Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Well, the calendar has turned to June and we are right at the beginning of the Summer riding season. For Arizona, it usually means that your rides will be going somewhere outside of the Valley area especially as we start hitting the triple digits on a regular basis, which is most likely right around the corner. Last weekend we got started on that line of thinking ourselves by taking advantage of the first long weekend of the Summer to do a little 4 day, 1200 mile ride to higher country, usually hanging around the 5000 - 7000 feet in elevation, topping out at over 9200 feet.

I had plans of bringing you that ride report today, but didn't factor in that I would be getting back until Tuesday night and the newsletter was to go out on Wednesday. So with 2 meetings on Wednesday and catch up from 4 days gone, that didn't happen. Being gone 8 days the prior week and 4 days this past weekend, Mrs. C. said it is time to take a break. So with nothing planned for this weekend, I will be able to spend some time on preparing a good overview and photos of a really good 4 day, 1200 mile adventure ride for the letter next week. Here is a cool shot to tide you over to next week. This is of an old General Store in Mogollon, NM that was used in the movie "My Name is Nobody", starring Henry Fonda. Click Here to View.

I have done a lot of these ride reports over the past several years and sometimes wonder if anyone ever uses them, so it is nice to know when people do. Occasionally a response will come in to a particular ride, but this week I got an email that I wanted to share with all of you, particularly because it was from a rider that lives in Florida. It is interesting to know that rider's outside of Arizona are using Cyclerides.com and coming to visit our State. Here is what he writes:

Barry:
Glad to hear you had a wonderful & well deserved honeymoon to Hawaii. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Arizona. We flew to PHX and I rented an Electra Glide from Chester's since my wife and I live in Sarasota, Florida. I have been planning this ever since I read your article about the North Rim last July. We went to the North Rim via Navajo Bridges, into Utah and back across Glen Canyon dam, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forest, Show Low, Tortilla Flat, and back to PHX 6 days and 1400 miles. I am a retired TWA pilot. After flying over many of these spots and the information you gave in your newsletter, it was a must do trip. Great information you provided - it was very helpful.

Thanks,
Vance Bauer

My thanks to Vance for the nice note and letting us know that the report on the North Rim trip inspired him to come to Arizona and enjoy our riding opportunities. And speaking of the North Rim, as soon as Mrs. C. is ready to go again, that is where we will be heading. A ride up there and a night in one of the cabins is a wonderful experience. Click Here to view North Rim ride report and see photos.

On May 1st this email came in from Vicki Fletcher from Washington who also did multiple Day Rides listed on Cyclerides.com. Here is what she says:

Hi there,

I just wanted to let you know that I stopped by your booth at AZ Bike ride and no one was there! But, prior to heading down to AZ from WA, I went on your site and printed off a few of your rides. They were awesome! We went to Bartlett Lake, South Mountain, Seligman and Tortilla Flats. Thanks for posting your rides. It really helped me to plan our trip and get in some fun rides. Only complaint is that we didn't have enough time to get them all in! Another time!

Vicki Fletcher
Seattle, WA

Thanks to Vicki for the note. They even included a picture from every stop. Once again, it is nice to know that rider's from around the United States are using the site and are taking advantage of some our great riding that we have right here in our back yard. Glad to hear they are taking advantage of the information provided on Cyclerides. Thanks to all for the replies. If you are looking for any Day or Multi-Day Ride ideas, go to the Day Rides page. You can also go to the Archives page and cruise through past newsletters for other destination or activity ideas that haven't made the Day Rides page.

When the calendar turned to June, it also signaled that the large bike nights will also be coming to an end real soon. The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night has 5 nights left including tonight. Westgate will end on Thursday, June 30th. Stay tuned for the announcement of the Fall schedule later this Summer. Thanks to Patriot Guard Riders and to those that attended the Memorial Day celebration with special guest Mogollon. It was a great reminder to what Memorial Day should really mean to all of us. If you not there and missed the featured video "I Thank The Soldier", Click Here to view. It is very inspirational and appropriate for Memorial Day. Thanks again to all for a special night. Rusty Childress did a short video recap of the night. You might find yourself in this video. Click Here. Here are some photos from my camera of the night. Click Here. Jim Moore from Biker Information Guide also clicked some pictures you might find yourself in. Click Here to View.

The Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night only has 3 nights left. There is not a bike night there tomorrow night, June 3rd, but we will finish up with the final 3 nights on June 10th, 17th and 24th. We will have top notch bands at Riverview to finish out the month including Mogollon on Friday, June 17th. This is going to be a "Heroes" night honoring our Police, Fire and Military personnel. There will be a parade to kick off the night with special guest Jared Allen, All Pro defensive end from the Minnesota Vikings as well as many other NFL football players and other celebs. They will be there to help Jared raise money for his Homes For Wounded Warriors charity. Jared's passion is to raise money to build handicap accessible homes for our injured United States Military Vets. (See Jared's Video introduction) You will also be able to see the bike that Paul Jr. from American Chopper built "on air" for Jared's Home For Wounded Warriors. Pictures with Jared and the Bike will be available for a $10 donation to "Homes For The Warriors". With Mogollon playing and this special event, this is sure to be a big night at the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night on June 17th. Be sure to check out this great venue for a bike night this month starting on June 10th. I think you will really enjoy it.

The response to the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night has been great so far. It is a very enjoyable venue with Live Entertainment and plenty of places to eat and drink. If that continues, and I am allowed to have it every Friday night, I will consider continuing it in the Fall and will make that decision later this Summer. Let me know what you think. Email me at info@cyclerides.com

Thanks for bearing with me as I strive to catch up after a couple of weeks of travel and recovering from the great "computer crash of 2011". I look forward to sharing both the 4 day ride from last weekend and our ride in Kauai over the next couple of weeks. If you missed the newsletter for the last couple of weeks and need to catch up, Click the following links for May 18th and May 25th.

Ride Safe this weekend,

**I had a personal milestone on the trip this week. The odometer on the Road Glide turned 70,000 miles crossing the New Mexico state line on Sunday and is now on the way to 80,000. Looking forward to clicking that picture soon.

**A lot of you had probably seen or even stayed in the Greer Lodge. We did a few years ago and were so close to it on this trip that I had to go see it after it had burned to the ground. Here is what it looks like now. So sad. Click Here to View.

Bike Nights

Every Thursday

Only 5 Nights Left!

The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night will finish out the season with 5 more bike nights ending on June 30th. Ride in and enjoy the Live Music, Food and Fun before it ends.

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. Click Here for Photos from bike night.

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:

"Hard Ride" 6-9 PM.

Click Here to view the new Westgate Bike Night Web Cam. It Works Now! 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 Accident Lawyers.

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.

Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports

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.

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."

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.

Friday Nights

**The Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night. No Bike Night this week.

But plan to attend the Last 3 nights starting next week on June 10th with top notch Live Entertainment in the street including Mogollon on June 17th.

This is going to be a "Heroes" night honoring our Police, Fire and Military personnel. There will be a parade to kick off the night with special guest Jared Allen, All Pro defensive end from the Minnesota Vikings as well as many other NFL football players and other celebs. They will be there to help Jared raise money for his Homes For Wounded Warriors charity. Jared's passion is to raise money to build handicap accessible homes for our injured United States Military Vets. (See Jared's Video introduction) You will also be able to see the bike that Paul Jr. from American Chopper built "on air" for Jared's Home For Wounded Warriors. Pictures with Jared and the Bike will be available for a $10 donation to "Homes For The Warriors". With Mogollon playing and this special event, this is sure to be a big night at the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night on June 17th. Be sure to check out this great venue for a bike night this month starting on June 10th. I think you will really enjoy it.

Only 3 nights left, this bike night ends on June 24th. This is really becoming a very fun night at a great venue for the East Valley. We will not be able to have the bike night on the first Friday of June. See new photos from this Bike Night. Be sure and check out the new Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery behind the band stage featuring 50 blown up photos from the Cyclerides collection and some large canvas photos from the Rusty Childress collection.

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.

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 been 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 5-10pm.

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.

For the first time in a long time, I have no events on the calendar for the next 2 weeks.

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!

This is an old one from the Newlywed game, but it is still hilarious. Click Here to View.

I don't know how to set this one up except to say: Ooops. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: This one is amazing! This baseball player is an absolute stud for what he did here. This could have really hurt this girl. Check it out! 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