IJWR Photo Gallery

Accident Scene Management class for IJWR

The IJWR crew hosted an Accident Scene Management class at the Prescott Elks, and we were blown away. Generously sponsored by Full Throttle Law, this class will help our group better handle any emergency or incident that may happen on any of our rides. The Road Guardians instructor (Teresa) did a fantastic job of helping us to understand how to manage an incident. From dealing with the traffic management to helping a rider down, we learned a LOT about managing an Accident Scene. Thanks to Teresa & the Road Guardians, Full Throttle Law, and to all of the IJWR riders who attended. We are a better riding group for it!

The Cove at Bartlett Lake

From an hour-post-rainfall and high-40-degree-temps leading up to KSU, our stoic group of 7 motored down I-17 to New River for a comfort stop and gear-change (since the thermometer read over 30 degrees warmer in that less-than-an-hour's timeframe!). From there, riders made their way out New River Road and crossed over and thru Cave Creek to the smooth, pleasurable serpentine pavement leading thru the remote and rugged desert landscape to Bartlett Lake for lunch at The Cove at Bartlett Lake.  Not only was the food and company fantastic, but the region's natural beauty was enhanced by the dramatic partly cloudy skies and warming desert sun.

Bill's Grill after the Prescott Loop Ride

Ron planned and led a nice ride around our own back yard Bradshaw Mountains, first heading down Iron Springs Rd through Skull Valley, then past the Kirkland Saloon and Steakhouse (without stopping!), then back up the twisty AZ-89 and along White Spar Rd into Prescott and finally to Bill's Grill, a MyAZMap stop. The staff at Bill's Grill was ready for us with reserved tables, and we enjoyed the great food and good company.

March Dine-Out at The Fat Frog

We had another great turnout for the March Dine-Out in Prescott. 32 of our good friends and riding companions gathered for a feast in Fat Frog's back room. With the NCAA tournament going loud and strong out in the main restaurant, we had the back room to ourselves and we had a great dinner and good conversation. Thanks again to Keith for planning all of our excellent events.

Dirty Birdies in Flagstaff

Well, the day started off with Plan A to visit Dirty Birdies in Flagstaff. But at the beginning of the ride, we changed to Plan B: go to the Northern Pines restaurant, just across the street from Dirty Birdies for lunch, then go to the Birdie for our "lunch dessert." Since both are MyAZMap stops, we could get the proverbial "two stamps with one stop." Riding over Mingus Mountain, through Jerome, Cottonwood, and Sedona before getting up on the plateau and on to Flagstaff, we experienced beautiful weather and scenery, hot and heavy traffic, followed by more beautiful weather and scenery!

We arrived at The Northern Pines just after a tour bus arrived. Walking in, we asked for a table for all of us, but we were informed that we would be well-advised to go across the street to Dirty Birdies. Not that they couldn't seat us, but we'd be behind the full tour bus in service. So, we thanked the hostess for her frankness, and asked if they would stamp our maps, since we were there. Accommodating, no problem. So, with stamped maps in hand, we crossed the street to return to Plan A ("I love it when a Plan A comes together!"). We enjoyed a great lunch with good friends and a great ride.

Teddy Bear Run to Chino Vally

The Prescott Elks Lodge #330 has been receiving Teddy Bear donations from the general public, and distributing them to first responders around the area. The first responders use these bears for kids they encounter who are in need of reassurance that there are good people in the world. The IJWR Riders have been helping with the distribution with a special Teddy Bear Run to deliver these gifts for the kids.

The 4th IJWR Teddy Bear Run was a great success today, with over 40 bears delivered by 30 bikers from the Prescott Elks to the Chino Valley Police Department. Beginning at the Elks Lodge #330 in Prescott Valley, the group arrived with plenty of time to enjoy the coffee and donuts provided by the Elks, then load the bears onto each of our bikes. The briefing thankfully took place inside the lodge in the cool air, then we departed enmasse toward Chino Valley. WIth just one mishap along the way (a bungee holding a bear came loose, and the bear fell onto the road, to be picked up by following riders), we all arrived at the CVPD to deliver the bears to a couple of very appreciative CVPD officers. After the requisite photos, the group continued on to El Charro Norte in northern Chino Valley for lunch. Comments at lunch were very positive about the food as well as the very prompt service.

Click the newspaper images below to see the write-up about this ride.

Following lunch, a few of the group continued to the Chino Valley 9/11 Memorial to pay homage to those lost in that tragedy.

The weather cooperated, the group was great, the ride was safe, lunch was good... all ingredients for a stellar day on the road!

Peaks & Valleys in Carefree

IWJR headed down the hill today bound for Peaks & Valleys Restaurant in Carefree. Located on Carefree Highway, we came down the new and improved I-17 to New River, then took New River Rd and 7th St to cross Carefree Highway and into the restaurant. Beautiful weather, temps in the 80s (maybe hitting low 90s), and great sun, great friends, and great riding!

Patties, Pints, & Pizza in New River

Twelve IJWR riders headed down the newly-configured I-17 to New River on Pi-Day for lunch at this fantastic restaurant. The weather was beautiful, warm with a little wind, and of course the normal type of traffic (some slow, some fast, and some very impatient) on this storied freeway was present. We were all seated together in our own section and enjoyed good food and good conversation among friends.

El Mesquite Sonoran Eatery in Wickenburg

The IJWR crew headed to this new (to us) destination in Wickenburg for lunch. The weather was nice, and the ride down the hill exhilerating as usual. The restaurant was met with some mixed reviews, but overall the mid-week excursion was enjoyed by all.

Horny Toad in Cave Creek

The morning began chilly (51deg), windy (15-18 mph with gusts up to 35), and was fraught with a constant barrage of kamikaze tumbleweeds and the occasional errant plastic bag or empty cardboard box. But once riders turned south on I-17, the sidewinds became tailwinds that served to whisk the group of a dozen riders across the verdant Black Mesa, past Sunset Point, and thru the sweeping curves of the interstate on its descent towards Black Canyon City. A stop at the Shell station in New River became a necessity, since by then it had warmed up to 71deg – a rise of 20 degrees in just 45 minutes since KSU! From there, the group continued south on New River Road before cutting thru neighborhood back streets to reach Carefree Highway and ultimately on to Cave Creek Road for the casual cruise into town. The group arrived at the Horny Toad restaurant to find ample parking and were quickly seated in the bar area and promptly served … but it turned out to be on the front end of the lunch rush, because after our hearty portions were emptied from their respective plates, the cozy saloon and its parking lot was packed! Sunny skies ushered riders homeward, but with the rise in elevation came the return to the winds … so much for good fuel mileage!

Superstition Saloon in Tortilla Flat

An early morning start did not deter the five riders who braved the morning chill to enjoy a leisurely 145-mile ride southeastward, knowing their reward would include some meandering backroads and smooth pavement, “Goldilocks” weather (not too cold, not too hot … but JUST right!), capped off by a scenic journey alongside the Superstition Mountains via the Apache Trail, whisking them past Canyon Lake and over two bridges before landing at the bustling town of Tortilla Flat for lunch at the Superstition Saloon. Despite the 45-minute wait to be seated, the delicious food and jovial conversation made up for the lengthy delay (which was filled with fun conversation and people-watching while hanging out on the boardwalk!).

Roadrunner in New River

This warm winter’s day brought out a dozen ijwarries for the ride south to Roadrunner Saloon in New River.  The pack enjoyed a pleasant ride, followed by good food and great company at this rustic bar and grill.

Moon Valley Grill in Phoenix

We had a large crowd of IJWR riders today for the ride down the hill into the Valley of the Sun. No freezing temperatures today, and with 85 degree temperatures in the Valley, the group sat on the patio and enjoyed a great meal while several of us got our MyAZMaps stamped as well. Check out the pictures from the day by clicking the link above.

Tavern Grill in Cottonwood

After the snow came on Thursday night, and freezing temperatures persisted through much of Friday, we were concerned about ice on the roads. So, with safety as our first concern, we opted to take the freeway around Mingus Mountain rather then climbing over, where the shady areas could still hold some icy surprised for us. But, not satisfied with just heading directly to the restaurant, we continued north on I-17 to the Cornville exit, then in Cornville we turned north again to take the winding Page Springs Road to 89a and into Cottonwood. It was a great ride, nice sunny weather, and we had a nice visit with friends.

Luchia's Restaurant in Wikieup

Our IJWR riders headed south on this Saturday to Luchia's Restaurant and Gift Shop in Wikieup. Heading out in 50+ deg weather and arriving in 70+ degrees, we had a beautiful ride down Iron Springs through Skull Valley and Kirkland, then a spirited ride along the Bagdad Highway as well as the Bagdad Cutoff. Stopping for a moment before jumping onto Highway 93 for an outerwear adjustment, we continue up through Wikieup to Luchia's. We had good food, great conversation, lots of laughs, and an even more spirited ride back with a stop at the Kirkland Saloon and Steakhouse for "Birthday Boy" (not sayin' who). Lots of comments later about how great the pace was; everybody on the ride enjoyed the brisk pace on that lovely bit of 2-lane highway!

Alamo Lake State Park in Wenden

Whatta day for a great ride and a lakeside picnic lunch that Yogi and BooBoo would be envious of!  An adventurous group of 9 ~ consisting of 7 riders, 1 cager and a spunky chihuahua co-pilot ~ made the 135-mile journey to Alamo Lake State Park, about 33 miles north of Highway 60 at Wenden. The lake, created in 1968 upon the completion of the Alamo Dam, lies about 35 miles as-the-crow-flies due east from Parker Dam, but sits surrounded by remote and rugged desert terrain at the confluence of the Big Sandy and Santa Maria Rivers.

The sun spent most of the day as a diffused glow behind high thin cloud cover, but the low 50’s temps at KSU from the Circle K in Prescott rose into the mid-60’s by the time the group descended Yarnell Hill into Congress (where tanks were topped off and bladders were emptied). Despite breezy morning conditions, it calmed down and warmed up nicely to eventually hit 77 degrees by the time everyone rolled in to the state park, providing ideal conditions for a brown bag lunch overlooking the southern end of the lake. There was a wide variety of lunchables produced from individual coolers, some of which were shared (while others were coveted!), along with hearty helpings of jovial conversation and humor. After lunch, the group took advantage of a couple of ‘photo ops’ before everyone rolled out in formation for the pleasant ride home.

The Sportsman's Chalet in Strawberry

Well, the weather continues to cooperate with our riding plans, so our interpid IJWR crew headed up into the mountains, up onto the Colorado Plateau and into the Ponderosa Pine forest to Strawberry for lunch at the Sportsman's Chalet. The menu included your choice of beef, bison, or elk burgers, and each could be infused with wine! An elk wineburger--a first for me!!

Roadkill Cafe in Seligman

IJWR riders went north on this sunny, warm-ish day. The ride up Hwy 89 and across on Old Route 66 into Seligman was nice, but windy. Nobody was blown off the road, so we all enjoyed our trip to the Roadkill Cafe where the lunch fare included "Bird that smacked the curb" and "Tire Track Snack."

Dillon's @ Western Trails Ranch in Morristown

We had a good group of 22+ for this ride, wherein we switched the normal Saturday ride to this Sunday ride so we could attend the 1st Sunday Biker's Market. The large group stayed together and maintained great formation for the whole trip, which included a stop in Congress to adjust our clothing for the 80 degree temperatures at the lower elevations. The event included vendor booths (including Full Throttle Law), a band, a swap meet, and a bikini bike wash! Lunch was great, as usual, and we browsed the Market before heading back home. Check out the pictures and the video in the link above.

Verde Brewing in Camp Verde

Is there a better way to enjoy a winter day than starting in warm weather, riding to warmer weather, and enjoying a cool ride down some 2-lane backroads, some twisty interstate riding, and finally a nice round-the-block scenic tour of Camp Verde before arriving at the Verde Brewing Company?? With 13 bikes on the ride, we all rode in great stagger formation down the hill, and the Brewery was a great stop on this destination (not round-trip) ride. Check out the photos by clicking the link above.

January IJWR Dine-Out in Chino Valley

We had a great group of ijwarries at our first dine-out of 2026! We were at Gabby's Rustic Eats in Chino Valley, and the food was very good, the room was just the right size and since we were in a private room there was little noise, and the service was spot on. The group enjoyed catching up with each other, and talking about plans for the new year!

The Forge in Skull Valley & The Kirkland Saloon & Steakhouse

With a chilly start (37 degrees leaving my house), a hearty IJWR crew tackled the local loop ride for lunch. Beginning in Chino Valley, 7 riders rode down Iron Springs to Skull Valley and The Forge for breakfast/lunch. After a really good lunch, and NO Buddy (the raven), we continued down the road 7 miles to Kirkland for a stop at the Kirkland Saloon and Steakhouse, under new management and with plenty of renovations ongoing. After a refreshment and touring the Vault Room, the new dining room, and the brothel, we toasted a great ride, from a cold start to a warm goodbye!

Mecca Bar & Grill in Wickenburg

What a beautiful May day (oops, wait, it is only mid-January), with temperatures in the upper 70s in Wickenburg the IJWR riders enjoyed a great day on the patio at Mecca today. The ride from Prescott to Wickenburg was sweeet, with everybody in lock-step as we descended Yarnell Hill, followed by a quick stop in Congress to shed some outerwear. Great ride with good friends, and okay--it isn't May quite yet, but it sure felt like it!!

The Roadhouse in Cave Creek

The MyAZMap end-of-year 2025 prize drawing party was held in Cave Creek, and the IJWR riders headed down to see how we fared. The ride down was fun, smooth, and uneventful now that the flex lanes are in on I-17 down the hill. We all had lunch, and met up with some friends from Roadrunner HOG, and we enjoyed the band, the party, and especially the prize drawings. One of our ijwarries won a second place prize!

Dillon's at Western Trails Ranch in Morristown

The IJWR riders took advantage of the nice weather for our first ride of 2026!! After rain scuttled our New Years Day ride plans, this was our chance to bring in the New Year by exercising our 2- and 3-wheeled magic carpets to transport us into the warm(er) environ at Western Trails Ranch where the Dillon's lunch was good as always.

Chilleen's on 17 in Black Canyon City

A dedicated group of riders (or was it: a desperate group of riders seeking some semblance of sanity in the midst of the holiday season!?!) made a final push to get in those last few miles on the last Saturday of the calendar year to enjoy a short jaunt down the freeway to Black Canyon City for a cozy and enjoyable lunch at Chilleen’s on 17.

Beaver St. Brewing in Flagstaff

For those Jones’ing for “just one more ride” before Christmas, this one satisfied that need, and then some, and on the first day of Winter! Eleven riders gathered for a fantastic putt to lunch in “the high country.” Compliments of a temperature inversion, it got colder as the group rolled into Camp Verde (48 deg), but warmed 10 degrees by the time we reached the intersection with AZ-87. Turning north, we rolled up to Clint’s Well (mid-60’s upon arrival) for a short break and to enjoy the warmth of the sun’s rays. Then came the best part of the day: a ride up Lake Mary Road. Being a Monday prior to a major holiday, traffic was nearly non-existent, and the road clear and smooth. The gentle curves of the road thru the forest and past Mormon Lake and Lake Mary made for a comfortable ride with wonderful views ~ that included the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks. A couple of zigs and zags on Flagstaff city streets, and we arrived at Beaver Street Brewing shortly after noon to a light crowd, prompt seating, and an enthusiastic waiter. After lunch, folks dispersed in all directions … three of whom rode down Oak Creek Canyon and thru Sedona; around to Cottonwood, then up to Jerome and over Mingus Mountain; again, enjoying light traffic and gloriously clear views in every direction.

Tennessee Grill in Anthem

Twenty-one elves took a break from holiday preparations on yet another spectacularly clear and mild December day to take a 75 mile ride down to Anthem for lunch at Tennessee Grill. Riding as a single cohesive group, credit goes to our ride leader and ride sweep keeping our group together, despite all those miles down I-17 and then later thru half a dozen traffic signals on city streets! From the southbound trajectory on I-17, the group dodged off the interstate at New River Road to enjoy a more casual pace thru the desert to Carefree Highway, where we looped eastward to cross back over I-17 and swing north on Gavilan Peak Pkwy past the Anthem Veterans Memorial. A quick turn on Anthem Way crossed us over I-17 once again and on to the restaurant on the west side of the freeway. Thanks to a call ahead, they were ready for our large group, promptly seated everyone and got orders going. Being a new destination for us, there were no complaints (only compliments) heard about the quality and quantity of the food. As so often happens, we filled the spacious dining room with smiles, jokes, and jovial conversation.

Coyote Cafe in Aguila

Much of the country was battling weather such as hurricane-force winds, floods, snow, and freezing weather on this day. We hope everybody in those areas of inclement weather get through it without too much difficulty and can soon enjoy a more peaceful Christmas season.

Here in Arizona, we've managed to avoid much of that winter stuff and this day was no exception! The IJWR crew rode from Prescott down the hill to Aguila for lunch at the Coyote Cafe (or Coyote Den, or Coyote Flats Cafe & Bar, though they have no alcohol... seems like the name depends on where you look for it!). Aguila had highs above 80 while Prescott was into the 70s, making for a beautiful ride. As expected, the food was really good with plentiful portions!

Following the lunch, some of the group reconvened at Kirkland Saloon & Steakhouse on the way home, and were able to tour some of the updates the new owners are making. They have added a unique "vault room" to their upcoming dining experience, and they are decorated for Christmas not with the "elf on a shelf" but the "elf on a stripper pole!" We were also told they plan to participate in Arizona Bike Week with activities, bands, vendors, etc. right there in Kirkland! So, look for some IJWR rides coming up to Kirkland in early April.

Check out the full photographic ride essay in the photo gallery by clicking on the link above or here.

The Hitchin' Post in Wickenburg

The December weather continues to feel like fall; temperatures were pushing 80 in Wickenburg for our IJWR riders today. Departing Prescott, the group wound along Iron Springs Rd through Skull Valley, Kirkland, Yarnell, and down the awesome Yarnell Hill. As usual, passing by the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial on Yarnell Hill gave everybody in the group pause, but the somber moment passed as we continued down, the entire group negotiating the twisties with ease! With no traffic ahead, we cruised for a quick stop in Congress to adjust our outerwear for the warmer temperatures in the Valley. Continuing into Wickenburg, we took Vulture Mine Road, then some side roads to find ourselves at the Wickenburg Country Club and the Hitchin' Post for lunch. The restaurant was ready for us with patio seating for all, and we enjoyed an excellent lunch with equally high-quality service.

2025 IJWR Christmas Dinner

Well, there is nothing like Christmas spirit! Forty of the IJWR crew showed up to celebrate the holidays for our Christmas dinner, and wasted no time sharing stories, talking about plans for 2026, and we all raised a toast to our inspiration, Larry Bell. Dinner was excellent, as was the service, and we look forward to another year of riding together twice-weekly, enjoying our monthly dinner get-togethers, and getting to know each other even better! Thanks to all who attended the party, and we'll do it again next year!! Merry Christmas to all.

THAT Brewery in Pine

Unseasonably mild weather got riders out for a Tuesday journey to THAT Brewery in Pine (since they’re closed on Wednesdays, and our Christmas dinner is tomorrow/Wednesday). We played the “name game” with those who came out today: Bruce & Bruce, Val & Cal, John & Ron, and “That Girl,” Diane … who led a spirited ride up and through Rim Country via AZ-260. There wasn’t a cloud in the vibrant blue December sky, temps varied between the high 50’s and mid-60’s, traffic was relatively light, and we had a wonderful cruise through the world’s largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest. Lunch was tasty and the camaraderie couldn’t be beat!

Nick's on the West Side in Sedona

What a great day over the mountain (Mingus Mountain) and back down into the Verde Valley as the IJWR riders made their way through Jerome, Cottonwood, through the Red Rock Loop, and into the west side of Sedona. Stopping at Nick's West Side, we avoided all of the traffic typical of uptown Sedona.

After lunch, some of the group headed up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff and home via I-40, while others took another scenic route down Hwy 179 and into Cornville, then back over Mingus Mountain back home.

The Ranch House Diner in Ash Fork

From the KSU point, we lost 2 riders to the anticipated cold and threat of rain. But as things shook out, the timing on this short 35-mile ride could not have been better: as the group motored between Chino Valley and Paulden, there was clear evidence along the shoulders of AZ-89 that rain showers had just passed eastward (and were giving Mingus Mountain a good drenching!). The wheeltracks on the highway were dry enough as to not kick up any nasty spray, and the pack made it to within just a few miles of Ash Fork before faint drizzle and some occasional frail snowflakes made their way downward. But it was admittedly cold: 43 degrees for most of the ride, that dropped to 39 as we hit that bit of ‘weather’ approaching Ash Fork (nothing that Under Armour, heated grips, seats, jackets, and/or gloves couldn’t mitigate)! Once inside the warmth of the restaurant, our ‘six-pack’ found a corner table that accommodated everyone comfortably, and we settled in for some jovial conversation and comfort food.

The ride home was dry, despite the beautiful airborne drama all around us!

The Outpost @ Beaver Creek in Rimrock

If there’s such a thing as a perfect riding day, this was it!  We had a fantastic turnout of friends, smooth roads (well, mostly!), light traffic, sunny skies, comfortable temps, a good local restaurant, topped off with a classic car show in their parking lot!

Outpost at Beaver Creek (off I-17 @ the McGuireville exit) was a new destination for our group, and all looked forward to trying something new … everything is made in-house using locally sourced ingredients, and they offer a blend of traditional comfort food and innovative culinary creations. Despite learning they’d run out of hamburger meat, everyone found something to their liking and enjoyed hearty portions and lighthearted conversation. 

After lunch, some headed straight home, while nearly half the group decided to take advantage of the glorious weather and extend the group ride by heading west towards Cornville, then jogging north onto Page Springs Road to follow the fading fall foliage that decorates the banks of Oak Creek thru this region. At the ‘T’ with AZ-89A, we turned southwest, then made for the backstreets of Old Cottonwood and downtown Clarkdale before reconnecting with AZ-89A to weave our way over Mingus Mountain and ultimately home. Man, whatta day for a ride!!

The Diner on Main in Bagdad

What a gorgeous day for a ride! Twelve of the IJWR crew took full advantage of the sunny 60-70 degree weather to head down to Bagdad to the Diner for lunch. The Diner is managed by the same crew that managed the Copper Country Grill, and while it is undergoing renovation, we're frequenting the Diner on Main! Sitting on the patio under cover, we enjoyed lively conversation and cameraderie on this day before Thanksgiving.

Black Bear Diner in Tonopah

Originally planned as a ride to AJ's Co-op Grill in Arlington, when the group gathered there were some conflicting reports that AJ's was closed. The group decided to modify the destination to the Black Bear Diner in Tonopah, which still offered the majority of this cool ride through the desert landscape, and kept the timing such that we avoided the incoming storms and stayed dry. We did check later, and found AJ's was indeed open, but we had already changed our destination.

The ride down Yarnell Hill was spirited, with no traffic, and the following section down Vulture Mine Road was awesome. The clouds gave a perspective somewhat different from the more common infinite blue sunny sky, and the ever-present mountains in our views were alternatively brown, blue, and orange. This is a good time of year to visit the Valley, as the temperatures were pleasant and mild. Lunch at the Diner was good, and plentiful, as usual. Not a drop of rain finished out a great ride.

Veterans Memorial in Anthem

Six bikes and seven riders (five of whom are veterans!) made up the southbound caravan to Anthem to take part in the Veterans Day ceremonies at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, which featured honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps (which had occurred on the previous day).  It was a spectacularly clear, warm day to celebrate the men and women of our armed forces.  Special acknowledgement was made of two USMC WWII vets in the audience; one being 97 years old, the other 103 years old!  Needless to say, they received a lengthy standing ovation from the audience!  After the event, our riders motored up to Chileens on 17 to enjoy lively conversation and good food before returning home.

Hansen's BBQ in Cave Creek

We had a good IJWR crew headed south from Dewey this beautiful morning, but one rider had a minor issue with his bike, so he and the sweep headed back to safety (and home); we always want to ensure our riders make it to a safe destination, whether that is our planned stop or another. We adapted, designating another sweep and heading down to Cave Creek for lunch at the Frontier Town and Hansen's Cowboy BBQ. Great time, and really nice 80-deg weather in Cave Creek. Perfect riding weather!

Black Bear Diner in Cottonwood

So far, November has given us some great riding weather. We took advantage on this Wednesday to head over Mingus Mountain for some twisties, through Clarkdale and Cottonwood, to the Black Bear Diner for breakfast. Very good breakfast, nice ride over the hill, and good friends to share stories with. It was another great IJWR day!

Tonto Natural Bridge ride to Payson

We had a beautiful ride into the mountains, through the Ponderosa Pine forest and into Payson for lunch at Macky's Grill. The warm weather allowed all 10 of us to enjoy the patio for lunch, and we had a great lunch. After a poll of the group who would be visiting the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, three of us ended up visiting this awesome park.

Teddy Bear Donation Run to Williams

The IJWR crew were at it again today; we took a load of Teddy Bears to both the Police Department and the Fire Department. The donations from the Prescott Elks were much appreciated by our First Responders in Williams, and the IJWR riders enjoyed the donuts and coffee provided by the Elks staff as well as the beautiful ride up to Williams. Following the dropoffs, we had lunch at Historic Brewing in Williams before heading home. Half of the riders headed home on the freeway, while the other half took the scenic route through Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome and finally back home. The weather was gorgeous all day; we had a terrific day of riding and providing a bit of joy to be given to some needy young people.

Peoria Artisan Brewery & Gastropub in Peoria

This Wednesday ride was an interesting one. Someone must've ignored my advice NOT to do a rain dance, so the skies opened up and dumped on us just as we gathered prior to departure. We waited a few minutes to let the rains pass, then headed south. After just a bit more spotty rainfall between Prescott and Congress, the weather dried out and we had a beautiful, dry ride to lunch and 90 degree temperatures. The food was excellent, and the visit to Arrowhead Harley-Davidson after lunch was productive for several of our riders (parts & accessories galore!) as we had our mileage entered into the Ride for Heroes program.

Crosswinds Cafe in Payson

Our ride to the Payson Airport cafe took advantage of the beautiful 70+ degree sunshine as eleven of our IJWR riders headed up from Prescott Valley to Payson. Riding among the Ponderosa Pine forest along Highway 260 is a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the thriving metropolis that is our quad-cities (okay, not really too much bustle). We had a great time at the airport cafe, met a group of HOG members from Superstition HOG, and enjoyed watching the airplanes. Check out the photos, and the video of the group using the link above.

Dillons at Western Trails in Morriston

The IJWR crew had a great ride to Morristown for breakfast at Dillon's at Western Trails. We'll be heading south a bit more this winter, as the snow starts to fall up north!

Lake Havasu Overnight Ride

The IJWR crew held our annual ride to Lake Havasu City amid a constant threat of rain and storms. But, since we are part of "I Just Wanna Ride," all twelve riders (who just wanted to ride) headed out from Prescott, first headed south toward Congress, then west toward Salome for our lunch stop. Following lunch, we entered California for a brief ride up Parker Dam Road where we all enjoyed the views and the dam itself before continuing into Lake Havasu. Robert B regaled the group with a story, and we were fortunate to have dinner and leave just before another party of ~100 showed up with DJ and beat box! And, the entire trip was with just a couple of sprinkles that didn't even slow us down!

On Sunday, some riders departed for other destinations while a core group continued back to Prescott. Due to the storms that had occurred on the previous days, the concerns about flooding and debris in some of the low-lying areas of the original route caused our lead to call an "audible" and reroute the return via the freeway.

Timberline Tavern in Flagstaff

We had a beautiful day for a ride to Flagstaff! Departing Prescott Valley in mid-70's and sunny skies, we rode over Mingus Mountain enjoying some of the best twisties in the West. Coming into Cottonwood, we had 81 degrees, and riding through Sedona amid all of the towering red rock formations, we encountered a normal bit of traffic but not enough to split the group. Then the ride through Oak Creek Canyon was refreshing with multiple cars pulling over to let the bikes pass. Finally getting to Flagstaff with the low-70's was so refreshing. We had plenty of room to seat all 9 of us, but the food delivery was a bit slow. We filled the time with good conversation, and enjoyed the food when it was finally served.

September Dine-Out

The IJWR crew had another wild & crazy (okay, more like quiet and fun) time at our monthly Dine-Out.

The Diner in Bagdad

Combine one of our group’s favorite roads with premium weather conditions, and that's a recipe for success! And a success, it was: Fifteen bikes carrying sixteen people came out for the casual 60’ish mile ride from Prescott out Iron Springs Road to Bagdad Highway and on into Bagdad for lunch at The Diner on Main. We arrived on the front end of the lunch rush but were able to be seated relatively swiftly and get our orders in the queue. There was plenty of time for lighthearted conversation and laughter before generous portions arrived to quiet down our hungry crowd. And when our plates were empty, the ride back home on AZ-96 was just as much fun as it had been earlier (though a little toasty in temperature!).

Northern VA Veterans Suicide Awareness Poker Run

Despite this not being an official IJWR ride, but rather a suggested support event, a number of IJWR riders none-the-less gathered at Vic's house to ride to this Poker Run, established 4 years ago by the Prescott VA. We rode to the VA, met a few other IJWR riders there, and together we participated in this poker run. The weather threatened, but never did let loose, and we had a VERY pleasant ride in 70-80 degree weather and sunny skies. Between the donuts at the beginning, refreshments offered at each stop, and the burgers at the end of this free event, we all felt the event was a great success.

Frontier BBQ in Williams

The IJWR group took a leisurely ride to Frontier BBQ, over Mingus Mountain on the twisty 89a followed by a ride through Sedona and up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, and finally to Williams. Though there was a threat of rain, other than a few drops the ride was pleasant and dry. Some of the group got a bit wet just as they returned to the Prescott area, but overall it was a great ride.

Robbie's Restaurant in Rimrock

Warm, sunny skies … twisty roads … good food … amiable conversation & hearty laughs … all these elements converged to provide a fun outing the first day of the long Labor Day weekend. Being a holiday weekend, riders noticed an increase in traffic, but that didn’t steal our thunder as we ourselves thundered up and over Mingus Mountain, thru Jerome, Clarkdale and Cottonwood, on up towards Sedona on AZ-89A to the turnoff for Page Springs Road, where the bikes carved pavement alongside Oak Creek and down to Cornville, then turned east and crossing I-17 to put us into McGuireville before ultimately arriving in Rimrock a short distance later to enjoy hearty lunch portions at Robbie’s Restaurant.

Flatbed Ford Cafe in Winslow

Another great IJWR ride in the books; this time up Highway 260 and 87 to Winslow to visit the Flatbed Ford Cafe. This restaurant is just a block from the "Standin' on the Corner" park, and we had a patio seat in view of the bikes and the Glenn Frey (and the other statue that looks like Jackson Brown, but was not confirmed to be his likeness). After a good meal, some of the group split early, others took the freeway back, and some came back down 87/260 retracing the route up. With a fuel stop on the return at Mustang Gas in Clints Well, we even happened into a classic car show, with the cars lined up along Highway 87. Other than a small spit of rain for each group, all remained dry amid monsoonal thunderstorms!

August Dine-Out at El Paraiso in Chino Valley

The IJWR crew enjoyed a nice dinner at El Paraiso Italian/Mexican restaurant in Chino Valley on Thursday; amid the rain and thunderstorms around. I don't think I saw anybody riding to this dine-out, but we all had a great time in our own room where we could make as much noise as we wanted. And we did!

The Place in Flagstaff

Robert B led an awesome breakfast ride over Mingus Mountain, through Sedona (with very little traffic, don't know how he does it!!?!), Oak Creek Canyon, and into Flagstaff to Mike and Ronda's "The Place" for breakfast. Met there by some surprise guests (Ron, Diane, and Vic) on their way back from Colorado, the group had a really good breakfast served by the Manager herself complete with motorcycle-based headgear (see photos)! The group ride home was equally enjoyable; see photos by clicking the link above, and don't forget to watch the videos of the riders descending into Oak Creek Canyon!

Wild Women Saloon in Heber-Overgaard

Heber-Overgaard is a bit further than our normal day ride, but for this IJWR group of 12 riders, it was just right. Climbing out of Camp Verde into the forested mountain roads brought moderate temperatures as we stopped for a quick break in Star Valley, then continued on toward our lunch stop at the Wild Women Saloon and Restaurant. Lunch on the patio offered the group a chance to discuss the ride, our upcoming riding plans and generally what we've all been up to. Fun time.

Check out the pictures by clicking on the link above, and be sure to watch the video of our riders negotiating the curves on Strawberry Hill.

Horseshoe Cafe in Wickenburg

The IJWR riders met for our Wednesday breakfast ride scheduled for Nichols West in Congress bright and early, but some of us (who are always on time) were late this morning. A tragic accident, claiming the life of a young motorcyclist, had blocked Williamson Valley Road causing significant traffic backups on Willow Creek Road. After the detour (and a bit of lane filtering by some of us), we did converge on the Circle K for our briefing and KSU.

This delay was not our only issue for this ride, however. Upon arrival at Nichols West, we found the restaurant was closed for an "extended summer vacation," which was apologetically offered on a sign on their front door. But, we're a resilient bunch, so we quickly found an alternate in Deb's Horseshoe Cafe in Wickenburg (one of the few businesses choosing to remain open in 2020 during the "mandatory" lockdowns, and is still fighting the legal battles today). Breakfast was great, this group was a fun group, both in our similar riding styles as well as our social-ability, and we had a great breakfast after all of the challenges getting here!

Old County Burger in Pine

Terry L led a great ride up into the mountains to Pine, for lunch at the Old County Burger. While initially we were concerned about being seated together in this small restaurant, Terry took care of putting an 8-place table together for us and we were able to eat lunch together, talking about the ride and other events. After lunch, some of the group headed across the street to Cowboy Smokes for a cigar and a refreshment! Very nice weather, and a good group of IJWR riders for this August ride.

Chilleens on 17 in Black Canyon City

A group of IJWR riders departed on this warm morning for a hot ride to Chilleens on 17, just a few miles down I-17. Some of our riders' faces seemed to melt, while originally-fingered summer gloves became fingerless as they melted, we all had a great time at Chilleens despite the 114 degree temperatures outside.

Mustang River Grill in Parks

The IJWR crew rode to the Mustang River Grill in Parks on this fine August day; we were there early enough to get our order in before the place filled with Elks Riders, a group of riders from an MC, and another group of Legion Riders. It was filled with bikers by the time we left.

We decided ice cream was a necessary conclusion to this lunch, so we left for Del Gadillo's Snow Cap restaurant in Seligman. As we departed, we rode a section of Old Route 66 from Parks to Deer Farm Rd, and we rode a section of Old Route 66 from Crookton Rd to Seligman, with a stretch in between on New Route 66 (aka Interstate 40). It was a great day for all; the ride, the lunch, and the dessert!!

Red Rock Cafe in Oak Creek Village

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather and all looking forward to a nice Saturday ride, we had 18 IJWR riders head over Mingus Mountain, through Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Cornville (the three "C's") and up into Oak Creek Village for breakfast at the Red Rock Cafe. Though it is "summer in Sedona," we were all able to be seated by a very accommodating hostess, and possibly also thanks to a very courteous request from Bruce G, where we enjoyed a terrific breakfast together.

Pine Country in Williams

Fourteen IJWR Riders met at Safeway in Chino for a ride up to Williams with Bob N leading the ride. With beautiful weather we arrived for breakfast/lunch and perhaps some pie at the Pine Country Restaurant. Riders were on their own for the return and there was talk of cigars after our meal. Good food, conversation and of course motorcycles made the morning complete!

Westside Lilo's in Seligman

Those of us left behind from going to Beartooth Rally ride to Montana went to Westside Lilo's in Seligman. We enjoyed breakfast/lunch and had 11 bikes and 12 people. The sky was clear, the weather was in the 80's, and the floral aroma along I-40 to Route 66 was refreshing.

Violetta's Bakery Cafe in Clarkdale

A nice group of IJWR riders showed up for this ride over Mingus Mountain on the twisty AZ-89a. The plan was to head to Violetta's Bakery Cafe (in the Red Caboose) in Clarkdale, followed by a visit to the Arizona Copper Museum across the street (optional, if desired). Some of the group decided to continue to Randall's Restaurant in Cottonwood; where the indoor air conditioned comfort beckoned. For those dining in Clarkdale, the food was excellent, and the patio dining with misters and the shaded tent provided a perfect breakfast environment. Likewise, those continuing to Cottonwood enjoyed a good breakfast inside enjoying the cool air. We aim to please all riders, whether that's on the road, or at our various destinations!

July IJWR Dine-Out

July’s Dine-Out was held at Gurley Street Grill, and the thirty of us had their back dining room all to ourselves. The  noise  level  from all the cheerful banter pegged the meter as Happy Hour concluded at 6PM, by which time all had arrived and were seated for the conversation and meal service to begin. As always happens, things quieted down a bit once the food arrived! The General Manager cheerfully took a moment to greet and welcome everyone, after which plates started streaming out bellies began to fill, smiles broadened, and slowly but surely, eyes bulged at the general over-consumption of delicious food!

Double D in Tonto Village/Payson

Despite the threat of very warm temperatures en-route today, we had a small group head out from Prescott to the high country, through Strawberry, Pine, and Payson to a small community called Tonto Village for lunch at the Double D Bar & Grill. There was a small threat of thunderstorms, but we stayed dry other than a couple of drops as we headed back into Yavapai County and home.

Nichols West in Congress

A southwesterly brunch ride proved the perfect way to still sneak in a ride despite predicted thunderstorms threatening the region. The group was able to ‘thread the needle,’ missing streams of monsoonal storms on either margin of the route. Starting out from Circle K in Prescott, riders headed out Iron Springs Road to Kirkland Junction, over to and down AZ-89 to the tiny community of Congress … destined for Nichols West (one of IJWR’s favorite casual eateries), where the food and the conversation were equally enjoyed. Emerging from the restaurant with full bellies shortly after 11:15AM, the skies had grown even darker and more ominous. However, similar to the ride earlier, the active storm track paralleled the fringes of the return route and allowed for a safe and dry ride back to Prescott.

Pepe's Cafe in Cottonwood

An early morning ride over Mingus Mountain, Old Town Cottonwood and to Pepe’s Café. The service and food was good! And of course, great people on the ride.

In addition to the photos in the link above, check out these couple of videos, all taken by IJWR rider, Scott O.

https://youtu.be/BoNZhuDzzjs

https://youtu.be/FwA9zkNcvxc

Teddy Bear Donation Ride

We had 19 bikes and 24 riders for the second Teddy Bear Donation Run of 2025! Donuts and coffee in the AM and brats for lunch! All provided by volunteers Melisa, Linda, and Ginger from the Elks Lodge #330 in Prescott Valley. Over 70 teddy bears were delivered to the Jerome Police Department and Fire Department; they were very appreciative of these, as they bring comfort to young ones in stressful situations these folks run into in their daily routines.

The Elks have been collecting Teddy Bears from the generous public to provide to our first responders, for them to have available for children who may have been in abusive situations and need to know there are good people out there--police, firemen, and bikers! By giving them a Bear, and telling them the story of who all helped to get that Bear for them, they gain a better perspective on the goodness that is outside of their own scary world.

This is a great way for the IJWR riders to show the community that we are helping out and giving back. Thanks to the Elks for the Bears, as well as for the lunch afterwards. And thanks to the Police and the Fire departments for their work.

Plans are underway for another ride when the Teddy Bears are available.

Breakfast Ride to Clinkscale in Jerome

Originally destined for Jake's Corner Bar & Grill, this day's ride plan pivoted due to triple digit temperatures forecast for both the Camp Verde and Tonto Basin areas. To avoid the heat of the day, riders instead enjoyed a short but enjoyable ride out AZ-89A up to Jerome for breakfast at Clinkscale. Five bikes met up at A&W in Prescott Valley, and after a short pre-ride briefing, wove their way up Mingus Mountain and into Jerome for what was described as an 'awesome [breakfast] and spectacular service.'

Progressive Ride-N-Dine

The ijwarries had a special event this Saturday; basically a different kind of dine-out. We began at our gathering point, rode to our first stop at one of our generous ijwarries' home for donuts and coffee (and ice tea, ...). After enjoying some down time with the appetizers, we saddled up and continued the ride through some beautiful country, with spectacular views of the side of Thumb Butte, plus our southbound ride down Highway 89, and finally through Kirkland to Skull Valley. After a short stop at The Forge in Skull Valley, we continued up Iron Springs Road and on to another ijwarries' home in Prescott Valley where TriTip steak sandwiches were being served!! What a great day for the 33 of us, and thanks to all of the ijwarries who participated, and especially those who helped out with the event. It was a gorgeous day, a beautiful ride, great food, and good friends all day long!!

Check out the photos and videos in the gallery by clicking on the event header above, or here.

June 14, 2025

Diamond Creek Restaurant in Peach Springs

As the ijwarries were queueing up for the ride today, we met a group of riders from CARR (Central Arizona Road Riders) at our departure point. We were heading to Peach Springs via Seligman on Old Route 66, and they were heading to Seligman along the same route, so we rode part of this route together. As much as we like the Seligman restaurants, this stop in Peach Springs at Diamond Creek was just what the "taste" doctor ordered! After a lunch of Hualapai Tacos, we all headed back down Route 66, retracing our steps back home. Beautiful day, great ride, terrific company, and really good food--made for an ideal Saturday ride for IJWR.

Once again, our unofficial photographer (Diane) was relegated to riding in the back seat of the Ford Explorer with her broken foot in a boot and elevated, but she none-the-less was able to take all of the pictures you see on the site. I know it is tough for her not able to ride, but we are enjoying the photographs she is able to take as a result! Thanks Diane, but we really do hope you heal quickly!!

June 2025 IJWR Dine-Out

We restarted our monthly dine-outs on this early June evening, with several of us riding and many more driving. Our dine-outs are social get-togethers to enjoy catching up with each other, not an organized ride. We had 46 of our ijwarries at Fat Frog for dinner, and it was terrific. The staff handled the group well, food was excellent and delivered in a timely manner, and the conversation was good. Check out the photo gallery by clicking on the link above, or here.

Pie Bar in Strawberry

Twenty-two of our IJWR crew took to the hills for empanadas at the Pie Bar in Strawberry. This mountain ride is nice and cool, through the beautiful forest, and the Pie Bar empanadas are world-renowned (well, at least they are well-known in our area...).

Robbers Roost in Cornville

The "ijwarries" rode into Outlaw Territory where some of the most notorious outlaws from the Wild West used to hide out. The ride to Cornville was great, and the food at Robbers Roost was up to the usual high standard.

The Cove Restaurant at Bartlett Lake

A few of the IJWR riders visited the gorgeous Bartlett Lake for lunch at The Cove Restaurant on Wednesday. We had an exceptionally nice ride today, as the traffic was virtually non-existent. We first headed down the freeway with it's newly paved, 3-lane sections. After a stop at New River to adjust clothing and bladder condition, we continued down New River Road to Carefree Highway, bypassing Cave Creek to make our way to Bartlett Dam Road. With no traffic on the road, the sweeping 50mph curves made for a nice ride to lunch. Sitting on the patio enjoying the serene views of the lake and having a great lunch topped off the day!

Run For The Wall Flag Line

As many of our "usual supporters" were actually riding/participating in this portion of RFTW and numerous others currently out of town, we departed Chino Valley with only four riders. As we skooted up AZ-89 toward the designated I-40 overcrossing we were enthusiastically greeted by a few flag-waving folks already in place. Since it had been a relatively short ride, our contingent had arrived nearly an hour prior to the scheduled arrival of the procession. Happily, as we waited with our flags waving vigorously in the strong westerly breeze, the group on the bridge grew to about 30 or so patriotic Arizonans! To our delight, a large number of "regular" motorists passing beneath us were enthusiastically honking their horns and waving at our merry band of bikers.Then in familiar fashion, the Iron Steeds of  the 'scouts' and 'prerunners' passed below, the 'ambassadors' pulled off, personally thanked all of us on the bridge for our support and promptly returned to the highway. Soon the 'main body' of one hundred or more cycles and support vehicles crested the distant rise and roared past our post; many of the riders pumping their fists in gratitude, and a large percentage of them rendering hand salutes in honor of Old Glory and all she represents... we must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our liberty!

Copper Country in Bagdad

After getting rained out on Wednesday, the IJWR crew (the "Ijwarries") were anxious to enjoy the warm, sunny weather here in Prescott as well as points south as we rode to Bagdad. This was a fantastic ride, with great service and great food as always at Copper Country Bar & Grill.

While it is unfortunate that one of our most prolific riders had broken her foot a couple of weeks ago (in a non-riding accident), she and her "other half" came with us, "riding" as sweep in their Ford Explorer, just to continue to participate with the group (thanks Diane, and Ron!). To our benefit, Diane was then able to shoot pictures (lots of pictures) of the riders as we made our way through the beautiful Arizona landscape toward Bagdad.

Anita's Cocina in Wickenburg

We haven't visited this storied Mexican restaurant for a while, so this weekend the group rode down the hill to Wickenburg and to Anita's. Nice ride, and everyone enjoyed both the ride and the destination!

Double D in Tonto Village (Payson)

The group rode into the mountains today; following Highway 260 from Camp Verde up into the hills through Strawberry, Pine, Payson, and finall arriving at our destination: Double D's in Tonto Village. Along the way, we encountered a VERY large cow Elk standing in our lane as we rounded a corner in Payson. Fortunately, we were moving at the breakneck speed of 35mph, so we were able to slow and let her move across both lanes and onto the opposite shoulder before continuing. She was so big, I think if I hadn't stopped, I could've ducked and ridden under her belly!

No pictures of that event, and just a few pictures from the ride. We were too busy enjoying ourselves and our lunch!

Dirty Birdies in Flagstaff

Taking advantage of the beautiful spring day, the IJWR riders departed Prescott Valley, riding over Mingus Mountain on the famed 89A, then through Sedona and the world-famous red rock monuments, and finally into Flagstaff for lunch at Dirty Birdies. Great time had by all.

Jake's Corner in Jake's Corner

The mountains called us one more time in a week. This time the IJWR riders continued through Payson and on to Jake's Corner for lunch at Jake's Corner Bar & Grill. We had a nice day for the ride, with 60s and 70s most of the day, with a nice lunch outside on the patio at Jake's Corner Bar. Following lunch, some of us continued down Hwy 188 to Punkin' Center for a MyAZMap stamp!

2-year-old Motorcycle Ride-By in Skull Valley

Answering the call from our First Responders, the IJWR crew once again took to their two- and three-wheeled magic carpets to encourage the passions of a young boy at the request of his father. Between IJWR and other community-minded bikers, we rode through Skull Valley (with a stop at the Forge for ice cream), then to the boy's home for a ride-by or two before stopping and giving him the best 2-year-old birthday of his young life.

IJWR is a group of passionate riders, but also very community-minded and we don't hesitate to help our needy community members. In this case, there is nothing better than to encourage a young boy's passion for motorcycles.

Road Kill in Seligman

One of the IJWR riders' favorite rides is up 89 to Ash Fork, then across Old Route 66 to Seligman. One of two favorite restaurants there is the Road Kill Cafe; their menu reads like a West Virginian's gourmet dinner menu. We visited on this Saturday ride, enjoying the beautiful spring weather and a great ride.

Buffalo Bar & Grill in Payson

Taking advantage of the warm April Wednesday, we had a great group of 17 IJWR bikers heading into the mountains today. Departing the Maverik in two groups, we headed down to Camp Verde followed by the climb in elevation until descending into Strawberry, Pine and finally Payson.

Highway 260 was originally constructed as a supply road by General Crook between Camp Verde and Show Low. As noted in the Arizona DOT communications, "Fun fact, the mule crew hired to construct the road toward Heber was headed by Corydon Cooley, the winner of the eponymous card draw contest that named the city of Show Low."

We were all loving the 70-80 degree temperatures, and the ride along the forested mountain backroads was refreshing! Check out the photos and video by clicking on the heading "Buffalo Bar & Grill in Payson" and listen to the beautiful sound of the bikes leaving the restaurant.

Patties, Pints, and Pizzas in New River

The IJWR crew headed down the hill for lunch at this very good restaurant, formerly Burgers & Brews. This ride was on the way to AZ Bike Week and Cave Creek Bike Week, so any riders wishing to continue to those venues were already halfway there! Great ride, and nice 75-ish temperatures in New River.

Cave Creek Bike Week

We journeyed down the hill to The Roadhouse in Cave Creek for lunch, followed by a stroll through the vendors' tents set up both at the Roadhouse and at the Hideaway, just down the road.

Dambar Steakhouse in Kingman

The IJWR riders made their way along Old Route 66 to Kingman on this gorgeous spring day. With Kingman temperatures in the 80s, we all treated this spring ride like a mid-summer excursion. Following lunch, we rode Hualapai Mountain Road through the mountains from the restaurant to I-40, then took the freeway back home. Overall, it was a great way for eleven of our riders to enjoy socializing and having a great meal together.

Teddy Bear Donation Ride

Sometimes the "ride" take second place to the "purpose." That was the case on today's Teddy Bear Donation Ride, where 28 bikes/trikes and over 33 people came together to help deliver Teddy Bears from the Prescott Elks Lodge #330 to both the Prescott Valley Police Department and the Mayer Fire Department.

The Elks have been collecting Teddy Bears from the generous public to provide to our first responders, for them to have available for children who may have been in abusive situations and need to know there are good people out there--police, firemen, and bikers! By giving them a Bear, and telling them the story of who all helped to get that Bear for them, they gain a better perspective on the goodness that is outside of their own scary world.

The IJWR riders came out IN FORCE today, providing deliveries of the Teddy Bears to the PVPD and the Mayer FD, and it was a very rewarding experience, for us and for the kid who will eventually receive the bear. This is a great way for the IJWR riders to show the community that we are helping out and giving back. Thanks to the Elks for the Bears, as well as for the lunch afterwards. And thanks to the Police and the Fire departments for their work.

The Prescott Daily Courier was present at the PVPD, and wrote a (short) article on our visit. You may need to be a subscriber to see it multiple times, but the first few views are free. See the article by clicking here.

Also, the photo gallery will be updated as we get more pictures. We had many photographers taking pictures and video, so come back and check the gallery often (by clicking on the header, or here) to see any updated content.

DIllon's in Morristown

The IJWR crew met on this sunny Wednesday for a beautiful ride down the hill to Morristown. Following a brief brief, we mounted up and headed south, through Skull Valley, Yarnell, and down Yarnell Hill. With a short stop at the Shell in Congress, we continued through Wickenburg and on to Morristown. Dillon's was great, as usual, and the crew sat outside to enjoy the warm sun and the good food & company.

Nichol's West in Congress

Squeaking out a great ride between a rainy day and a snowy forecast, the IJWR group enjoyed a beautiful ride from Prescott down to Congress. The group looked forward to some nice backroads as we headed down Iron Springs Road and the sweeping curves through Skull Valley, and on past Peeple's Valley as we headed to Yarnell. As we were following two semi-trucks down Yarnell Hill, the going was a bit slow, but as several riders commented: "It let us look around and enjoy the view a bit more than usual!" That's the optimism that our group exhibits on every ride!!

Brainstorming Brunch Gathering

The IJWR Riders gathered for a great meal at Prescott Junction and to discuss plans for 2025. The past year riding together was a great success, but we plan to make this year even better!

Copper Country Bar & Grill in Bagdad

Another great ride in the books for IJWR. We met in Prescott and rode together through Skull Valley, Kirkland, and into Bagdad for lunch. The weather was over 60 leaving Prescott and 77 degrees in Bagdad! There was a booming crowd at Copper Country, and it took a little time for our food to arrive, but we entertained ourselves with good conversation with good friends! Not too many pictures on this ride; we were busy having fun!

G's Burgers in Cornville

We had a big group of riders looking forward to this Cornville ride, and heading over Mingus Mountain to G's Burgers. The weather cooperated and we had a terrific ride.

Feb 22, 2025

Cheer's Tavern in Glendale

Hey, we finally did it!! After postponing this (and only this) ride TWICE for snowy weather in days prior, and amid the threat of icy roads on the day of, we put this one in the books! After a wise call by our esteemed Road Captain/Ride Lead, Ron, we moved this ride from Saturday to Sunday to avoid any chance of ice hiding in the shady spots, and we had a great ride down the hill to Cheer's Tavern in Phoenix. Our group of 9 riders was a bit large for this small bar & grill who were already enjoying a good crowd, but they had a table to seat us all, and we enjoyed a great meal, once again with good friends and riding companions.

Following this destination ride, some of our riders returned home via the freeway while others chose to return "the back way." In fact, one of those riders (me) again had a nail in the (now brand new) rear tire. One of our astute riders (thanks Diane) noticed the nail before the tire went flat, and we were able to fix it with the help of a fellow biker who happened to be in a cage with a repair kit we met at the checkout line in a store.

All in a day's ride! Check out the pictures from the ride by clicking on the link at the top of this description.

Dazzo's Chicago-style Eatery in Wikieup

Several of the IJWR riders braved the chilly temperatures on this beautiful day for a ride down through the hills south of Prescott. Riding through Skull Valley, Kirkland, along the scenic Bagdad Highway, then the whoop-de-doos of Bagdad Cutoff, then up 93 past the "town" of Nothing, to arrive at Wikieup was a great time. Dazzo's was great, as usual. The group made a loop of it, returning via Highway 93 north to I-40, then east to 89 and back to Prescott. Overall, the temperatures were a bit on the chilly side early, but they warmed up nicely.

Georgie's Restaurant in Cottonwood

We rode "over the hill" to Cottonwood today; 13 riders enjoyed the twisties of AZ Hwy 89A as we cruised through the pines of Mingus Mountain, through the Historic Clarkdale, along Old Town Cottonwood, and finally to our destination at Georgie's.

We didn't get too many pictures of the ride today--everybody was having a ball riding and visiting at lunch! But trust me, it was a great time enjoyed by all.

Mecca Bar & Grill in Wickenburg

A group of 14 IJWR riders descended upon the outdoor patio at Mecca Bar and Grill in Wickenburg to enjoy the warm afternoon sun and good company.

Departing Prescott, and after the always-exhilerating ride down Yarnell Hill, we stopped at Ramblin' Dans in Congress where we met with some kind folks from the establishment to have our MyAZMaps stamped and to offer words of encouragement as they are working to rebuild after a devastating kitchen fire. After that short stop in Congress, we continued through the newly constructed, freshly paved, roundabout-happy Highway 93 into Wickenburg to Mecca.

Coyote Cafe in Aguila

With the recent winter weather blast behind us, everyone was itching to get out and ride ... as evidenced by the 18 bikes and 19 people who showed up to enjoy a fantastically mild day for the 75-mile ride down to Aguila to enjoy lunch at Coyote Cafe. High, wispy clouds escorted us southward, where afternoon temps reached nearly 70 degrees! The restaurant had plenty of room for our large pack, and ushered us to their back room, which we had all to ourselves! The waitstaff was friendly and attentive, and the portions came out promptly and were huge! Another successful IJWR ride, in every aspect! 

The Roadhouse in Cave Creek

We had another nice ride down to the Valley for lunch at The Roadhouse in Cave Creek. There we met many of the Roadrunner HOG chapter members, and we all enjoyed the cameraderie and lunch in the 60+ degree sunny weather.

After lunch, the MyAZMap celebration began, with the drawings for the 2024 Map. One of our IJWR riders (and Roadrunner HOG member) won the big prize, awarded to those participants who had completed all of the stops on the map. Congratulations to Maryann K!

Dillon's in Morristown

IJWR rode to Dillon's @ Western Trail Ranch in Morristown for a fantastic lunch amid the team roping and Trump memorabilia. This venue is a unique location, but caters to bikers as well as cowboys, and the food is pretty darn good, too. We had a not-too-chilly morning, and a beautiful sunny day for our ride; heading down Iron Springs Road through Skull Valley and Yarnell, with a stop in Congress to shed some clothes and meet some other IJWR riders. Following our stop in Congress, we continued through the newly paved section of Hwy 93 to Wickenburg and on to Hwy 60 to Dillon's. It was a great day for a nice ride with friends.

New Years Day ride to South Mountain

Despite a slightly chilly start, the temperatures warmed as our group rode through Phoenix to visit South Mountain Park and Preserve. Traffic was light as expected, so the ride down I-17 was easy, and the group of IJWR riders kept the formation tight, so we all stayed together and enjoyed the quickly warming weather. Enjoying the views at Dobbins Lookout while munching on our picnic lunches in 70+ degree weather topped off a great ride.

Several of us returned via Wickenburg, and one rider (me) experienced a flat tire on the way home. But, we're all committed to "no rider left behind," so friends quickly gathered and the bike was loaded onto a fellow IJWR's trailer. One more adventure in the books as we continued up the hill and home. Thanks to all who joined the ride, and a special thanks to those who helped out! Check out the pictures in the gallery by clicking on the link above.

 Mountain View Grill in Cave Creek

The IJWR riders departed the Maverik station in Dewey-Humboldt and easily navigated their way southbound thru the construction on I-17 (thankfully traffic was relatively light), exiting at New River to meander past the area hills and mesas. Following Carefree Highway all the way to Tom Darlington Dr. in order to approach and enter Cave Creek in a counter-clockwise direction, we landed at Mountain View Pub at high noon for lunch. There, one dozen hungry but happy riders were able to enjoy fantastic patio dining with great views of the nearby mountains.  

Copper Country Grill in Bagdad

Today was another beautiful day for a ride to Bagdad. Beginning in Prescott, our group of 17 riders began down Iron Springs Road through Kirkland and on to Bagdad; this ride took us through the hills down to lower elevations with warmer weather and gorgeous scenery. The food at Copper Country was excellent, as usual. And a short stop at the Kirkland Bar & Grill on the way home rounded out a great day!

Robbers Roost in Cornville

The IJWR crew rode over Mingus Mountain, through Old Town Cottonwood, up to Page Springs Rd., and down through the twisty Wine Country to Robbers Roost in Cornville for lunch. Beautiful weather, and this group of riders looked so cool in formation riding together, whether single-file or formation riding. While it does look cool, we do it for safety; group riding is much safer than solo riding, as the group is easier to see and spot on the road. This group had a very safe ride and loved the destination as well!

The Cove & Oar at Bartlett Lake

We had a great ride to Bartlett Lake on this Saturday. With some chilly temperatures getting started, the weather quickly warmed as we entered New River where we stopped to shed some outerwear and use the facilities. Continuing past Cave Creek and down the Bartlett Dam Road to the restaurant brought warmer (mid-60s) temperatures and beautiful scenery. And the restaurant was ready with a table for all of us, the food met our very high standards, and the setting was peaceful and serene. Some of the group stopped at the Roadhouse in Cave Creek after lunch for a bit of "dessert."

Could a ride be any better?

Click the link to see photos (and a video or two) from today's ride to Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon in New River. While the morning began somewhat breezy and downright cold (we left the Maverik station at Fain Rd. and Hwy. 69 at 10:30AM), as soon as we hit I-17 it warmed up very quickly and developed into a GORGEOUS day to be out on the road. And rather than return the same way we'd gotten there (down the interstate), everybody opted to make it a loop ride and so took the 74 across to US-60 for a brief stop in Wickenburg, then continued on past Congress and up Yarnell Hill via AZ-89, and finished out the route via Skull Valley and Iron Springs Road.

Tavern Grill in Cottonwood

Click the link to see photos from today's ride to Tavern Grill in Cottonwood. And here's a shout out to John D for a wonderful ride over Mingus Mountain and thru Clarkdale to get to the restaurant in Cottonwood... it was a GORGEOUS day for a ride... was LOVING those views of the Sedona area from the road into Jerome!

Gilligan's in Yarnell

Click the link for a few photos taken during today's ride to Yarnell. The original destination was intended to be the Ranch House Cafe, but we were surprised to arrive and find them closed (staff shortage)... so the group rolled the short distance up the street to Gilligan's instead. And there was just enough seating inside to huddle up next to a propane heater in order to escape the high-40's temps riders braved to get there!
 
Then, on the way home, returning riders encountered sleet then rain then snow just outside Prescott city limits on Iron Springs Road (my bike indicated the temps dropped to 37 degrees)! We're a hearty bunch!!

Dillon's @ Western Trails Ranch in Morristown

The IJWR group headed to Dillon's for lunch, and coincided with a "Trump Train" road rally. Click on the link to see the pictures and a video from the event.