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Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
5/15/13
 
Greetings Riders,
 
This week I would like to begin the letter by wishing my wife Happy Anniversary. Tomorrow we will celebrate the day of our marriage which took place 32 years ago. We made a personal vow on that day that we would be together forever, and through all the peaks and valleys over the years we have been blessed to be able to accomplish that. Tammy, (or Mrs. C. as she is affectionately known in the newsletter), is my best friend, my life companion and the absolute light of my life. Thank you Mrs. C. for being there for me all of these years. You are a blessing to me every day and I look forward to the next 32 years. Happy Anniversary!
 
In the newsletter last week, I mentioned that we were looking forward to putting some meaningful miles on the bikes this past weekend, and we did just that. It had been a while since we had really spent an entire day on the bikes enjoying Arizona scenery. On Sunday we added 320 enjoyable miles to the odometer’s. We took off about 8:30 AM and headed out through Wickenburg and up Yarnell Hill then through the forest to Prescott.
 
Many of you have been up Yarnell Hill before. It has long been known as a road for the sport bike guys to exercise their cornering abilities and even a road for cruisers to scar up some bags. Just as a warning to any who might be going up there to set a record time to the top of the hill, beware that the DPS has other ideas for you. As we rounded the first corner heading up the hill, there were 2 DPS cars facing us on the opposite side of the road with their radar guns pointed at us. They were in the perfect location to nail some riders, and it was a big surprise to see them there. Fortunately I wasn’t in the bag scratching mood that morning and was only doing about 5 mph over the posted limit. They barely even paid attention to us. There were bigger fish about to jump on the grill. You have been warned!
 
It was a beautiful day for a ride with brilliant blue sky and some scattered puffy white clouds as you will see in the photos. I have made that ride up through the Prescott National Forest on Hwy. 89 numerous times over the years, and each time I am reminded how good of a ride it really is. That is, unless you get stuck behind one of these going 20 mph. Fortunately, the only passing lane was about 2 miles past where we encountered this “ride buster” and we were able to get around him pretty quick to salvage this ride to Prescott. Beware that there are some fresh tar snake spots on the road about 5 miles outside of Prescott and they are SLICK! They will make you pucker for sure.
 
We stopped in Prescott for a little break to walk around the arts and crafts show at the courthouse square. They really do get some of the best vendors up there for those events. Check out the City of Prescott events calendar to see what all they have coming up in music and festivals. After a 30 minute walk around the area, we headed on up to Jerome on Hwy. 89A for lunch at the Haunted Hamburger. That 12 miles of road from the bottom of the hill outside of Prescott up Mingus Mountain over 7100 feet and then back down to Jerome is an epic, beautiful and fun ride. I never get tired of that one. And right now it is a lush green from the spring rains.
Take a look at this beautiful photo on 89A just outside of Jerome.
 
After lunch, we continued heading North on 89A through Sedona where the traffic was heavy. I can’t remember a 1/2 mile backup getting through Sedona before, but we had one that day. But due to the slow down, it allowed me to get this great photo op of Mrs. C. with the red rock scenery in the background. Once we got through the downtown area, it was a slow, but gorgeous ride up through Oak Creek Canyon by one of our favorite ice tea stops, the Junipine Resort patio, on our way to the Pepsi Amphitheater to see the Beach Boys.
 
The Beach Boys have 2 of their original members, Mike Love as lead singer and Bruce Johnston as vocals and keyboard. They have even added Mike Love’s son, Christian Love on vocals and guitar. It was a lot of fun to see them in such an intimate setting and their music sounded great. Mike gave some cool insight to the songs and talked to the crowd a lot along the way and they responded by dancing and singing through the last half of the concert. It was a fun time.
 
The Pepsi Amphitheater is a really cool venue in Flagstaff for festivals on concerts. It has both reserved seating and a huge lawn area where you can bring your blanket and just enjoy the shows and the weather. REO Speedwagon is playing there on June 7th which should be really good. The Flagstaff Wine and Food Festival is the next day. Take a look at their schedule to see what all they have coming up.
 
About 5:15 PM we headed back down the hill to Phoenix. Traffic really wasn’t as bad as we were expecting on a Sunday afternoon, so it was an enjoyable ride home getting back to the valley at around 6:45 PM capping a 320 mile, 10 hour riding day. I have posted over 100 photos of the entire route for you to see. Now is an excellent time to do this route as everything is lush and green. See map and photo links below.
 
Click Here for a MAP of the route.
Click Here for PHOTOS OF THE RIDE.
 
Enjoy your week and ride safe!
Barry
 

Tidbits and Updates:
 
**Last week was a HUGE night at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports with crowds that rivaled opening night. We had a cool display of Rat Rods on display with one blowing flames. See Photos. This Thursday night, direct from the Treasure Island in Las Vegas, we have a Country Band at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night. Ride in and enjoy Chad Freeman and Redline from 6-9 PM. Since it is country night, I decided to also make it “Lifted Truck” night. We will have a display of some large lifted trucks in center court for you to view. Click Here for Details.
Click Here for photos from last week.
 
**White Bandana Campaign. The White Bandanna Campaign started during the summer of 2011, when a biker in New Mexico was broken down on the road and while passers-by waved as they passed, no one stopped to help, When the biker finally reached her destination, all those passers-by said they would have stopped had they known she needed help, like a bandanna tied to the handle bar. Thus the White Bandanna Campaign was born...tie the white bandanna to the left mirror or hand grip as a sign that you need assistance, when you are stuck on the side of the road.  We, in ABATE of Arizona, have adopted the campaign in hopes to continue the national movement and to let the riding public know about ABATE of Arizona and our message of safety. Free white bandannas can be obtained at the Arizona ABATE meeting every 2nd Sunday of the month at the American Italian club located at 7509 N. 12th St.
 

 
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.
 
Attractions this week:
Live Music this week with “Chad Freeman and Redline” 6-9 PM.
“Lifted Truck Night” lifted trucks on display in center court.
 
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.
Mama Gia’s - $.50 cent wings with an order of 24 or more. 1 Topping 16in pizza and 12 wings for $22.99. Mention our ad on Cyclerides.com and receive happy hour well, wine and Draft drinks.
 
This Week
 
Friday, May 17th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Movie Night! Join us Friday, May 17th from 6-10 PM for Movie Night. Blockbuster movie “The Avengers” starts at sunset being shown on a HUGE big screen in our parking lot. FREE Popcorn and Candy. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show with your family. The Chandler HD girls will be here with great raffle items & movie trivia. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ 480-496-6800.
 
Saturday, May 18th
Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Calling all Harley-Davidson lady enthusiasts! Are you ready to take the next step in riding a motorcycle? Anthem H-D is hosting a Women's only Garage Party on Saturday, May 18th, along with their monthly Hogs & Dogs event. The festivities will run from 11AM till 2PM so head to the dealership to enjoy a day designed especially for you! They will have several different stations set up including their popular H-D Jumpstart module. The H-D Jumpstart allows you to physically mount a Harley-Davidson, set your boots on the foot pegs, fire up the engine, and shift through the gears under the watchful eye of trained personnel. All of the activities are designed to help you effortlessly learn more about motorcycling and Harley-Davidson! The Garage Party will start promptly at Noon. FREE food and drinks (while supplies last) will be served by the Anthem H.O.G. Chapter with all donations raised benefiting charity. For more information or to register for the Garage Party log on to http://AnthemHDGP.eventbrite.com. Buddy Stubbs Anthem H-D is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem, AZ. Visit them on the web at www.Anthemhd.com.
 
Sunday, May 19th
Bikers For Boxers. Bikers for Boxers Luv Run will start at Renegade Tap & Kitchen - 9400 E Shea Blvd. at 9:00 A.M. The Poker Run will benefit the Boxer Rescue Organization and will be the best run of the Spring. You will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner for $20 PER BIKE. We will have new stops this year and the finish party at the Station in New River will be over the top. There will be door prizes, 50/50 and Auction Items.Visit the website to preregister and assure yourself of a free t-shirt. www.boxerluv.org
 
Sunday, May 19th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Bikes and Bikinis with the Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Girls. Swap Meet from 7AM – 12PM. We all have used parts laying around the garage that we need to get rid of. And there is probably someone out there looking for what you have. This is your chance to turn some of those parts into cash. Not only that, there will be a FREE Bikini Bike Wash by the Arrowhead HD Girls from 11AM – 3PM. And FREE LUNCH! Hot Dogs served from 11AM – 1PM. LIVE MUSIC from 11AM – 1PM. Used parts only. No competitive items or bike sales. Space is limited so call 623-247-5542 or email ahdebay@ridenow.com to reserve your spot! Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.
 
Wednesday, May 22nd
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Woman’s Garage Party. Do you know a woman interested in learning about motorcycles? She can learn more about the sport of riding at our women's’ Garage Party. This is a FREE EVENT that offers fun, beginner information for women with limited – or even no – background with motorcycles. Pass this information along to your female friend and tell her to join us for one night of fun workshops and activities during this event geared toward women who dream of riding, but just aren’t sure how to get started on their motorcycle journey. All takes place Wednesday evening from 6-8:30 PM at Arrowhead HD located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. You must RSVP for this event. There is limited space. So gather your girl friends and get signed up today. Food, Drink and Raffle Prizes will be provided.
 
Thursday, May 23rd
Chandler Harley-Davidson Woman’s Garage Party. Do you know a woman interested in learning about motorcycles? She can learn more about the sport of riding at our women's’ Garage Party. This is a FREE EVENT that offers fun, beginner information for women with limited – or even no – background with motorcycles. Pass this information along to your female friend and tell her to join us for one night of fun workshops and activities during this event geared toward women who dream of riding, but just aren’t sure how to get started on their motorcycle journey. All takes place Wednesday evening from 6-8:30 PM at Chandler HD located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ 480-496-6800. . You must RSVP for this event. There is limited space. So gather your girl friends and get signed up today. Food, Drink and Raffle Prizes will be provided.
 
Next Week
 
Saturday, May 25th
Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson will be a hosting a Women’s Garage Party along with their popular Hogs and Dogs monthly event on Saturday, May 25th, from 11 am – 2 pm.  Head over to Buddy Stubbs AZ H-D for FREE Food, Drinks, Live Music, a 12:00 pm Museum Tour and much more. The H-D Garage Party is designed for women who are interested in learning to ride their own H-D motorcycle. The party will be full of helpful tips, information and fun activities to transform you into a confident rider.  So bring a girlfriend and learn how to take the next step in motorcycling. The Garage Party will start promptly at 1:30 pm. Reserve your spot today @ http://BuddyStubbsGP.eventbrite.com. For more information on H-D Garage Parties check out www.h-d.com/garageparty. Buddy Stubbs HD is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ. Visit them on the web at www.buddystubbshd.com.
 
Saturday, May 25th
3rd Annual Memorial Day Ride. On Saturday, May 25, 2013 hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts and our patriotic community will honor our fallen American heroes at the 3rd Annual Memorial Day Ride starting at Sanderson Ford, 5111 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, and finish with more live music and a Salute To Service BBQ Challenge at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa, presented by Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln. Gates open at both locations at 11 am. Proceeds benefit Military Assistance Mission (MAM) that provides financial and morale aid to our current Arizona active duty military, their families, and wounded warriors regardless of overseas deployment status. More info at www.aztributerides.com and www.facebook.com/aztributerides
 
Monday, May 27th
7th Annual Memorial Day Rally. Attention all Bikers! Please join us as we Greet Family Members and Friends who are visiting the Grave-sites of those who have sacrificed their lives in protecting our nation! We show our Honor and Gratitude to those who have "given their all" with over 200 Bikes lined up with 150 flags displayed along Cave Creek Road and Pinnacle Peak leading into the Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery located at 23029 N Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85024. A free event paying tribute to those who have fallen. Hundreds of motorcycles and American flags line Cave Creek Road & Pinnacle Peak Road to let the family members going into the cemetery know that we will never forget their loved one's sacrifices. 6:30 – 8:00am. Official State sponsored ceremony inside the cemetery starts at 8:00 am. All bikes and riders welcome. Sponsor a flag in honor of someone that has served. More information at www.RidersUSA.net.
 
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!

This might have been in the newsletter before, but it is worth another look. Some fantastic scenery of Arizona behind filming of a B-25 and B-17 bombers. Excellent. Click Here to View.

This is a compilation of “fails” on the golf course. There are some nasty golf cart wrecks in here. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week. This is a hilarious video that has now gone viral racking up 11 millions views this week and was shown on Jay Leno. Watch to the end. 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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