was outstanding and the evening on Whiskey Row was a complete BLAST!!!!!!  Thank you guys for the memories!

The hosts would like to thank the Ride Captains and Sweeps for leading us to Prescott and Leslie Jensen for her usual superb job with the evening’s 50/50 raffle.

Also, thanks to the following members for sharing their fantastic photos of the event for our slideshow. Bill Diem and Marcia Henderson, Leslie Jensen, Roddy Levy and Mike Wiz. There were so many great photos provided, that our Website Slideshow is 241 Photos long and featuring (5) songs for background music. Make sure that you check it out; it’s filled with super fun photos of the Prescott Night on the Town Ride.