Featured Touring 15 Days, 11 States, & 3,660 Miles: Sturgis And A Wedding

I knew someone would come through for me! Thanks, @Helmut Visor.

 

@Marco Wikstrom

Well now, Marco, Mary Jo isn't being completely unreasonable! Just somewhat unreasonable. Yep, my Street Glide is a great touring machine. I did a 120 mile ride yesterday on my Low Rider ST, some of which was at 80-85 mph on I-10. As much as I really like that bike (it's SO fun!), it wouldn't be nearly as good for touring and big miles. Great for a two or three day trip but not for much more than that. My Street Glide, on the other hand, can just haul ass and click off mile after mile with me comfy in the saddle.

I'd love to see how your Sporty is coming along. I know you posted some photos of it previously here on the forum but can't remember in which thread. Maybe you could start a thread dedicated to your build. (hint, hint). Hope all is well and you and Mo are recovered from your big South America adventure!

 

Day #14: Santa Fe, New Mexico to Show Low, Arizona -- 340 miles
• Trip total to date = 3,475 miles

Well, after a little forum hiatus, I'm back to (finally!) finish out my Sturgis -- Wedding Trip ride report. Whew! For a minute there, I thought I might be back on the road to Sturgis 2025 before I concluded this thread.



We've ridden from Santa Fe to Show Low many times over the years but today we decided to hoof it a bit by taking Interstate 25 through Albuquerque to our first gas stop in Socorro. From there we took our usual beautiful and well-loved route through Magdalena and Quemado on two-lane backroads.

We had glorious weather and as we neared the VLA (Very Large Array), there were thousands and thousands of wildflowers! It was truly a sight. A bit about the VLA....which Steve, BTW, always refers to as the "Very Large Fu*kin Array"!

From Wikipedia:






We arrived in Show Low an hour or two ahead of check-in so decided to stop at The House for lunch. This place has become a staple on our roadtrip restaurant favorites list. We only tried this place out a few years ago on our way home from Sturgis 2023. One of our riding buddies used to have a cabin nearby and he suggested our riding group eat here. Well, we were sold!



One of the main reasons (in addition to the great food) is the venue itself. The restaurant itself is actually in an old house--hence the name. But they are located on a very large property and outside you will find fire pits, a stage for music, an outdoor bar, bag toss games, and dogs galore! That's some of our gear on the black picnic table in the foreground of the photo.





As you can see from the previous photos, the clouds were rolling in and there was a fairly good chance of rain in the forecast heading our way. So after checking into the hotel and wiping my bike down a bit, I decided that putting on my bike cover was probably a wise choice. It wound up not raining--just a few sprinkles--but I felt like I could relax and not worry about mounting up in the morning on a soaked seat.



We always stay at this Best Western when in Show Low. Well, I say "we". Russell stayed a mile down the road at his fave--the Motel Six. I like the name of this particular Best Western, along with their statue.



We met up for dinner at a Mexican place that's right next door to the Best Western. We walked to dinner and Russell rode. The place is pretty good but living in Tucson, we are super spoiled when it comes to great Mexican food!



My shrimp tacos, refried beans, and a delicious IPA, an Arizona brew called Desert Daydream from Four Peaks Brewery. A nice end to another great day of riding through beautiful country!



Next up, Day #15 and our last leg home to Tucson!

 

Day #15: Show Low, Arizona to Tucson, Arizona -- 185 miles
• Trip total = 3,660 miles

Wow! Our road trip is coming to an end. Today is the final day of our Sturgin--Wedding Celebration adventure. Our mileage today was only 185 and the route took us over very familiar--and beloved--roads.



Today's final report will be rather short as "the boys" were in a big hurry to get home. Home is where the heart is, right? For Russell, it was home to his wife, Shelly. For Steve and me, it was home to our boxer, Ellie. So after a breakfast at the Best Western (included with our stay, unlike the Motel 6), we mounted up and headed south towards our first stop of the day in Globe, Arizona for gas and a stretch, elimination break , and some water.

The weather was absolutely perfect with big puffy white clouds but no rain in sight. Early in the ride we go through the Sitgreaves National Forest and the Fort Apache Reservation. We saw several deer along the roadside so were on high alert for wildlife.

We pulled into Globe--about 100 miles to the south of Show Low--and while gassing up, this guy pulled into the gas station on his v-e-r-y raked out chopper. Steve and Russell both chatted with him and it turns out that he was on his way to Sturgis! With his garage build (which in all honesty looked a little "suspect") and a gas can strapped onto his peanut tank-equipped bike. But he was definitely enthusiastic!






Neither Steve nor Russell noticed, but as we were departing the gas station, chopper guy came back to the gas station not looking too pleased with his motorcycle. I hope he actually made it to the Black Hills!

We made one final stop just south of Phoenix in Apache Junction to top off our tanks. The temperatures were definitely heating up so we shed some clothing and made sure we were hydrated. From Apache Junction it was only about 100 miles to home.

It felt good to pull into our driveway and to have a warm welcome home from Ellie, the boxer, and Marilyn, the dog sitter!





Well, each time so far that we've returned from Sturgis, we say "Well, that's enough. We don't need to do that again". But, guess what? We're already mapped and booked our trip for this summer!

What an amazing adventure we had! It makes me grateful for my husband, Steve, and my friend, Russell. For being able to ride motorcycles. For the beauty of the country I live in. And for all the folks we meet along the way! I'll keep traveling by motorcycle until my ol' body won't let me anymore. And then I'll relish the many memories I've made. Thanks for sharing the journey with me and I hope you enjoyed my travelogue.