Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 6/16/10

Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Well, it looks like we are starting to settle into Summer pretty well as we are seeing consistent temps in the mid 100's. Might as well get used to it, that will be our life for the next 90 days or so. If you missed last week's newsletter about "Dehydration", now would be a good time to read up on it. Click here to read. It is a very real and serious subject, especially with the heat that we will be seeing over the next few months.

So what will you do if you want to ride your motorcycle AND stay out of the intense heat in the Valley? Short of moving to Montana for the Summer, most of us plan some day trips up North to higher elevation to at least get out of the intense heat. But some might say, "I've done that trip so many times, I'm bored with it". I suppose that is possible, but I have yet to get bored with any ride in the State. My goal should be to do them so much that it could happen.

I guess boredom with anything, be it a marriage, job or even a day trip is a bit of perception and attitude toward whatever it is that you are getting uninterested in. Over Memorial Day weekend Mrs. C. and I wanted to go for a ride on Sunday. We discussed a few options and decided to go to through Wickenburg, up the hill to Yarnell for breakfast, to Prescott via the forest and on up to Jerome. This is a ride that we have done many times over the years, usually a few times per year. So I will admit to that brief moment of wanting to avoid familiarity before I came to my senses and realized that even a ride through beautiful Arizona scenery 100 times is better than no ride at all. After getting a bit of a late start around 10am, we were West bound on our way to enjoy the day and whatever it would bring us.

Given that this was our first ride as "empty nesters" after our daughter was married last month, we started out the day with a different perception, or attitude, if you will. For the first time, we didn't have to watch the clock to gauge our progress throughout the day. In the past, there was always a time constraint of some sort that would be in the back of our mind and would not allow us to totally relax and submerse ourselves into the ride. I'm sure some of you will know what I mean. Because we were now on OUR time, and could return home whenever we wanted, we were able to really take some time to enjoy the surroundings, make a few unscheduled stops and enjoy this route like never before.

Even though we had made this ride many times, it almost seemed like a new experience as my focus was what I could see in the moment, instead of looking forward to make sure I would meet my obligations at the end. To exercise our new found freedom from time constraints, we made a random stop in the little community of Congress located right before you go up Yarnell Hill. I have always seen little antique stores along this stretch, but this time a couple of old cars in a garage, an old gas pump and an old Mobil sign caught my eye. The garage was surrounded by other antique items and wooden buildings located on the North side of the road. There was also a sign that said there was a Art Gallery. It all kind of intrigued me, so we turned around, parked the bikes under the sign that said Congress Junction and started doing some exploring. As we were looking around, the owner of the place greeted us and told us to feel free to browse the property and that there was an old Woody in the garage.

The owner of the property is Mike Yacos who does Wood Design, Bronze Sculptures and Oil Painting. Mike gets logs out of the forest, brings them down to Congress and makes some really unique wood items including, mantels, sinks, furniture, doors, etc. He invited us into his house and showed us all of his creations. It was really fascinating to see the talent that he has. We then went over to the gallery, took a few shots of bikes in front of the old garage before making our way up to Yarnell. Mike invites anyone to come up and view his property and creations. It is a great little stop located on the North side of the road at 27010 Hwy. 89. You can see his web site at www.mikeyacos.com . This was just one example of having all the time that we wanted. Had we been on a strict schedule, likely we would have not turned around and the opportunity to meet Mike and enjoy seeing his talents.

Since we had spent close to an hour hanging out with Mike, our breakfast run had now turned into a lunch run. We made our way up Yarnell Hill and stopped at the Ranch House for some good chicken fried steak and eggs. Man was that good. Then we proceeded on up Hwy. 89 through the twisties of the Prescott National Forest into Prescott. And to our surprise, the town was packed as their was a Western Art Fair going on in the town square. So we parked the bikes on Whiskey Row and became a tourist, walking the streets and the art fair, once again without looking at our watch even one time. It was a new, relaxing and liberating experience.

After walking around for about an hour in Prescott, we saddled up and headed North on 89 about 4 miles from town where we made another impromptu stop at Watson Lake. Once again, we have been by the entrance to Watson Lake numerous times over the last 30 years and had never taken the time to stop there and look around. Once again, sans schedule, we decided to pull in. Wow! What a beautiful lake that is tucked back in there amongst the giant granite boulders. Take a look at this pic. There is fishing, hiking and you can even rent kayaks and canoes. There are several short hikes to walk out onto the boulders to just sit and enjoy the weather and the view. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the boulders and doing a mini explore of the area. What a little jewel of a stop that we have never done before. Click Here for Information about Watson Lake Park.

After that surprise we got back on 89 for a couple of miles and then took 89A up Mingus Mountain to Jerome. This road is truly one of the better ride routes in the area if not in the State. You get to enjoy many twisties going up to 7000 feet at the pass. Right now everything is really green making for a beautiful ride. Next you will wind your way down to Jerome at 5200 feet getting a good view of the Sedona red rocks in the distance along the way. It is only about 12 miles from the bottom of the mountain to Jerome, but it seems like a lot longer and the "giddy" factor is high at least for me. There are so many curves on this road, that they even sell t-shirts at the shops in Jerome saying that you survived the road. Once you get to Jerome, you can eat lunch at one of the few restaurants, have a beer at the Spirit Room and Jerry's, or get some ice cream and set on the concrete steps and watch the bikes go by. This is a very popular motorcycle destination in the Summer.

After listening to Combo Deluxe in the Spirit Room, the reggae sounds of Amitaba at Paul and Jerry's Saloon and enjoying a frozen chocolate banana on the concrete steps, we decided to head back to the valley at around 6pm. Our route back was down the hill through Cottonwood to I-17. This put us back into the valley just as the sun was going down, perfect timing to stay out of the heat for as long as possible.

Needless to say, it was another fun day on the motorcycles. But for these new empty nesters it was one with no time constraints while making a point to take some time to smell the roses and enjoy the surroundings as much as possible. I used to be all about packing on the miles and viewing the scenery from a distance. But I think my new M.O. is going to be to utilize the U-Turn more often to experience my travel more up close and personal whenever I have the chance. The cool thing about travel on a motorcycle is the opportunity to meet people you might not in a car. It seems that almost everyone you meet are as intrigued about what your adventure is for the day as well as you finding out their story. In the case of Mike that I mentioned above, he is also a rider, so he would be happy to see some bikes stop and see his creations. This would be a good route to take in the next few weeks before the monsoons arrive. Have fun and ride safe.

As usual, I took a lot of pictures. There are several of Mike Yacos place as well as the rest of the ride. Some really pretty shots of Watson Lake and the Arizona landscape. I'm sure you will enjoy.

Click Here for Map of route. From I-17 and Carefree Hwy. the loop is 212 miles.

Ride safe this weekend,

Tidbits and Updates:

**I love hearing about and following rides that people take. E.B. Chester and several others from the valley are riding in the Hoka Hey Challenge that goes from Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska. The first one there gets $500,000. E.B. is doing a blog keeping us up with the challenge. His group left Mesa, AZ for Key West on June 9th. You can see the first few entries in his blog and then follow the group to Alaska. Click Here to Read.

**If you are intrigued by old motorcycles AND a good background story about a man that finds and restores them, check out this web site. After the flash intro make sure to click on the link "Mikes Bikes". Mike also does the History Channel program called American Pickers. Click Here for more information and to watch some clips as to how he finds all this old stuff. Very interesting.

**I don't know whether to laugh at this or be really worried that there are actually these type of people living amongst us that can vote. But if they are in great numbers, look out. This is a 2 minute clip from a radio call in show. I'm guessing you won't believe what you are about to hear. This has had over 1.2 million views on You Tube. Click Here to Listen. Yikes!

**Here is a very creative skit by UCB Comedy that is a parody on how the cleanup of the oil spill has been handled. It is a parody, but there is some truth to it. This clip is called "BP Spills Coffee" and has had over 4.6 million views and counting in the last week. Click Here to View.

Highlights This Week

Only 2 more nights. Ends on June 24th! Come down and watch the NBA Game 7 Finals tonight.

There is now a place to ride to on Saturday night in the West Valley.

Enjoy a $5 Food Menu, Outdoor Patio, DJ. Drink Specials.

Saturday, June 19th

Chandler Harley-Davidson 10th Anniversary Event.

Chandler Harley-Davidson is celebrating 10 years of providing Harley-Davidson

Sales and Service to the Valley. Food, Music, Raffle Prizes. 40% Off of select Harley-Davidson Leather Jackets.

Saturday, June 19th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem’s Hogs and Dogs!

Located just off of I-17 North of Phoenix, this is the perfect place to grab

lunch or a cold drink before or after your ride up North.

Bike Nights This Week

Wednesday

Cyclerides.com Downtown Chandler Bike Night.

Only 1 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

Westgate Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com.

Only 2 more nights. Ends on June 24th!

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.

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.

Only 2 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.

Just Sports at Westgate would like to Offer 10% off their Purchase with Valid Motorcycle License.

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/

Chandler Harley-Davidson 10th Anniversary Event. Can you believe it? Chandler Harley-Davidson is celebrating 10 years of providing Harley-Davidson Sales and Service to the Valley. We are inviting you to stop by this Saturday from 9am - 5pm and join us as we will have Food, Music, Raffle Prizes and the HOG Chapter will be raffling off a quilt. Take advantage of the HUGE sale to get Dad that special gift for Father's Day. 40% Off of select Harley-Davidson Leather Jackets. 20% Off Performance Machine Product Line, in stock or special order wheel packages, grips, air cleaners, etc. $15 select HD T-Shirts. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6886. www.chandlerharley.com

Buddy Stubbs Anthem’s Hogs and Dogs! Located just off of I-17 North of Phoenix, this is the perfect place to grab lunch or a cold drink before or after your ride up North. Or just make it a destination for your Saturday morning ride. Party hours are from 11am - 3pm. Hang out and listen to Live Music while the babes wash your bike at the Bikini Bike Wash from 11-2. Enjoy free hot dogs and drinks in the shade of our misted patio. Plus, shop for dad at our Father’s Day Sale! Located right off of I-17 and Anthem Way. For more info, visit www.anthemhd.com.

Monday, June 21st

Ride to Work Day. Motorcycle and scooter riders' 19th annual commuting day is this coming Monday, June 21st. Participation in the yearly demonstration is estimated to triple the number of riders on the road. Motorcycle and scooter groups and organizations actively encourage riders to commute by cycle on this day. On Ride to Work Day, motorcycle and scooter commuters seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation and increased public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.

Tuesday, June 22nd

Tuesday Night, Skills Under The Lights!

T.E.A.M. Arizona are proud to announce the Tuesday Night, Skills Under The Lights training series. On the third Tuesday of every month (4th Tuesday this month only) we will be offering a 3-hour session that will focus on at least 2 different published skills. We also will hold an easily understandable body position and suspension seminar q+a style. Check www.motorcycletraining.com or become a Fan of TEAM AZ on Facebook to see what the skills of the month will be in advance and you can reserve a spot by registering online or by calling 480-998-9888 during office hours. To make this training accessible and fun we will rotate riders on the course and will keep an appropriate Rider to Instructor Ratio. Riders must fill out paperwork, provide proof of insurance, motorcycle endorsement and wear at minimum, LS shirt, Long Pants, Over the Ankle Footwear and Full Finger gloves to ride the range, and may participate for the entire 3-hours or any part thereof. If you do not have a helmet or gloves we will lend you them.

What do you get?

1 - Controlled, safe and maintained training ranges.
2 - Lighting appropriate for training.
3 - Courteous, certified and professional instructors.
4 - Established training curriculum.
5 - Interaction with other riders in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
6 - Better skills and re-enforcement or proper safe riding procedures.

All this and more, for only $25. ($5 goes to the AZ Fallen Riders Fund)

Leslie Porterfield at Buddy Stubbs AZ Harley-Davidson. You might not have heard of Leslie Porterfield before but she comes with a long list of accomplishments in record setting speed on a motorcycle. She holds the world record as the fastest female on a motorcycle and, among many other accomplishments has become the first woman on a motorcycle to earn inclusion in the prestigious Bonneville 200 mph Club. The event will be held at Buddy Stubbs HD located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road. From 11am - 3pm enjoy Pictures and Autographs with Leslie as well as free food and beverages, live music and tours of Buddy Stubbs motorcycle museum. The museum is 3000+ sq. ft. of classic two-wheeled history with over 35 different motorcycle manufacturers and a collection of over 125 rare machines from 1903 through the late 20th Century. Tour space is limited.

“We are honored to have Leslie visit us in Phoenix to meet with riders and other motorcycle enthusiasts. During her visit, she will have the opportunity to share her personal journey to world record fame, give out autographs, and talk about what’s next for the resolute racer and record breaker,” said Ed Martinez, founder and editor-in-chief of MyTekLife Magazine.

Hot As Hell Poker Run. Hosted by the MMA Eagle District. Sign in at Chuy's at 4pm located at 5134 N. 95th Ave. in Phoenix. $10 per hand plus a donation for a no kill animal shelter, Rainbow valley pet rescue. More information call 623-433-6503. Last stop is glenfair (bowling) lanes.

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 video is chilling. Watch the dash cam on this police car as the officer makes a routine traffic stop. Turn up the sound so that you can hear the dialog. I would guess you will watch this a few times to see the sequence of events. Police have a dangerous job. This one was extremely fortunate. Click Here to View.

Here is a video that I have named "Oh Crap". Think you've had a bad day? Watch it and you will see what I mean. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: This video is called "Lucky Day". It is a bunch of clips of close calls. Some you have seen before, but a lot of new ones. Very entertaining. 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