Saturday July 21, 2012

I felt bad after missing the Waptki and Sunset Crater on the day that loop was scheduled. (We were supposed to include them after the Grand Canyon, the day Jeff’s Venom first gave up in the heat.) Jeff was eager to resume riding and to test how the Endurance was holding up. This is the bike that we’d lent to Dai and Judith to ride.

On the highway to the entrance we passed many bicycles and they were all going to the same place we were. This was some sort of charity event, accompanied with extra security and support like tents that supplied cold drinks. Even with all this, the park offered great empty vistas. We were especially conscious of maintaining the 45mph speed limit and it still was a joy to travel through this open rolling road.

We enjoyed walking around the Citadel, one of the ancient pueblos. It was just us and the lizards and amazing views. The volcano also offered great walks. Of all the historic and geographical sites on this trip, this was the one I enjoyed the most.

After a great coffee at one of the landmarks of Flagstaff, we arrived back at the hotel for the Concours d’Oiligance. This is a time to vote for your favorite bike, hear stories about other peoples’ experiences on the road, and try riding other bikes.




In the evening, everyone gathered for cocktails, dinner, an official meeting, the election of officers, and the presentation of awards. Traditionally this is a time to get out of riding clothes and dress-up. The best news is that I was elected to be editor of Fishtail West once again! Yeah! (The list of winners will be published in the next edition of the Fishtail West, the Velocette Owners’ Club of North America newsletter.)


Thanks to all who made this year’s rally possible. John Stanley did an amazing job selecting our route and anchoring our week in Flagstaff. There is much more to see and do in this town! From the ride I have a much better idea of what the state of Arizona is all about. Thanks to Gil Loe and Isobel Belvoir and Dick Casey for all their work. Special thanks to all the Australians who enlivened the week with their wit and style. Thanks to all the other people who traveled great distance, such as Dai and Judith and even Paul d’Orleans and Susan. Of course, hello to Gwen and Mirek, special friends who were important elements of our camp.