Desert southwest in February

[yudin]

Anyone know of good roads and routes in this part of the country in late Feb? I'm thinking of flying out from where I live in New England, renting a bike and touring around with a minimal itinerary for week, then flying home. Also, I see that mostly the rentals that are available are Harleys. Anyone know of companies that rent bmw's? I really dont want to do it on a Harley. I'm really not one of "them", I'm one of "us". : )

[RonKMiller]

Iron Horse BMW in Tucson rents - and there are is some decent riding but you'll need to stay low in elevation in the deserts which are relatively flat and straight. I would wait until late spring then hit Northern AZ, SW Utah - absolutely the best riding in the US, along with the Pacific Coast Highway in CA.

[40miledesertrat]

Here's a route around Southern Arizona that will keep you out of the snow. Many interesting things to do and see.

http://40miledesertrat.smugmug.com/photos/118812877-L.jpg

Cheers,

40mile

[JATownsend]

...Also, I see that mostly the rentals that are available are Harleys. Anyone know of companies that rent bmw's? I really dont want to do it on a Harley. I'm really not one of "them", I'm one of "us". : )
You might try azride (http://www.azride.com/) I have read and heard good things about them, and they have GSs and RTs.

[astuber]

Not to hijack this thread, but I have been thinking about riding from Austin to Las Vegas in early February.

I have been thinking about the El Paso/Tucson/Phoenix route and have been wondering if the weather would be likely to cooperate? TIA

[ljjohns]

Alan (and anyone else passing thru):

Can't predict what it will be like in February--can say confidently that it will change almost daily.

So if you make the trip, we've got plenty of room in El Paso for waiting for the weather to change.

As best I can tell, there's only a few of us here in El Paso, and would like to meet other riders.

Let me know when you make your plans. And then someday we can ask for pay-back when we visit kids/grandkids in Austin.

Larry Johnson

2003 LTC

[STARFIGHTER]

40mile has got you a great route......................
In Bisbee stay at the Bisbee Inn (breakfast to order next to a mine shaft)
or East of town @ the circle is a guy who rents vintage trailers for the night.
either one is a real experience

[Tbird]

Yudin and astuber,

The SW is year-round riding country!!!
But that doesn't mean you can ride everyday.

I know a little something about the region...and the region's weather (check my profile). Most winter days in AZ/NM are very rideable...and beat summer riding by a wide margin. Being the "Desert Southwest" we don't see a lot of precipitation as a rule. Most late winter storms swing through quickly. Snow levels are *usually* above 6000 ft elevation. You have to get up in the area mountains (we got lots of them) to find those elevations. General elevations are 1500-3000ft AZ & 3000-4200ft NM. Even in winter most storms bring rain not frozen precip types to those areas. When it does snow over those elevations it usually last only hours not days. Odds are for dry weather...but that's the "climate" talking. You'll be getting "weather" which could end up being our winter storm of the century.

The mornings are cold...dry air and clear nights radiate the heat out. Afternoons are moderate but somewhat chilly at speed.

Feb 25th Ave Max/Min Temps:
El Paso TX 67 37
Lordsburg NM 66 29
Tucson AZ 70 43
Phoenix AZ 74 49
Flagstaff AZ 47 15 (best to avoid...they are high elevation)
Kingman AZ 62 37
Las Vega NV 66 43

If you come this way...do ride the route 40mile gave you...and consider adding the attached New Mexico loop. Probably a two day ride. NO interstate...good two-lane roads. Straight patches...sweepers...twisties. Check out White Sands National Monument east of Las Cruces ( natural wonder!). Poncho Villa State Park in Columbus. Old Mesilla near Las Cruces.

Watch the 152 section between Hillsboro and Mimbres (it's a local fav)...that's a mountain road that goes over Emory Pass. It could have ice if recent snows have fallen. You could use 26 and 180 to work the loop if 152 is bad.

I live in Santa Teresa, NM on the Map. If you are coming this way get in touch with me...maybe we could ride.

Tom