Vegas, Baby!

The Southwest: Roads We Thought Were 'Only in Our Dreams'!

“We never imagined one charity ride would lead us to the trip of a lifetime.”

It all started with a “Rally Ride for Dad” in summer 2013 — new friends, old faces, and a spark that ignited our passion for motorcycle travel.
After a few autumn rides, the next idea was irresistible: rent Harleys in Vegas and explore the Southwest.

At home, we had a ZX14, but this time we’d be riding 900-pound Harley-Davidsons — with luggage and a pillion. Time to hit the gym, Mike!

✈️ Saturday, March 16 — Southbound and Vegas-Bound

We left Sudbury, Ontario, drove to Toronto, and flew south to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Our first night at La Quinta Inn Airport South set the tone: amazing breakfast, friendly staff, and a shuttle to everywhere — the airport, the Strip, Fremont Street, and the outlets. The adventure was officially on.

Sunday, March 17 — Game On!

Morning brought the sweet rumble of engines. EagleRider Vegas picked us up, and we got down to business: removing fairings, wiring GPS, adding highway pegs, and strapping on a custom top bag.

A quick practice loop around the lot, then... LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Ride Day 1 — Las Vegas, NV ➜ Stovepipe Wells, CA

293 km (182 mi) | 3 hr 20 min

We left the city laughing and wobbly — stopping a Harley was its own comedy routine.
The first roundabout nearly turned into a Flintstones-style foot-brake episode, but we got the hang of it fast.

Highlights:

• Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop – Unreal desert colours.
• Amargosa Mountains – Quick leather stop when temps dropped.
• Furnace Creek Visitor Center – Where Mike discovered his “superpower”: touching the giant thermometer made the temperature change!
• Stovepipe Wells Village – Pool, great restaurant, desert silence. Instant favorite.

“We loved it so much we knew we’d be back.”

Ride Day 2 — Stovepipe Wells, CA ➜ Kingman, AZ

633 km (393 mi) | 7.5 hr

We woke early to a brilliant sunrise and rolled into Artist’s Drive, where the painted hills looked unreal. Then came Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level — like standing at the bottom of the world. 

The day stretched into a zigzag of desert beauty:   

• Through Shoshone and the Mojave Desert, along the Joshua Tree Highway
• Lunch in Baker, home of the world’s tallest thermometer
• Destination: Oatman, Arizona, the Route 66 mining town where burros roam the streets

Though we arrived after closing, Oatman was pure Wild West magic.
A sunset climb over Sitgreaves Pass (3550 ft) and a moonlit ride into Kingman wrapped up an unforgettable day.

Dinner was local Mexican — made just for us by a chef testing new recipes. Perks of arriving late!

Ride Day 3 — Kingman, AZ ➜ (Planned: Page, AZ   Actual: Tuba City, AZ)

505 km (314 mi) | 5 hr 49 min

We couldn’t believe how good this trip already was. Then came another curveball — literally.
Over breakfast, locals warned us that Hwy 89 had collapsed in a landslide. The detour added nearly an hour. Challenge accepted.

Route 66 Adventures:

• Hackberry General Store – Vintage heaven for motorcyclists
• Seligman & Roadkill Café – Great food and classic kitsch
• Prescott Summit (7023 ft) – “We’re so high!” (And we meant elevation.)
• Jerome & Sedona – Twisting roads, red rock cathedrals, laughter all the way up Oak Creek Canyon

As the sun dipped, temperatures plunged. Near freezing, we stopped in Tuba City to layer up.
A police officer advised against continuing — open range cattle have right of way. Decision made: stay safe, stay warm.

That night, we enjoyed Hualapai tacos and hospitality on the Native Reservation — another unexpected highlight.

“Sometimes the best adventures happen when plans change.”

Ride Day 4 — Tuba City, AZ ➜ Las Vegas, NV

715 km (444 mi) | 8 hr 30 min

Cold morning. Warm hearts. Time to head west through one of America’s most stunning landscapes: Zion National Park.

Rolling out of the tunnel into that vast red canyon was pure magic — heavenly light and all.
We slowed down not from curves, but awe.

The home stretch delivered everything:

• Virgin River Gorge – One of the most scenic interstates ever
• Valley of Fire State Park – Blazing orange, dreamlike formations
• Hoover Dam – A quick stop for photos and history

We reached Las Vegas just in time for a golden sunset, parked at Rumours Boutique Hotel, and toasted the journey with dinner at the Harley-Davidson Café.

Later, we wandered Fremont Street, neon lights reflecting off tired smiles.

March 21 — Return Day (No Ride Day)

Back to EagleRider, bikes cleaned and hearts full.
We celebrated with margaritas and guacamole at La Salsa, a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian, and a little Vegas fun before heading home.

✈️ March 22 — Flight Home to Canada

We woke up wondering if it had all been a dream.
Four ride days, four states, countless memories.

“Trips like this remind you why you ride: freedom, beauty, and the stories you collect along the way.”

✨ What Are You Waiting For?

Just Go!

“You don’t need perfect plans or perfect weather. You just need a bike, a map, and a sense of adventure.”