Tim Kessel

Spectacular views, like this one near Julian, abound on this Southern California motorcycle ride. (Photos by the author) The August 2019 issue of Rider included my tour story, “Palms to Pines to the Pacific,” about a Southern California motorcycle ride west on State Route 74. The mountain and canyon roads on that route are some of the best in the state, so I decided to return to SR-74 and extend my route.

While Arizona is a relatively young state, its rich military history dates back much further, as does Tim’s family legacy. Geronimo Pass is on State Route 73 between Fort Apache and U.S. Route 60. (Photos by the author) Arizona was added as the last of the contiguous American states in 1912. While “State 48” is relatively young, its military history predates its statehood, and so does my family’s Arizona roots.

There is something truly awe-inspiring about standing in the presence of art created by an ancient civilization, especially when that creation holds a particular mystery. Having grown up on an Apache reservation in eastern Arizona, I have always had a curiosity about, and a respect for, all things Native American.