Best Southwest base for winter riding?

[Yiet]

So my wife and I recently retired and we're planning to spend the next few winters exploring southern USA and dipping into Mexico on occasion. I've recently switched from the LT to a GSA so some light off-roading is part of the plan. We are thinking that we will start in the Southwest for a month or two operating out of one base and then gradually moving east covering the entire south in a few years. I'll ride the bike out in fall, put it in storage and we will then drive out by car in late Nov, early Dec and remain until at least March. Planning to find vacation rental homes for our accommodation.

Riding is the main theme for me but my much better half will have other ideas about arts, culture, nature, shopping... you know - the usual.

Anyway sorry for the long background; the main question for all you folks who live and know the southwest well is what's your opinion about a prime location to use as an operating base with great roads in the vicinity for one to three day trips?

Many thanks for any suggestions you can offer and looking forward to running into some of you while out there exploring.

[jkersh1]

Give the Phoenix, AZ area some consideration. From here you're only a days ride from most everything in the southwest; So Cal, old Mexico, New Mexico, southern Utah, etc. Check out http://www.azcentral.com/ent/

With high gas prices forecasted to affect tourism, and the real estate industry on life support, you should be able to find reasonably priced housing anywhere in the 'valley' area. A lot of foreigners, especially Canadians, are buying real estate taking advantage of the US dollar being in the dumper. Cheaper to buy than rent for half a year.

[Rance]

I live in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas and the day riding from here is great. In addition, it's not far to some great rides in Mississippi (the Nachez Trace) and Tennessee, Kentucky, and even the Carolina's. I can fax you the maps of the 10 best rides in Arkansas if you would like me to.

[MaverickAR]

I agree. We just did a day ride all over North half of Arkansas...absolutely perfect.

[Yiet]

Thanks for the responses on the board and by PM. The plan is shaping up like this - spend Dec based somewhere between Phoenix and Yuma allowing tours of western AZ and CA and down into the Baja. Jan in western New Mexico, likely Silver City. Feb moving into Texas- possibly San Antonio down to Corpus Christi region and then March in the Baton Rouge to Hot Springs, AR area. The plan is to ride down in late fall, put the bike in storage at a suitable location (Phoenix?), fly back and then drive down again in late November. We're hoping to find suitable monthly vacation rentals at each base so if anyone has any tips in that regard it would be appreciated.

Thanks again.

[Jim]

Don't forget to swing through Death Valley. Great time of year as it has cooled down to reasonable temps.

[robasay]

Thanks for the responses on the board and by PM. The plan is shaping up like this - spend Dec based somewhere between Phoenix and Yuma allowing tours of western AZ and CA and down into the Baja. Jan in western New Mexico, likely Silver City. Feb moving into Texas- possibly San Antonio down to Corpus Christi region and then March in the Baton Rouge to Hot Springs, AR area. The plan is to ride down in late fall, put the bike in storage at a suitable location (Phoenix?), fly back and then drive down again in late November. We're hoping to find suitable monthly vacation rentals at each base so if anyone has any tips in that regard it would be appreciated.

Thanks again.
Yiet, If I were you I would not use Silver City in January, If I remember correctly it is about 5500 ft. and can get ice and snow. Check the weather maps for the average temps and parcipitation at each location. Actually, if it were me I would do it in reverse because it is usually great riding weather in March/April in the Southwest and you can do more roads as they would be more likely to be clear of snow and ice.

[Lopaca]

Try Sedona, Az. Great arts, etc., and good central base for the southwest. Lots of homes/condos to rent. Much nicer area than Phoenix which is now basically just another large city, lots of people and lots of traffic.

[Feedback]

For my money I would suggest Palm Desert. Great riding near by, any where in town you are only 10 min. away from open spaces and riding. Great shopping, entertainment , golf, food and prices are down. Have fun ride safe.