The red rocks near Sedona hold a magnetic draw for tourists worldwide and are the perfect backdrop for the area?s great motorcycle roads. Photos by the author.
Miles of hairpins, 4,000 feet of elevation change, historic towns, monolithic red rocks and vast pine forests all in the span of a 180-mile loop. Do I have your attention" I thought so. Northern Arizona has become a kind of motorcycle mecca for all of the reasons listed above and so much more. At the risk of inspiring your jealous resentment, I must tell you that this spectacular loop ride is in my own backyard.
Panoramic views of rock formations, evergreens and big skies define Northern Arizona.
I kick this tour off in the thin, crisp air of Flagstaff. The mountain city is a cool place not only climatically but also in relation to its vibrant arts, music and social scene. The heartbeat of Flagstaff emanates from Northern Arizona University and pumps through the city?s adjacent historic district. I start this ride rolling through the campus and its classic red stone structures and regal white-columned buildings. The old portions of the campus are truly reminiscent of its Ivy League counterparts. The university has a special place in my heart, as it is my alma mater. A map of the route taken, by Bill Tipton/compartmaps.com.
I leave Flagstaff to the south toward Sedona on State Route 89A. Some of the best riding on this loop is to be had in the stretch from the forest south of Flagstaff down into and through Oak C...