Impromptu Ride to Bagdad

Event date: 
Sat, 05/10/2025 - 9:00am

 

Join me for a ride to Bagdad.  We'll take the scenic route through Rio Verde and along the Carefree Highway. We'll stop for lunch at the Copper Country Bar and Grill, which is a stamp stop for the Tour of Duty Ride challenge for those of you participating.  We can decide our return trip after lunch.

Copper Country Bar and Grill

Bagdad is proud to have a prominent place in Arizona’s history as a thriving copper resource over the past 130-plus years. The first claims for copper were staked in Bagdad in 1882. The property changed ownership numerous times through the first half of the 20th century, with the first mill beginning operation in 1928 to process ore from the underground mine. A transition to open-pit mining began in 1945, and a $240 million expansion in 1973 included new haul trucks, shovels, nearly 400 housing units, and concentrators which shaped the Bagdad we know today.

This building opened its doors in 1973 as a place for the contractors to hang out after their work in the mine. Shortly after, it became a restaurant and bar, but those who worked here were still considered an employee of the mine. The mine grew and so did the town, and then the restaurant became a privately owned business and an icon in the Bagdad community.

Then in 1984, the value of copper dropped to an all-time low. The mine started laying off its workers, and the restaurant had to close its doors. It reopened in 1985 and became a pizza joint in 1987. The restaurant closed again in 2001. In 2006, the building was remodeled from the floor up and was reopened as a steakhouse. The only thing left was the original bar top which once was the longest continuous bar in Yavapai and Maricopa County.

Copper Country Bar & Grill opened in 2016 under new ownership. Through the highs and lows of the copper industry, this building has survived decades of change. Today, Copper Country is known for its incredible food and its lively environment. As it has been for many years, this restaurant will continue to be a staple in the Bagdad community and an attraction for tourists year after year.

Event route: 
GPX File(s):
  Download File: Ride_to_Copper.gpx

Closed Event: Chapter activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G. Chapter members. Closed Events are those events open to Chapter members and one guest per member.  All guests must sign an event release. Be aware, all rides and events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.

Impairment Policy: The consumption and use of alcohol is a serious personal responsibility involving the safety of family, riding friends and the individual HOG member. Alcohol consumption before or during a motorcycling activity is not safe, responsible behavior. East Valley Chapter #4507 does not allow the use of alcohol or drugs before or during a riding event* and does not furnish alcohol at Chapter rides. Riders whose skills are observed or suspected to be impaired by alcohol or drugs before riding cannot join the ride. Riders using alcohol or drugs while riding will be asked to leave the ride. It is the responsibility of each Template Chapter member to support the consistent enforcement of this policy

Photography Policy: Photographing, filming, recording and videotaping of activities and events will be occurring East Valley Chapter events. By entering the H.O.G.® event area, you irrevocably grant permission to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company® and its agents to photograph, film, record and/or videotape you and use (and authorize the use of) your name, image, likeness, voice, and/or biographical or other information in any and all media now known or hereinafter developed in perpetuity for any and all purposes.

Event Coordinator: 
Tom W
Membership Officer

[email protected]