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© 2000-2010
John B. Deitz
Build: 100521.2
Sunday, 7 August, 2005. Flagstaff, AZ to Tucson, ArizonaWe did not leave Flagstaff until well after 9 a.m. taking I-17 south to Phoenix, then I-10 to Tucson.
The numbering of I-17 is a bit odd. It is one of few 2-digit interstate highways that do not cross state boundaries (perhaps it should more properly be called Intrastate-17.) It seems to me that if it were strictly following the numbering conventions of the Interstate highway system, it should be I-110 or I-140, as it functions as a "spur" route from I-10 north out of Phoenix to I-40 at Flagstaff. (Perhaps there is a plan to continue it north into Utah along US 89 at a future date?) It is scenic, though, dropping from Flagstaff's 7,000 ft. elevation to 1,000 ft. at Phoenix over its 145 mile length. It was very hot as we rode through Phoenix — well over 100°F. And there's concrete pavement everywhere — six lanes and more of traffic! Arrived in Tucson about 3:30 p.m. We're staying as
the guest of Ron and Hal. Ron is a former member of the Long Island
Ravens MC. We were almost to their house when prudent
behavior caused us to pull into a gas service plaza as a terrific thunder
and rain storm came through. Even though we were under the canopy of the
station, the wind was so strong that it rained horizontal. Blew the wind
shield loose from the Road King. Our helmets blew across the plaza
— Mike chased after them. And it was
quite a lightning display. We stayed about 1/2 hour before moving on. 15
minutes later we were welcomed by Hal and Ron. In spite of the
Monsoon season in the Southwest, this was the only significant rain we
encountered during the entire trip. |
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| Distance: About 280 miles | Accommodation: Ron and Hal (WiFi) | |||
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23 October 2007