Day 1 Phoenix to Page AZ

We were up bright and early to meet everyone at the IHOP only Chelli was 15 minutes late, Scuter and Jo were at Waffle House and Deb & I were 30 minutes late. Oh well. The idea was to beat the heat getting out of the valley and we were well on our way to doing that when we got into stop and go traffic. It seems a truck jack knifed at Carefree Hwy. Ugh... So, we did a little lane splitting to get out of the traffic. Necessary evil and I hope I never have to do that much of it again.

We got off to get gas and in leaving there, it was U turn number 1 when we turned right instead of left. Up 17 we continue to Flagstaff where we should go EAST on I-40. Well, Chelli and Jo when East, Scuter Deb and I went west. Stopped for gas, got text from Chelli telling us where they were and off we go. Except....Scuter took us West on 40 again. We get off and the next exit and U turn number 2.

Chelli and Jo wait for us at the Connoco on 89 and we get all broken up looking for a Subway. Never mind that Wendy's was right in front of us. Finally we all end up at Subway and cool off and eat. An older biker dude asked if we were heading north, we said yes, he said to be careful and give each other plenty of room because the wind and dust was some of the worst he had seen. Let me tell you, he wasn't lying. There is something very odd about leaning left in a right curve to keep your bike upright and in your lane. We had about 60 miles of that.

Finally, we make it to Page. Get a couple rooms and when Jo, Chelli and Scuter decide to go out for dinner we opt to stay in. We got almost no sleep last night because our AC went out and we're exhausted. Jo was kind enough to offer to bring dinner back for us.

After Jo leaves, a little while later I look out the window and they are still outside. This can't be good, they are on the ground looking under Chelli's bike. Her ignition fell apart. We went down to lend moral support. Of course it is 10 minutes to 5 and we had no luck getting a bike shop that was open. However Chelli fixed it right up. We are now disaster proofed for the trip.

Guess that is about it.