Hello all — Whew! What a whirlwind sort of couple of weeks. I still have so much more to write about, but so little time.  I am back in Denver, where just two days ago it was 80+ degrees, and I scooted around on my Harley-Davidson Cross Bones enjoying the sun. Last night it started snowing, and this morning the ground is covered with snow — although not as much as was predicted.

 Arizona Bike Week — in short, I was a bit disappointed. It’s not Sturgis, not that I expected that, but the event’s location was really a fairgrounds-ish sort of spot, West World of Arizona, on the outskirts of Scottsdale off of the 101.  I love Sturgis and other rallies that incorporate the town into the event — without having to hop on your scoot each time to ride to the next place. 

Arizona Bike Week was so not that type of rally.  Don’t get me wrong — tons of riding to do here — Tons of bars and parties to visit (when you ride there): Buddy Stubbs H-D, Billet Bar, Dirty Dogg Saloon, The Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek, etc.   But traffic in Scottsdale is CRAZY, and few drivers look for motorcyclists (just my opinion). That meant in-town driving wasn’t very relaxing at all. 

 But once you get out of the Phoenix metro ara – WOW!  The scenery is an amazing contrast of desert, mountains, open highway — it’s beautiful!  I rolled just over 1K miles on my new H-D Cross Bones scooting around awe-inspiring scenery like Salt River Canyon, Galloping Goose, Florence, Payson, etc.

Would I go again?  Mmm, definitely the riding in Arizona is AWESOME, especially in April when snow can hit Denver on any given day.  Would I go specifically during bike week? Probably not — but don’t take my word for it.  Give AZ Bike Week a try yourself next year.

Wheels up, Diana

It’s not that I’ve NOT been traveling; it’s that I’ve been at work on multiple deadlines writing articles. Now I’m back and traveling in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. We trailered our motorcycles the 15 hours, 1250 miles or so here, so I could show off my new ride, my Harley Cross Bones during Arizona Bike Week.

 I just spent two days enjoying the iconic, boutique hotel The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician. Talk about being pampered!! 

A part of the bigger resort, The Phoenician, this intimate boutique hotel is also nestled against the Camelback Mountain with luxuriously appointed suites.  It features 20 guest rooms, 38 luxury suites and two Presidential suites, along with its own secluded “edgeless” pool and cabanas. You can walk to the spa and 27-holes of golf (or take a shuttle), but both are on property.

Plenty of restaurants, total of 8 including The Terrace, contemporary American steakfood and seafood and Windows on the Green, upscale dining with a Southwestern flair and the best margarita I’ve had in a long time!

For a couple wanting some “me” time, check out Dinner at Tee Box Eight, a private gourment dinner for two served under the stars at the highest point of the resort’s golf course or in the romantic seclusion of a Garden Retreat. 

The Canyon Suites are not only spacious, but cater to your every need. Services included with our room:

• Personal Canyon Ambassador with pre-arrival contact.
• Sterling silver coffee/tea delivery each morning to your room!!  All you do is pre-arrange a time and voila! a staffer delivers cute sterling silver coffee urns and newspaper(s) of your choice.
• Afternoon “wine tasting” facilitated by master sommelier Monday through Friday (I can’t believe I missed THIS!!).
• Daily personalized turndown service with chilled water delivery and therapuetic bath, upon request.
• Executive Chef’s seasonal welcome amenity (ours — an assortment of nuts and fruit).
• Complimentary valet parking.
• Complimentary health club access (FABULOUS facility!!).
• Canyon Pool right off the lobby, exclusive to this hotel.
• Twice daily maid service

The experience was over-the-top, and the staff were friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy their job. I’d visit again, and I’ll try to update more highlights with pics, like the golf, spa and culinary experiences.

 in the meantime, we’re ready to jump on our scoots and get on down to the Arizona Bike Week festivities and put miles on the bikes.

Until next time, Diana