Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Well, it is hard to believe, but the first 1/3 of 2010 is virtually over. Our riding minds and time have been focused on area rally's and those too have now passed with the Laughlin River Run ending last weekend to what I have heard was a much lower turnout. So what is on the riding horizon for the second 1/3 of the year, May through August? Well, I'm sure many of you are planning some Summer trips out of the area and around the United States. I know I am picking out some destinations for Mrs. C. and myself. But until we reach the timing to take those trips, we really need to take advantage of what will be excellent riding weather right here in our area for the next couple of weeks.

The extended forecast is showing that we will be staying under that magic psychological number of 100 degrees at least through May 12th. So we might as well take advantage of it while we can. I have said it many times before, but since we add 150 new newsletter subscribers every month, I feel like I can't say it enough to remind you to take what is one of my favorite rides in the whole State, and it is right in our back yard so to speak.

The ride to Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake is an absolute joy to take. We just did it about a month ago, and it was a little early for the wildflowers, but they should really be starting to bloom by now. If you are looking for a ride with magnificent desert landscape packed with centuries old Saguaro cactus nestled in between the mountain backdrops, this is the one for you. In my opinion, if that is your criteria, this is one of the most beautiful, curvy, and enjoyable rides that you can take in the State topped off by an extraordinary view of Canyon Lake as you make your way to the old stopping point known as Tortilla Flat for lunch.

I have to remind you of what I consider to be the icing on what is already a great cake, and that is to take the additional 6 miles of asphalt past Tortilla Flat. Most riders have not done this section or have even heard of it. Because the road ends 6 miles to the North and turns into gravel taking you to Roosevelt lake, no one thinks to take this section of the road. But I assure you, it is well worth your effort to take this bonus road to the overlook point where it turns to gravel, and then come back and enjoy it in the opposite direction. You WILL NOT be disappointed. Some of the prettiest parts of the ride are back there.

A route to get to Tortilla Flat that I like is to take Hwy 87 from Fountain Hills North about 10 miles to the Bush Hwy., the turnoff to Saguaro Lake. Take Bush 9 miles to Usery Pass, Turn left on Usery Pass 8 miles to Brown, left on Brown 6 miles to Hwy. 88, which is also known as the Apache Trail. Take Hwy. 88 the 15 miles to Tortilla Flat and the other 6 miles past for the ultimate experience. On your way back, you can make a pit stop at the old Goldfield Ghosttown for a quick sarsaparilla or ice cream while enjoying a walk around the old town.

I know over the years I have brought this to your attention several times, but even as many times as I have done it, when someone mentions it to me, it reminds me how enjoyable it is, and it makes me want to do it again. So grab a couple of friends this weekend and head out there for lunch. Just be mindful to stay away from the center line as much as possible. This is also a popular route for snowbirds and those pulling boats to the lake that often cross the center line. So be patient and stay to the outside of the lane as much as possible.

I'm not sure how well the wildflowers are right now, we did it a month ago. But I am including some pics from last year about this time as well as some from a month ago so that you can see the beauty of the area with flowers in bloom.

Click Here for Beautiful PHOTOS with wildflowers from 2009.

Click Here for 2010 Photos with photos of the extra 6 miles.

When you go to the photos page, click "Slideshow" in the upper right of the page. This will display them full screen and you can page through them there. This is the best way to view.

Click here to view the MAP.

1. I enjoy opening up and trying different opportunities for riders to congregate with various bike nights. But due to some very unfortunate weather conditions over the last several Wednesday's and some other extenuating circumstances, the Downtown Scottsdale Bike Night never gained any momentum. So in everyone's best interest, I have decided to cancel this bike night as of last night. Thanks to Downtown Scottsdale who blocked the streets for this event and to those who did ride down to check it out. I will keep my eyes open for other opportunities.

2. This is for those of you who go to the Downtown Chandler Bike Night. I have had some people mention that they like this event better on Wednesday's. In the interest of always trying to improve things, I have set up a poll question for you. Would you prefer the Downtown Chandler Bike Night to be on Tuesday or Wednesday night? Click Here to cast your vote. Thanks for your input.

Highlights This Week

Saturday, May 1st

Dyno Day at Chester's Harley-Davidson.

Have you ever wondered how much horsepower you have when you are fully loaded and trying to

pass those cars on a slow 2 lane road? FREE Baseline Run on our Dyno

and let us tell you how much Torque and Horsepower your motor is producing.

Sunday, May 2nd

"Ernie Palooza" Benefit Ride to benefit Ernie Lizarraga.

Most of you have heard of the horrible motorcycle accident on March 25th.

Please come support Ernie and the Phoenix Firefighters on May 2nd for an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast,

BBQ lunch at Notorious P.I.G., Live Music, Raffle Prizes and best of all, a BENEFIT RIDE!

Watch an update on Ernie's condition on Channel 12 at 10pm Thursday night.

Sunday, May 2nd

Charity Concert at Robbie Fox's in Tempe.

Robbie Fox's is having a cancer benefit concert to benefit "The Brady Fund".

Live Concert with the Rhythm Dragons & The Jump Back Brothers featuring Special Guest Nina Curri

from 3pm - 10pm. 20% of all proceeds for the day sales go to the Brady Fund.

Bike Nights This Week

Tuesday

Take The Poll. Should it be on Tuesday or Wednesday?

Cyclerides.com Downtown Chandler Bike Night.

For the riders in the Southeast Valley, the Downtown Chandler Bike Night is back on! This year, the night for motorcycles in Chandler changed. It is now on Tuesday nights. The really good news is that the road will be blocked off for motorcycle only traffic which will make this a much more safe and enjoyable event.

Enjoy food and drink specials from:

San Tan Brewery,

Murphy's Law,

El Zocalo and

Piza Piza

Fat Cat.

Thanks to the City and the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership for making this happen. Once again we will have vendors, music and participating bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. I will bring more details to you as I get them. Downtown Chandler is located just 5.5 miles South of U.S. 60 on Arizona Ave. adjacent to Dr. AJ Chandler Park. (MAP) Bike Night will be from 6pm - 10pm. Look forward to seeing all of you back again this year!

Jugg'z Saloon Tuesday Bike Night After Hours Party. Jugg'z Saloon is inviting you to stop by their "After Hours Party" for the Downtown Chandler Bike Night from 7pm - Close. Jugg'z is located just 1.5 miles South of Downtown Chandler at 851 S. Arizona Ave. in Chandler. Enjoy 12 Wings & Beer for $6.00, 12" Pizza and Beer for $6.00 and $2.00 Coors Light and Bud Light. 2 Pool Tables, 2 Dart Boards and 4 TV's for sporting events. Bike Parking in front of bar.

Wednesday

Cyclerides.com Downtown Scottsdale Bike Night. This night has been cancelled as of 4/28/10.

New!!

Billet Bar Bike Night has moved to Wednesdays as well as Thursdays!

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. The Billet Bar has now moved bike night to Wednesday nights as well as Thursdays to take advantage of all of the bikes expected to be in town for the Downtown Scottsdale Bike Night.

Not only that, Billet Bar is now serving food cooked right there on the grill!
That's right, Myron now has a grill and is serving up 1/4 pound cheeseburgers and chips right there hot off the grill for $6.50 every day of the week. On bike night enjoy happy hour pricing on drinks all night long. Click Here for 2 for 1 coupon for your first drink. Print it out and bring it in to redeem.

This is the perfect time of year to set on the patio and watch the action on Scottsdale. The Billet was 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. 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.

Thursday Night

Westgate Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com.

The Westgate Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com is back and bigger than ever!

This turned out to be one of the most talked about and best attended bike nights this State has ever seen. There was some disappointment when it ended last July 2nd, but the anticipation was building this year and we kicked it off in a huge way on March 18th with an estimated 1500 bikes. We hope to make this one even better than last year with different programming every week. Click Here for Photos from last week.

If you can't make it, 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 your Accident-Personal Injury-Criminal Attorney.

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.

Arizona Victory Motorcycles. We are pleased to announce our newest Sponsor to Westgate Bike Night. Arizona Victory, one of the top Victory dealers in the United States is located at 13401 N. Cave Creek Rd. Stop by their booth and see the latest from American Made Victory Motorcycles including the Cross Country touring motorcycle from Victory. Arrange your demo ride.

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 this 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.

Every Saturday

NEW!!

Chester's Harley-Davidson "Party On The Patio".

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 Dok & Gal

** Outdoor Sidewalk Sale 9:30am - 4:30pm. Great Deals to be had on some inventory reduction!

** Pool Tournament: First Place $50 Chester's Gift Card. 2nd Place a $25 Gift Card.

** Guess the horsepower contest. $25 Chester's Gift Card to the winner.

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.

Saturday, May 1st

Dyno Day at Chester's Harley-Davidson.

Have you ever wondered how much horsepower you have when you are fully loaded and trying to pass those cars on a slow 2 lane road? It seems like never enough! But now you can find out how much you have and where you need to be to get around those cars in plenty of time. Stop by Chester's HD on Saturday, May 1st for a FREE Baseline Run on our Dyno and let us tell you how much Torque and Horsepower your motor is producing. While you are there, enjoy FREE Food and Live Music at the "Party on the Patio". Free Pool Tournaments. Games start at 12 Noon. Top prizes to the 1st and 2nd place winners. Stop by Chester's Harley-Davidson from 10am - 3pm on Saturday, May 1st for all of the fun. Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.

Benefit Ride for Jason Jr. Jason is a 9 year old boy who has Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and Autism. Jason is limited to certain activities, and he has never experienced the thrill of riding a bicycle with his brother and their friends. This event is to raise money for the special needs bicycle that is needed for Jason to ride. Come to the Hideaway in Cave Creek on Saturday, May 1st to make a difference in this little boys life. Music, Food, Raffle prizes. $5 Ride-In and $5 Raffle tickets. Click Here for the full story of Jason.

5th Annual Amanda's Run. Amanda is a 24 year old victim of a violet crime that left her paralyzed in January 2006. Through miracles and physical therapy, she has made great progress. To help in this life-changing ordeal a POKER RUN will be held to benefit Amanda and her 6 year old daughter. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association. Registration is from 8-9am at the Black Bear Restaurant located on the I-10 and Dysart Rd. on the SW corner. $15.00-entry $5.00-passenger. More information at b57rooster@aol.com .

Bike and Biker Blessing. In memory of Clyde H. Nachand and all fallen riders. 10am at Church of the Beatitudes, United Church of Christ, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, AZ. Food, Beverages and conversation in the courtyard following the blessing.

Ride 4 Recovery. Benefiting Casting For Recovery Arizona to support breast cancer survivors. Registration Begins at 10 AM Renegades Classic Phoenix, 3102 East Cactus Road in Phoenix, (32nd St. and Cactus). Ride Ends at Dirty Dogg Saloon, Scottsdale, 10409 N. Scottsdale Rd. This ride is to help women who have survived breast cancer, and to show them they are NOT alone. Today, over 500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. All the money raised will stay in Arizona. $25 a person $40 a couple Registration fee includes: Coffee and Donuts at registration, lunch on route, a goodie bag, live music and a door prize ticket. Casting for Recovery is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit.

Jacob's Journey House Journey Run. All proceeds will go to support Jacob's Journey House and My Fathers House. $10 donation for rider and passenger. Registration & Breakfast 9-10am at "My Fathers House" located at 3030 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. Pancake breakfast included. First 100 riders receive bandana. 5 stops ending at Arrowhead HD. High hand and low hand poker run.

Dice Run Sponsored by MMA Westsiders District. Funds will send MMA Westsiders representation to Orlando, FL. for the NCOM 25th Annual Convention. $10 per card. Meet at the Moose Lodge in Goodyear, 1572 S. Cotton Lane. Breakfast served 8-10am for $5. Kick stands up at 10am. Bikini Bike and Car wash at Hoot and Howl, 55 N. Litchfield Rd. Cash prize awarded to the highest and lowest roll. All riders welcome.

"Ernie Palooza" Benefit Ride to benefit Ernie Lizarraga. Most of you have heard of the horrible motorcycle accident on March 25th. An inattentive driver, who is now known to have been impaired, literally ran over 8 motorcycles while they were stopped at an intersection, killing four motorcyclists and seriously injuring five others. If you missed the article that I wrote on this, Click Here. One of the survivors is Ernie Lizarraga, a Phoenix Firefighter Captain, who was critically injured, has battled to stay alive and is on a very long term recovery process right now. Ernie is STILL in the hospital listed in serious condition. As you may imagine, the hospital bills are increasing every single day and have reached astronomical proportion with no end in the immediate future. Please come support Ernie and the Phoenix Firefighters on May 2nd for an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast, BBQ lunch at Notorious P.I.G., Live Music, Raffle Prizes and best of all, a BENEFIT RIDE! This is a ride hosted by United Phoenix Firefighters local 493 and the Phoenix Firefighters Emerald Society. Watch an update on Ernie's condition on Channel 12 at 10pm Thursday night.

** The day starts from 7:30am - 10:00am with a Pancake Breakfast at Ernie's Phoenix Fire Station 54 located at 99th Ave. & Campbell featuring hot coffee and fresh pancakes. $5.00 donation for all you can eat.

** The Ride For Ernie starts at 10:30am - 2:00pm that will take you to Desert Ridge Shopping Center, Loop 101 and Tatum for the end location of the Notorious P.I.G. All American BBQ.

** Party for Ernie from 2pm - 9pm at Notorious P.IG. at Desert Ridge. Raffle Prizes, Silent Auction, BBQ & Live Music at 4pm.

I really like the way the have put this event together, because you are able to participate in a few different ways, to a level of financial giving that you are comfortable with.

Cost: There is an all inclusive price or an Ala Carte option for the ride.

$35 per rider (save $15 over ala carte pricing) Includes event T-Shirt, Pancake Breakfast, BBQ at Notorious and Raffle Ticket. Passenger rides for free, but would have to buy meal and t-shirt if they want those items.

$25 Ride and T-Shirt.

$10 BBQ Feed, Notorious P.I.G. at Desert Ridge.

$5 all you can eat pancake breakfast.

Raffle Tickets $5 each or 5 for $20.

Charity Concert at Robbie Fox's in Tempe. Robbie Fox's is having a cancer benefit concert to benefit "The Brady Fund". Brady is 2 years old on June 1st and was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 3 months old. He has been in and out of The Phoenix Children's Hospital cancer ward ever since and has had 2 bone marrow transplants and intensive chemo therapy. Brady is currently on Interferon. Robbie Fox's is sparing no expense to set up a stage, lights and sound to bring you a Live Concert with the Rhythm Dragons & The Jump Back Brothers featuring Special Guest Nina Curri from 3pm - 10pm. 20% of all proceeds for the day sales go to the Brady Fund. Enjoy delicious burgers, beer and no cover. Biker Brunch special served from 11am - 2pm. Ride down for brunch or take a Sunday afternoon ride down to Robbie Fox's in Downtown Tempe for a great concert. Located in Downtown Tempe on Mill at 6th St., across from Ztejas. Not only will you love the food, you will love the place. Come visit us this Sunday for some good food, a good concert and help Brady at the same time. www.robbiefoxs.com

Friday, May 7th

Motorcycles On Main St. in Mesa Sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. Riders have been asking for something to do on a Friday night for a long time and it is finally here at least once per month. Last month over 1000 riders came out to downtown Mesa for a fun time. Ride to downtown Mesa the first Friday of every month for the Downtown Mesa "Motorcycles On Main St." Cruise Main St. and enjoy Sturgis Style parking on the inside lanes. Park and show off your bike. The night will feature 4 Beer Gardens located throughout the 2 blocks and 4 Live Band Stages. Be sure and check it out this month on Friday, May 7th to join in on the motorcycle fun in Downtown Mesa from 6pm - 10pm. Downtown Mesa is located Just East of Country Club Dr. on Main St. Ride in with Chester's HD. Meet at the dealership at 6pm located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. Ride leaves at 6:30pm and ends at the Chester's Booth on Main St. Reserved Motorcycle Parking on the Main St.

Saturday, May 8th

Renegade Classics Anniversary Bash! Renegade Classics is the best motorcycle store in the Valley for finding all of your riding needs and those hard to find accessories all in one place. If you haven't checked out their huge selection of touring gear, travel bags, luggage, boots, helmets, glasses, jackets etc., Saturday, May 2nd from 11am - 3pm would be the time to do it. To celebrate their one year Anniversary, RENEGADE IS OFFERING A 25% STOREWIDE SALE! That's Right! Grab that touring bag or leather you have been wanting today. And while you are there, enjoy a FREE BBQ Lunch, Bikini Bike Wash with the Dirty Dogg Girls and a Bikini Contest sponsored by Beyond Bodyz. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 East Cactus Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-595-9597.

Benefit Auction for Lizzard. Shawn "Lizzard" Kelly went down during Bikeweek. He is recovering but spent 3 days in ICU which was very expensive and has put a financial burden on him. Kimmy at Biker Information Guide has set up a benefit auction to help Lizzard to pay some of the mounting bills. It takes place on Saturday, May 8th 12:00 Noon till 3:00pm at the Star Dust Lounge located at 4346 W. Olive Ave in Glendale. Kimmy said they do need auction items. Or you can bring items the day of the auction, a few hours before the auction starts. For more information call the office at 602-843-8907 and ask for Kimmy or JC.

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook.

New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 2300 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!

Ever wonder what they do at the Ford Factory during lunch break? The guy's laughing in this is infectious. Click Here to View.

I have no idea how they did this production, but it is entertaining just from that alone. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week:

This is one dog that has a task and is determined to get it done. Does he make it? Click Here to View.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com