Westward to Show Low,AZ the back way

Packed the 74 BMW R90/6 and went camping in AZ this last weekend(Aug 13 thru 15-2010). Great ride! I left Friday afternoon and took the back roads south, on the east side of the Manzano Mtns to Mountainair, NM. I then caught US 60 and headed west from there to I 25/US 60 junction and went south to Socorro. Headed west again on US 60. US 60 cruises through Magdelana, Datil, Pietown, and in to Sprigerville, AZ then onward to Show Low, then up to the campground in Pinetop/Lakeside, AZ. Great sopt for a primitive camp, but town is right there for any amenities needed. Weather was nice on the 6 hour trip, but got a bit warm as the sun went down. Should have left earlier. Bike ran really well, and smooth the whole way. Made sure it was serviced and ready when I left. I balanced the added weight of the camping gear and it handled well at 75 mph, getting 45 mpg's. Lots of scenic views and vistas. I went to Globe, AZ Saturday, and was met with a BEAUTIFUL area, the Snake Canyon, between Show Low and Globe. See pics. There were many interesting cities(towns really) on the way from Edgewood, NM to Globe, AZ and back. Mant areas to rest, stop, and play tourist if you want. The Very Large Telesope Array was there on US 60. US 60 is 4 miles away from it at the rest stop, so you know those scopes are HUGE! Took the same route back basically, but 30 miles into NM, I got hit with a powerful lightning storm and pouring rain! My Fieldsheer jacket did me right w/o getting me wet, as did the old Vetter fairing and lowers kept the rain at bay too, except funneling the water to the top of my boot! I was amazed I did not get wetter, since how hard it was raining for about 15-20 miles. Stayed in the middle so as not to hydroplane. Could have stopped, but no shelter, so if I did, would have gotten wetter than I did. Will take a southward route the next time from Datil to Reserve, NM for a more scenic route into the Gila Wilderness. Wanted to on the way home, but the weather kept me cuising east to beat more rain, and I did. Ride was about 850 roundtrip in 2 1/2 days.

Ride Characteristics

Curvy Roads: Abundant	Gas Stations: Some	Restrooms: Slight
Food: Average	Scenic Areas: Abundant	Elevation Change: Abundant
Off Road: None	Traffic: Slight	Animal Crossings: Frequent
Hotels: Some