Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

2/29/12

Greetings Riders,

I would first like to say welcome to all of the new subscribers to the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update. We have added over 400 new subscribers in the last 2 months and 180 in the last week. If you missed the newsletter last week about our trip to Las Vegas to see the Viva Elvis show, Click Here to View, and Click Here for the re-cap of the Arizona Centennial Ride with links to photos. If you would like to catch up on some past letters, go to the Archive button on the main page at www.cyclerides.com and use the Google search of all of the letters to find a subject keyword. Share this with your fellow riding buddies and have them sign up too. We have lots of exciting things coming up over the new few months.

Well, within hours we will be turning the calendar to March, which is typically the busiest motorcycle month of the year for the State of Arizona. Hard to believe we have already gone through 2 months of 2012. I remember back when I was a young kid growing up in Kansas, March was always a turning point on the calendar for me. January and February were really boring because it was always too cold or snowy to go outside and play, so we were cooped up in the house staring out the window waiting for the gray skies to move on, the sun to come out and the mercury to rise past freezing.

We literally counted down the days of the first 2 months of the year, knowing that as the calendar turned to March, we would soon be released from multiple games of Parcheesi, Monopoly and Sorry to able to spend more time outside. Doesn’t quite work that way in Arizona, I am able to go outside and play in January and February, but the change of the calendar association is still there because this is the month I start looking forward to all of the motorcycle activity associated with Arizona Bike Week.

This year, Arizona Bike Week starts a little earlier with Pre-Rally days kicking off at Chester’s HD on Friday, March 23rd with the Backstage Biker Bash, ending at Cyclefest on April 1st, with a whole lot of stuff in between. This is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only are there many choices of things to do, but it is just plain exciting to see all of the bikes in town sharing the same passion of riding motorcycles.

This year I will not have a booth at Bike Week, so this will allow me to enjoy all of the activities and come and go as I please. Since there are so many activities going on over this stretch of 10 days, some sanctioned Bike Week events and some not, I am going to give what I consider to be the highlight events, the ones that I plan to do myself and then link you to the overall listings.

The Arizona Bike Week Pre-Rally weekend is always full of things to do, and this year it is even amped up a notch. Here are the highlights:

Friday, March 23rd - Backstage Biker Bash at Chester’s Harley-Davidson featuring Whiskey 6 and Lynch Mob. 5-11 PM. Free Admission.

Saturday, March 24th – Buddy Stubbs 8th Annual Bike Week Bash Featuring “Firehouse” Noon – 9 PM. Free Admission.

Saturday, March 24th - Backstage Biker Bash at Chester’s Harley-Davidson featuring Molly Hatchet & Blackfoot. 11 AM – 11 PM. $15 Admission.

Sunday, March 25th - Backstage Biker Bash at Chester’s Harley-Davidson featuring Jimmie Van Zant Band. 11 AM – 5 PM. $10 Admission.

Sunday, March 25th – Arizona Bike Week Blast Off Party at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale featuring Bret Michaels in concert. 1 – 9 PM. Free Admission.

All of these events will include lots of food, drinks, vendors and live music. See links for details.

Here are just a few of the bigger rides for the week:

Wednesday, March 28th – Wednesday’s Riding for Kids from Buddy Stubbs. This is one that we do every year and plan to do again. If you like to get out and ride while enjoying 230 miles of beautiful Arizona landscape, this is the ride for you. The longest ride of Bike Week.

Wednesday, March 28th – Miss Arizona Bike Week Finals at the Handlebar Saloon. 6 PM.

Friday, March 30th – MDA Heroes Ride from Chandler Harley-Davidson on a scenic ride to Cyclefest to see REO Speedwagon.

Friday, March 30th – The Hamsters Charity “Dry Heat” Run! Ride leaves Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation at 11 AM. Goes to Greasewood for lunch and Live Music then to Cyclefest for the REO concert.

Saturday, March 31st – 13th Annual Torch Ride for Special Olympics. This is the only escorted ride for ABW. This year the ride leaves the Pavillions in Scottsdale at 10 AM to ride the back roads and ends at Chester’s Harley-Davidson in Mesa for a concert by The Outlaws.

Sunday, April 1st - Crusaders for the Children Child Empowerment Ride led by Sons of Anarchy cast members OPIE and LYLA. They will be leading the ride from Arrowhead Harley-Davidson to Cyclefest. Ride leaves at 11:30 AM. Photo ops and autographs will be available.

Nightly concerts in The HandleBar Saloon:

Wednesday, March 28th, 9 PM - Quiet Riot.

Thursday, March 29th, 9 PM - Puddle of Mudd, presented by Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation.

Friday, March 30th, 9 PM - REO Speedwagon, presented by Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson.

Saturday, March 31st, 9 PM - Tesla, presented by Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.

There are also daily events at The Hideaway in Cave Creek and lots of other events, demo rides, music, etc. going on at ABW throughout the week. Go to www.azbikeweek.com to see all of those. There are also a lot of other charity and dealer events happening that week as well that you can view on the Cyclerides.com Rides and Events calendar that can be found at www.cyclerides.com.

That is a highlight list of things that will be coming up starting on March 23rd. Watch the Cyclerides.com Rides and Events Calendar for new additions. Also watch the newsletter and the Cyclerides.com Facebook Page as I will be posting pics from the events as they happen and be updating new events. Go to www.facebook.com/cycleridescom . Even if you are not a Facebook user you can view the photos and posts. “Like” us and receive our posts.

Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night

On Thursday, March 29th, I will be starting up The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night. For the first night we will be cross marketing with the Phoenix Coyotes on game night. There will be ticket specials for the Coyote Game that night. We will have vendors, live music, food and drink specials and lots of bikes and fun. Bike Night will run every Thursday night from 5-9 PM until June 28th, 14 nights in all. Put it on your calendar. This should be a huge kick off for bike night. Click Here for the flyer to print off for your office.

This Week

Friday, March 2nd

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale Bike Night. A bike night with a Good Twist – A Threesome! (3 Stops that is)

Stop 1 starts at 4 PM. Head over to HD of Scottsdale located at 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 408.905.1903. Get the official Threesome Card. This is your first step to Enter to Win the Dyna Wide Glide. Munchies and refreshments available.

Stop 2 starts at 6 PM. Head up to the Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek where it is Prime Rib night. Here you will get the special Hideaway stamp for your card.

Stop 3 starts at 8 PM. Your Bike Night Threesome ends here at the Dirty Dogg Saloon in Scottsdale. Exchange your card (must have the Hideaway stamp for a raffle ticket to win Fantastic Prizes from all 3 locations. Plus you will be entered to win the Dyna Wide Glide. Winner of the Wide Glide will be announced at HD of Scottsdale’s Grand Opening/AZ Bike Week Blast Off party featuring Bret Michaels on March 25th. Other entry options available, see flyer for details. 480-905-1903.

Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd

2nd Annual Checkered Flag Run. This is a unique event put on by Alan “A.P.” Powell that incorporates Motorcycles, NASCAR and Parties, all for one $25 ticket. The Checkered Flag Run is a weekend in Arizona hosted by Phoenix International Raceway, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, and The Radisson Hotel. The weekend culminates with motorcycle rides to Phoenix International Raceway to watch NASCAR Drivers tear up the track at the Bashas Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Saturday March 3rd, 2012. Here is the itinerary for the weekend:

Friday, March 2nd

Join us for the “Checkered Flag Run Kickstands Down Pre Bash” at Chandler Harley-Davidson, 12 pm – 4 pm. Free Food, Cold Drinks, & Bikini Bike Wash! Discounts on Service, Merchandise, & Parts!

CFR Meet and Greet at Aria Night Club at Wildhorse Pass. Live performance by Honey Brown 6PM – 10PM.

Saturday, March 3rd

Checkered Flag Run at PIR. Bike Show and Entertainment 9AM – Noon. Bike Show first place is $2000 Cash. Race Time 1PM – 4PM. The 3 Amigos Tequila Leather/Lace Ball at Ovations Live! Show Room at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino 9PM – 2AM.

One $25 ticket gets you into ALL of these events. Get your tickets Now!

Sunday, March 4th

Bikers For Boxers. Boxer Luv Rescue currently has over 150 Boxers up for adoption and the numbers grow every day. They are a non-profit organization that saves hundreds of dogs each year with the help of it’s volunteers and your donations. Adopt a Boxer today. Registration starts 9:30 AM at Chester’s Harley-Davidson in Mesa, AZ. Last bike out at 11 AM, Last bike in at 3 PM. $20 per bike. Raffle, Door Prizes and 50/50. All proceeds will go to Boxer Luv Rescue. For more information and to pre register go to www.boxerluv.org.

Next Week

March 5th – March 31st

Chandler Harley-Davidson Roll to Bike Week in Style. Are you looking to spiff up your bike for Bike Week? Time to add a little bling to separate it from the crowd? This year roll to bike week in style with a new set of Performance Machine Wheels! And it gets even better. Buy a set of Performance Machine Wheels and get the matching air filter for FREE! A $440 value!* See flyer for details. Chandler is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800.

Thursday, March 8th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Women’s Garage Party. Do you know a woman interested in learning about motorcycles? She can learn more about the sport of riding at our women-only Garage Party. This is a FREE EVENT from 6 – 8:30 PM that offers fun, beginner information for women with limited – or even no – background with motorcycles. Forward this invitation to your female friend and tell her to join us for one night of fun workshops and festive activities during this event geared toward women who dream of riding, but just aren’t sure how to get started on their motorcycle journey. You must RSVP for this event. There is limited space. So gather your friends and get signed up today! For more information or to register, email chdmarketing@ridenow.com or call 480-496-6800. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ.

Saturday, March 10th

Chief Bill Lanford Memorial Ride. Honoring our Fallen Firefighter Brother William D. “Bill” Lanford was the Chief of Buckeye Valley Fire until he was tragically killed while riding his Harley on Vulture Mine Road on February 6th 2003. Please join the many brother and sister Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and all of his friends and family in honoring Chief Lanford on this memorial ride. Everyone is welcome – Any Scooter, Hot Rod, or Apparatus, Ride it, Drive it, Push it, or Pull it – Just come and make this a huge, memorable event. Check-in at 8:00 A.M. – Ride Starts at 10:00 A.M. at Station 324: 25206 W. MC 85 Buckeye Az. 85326. $20.00 Single rider, $25.00 Couple. Escorted, 100 mile ride, including a stop at Bill’s roadside memorial on Vulture Mine Rd. Everyone Welcome to the After Ride Party. If any questions please contact Jason at jjessamine@local4371.org or 480-734-3778.

Saturday, March 10th

Run for the Gold. Benefitting Florence Crittenton a non profit organization that has served Arizona's girls and their family for over a Century. Entry fee is 20.00 per rider, $10.00 per passenger. Registration begins at 8 am at Skunk Motorsports in Mesa with the first 125 participants receiving ride bags and pins. Pre-registration: http://www.sites.google.com/site/ddcharities/ or day of at Skunk Motorsports. This ride takes you across the Valley of the Sun to some of our favorite biker stops and ends at Chester's Harley Davidson where there will be prizes for best/worst hand, a live band, food and raffles.

Saturday, March 10th

Ride 4 Change. All proceeds benefit: Will2Walk Foundation. 5 Stops, 5 Cards, Best hand wins. Check-In 9 AM at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. First Bike Out at 9:30 AM, Last bike out 10:30 AM. Last bike back at 4 PM. Register online at www.will2walk.org.

Saturday, March 10th

Colon All Angels. "Take a Ride, Save a Butt". This ride benefits the Colon Cancer Alliance Blue Note Fund. Ride begins at Chester's Harley-Davidson located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. Registration from 10:30 AM. KSU at Noon. $25 Single/$15 Passenger. Ride donations include a ride pin to all riders and dinner at the River Bottom Grill in Florence. Ride, Friends, Food and Music. Best hand wins $200. More information at www.colonallangels.webs.com .

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 3600 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!

Trask 2012 New Year Performance Special.
Thinking of new pipes, intake, cams or all of the above? Start your new year off right, come into Trask Performances premier dyno tuning center January 1st - 31st for a FREE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (normally a $75 value). Our tuning experts will help you make your bike run the way you want it to. Arizona's premier performance and service center, Trask Performance! Located at 21601 N. 3rd Ave. in Phoenix, AZ. Call 623-879-8488 to make an appointment and Refer to this offer from Cyclerides.com.

This one has been around before, but it is still funny and probably where the blonde jokes started. Click Here to View

There are some creative people out there. If you have watched any of the GOP debates, you will agree this sums it up pretty good. Funny stuff. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: This takes the term mobile speed camera to a whole new level. Hilarious! Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the page.

If you would like to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update Click Here.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com