IJWR Photo Gallery

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.