Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

4/4/12

Greetings Riders,

Well, Arizona Bikeweek has concluded and the Cyclerides household can get back to normal for another year. As it turns out, we followed our itinerary that was in last week’s newsletter pretty close and it proved to be a lot of fun. Everyone has their own opinions, but I think this was one of the most enjoyable ABW’s in a long time. My compliments to Brad, Suzy and all others involved in putting it together for a job well done. Participation by riders from the first weekend to the last was at a very high level and most everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. All of the concerts at Cyclefest were high quality and a success from what I heard from those who attended all of them. As for my own experience, Mrs. C. and I went to the REO concert and it was absolutely fantastic. The crowd was as big as I personally had ever seen out there with people standing outside the tent all the way to the vendor tents on both sides. Even though the guys in REO are now in their 60’s, they are still spot on, put on one heck of a show and took us on a trip down memory lane. Great job!

I would also like to thank all of the dealerships and others who participated in Bikeweek this year. It all came together to create a great experience for riders on all sides of town. Looking forward to see how next year develops.

We did get in one excellent 300 mile ride on Wednesday making our own route to Jerome. We took a detour off of I-17 through the wine country on Page Springs Rd. Thanks to the Page Springs Cellars for the excellent wine tasting and tour of the winery. It was then on to Old Town Cottonwood for lunch at the Tavern Grill and then to Jerome and the Spirit Room before taking the awesome ride over Mingus Mountain and down to Fain Rd. to return home. I will be writing this route up for you next week. It is a great alternative to getting to either Sedona or Jerome.

Click Here for some interesting Bike Week photos by Rusty Childress.

Click Here for bike week photos by Biker Information Guide.

The opening night of the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night on March 29th presented by the Law Tigers was OFF THE HOOK and our biggest night ever! Not only were there well over 2000 motorcycles that came through Westgate, there were also several thousand Coyote Hockey fans that made their way down Coyote Blvd. past the bikes. The 30 minutes prior to game time was very crowded for sure which is why we had to shut down the street for about 45 minutes, but this week we will be back to normal with cruising all night long. Huge overflow lots on both sides of event plaza were full of bikes that wouldn’t fit inside which we will have this week as well. We had Sour Diesel Trainwreck playing their unique brand of Southern Rock that really set a cool vibe for the night.

If you missed the first Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by the Law Tigers last week, you can catch it every Thursday night for the next 13 weeks through June 28th. This week we will have crowd favorite and opening act for REO Speedwagon, “Hardride” for Live Music. As always, there will be vendors, lots of motorcycle and people watching as well as food and drink specials from the local restaurants. Click Here to see the specials. It is going to be perfect riding weather on Thursday night. Ride on by and check it out from 5-9 PM. Be sure to say HI. Click Here for Details.

Click Here for some great Photos of Bike Night by Rusty Childress. You might be in these.

As for me, I will be doing the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night for the next 13 weeks as well as looking in to starting some other smaller ones on the East side of town. Since we are getting into prime time riding season, I will also be giving you some new and different ideas for riding destinations as well as reminding you of a few of the old favorites that our State has to offer.

I’ve put just under 4000 miles on the Mako Glide since mid December and can’t wait to start taking some extended trips on it. After these 4000 miles I can tell you that the bike rides and handles better than stock. I was concerned about putting the 23” wheel on the front and stretching the frame, but it is amazing how well it corners and goes down the road. It tore up the curves on Mingus Mountain like I have never experienced.

Thanks to all for a great Arizona Bikeweek. Look forward to seeing you at Westgate this Thursday.

This Week

Thursday, April 5th

Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by The Law Tigers: Don’t miss our second 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. Live Music with Sour Diesel Trainwreck.

You will enjoy Live Music with “Hardride” featuring their great Classic Rock sounds.

Food and drink specials include: Calico Jack's - $3 Tacos, $2 Bud and Coors Original, The Shout House - $7 Burger, Fries, and a Beer, Shane's Rib Shack is offering a FREE 10 piece Traditional Chicken Wings Basket with the purchase of any Full Rack Rib Plate. Value $7.99. Saddleranch - Chicken Tacos for $5.50, Classic Pints of Draft Beer only $2.50, Large Pilsners of draft for only $4.50.

Click Here for Flyer.

I would like to give special thanks to our Sponsors of the Westgate Bike Night.
Please visit their booths at the event and click their links below to learn more about them.

Presenting Sponsor The Law Tigers

Law Tigers is a professional association of motorcycle injury lawyers who help riders every day. Our association of motorcycle accident attorneys consists of a skilled group of personal injury lawyers whose mission is to support and promote the well being of motorcyclists. Dedicated to rider safety, awareness, and education, we are committed to the riding community. Find an attorney near you from our network of motorcycle accident lawyers or call Law Tigers, toll-free, at 1-800-529-8443. Our lawyers are available -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Arrowhead HD

Your local Harley-Davidson dealership and proud sponsor of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night. Stop by and see the latest in what Harley-Davidson has to offer. Speak to one of our trained sales staff about what Harley-Davidson motorcycle would be right for you. We are located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. 623-247-5542.
Curly's Customs.
Curly's Customs is a full service Custom Paint & Body Shop for the motorcycle enthusiast. We refinish Harley Davidson and Metric motorcycles. Our goal is to provide high quality workmanship & materials at a very reasonable price. Curly's is located at 12030 N. 111th Ave. in Youngtown, AZ. 623- 977-0339. Stop by and see them at Bike Night.

Ridenow Powersports

Stop by and talk to our staff at bike night or at one of our many valley locations. We feature many brands including Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Can-Am, BMW, Victory, KTM, Spyder, and Ski-doo. Click Here for a list of our locations.

Saturday, April 7th

6th Annual "Legacy" Scholarship Rally. American Legion Riders Post 29 in Glendale is holding their 6th Annual Legacy Scholarship Rally. Everyone welcome - Bike or Cage. Music, Food, Fun Ride, Raffles, Ride Pins to first 100. All proceeds go to the Legacy Fund which supports children of fallen military heroes. Rider $20 - Passenger $10. Registration 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. American Legion Post 29 is located at 6822 N. 57th Drive in Glendale, AZ. For more info contact Vern at 602-978-3930.

Next Week

Saturday and Sunday,

April 14th and 15th

Tucson 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 Tucson Harley-Davidson from 9am - 4pm on April 14th and 15th 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. Tucson Harley-Davidson is located at 7355 N. I-10 Eastbound Frontage Rd. Tucson, AZ. 520-751-3380.

Saturday, April 14th

Amberhaze Fight Against Cancer Benefit Poker Run. The ride kicks off at Marlin’s Motorcycle Shop at 2116 W. Deer Valley Rd. 8:30 – 10:00am Sign-ups. Ride at your own pace. After party starting at 1:00pm at the Steel Horse Saloon at 1818 W. Bell Rd. $10/Single $15/Couple. Raffle, vendors, entertainment, and more! Come out and ride to help a little girl and her fight against cancer. All proceeds go to Amberhaze. For more information: Beagle BRCBeagle@me.com

Saturday, April 14th

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale Bikini Contest. We are looking for contestants for our Bikini Contest on Saturday, April 14th. First Place Prize: $1000. Second Place: $500 and Third Place: $250. It will be a full day of Bikes, Bikini’s and Barbeque from 10 AM – 4 PM. Contestants contact El at 480-905-1903. New Owner! New Attitude! Say goodbye to the old and hello to your NEW Harley-Davidson dealer. See us for your motorcycle rental needs. HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. www.hdofscottsdale.com 480-905-1903.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 21

HOGS WITH HEARTS Charity Ride. Scottsdale HOG Chapter presents its third annual HOGS With Hearts Charity Ride to support MDA Summer Camp. Summer camp allows kids with muscular dystrophy a rare opportunity to spend a week away from their families in the cool pines at Camp Shadow Pines on the Rim taking nature hikes, riding horses, playing wheelchair soccer, attending a prom, and various other events over the course of the week. It is a great time for all the kids and is it an important break from their daily routine of dealing with muscular dystrophy. Let’s help as many kids as possible attend camp! Registration is from 8:30 to 10:00 with all bikes back by 3:00. We have a new route and new ride format! Pre-registration is $25 (single rider) and $35 (two-up) and includes a pin, ride shirt and lunch for each rider/passenger. Registration at the event includes pin and lunch. Breakfast is available at our first stop and is free with the purchase of a beverage. Pre-register by April 12 at www.hog97.com. On-site registration also available (does not include ride shirt). Everyone has a chance to win $250 in cash prizes. And don’t forget the raffle prizes and share the wealth! Ride starts and ends at Harley Davidson of Scottsdale, 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. For info email Sue at assistantdirector@hog97.com.

Saturday, May 5th

Inaugural "Blues, Bruise and BBQs". May 5th event at the Westside Sports Complex gives revelers an alternative to traditional Cinco de Mayo celebrations; more than 15,000 patrons expected to enjoy the festivities. The inaugural "Blues, Bruise and BBQs" Cinco de Mayo Festival. On Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., the Westside Sports Complex (aka Fear Farm) will be transformed into a huge backyard playground with the sweet aroma of barbeque and amazing blues tunes wafting through the air. This 21-and-over event will feature live music by renowned national festival acts the Delgado Brothers (popular Latin blues band from Los Angeles), Leon J & JukeJoint, and eight regional and local blues bands Other entertainment includes a custom Harley show, a hellacious hogs (motorcycles) competition, a low rider and classic car show, and a wing-eating contest. Tickets can be purchased for $10, which is good for general admission. A combo ticket for the festival and the Muay Thai Kickboxing event is $30, while a $50 VIP ticket will include entry to the festival and a ringside seat to the Muay Thai Kickboxing event. Entry for the Kiwi Dash is $65. Go to http://www.bluesbruiseandbbqs.com/ for 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 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!

This kid is only 2 years old, but he is apparently destined to be a performer. Click Here to View

An illusionist on the Ellen show. This guy is going to be a star. Click Here to View

Video of the Week: Check out this tribute to veterans done with a card trick. This video has had over 2.8 million views. Awesome! 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