Gila National Forest in New Mexico

[cntrailrider]

We slipped away for an overnighter in Gila Forest New Mexico (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Gila+National+Forest,+New+Mexico&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=27.838219,60.644531&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FWbFAAIdpaCG-Q&split=0&ll=32.907118,-107.734852&spn=0.057503,0.118446&t=h&z=13) (zoom out) this past weekend. Twisty heaven - no guardrails. Hairpins with sheer drops. Encountered lots of BMW riders..I took it slow...
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/IMG_0110.jpg

First time tent-camping for her. Camped since my teens/Boy Scouts (55 now)
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/IMG_0117.jpg

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/IMG_0121.jpg

I believe she's hooked. Hit some rain on the way up but didn't seem to phase her. Big Bend is next - we've RV'd there numerous times but bike-camping is the way to go. It's alot easier to bring all the comforts with a trailer

A couple weekends ago I took a stoll up to Cloudcroft NM. Beautiful area with lots of twistys and elevation changes
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/MayhillCloudcroft004.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/MayhillCloudcroft014.jpg

Recently bought a '74 750 Triumph Trident to satisfy the leftover hot-rod cravings from age 18. That was my last bike before the Goldwing, 36 yrs ago. My behaviour on it is what scared me out of riding....too much pep for an 18 yr old
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/IMG_0087.jpg
I've matured a bit since then, and gonna give this another whirl. Shift on the right...
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/FirstNight-MerritIslandFLtoDetroit.jpg
It DOES TURN ON for 70's technology! Merrit Island FL to Detroit via cheap motels - camping on the Triumph is next..

Steve in El Paso

[Sharpie]

Thanks for the nice Trip Report and a pic of that great looking Triumph.

[rbertalotto]

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/FirstNight-MerritIslandFLtoDetroit.jpg

That Triumph makes you look a lot younger.................Amazing!
(It must be good for your soul)

[NMRoadrunner]

We were in the area last weekend also. Moteled in Reserve NM the first night, pouring down rain. Road from Reserve to Clifton Az the Alpine and back to Reserve. The Apache campground is a good place to stay at Apache Junction. I love this area, good roads lots of curves and not much traffic. The Reserve/Alpine area is still undiscovered by the masses.

I don't remember seeing your rig, but if you saw 4 1800's and 1 1500 GL's pulling trailers and 1 Valkyrie - well that was us.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I love the old Triumphs, good looking bike Steve!

[VFR]

Nice trip report. I've been wanting to ride the 152 & camp there. I have done the 180 out of Silver City & also the 191 of course.

Also back to Big Bend. I lived in Presidio one summer out of high school but haven't been back since.

[cntrailrider]

Thanks for the comments. I hope to weekend in Big Bend this winter on the Trident. It's got a distinctive howl, but then alot of other bikes do too. Been starting mostly on the first kick
We had a dead-head leg to El Paso on Friday night, so we loaded the Trident and brought'er home

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/IMG_0153.jpg
Somewhat of a snug fit (Learjet freighter)

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/IMG_0147.jpg
Strapped 'er down and three and a half hours later she was home. (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/RAX762/history/20090926/0833Z/KPTK/KELP) A little faster than riding (!) but riding it would've been more fun. Nearly out of vacation days for the year or I would have

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/cntrailrider/004.jpg
The Goldwing no longer sleeps alone

Steve in El Paso