Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update
6/5/13
Greetings Riders,
If you missed the newsletter last week with the report on our ride up and
down the Pacific Coast Highway #1
and the visit to the Petersen
Automotive Museum, Click Here to Read. There are
also over 100 excellent photos of the ride that you will want to see as well as
photos from the museum. There was a once in a lifetime photo that I captured
while taking a shot at Nepenthe Restaurant with my cell phone that is really
cool. Click Here to View.
This is that time of year where I feel the need to remind everyone of a
very serious illness that we are all susceptible to, particularly this time of
year. Dehydration. For those of you that have experienced this, you
know that it is a serious situation and not to be ignored. This happened to me a
few years ago while riding back into the valley from the North, and every year I
feel compelled to tell my story. If I only help one person with this report, it
would be worth it. Please read below.
Dehydration
How to Avoid and Treat.
Well, we knew it was going to happen sooner or later.
Temperatures in the Phoenix area are now getting to over 110
degrees. This is no big
surprise, we do live in the desert and it has done it every year for the last 30
years that I have been here. But we do have to live in it,
ride in it and survive in it. The last one is the
most important and there is one very nasty silent enemy that you have to pay
attention to, especially if you are going to ride in it, and that is
dehydration. Every year I draw attention to this
very serious condition, and every year I get a note of thanks from someone who
benefited by this article. So whether we have lived here for 30 years or new to
the valley, it is good to be reminded that we need to be aware that it can
happen quickly.
The following article
was done about 7 years ago recounting MY personal experience with
dehydration and it needs to be
repeated, especially with the
forecasted heat. I thought
I was a tough guy and this dehydration thing couldn't happen to me, but I was
wrong. It is very real
and can be very scary, especially if you are riding either as a rider or
passenger. Please read the following, follow the suggestions and be very careful
as we reach the extreme temperatures over the next couple of weeks.
One thing that we all have to pay
attention to and be extremely careful about this time of year is
dehydration. Dehydration is a loss
of water and important blood salts like potassium and sodium which can be very
serious, especially when riding a motorcycle. It occurs when the amount of water
in the body falls below normal, which, in turn, disrupts the balance of sugars
and salts (electrolytes) in the body. A lot of us, especially those that are new
to the area, don't really know that much about dehydration in general, and
certainly not as it applies to riding. I didn't know that much about it either
until about 5 years ago when Mr. Dehydration introduced himself to me as I was
riding South down I-17 just North of Rock Springs. He made a believer out of me.
It is one of those days that I won't soon forget, and it taught me a big lesson
about not getting into that situation again. I, like a lot of other riders, had
underestimated the impact of dehydration on my body.
I was heading back to
the Valley in the late afternoon heading into temperatures of about 109
degrees, which was of course much hotter on the Interstate. About 20 miles North
of Rock Springs I started noticing that I had cotton mouth so bad that I
couldn't have mustered up a spit for a $100 bill. A few miles later I noticed
that my sweat glands were no longer producing any sweat. My arms and face were
completely dry. Shortly after that I remember that I starting having blurred
vision, almost like I was seeing stars followed by a dizzy feeling and weakness
in my muscles, like I really wasn't in complete control. Not being an expert in
dehydration, or for that matter ever experiencing it before, I didn't know
clinically what was going on, but I had a pretty good idea that was what was
happening.
My immediate problem was, I didn't
have any water with me, and I was still about 15 miles from Rock Springs where I
could get some. The closer I got to
water the worse my symptoms were getting. More blurred vision, getting more
unsteady and weaker by the mile. It was like when I started going downhill
physically, it was a rapid decent and every mile I rode doing 75 mph in 107
degree temps with no windshield just seemed to be sapping every ounce of
moisture out of my body. I was almost to the point that I couldn't even swallow
and considered stopping and letting my riding buddy go get me some water. I
wasn't sure that I was actually going to be able to make it. But I decided to
focus while counting down each mile in hopes that I would soon get to
water.
We finally made it to the gas
station next to the Rock Springs Cafe. For me, that old place had never looked
so good. It was truly an oasis in the desert. I promptly threw down
the kick stand and headed to the cooler to make my claim on the biggest bottle
of water I could find and downed it in two gulps. I followed that with a big
bottle of Gatorade. It wasn't long until I was starting to regain some of my
faculties while getting back to normal vision and able to think straight.
Needless to say, this put a little scare in me and I learned my lesson without
it turning ugly on me. Now when I am riding in the heat I pay attention to
maintaining hydration in my body.
Now, what should you do to avoid what
happened to me?
Here are some tips to keep yourself in
good hydration all the time and while riding.
1. Keep the direct sun off of
your skin. Wear a light colored
long sleeve shirt over your arms and a helmet or a bandanna on your head.
Exposing your skin to sun and wind is a double whammy that only increases fluid
loss from your body. Wear generous sunscreen on exposed areas. Your brain is
about 75 percent water, so anything you can do to keep your head covered is a
good thing. A helmet can go a long way in preserving fluids in your body when it
is extremely hot.
2. Pour water over your
shirt. A good way to create
a natural evap cooler for your body is to pour water over you arms, neck and the
front of your shirt. While you are riding this provides a cooling sensation for
your body. You could also use a cooling vest that holds water in.
3. Drink LOTS of water. You should be
drinking at least 8 ounces of water every hour when riding and probably more.
Sports drinks like Gatorade are also good as they replenish needed electrolytes
as well as fluid. Caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and soda pop, as well
as alcoholic drinks, should not be considered as alternatives for hydration. In
fact, caffeine and alcohol can actually contribute to
dehydration.
4. Drink water BEFORE you are
thirsty. Once you have gotten
to the point that your mouth is bone dry, you are on your way to dehydration. It
is best to drink a bottle of water before you take off for a
ride.
5. Take in more fluid than you are
losing. If you
are not making a trip to bathroom regularly, or your urine is a dark color, this
means you are not getting enough liquids in your body. This is something to pay
attention to daily, not just when riding.
6. A good idea for keeping you
hydrated while you are riding is a CamelBak Hydration System. This is a 70 ounce
pack that fits on your back with a tube that comes around for you to drink water
while you are riding.
Another good idea are the cooling vests that you soak with water before you
ride.
7. Symptoms of
dehydration: Thirst, Dry Mouth,
Dry Tongue, Fatigue, Dark Colored Urine, Infrequent Urination, Dry Skin, Rapid
Pulse, Dizziness, Blurred Vision. Here is a good link for Preventing Dehydration.
Other useful links:
Tidbits and Updates:
**Emissions testing for motorcycles update.
The following was
taken from the ADEQ
Website.
Phoenix Motorcycles
In 2008, the Arizona Legislature passed House Bill 2280
authorizing the exemption of motorcycles from emissions testing requirements in
the Phoenix area. The exemption required the approval of the U.S. EPA by July
2014 (as authorized by House Bill 2033 in April 2010 and extended by House
Bill 2073 in 2012).) A request for approval of the exemption was submitted
to the U.S. EPA on November 10, 2009. An addendum was submitted on January 12,
2011. Copies of the submittals are available upon request by calling the SIP
Unit at (602) 771-2373. The U.S. EPA's approval becomes effective on June 21,
2013 (78 FR 30209; May 22, 2013). After June 21, 2013,
motorcycles in the metro Phoenix area will no longer be required to be
tested.
Bike Night
Every
Thursday, March 28th – June 27th
ONLY 4 NIGHTS LEFT!
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
“Backstage Crew” 6-9 PM.
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.
Thanks to our Presenting
Sponsors Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports:
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.
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 16 in 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, June 7th
REO Speedwagon Concert at Pepsi Amphitheater
in Flagstaff. Looking for a reason for a ride to the pines in Flagstaff?
What could be a better one than to take in an REO Speedwagon
Concert on Friday night. The Pepsi Amphitheater is located just off of I-17 at
exit 337 just South of I-40 at Fort Tuthill Park. The Concert starts at 8PM with
Opening performance by Steve Ansel & the Jackson Street Band. Tickets range
from $44-$86.75. Save $10 per ticket by using the code “Sun” when
purchasing tickets. Click Here for
Tickets.
More information Click Here.
Saturday, June 8th
Tickets $35. Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival, presented by
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, delivers the best culinary talents of the
region and finest local and global wine from award-winning vintners. At $35,
Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival presents Northern Arizona’s finest culinary
artists at an unbeatable ticket value. Pepsi Amphitheater, Fort Tuthill County
Park, Flagstaff, Ariz. Saturday, June 8, 12pm – 5pm. Click Here for
tickets.
Sunday, June 9th
2nd
Annual Bike & Bombers. If you are going through California this weekend,
particularly Santa Ana,
a friend of mine is putting on the Bikes
& Bombers event at the Lyon Air Museum. Looks like a cool event. You’re
invited to the 2nd Annual Bikes and Bombers event, Sunday, June 9th 2013, 10am
to 2 pm. Exclusive motorcycle parking, complimentary coffee & donuts
provided by co-sponsor Triumph/Ducati of Newport Beach, live entertainment
featuring The Mark Wood Band, People’s Choice Bike Show sponsored by Danny Gray
Hand Crafted motorcycle seats (winner gets to have their photo taken at the
controls of the Museum’s B-17 and a gift certificate from Danny Gray), “meet and
greet” WWII pilots, food and merchandise vendors. All motorcycle riders
attending this event may enter Lyon Air Museum at the discounted rate of
$8.
Next Week
Saturday, June 15th
Buddy
Stubbs Anthem Hogs and Dogs. Gear up for Father’s Day with Buddy Stubbs
Anthem Harley-Davidson!
Join the Buddy Stubbs crew on Saturday,
June 15th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for their monthly Hogs & Dogs and receive
a FREE hat with the purchase of a dealer tee shirt and a pair of jeans for Dad.
In addition to this great deal, a free gift will be handed out to ALL Dads in
attendance. Don’t miss out on the FREE food and drinks that will be served and
take advantage of the bikini bike wash to get your H-D® shining in the summer
sun! Be part of this great salute to Dads with Buddy Stubbs Anthem H-D. Buddy
Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem, AZ
85086. Visit them on the web at www.anthemhd.com. For more details regarding this
event call (623) 465-1122 or e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com.
Saturday & Sunday,
June 15-16
Arrowhead
Harley-Davidson “Celebrate Dad” for Father’s Day. Celebrate Father’s Day at
Arrowhead HD with 15% OFF
Men’s Licensed H-D Merchandise. PLUS on
Saturday Only – FREE FOOD from 11am – 1pm, Raffles, Live Music Free Bikini Bike
Wash 11am – 3pm and a Used Parts Swap Meet from 7am – 12pm. Bring Dad in to buy
a new or used Sportster or Big Twin and he gets a $200 Gift Card. Arrowhead
Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria,
AZ. 623-247-5542. www.arrowheadharley.com
Saturday, June 15th
Chandler
Harley-Davidson Lucky 13 Anniversary Event. Join Chandler Harley-Davidson in
celebrating their 13th Anniversary.
Stop by to enjoy a Fashion Show
featuring the Bellezza Models starting at 1pm. FREE Food catered by Rudy’s,
Music, 13% OFF Licensed H-D Merchandise. We have great gifts for Dad. Raffles
throughout the day. There will also be a Patio Bike Show. Must register by 11am
on 6/15. Trophies to be awarded after the fashion show for Top Custom, Bagger,
Softail, Best Paint, and People’s Choice. $200 Gift Card on any new H-D
Motorcycle purchase between 6/14-6/16/13. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W.
Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ 480-496-6800. www.chandlerharley.com
Sunday, June 16th
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!
Here is
one for you motorheads. See this GT 500 blow up a Dyno. Click
Here to View.
Have you ever wondered what a drone can see from 17,500 feet.
This is eye opening. Click Here to
View.
Video
of the Week. This
is a crazy video. See what happens when a bus hits a
deer. 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
All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2013 BDC Products,
LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
All rights
reserved.