For the last 6 years I have been exploring the Southwest, and Arizona in particular, from the asphalt. It has been tremendous fun and I love the places you can go and the things you can see.

But something has always been missing. I knew of cool places, from my 20+ years as a Scout leader, that I just couldn’t get to with my road bike. I wanted to revisit them and share them with others, but I didn’t have the right bike.

Until now.

I bought a 2017 Honda Africa Twin. And I am in awe of it. It is waaayy more capable than I am, but I plan to learn to ride off road while exploring this spectacular state.

This Independence Day weekend I rode the Apache Trail, a 22 mile stretch of dirt from Tortilla Flats to the Roosevelt Dam.

This is due East of the Phoenix metroplex.

The temperature was over 112f (44c) and the traffic was light. Unfortunately it was apparently too hot for my GoPro, so no video or pictures are available. But it’s a start.. I got my bike dusty but no dings.

I will organize the off-road trails on their own page to make them easier to find.

I am excited about this new phase of AzKicker Touring. If you are ever in the neighborhood and want to go for a ride, feel free to contact me.