Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
4/20/11
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Well, last weekend Mother Nature fired a little shot over the fairing to get us prepared for the heat that will soon be normal riding weather for us in the valley. Mrs. C. and I ended up doing about 160 miles on Saturday going from the NW Valley to Queen Creek, to Cave Creek and then back to the West Valley. Not a route I would have picked for sure, but one that was necessary in our travels that day, I saw 98 degrees on the digital thermometer on my bike. It wasn't terrible, but it got my attention enough to know that it is the time of year to start putting a couple of bottles of water in the ole' saddle bag.
 
Our destination was Cave Creek to see the big car show that was going on out there Saturday. We parked at the Hideaway and then did a walk in both directions to check out some cars. I thought it was cool that they would block off the outside lane in both directions to park the classic cars, but I think there might be a better way to do it. I kind of felt like I was in a human "Frogger" game, going in and out of the cars while trying to keep from getting hit by a snowbird checking out a T-Bucket, a giant iron lizard or a pine rocking chair at an antique store.
 
Due to the fact that I was looking behind me more than in front, I think I saw more 2010 Sedan De Ville's grilles than I did '57 Chevy's. Maybe next time they can park the classic cars more of a 30 degree angle, instead of a 90 degree angle along the road to leave more walking space to view them. I'm just sayin'. Other than the fear factor, it was nice to see all the cars there.
 
I don't what the reason was, but I slept like an "Aircraft Controller" last night. I didn't even wake up until the second plane had already landed, or in my case, the alarm had gone off twice. It must have been because I have already started dreaming of some road trips that I want to take. In fact, I made the reservations today for the 4 day, 1100 mile trip we will be taking over the Memorial Day weekend through Arizona and New Mexico. Memorial Day is a good time to take an extra day off of work on the front or back side of the holiday and get 4 days worth of travel for only one vacation day. 
 
A good idea for a hustling 3 day ride or a leisurely 4 day ride would be one that we did a few years ago that I called the Four Canyon Tour. You really have to hustle to get this done in 3 days, but it can be done. It is a fantastic ride for you road warriors that like to get out, lay down some miles and see some pretty scenery. Four days for those that would like the same scenery in a more leisurely ride. Click Here for Part 1 that links to Part 2 at the bottom.     
 
Another fantastic ride is the Utah National Scenic Byway 12 ride. This one will take you about 3.5 days. We actually went to Flagstaff for the night in the late afternoon to get a jump on things. The rest of it you can do in 3 hustling days for a long weekend, like the upcoming Memorial Day. The reason I am giving you a couple of these ideas is that if you are going to do a ride around Memorial Day, you should probably be getting some motel reservations as both of these routes are in areas that don't have a lot of rooms available, so you will have to plan ahead a little bit.
 
There is no better time to start day dreaming your rides than right now. The best thing ever invented on a smart phone in my opinion was the Google Maps app. Now I can plot new routes and talk to people about roads that we have ridden right from the palm of my hand. Check out both of these rides I mentioned above, you would not be disappointed in either one of them. I am really excited to start putting on some miles and generating smiles! Let me know if you go.
 
As always, Click the following link to check out all the Day Ride and Multi Day Ride ideas on Cyclerides.com.
 
 
Tidbits and Updates:
 
Save The Date:
I am planning a big Memorial Day celebration for Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night on Thursday, May 26th and am excited to announce that MOGOLLON will provide the Live Music that night. For those of you that haven't heard it, they do a 15 minute patriotic set that will blow your socks off and put goosebumps on your arms. I have a few other surprises for that night as well as we honor our fallen on Memorial Day. Don't miss it. Should be our biggest night yet.
 
**This Thursday night at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night ride by and see a new band to the area called "Fuel It". You will really enjoy this 7 piece band and their classic rock and roll. Weather should be great for riding this Thursday and Friday nights. Check out the specials at Tuscan Oven while you are there and the burger deals at the Shout House. I will be selling the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night T-Shirt at my booth. Pick one up.
 
**The Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night on Friday night is growing fast. 500 bikes last week and everyone had a great time. Huge extension of patio's for both Cactus Moon and Matta's so that you can sit out on the patio and watch the bands and the bikes. Be sure to stop by the Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery that is in the storefront right behind the band. I have displayed 50 of my favorite riding and flying photos. Check out this short video of the Bike Night by Rusty Childress . Click Here.
 
**Scoop Alert!
In case you haven't heard yet, Polaris Industries, the parent company of Victory Motorcycles has purchased the historic Indian Motorcycle Company and plans to revive it ONE more time. This should be an interesting match. If Indian ever had a chance to ride again, this could be it. Click Here.
 
 
Bike Nights
 
Every Thursday
 
Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night We started the first week with over 2500 bikes. Thanks to all who attended.
The wait is finally over. Welcome back to "The Times Square In The Desert". The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night that has been a valley favorite for the last 2 years began again on Thursday, March 31st from 5-9 pm. It will run this season for 14 consecutive Thursday nights from March 31st and end on June 30th. Anticipation has been building for this year and we kicked it off with a record crowd of almost 2500 bikes on March 31st for another season of fun and entertainment. We hope to make this season as good as the last by bringing you different programming each week with Live Bands, Vendors, Displays and Special Events. We look forward to seeing you again this year.
Don't forget to pick up your brand new Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night T-Shirt. You can also purchase them any time at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson – RideNow Powersports Peoria, Goodyear and Surprise. 
 
Restaurant Pick of the night!
If you haven't been here yet, try the Tuscan Oven for great food and their $8 pizza and beer special from 5-9. Plenty of space on their outdoor patio or their bar inside.
Also pick up the Tuscan Oven "Tomato" Card and receive 20% off all future visits.
 
Live Music:
Our musical guest for April 21st will be "Fuel It" playing their special brand of Classic Rock. 
 
Click Here to view the new Westgate Bike Night Web Cam. Page automatically refreshes every 10 seconds. Will be live every Thursday for bike night from 5pm - 10pm.
 
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.
 
Petersen Johnson is a local Arizona law firm, whose attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience in Accident/Injury law and DUI/Criminal Defense law.  We have substantial experience in representing riders injured in motorcycle accidents.  Ron Petersen and Brad Johnson are involved in every injury case.  We discount our fees; never our service.  Please call us locally at 602-650-1200 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your local Harley-Davidson dealership and proud sponsor of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night. We are located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. Stop to see the latest 2011 HD motorcycles and to pick up the new Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night T-Shirt. 623-247-5542.
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.

T.E.A.M Arizona Motorcycle Training - "T.E.A.M. Arizona is the premier motorcycle rider education organization in Arizona.  We are dedicated to providing motorcycle education as a life-saving public service.  Through our passionate coaches and staff, we strive to deliver a FUN, safe, and consistent motorcycling experience to riders of all backgrounds and skill level.  T.E.A.M. Arizona is Your Road To Ride For Life."
 
For the duration of this run over the next 10 weeks, I will be updating the Westgate Bike Night page with the weekly photos, restaurant specials, special guests, musical guests and programming. So BOOKMARK THIS PAGE and check back every week to see what is coming up. I look forward to seeing you all next week at Westgate. Westgate City Center is located on the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. in Glendale next to Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium.
 
Friday Nights
 
EAST SIDERS! This one is for you!
Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night began a 10 night run on Friday, April 8th from 5-9pm.
We will not be able to have the bike night on the first Friday of May and June.
For 2 years I have been looking for a great bike night location on the East side that would be comparable to the Westgate location. There is only one location in the valley that has a setup like Westgate, but Mesa Riverview, located at the Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. has the next best venue available to host a bike night. I wanted a location that is new, clean, attractive, well lit at night, has plenty of places to go eat and have fun, and could create that critical mass of excitement in one location. This is private property, so the management has agreed to close the street for 2 blocks in the complex from Bass Pro to the theatre. This will be utilized for motorcycle only traffic and parking. The great thing about Mesa Riverview is that they have 3 GREAT restaurants on the 3 corners in the middle of the 2 blocks plus 3 more within a few hundred feet.
 
These locations are Toby Keith's Bar and Grill with 18,000 square feet of Restaurant, 85 Foot Guitar Shaped Bar, Live Music, Dance Floor, Tv's And Outdoor Patio And Beer Served In Mason Jars. 
 
Across the street from Toby's is the brand new 14,000 square foot Cactus Moon Sports Grill featuring 12 pool tables, Forty eight 65" plasma screen tv's, a huge bar in the middle, a dance floor and a Huge outdoor patio.
 
The other corner across from Cactus Moon is Matta's Grill & Cantina featuring 5,000 square feet, 2 floors of great Mexican food dining, a great bar, beautiful interior design and an outdoor patio.
 
Within a few hundred feet of walking distance from the street parking is Chili's and Famous Dave's. All of these restaurants will have Bike Night specials and are welcoming riders from all over the valley to a fun Friday night at Mesa Riverview located at the Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. in Mesa. There is also a Gyro shop at the end of the street by the theatre and a Yogurt shop next to Matta's.
 
CLICK HERE to see photos of these great restaurants.
 
A live band featuring "Tin Weasel" in center court will be enjoyed by all the riders walking the streets as well as dining on the 3 outdoor patios. Toby's will then start National band acts at 9pm inside their place. There will also be vendors and special attractions throughout the run of this new East Side Cyclerides.com Bike Night. If you would like to be a vendor at this bike night, email me at info@cyclerides.com .
 
I would like to give special thanks to our First Sponsors of the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night.
Please visit their booths at the event and click their links below to learn more about them.
 
Chester's Harley-Davidson - Your local Harley-Davidson dealer. See our display at Bike Night. Store location at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404
Victory Big Dog Motorcycles of Mesa - Your store for Victory and Big Dog motorcycles. Visit our display at Bike Night. Store location at 833 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-668-7969
Victory BMW - Stop by 1717 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler to see our full line BMW touring motorcycles. We carry a great selection of apparel and accessories to complete your BMW riding experience. We have new Arai, Shoei and Scorpion helmets in stock. We just got our new Olympia order as well.
The Law Tigers - "If you have injured in a motorcycle accident, call 800-LAWTIGERS (529-8443) or visit lawtigers.com.  We know bikes, bikers, and the law.  The Law Tigers, Arizona's Injury Lawyers Who Ride."
I am looking forward to bringing some good fun to the East Valley riders and am currently adding the details to the page, but CLICK HERE to see some photos to give you an idea of how nice this property is and general information.
See you this week from 5-9pm.
 
Mesa Riverview is located at the SE Corner of the Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. Bike night location is next to Bass Pro. Follow the signs to cruise the Main St.
 
 
This Week
 
Saturday, April 23rd
Vet Tix Craig Creed Rally Ride. This ride is to honor the memory of a man who loved his Family, Friends and Country. He was fulfilling a mission with the Patriot Guard Riders when he lost his life honoring a brave soldier who died in combat. The day will be packed with activities and things for you to enjoy.  Food, beverages, prizes, raffle, and live music by the CTS band at Arizona Victory for the after party.  For anyone that wants to come to the after party but not the ride, it's only $5.  You can even just buy a poker hand and play too! $25 Rider, $35 couple. Food, drink, raffle prizes, t-shirt, music, honor guard. Riders will depart the Arizona Victory Motorcycles dealership on 1133 W. Bell Rd, Phoenix at 10:00am and run up I17 to Carefree HWY heading west to New River Rd. to stop for lunch in New River then on to Cave Creek and back down Cave Creek Rd returning to Victory via HWY 101 no later than 3pm for the festivities and prizes. All proceeds benefit Vet Tix. Register at AZ Victory Motorcycle located at 1133 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix. Kick stands up at 10am. Last bike in at 3pm.
 
Next Week
 
Saturday, April 30th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Used Swap Parts Meet & Spring Car & Bike Show. Event time 9am - 3pm. Ride by Chandler Harley-Davidson and enjoy a beautiful display of Customs, Hot Rods, T-Buckets, Muscle Cars and More. The show is free to enter and prizes will be awarded for the Best of Show, Best Car, Best Rat Rod, Best Truck, Peoples Choice and Most Original. There will be Live Music, Raffle Prizes and Food and Drinks. Bike wash by the Harley Girls. ALL Bikes and Cars welcome.
 
Saturday, April 30th
4th Annual Robbie's Ride. ALR Post 39 Robbies Ride Benefitting our fallen Heroes Program. April 30th, 5th Anniversary of the loss of Gilbert's first Officer. Sign up 9:30 am Kick stands up 10:00 am. Start & Finish: Gilbert American Legion Post 39 - 206 N. Gilbert Rd. in Gilbert. 4-5 stops along route, about 120 mi ride. Ending at Post 39 with entertainment, raffle, and Pie Tossing! Registration: Min. Donation: $20 Single Rider/$25 w/Passenger Check-In Day Of Ride: 7:30 am-9:00 am. Pre-Registrants receive a Ride T-shirt with logo *Same Day Registrants will receive a T-shirt based on availability! So Register Early, No guarantee of shirts being on-hand day of event!!!
 
Saturday, April 30th
Highlands 2011 Car & Bike Show. Event time 9am - 2pm. Gates Open at 7 AM for Show Entries, Registration 7AM – 9AM, Awards at 1:00 PM. Food, Live Band (The 450's), 50/50 drawing, door prizes. Goodie bags, dash plaques for the first 100 entries, BMW demo drives courtesy of Chapman BMW, NEW Shopping Escape (crafts,jewelry, and specialty items) for the women, and car accessory, car specialty items shopping. Kid’s Korral with bouncies, face painting, entertainment, and more. Early entry fee $25 per vehicle before April 16, 2011, after that it is $35 per vehicle. Online registration ends April 29, 2011. Highlands is located at 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. (1 block E. of Pima on Pinnacle Peak Rd.) 480-348-9191.
 
Special Ongoing Event
 
February 1st - April 30th
Looking for a new bike, have a little extra time on your hands and know a lot of people? Chester's HD is giving you the opportunity to win a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra for a little effort on your part. Giveaway program starts February 1, 2011, and ends April 30, 2011. Just bring someone you know into Chester's Harley-Davidson to buy a new bike. You must accompany buyer to the dealership and have proof of purchase signed off by the General Manager. Buyer must agree to Chester's Harley-Davidson's terms of sale and cannot already have a deal pending at Chester's.  Validity of referral is at the sole discretion of the General Manager and could be denied. The person who brings in the most new bike sales wins a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide® Ultra. Referrals must be contracted and take delivery of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle at Chester's Harley-Davidson by April 30, 2011. Winner must refer a minimum of three sales to qualify.  There will be no ties.  In the event that 2 or more persons bring in the highest amount of qualifying buyers, the winner will be the person that reaches the minimum of three sales first. Winner is responsible for all applicable sales tax, license and doc fees. Click Here for details.
 
Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 3100 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!

Have you ever wondered where the "Dumb Blonde" jokes first originate? It could have been right here. Very funny. Click Here to View.

If the one above started dumb blonde jokes, this one has certainly her part to keep it alive. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: Another one of those candid camera spoofs with an old cop. Funny stuff. 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

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