Arizona‘s Three Forts: A Motorcycle Ride Through History and Family Roots
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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. Three of the state’s historically meaningful forts are linked by some of the best motorcycling roads in the southwest. This Arizona motorcycle ride is a personal favorite not only because of its great riding and military history, but also because each fort and its surrounding community is significant to my family narrative.
This tour begins in pinetop, an outdoor recreation town nestled in the heart of eastern Arizona’s stunning White Mountains. As I sat in the courtyard of the Lion’s Den Bar & Grill listening to Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers croon about Mexico, tequila, and love, a gentle mountain rain reminded me why I was there in early August rather then toastier regions of the state.
!Arizona Motorcycle Ride Historic Forts and Family Roots
Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER
After the show, I made the short ride back to The Nook Pinetop (see sidebar below), a delightful hotel in the heart of this bustling mountain town.as I sat under the tall pines on the hotel’s tidy grounds and sipped a glass of good bourbon,I contemplated the next day’s ride through Arizona’s territorial history as well as places spanning my personal legacy.
Fort Apache
!Arizona motorcycle Ride Historic Forts and Family Roots
Fort Apache, established in 1870, stands as a poignant reminder of the conflicts between the U.S. Army and the Apache people,particularly the white Mountain Apache. Originally known as Camp Mogollon,it was renamed Fort Apache in 1871. The fort served as a military headquarters and a center for the reservation,playing a crucial role in the Apache Wars. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and home to the Fort Apache Heritage Foundation, which diligently preserves the fort’s history and the cultural heritage of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
The ride from Pinetop to Fort Apache is a delightful 25 miles on Arizona State Route 260. The road winds through ponderosa pine forests, offering a cool respite from the Arizona heat. As you approach the fort, the landscape opens up, revealing the imposing structures of the former military post. I spent several hours exploring the fort’s museum, officers’ quarters, and the historic buildings, each echoing with stories of a bygone era. my great-grandmother worked as a seamstress for the officers’ wives stationed at Fort Apache, and my grandfather was born in the nearby town of Whiteriver. Standing on the parade grounds, I felt a tangible connection to my ancestors and their lives in this rugged land.
Fort Grant
Leaving fort Apache,I headed south on U.S. Route 191, then east on U.S. Route 60 toward Fort Grant. This 130-mile stretch is a motorcyclist’s dream, with sweeping curves and stunning desert vistas.The road climbs and descends through changing landscapes, from pine forests to arid grasslands.
Established in 1865, fort Grant was one of the first military posts in Arizona Territory. It was initially built to protect settlers and the Butterfield Overland Mail route from Apache attacks. The fort played a significant role in the Apache Wars, serving as a base for campaigns against Cochise and Geronimo.
Today, Fort Grant is home to the Arizona State Veterans’ Home, providing care and support to Arizona’s veterans. The original fort buildings have been repurposed, but the historic atmosphere remains. I took a self-guided tour of the grounds, imagining the soldiers who once patrolled these same paths.My great-great-grandfather served as a scout for the U.S. Army at Fort Grant,and his stories of tracking
At Show Low,I reconnected with SR‑260 and rode west again,enjoying a scenic ride along Arizona’s Mogollon Rim. It is a great mix of tree‑lined straights and sweeping corners as it connects high‑country towns and mountain lakes. I stopped at an apex of the rim and looked south at the world’s largest stand of contiguous ponderosa pines.
I continued through Payson, Pine, and Strawberry before starting a winding descent toward the Verde Valley, which has been my home for the last five decades. as the descent uncoiled near Camp Verde, I approached the second historic fort.
Fort Verde was built in the early 1870s as a major post during the Indian Wars. it was abandoned from 1891 until the 1950s, when a group of dedicated citizens worked to preserve the remaining property and structures. it became a state park in 1970.
As I walked the grounds of the fort, I noticed something that hit me hard: a memorial recognizing the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who where stationed at Fort Verde.One of the names is Sgt. Alchesay, who was bestowed the honor in 1875 for his valor and leadership as an Apache Scout for the 6th U.S. Cavalry. Fourteen years after Alchesay enlisted as a scout, he became the chief of the White Mountain apache Tribe and was a dear friend of my grandfather.
Fort Whipple
Electric Motorcycles: A Comprehensive Guide
electric motorcycles are rapidly evolving, offering a compelling alternative to traditional gasoline-powered bikes. They provide instant torque, reduced emissions, and a quieter riding experience. This guide explores the current state of electric motorcycles, covering technology, benefits, drawbacks, available models, and future trends. Publication Date: 2025/12/16 21:24:40
How Electric Motorcycles Work
Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, electric motorcycles are powered by electric motors and batteries.Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Battery pack: Typically lithium-ion, the battery stores the energy that powers the motor. Battery capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determines the motorcycle’s range.
- Motor: Electric motors deliver instant torque, providing rapid acceleration. Most electric motorcycles use either permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) or induction motors.
- Controller: The controller manages the flow of energy from the battery to the motor, regulating speed and performance.
- Charging System: Electric motorcycles can be charged using standard household outlets (Level 1), dedicated 240V chargers (Level 2), or DC fast chargers.
benefits of Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles offer several advantages over their gasoline counterparts:
- Zero Emissions: Electric motorcycles produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
- Lower Running costs: Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline,resulting in lower fuel costs.Reduced maintenance (fewer moving parts) also contributes to savings.
- Instant Torque: electric motors deliver maximum torque from zero RPM,providing exhilarating acceleration.
- Quiet operation: electric motorcycles are significantly quieter than ICE motorcycles, reducing noise pollution.
- Government Incentives: Many governments offer tax credits, rebates, and other incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including motorcycles (IRS clean Vehicle credits).
Drawbacks of Electric Motorcycles
Despite their advantages, electric motorcycles also have some limitations:
- Range Anxiety: The limited range of some electric motorcycles can be a concern for longer trips.
- Charging Time: Charging an electric motorcycle can take significantly longer than filling a gasoline tank, although DC fast charging is improving.
- Higher Initial Cost: Electric motorcycles generally have a higher purchase price than comparable ICE motorcycles, even though prices are decreasing.
- Charging Infrastructure: The availability of public charging stations is still limited in some areas.
- Battery Life & Replacement: batteries degrade over time and eventually need to be replaced,which can be a significant expense.
Popular Electric Motorcycle Models (2025)
The electric motorcycle market is expanding rapidly. Here are some notable models:
- Zero Motorcycles: A leading manufacturer offering a range of electric motorcycles,including the SR/F (sportbike), SR/S (sport-touring), and FX (dual-sport).
- Energica: An Italian manufacturer specializing in high-performance electric motorcycles,such as the Ego (sportbike) and Eva (streetfighter).
- LiveWire: Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle brand, offering the LiveWire One, known for its premium build quality and performance.
- Cake: Swedish manufacturer focusing on lightweight, electric off-road motorcycles like the Kalk AP.
- BMW CE 04: A futuristic-looking electric scooter with impressive performance and features (BMW CE 04).
Charging Options
Understanding charging levels is crucial for electric motorcycle ownership:
- Level 1 (120V): Uses a standard household outlet. Slowest charging speed (typically adding 2-5 miles of range per hour).
- Level 2 (240V): Requires a dedicated 240V charger (