Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

4/17/13

Greetings Riders,

Well, Arizona Bike Week 2013 is now a fading image in our rear view mirror. A couple of weeks ago I suggested that this had the chance to be one of the best Arizona Bike Week’s that we have seen. After participating, I would agree that the bar has now been set higher and I would look for even better things from the ABW in year’s to come. I personally thought that the events that I went to were well attended and well managed. Cyclefest was laid out very nice with plenty of activities and entertainment going on throughout the day and night. The headliner bands, at least on Friday and Saturday drew huge crowds as we see more and more non-motorcycle people in to enjoy the entertainment.

For the first time in the past 13 years, I decided to just kick back and be a participant during bike week. Biker Information Guide and Rusty Childress were out taking more pictures than I could have even dreamed of, so I thought I would just link to their photos and simply attend a few events and enjoy myself. One of the events that I was really looking forward to was the Doobie Brothers concert. They sounded great in their first couple of songs, but then they fell into the trap of trying to force new music on us instead of playing the old tunes that we came to see. So after about 5 songs in a row that I was not familiar with, my enthusiasm waned.

Note to legacy bands. . . The only reason you get booked 30 years after your #1 hits is so that we can hear ALL of your hits that take us back to our youth. Not your new stuff that we have maybe never heard that takes us back to 2010. In comparison to last year’s Friday entertainment, REO Speedwagon was a thoroughly enjoyable show from start to finish because they played nothing but songs that we knew and loved. Play what got you there. Too bad the entity paying them can’t pick the song list. I’m just sayin’.

Saturday was the Baddest Bagger in Arizona show at Westworld. For those of you that didn’t see it, it was the best collection of custom baggers maybe ever shown in one spot. It was just one outstanding creation after the next. There were over 90 entries in 4 classes with the Baddest Bagger in Arizona award going to Brian at Hatred motorcycles. I was fortunate enough to take 1st Place in the Modified Class with the Mako Glide. Click Here for Photo. See the Baddest Bagger as well as several of the other winners at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports this Thursday night.

Sunday we rode in what turned out to be one of the largest Arizona Bike Week rides ever as just under 2000 participated in the Child Empowerment Ride out of Arrowhead HD. Sons of Anarchy stars Opie and Bobby were at the store and led the ride down the 101 to Cyclefest at Westworld. These guys can really bring out the crowds, and not just motorcycle riders. Click Here for a few photos that I took.

I didn’t do a whole lot this year, but what I did do over the week was excellent. A big standing ovation to the organizers of Arizona Bike Week as well as to all of the dealerships who participated in bringing us 1st Class entertainment and smooth, well run events. I look forward to next year. Click Here for a cool shot of Mrs. C. riding into Westworld.

As promised, I did get 3 aerial shots last Wednesday afternoon of Cyclefest at Westworld that I posted on the Cyclerides Facebook. For those of you that didn’t make it to the venue, or live out of the area, this is what it looked like. Hit the arrow just above the picture to see all 3 photos. Click Here to View. I also took some aerials of Cave Creek last week. Click Here to View.

Arizona Bike Week is now over, but the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night lives on for 11 more weeks. I have changed the setup of the event that seems to work a lot better. I moved the band stage over to the bridge area between the fountains which opens up the middle area for a special viewing area of motorcycles, cars, monster trucks, etc. Last week we had a great bike show of 20 custom baggers. This week we will have another bike show featuring some of the winners from the ABW Bagger Contest. Stop by and take a look. Live Music this week with crowd favorite “Kung Fu Grip” from 6-9 PM.

See photos from Biker Information Guide.

Rusty’s photo’s are not up yet. Will bring you that link next week.

Bike Nights

Spurs Saloon Thursday Night Bike Night. Eastsiders!! You now have a great place for a Thursday Bike Night. Spurs Saloon located at 2394 N Alma School Rd. Chandler, AZ. has the PERFECT location for a bike night. Spurs has a Large outdoor patio with an outside bar and Plenty of motorcycle parking right next it. And the really good news. . . The patio is located on the East side of the building so it will be shaded from the sun in the late afternoon. Nick, the owner is very motorcycle friendly and you will feel welcomed any day of the week. He understands that good food and great service is important for any bike night. On Thursday nights you can enjoy the music of Mogollon’s Duo “George and Duane”. Show your Bike Key for 20% off food order - $4 Jack Daniels - $1.75 Domestic Bottles - $5 Pork Sliders. Raffles, Food and Drink specials, Designated Bike Parking, Huge outdoor patio and GREAT entertainment! Stop by and check it out, you will be glad you did. 2394 N Alma School Rd. Chandler, AZ. Just 2 miles South of 60 on Alma School Rd. Map.

Every Thursday, March 28th – June 27th

Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night this Spring being presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports. Bike Night began Thursday night, March 28th with a HUGE crowd and will continue for a total of 14 nights ending on June 27th from 5 pm – 9 pm. This Thursday, you will once again be able to enjoy a party every Thursday night with Live Music, Vendors, Restaurants, parking on Coyote Blvd. next to the fountains and Hundreds of motorcycles to look at as they cruise by. This is the place to be on Thursday nights for sure.

Live Music this week with “Kung Fu Grip”.

Custom Bagger Show in center court.

From the looks of things last week, riders are ready to enjoy some great weather and get back on their bikes. So grab your riding buddies and stop by to enjoy Live Music, Restaurant specials and other special events along the way. Click Here for Photos from the first night.

Here are the details for the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports:

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

When: Thursday nights beginning March 28th – June 27th

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.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports:

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.

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.

And to our Associate Sponsor Curly’s Customs

Curly's Customs. Curly's Customs is a full service Custom Paint & Body Shop for the motorcycle enthusiast. 623- 977-0339. Stop by and see them at Bike Night.

Bike Night Restaurant Specials.

I have worked very hard to get the restaurants to come up with some consistent bike night specials. I think they have stepped up very well this year to offer some good deals. There will be restaurant specials all season long that include offers from:

McFadden’s - 10% discount on your bill when you show your M-class license on Bike Night. Plus, bikers can enjoy regular happy hour specials, including $2 Bud/Bud Light Drafts, $3 Wells and $5 Appetizers from 4-7pm.

Calico Jack’s Cantina - $19.99 Bike Night Platters with Nacho chips, mini-chimis, onion rings and jalapeno poppers, plus a pitcher of domestic draft beer. Enjoy 10% off your bill when you show your M-class license on Bike Night.

The Shout! House - $9 Natural Black Angus Burger, Fries, and Beer special ($15 value) and a FREE cover for 2 card to come back on the weekend ($10 value) when you show your M-class license on Bike Night.

Kabuki - Take 15% off when you show your motorcycle license during Westgate Bike Night. Valid only during Westgate Bike Night events. Dine-in only. Valid only at Westgate City Center location. One offer per table per party. Not valid during Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour. Cannot be combined with any other offers or rewards. Excludes alcohol, tax, gratuity and gift card purchases.

Saddle Ranch - 2 chicken tacos for $5.50*. Classic pints of draft beer for only $3*. Plus, bikers can enjoy regular happy hour specials from 4-6:30pm with 50% off all appetizers and drinks. *Valid from 6:30pm to 10:00pm on all Bike Nights, excluding event days when there are concerts, sporting or other events at the Center, Stadium or Arena.

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville - 10% off entire food bill to anyone who presents their M-Class driver's license. Plus, bikers can enjoy happy hour from 4-7pm with 50% off appetizers, $3 well vodka, rum and gin drinks, $4 Landshark 20oz drafts and $5 Who’s to Blame Margaritas.

This Week

Saturday, April 20th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Hogs and Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson on Saturday, April 20th from 11AM till 2PM for our monthly Hogs & Dogs customer appreciation as well as our Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Boot Camp. Along with FREE food and drinks we will be walking new riders through the different steps and products that are unique to the Harley experience. “Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Boot Camp – This is basic training for bikers. Learn about everything from the headlights to the tailpipes, how to tell a Sportster Motorcycle from a Softail Motorcycle, and which bike is perfect for you.” Bring a friend – They’ve got plenty of food and drinks. Enlist today and start enjoying your freedom tomorrow! Starting at 12:00PM we begin with the basics, and go from headlights to tailpipes to get you up to speed on everything you need to know and it’s FREE. Just come ready to have a good time, and be ready to leave with a new obsession. To RSVP for our Boot Camp simply email Marketing@buddystubbs.com . Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem AZ. They can also be found on the web at www.anthemhd.com . Call (623) 465-1122 for more info.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

HOGS WITH HEARTS Charity Ride. Scottsdale HOG Chapter presents its fourth 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 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 great route planned – about 125 miles! Pre-registration is $25 (single rider) and $35 (two-up) and includes a pin, ride shirt, breakfast and lunch for each rider/passenger. Registration at the event includes pin, breakfast and lunch. Pre-register by April 12 at www.scottsdalehog.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 director@scottsdalehog.com

Saturday, April 20th

The 2nd Annual McCarthy Construction Ride for Valley Veterans will start at Taps Signature Cuisine and Bar - 1010 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ. Registration $25 single / $40 a couple / Ticket includes Breakfast, Lunch, One Door Prize Ticket, Live music and more! First 150 Pre-Registered will receive Shirt and Gift bag! This charitable event is held annually to raise funds for deserving charities. This year will be benefiting the Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC). The VMLC was founded in 1999 by the Phoenix VA Medical Center; the VMLC Mission is to ensure quality medical and mental health care for our Maricopa County Veterans and to encourage initiatives that honor our Veterans contributions. This year’s ride is a fantastic ride through some of Arizona's most amazing scenery 80+ mile ride in support of our Valley Veterans!

Next Week

Saturday, April 27th

Buddy Stubbs Hogs & Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson on Saturday, April 27th from 11AM till 3PM for our monthly Hogs & Dogs customer appreciation as well as our new rider Motorcycle Boot Camp. Along with FREE food and drinks we will be walking new riders through the different steps and products that are unique to the Harley experience. Okay, here’s the thing: Every Harley motorcycle rider was a newbie once. Yes, every one! It’s just one day we went from dreaming about it, to doing something about it. Are you up for it? Do you have non riding friends that you want to share your passion with?

Then check out Buddy Stubbs Harley‐Davidson Motorcycle Boot Camp. Part party, part basic training, it’s a fun, laid‐back way to get started, hang out with lots of your fellow beginners, and learn all about riding and Harley-Davidson. Starting at 1:30PM we begin with the basics, and go from headlights to tailpipes to get you up to speed on everything you need to know. We’ll have our stationary JumpStart Harley running so you can feel the rumble and rush of firing up a real Harley-Davidson and shifting through the gears. Best of all, it’s FREE! To RSVP for our Boot Camp simply go to http://buddystubbsbootcamp.eventbrite.com. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. They can also be found on the web at www.buddystubbshd.com. Call (602) 971-3400 for more info.

Saturday, April 27th – Every 4th Saturday

Biker Information Guide Bike Night at Renegade Tap & Kitchen. Starting at 3 pm till 10 pm with Happy Hour prices the whole time. This has quickly become a great stop on Saturday afternoon and evening for those riding on the East side. Plenty of motorcycle parking as well as spacious and comfortable outdoor patios. Live Music, Raffles and lots of fun. If you haven’t seen Renegade Tap and Kitchen yet, be sure to stop by and see this popular biker stop on the East side. Renegade is located at 9400 Shea Blvd. just east of the 101 Fwy, on the South side. Click Here for details. Sunday Pre-Ride Breakfast starts at 9:30 AM.

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 4200 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 Mugsy, the alligator fighting cat. This is one Bad, or Crazy cat! Click Here to View.

Video of the Week. This will no doubt keep you entertained for at least 4 minutes. Some great random stunts in here that will amaze you. 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