Ridin' with the Roadrunners

By Retta Stone

The Ladies of the Roadrunners listed alphabetically rather than as pictured: Mary Allen, founder (17 years riding); Deon Anderson (3 years riding); Mary Bertie (1 1/2 years riding); Denny Bondurant (1 1/2 years riding); Donna Heightmann (4 years riding); Carol Kraker (4 years riding); Linda Liesch (5 years riding), Arlene Nelson (3 years riding); Pat Norton (6 years riding); Ruth Palmer (2 years riding); Cindy Perelli (1st ride); JoAnn Randall (4 years riding); Laura Roglin (1st ride); Debbie Stahl (3 years riding).

After being approached by my dear friend, Carol, asking if I would be interested in a quad ride up north, I was intrigued, to say the least. After completing this adventure, I knew there was a story and Infinity would be honored to tell it. So I approached the publisher, who I know quite well, and the rest as they say is "her story".

Mary Allen, who has been affectionately referred to by the group as the "Leader of the Pack," "Alpha Female" and "Mountain Mama," began organizing this event in 1993. Mary, who knows the forest like the back of her hand, heads up the rides and looks after "her girls". The "girls" range in diversity including an ASU professor, hospice nurse, Motorola engineer, real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. As we head up north, we are excitedly yakking all the way up the mountain with an energy that can only be described as two kids about to head off on an adventure. Carol, who has been with this group since 2003, starts telling me what the next day will likely hold. First, and foremost, D U S T! With the drought, the trail is dry, dry, dry. At about 7:30 a.m., she and her neighbor Pat take off to the mailbox, where they meet the rest of the group. Mary takes a head count and then they take off on the trail. They meet up in a few miles with the rest of the riders.

Now it's important to note that I have never ridden a quad for 50+ miles in my life. Carol suggests that we go for a spin later and she will show me the ropes. As we take off and she explains the workings of the ATV, I realize that this particular unit is "the Cadillac of Quads". Bless her! It is fully automatic, with 4WD and passenger capability. I am impressed. At 6 a.m. the next morning, the megaphone plays a tune and Carol announces "Rise & Shine!" In case I have failed to mention to this point, Carol is "not quite right". As she prepares breakfast, she hits the megaphone again to tell Pat to get her hiney out of bed (although actually expressed a little more colorfully) and over to her place to "Get Ready to RIDE!" Pat responds with a "Good Mooooooorning Carol" growl. Pat knows all too well Carol's zany nature as Carol has been known to whisper in the middle of the night to her when she can't sleep. "Pat, are you awake? I can't sleep. Are you awake?" After a few minutes of silence, a very groggy Pat answers "What Carol?" Carol replies, "I can't sleep. Do you want to come over for some tea?" Pat answers, "NO! I want to go back to sleep. It is 3 o'clock in the morning!"

We take off down the road to meet up with the other riders. There are 12 total, as Mary takes a head count. We come up to the next meeting point, where "The Dusty Dozen" meet three more riders. At this point, they strategically distribute the walkie talkies throughout the pack so that the group can communicate. Mary lets everyone know that it is their responsibility to make sure that when they turn the corner they must account for the rider behind, or wait until they catch up. Her mothering of the riders and ensuring everyone's safety is quite impressive, even packing her pistol for protection. We take off from the second checkpoint and ride for about 15 miles until we come upon an abandoned house and one that had burned, which is a shame because there's a beautiful view. The nearby house that we walk through has a note as we walk in indicating that there are no valuables inside. Plenty of animal droppings decorate the interior, however. Inquiring about bathroom breaks, they all laugh unanimously and offer suggestions... "Cop a squat" and "find a tree" are two of my favorites. After the warning to watch for poison oak, I decide I can wait. Back on the trail, we ride for another 10 miles or so and find a place for lunch. The camaraderie of this group quickly becomes very apparent. After nourishing our dusty souls, JoAnn decides it should rain and out comes the super soakers. Trying to stay out of the line of fire is my priority, so I decide this would be a good time to talk to Mary. Listening to her tell of her many years riding the trails and the adventures she has experienced is a thrill. She is pleased to see how the group has grown and reminisces of a friend from years earlier gone too soon at 54. She tells me to come back on another ride and we will go to "Shelly's Crossing". This is what she wants to officially name the spot that her dear friend loved so much.

As the water is flying all around us, Mary decides she has to get in on the action. After lunch we hit the trail again on our way up to the rim. About halfway up, it begins to rain. We all gather and put on our ponchos and raincoats and continue on until the rain picks up about another 3-4 miles ahead. Mary decides we had better call it a day and turn around. Carol tells me that the rain actually hurts up on the rim, so Mary knows best. Mary compliments me on my first time riding and invites me back anytime to join them on the trail. I will definitely take her up on her invitation, but not before I dig out my super soaker!