Today was one of our longest rides yet as we went from Albuquerque to Thatcher, Arizona. However we didn’t just ride straight there we went the fun scenic route so we could get our AZ 50 rides 1 nation coin.
It all started at 61 degrees which I’ve learned and been told several times take 20 degrees of the temp and that is what it feels like on a motorcycle. Needless to say I had jeans, my chaps, a T-shirt and my flannel on to start.
We were so proud of ourselves for making it 117 miles without stopping (it was dumb, never again). That when we did stop, I realized just how cold I truly was by my body shakes. Weirdest feeling ever so even though it was beginning to warm up I still put on a jacket and my rain coat.
As we rode through the prettiest stretch of road on NM117 we encountered deer and antelope. Even more shocking was we had the whole road to ourselves. I can count on one hand the amount of vehicles we saw.
We then crossed into Arizona, I was able to get my state sign again!
Here comes the heat! We did the Coronado trail scenic byway. WOWZA! That road is a must but understand you’re not going to go fast, it will take at least 2 1/2+ hours to complete. You definitely need to be fully alert just by the sheer amount of wildlife you will see. Also if you don’t like heights don’t look down!
Once we made it through all the curves which I was done with halfway through. Then hello desert! I think I was sweating in places I didn’t know could sweat. 109 degrees on black top, really Arizona blacktop in the desert. Could have most definitely fried eggs on that pavement as well as the bike seat my butt had to sit on.
Tomorrow is going to be another Hott Girl Summer day. Thankfully our next stay outside of Phoenix has a little pool that I will most likely be jumping in as we are looking at a 111 degree day. Wish us luck and send good vibes for our hot day of travel.
Joy on Two Wheels 
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