ARIZONA TOUR
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5 Days, 5 Nights. 550 Miles
7 Days, 7 Nights. 780 Miles
DESCRIPTION:
The 4 lane road out of Tucson quickly turns to an unpaved mountain road as we climb into the Santa Catalina mountains.
Giant Saguaro cacti fill the rugged, beautiful landscape.
The landscape and terrain constantly engaging our senses.
This 5 or 7 day dual sport tour traverses the mountains, deserts, forests and grasslands of Southern Arizona.
Each day will be a unique guided and supported ride, deep into the Arizona backcountry.
Each evening will be spent in a clean, comfortable lodge, cabin or hotel. Hearty breakfasts and dinners served on site.
On-bike guides along with a 4wd chase vehicle are along to help.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Airport/local hotel transfer
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5-7 days of expert guidance
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5-7 nights comfortable, clean lodging
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Delicious, hearty dinners (4 or 6)
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Breakfast (5 or 7)
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Chase vehicle with extra bikes, tools, gear and customer luggage
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Guides versed in local area, bike maintenance and certified in Wilderness First Aid
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AMA Sanctioned and insured ride
7 Day ITINERARY:
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Arrival day
Arrive at Tucson International airport
Transfer to Tucson East (10 mi)
Day 1
Tucson - Oracle. 95 miles
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Breakfast on site. Riders meeting.
Heading east, we climb toward Mt Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Mountains. Leaving the unpaved mountain road, we get right to business with several sections of exciting desert single-track. After a quick breather, we follow a rocky, meandering road past stunning rock formations and through several lush canyons. Big mountain views of the Galiuro Wilderness present themselves as we begin our descent toward the San Pedro River valley. We end the day on a dirt road, with a bit of sand, as we approach Oracle. Our lodge for the night is a Spanish-styled inn with a lush landscape with cozy rooms and casitas.
The grill will be out, coolers will be stocked with cold drinks and we will dine in the courtyard.
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Day 2
Oracle - Globe. 125 miles
Breakfast at the Oracle cafe and right into the canyon roads. Spectacular views of snow-capped mountains as we drop into a wash with a small stream crossing back and forth. With the river melt, small fields of yellow, orange and purple wildflowers dot the landscape. 9 miles of pavement for fuel and lunch at Marias in Winkelman before heading back toward the Pinal mountains. Evidence of mining is everywhere along a challenging mountain pass. Some very small mines the size of a crawl space, some larger. Most abandoned and hastily buttoned up. The afternoon scenery is spectacular as we ride the spine of a mountain range before dropping into a spectacular wash.
As we approach Globe, the bright orange poppies begin to appear. Dinner on the grill in Globe as we relax and prepare for the next day.
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Day 3
Globe - Globe. 100 miles
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Day 3 is a loop day so we can roll out of bed and roll on the throttle. Hot breakfast at the hotel, Fresh burritos will be loaded into tank bags as we head out of Globe on pavement but soon cut off on a sandy, high altitude two track through bright sage fields.
We visit some really special cliff dwellings that are certain to awe. A few washes in the afternoon, rocky two-track through some ranch land and lots of beautiful views.
More wildflowers. Several technical trails. A few water crossings. Dinner served on site.
Day 4
Globe - Willcox. 160 miles
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Heading south out of Globe, the mountains get fairly jagged. Saguaro cacti, some exciting tight canyon trails and more beautiful views, but its difficult not to focus on the trail, as it's a bit more technical with 4-8" rocks that love to shuffle around underneath. Second half of the day is a bit more mellow with about 50 miles of wide dirt road to bring us into the cool old whistle stop town of Willcox, AZ.
Dinner served on site.
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Day 5
Willcox - Bisbee. 100 miles
Fresh breakfast prepared at our Inn. Out of town on a sandy two-track through the Willcox Playa and along the old Southern Pacific train line.
Enter into the historic lands once defended by Apache leader Cochise. We pass just below the site of the Apache stronghold, where Cochise resided for over 15 years.
Turning off the mostly maintained mountain road, we drop into the Tombstone valley on a rocky, washed out mining road.
The town of Tombstone is touristic, but interesting. We make a stop for lunch and to look around town. Several original buildings adorn the main street, one of which is the Birdcage theatre, where 16 gunfights left 140 bullet holes in its original 50 years of operation.
Once fed and refreshed, we buzz out of Tombstone on and into Bisbee, the last 10 or 15 miles paved, but quite beautiful.
Bisbee is one of our favorite towns. The incredible history, topography, and architecture combined with its obscure location make this town an Oasis for adventure travelers, artists and interesting people.
Lucky for us, our friend Sterling owns an Inn right in town (overflow hotel just across the street). We'll plan to get in early to explore.
Dinner grilled in the courtyard at the Jonquil Motel.
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Day 6
Bisbee - Patagonia. 115 miles
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Breakfast at the Jonquil before heading west on pavement. The road turns to dirt over and through Montezuma canyon.
We drop south on a lovely 2-track through the beautiful, flowing Arizona grassland conservation area. Eventually, arriving at the US/Mexico border where we ride directly along the border for several miles. Rolling hills allow for a commanding view of both sides of the border.
More beautiful 2-track and 2 unmaintained mountain pass roads that are incredibly fun, round out the day as we roll into the town of Patagonia. Part ranch town, part mountain bike mecca, Patagonia has a fun vibe and a few shops and pubs. Riders are on their own for dinner tonight - there are a few restaurants and pubs nearby, including in the lobby of our hotel.
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Day 7
Patagonia - Tucson. 100 miles
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Right onto a small dirt road, we meander north along a network of winding roads and trails, nothing too rugged, but fun stuff through a beautiful area.
We stick to small roads coming into Tucson, but eventually roads open up a bit and group riding may become difficult. Physical and verbal directions will be provided in case of group split. Our destination is an airport hotel in Southern Tucson.
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A Trailer will be awaiting our arrival. Bikes and gear will be loaded. Customers are encouraged to book flights that evening or the following morning. Shuttle provided to storage area in order to retrieve customer vehicles.
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5 Day ITINERARY:
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Arrival day
Arrive at Tucson International airport
Transfer to Tucson East (10 mi)
Several dining options nearby
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​
Day 1
Tucson - Oracle. 95 miles
​
Breakfast on site. Riders meeting.
Heading east, we climb toward Mt Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Mountains. Leaving the unpaved mountain road, we get right to business with several sections of exciting desert single-track. After a quick breather, we follow a rocky, meandering road past stunning rock formations and through several lush canyons. Big mountain views of the Galiuro Wilderness present themselves as we begin our descent toward the San Pedro River valley. We end the day on a dirt road, with a bit of sand, as we approach Oracle. Our lodge for the night is a Spanish-styled inn with a lush landscape with cozy rooms and casitas.
The grill will be out, coolers will be stocked with cold drinks and we will dine in the courtyard.
Day 2
Oracle - Willcox 103 miles
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We leave the pavement just outside Oracle and enter a steep, climb. The trail sections are rocky this morning, but the views are stunning as we they give way to scenic and flowing dirt roads for the last 50 miles into Willcox.
Very cool 50's style motor lodge with a great courtyard and BBQ's for dinner.
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Day 3
Willcox - Bisbee. 100 miles
​
Fresh breakfast prepared at our Inn. Out of town on two track sandy path, through the Willcox Playa, along the old Southern Pacific train line and several defunct train cars.
A bit of pavement before turning into the historic lands once defended by Apache leader Cochise. We pass just below the site of the Apache stronghold, where Cochise resided for over 15 years.
Turning off the mostly maintained mountain road, we drop into the Tombstone valley on a washed out two track.
The town of Tombstone is touristic, but interesting. We make a stop for lunch and to look around town and the original buildings, one of which is the Birdcage theatre, where 16 gunfights left 140 bullet holes in its original 50 years of operation.
Once refreshed, we buzz down into Bisbee, the last 10 or 15 miles paved, but quite beautiful.
Bisbee is one of our favorite towns. The incredible history, topography, and architecture combined with its obscure location make this town an Oasis for adventure travelers, artists and interesting people.
Lucky for us, our friend Sterling owns an Inn right in town (overflow hotel just across the street). We'll plan to get in early to explore.
Dinner grilled in the courtyard at the Jonquil Motel.
​
Day 4
Bisbee - Patagonia. 115 miles
​
Breakfast at the Jonquil before heading west on pavement. The road turns to dirt over and through Montezuma canyon.
We drop south on a lovely 2-track through the beautiful, flowing Arizona grassland conservation area. Eventually, arriving at the US/Mexico border where we ride directly along the border for several miles. Rolling hills allow for a commanding view of both sides of the border.
More beautiful 2-track and 2 unmaintained mountain pass roads that are incredibly fun, round out the day as we roll into the town of Patagonia. Part ranch town, part mountain bike mecca, Patagonia has a fun vibe and a few shops and pubs. Riders are on their own for dinner tonight - there are a few restaurants and pubs nearby, including in the lobby of our hotel.
​
Day 5
Patagonia - Tucson. 105 miles
​
Right onto a small dirt road, we meander north along a network of winding roads and trails, nothing too rugged, but fun stuff through a beautiful area.
We stick to small roads coming into Tucson, but eventually roads open up a bit and group riding may become difficult. Physical and verbal directions will be provided in case of group split. Our destination is an airport hotel in Southern Tucson.
​
A Trailer will be awaiting our arrival. Bikes and gear will be loaded. Customers are encouraged to book flights that evening or the following morning. Shuttle provided to storage area in order to retrieve customer vehicles.
​
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DINING:
Food is our fuel and we feel that good meals are a key element to a successful adventure. We either cook on site - or dine at a local restaurant within walking distance. We cook in accordance to the regional cuisine and try our best to source fresh, local ingredients.
Breakfasts will have options such as: eggs, breakfast meat, potatoes, yogurt and granola
A typical dinner on the Arizona tour could be Carne Asada, Carnitas Tacos, Green Chile cheeseburgers, etc. A fresh vegetable and starch will also be served with dinner. Vegetarians and all dietary restrictions will be accommodated.
LODGING:
Each evening, we will find ourselves at a different lodging establishment; a mix of historic Inns, remote cabins and cool retro motels
The Jonquil Motel in Downtown Bisbee, AZ(left)
The historic Stage Stop Inn in Patagonia, AZ(below)
$ 4600*
$ 3500*
5
days
7
days
* Add $800-$1000 for single
occupancy lodging.
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​Upcoming Tour Dates:
March 15-22, 2025 (7 day ride)
March 23-28, 2025 (5 day ride)
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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Ground transportation provided by Moto Vermont to and from Tucson International Airport or area hotel.
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Storage of your non-riding gear during your tour.
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5 or 7 days professional guidance with lead and sweep guides versed in mechanics and wilderness first-aid
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5 or 7 nights shared lodging (single lodging $800 additional for 5 day and $1000 for 7 day)
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Dinners(5 included)
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Breakfast(7 included)
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Any applicable trail passes/permits
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Chase vehicle w/extra bike(s)
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Transportation of personal bike or Rental bike.
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AMA sanctioned event
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NOT INCLUDED:
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Airfare
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Motorbike rental
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Bike fuel
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Lunch
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Dinner on last night
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Gratuities
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Beverages
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TRANSPORTATION OF YOUR PERSONAL BIKE:
LIMITED SPACE FOR PERSONAL BIKES
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We will have 4 pick-up and drop off locations:
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Burlington, VT
Albany, NY
NY/NJ
Open
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This tour is designed for street legal dual sport bikes under 650cc.
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TOUR GUIDE:
Spenser Peterson is trail director for MotoVermont. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid, and skilled in trailside mechanics. An expert navigator and rider, Spenser will act as tail guide during this tour, ensuring all riders stay together and navigate obstacles along the route.
TOUR GUIDE:
Eric Milano is the founder of MotoVermont. He is certified in Wilderness First aid and will act as a guide during our excursion through Arizona.
SUPPORT VEHICLE:
Support Vehicle An additional guide will drive a 4 wheel drive truck carrying an extra rental bike, tools and riders' luggage from inn to inn, allowing us to keep our bikes lightweight and nimble on the trail.
The support vehicle will parallel our route and meet us in the case of a mechanical issue or tired rider. There will always be a safe and reliable alternative to riding every day, if need be.
RIDER REQUIREMENTS (Please also review our Rules & Regs page)
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Motorcycle endorsement holder
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Rider should be in good health and able to endure several hours on bike each day
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Rider should possess advanced off-road riding skills; proper brake usage, body positioning, foot peg weighting, etc.
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Rider must wear full-face helmet, gloves, off-road-specific boots, armored motorcycle-specific jacket and pants.
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Bike should be in good running and street-legal condition; registered, insured and thoroughly checked over.
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Bike should be equipped with good, off-pavement tires and engine case protection. Feel free to contact MotoVermont for bike-specific tire recommendations.
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Rider and bike should be able to endure some highway riding. Much of the mileage is unpaved during this tour, but there are some cases where 2 lane highway riding is necessary.
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This tour is designed for street-legal dual sport motorbikes under 650cc.