Chandler Harley-Davidson®
Chandler, Arizona was named for a veterinarian, Dr. A. J. Chandler, who settled in the area in 1891. The town of Chandler began in 1912, with the opening of the Hotel San Marcos in 1913. In 1920 the Town of Chandler incorporated, with Dr. Chandler as its first Mayor.
The City of Chandler provides a unique historical overview of the major streets in Chandler, including the history surrounding the area and how the streets were names. We are told that, "Most of the north and south streets in the original town site were named after states, and most of the east and west streets were named after American cities." Several of those street names remain today, like Boston Street, California Street, and Arizona Avenue.
Starting at Chandler Harley-Davidson®
Tortilla Flats Day Ride Ride Plan
This ride will introduce you to some great country, fabulous views, all two lane winding paved road, and great food at the end of the run at Tortilla Flat. It has a U.S. Post Office, an ice cream shop, and a souvenir store and bar/restaurant. The restaurant has great burgers and killer hot chili, and sometimes has live bands in the winter when the tourists are thick. This is one of the most picturesque mountain roads I've ever been on. It's a two-lane highway that takes you past Canyon lake and to Tortilla Flats, which is a three building town stuck in the middle of the mountains.
To get there from Chandler Harley Davidson, take Chandler Blvd heading east. Turn right on Kyrene and then left onto 202 East. Merge onto US60 heading east to Apache Junction. Exit 196 - Idaho Road and take a left. Go about a 3 miles to old Hwy 88. Hwy 88 is also known as the "Apache Trail". Take a right (just past the Walgreens on the left). Once you turn onto Hwy 88 it's about 18 miles to Tortilla Flats.
As you are going out on Hwy 88, about 4 miles down the road from Idaho Rd. is Goldfield mine. Goldfield is, or was exactly that, a gold mine years ago. Today it is another tourist trap and is where the Lost Dutchman Goldmine museum is located. Apache Trail is very twisty and some cars forget which side they are supposed to drive on at times. Once you reach Tortilla Flat, there is some great riding on this road for another 4 miles or so, then the road turns into dirt, and I do mean dirt. Stop at the restaurant for a MONSTER burger, and take note of all the $1 bills on the walls. This route is full of 15mph twisty turns that sport bikers and cruisers will love!
Roosevelt Lake Loop Ride Plan
From Chandler Harley Davidson, take Chandler Blvd heading east. Turn right on Kyrene and then left onto 202 East. Merge onto US60 heading east toward Globe. You have the option to stop at the Buckboard Cafe in Superior for breakfast or coffee.
Gas up in Globe, then turn onto SR188 toward Roosevelt Lake. For the new in town, the lake and dam were named after President Teddy Roosevelt who came out to Arizona in 1912 to dedicate the same. You will ride through some scenic desert twisties and continue on to Roosevelt Lake to see the Dam and ride across the longest expansion bridge in the country. Continue up SR 188 to Jakes Corner and stop for some refreshments. You will continue on SR 188 to the intersection of SR87. Turn left (south) heading back to Phoenix. Turn onto the Loop 202 and then go south on the Loop 101 to head back to Chandler. Total miles for the loop is around 250.
Another option is to turn at the Saguaro Lake (Bush Highway) turnoff off of the SR87 and follow Bush Highway. Turn left (south) onto Usery Pass Rd which turns into Ellsworth and return to Chandler on the US60.
Winkelman Loop Ride Plan
From Chandler Harley Davidson, take Chandler Blvd heading east. Turn right on Kyrene and then left onto 202 East. Merge onto US60 heading east toward Globe. Slow down as you approach Superior and watch for The Buckboard Cafe, on the right. Have breakfast there and visit the World's Smallest Museum. Head south on Hwy 177 to Kearney and Winkelman. North of Winkelman near Kearney is the Open-Pit ASARCO Ray Mine. The mine engulfed three small copper mining towns and converted them from underground mines to an open-pit. Ray Mine is one of the largest open-pit mines in the United States.
Gas up in Winkelman at the intersection of 177 and 77. Then take Hwy77 to Globe along the Gila River. From Globe we're back on US60, through Globe, Miami and through the Queen Creek Tunnel, past Superior once again and then head home. This loop is roughly 250 miles.
Strawberry for pie Ride Plan
You will continue through the town of Strawberry (small town) keeping a sharp lookout for the Strawberry Lodge on the left. They have great food. Harley ride planner says this is 109.4 miles and will take 2hr5mins.
Summerhaven/Mt. Lemmon
Ride Plan
Twisted Trailz
We love these guys! Twisted Trailz offers guided motorcycle tour packages from 3 days to 1 week in duration to a ton of destinations in Arizona and other states. Some of the most incredible rides in the Southwest!
