Once called the ‘Biggest Little Town of Arizona’ Cottonwood and the surrounding area has a lot to offer bikers visiting the area.  It is especially nice on winter rides due to the mild weather during the day. The city of Cottonwood is in the ‘heart’ of the Verde valley.  The Verde River runs through the valley from northwest to south east and is joined by flows from Sycamore Canyon, Oak Creek, Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek.  Cottonwood became a haven for those seeking to be free from the prejudice and regulation of nearby company towns.   The Old Town Main Street was created in 1908.  Read more about the history of the area by clicking on the Covered Wagon link located below left.  Today there are several antique shops cafes bars hotels and other interesting shops on the main street of Old Town Cottonwood.  Stop in at Kactus Kate’s for a frosty glass of Sedona’s Oak Creek Ale on tap, shoot a game of pool, and tell Kate Central Arizona Bikers sez ‘Hey!’.  Check out the links on the menu bar to the right.  Cottonwood has some great places to stop and have a bite if you are just puttin’ thru town.    One of my favorite stops is Sally’s BBQ. on 89A next to the Rockin B Saloon. Sally also has a place in Sedona.  Great pork BBQ! There are a lot of rides out of Cottonwood for you to fill your day.  One of my favorites on the way to Sedona is to take the Cornville Road thru Page Springs. You will pass a few Verde Valley wineries on this road. The names of these wineries are Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, and the other is called Echo Canyon.  All three are open with wine tasting rooms. Check out their websites. Of course there are some better rides out of Cottonwood like over the Mingus Mountains thru the old mining town of Jerome and on to Prescott.  This is a fantastic ride with lots of twisties.  Check out the Jerome page and the Prescott page for further information.  One of my favorite rides is thru Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona on highway 89A.  Here is an Oak Creek Canyon Map. The canyon road is lined with trees, the creek itself, while the road passes several places to stop a grab a bite or rest stops and camping areas.  It is a favorite place for locals during the summer months.  You can also find several independent lodges and motels with  some Bed and Breakfast as well.  I will soon have a ride page attached to this  page so check back.  For now just take a look a good map.  The area is just loaded with places to go and things to do.  Have a great ride in and around the beautiful Verde Valley.  See ya on the ROAD!  Ride Safe!