Copper State Trail Riders
February Ride Report
By Jodie Franklin
O
n Friday the 20th the Kelvin-Riverside Bridge
Trailhead turned into a city as we all converged
for a weekend adventure on the Arizona Trail.
A few early arrivals saddled up and rode out with
me on an exploratory pre-ride for Sunday. The plan
had been to cross the Gila River and cut a trail to the
Arizona Trail creating a loop. Sitting astride our horses
at the crossing we watched the swollen river glide by.
A family of hikers came by and told us the river had
risen at least two feet in the last two days. Our plans
thwarted for a loop we rode off in search of Plan B.
Wanting to ride north we used the bridge to cross
the river and went in search of the “golden spike” of
the Arizona Trail that marks the last mile completed
of this incredible trail. Mission completed we turned
our horses for camp. Rounding the last curve the site
below us was amazing; a sea of horse trailers filled the
trailhead. Friday evening was filled with greetings,
seeing old friends and meeting new ones. It wasn’t
long before sun disappeared behind the mountains
and people started drifting off to their trailers in
anticipation of the morning ride.
Horses snorting and a few mules making themselves
heard heralded time to roll out of bed and put the
coffee on. The sun hasn’t made ]