Tips for the Trip to Arizona please!:)

DocDirk · #1 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 08:12 PM

This coming Thursday we're pulling anchor, heaving HO! and my 16 year old son and I are taking the (hopefully) fully roadworthy beast on the road for a long-ago promised trek from Merced, California where we live through Arizona and perhaps parts of New Mexico and back (if there's enough time).

Good times and time for great conversations...

Got the AAA books and roadmaps out and we are hoping to find a few stretches of old Route 66 that are still enjoyably driveable and find a few unique sights to see along the way.

Have you any suggestions please on either of the above topics?

Is anyone willing to be available to recommend a dependable shop if we happen to need one in your area?

This should be a BLAST!

Regards to you in AZ and NM

Dirk

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 08:29 PM

Look at Laughlin, NV. Then Short trip to Oatman, AZ, then follow old Rte 66 all the way to Seligman. Then on to Flagstaff (lots to do there). Then south on 89A to Sedona, then stay on 89A to Prescott. Then east to I-17 and north to 260 in Verde Valley, go east on 260 to Payson then stay on 260 to Showlow and north back up to I-40 and east to NM. Don't know how much time you have. Stay in Laughlin, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, Payson or Showlow. AZ has LOTS of good, fun roads. Bring sunscreen and lots of ice & water.

AZ Bob

Dangerous Doug · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 08:52 PM

I'd say take a side-trek to Sedona. On the way, stop at "Slide Rock" for your 16 year old son.

I think on Route 66 you'll find the road to the Havasupai Trail head. Havasu Falls (if you don't know what it is, Google it) is a short heliocopter ride away---takes off from the trailhead--- (okay, add onto that about a half mile hike through the sand). Sensational.

DD

Bartruff1 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 09:29 PM

What a wonderful opportunity for the both of you....but...it is really really hot in Arizona....there are great Cobra Roads in the Sierra's and Coastal California or even up 395 into Oregon.... I am sure there are interesting roads in Arizona and New Mexico but I haven't found them yet...how about Colorado or Idaho...or Utah....Bob is so right, bring lots of ice water and sunblock....gee.....have a great time...

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 10:07 PM

Keep a cooler with ice water in it with a couple of towels. Wet the towels and wring them out and put them on your neck, it will help you stay cool. Also a small bottle like hair spray for misting your extrmities and face.

twobjshelbys · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 10:37 PM

In Seligman be sure to stop at the Snow Cap. Trust me - it's entertaining and good food and one of the last remaining running landmarks still on the highway.

thudmaster · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 11:18 PM

Dirk, I just got back from Sedona last night. It is a true treasure not to be missed. My advise is put a cruise control in the cobra and lock it down to the speed limit. There is possibly a half million state troopers

between your house and the return trip. I know I saw them all but I had the cruise on the whole time.........(Prius). It's already been said to bring plenty of water and shade if possible (gold umbrella works). Take your time and enjoy that state, it is quite possibly one of our best...........Yeah I know.........

Be safe and have fun. You can tell us all about it at breakfast when you get back.....

Danr55 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 05:04 AM

If you stop at Snowcap, be sure to ask for mustard on your burger.. and bring a clean shirt. the burgers are messy. Sunscreen, water, long sleeved shirt, and sunglasses are things you can't live without. If you get into New Mexico, take the drive down the west side of the Gila Mountians toward Reserve and Silver City. You'll see a turn off for a town called Mogollon. The drive up the mountain is great and the town is like taking a step back in time. You'll think you've time warped into 1965.

Bartruff1 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 05:53 AM

rather take a cruise along the California Coast.. as I recall there are only two things a 16 year old boy cares about and neither one of them are wild donkeys....

SoTxButler · #10 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 06:16 AM

Keep those long sleeve shirts on and bring lots of sunscreen. And remember, it's not dyno time....so be careful and one last thing....aren't you happy to have those high rear gears....perfect for the Arizona roads.

Ya'll have fun!!!

DocDirk · #11 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 08:13 AM

Wow! Thanks for all the good tips and advice on how to enjoy the trip...I've thought of many other places I'd like to see too, but my son Preston's got his heart set on seeing a real part of the old Route 66, so Arizona it is...thanks for the specific directions, Bob.

Russ, yes, my skin has seen too much sun already - three cancers, one of them a malignant melanoma so long sleeves and screen yep.

Rick, I appreciate the cooling off tips, been thinking of putting an ice-water filled container on the floor with two sipping tubes!

Sedona's on the list now, Doug. thanks! I visited there in my motorcycle-crazy times about 1979...AND I remember sliding down the rocks in the river...think I had my mind more focussed on that lovely blond who came along on her own bike...now THAT was "back in the day..."

I'll have completed the steering revamp and the high CFM fan for my cooling system by Tuesday....oughtta make a difference.

Dan, TwoBJ, my wife calls those places "Five Calendar Restaurants" and is now whining that there's only one passenger seat.

Yes Russ, the high end gears are much appeciated given how much distance we'll be covering, and Ed, I'll keep it at the speed limit when cruising, but I might just hurry up a whooooole lot getting to it

Anybody have a recommendation of a reliable shop along the way just in case the car needs more TLC than I can give it?

I don't run a front plate (have it in the trunk) - anyone think the troopers will pounce on that?

Breakfast soon yahyoubetcha!

You guys are the greatest!

Dirk

thudmaster · #12 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 12:14 PM

They do not have front plates on their cars in Arizona. The lack of the plate will not be noticed. The cobra however.............

Fitz · #13 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 02:16 PM

Reschedule to sometime in the fall (in Arizona); it is so hot

here mid-days - your lips are going to swell

up and explode

right off your face. I mean this is not the time to be driving through Arizona. Go North young men...go north!

Karl Bebout · #14 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 02:38 PM

Dirk, bear in mind that Fitz is the guy that has a hard top, AC, and a gazillion dollar stereo in his Cobra. (he doesn't like to sweat, a little) Besides the other hints, carry at least a couple thick terry cloth towels to sit on to prevent serious swamp-butt.

Fitz · #15 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 03:06 PM

Rwillia4 · #16 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 04:13 PM

Dirk,
I would stop by the meteor crater (http://www.meteorcrater.com/index.php) on the east side of Flagstaff. The Petrified Forest (http://www.nps.gov/pefo/) And the Grand Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/grca/) is always a good trip but it is about an hour off the main drag. Montezuma castle (http://www.nps.gov/moca/) near Sedona is cool. One of the best little towns that once was a cooper mining town, stuffed into the side of a hill is Jerome which is on the road between Sedona and Prescott. It is up around 7000ft so it will at least be cooler than Sedona. If you go there spend the $$ to go into the mine camp on the NW side of town and grab a burger at the local bar (called the Spirit Room) before you go.
A guy that owns a Cobra (FFR, I think) runs a parts store in Prescott on the corner of W Gurley St and Grove Ave. I’m sure if you broken in town and stopped by he would be able to help, I think it is names Allison Automotive. While you are there a walk down Whiskey Row and stopping to get a bite at the Gurly St Grill (230 W Gurley St) is suggested.
If you are into driving through turns you NEED to leave Prescott to the SW on White Spar Road. It contains 40 miles of pure turns. You will know when you are at the bottom when you see a long 5 mile down hill straight that ends at the local bar/ sandwich shop. In the middle of the turns are a few small town Peoples, Yarnell, … Take a right onto 93N and that will lead you back onto 40. Or if you have the time continue down to Parker then N on 95 through Lake Havasu and then onto 40.
I would suggest taking a 5-gal gas can sometimes there can be long distances between gas stations. And add some Red-Line Water Wetter to your radiator it will help with the heat.
I remember taking a similar trip with my dad when I was a teenager, we were in a 1970 VW pop-top camper, it was a blast. I ended up living in Prescott during 90’s for a few years. If you like outdoor stuff you can beat it.

Have fun,
Rob

DocDirk · #17 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 04:58 PM

Now THAT's going to add a lot of flavor and historical spice to our trip, I'm sure

Rob, you must have really loved it there to still remember all those details...

YES, we like curves, but 40 miles of them

.

I remember cruising the twisties in the hills between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella years ago in my old 1962 Jag Mark II sedan....only time in my life I actually stopped to take a break from the fun! OMGoodness!

Let's see...5 gals of Gas, plus 19 in the main tank, five gallons of water, clothing, toiletries, 5 gallons of sunblock...one hungry teenager's worth of snacks.....hahaha!! This cobra will wind up weighing in at just under 4000# but WHAT a cruise it will be!!

Thanks again to everyone, you've about doubled the fun we would have had without your helpful input!

Ride safely!

Dirk

FWB · #18 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 11:24 AM

can't help with sightseeing but i think you really have a huge set, really huge, to go on a long trip with your new ride. lol....did i mention a huge set......

Fred

bakbutler · #19 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 12:06 PM

Dirk
Good luck on your trip, sounds fabulous. If by chance you need any assistance in my area, (never know with a new ride), don't hesitate to call. You guys have a great time.
Leo
cell 661-204-4353
work 661 327-8692

SP01715 · #20 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz

Reschedule to sometime in the fall (in Arizona); it is so hot

here mid-days - your lips are going to swell

up and explode

right off your face. I mean this is not the time to be driving through Arizona. Go North young men...go north!

I agree. I got back from Havasu on sunday, and it was a cool weekend (mid 90's). A few weeks ago it was 112 out there when I was doing yard work. Arizona in the fall is great. In the summer I have to be close to water. My.02.

I would take a cruise down the coast if I were you.