QUICK LINKS:
Wednesday, May 31st
5:00 pm Meet & Greet The traditional AMERIVESPA Meet & Greet will be happening at the Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar at the Little America Hotel, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Important Note: Schedule is subject to change and information is current as of date of publishing. You must sign ride waiver to ride at Amerivespa and agree to hold the organizers harmless. Read Group Riding by the MSF. Please have a cell phone or GPS attached to your scooter for map / directions to better enjoy your rides. QR codes will be available for all rides. Because of the nature of the roads in Northern AZ, you may not always have a ride leader nearby for directions!
Thursday, June 1st
8:00am Registration opens Registration room is located on the first floor of the Little America Hotel, at 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
9:00am Welcome message and Ride Descriptions begin
9:30am Rides begin (staggered starts):
Sedona Ride (60 miles RT) (all day ride) – Sights will include Cathedral Rock, Sedona Airport Mesa views, Chapel of the Holy Cross. We will allow riders to explore Sedona for 3 hours before group ride back. Riders are welcome to stay longer and return on their own. Best for 125cc and above, approx. 50 mph top speed (short section), most of ride 25-45mph. Sharp curves on 89a.
Jerome Ride (150 miles RT) (all day ride) – Twisty ride will go to the Ghost Mining town of Jerome. Features include the Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town, the Sliding Jail, etc. Lunch suggestion: the oldest dining facility in all of Arizona, Bobby D’s BBQ. Best for 150cc and above. approx. 55 mph top speed, first half of ride 25-45 mph to Sedona (Route 89a), 55 mph sections to Jerome; downtown Jerome is 25-45 with some steep hills and sharp curves. There is a big parking lot at the top of the hill in Jerome (check the ride map for location as parking can be tight in this cool little town).
Vintage Ride to Mormon Lake (62 miles RT) (half day ride) – Vintage scooter ride will go to Mormon Lake. Very pretty ride through the pines and stop at the rustic Mormon Lake Lodge and Steakhouse...and you'll see Buffalo!!
1 Mormon Lake Rd, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038. Top speed approx. 45 mph.
Slide Rock Ride (56 miles RT) (Self-guided) – Bring your cell phone or GPS as this is a Self Guided ride to Slide Rock State Park (bring your swimming suit for a dip in the river & Slide Rock); State Park entrance fee is $10 per bike. Best for 125cc and above. 50 mph top speed (small section), most of ride 25-45mph. Sharp curves on 89a. There is a convenience store in the park. The lot fills up early so leave early! https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock
1:30pm Rides Depart (staggered starts):
Wupatki Pueblo National Monument Ride (74 miles RT) (half day ride) – ride will go to the Wupatki Pueblo, with stops at the Sunset Crater / Cinder Hills Overlook and the painted Desert Vista. Best for 150cc and above. Top speed Approx. 55 mph. $20 fee includes entry to Wupatki and Sunset Crater https://www.nps.gov/wupa/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Snowbowl / Aspen Loop Ride (32 miles RT) (half day ride) – Ride to Snowbowl/Aspen Loop Trail. The Aspen Loop Trail is a great scenic ride, filled with forests of AZ aspen trees. The Snowbowl scenic chairlift shuttles you up the western side of the San Francisco peaks and takes you up to 11,500 feet! From here, you can take in views of the red rocks of Sedona, the cinder cone volcanic field, and the Grand Canyon. Lift tix: $29. Best for 125cc and above. Top speed approx. 55 mph. Best to park in the upper lots near Agassiz Lodge (gravel lot so be careful).
5:00pm Registration closes @ Hotel. You can registrant at the Yucca North Party.
6:00pm Wild, Wild, West Party & Pinball Contest – at Yucca North, 15 N WC Riles St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Yee-haw! Come out for the AMERIVESPA Wild, Wild, West Party & Pinball Contest! Free appetizers, DJ’s, line dancing; Prizes for best Cowboy/Cowgirl outfit, and “Pinball Wizard” award for the Pinball Contest Winner. NOTE: Registration will be onsite at this party for those arriving late but want to attend the Grand Canyon Ride in the morning.
ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES:
Lowell Observatory (Night) Ride Optional (also a ride on Friday night) Departs at 7:30pm, from the Little America Hotel parking lot, for a quick ride to the close-by, world-famous Lowell Observatory (Pluto was discovered via the telescope here!). We will be met by the local astronomy club / observatory volunteers who will lead tours of the observatory and have telescopes set-up for us. Bring your AMERIVESPA discount ticket for a rate of $23pp. Open to all size bikes, top speed approx. 45 mph.
Flagstaff Brewery Trail (https://craftbeerflg.com/#howit_works) Progressive Brewery Event (Everyone gets a map with a spot to get stamped at each location – you only need to hit 5 of the spots and no purchase is necessary at each spot to get a stamp). We will provide the maps/passport, so you don’t have to get them from the Flagstaff Visitor Center. This is a self-guided tour.
Friday, June 2nd
7:30am Registration opens Registration room is located on the first floor of the Little America Hotel, at 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
6:00am - 9am(depart times) THE GREAT GRAND CANYON SCOOTER RIDE! (180 miles RT/Full Day Ride) Please read all ride details before coming on this ride.You must sign waiver before going on this ride. AmeriVespa ID must be shown when you line up!..Registration will be open late Thursday.
***More details, map and video coming soon!***
- Staggered start, leaving approx. every 15-20 minutes in groups of 25. You may ride up on your own if you like.
- You must get a Grand Canyon pass, before leaving on ride. Highly suggest you purchase a digital motorcycle pass, take a screen shoot of pass as cell phone service can be bad to none at park entrance. You must also have photo ID.
- We will be using the East Entrance (much less crowded). The 1st leg of ride is a little over 1 hour until we hit our first rest/gas/food stop. Park Rangers advise that if you get to gate after 9am expect long wait times!!!
- Ride outline: Leave Hotel - ride non-stop 1 hour via 89 Eastern Route - Cameron Trading post - 30 min break - 30 min to Park East Entrance - 5 min to Desert View Watchtower - 30 min rest (food/bathroom/views) - 30 min to Grand Canyon Village Lot "D" - 2 hours enjoying views. Rides back (western route) leaving about every 30 minutes via parking lot "D"via 64/180 Western Route. Gas Stations just outside park on return.
NOTE: This can be a challenging ride and we suggest you consider your riding skill: high speeds, winds & long ride. With ride, stops, walking the park and ride back, this is about a 7-8 hour day!
Ride to Grand Canyon National Park. $30 per scooter (Link to digital pass; suggested); Riders can explore the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center for an 2 hours. The group ride then leaves for the Grand Canyon south rim road and beyond, eventually looping back to the Little America Hotel. Stay longer if you like and make your own way back. Please make sure your scooter is in top condition for this ride. Highly suggested minimum 150cc and above. Top Speed is posted 65mph for ride up and back! 50cc scooters are not allowed on this ride because of the high speeds and long distance. Chase vehicle(s) will be provided by Go AZ Motorcycles. Grand Canyon Information.
Don't want to ride?...think about taking the Grand Canyon Rail Road and meet us in the park (Lot D is adjacent to Station). They are offering AmeriVespa attendees 20% off train tickets
For reservations, Call – 1-888-484-7245 ; www.thetrain.com
Use Discount Code: 2132920
***You can't ride your scooter to the train in Williams. It requires 75mph on I40*** You can arrange transportation from Little America Hotel to Grand Canyon Rail Road in Williams via Groom Transportation (or you can have Groom drive you directly to the Canyon if you like)
Other Friday Rides:
9:00am Welcome message and Ride Descriptions begin
9:30am Rides begin
Sedona Ride (60 miles RT) (all day ride) – Sights will include Cathedral Rock, Sedona Airport Mesa views, Chapel of the Holy Cross. We will allow riders to explore Sedona for 2 hours before organizing the group ride back. Riders have the option of staying longer and returning on their own. Best for 125cc and above, approx. 50 mph top speed (short section), most of ride 25-45mph. Sharp curves on 89a.
Mormon Lake Ride (62 miles RT) (half day ride) –
ride will go to Mormon Lake; lunch TBD. Very pretty ride through the pines and stop at the rustic Mormon Lake Lodge and Steakhouse...and you'll see Buffalo!!
1 Mormon Lake Rd, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038. Top speed approx. 45 mph.
Slide Rock Ride (Self-Guided 46 miles RT) (half day ride) – Self-Guided ride will go to Slide Rock State Park (bring your swimming suit for a dip on the river & Slide Rock); food available in snack shop; State Park entrance fee is $10 per bike. Best for 125cc and above, approx. 50 mph top speed (short section), most of ride 25-45mph. Sharp curves on 89a. https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock
1:30pm Rides Depart
Route 66 & Historic Flagstaff Ride (half day ride) – ride will go to various points of interest within the city of Flagstaff, including the Zane Gray Ballroom, photo op with scoots @ the Route 66 sign in the Railroad District, Heritage Square, Hotel Monte Vista, Route 66 mural at Phoenix Ave, Western Hills Motel Neon Sign; Ride ends at Pizzicletta, voted the best pizza in Flagstaff, 203 W Phoenix Ave. Top speed 35-45 mph. This ride will be offered on Sunday, June 4th, at 10:00am, as well.
Snowbowl / Aspen Loop Ride (32 miles RT) (half day ride) – Ride to Snowbowl/Aspen Loop Trail. The Aspen Loop Trail is a great scenic ride, filled with forests of AZ aspen trees. The Snowbowl scenic chairlift shuttles you up the western side of the San Francisco peaks and takes you up to 11,500 feet! From here, you can take in views of the red rocks of Sedona, the cinder cone volcanic field, and the Grand Canyon. Lift tix: $29. Best for 125cc and above. Top speed approx. 55 mph. Best to park in the upper lots near Agassiz Lodge (gravel lot so be careful).
5:00pm Registration closes
5:30pm Route 66 Scooter Party (Hosted by GO AZ Motorcycles, located at 7 South Mikes Pike St., Flagstaff, AZ – walking distance from the host hotel). There will be music and giveaways. Grab a bite to eat the onsite food truck before departing for the night ride (see below). Mother Road Brewing Company will be on site with beer sales (Remember, don't drink and drive! Hotel is just a mile away and GOAZ will allow you to leave your bike in lot if needed).
7:30pm Lowell Observatory (Night) Ride Ride departs at 7:30pm, GOAZ Motorcycle parking lot, for a short (slow) ride to the close-by, world-famous Lowell Observatory (Pluto was discovered via the telescope here!). We will be met by the local astronomy club / observatory volunteers who will lead tours of the observatory and have telescopes set-up for us. Bring your AMERIVESPA discount ticket in rally pack for a discounted rally rate of $23pp. Open to all scooters, top speed 45 mph, only a few miles from hotel.
Saturday, June 3rd - All Saturday Events are at Little America Hotel except morning ride!
8:00am Registration opens Registration room is located on the first floor of the Little America Hotel, at 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
8:00am Annual General Meeting for Chapter Clubs Meeting to take place at the Little America Hotel, at 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004. All active card-carrying members of the VCOA are welcome to attend.
8:30am Welcome Message and Ride Description
9:00am Ride to Fort Tuthill Park and back to Little America Hotel (Ft Tuthill address: 2446 Ft Tuthill Lp, Flagstaff, AZ 86005). Go to the Navajo Ramada. Burrito Breakfast Sponsored by Piaggio! 10:30am ride back to Little America Hotel, at 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
11am-4pm Scooter Show / Events at Little America Hotel Saturday events which includes the Concours D’ Elegance, scooter games (slow race, Gymkhana, etc.), vendor expo. Lunch is available for purchase @ Travel Center Hot Grill & Deli (front entrance of parking lot). 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff AZ
2:00pm Raffle at Little America Hotel
5:00pm Cocktail Reception at Little America Hotel
6:00pm Banquet/Awards at Little America Hotel Main Ball Room(Rally badge required for entry)
8:00pm [Post Banquet] Tiki Poolside Party at Little America Hotel - Make your way to the outside pool at the back of the hotel for drinks and story telling. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt!
Sunday, June 4th
9am-12pm Send-off Breakfast Send-off breakfast at the Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar (Little America Hotel).
10:00am Route 66 & Historic Flagstaff Ride (half day ride) – For those still in town, you can go on the Route 66 & Historic Flagstaff Ride. The ride will go to various points of interest within the city of Flagstaff, including the Zane Gray Ballroom, photo op with scoots @ the Route 66 sign in the Railroad District, Heritage Square, Hotel Monte Vista, Route 66 mural at Phoenix Ave, Western Hills Motel Neon Sign; Ride ends at Pizzicletta, voted the best pizza in Flagstaff, for lunch. 203 W Phoenix Ave.
End of AmeriVespa 2023