Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Well, I almost don't know where to start this week except to say that it has been quite a busy and emotionally supercharged past 2 weeks for me. So I apologize if I have not answered your emails, I am still catching up for a couple of weeks. As you might have read from the newsletter last week, several months ago my daughter decided to have her wedding in Maui. At the time, I wasn't real sure how all of that would work out logistically, but it was her dream to be married there, so Mrs. C. and I were happy to fulfill her dreams of a Maui wedding. And for those of you with daughters that are about to get married, it is less expensive, and more fun, to have a small wedding in Maui than it is a big wedding in Sedona, by far. So I hope you don't mind me sharing with you our experiences in Maui as well as the over 200 mile motorcycle ride that we took around the island. You can also enjoy the 400 photos in 3 galleries that I took while we were there. Some of them are really beautiful. Links are below.

So after several months of the girls planning this event, and me planning a motorcycle ride around the island after it was all over, we all loaded up on Wednesday, May 5th and boarded a 757 to Maui arriving at 2:30 in the afternoon. We had been to Maui about 10 years ago, so we were somewhat familiar with area. After staying in a condo in Kapalua last time, this trip we chose to stay on Kaanapali Beach at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. After checking in and getting settled for our next 6 nights, we all met in Lahaina to get what I call the best burger on the island at the original Cheeseburger in Paradise. I know what some of you are thinking right now. I fly 2800 miles to a tropical island and get a cheeseburger. I hear you, but there would be plenty of time for seafood, and these burgers are really good.

Thursday was a day to relax and walking along Kaanapali Beach checking out all of the hotels along the way. Then on to a plantation tour in the afternoon that was interesting and acquainted us with the island. Friday afternoon at 3pm was the big day for the wedding that took place at a beautiful 11 acre private botanical gardens estate with panoramic views overlooking Maui's North Shore. This really was a much better location than I could have imagined. The estate is located about 2 miles off of the road to Hana at mile marker 16. You wonder where you are going as you wind down this one lane private road, but when you get to the end of it, you know you are someplace special. More information on the venue at Maui Wedding Planners.

The wedding was supposed to start at 3pm, but at about 2:45pm we were getting a typical afternoon Maui rain shower. By 3pm, the rain had stopped and I proudly walked the beautiful new bride down the aisle, and the nuptials were repeated with a blue sky and sunshine. It was a magical moment to be sure. For you Father's who have gone through this, you will agree that it is a very special day when your daughter leaves the nest and starts a life of her own. For those of you that would like to see the setting, and a proud Mother and Father, I have included 5 photos for you to view. Click Here. There are more on the Photo Gallery links below.

It is now Saturday, the wedding was successfully over and now it was time to enjoy some Maui activities. Ziplining seems to be the latest extreme activity that has hit the island. There are now at least 4 locations to zipline, but the place we chose was at Kapalua Adventures Ziplines that came highly recommended by the locals. It is only about 10 minutes from Kaanapali and it takes you high up the mountain on an adventure just to get to your first line. This was my first zipline experience and I have to admit it was really a lot of fun. I wouldn't put it in the same adrenaline basket as bungee jumping or skydiving by any means, but it is a very enjoyable activity that I would certainly do again. We did the 5 line package that takes you to the top of the mountain and includes lunch. There are plenty of photos in the gallery link below.

Sunday was a total relax/beach walking day but Monday was the day I was looking for. I had reserved a 24 hour rental on a Street Glide from Eaglerider in Lahaina to be picked up at 9am on Monday. When I was there 10 years ago I rented a bike and did the Northwest area North of Kapalua. This time I was anxious to do the Road to Hana, but in reverse. Typically, the road to Hana is done by taking state highway 36, which is also known as the Hana Hwy., 52 miles out to Hana, turning around and coming back. From what I had heard that makes for one long grueling day with all of the tourist traffic. But what really intrigued me was all of the stories that I had heard about the "back way" to Hana through the lava fields along the coast on the seldom traveled one lane, and sometimes dirt road. Now that would be the adventure I was looking for. This road is kind of the forbidden fruit of Maui roads as the rental car companies heavily discourage you from traveling this road. Now I can see why.

So we were on the road by 9:30am with our sights set on doing the road to Hana in reverse on the Street Glide, via the forbidden road. This area is known as Upcountry on the island. To do this you take Hwy. 37 near the airport, that is aka the Haleakala Hwy. because it takes you to the turnoff to the Haleakala Nat. Park to go up to the crater. A few miles past this turnoff after winding your way up the hill through blooming Jacaranda trees to over 3500 you will arrive at the Tedeschi Vineyards, aka Maui's Winery which is a really nice place to stop. The Ulupalakua Ranch Store across the street from the winery is also a good place to eat.

Just past the winery the road starts to get really interesting as you are now on a narrow 2 lane road going up and down through the lava fields with a beautiful view of Wailea, Kahoolawe and Molokini Island. As you round the South side of the island, the road becomes one lane and then what I would call extremely unmaintained. It is asphalt, but it looks as though they just through shovels full of it to fill some holes and never smoothed it out, which made it worse than the dirt road that was to come. The road was rough, but the views were well worth the slow going that teeth rattling slow moving adventure that we were on. But that being said, Schnebly Hill rd. still makes this look like a 4 lane superhighway.

After about 10 miles or so of this we hit the dirt road part of this ride that was a welcome diversion as it was actually smoother than the patchwork asphalt that we had just been on. You can see what I mean by the photos of the road. The true Southern part of this road is stunning as it takes you up, down and around following the coastline through lava, lush green vegetation and farmland. Just what I was looking for. One of the places that we stopped for photo ops was on the dirt road part of the trip that overlooked the ocean and an old church on the peninsula. It was such a stunning picture that I made it my windows desktop photo and am now sharing it with you. Click Here to view and download if you wish.

The road numbers change from Hwy. 37 to 31 to 330 along the way. But it really doesn't matter what they call them, there is only one road and all you need to do is stay on it to make your way around. Along the way about 10 miles or so out of Hana, you will come across the Haleakala Nat. Park. Here you can take a walk to see the Seven Sacred Pools. If you feel like taking a break you can take the hike to the pools. Otherwise, I wouldn't make a special effort to go there.

From there you will wind your way into the infamous Hana. For me, this must be where the old saying, "it is not the destination, it is the journey" came from. Fortunately, I was still so excited by the 2.5 hour ride to get there, that I really didn't care what it was like. Really nothing much there except a Ranch House where we ate lunch and a gas station. So we ate a quick lunch and then we were about to embark on what we were led to believe was the meat of this road, the famous "Road to Hana". From all of the hype that this route gets over there, you would think it was the best road in the world. I was envisioning Pacific Coast Hwy. 1 on steroids. Unfortunately it was not the case at all. In my opinion, it would even be the best road in Maricopa County or the best road on Maui. I'd rather do the ride to Tortilla Flat than ever do Hana again. And the PCH Hwy. 1 blows this away. There are too many curves (600), too many one lane bridges (over 50), too much of the exact same scenery with very limited views of the ocean and WAY too many Mustang convertibles with tourists.

But we powered through it and arrived back to the hotel at about 6:30pm, finishing our 8 hour, 163 mile day. The next morning was Tuesday, the day we were due to leave at 9:30pm. So we still had the bike and hadn't yet done what we knew was a great ride North of Kapalua. So at 7am we were on the bike again headed North for a beautiful ride around the Northwest part of the island. This is also a partially one lane road that I really wouldn't want to take a car on, but a motorcycle was perfect. This road winds you up and down through the mountains and fantastic views of the ocean and coast along the way, taking you through some cattle area as well as a little town of Old Kahakuloa Village along the way. This is an absolutely great motorcycle ride that will take you on about a 60 plus mile loop around the North part of the island. You will need to go very slow in parts of the route as the road is extremely narrow one lane with sheer drop offs. But the views are outstanding and well worth the time to navigate the road. This one I would highly recommend if you go to Maui. This ended our motorcycle tour of Maui with over 230 miles. Check out the coral that you can see in this picture. I was able to get some beautiful pictures. Click Here.

So now you know what we did on our early Summer vacation. It was a lot to wrap our head around over the period of 6 days, but well worth the time and we were very blessed with good weather and great family time along the way. Congratulations to our daughter, we wish her a long and happy marriage.

Just FYI, going to Maui right now is not as expensive as it may seem. We got airfare and 6 nights at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel for $1150 per person. A rental car was $165 for the week. Food can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be. Deals are out there. The bike was $149 for 24 hours.

Click Here for Random Maui Pictures

Click Here for Road to Hana Pictures

Click Here for Google Map of Maui

Highlights This Week

Thursday, May 20th

Cyclerides.com Ladies Night at the Westgate Bike Night. Women who ride their own bike to Westgate on May 20th will have VIP parking at center court, (while space lasts), get a raffle ticket for drawings and a gift from Petersen Johnson and Arrowhead HD for prizes and drawing for a gift certificate, and we will have a Women Rider bike show. Free Cyclerides T-Shirts for the first 25 Women Riders who ask me.

Arrowhead Harley is having a free woman only ride leaving the dealership at 6:30pm. Free gift bag to the first 50 woman riders. Click Here for details.

Sunday, May 23rd

First Annual Motorcycle Awareness Ride. Join thousands of other bikers across this country and around the world.

The First Annual "CAN YOU SEE ME NOW!" Motorcyclist Awareness Ride.

Bike Nights This Week

Wednesday

Cyclerides.com Downtown Chandler Bike Night.

Now on Wednesday Nights!

In an over overwhelming vote by 83%, the Chandler Bike Night has moved back to Wednesday nights.

I put a poll on the site to see which night was preferred by you the riders. It was a clear choice by 83% to move it back to Wednesday night. So forward this on to your riding pals that enjoy the Downtown Chandler Bike Night.

LIVE MUSIC with J.D. Madrid.

Enjoy food and drink specials from:

San Tan Brewery - Chicken Salad sliders and a pint of Beer $7.00

Murphy's Law,

El Zocalo and

Piza Piza

Fat Cat.

Once again we will have vendors, music and participating bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. 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 on Wednesday!

Jugg'z Saloon Wednesday 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.

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.

This Thursday is the Cyclerides.com Ladies Night at Westgate Bike Night!

Women who ride their own bike to Westgate on May 20th will have VIP parking at center court, (while space lasts), get a raffle ticket for drawings and a gift from Petersen Johnson as well as a drawing for a gift certificate, raffle tickets from Arrowhead HD booth, and we will have a Women Rider bike show. Free Cyclerides T-Shirts for the first 25 Women Riders who ask me.

Arrowhead Harley is having a free woman only ride leaving the dealership at 6:30pm. Free gift bag to the first 50 woman riders. Click Here for details.

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. 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. Stop by their booth to enter to roll the dice to win a new Victory 8-Ball motorcycle.

For the duration of this run over the next 5 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.

Thursday, May 20th

Cyclerides.com Ladies Night at the Westgate Bike Night. Women who ride their own bike to Westgate on May 20th will have VIP parking at center court, (while space lasts), get a raffle ticket for drawings and a gift from Petersen Johnson as well as a drawing for a gift certificate, raffle tickets from Arrowhead HD booth and we will have a Women Rider bike show. Free Cyclerides.com Ladies T-Shirts for the first 25 Women Riders who ask me.

Arrowhead Harley is having a free woman only ride leaving the dealership at 6:30pm. Free gift bag to the first 50 woman riders. Click Here for details.

Saturday, May 22nd

American Legion Riders Post 79 5th Annual Motorcycle Scrabble Run. $15 buy in. Registration 9-11am. Ride pins, lunch, cash prizes. Check in at ALR post 179 in Yarnell, AZ. 22911 Looka Way in Yarnell. Proceeds benefit ALR-79 charities, which include the Northern AZ BBQ for the Prescott VA patients and staff.

Sunday, May 23rd

First Annual Motorcycle Awareness Ride. Join thousands of other bikers across this country and around the world. The First Annual "CAN YOU SEE ME NOW!" Motorcyclist Awareness Ride. All riders know that more needs to be done to raise motorist awareness of the millions of motorcycles sharing U.S. roads each year. Many communities across the nation have experienced crashes resulting in serious rider injury or fatality due to inattentive, careless or unaware drivers. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 47 percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle. THIS RIDE IS OPEN TO ANY AND ALL MOTORCYCLE RIDING INDIVIDUALS, CLUBS, AND GROUPS. It's all about us, what we love to do, and we hope to inform others that when you drive any vehicle, your attention should always be concentrated on what your responsibility is. Put away that cell phone, leave the burger in the box, and the eye liner can wait until you are stopped. Begins at Toby Keith's at Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. in Mesa at 9am. Kick stands up at 9:45am. Ends at Greasewood Flat in North Scottsdale. All freeway ride to draw awareness, no fee to ride. For all details Click Here.

Sunday, May 23rd

Harleys For Hooters Fundraiser Ride. Harleys for Hooters ride benefitting Bekki Neugart, a beautiful single mom waging the war against breast cancer. Take a gorgeous ride with us and help Bekki at the same time. Sunday, May 23, 2010. Ride leaves at 9:00 am
at Julio Cesar Chaves Sports Bar at SW Corner of Southern & Country Club, Mesa. Check in time 7am - 8:45am. $25 donation per rider, $35 double for pre registration. Add $10 day of ride. Shirt, Goodie bag, Door Prize ticket, Food and Fun.

Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Celebrates Women Rider Month. Ride by Buddy Stubbs from 11am - 3pm for the popular end of the month party. Enjoy Free Hot Dogs, Drinks, Museum Tours, Live Music, 20% Off Women's Helmets, Pink/Label Motorclothes Fashion Show at 1pm. This event is always a good time and one that riders look forward to every month. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400. www.buddystubbshd.com

RidersUSA’s 4th Annual “Flags for Our Fallen” Memorial Day event. National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix Arizona. American flags and motorcycles line Cave Creek Road and Pinnacle Peak Road early Monday morning, May 31st. Flag Display & Salute to arrivals: 6:30am . This is where you park your bike along the many flags lined on Cave Creek Road and say "thank you" to those that are going into the cemetery. Also, the Arizona Central T-Buckets will be joining us and lining their hot rods along Pinnacle Peak Road. As family members go into the cemetery, you salute them and let them know their relatives buried in the cemetery are not forgotten. Ride into the Cemetery: 7:45am We are pleased to have the American Legion Riders from Post 105 lead all the bikes that want to, inside and watch the Ceremony. Official Ceremony: 8:00am (inside cemetery) PLEASE NOTE: The flag display and salute along with the official Ceremony do NOT cost. They are free. Event pins are available to the first 200 bikes. Sponsor a flag with your name attached to it. Details Click Here. See the moving film clip of last year’s event. Click Here.

Extras

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

New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 2400 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!

Ok, this is not a political statement by me, so save the emails. But it is pretty funny how these people trained a dog. Click Here to View.

I have had Chris Angel's magic in the newsletter before, but this trick is amazing. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week:

I am truly amazed at the U.S. firepower and precision. You will be amazed at this compilation of clips. I never tire of seeing the bad guys getting blown up. 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