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 On Wednesday, June 6, seventy-nine members on fifty-four motorcycles departed for the much anticipated “Tour the Utah Canyon ’s Ride”.  Fifty-six members on thirty-four motorcycles joined ride hosts, Jim & Michelle Boomer and Todd & Peggy Gerber at 6:45 am at the departure point in Anthem.  The other participants chose to travel independently to the first overnight in Utah . 

 The ride hosts had pre-assigned the members into three riding groups.  After a pre-ride briefing, the first group departed promptly at 7:15 am, with the remaining two groups following in ten minute intervals. 

 The first gas stop was in Munds Park, and it was welcomed by everyone since the gusting winds had really kicked up.  Spirits were high and everyone enjoyed the short break, and were looking forward to getting back on the road.  As soon as we passed through Flagstaff and headed toward our lunch stop in Cameron, the wind really became “strong”!  There was a lot of heavy dust, and very strong gusts.  Everyone did an outstanding job of overcoming the elements. 

 All three groups gathered in the reserved dining room at The Cameron Trading Post, and enjoyed a break from the winds and a hardy lunch.  Leaving Cameron and heading for our next stop at Marble Canyon , we experienced the worst wind yet!!  The dust and blowing winds became a real challenge for the riders.  As the groups took a break at Marble Canyon , and washed the dirt out of their mouths, most everyone agreed that the full-face helmets were definitely a benefit. 

 After a short break at Jacobs Lake , the members enjoyed a really fun ride down the mountain, and into our first overnight stop at Mt. Carmel Junction.  The hosts had planned for an outside cocktail party, and a Dutch Oven Dinner served outside under the stars.  Unfortunately, the weather front that had caused all the winds on our ride had really dropped the temperatures, and the decision was made to move everything inside.

 Our first cocktail party was a gala event as everyone shared their stories, met new friends, and talked of the rides and adventures ahead of them.  The Boomers and Gerber’s presented everyone with a surprise “BMMC Cooler”, complete with club logo, for their bike.  The cooler was packed with maps, agendas, and suggested routes, and things to do in the days ahead.  As was the custom each night, our hosts gave us complete details on the next day’s agenda and adventures.  Following the cocktail party, everyone moved into the restaurant for a delightful Dutch Oven Dinner.

 Planning a trip in the state of Utah offers some logistic challenges for the hosts.  The stringent Utah Liquor Laws and remote locations required that everything needed for the four hospitality parties had to travel with us.  TJ & Pam Jackson graciously loaned the club their large enclosed motorcycle trailer for the trip.  Jimmy Boomer Jr., drove the chase truck, and pulled the trailer filled with provisions.  Jimmy was also able to load his side-car equipped motorcycle into the trailer, and rolled it out on non-travel days, and rode with his many friends.  The chase truck also afforded some of the ladies the opportunity to ride in the comfort of the truck when they needed a break. 

 Thursday morning, everyone was up bright and early to enjoy the spectacular morning.  The weather front had passed through, and it was an absolutely beautiful day.  The members were treated to a BMMC sponsored breakfast that they enjoyed as they discussed the day’s optional activities with friends.  This was an open day for riding, and everyone joined up in smaller groups, and took off in all directions for a wonderful day of riding, and sight seeing.  Some enjoyed hiking in Zion National Park ; others traveled through the park, and then headed to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head Ski area. 

 The temperatures were warm in Zion , however, at 10,400 ft., Cedar Breaks and Brian Head had snow on the ground, and it was 32 degrees (see pictures).  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the routes and suggestions offered by the hosts, and enjoyed a wonderful day of riding. 

 That evening the weather was perfect, and all enjoyed a festive hospitality party outside under the trees, (see pictures), then moved to the hotel restaurant for dinner.  It was an early night, as Friday was a travel day.  Friday morning proved to be another beautiful day, as the members enjoyed another club sponsored continental breakfast.  The members rejoined their assigned riding groups for the Big Adventure Ride to Escalante.  Jim and Todd had found some spectacular roads on their pre-ride and we all enjoyed the scenic ride to our lunch stop at Fish Lake .  Hamburgers, potato salad and baked beans were served picnic style at the Bowery Haven Resort at Fish Lake .

 The ride from Fish Lake to Escalante was absolutely one of the highlights of the trip.  We arrived in Escalante to find that there was a power outage, and the entire town had no power.  We all pulled into The Prospector Inn for our overnight stay; the staff at the hotel were extremely accommodating, passed out our room keys, and we unloaded our gear.  The Boomers and Gerber’s pulled the big red trailer into the parking lot, opened up the doors, brought out the coolers, and declared an emergency power outage hospitality party.  (see pictures).  Everyone pulled chairs out of their rooms, kicked off their riding boots, and enjoyed the party. 

 When power was restored, the HAPPY members returned to their rooms to get cleaned up in preparation for the (official hospitality party), and Dutch Oven Dinner at the Wild West Retreat.  Everyone met in front of the hotel, and were shuttled to the dinner location via a hay-filled trailer, (see pictures).  As the three trailer loads of high spirited members unloaded at the retreat, they were greeted by our hosts for a cocktail party as dinner was being cooked over the hot coals, (see pictures).  As was the tradition each evening, 50/50 raffle tickets were sold, and the lucky numbers called at the end of the evening.  The Dutch oven Dinner was absolutely spectacular, and everyone enjoyed the meal under the trees on a beautiful summer evening. 

 The meal was topped off with homemade churned ice cream, and home made brownies.  As the members climb aboard the hay wagon for the ride back to the hotel, everyone agreed that it was a magical evening. 

 The members were up early loading their bikes in preparation for the open riding day.  There was a delightful café at the hotel and everyone enjoyed a hardy breakfast.  The members again divided into smaller groups for the ride to Bryce Canyon and a side trip to the Burr Trail Road .  It was another beautiful day for riding, and everyone enjoyed their day.  Bryce Canyon was spectacular, and the ride down the Burr Trail Road was unbelievable, (see pictures). 

 The members arrived at The Shilo Inn, Kanab for our final night.  The early arrivers enjoyed the outside pool and hot tub, prior to meeting up for our Farewell Hospitality Party.  Everyone enjoyed the Mexican appetizers as they made plans for dinner at one of the restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. 

 Sunday morning members loaded their bikes for the open return ride home and enjoyed the continental breakfast prior to departures.  Everyone said their good-byes as they departed at different times for the return ride back to Phoenix .  There were a lot of hugs, and hand shakes as the members said good bye to new friends, and old friends.  Everyone was filled with warm memories of this wonderful magical trip!

 On behalf of all the participants, we would like to convey our sincere appreciation to Jim, Michelle, Todd & Peggy and Jimmy Jr., for this spectacular adventure.  Everything was superbly planned, and went off perfectly.  We know that you spent many hours in preparation and planning for this trip, and it really showed!!!  Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

 A special thanks to Jimmy Jr., for driving the chase vehicle; it was always comforting to see the Big White Dodge Truck and Red Trailer following us throughout the trip.  Thanks to TJ and Pam Jackson for the use of their wonderful trailer, and a special thanks to Pam Jackson for assisting with the 50/50 raffle each evening. 

 MAKE SURE that you check out the 220 pictures on the club web-site of the members thoroughly enjoying themselves on Tour the Utah Canyon ’s Ride.  Thanks to all of the participants who sent us their pictures and cds.  Remember, Jimmy Boomer Jr., has volunteered to prepare a cd slide show for all participants. 

WHAT A TRIP!  IT WAS THE GREATEST!!!!!!!