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PAUC PRE-RIDE – Wickenburg-Stanton-Yarnell-Hassayampa River Box Canyon
January 18, 2020 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hi Gang,
I am back in town from the holidays and caregiving duties for my Mom in Chicago. Our Phoenix ATV/UTV Club will be hosting a Wickenburg to Yarnell club ride for members of the Colorado Cliff Riders club visiting the area (Jan 22-27) from Westcliffe Colorado. Bill Poppo and I are going to do a PRE-RIDE this Saturday Jan 18th to check out trail conditions. I’m also looking for some flight leaders/tailgunners to help out. In the meantime, feel free to join us on the pre-ride. Bring a guest if you want to invite someone on the pre-ride.
RIDE DESCRIPTION
The pre-ride will be northeast of Wickenburg up to the Stanton Goldfields/Ghost Town and then to Yarnell for lunch at the Ranch House Restaurant and return via the Hassayampa River Box Canyon. This is a 63-mile desert mountain and Hassayampa River Box Canyon ride that takes 7-8 hours (with scenic stops & lunch) through some varied and beautiful desert / mountain scenery (elev 1900′-4900′). Depending on the group size, we should be back at the staging area between 4:30pm-5:00pm.
DIRECTIONS TO STAGING AREA AND START TIME
The general riding area is northeast of Wickenburg. The staging area is at the north Constellation Park parking lot across from the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds at 935 Constellation Rd, Wickenburg, AZ 85390. From SR60 (Wickenburg Way), turn north on Jack Burden Road at the McDonalds restaurant and go 300′ to the Constellation Road intersection. Turn right on Constellation Road and head northeast 1.0 mile to the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds. Google Maps has the approximate GPS coordinates at N33° 58.837′ W112° 42.636′ or by copying the following map coordinates [33.980617, -112.710600] into Google Maps Satellite view. The ride will stage at the north roadside parking lot and depart at 9:00AM after the 8:45AM safety meeting. Get there early by 8:15am to unload, sign-in, and meet-and-greet other riders.
TRAIL RATING
The Wickenburg-to-Yarnell ride is usually rated an overall Easy-to-Moderate Ride [Level 1-2, Green-Blue] but could occasionally have some difficult sections resulting from a recent washout. Definition: May have some spots that are off-camber; some hilly/rocky spots or few steep slopes; recommended for riders with more than 12 months of riding experience). UTVs / SxSs / ROVs okay on this trail. 2WD vehicles s/b okay. Low range gear recommended for a very few rocky areas. Two-Up ATVs okay for passengers.
COMMUNICATION
Flight leaders, mid-pack wingmen, and tailgunners will be on GMRS/FRS Channel 5 (sub-channel 0) in case you want to bring your walkie-talkies or CB / HAM radios. I think the UHF channel frequency is 462.6625 MHz depending on your radio. I highly recommend bringing a walkie-talkie to listen to approaching traffic and trail conditions.
LUNCH
The Ranch House restaurant in Yarnell only holds 40 people and is only open to 2:00pm. Depending on the group size, we “may” arrive there at 1:00pm. Those that bring a lunch can eat at the Shrine of St. Joseph parking lot.
VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
All ATVs, UTVs, & SxSs should be street-legal and have the Arizona Off Highway Vehicle Decal sticker. Dress appropriately and keep hydrated. Bring a lunch, snacks, and beverages. Bring a camera for those Kodak moments. Depending on the size of the group, the ride will be about 63 miles in 7-8 hours including the meal & scenic meet-and-greet stops. Extra fuel is usually not required but each driver should know their vehicle’s gas consumption and plan accordingly. You can buy gas in Wickenburg.
Helmet that is properly fitted, fastened, and has a USDOT safety rating for those 18 years of age and younger who ride on an OHV. Riders in an OHV such as a ROV / UTV / SxS or similar vehicle, while recommended for safety, do not require a helmet unless a rider is under 18 years of age. The Phoenix ATV/UTV Club promotes the use of helmets on all its rides. Eye protection is required for operators of vehicles not equipped with a windshield. You should use common sense for eye protection, bandanas, scarves, and dust masks for large group riding due to the dust conditions anyway.
SAFE, ETHICAL and RESPONSIBLE OPERATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
All Phoenix ATV/UTV Club members, visitors, and guests are expected to have appropriate vehicle registration, license, and personal insurance and to operate their vehicles in a responsible manner. The Phoenix ATV/UTV Club is a responsible member of the OHV riding community. As such the Club promotes safe and responsible operation of OHVs during club rides. Arizona Revised Statute 28-1381 prohibits the operation of motorized vehicles, including OHVs, while under the influence of any substance that may impair the operator’s judgment or ability. Therefore, the Club prohibits the consumption or use of any substance during a club ride that has the potential to impair the operator’s judgment or ability.
Live to Ride… Ride to Live! Happy Trails…
Bob Maitzen
Phoenix ATV/UTV Club
(480) 363-7723
Bob.Maitzen@gmail.com
I will not be able to make the Pre ride. I have Promised Bob Harper to help him install a new radio set up in his rig.