Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

3/14/12

Greetings Riders,

Well, we are only 9 days away from the beginning of the Pre-Rally events for Arizona Bike Week and the projected weather forecast is saying that we are in for some great riding weather in the mid 70’s and low 80’s. Tough to argue with that. Since many of you will be doing some group riding during bike week and beyond, be sure and read my article from last week called “Group Riding Etiquette 101” and pass it on to your group. Click Here to read.

There are a lot of events happening during Bike Week that you will see below, but an event that I am personally involved in is the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night which will open the Spring season on Thursday, March 29th at 5 PM. I am REALLY excited to kick this off again as I always enjoy going to Westgate on Thursday’s to hang out, listen to some good music, get something to eat, see all the bikes coming in and get a chance to catch up with all of you. We originally started this bike night series back in April of 2009 to a modest 250 bikes and it quickly grew to the biggest bike night in the Southwest. On Thursday, March 29th we will begin our 4th year with a run of 14 consecutive Thursday nights through June 28th for the Spring season of 2012.

The kickoff for the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night last year was huge with an estimated 2000 bikes rolling down Coyote Blvd. to join in on the fun. We saw license plates from all over the Western U.S. I expect the same turnout of bikes this year, but we have added a new twist that is going to amp up the crowds even more. On March 29th, the opening night of bike night, we are cross marketing with the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey game. So not only will there be a couple thousand bikes roll through, there will be several thousand hockey fans there to watch you cruise in as they go to the game.

The real good news is that the Coyotes are inviting you to come in to watch the game, or even a part of it if you would like. They are offering for the motorcycle riders the opportunity to buy $40 upper level seats to the game for only $20, or $50 for $75 lower level seats. (See Flyer) So, if you have never been to a hockey game before, this would be a good opportunity to check one out for Half Price. Even if you don’t stay for the whole game, it is a good way to experience NHL Hockey! Simply go to www.phoenixcoyotes.com/bikenight and put in the special offer code “puck” to create the account to order your discounted tickets.

If you have been to Westgate for a bike night in the past, you know the setting. In the midst of all the lights, billboards and 30'x50' LED Video screen, Westgate has created the feel of “Times Square in the Desert” and on Thursdays it transforms into a mini Sturgis. Coyote Blvd., located adjacent to the $6 million dancing fountains will be blocked off for motorcycles only, as well as the entire events plaza and everywhere else you can find a place to park your bike. If critical mass creates energy, we have it here. Then throw in some Live Music with top notch bands, Vendors, Bright Lights, Video, Dancing Fountains, Happening Bars and Restaurants with outdoor patios like Saddleranch, McFaddens, Margaritaville, Cactus Jacks and the Shout House, add the roar of a thousand motorcycles, and you've got yourself a party every Thursday night.

To kick off bike night this season we will be featuring the newest creations of Jim Nasi Custom Motorcycles as well as bringing back crowd favorite “Sour Diesel Trainwreck” featuring their silky smooth southern rock covers and well as their own music. SDT has just finished their new CD. If you haven’t seen these guys before, you are in for a real treat. I love their new song “90 Days to Mexico”. Click Here to sample that song for yourself.

I am really excited to kick off the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night again this year and look forward to seeing all of my bike night friends again. So grab your riding buddies and stop by to help me kick it off! Should be a fun night and a great season as we have top notch bands and special attractions planned for you along the way. Plan on making the trip out to help us get started on another bike night season. This will still leave you plenty of time to get out to Westworld to see the Puddle of Mud concert at Westworld at 9 PM.

Here are the details for the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night:

Where: Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to Jobing.com Arena.

When: Thursday nights beginning March 29th – June 28th

Time: 5 PM – 9 PM

What: Bike Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style Cruising down Coyote Blvd.

Click Here for Flyer.

Tidbits and Updates:

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

Want to see information from a past newsletter? Go to the the Cyclerides.com Archives and use the new Google search of the site. Just put in the keyword of what you are looking for. Click Here.

See photos from past trips and events. Go to the Cyclerides.com Smugmug Photo Gallery.

This 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.

Saturday, March 17th

Arizona Burn Center Chili Cook Off. This CASI Sanctioned Chili Cook Off is hosted by: Arrowhead Harley-Davidson. We will be offering trophies for many People’s Choice Categories as well as best decorated chili booth/team! Best Green Chili, Mystery Celebrity Judges, Raffle Prizes. All proceeds benefit the Arizona Burn Center. People’s Choice Chili starting at 11 AM. CASI Competition Red Chili Turn-In at 2 PM. For chili information contact Jerry Lee at 623-388-9748 or alchemistchili@gmail.com . Arizona Burn Center contact Paula Walker at 602-344-5624.

Saturday, March 17th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Hogs & Dogs. Swing up to Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson on Saturday, March 17th from 11AM to 2PM and be a little Irish! It's a St. Patrick's Day Hogs & Dogs at Anthem H-D and we're encouraging you to strut in GREEN! There will be FREE food and drinks as well as wear green and get a chance to pop a balloon for prizes and other specials (while supplies last). Also, in the spirit of St. Patty’s Day save 15% on any casual outer wear in MotorClothes with green on it! Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem AZ 85086, or on the web at www.anthemhd.com. For more information you may e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com or call (623) 465-1122.

Saturday and Sunday,

March 17th & 18th

Chandler Harley-Davidson Demo Event. This is your chance to ride the brand new 2012 Harley-Davidson of your choice. The Harley-Davidson factory demo truck will be at Chandler Harley-Davidson from 9am - 4pm on March 17th and 18th 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 vendors on site both days! Must have a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21 years of age. Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800.

Saturday, March 17th

Ride for Baby Mateo. Cory Donaldson, Dave Six and Tammy Woods will be hosting a ride for Baby Mateo who was prematurely born on 12/22/11 at 24 weeks and 5 days. Mateo, who is still in ICU has doubled his weight from 2 to 4 pounds so he finally gets to wear clothes now. This little man is scheduled to be in the hospital until April before he can go home with his mom, Liz Alvarez-Gallagher from Cave Creek. All proceeds will go towards months of hospital bills for his intensive care stay at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. Let's welcome this young man to the world the biker way with a motorcycle ride and raffle to help him and his mom. 10AM - Noon Registration begins at the Dirty Dogg with a continental breakfast and Bloody Mary drink specials. Noon - 4PM Kickstands up at noon for a leisurely ride to the Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek for the raffle. Rider fee $10.00. Raffle tickets $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Raffle items include hats, shirts, mugs, ladies wear, gift cards and any other items you would like to donate for the cause. (Gifts may be taken to Hideaway in advance for the raffle.) T-Shirts will be available for a small donation. Info email davesix@hotmail.com.

March 18th-31st

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Pre-Bike Week Service Special. Need a few things done to get your bike ready for Bike Week? Take advantage of Arrowhead Harley-Davidson’s Pre-Bike Week Service Special. Get 10% OFF of any Service. This offer is valid March 18th through March 31st, 2012 only at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson. Service must be scheduled before March 31st, 2012. Call Arrowhead HD for details at 623-247-5542. AHD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ.

Next Week

Friday – Sunday

March 23rd – 25th

Chester’s Harley-Davidson® Backstage Biker Bash VI Weekend!

2012 is Bigger and Better than ever! Chester’s Harley-Davidson Backstage Biker Bash VI roars to life with a FREE concert by Whiskey 6 on the main stage at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. Chester’s kicks off Bike Week with 3 days of Great Concert Performances, Vendors, Charity Benefit Rides, Food, Adult Beverages, Builders, Live Entertainment, Contests, Give-a-Ways, Raffles, and a mouth watering Kansas City BBQ State Championship Competition sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. All of this and more at the Chester’s Harley-Davidson® Backstage Biker Bash Weekend Experience. See you here!

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 - 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.

Chester’s Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S Country Club Dr. in Mesa.

Saturday, March 24th

8th Annual Buddy Stubbs Bike Week Bash (FREE EVENT)
The Bike Week Bash has become known as the greatest pre-rally event of Arizona Bike Week and 2012 is gonna’ be bigger than ever!!

Live on the Jäger mobile concert stage, Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson® presents: ***Firehouse***
***Winner of the 1992 American Music Awards Heavy Metal/Hard Rock new artist***

Two Acre Miller Lite Beer Garden * Patron Margaritas * Jägermeister * Pyrat Rum * Bikini Contest * Great Food * Vendors * Museum Tours * Ample Parking * FREE Shuttle Service.

Live music all day long with: Loud House, RIG, Pete & the ShortCummings and at 7pm FIREHOUSE takes the stage – With 16 Gold and Platinum records worldwide they are going to rock the house!

AND back by popular demand, one lucky person in attendance will WIN A 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SPORTSTER® 1200 given away live on-stage! The event you don’t want to miss!

Saturday and Sunday,

March 24th & 25th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Demo Event. This is your chance to ride the brand new 2012 Harley-Davidson of your choice. The Harley-Davidson factory demo truck will be at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson from 9am - 4pm on March 17th and 18th 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 vendors on site both days! Must have a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21 years of age. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, March 24th

Liberty Wildlife’s Born 2B Wild Ride. Also the 2011 Softail Deluxe raffle benefiting Arizona’s Native Wildlife. Run begins at Noon, last bike out at 1:30 PM. Begins at Connolly’s, 2605 W Carefree Hwy where you can also visit the memorial for the fallen riders. This ride also stops at The American Legion Ride in Bike show and other great stops so you don’t have to miss out on other events happening this day! Ride ends at Chester’s Harley-Davidson Backstage Biker Bash Party! Where Winning ticket for the Softail Deluxe will be drawn just before southern rock legends Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet bring their unmistakable styles to the Chester’s H-D main stage Your Registration fee of only $30 includes your lunch, gift bag, and entrance into the party! To Purchase raffle tickets at http://www.twogalsevents.com/ or Call Missi at 602-568-5313 or Liberty Wildlife 480-998-0230 or directly at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. ($100 ea, only 500 sold) For more information go to www.libertywildlife.net

Saturday, March 24th

3rd Annual American Legion Riders/SAL Chapter 58 Ride In Bike Show Held in Memory of Kimmy Chapman. Event will be held at American Legion Post 58 - 16837 E. Parkview Ave. in Fountain Hills. 480-837-5958. Proceeds donated to American Legion Charities. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC-ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE. Bike Registration: 8A-Noon; Cost: $10.00 per bike (Ride in Only). 1st and 2nd Place Trophies awarded in the following classes: Stock Harley; Modified Harley; Custom; Antique; Metric; Bobber; Women's; also Trophy for Peoples Choice. Bike Judging at 3P followed by trophy presentations. Judging by Celebrity Judge Robert Shinn, owner/operator of Evil Twin Custom Motorcycles, Mesa, AZ and his staff of Celebrity Judges that includes Jim Moore, Exec. VP Operations, AZBIG, and others. Vendor sites available, $25.00 for 10X10 space. Vendors please direct inquiries to: Dave Travers, 602-505-3352, traversonmaui@yahoo.com or Kevin Woods, 480-628-3665, starryan1@cox.net. Corporate Sponsorship donations graciously accepted and appreciated. Please contact either Dave or Kevin for details. Event/Party will also include: Live Bands and Music from 10A to at least 6P. Antique Bike Display, Beard Contest, $5.00 entry fee with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places based on crowd response, Delicious food and many beverages and drink specials. Raffles and 50-50 drawings throughout the day. Come on out to the Post in the Hills and enjoy our beautiful AZ weather and Post Patio. Party down and have a great day! Further information available at American Legion Riders Post 58 Fountain Hills, AZ, @ alr58.org. All other inquiries, please call or e mail Event Chairman Mike Casey @ 480-399-6087; mikecasey1957@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 25th

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale “Sunshine Blast Off Party” featuring Bret Michaels. A party by Bob Parsons needs little explanation other than DON'T MISS IT! Party starts at 1 PM and rocks on until 9 PM. You won’t want to miss the FREE concert by Bret Michaels performing live at 7 PM. DJ shows start at 1 PM. Adult beverages, Go AZ Girls, Live Music throughout the day with Crown Kings at 4 PM. Worldwide Extreme Motorsports Brigade FMX Motorcycle Stunt Jumpers 2 PM. One show every hour for 4 shows. Food, Fun and a chance to check out the construction and development of a whole new motorcycle destination in Scottsdale, including a 2.5 acre training, demonstration and event center that will be one of a kind! Bring your biker friends, plenty of bike parking! Donations will be made to: Wounded Warriors & Families of Officers who have Fallen in the Line of Duty. This all takes place at the new Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ.

Sunday, March 25th

Kensi’s Ride. Kensi is a sweet 11 year old girl who has spent several years battling Wilm’s cancer. Kensi was diagnosed February 2010 and she has been in and out of hospitals throughout the years. Kensi won the fight against Wilm’s cancer on her kidney but found out that the cancer has spread to both of her lungs. Kensi is currently seeking treatments at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Kensi has been strong and brave throughout her surgeries, chemo, and research treatments. Kensi’s Ride is to raise money to help her family pay medical bills. Missy, Kensi’s mom, is a teacher and a single mom of two. Please help us raise money by participating in Kensi’s Ride! Starts at Chandler Custom Cycles - 2775 N. Arizona Ave. Suite #8, Chandler, AZ 85225. Ends at The Elk’s Lodge, 1775 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85224. Registration: 9:00am-11:00am at Chandler Custom Cycles. You may also pre-register at Chandler Custom Cycles. Cost: $25.00 per person, price includes lunch at The Elk’s Lodge. Lunch starts at 12:30pm. Please make checks payable to “Kisses for Kensi”. All vehicles welcome. 50/50 Raffle. Door Prizes .

Arizona Bike Week.

There are two things you are guaranteed to see at Arizona Bike Week. The first is the best of everything the motorcycle world has to offer. The second is a very diverse crowd, from all walks of life. The obvious common bond among our loyal attendees is a passion for riding. But ya’ll seem to be equally passionate about great music! Our goal each year is to give you more of what you want in a rally. That being said, we’ve got an amazing lineup for our 2012 event, offering something from every rock genre.
First we have our incredible national acts:
Quiet Riot – Wednesday, March 28
Puddle of Mudd – Thursday, March 29
REO Speedwagon – Friday, March 30
Tesla – Saturday, March 31
But we also have a whole lot of your local favorites:
Return to Custody
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers
Rock City Rebels
Hawg Wild
Judge Jackson
HardRide
Christopher Robin Band

And just in case you were thinking of making Sunday a day of rest, you’d better think again. We’ve got AC/DC tribute coming from:
TNT, We’ll be getting the party started early each day and cranking it up on the Jagermeister Mobile Concert Stage. For more info, go to azbikeweek.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 3700 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!

Check out this guy’s new concept for a restaurant. I think Hooter’s had the concept first, this guy just took it to the next level. Click Here to View

This is a very entertaining video of a stunt guy from a Frank Sinatra show back in 1951. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: How much Horsepower is enough? I think that a blown hemi in a trike is a bit overkill. But it sure sounds good when he gets in going. 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