Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/23/11 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, looks like the familiar February gloom in the weather is taking its toll on events here in the valley. Last weekend was pretty much rained out and the biggest event of the year is looking like it is going to be right in the eye of the storm on Sunday's race at PIR. So if you are looking to get out on the bike, my crystal ball (and Accuweather extended forecast) says that next Saturday will be 83 degrees and partly sunny. Let's hope the rain this weekend holds off till Monday.
 
As we are now nearing the end of February, I'm sure at least a few of you have been turning your thoughts as to where you might like to take a good road trip this year. As most of you probably know, our long trip last year was to Oregon and then back through Northern California working our way back to Arizona. As it turned out, it was one of our most memorable trips so far as we tried to stay on scenic byways the entire trip. While that doesn't happen all the time, with some good planning, you can really enjoy some great scenery by jumping on a scenic byway whenever possible.

Oregon Ride Day 7 - Feather River Byway

 
The last time I wrote about this trip, we had just finished Day 6 and had stopped in Chester, CA for the night. (Click Here for Day 6 report) Our Day 7 adventure would take us on a 275 mile beautiful ride from Chester, CA to Reno, NV with our target attractions being the Feather River Scenic Byway and the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, the longest single span covered bridge in existence.
 
For those of you that have not done any riding in Northern California, you are missing out. There are many excellent riding areas from the coast to the Nevada border as you meander your way around the Northern part of the State and then down through the Sierra Nevada passes. The beauty of the mountains, streams, forests, varying terrain and  historical interests make this entire area a dream land for a cross country motorcycle rider who enjoys putting on miles and smiles. It is definitely a part of the country that you should put on your list next time you are planning a trip.
 
On this particular day we would be spending some time in the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests enjoying the very special and scenic Feather River Scenic Byway. Keeping in mind that we have been on many miles of beautiful roads throughout the Western United States and Canada over the last few years. And as you all know, some roads are better than others and you remember them for your own particular reasons, good or bad. For some reason, the Feather River Byway made a lasting impression on me.
 
I think it is because this particular road combines a lot of the things that a rider enjoys when taking a scenic ride. It combines a road that meanders through the wide canyons of a mountainous forest following the Feather River and railroad tracks through a historic mining area for approximately 60 miles on the section of it that we took. This well maintained stretch of asphalt leaves you enthralled with all of the engineering feats of the 1930's with bridges and hydroelectric power plants along the way. The Byway is a total of 130 miles with 70 miles of it being on the East side of Hwy. 89. We did the West side of 89.
 
If you don't look at any other beautiful pictures that are in this gallery, be sure and take a look at these 2 pictures that will give you and idea of what I have just described above about how all of the things I described above come together in stunning beauty and engineering imagination. Picture 1 and Picture 2. The railroad trestles' are also very interesting along the way as they had to maneuver through this mountainous canyon. See how these two railroad tracks came together to enter into one tunnel that went under the road that we were on.
 
Here is one of my favorite beauty shots on this road that will soon be blown up and placed in the gallery on my garage wall.
 
I hope that I have not oversold this road too much, but on this particular day, it made a lasting impression on me as one of my most memorable routes to date. Not for one particular reason, but for the whole package combined. As we reached the end of the Feather River Byway on Hwy. 70, you might be ready for a break to take in what you have just experienced. There is a cool little biker restaurant called Scooter's Cafe that has an outdoor patio and good food with creative names for their sandwiches including: The Fat Boy, The Road King, The Chopper and The Stripper, which you might guess is made of chicken "Breast". And let's not forget the Hawg and Cheese.
 
After a quick lunch and taking some time to plot the rest of our day on the GPS, we decided to head for the Bridgeport covered bridge that has the distinction of being the longest single span covered bridge in existence. It's not exactly the world's largest ball of twine, but it is historic. So we headed back East and made our way on the backroads to Bridgeport, CA to see the bridge. It was very interesting to see the construction of something like this built back in 1862. If you are in the area, it is well worth the stop to see the bridge, and it is a fun road to get there as well. More info.
 
After 30 minutes exploring and taking photos of the bridge, it was time to point the Road Glide to the East where we would spend the night in Reno, NV. Deb Metcalfe, who actually sold me my Road Glide back in 2006 which was at the time Chosa's HD and shortly after bought out by Chester's HD, is now the GM at Reno HD in Reno, NV. So since we were in the area, we wanted to stop by the dealership and say hi to Deb. It was great to spend some time with her and see the great dealership she is managing in Reno. For those of you that know Deb, here is a picture of us in front of the dealership.
 
We grabbed a Best Western for the night and prepared to head South the next day through Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain passes. More stunning Northern California riding was yet to come.
 
Our route on this day was leaving Chester, CA South on Hwy. 89. We took a short detour by going East on 70 to Quincy where we turned around and went back West on 70. The merging railroad tracks that you see in the photos above and just about 5 miles East of 89 on 70. We then took Hwy. 70 West which is part of the Feather River Scenic Byway for about 60 miles through Oroville and down to Hwy. 20 East where we made our detour to Bridgeport and then picked up Hwy. 20 again through the Tahoe National Forest (which is a very good ride) to reach I-80 that took us into Reno.
 
As I mentioned at the start, Northern California makes for some excellent riding which you could spend a good 10 days just criss-crossing the state and enjoying the beautiful landscape and taking in the immense history that California has to offer. Stay tuned for Day 8 and the Sierra Nevada passes.
 
Click Here for Google Map of the route.
Click Here for Photos of Day 7 - Feather River Byway. There some beautiful shots in this gallery.(Click Slideshow in the upper right to view photos in full screen for best viewing)
 
Check the Cyclerides.com Archives for previous stories on the Oregon Trip 2010. 

This Week 

Saturday, February 26th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Spring Fashion Show. Every year Chester's Harley-Davidson throws a big Spring Fashion Show to highlight the best of the Harley-Davidson Motorclothes. Plan to be at Chester's on Saturday, February 26th from 11am - 1pm to enjoy the show. The day will also feature The Arizona Derby Dames & Hot Male Models. There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception along with a photo shoot to follow the Fashion Show. See Lesleigh or Kristen from 11am - 1pm to ask for the "Secret Code". All FREE. Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.
 
Saturday, February 26th
Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Hogs and Dogs. Ride by Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson and enjoy his famous monthly Hogs and Dogs event from 11am - 3pm. LIVE Music, FREE Food, FREE Drinks, FREE Motorcycle Museum Tours with Buddy Stubbs, and a Pool Tournament. While you are there, see the NEW 2011 HD Blackline motorcycle and take advantage of 3.99% Financing on all new models. This event is always a good time and one that riders look forward to every month. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400. www.buddystubbshd.com .
 
Saturday, February 26th
Hogs with Hearts Poker Run. Hacienda HOG Chapter 97 is hosting the Second Annual Hogs with Hearts Poker Run. This run is in support of the MDA Children’s Summer Camp at Camp Shadow Pines east of Payson, Arizona.   We’ll be giving away over $5,000 worth of raffle prizes so don’t miss out on your chance for some great prizes as well as making a difference in a child's life. The entry fee is $25 for a single rider and $35 two-up. Fee includes a t-shirt for the first 100 registered riders, ride pin, coffee and breakfast supplied by Dunkin Donuts at the start, lunch and live music at the end.  The ride will start at Hacienda Harley-Davidson.  There will be prizes for high and low hand as well as dozens of raffle prizes including a Shell Vacation Club week valued at over $2100. Best Hand grand prize is $250 cash.  Ride Registration is from 8am - 10am at Hacienda HD located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. All Bikes Welcome.  Join us for a great 120 mile ride through beautiful Arizona scenery and make a huge difference in a child’s life.  More information and online registration at www.hog97.com
 
Saturday, February 26th
Puttin For Pooches Poker Run. To benefit the Arizona Humane Society. Pre-Registration online at www.azhumane.org/puttin4pooches -$40.00 per rider, $20.00 per passenger, or register in person at Chandler Harley Davidson. Registration includes breakfast, a ride T-shirt, lunch at Cave Creek Smokehouse and an event patch. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:30am at Chandler Harley Davidson, 6895 W. Chandler Blvd., which will also be the starting point of the ride that starts at 10am. Ride ends at Humane Society at South Mountain. We will have great raffle prizes, prizes for high/low hand at the end of the ride. Tour the shelter. Adoptable pets. For more information, www.azhumane.org/puttin4pooches. The Arizona Humane Society relies solely on donations and receives no government funding, so please help us support this worthy cause.
 
Saturday, February 26th
2nd Annual AZ Freedom Ride. This ride benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. The Freedom Ride is a motorcycle poker run that will start in the West Valley at Westgate Fountain Plaza and it will end with a reception at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. All proceeds will be matched and will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. On site registration will take place from 10:00am-Noon. Kickstands Up at Noon! A BBQ Lunch will be provided at 3rd Stop! Last Poker Hand needs to be at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill at 5:00pm. Freedom Ride Reception is open to the public and there is no cover charge! There will be High Hand and Low Hand Winners, Prize Giveaways, Live Music, Meet and Greet the Wounded Warriors, Specials and Much More! Come join the fun!!!
 
February 25th-27th
Checkered Flag Run. The Checkered Flag Run is a weekend in Arizona hosted by the Second II None Phoenix Motorcycle Club, Phoenix International Raceway and Talking Stick Resort and Casino. The weekend culminates with an escorted motorcycle run from Talking Stick Resort and Casino to Phoenix International Raceway to watch NASCAR Drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson tear up the track in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, Sunday, February 27th, 2011. 3 days of activities and fun.

Next Week
 

Saturday and Sunday,
March 5th and 6th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Demo Rides. This is your chance to ride the brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson of your choice. The Harley-Davidson factory demo truck will be at Chandler Harley-Davidson from 9am - 4pm on March 5th and 6th to let you experience the ride you have been dreaming about. It is always fun to see how the bike that you don't have would ride. There will be Food, Music, Vendors and Prizes! Must have a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21 years of age. Don't have a motorcycle license yet? Ask our sales associates about the Jump Start Rider Experience going on March 5th and 6th only. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800.
 
Saturday, March 5th
American Legion Post 35 4th Annual Car and Bike Show. All proceeds benefit Madison Street Veterans Association. Registration from 9am - 11am. Judging from 11am - 2pm. Food, Beer Garden and Music. Free admission. Vendor Fee - $25. Car or Bike entry fee - $20. For more information contact Ron Gadberry at 480-322-0269 or email carandbikeshow@hotmail.com . 

Upcoming Events 

SAVE THE DATE!
March 30th - April 3rd.
Arizona Bike Week 2011. Arizona Bike Week is a little over 2 months away. The dates this year are March 30th - April 3rd for Cyclefest at Westworld in Scottsdale. Musical acts this year include Skid Row, Warrant, Heart and Buckcherry. Pre-Rally Days start Friday March 25th with the Chester's Harley-Davidson Backstage Biker Bash featuring Gretchen Wilson and the Herndon Brothers in concert. There are lots of RV and tent camping options available. Go to www.arizonabikeweek.com for tickets and more information. 

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 2800 FANS! Take a look at all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the page, but you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!