To the north of Tucson are the Santa Catalina mountains.  The highest peak in this range is Mt. Lemmon at 9167 ft.  Most of the Tucson old timers just call it "The Lemon'".

From the National Forest Service sign at the base of the mountain, to the parking lot of the general store in Winterhaven at the top is 25.9 miles.  In the course of that 25.9 miles of curvy, twisty, up and down, bending road, it rises a little over 6000 feet.

The road will test the skills of any rider, especially if they happen to be riding above the posted speed.  Along the way, there are numerous panoramas that extend out sixty or more miles.  The vistas are spectacular.  I really do not like to ride the road with friends from out of town, because they always want to stop at all of the lookout points and take pictures.  Of course, I guess that it is better to stop and take pictures, than to ride off the side of the mountain because you were busy looking at the scenery.

Unlike the Dragon, which only happens once a year, the Lemon is a weekly ride for me (except for a couple of months in the winter when there is snow on the road.)  It is only 30 minutes from my front door to the Forest Service sign.  It is the only ride that I am usually sure that Serowbot will want to go on.  It is that good. I just wish that the Bot would make a video of the entire route.  It would be long, but I think that everyone would enjoy it.

I can take the ride,... but if I shoot video, I'll have to wash my bike...
It's too HOT!... ...
Maybe in the fall... ...


Where's your mum, Piglet?... How long will you be staying?...
Hope she's doing well...

Here's about 5 miles of it...  ...



...and another... ...

If you had time, Bot and I could drive up to the valley, and we could meet and have lunch.  Totally understand if your time is spoken for. I know that you are there to be with your mother.  In any case, our thoughts, and my prayers are with you and your family.

gerald.hughes wrote on 06/26/12 at 19:57:23:


Thanks Gerry, that would actually be very cool, if we can work it out.  I'd love to meet you guys.  Will keep in touch as soon as I make some definite arrangements to come.

I like the Steak Restaraunt at the gas station there in Sonoita. I haven't heard of Velvet Elvis what kind of food?

gerald.hughes wrote on 06/27/12 at 08:38:05:


Sounds good I'm getting hungry thinking about it. How many people on this forum that are from AZ have you found? I looking for someone close to Sierra Vista that could guide me through my bike build. I want to do all the work myself but I want to make sure I'm doing it right.