Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/9/10
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Well, looks like Ole' man summer is toying with us a little bit. He's been giving us a little taste of what is to come, one little reprieve this weekend and then hammering us with predicted temps of 110-112 for at least 7 days in a row, and maybe more starting on June 16th. Click here for the extended forecast. This is no big surprise, we do live in the desert and it has done it every year for the last 29 years that I have lived 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.
 
The following article was done about 4 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.
 
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.
 
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. Click Here to view. Click Here for some more ideas
 
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.
 
With the humidity being as low as 4% on a daily basis right now. Dehydration can come upon you very quickly. Stay ahead of it by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks. As you are taking trips in or out of the Valley area, be sure and take water with you when you travel and make a note to drink some at every stop. Just be aware, this could happen to you.
 

 
Tidbits and Updates: I will be using this section in the future for random thoughts and updates.
 
**I ran across an old video of Mogollon playing at the Greasewood Poker run. It is a clip of them playing "Devil Went Down to Georgia" featuring my good buddy Duane Moore who can flat out play the fiddle. If you need a good pick me up this afternoon, watch this 2 minute clip. Click Here.
Go to 200% on the video size for better viewing. I love this clip.
 
**There are only 3 Bike Nights left at Westgate. Should be a good night to ride tonight. Ends June 24th. However, we are looking into doing one blowout Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night per month for September, October and November. Should be a good time.
 
**If you have some time to kill when it gets hotter, check out the Cyclerides.com Photo and Video pages on Smugmug at http://cyclerides.smugmug.com/. There 30 galleries of viewing to keep you busy for a while. Utilize the "Slideshow" feature in the upper right for best full screen viewing of each gallery.
 
 

 
Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, June 12th
Camp Chester's Event.
Looking for a good destination this Saturday morning?
11am-4pm.  Free fun day with Harley Boot Camp Workshops, Fashion Show at 1 PM, Free BBQ & Live Music, Raffles & Games.
 
NEW!!
Chilly Bombers Saturday Bike Night.
There is now a place to ride to on Saturday night in the West Valley.
 
Saturday, June 12th
Fallen Heroes Motorcycle Poker Run
All Proceeds to benefit the family of Officer Travis Murphy, who was recently killed in the line of duty.

 
 
Bike Nights This Week
 
Wednesday
 
 
Only 2 more nights left for Chandler Bike Night. Ends on June 23rd.
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.
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.
Thanks to our sponsor Chandler Harley-Davidson for their support. Look forward to seeing you for the last couple of nights!
 
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.
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
 
The Westgate Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com is back and bigger than ever!
Come park on Coyote Blvd. and enjoy the view as over 1000 bikes roll into Westgate. Watch motorcycle related videos on the Giant LED screen, view vendors, eat at one of the local restaurants outdoor patios while enjoying the $6 million dancing fountains.  Enjoy Music and Videos all night.
If you haven't made it out the Westgate Bike Night yet, you only have 4 more weeks to ride out and enjoy the fun with 1000 people that share your passion of motorcycles. Walk the line and see all of the beautiful motorcycles lined up on Coyote Blvd.  Click Here for Photos from last week.
 
Check out this new Westgate Bike Night video by Rusty Childress of The Main Event Imaging! Click Here to View.
Rusty is an excellent photographer and has many other great photos. Click Here to View.
 
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 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.
 
Only 3 Weeks Left!
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.
 
Take advantage of a great food deal at The Shout House. $6 Sturgis Burger Special includes Burger, Fries, and Domestic Beer. And $2 Domestic Drafts all night. You can't beat that! Located second level above Cactus Jack's. See the Rock N' Roll Dueling Pianos. Every Thursday in June. Opens 6pm, Pianos at 8pm.
 
Every Saturday
 
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.
 
Every Saturday Night
 
NEW!!
Chilly Bombers Saturday Bike Night. There is now a place to ride to on Saturday night in the West Valley. Chilly Bombers is hosting a new bike night from 7pm - 10pm every Saturday night located on the SE Corner of 51st Ave. and Bell Rd. You will find a nice mix of indoor and outdoor patio seating with a CO2 Myst System to keep you cool. Enjoy flat screen TV's from your booth inside, sit at the U shaped bar, or sit outside and watch the bikes roll in. Plenty of motorcycle parking. Enjoy a $5 Food Menu, $4 Jack Daniels, $4 Apple Jacks and $4 Jim Beam. On Friday nights from 5pm - 9pm ride by and see the "Cruisin' Car Show". Awards given each night. For more information call 602-298-0843.
 
Every Sunday
 
BABE'S BIKER BASH In Gilbert. Every Sunday is BIKE DAY at BABE'S, Ride Your Bike To BABE'S And Get 1/2 dozen Free Wings from 12-2pm. Party starts at Noon. Live Band at 2pm. This week is Men Without Shame. $3.00 Jack Daniels, $2.00 Drafts. All The Food & Drink Specials You Can Handle! Ride by Babe's new location this Sunday at 1686 N.Higley Rd. in Gilbert, AZ to enjoy Good Food, Live Music, Babe's Girls and sit on the outdoor patio to watch the bikes roll in. Plenty of motorcycle parking out front. See PHOTOS from last week on our Facebook and  more information at our web site. www.babessportsbar.com/
 
Events This Week
 
June 10th - 12th
The Annual Arizona State H.O.G. Rally returns to the cool pines of Northern Arizona! Welcome to the "GATEWAY TO MANY GREAT RIDES" or better known as the "GATEWAY TO THE GRAND CANYON", Williams, AZ. The 2010 Arizona State
H.O.G. Rally Committee is working hard for a glorious return to Williams, AZ, June 10-12, 2010.
June is a great time of year to get out of the city and come enjoy the cool pines and small town hospitality of Williams, Arizona! They are ready to roll out the red carpet and welcome riders as only they can. There will be so much to do with scenic guided rides as well as self-guided rides throughout Northern Arizona. Also, a ride in Bike Show and Great Bike Games with covered seating!! Listen to live music, dance the night away or just kick back with friends. The possibilities are endless, you won't want to miss a minute of it! Click Here for the complete Schedule of Events.
 
Saturday, June 12th
Fallen Heroes Motorcycle Poker Run. All Proceeds to benefit the family of Officer Travis Murphy, who was recently killed in the line of duty. Registration at the PLEA Office 6/12/10 at 8:00am, located at 1102 West Adams St. in Phoenix. Prize for Best Poker Hand $500.00. Awesome Raffle prizes, Great Food and an opportunity to make a difference!!  Riders - $50.00, Passengers $15.00 each includes t-shirt for each participant. Cash or Check only. For additional information call the PLEA Office 602-246-7869. 4 additional stops including the 3rd stop at participating sponsor Hacienda Harley-Davidson located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. Ending Location is Coach and Willies, 412 South 3rd Street in Phoenix. Please come and participate in the 1st Fallen Heroes Motorcycle Poker Run in honor of Officer Travis Murphy.
 
Saturday, June 12th
Camp Chester's Event. Looking for a destination this Saturday morning? Ride by and take advantage of some Harley "Boot Camp" Workshops. And while you are there, enter to win a $400 Gift Certificate. Festivities take place from 11am-4pm.  Free fun day with Harley Boot Camp Workshops, Fashion Show at 1 PM, Free BBQ & Live Music, Raffles & Games. You don't want to miss out on learning valuable service tips from our Chester's Camp Counselors! All here at the dealership. Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.
 
Monday, June 14th
7th Annual Burn Camp Ride. Attention all Arizona fire department members, retirees and guests! Please join us for a day of fun in the cool pines near Prescott on our 7th Annual Burn Camp Run hosted by the Phoenix area Wind & Fire Motorcycle Chapter to benefit the Arizona Burn Camp. This ride is limited to fire department members, retirees, and their guests. Registration between 11am - 11:45am at Prescott Fire Station #1, 333 White Spar Road. $30 Donation for riders, $15 donation for passengers. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs provided by the Prescott Firefighters. Lunch will be served at the Burn Camp. Phoenix area riders will be leaving from Station 56 at 3210 W. Canotia Place (I-17 & Carefree Hwy.) and will ride through Wickenburg and Yarnell to Prescott. Registration for Phx riders will be 7am. Questions: Jerry Burghout at 623-680-8506.
 
Next Week
 
HOT! 
HOT! 
HOT!
 
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!
 
This is a really funny commercial. The problem is I can't remember what they were advertising. But funny and creative. Click Here to View.
 
Here are a couple of Motorcycle OOPS moments that probably didn't need to happen. Click Here to View.
 
Video of the Week: We can never get enough of wild animal video's. Here is a clip called "Mission Impossible" featuring a squirrel. This little guy is smart!  Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the page.
 
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
 
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com
 

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