4th Annual
Arizona Roadrunner
Motoring Tour
October 14, 15, 16 & 17, 2011
A 'No-Frills' driving tour around Arizona
for Vintage (pre-1980) British Motorcars
Four days of scenic cruising
from the Desert to the Rez
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What -- A 'No-Frills' driving tour around Northern Arizona and a bit of New Mexico. Suggested route will cover 1000 miles over the course of four days.
When -- Friday, October 14th is the start date for the tour. Return is Monday, October 17th.
Where -- We'll leave from The Bashas' Market at 15310 N Oracle (in Catalina) at 9:30 am.
If you are late we don't wait. Drivers meeting at 9:15am. Start at 9:30am. If you arrive at 9:35 we will be gone.
Our lunch stop will be Papa Kelsey's Pizza & Subs in Mesa. After lunch we'll drive north through Payson and up the Mogollon Rim. Final stop on Day 1 is La Posada Hotel in Winslow -- total of 270 miles.
While in Winslow we'll check out the Standin' on the Corner Park to see how the town has made the most of its bit of fame.
Now is the time to make your room reservations. Suggested lodging for October 14 is La Posada Hotel in Winslow, a National Historic Site. The phone number for reservations is 1-928-289-4366. There are a limited number of rooms at the minimal $109 (+ tax) rate, so if you are going, get your room lined up as soon as practical.
The recommended Friday evening meal will be in La Posada's Turquoise Room for those who seek a special dining experience. You'll want to throw a clean shirt in the bag for this one... it's a very nice place. Of course you're welcome to dine whenever and wherever you wish.
The suggested Day 2 drive runs up through the Hopi and Navajo Reservations to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. We'll be taking the scenic route by way of Second Mesa and including a memorable drive over the Chuska Mountains and around Ship Rock, total for the day will be about 340 miles.
Day 2 (October 15) lodging will be the Holiday Inn at Canyon de Chelly. Phone the Holiday Inn directly at 1-928-674-5000 and mention 'Arizona Roadrunner' for room rate of $61 (+ tax). This is a limited time and space deal so again, prompt action is suggested.
The morning of Day 3 will offer an optional canyon tour led by Navajo guides. For those who wish to take this Jeep tour, it will leave from the National Monument Visitors Center at 9:00 am on Sunday 10/16. We will leave from the Holiday Inn at 8:30 and drive to the Visitors Center. The tour takes 3 hours and costs $50 per person (cash) plus a nice tip for your guide. Details about the tour are on the Canyon de Chelly Tours website. To to book your place on the tour call (928) 674-3772 and mention the 'Arizona Roadrunner Motoring Tour'. No credit card is necessary to make a reservation, but first and last name and your telephone number will be needed.
For those not wanting to take the Jeep tour, there will be a suggested drive along the viewpoints of the South Rim of Canyon de Chelly.
On Sunday our afternoon drive will stop at the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site near Ganado. This is both a remarkable part of Arizona's history and a working trading post -- you may tour the old Hubbell homestead and/or shop in the Trading Post.
We will continue our drive through the Painted Desert and the length of the Petrified Forest National Park with stops in the park and at the South Visitors Center. Final stop on Day 3 is Holbrook, a total drive of 150 miles.
Sunday evening (October 16) you can 'Sleep in a Wigwam' if you make a room reservation at the Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in Holbrook. Reservations for a Wigwam can be made by calling 1-928-524-3048. Suggested time to call is after 4 pm. Alternately you can email requesting a reservation at: reservations@sleepinawigwam.com. Wigwam availability at the motel is very limited so this one should be booked as soon as you decide you are going.
On Monday we'll return to Tucson via Salt River Canyon. We'll stop for a farewell lunch at Chalo's Mexican Restaurant in Globe. Total for Day 4 is about 240 miles.
You may want to have an Arizona map (hopefully not 63 years old), snack items and soft drinks or water. Lunch stops will be made though you are welcome to pack a lunch if you prefer. A cell phone and AAA card never come amiss if you have them.
If you are unfamiliar with 'no-frills' touring you might take a look at this website for comments about a tour that was around for awhile. In particular, note the 'Insider Information' offered.
An important note: Joe Lucas needs to know if you are planning to attend. This is still a low-key, disorganized event but as a practical matter having some idea who and how many will be there makes it easier to plan meal stops, gas stops, etc. So if you are planning to attend please drop Joe an email at: joe.arizona.roadrunner@gmail.com.
Joe is now on Facebook. Facebook members can find me here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001321863458
The other reason for asking to be notified of your intent to drive is that the Roadrunner will be limited to 15 cars to assure that our casual approach to driving, parking and dining doesn't become a logistic nightmare. Coincidentally, this is the maximum number of rooms available at the WigWam and very near the limit of suitable rooms at La Posada.
No other advance arrangements have been made. This is a no-frills event. You are responsible for your own room arrangements, your own dining arrangements and your own car.
Vintage (pre-1980) British Vehicles Only, Please
