So to make good on my bullet points for the story, our one female rider showed up from the Phoenix area (that's the "girl" part of it). That's her on the left in the last picture, and she was a first class trooper. Typical 20 something with some creative hair, but that girl could ride! AND... She started riding in March! That's right, she started riding and six months later she's out with the boys heading up fire trails. Talk about girl power! She took her compliments well, and the tom-boy jabs she kicked right back at whoever threw them. Of course, most of the older male riders quickly took over the fatherly rolls and watched out for her at every turn.
The main group headed for Crown King for a 100+ mile loop, while three of us headed up around the mountain for a little less dust than 16 bikes can produce. The main group had it's share of dumped bikes we heard later, but no injuries except for egos. No breakdowns were reported, and no one got towed back into camp.
Darrel, John, & myself had a nice leisurely ride up from burned out desert scape where the dust was a little challenging, to some great forest areas.
Our tour guide for our little group was Darrel who works for the county road department in the area. Lots of knowledge about the area, and the history of some almost missed places.
This was a stage stop back in the day, and he pointed out the remnants of the rock foundation of the old shack.
Our trail once again took us by Palace Station, a real stage stop that has been restored & preserved. I can't imagine the feeling of being in a stage going up that road.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescot ... 7&actid=50
http://theproperfunction.com/palace-station-arizona/
The groups returned to camp throughout the afternoon for a unbelievable dinner for cowboy beans, pasta salad, and smoked brisket. NO ONE, went hungry.
We did have a windstorm that afternoon, and one tent blew away down the field, but everything was recovered by the drunken search party.
After the meal, the chairs came out, and the stories started flying more than the wind that afternoon.
The next morning was another great weather day, and the sunrise was great to watch. Nothing like "camping", and walking around with a cup of coffee enjoying the views, sounds, and smells of the desert.
Oh yeah, another bullet point. There were wild animals invading our campsites.
Next..........
Family time in Scottsdale.
) and asks us what we want to drink. We all have an awesome lunch and the Western Burger was excellent. Free refills on the Root Beer, locals coming and going, waitress greets most by name, it's just NICE. 
