Great Write Up About the Gila Tour!

Here is a great write up about the Dustball GilApache Tour:

May Tour de GilApache

Six Porsches, a '79 Mustang pace car and Trans Am formed this new event that some hope to become an annual tradition. Drivers met in the quiet town of Pinos Altos, NM and enjoyed each others company over drinks and fine dining at the Buckhorn Tavern. The cozy overnight quarters for the weekend was at the Bear Creek cabins. The combination of the active crowd at the Buckhorn and the serene scene of the cabins was a great experience. Saturday, drivers met up in Silver City for breakfast before heading out on the day's drive.

All of the drivers were looking forward to the planned route, which crossed everyone into Arizona to travel northbound on the intense Highway 666 from Morenci to Alpine. Driving this roadway can often lead to motion sickness, with over 60 switchbacks along a 60-mile winding mountain road. It looks as if the civil engineer dropped a Ramen noodle on his road development map and mistook it for new construction. The road was incredible and gave everyone a great workout - cars included.

After a needed stop for lunch in Alpine, drivers picked up the pace and headed for the historic catwalk for a quick hike. The catwalk was more than enough of a stretch for those that needed some fresh air, and some up-close scenery. Upon return to the Buckhorn that night, drivers once again enjoyed each others company, live music and a fine dining experience.

Sunday morning came and after meeting up for breakfast, the day's route was laid out and traversed the participants along a windy un-marked road near the (then) fire-line of the Gila wildfires. The scenic and shaded route featured plenty of wildlife and great views for everyone. Passing through the main fire camp of the 2500+ firefighters was a wake-up call for those of us that didn't realize the fire threat in the area. At the end of the road, drivers hung a left at the tee to cross through emory pass and pause in Hillsboro to regroup and say their goodbyes before heading home.

"Tour de GilApache" was sponsored by Zia Homes and Varwal Enterprises.