Cyclerides.com
Weekly Update
2/17/10
Greetings Riders,
Well, for those of us that live in the
Southwest, the weather last weekend was a fantastic kickoff to the riding
season. Sunny and the upper 70's, it doesn't get much better than
that. I will be the first to say that I was more than ready to
saddle up for "destination anywhere", as long as it included spinning a few
centuries on the odometer. As it turns out, I ended up logging a little over 340
miles this weekend on the Road Glide. Another couple of hundred would
have been great, but not bad for the first weekend of really being able to
get out of town without getting wet or cold.
Not only was I really anxious to get the bike
out for a nice ride, we actually had a reason and a destination. On
Saturday we needed to go to Sedona to do some location recon for my Daughter's
wedding. So as soon as I knew we needed to go there, I immediately said
"ROAD TRIP" and the first good ride of the year
was born. We left Carefree Highway and I-17 at about 10:30 am, giving
ample time for things to warm up a little to the North. You would think it might
have been cooler, but the coldest I saw on my digital thermometer was 59 degrees
a little North of Sunset point, with most of the ride being around 65
degrees. A great riding temp with a hint of brisk along the way.
I personally enjoy the ride and scenery
riding North on I-17. For an Interstate highway it is really very
scenic. Now as for the crazy cage drivers that travel that road, I
have a completely different opinion. There must be a stop somewhere outside of
Anthem where these people stop to get their "Stupid Pills",
because they have completely kicked in by the time they reach Black Canyon City.
It appears that everyone is in a huge hurry to get to Flagstaff or Prescott for
some reason and all want to get there the first. The way they change lanes and
dart back and forth, it puts NASCAR to shame. So if you can stay out of the way
of those that are high on the free SP's, you should enjoy that portion of your
ride.
But the real payoff on the ride to Sedona is
when you turn North on Hwy. 179, go about 4 miles and you get your
first good look at the giant sculpted red rock formations
that are waiting to mesmerize you for the remaining 9 miles to the heart of
downtown. Now I
have been to Sedona numerous times over the last 29 years, usually 3 or 4 times
per year at least. But I can honestly say that I never tire of riding through
this area and admiring what a beautiful part of our country
this is. As you can tell from the All Ride Photos section
on Cyclerides.com, we have ridden all over the Western United
States including Canada, and I cannot think of one other place that
compares to the unique setting,
scope and raw beauty of Sedona. I'm
not subscribing to the whole vortex & crystal razzmatazz that
you hear about in Sedona, but I will admit to experiencing an
elevated feeling of enjoyment as I view God's handiwork in this area from
the seat of a motorcycle.
Sedona
Golf Resort was our first stop for a wedding location. It was
just after Noon so we decided to eat lunch right there. If you are heading that
way, they have a patio with great views of the red rocks and good food. I could
recommend it for a great lunch stop on your way into town. Our next stop was
L'Auberge of Sedona just off of the Main St. in Downtown Sedona next to Oak
Creek. After taking a tour of this location, it was now about 4pm and time to
head back South toward the Phoenix area before the sun went down. The new
road to Sedona is really very nice, however the 6 roundabouts that they have
installed will keep you busy trying to figure out if the car to your left that
you are supposed to yield to is actually going to go around the circle or
continue straight. Not a big fan of these on a motorcycle.
So if you are like me, and are ready to get that
bike out of the garage and let it do what it was built for, to go
more than 20 miles around town, pick a day that it is going to be sunny and 75
degrees here in Phoenix and you will have an enjoyable ride to Sedona. Just to
give you an idea, it is only about 100 miles from I-17 and the Loop 101 to the
heart of downtown Sedona. An easy and very enjoyable ride. Click Here for
Map.
Ok, here is a quick story that only an avid
motorcycle rider will appreciate. Cagers would not even consider
this. On Sunday, the weather was calling me again so I decided to take what
I thought was going to be a nice 40 mile roundtrip out to the end of
the Wildlife run at Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant. But as I turned
onto Carefree Highway headed West, which was about 5 miles from my destination,
the traffic came to a halt with what looked to be at least a mile back up. Cars
well ahead of me were starting to turn around and come back my direction and one
was even motioning to go back. So after about 10 minutes of waiting I had
enough. But the problem was, the only other way to get to my destination that
was just a few miles in front of me was to take a route that was 50 miles longer
bringing me in from the West.
So what's a guy to do? Let's look at the pros
and cons of such a crazy idea.
Pros:
Cons:
1. Sunny and 77
degrees.
1. It wasn't longer.
2. Full tank of gas.
3. Had plenty of time.
4. Added 50 miles to my
ride.
So I turned around with a big smile on my
face, Doobie Brothers in my ears, knowing that I was going to
be enjoying this beautiful weather for a few more hours, with some warm wind in
my face watching my odometer roll up to 340 miles for the weekend. Can't wait
for my next detour. It's funny the difference in the thought process on a
situation like this between a motorcycle rider and a cager. Most people in
a car would have just aborted.
Highlights This Week!
NEW!!
Starts Wednesday February 17th.
24/7 Biker Specials: $5 Wings & Sliders, $5 Wells, $2.50
Bottle Beer, Free Soft Drinks.
Motorcycle Parking always. Stop by tonight and check it
out!
NEW!!
Looking for a good quick ride destination or
a great place to meet up with your group for a ride?
Grab lunch before you
go! Every Saturday from 11am - 2pm head to Chester's
Harley-Davidson for the
"Party On The
Patio". Enjoy FREE BBQ Burgers and
Dogs with all the fixins'
Saturday, February
20th
Chester’s Harley-Davidson teams up
with United Blood Services during its annual Chili Cook-Off
contest.
Saturday and Sunday, February 20th and
21st.
Nation’s First, “Rock While You Shop”
Retailer, Demo's Unique Business Model At Grand
Opening Event! -
FREE concerts by, Jerome, AZ, “Spirit Room”
Favorites Cadillac Angels and Los Guys and Combo
Deluxe.
Saturday, February 20th
competition at The
Ranch. Western Trails Ranch, always known for bringing you Live
Entertainment
has reached outside
the box to bring you "The Greatest Little Show on Earth".
Bike Nights This Week
Wednesday Night
NEW!! Starts
Wednesday February 17th.
Wednesday
Bike Night at Legends Bar & Grill in Scottsdale. (Formerly
Brokers). Brokers is under new ownership and is now called Legends Bar and
Grill.
It is the same fun place with great food and atmosphere.
Wednesday is Bike Night, but the new owner is welcoming the motorcycle riders
all the time with specials everyday just for riders. Legends is
conveniently located on the SW Corner of Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Rd.
Motorcycle parking available every day. Stop by this coming Wednesday night for
the Kickoff Party. Make Legends a stop for your charity ride. More details to
come.
Thursday Night
The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. The
Billet Bar is the place to be for the Summer nights and weekends. Set on the
patio and watch the action. Voted "BEST
BIKER BAR IN PHOENIX" by New Times.
There is no better place to watch all
the Bikes ride down Scottsdale road than from The Billet Bar
Patio. The Billet is ALWAYS packed with bikes Every Day. Stop by
and take a look at the New Flamed Booths on the Paradise Patio. The new bars front and rear provide
spacious seating, fresh air atmosphere, perfect temperature and courteous staff.
The food is amazing and always the latest in cold libations await. You can sit
at the back bar and watch your favorite TV on any of the seven big inch
televisions. Play pool, listen to the latest music and socialize. The front
patio seats over 75 people and is perfect for people watching on Scottsdale Rd.
The Billet Bar is located on 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday
night and all weekend long. Info: at 480-941-1876. Click Here for the New
Billet Bar Page with pictures.
McDuffy's is one of the finest West side locations for a bike night at a single restaurant. The 12,500 Sq. Ft. McDuffy's features 2 outdoor
patios, a huge dining room with booths for seating, a very large area with high
tops for you to easily hang out with your friends, an upper level for lounging
or to play pool, a very large bar and 100 TV's to watch your favorite sporting
event. Not only that the dinner menu is very broad and McDuffy's has excellent
food at a very good price. Bike Nights features a $6.99 Menu
that includes Classic Burgers, Charbroiled Chicken Breast Burger, Buffalo Wings,
Chicken Quesadilla, Nachos, Popcorn Chicken, Pizza and 1/2 Drink
Pricing. McDuffy's is located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. at
15814 N. 83rd Ave. 623-334-5000. Plenty of Motorcycle
Parking!
Every Saturday
NEW!!
Looking for a good quick ride destination or
a great place to meet up with your group for a ride? Grab lunch before you go! Every Saturday from 11am - 2pm head to
Chester's Harley-Davidson for the "Party On The Patio". Enjoy FREE
BBQ Burgers and Dogs with all the fixins', Live Music this week with Jynx
and an Outdoor Sidewalk Sale. Great Deals to be had on some inventory
reduction! Park under the patio, hang out with other riders, meet new friends
and DEMO a brand new Harley-Davidson. Good times to be had by all. The Party on
the Patio will be happening EVERY Saturday at Chester's Harley-Davidson located
at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.
480-894-0404.
This Week
Saturday, February 20th
Chester's
Harley-Davidson 2nd Annual Red, Wild & Hot Blood Drive & Chili
Cook-Off. Chester’s Harley-Davidson teams
up with United Blood Services during its annual Chili Cook-Off contest. Find the HERO in you! Participants can “give red” by donating blood, “see
wild” as Liberty Wildlife rescue organization will be present, and “eat hot” by
sampling various chili’s! The United Blood Services bloodmobile will be at
Chester’s from 10:30am-2:30pm. All donors will be automatically entered to win 1
of 2 shopping sprees for $1000. Eligibility questions,
call 800-288-2199 Ext. 5497. People's Choice Chili Cook-off Contest: 11am-1pm.
Free Chili Tasting. $5 donation requested with 100% proceeds benefiting Liberty
Wildlife. Live Music and much more. Be a contestant or a judge in
the Chili Cook-off. Call Chester's to sign up your chili. 480-894-0404. It's
free to participate - just bring alot of chili. Meet the Liberty Wildlife Animal
Ambassadors from 10:30am-1:30pm. Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club
in Mesa, AZ.
Saturday and Sunday, February 20th and
21st.
Biker Babes and
Beyond Grand Opening Event. BIKER BABES AND BEYOND, Nation’s First,
“Rock While You Shop” Retailer, Demo's Unique Business Model At
Grand Opening Event! - FREE concerts by,
Jerome, AZ, “Spirit Room” Favorites Cadillac Angels and Los Guys. Saturday, February 20th from 12-6 pm and on
Sunday, February 21st see Jerome favorite Llory McDonald and Combo
Deluxe with the Biker Babes and Beyond Rock n’ Roll Travelin’ Fashion Show at
noon. Rock while you shop!!! Biker Babes and Beyond is a retail clothing
and accessory store with unique Clothing and Accessories for Motorcyclists
- men and women alike. We also carry a general line of clothing and
accessories for woman of all ages. Biker Babes is unlike other retail
situations in that it is a half store, half music venue. Their slogan,
"Rock While You Shop" has been trademarked. Biker Babes and Beyond is located at
1124 N. Main Street, Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona, a popular destination
in and of itself for bikers from all over the Great State of Arizona. It
is also on the road to Jerome, Arizona, a famous and historic destination for
bikers from throughout the country and the world. Click Here for Press Release and more
information. www.bikersbabesandbeyond.com
Saturday, February 20th
Hogs With Hearts Poker
Run. Hacienda HOG Chapter 97 is hosting Hogs with Hearts Poker Run. This run is to raise funds to send kids with muscular dystrophy to MDA
Summer Camp at Camp Shadow Pines in Show Low, Arizona in June. We have over
$8,000 worth of raffle prizes to give away 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 ride pin, breakfast
burritos at start at Hacienda Harley Davidson, lunch at Casino Arizona, high
hand prize and raffle prizes. 110 raffle prizes valued at close to $10,000. Best
Hand grand prize is a Flat Screen TV. Ride Registration 8am - 10am at Hacienda
HD located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. All Bikes Welcome. More
information at www.hog97.com .
Saturday, February 20th
Western Trails
Ranch Presents "Midget Wrestling at its' Best" with the MWF (Micro Wrestling Federation) competition at The Ranch.
Western Trails Ranch, always known for bringing you Live Entertainment has
reached outside the box to bring you "The Greatest Little Show on Earth".
The MWF offers Midget Wrestling at its' Best! It's more fun than a barrel of
monkey's. Gates open at 1pm. Classic Rock Band "Category Five" at 2pm. MWF
Midget Wrestling from 7pm - 9pm. After party meet and greet, pictures, etc.
Admission is $10 per person at the gate. Western Trails Ranch is a 12 acre Old
West Town with 2 Saloons and a Cowboy BBQ Steak House. A place to eat, drink,
dance and enjoy the great outdoors. Ranch is located at 37823 Grand Ave. Mile
Marker 123 1/2 www.westerntrailsranch.com .
Saturday, February 20th
MMA of Arizona 18th
Annual Joe Eggleston Freedom Beach Party and Peoples Choice Bike Show. This is the big fundraiser of the year for the motorcycle rights
organization, the MMA. Party is from Noon to 5:00 PM at Roadrunner
Steakhouse, 47801 N. Black Canyon Hwy, in New River, AZ. Live Music by
Brotherhood of Blues Band. $10 Admission includes Free Meal. Vendors, Bike Show,
Tattoo Contest, 50/50 and Door Prizes. For more information call Cindy at
623-695-5659.
Sunday, February 21st
Operation
Transition Warrior First Annual Scrabble Run and Chili Cook-Off. Run
registration begins at 9:30am with the run starting at 10am.
Location is the American Legion #105, 3534 W. Calavar Rd. in Phoenix. $10 per
person donation for the run. Registration for the chili cook-off begins at noon
and contest is at 1pm. $5 for bowl and cornbread taste. Cash prize awarded for
the highest points on a Scrabble word. 3 awards for chili cook-off. There will
be raffles and 50/50. More information contact Sweet Pea at 623-205-1914.
Next Week
Wednesday, February 24th
MMA and
ABATE of Arizona Present Motorcycle Day at the Dome. The purpose of the
Motorcycle Day at the Dome is to meet, greet and converse with your district
legislators
and to discuss various issues facing motorcyclists
today. Representatives from various motorcycle organizations and legislators
will attend this event. This event is sponsored by MMA and ABATE of Arizona
with volunteer organizations and motorcycle clubs. The date is Wednesday
2/24/10, from 11:30am - 1pm on the Capitol grounds, Arizona House & Senate
Lawn 1700 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. As always. a barricaded area,
reserved for bike parking will be on 17th Ave between Washington and Jefferson,
the full length of the Capitol grounds. Your lobbyists can not do this
alone and we are asking for your help to make this another great year with our
legislation. See flyer for more details.
Saturday, February 27th
Buddy
Stubbs Classic Car and Bike Show. Don't miss the always fun Buddy Stubbs
Classic Car and Bike Show from 11am to 3pm,
We all need a
destination on a Saturday and this is a good one. Centrally located and an easy
ride from anywhere in the valley. Enjoy Free Food and Drinks, Museum Tours with
Buddy, Pool Tournament, and Sales in General Merchandise and Parts. Enter
your motorcycle in 5 judged categories. Best Bagger, Best Import, Best pre-1983
Vintage, Best MMI Student Bike and Best Custom. Enter your Classic Car for Best
of Show. Call 602 971-3400 now to reserve your spot. Winner of each
category win $100 Stubs Gift Card. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at
13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400.
Saturday, February 27th
Chester's
Harley-Davidson Ride With Us. I get a lot of emails from people wanting to
know of informal groups to ride with. Chester's monthly Ride With Us is the
PERFECT time to take a ride and meet some new friends. They do a great job of
making everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
And it
is FREE. This month the ride is to Gila Bend stopping for lunch at
Harrahs Casino and back to Chester's. Chester's Ride
With Us is quickly becoming a popular event every month at the
dealership. Riders from all over the valley make their way to
Chester's for these rides. This is a good opportunity to ride with some friends
that you haven't met yet. Saddle up with Chester's Harley-Davidson for
a fun ride to Gila Bend and back to Chester's. Everyone is
Welcome! Ride Starts at Chester's located at 922 S. Country Club
Dr. in Mesa. Registration from 9:00am - 10:00am. Kickstands up at 10:30am. This
is a FREE ride. Call now to reserve your spot. 480-894-0404.
Saturday, February 27th
Viper
Thunder Classic Motorcycle Poker Run. All proceeds to benefit the Verrado
Viper Marching Band.
Sign-In starts at 8am. Run leaves Verrado
High School at 9am located at 20050 W. Indian School Rd. in Buckeye, AZ.
$20 donation per hand. Ride to Gila Bend and return to the car show.
Registration includes entering motorcycle into the Viper Thunder Classic Car and
Cycle Show. Need not be present to win.
Saturday, February 27th
1st
Annual Golden RME Poker Run hosted by KFYI. Join KFYI's MIKE BROOMHEAD for
the 1st Annual RME Golden Poker Run to support the members of Arizona's Law
Enforcement Community.
Registration begins 10:30am at The
Helmet Center located at 25225 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy. (99th Ave & Happy
Valley Rd in NW Peoria) Ride ends with Party & Raffle at Toby Keith's I LOVE
THIS BAR 1065 N. Dobson, Mesa between 3pm - 4pm. Registration fee of $25.00 per
player will go to FOP for Fallen Officers Memorial and covers your game &
food at the end party. Donations being accepted by 100 Club in memory of Lt.
Eric Shuhandler. Call 602-374-6131 for more info.
Extras
Take a look at all
the new photos posted on the wall. I invite you to post a picture of
yourself by a sign or landmark from a trip you have taken, or a picture of you
on your motorcycle. Or just share your favorite ride with 1600
other motorcycle
enthusiasts.
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.
Ever wonder what the
guy in line in front of you at the airport is doing? You might be
surprised. Check out the image from this thermal
camera. Click Here to View.
This is a clip from Comedy
Central that will leave you both laughing AND shaking your head that
there are really people like this out there in Berkeley, CA. Very funny
bit. Click
Here to View
Video of the Week:
This clip is absolutely Laugh Out Loud Funny. It
is called Doggie Dinner. Don't miss this one.
Someone got real creative.
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information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2010 BDC Products,
LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
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reserved.
