Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/22/11
 
Greetings Riders,
 
First of all, I would like to say a big "Thank You" to everyone who came out to the Heroes night at the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night last Friday night. The place was packed and over flowing with bikes and people. See this picture taken from the stage. It was a very fun and patriotic night with the parade, the bagpipers, honor guard, the inspiring speech and trumpet playing by Jesse McGuire as he spoke of playing at Ground Zero in 2001 when the fire was still burning at the World Trade Center followed by the high powered music of Mogollon. It was great to see everyone brave the heat and show up to honor our Police, Fire and Military Heroes. See all photos from the night including the bike built by Paul Jr. Thanks Again, I hope you enjoyed the evening and the Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Mesa Riverview, the best bike night venue on the East side. This Friday night is the last one there for the season. Hope to see you there to hear a band you will truly enjoy called "Hard Ride". We had them at Westgate and the crowd loved them. The nights are still cool, so come on out. There are 2 nights left at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night featuring and back by popular demand, Live Music by "Sour Diesel Train Wreck" Thursday Night. 
 
Well, we knew it was going to happen sooner or later and temperatures in the Phoenix area are now getting to over 112 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 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. 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. 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.
 

 
Bike Nights
 
Every Thursday
 
Only 2 Nights Left!
The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night will finish out the season with 2 more bike nights ending on June 30th. Ride in and enjoy the Live Music with "Sour Diesel TrainWreck" who is back by popular demand. 
We would like to welcome our new Sponsor Jim Nasi Customs who will be displaying their newest custom bagger creations this week.  
 
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:
6:30 - 9:30pm with the "Sour Diesel TrainWreck".
 
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 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.
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 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."
 
Jim Nasi Customs - If you want to customize your bike or build a custom motorcycle, Jim Nasi Customs is the place to start.  We offer some of the industry's most amazing designs, in both custom bikes and custom parts. Have a question?  Give us a call at 623.879.8600 or see us June 23rd.

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 NightThis is the last one for the season.
Live Music this week with "Hardride" 6:30-9:30pm.
The Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night ends on June 24th.
We would like to welcome our new Sponsor Jim Nasi Customs who will be displaying their newest custom bagger creations this week.
 
Thanks to all that participated in the Heroes night at the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night last week. There was a huge turnout for this event and gave everyone a chance to enjoy some good old fashioned Patriotism as well as being entertained by Mogollon and Jesse McGuire. Also, thanks to all who supported this fun bike night throughout the year. Mesa Riverview is a great venue for a bike night. It is possible that we will start this again in the Fall. Stay tuned for updates. 
 
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."
Jim Nasi Customs - If you want to customize your bike or build a custom motorcycle, Jim Nasi Customs is the place to start.  We offer some of the industry's most amazing designs, in both custom bikes and custom parts. Have a question?  Give us a call at 623.879.8600 or see us June 24th.
 
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.
 
This Week
 
Saturday, June 25th
Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Texas Hold 'Em. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson will be hosting a Poker Tournament on June 25th starting at 12:00 p.m. Come on over and show us your best poker face, enjoy Live Music and be sure to grab FREE food and drinks from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We will also have a bikini bike wash, so bring your dirty bike and let Buddy’s girls clean it up for you! For more information call (602) 971-3400. Buddy Stubbs Arizona H-D is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022.
 
Saturday, June 25th
Superstition Harley-Davidson "Guns N' Hoses". Come spend the morning with the Apache Junction Police and Fire Department on Saturday, June 25th at Superstition Harley-Davidson. From 09:00am until 12:00pm, there will be fun for the whole family, including games, crafts, refreshments and demonstrations. Raffle tickets will be available for great prizes, with all proceeds benefiting the Apache Junction Boys and Girls of East Valley, Apache Junction Branch. Superstition Harley-Davidson is located at 2910 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ.  For more information please contact Superstition Harley-Davidson® at 480.346.0600.
 
Saturday, June 25th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Party on the Patio. We have a lot going on at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. This Saturday June 25 we have Party on the Patio featuring "Young Country Band". There will be Food, Fun, Giveaways and More. FREE each and every Saturday at Chester's. Each week we also help a charity with donations and this week it is United Food Banks. They are in need of food, so please come and help out. The party is each week 11-2pm and features a different band and charity. Come out for this FREE event and have some fun while giving back. Log on to www.chestershd.com  for all the dates, bands and charities. Like our page on facebook as we add events as they happen. Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.
 
Next Week
 
Saturday and Sunday, July 2nd and 3rd
Hacienda Harley-Davidson Huge Last Season's General Merchandise Sidewalk Sale. Last Season's General Merchandise on Sale outside with free BBQ lunch, Bikini Bike Wash and Up to 75% off sidewalk sale. $5 & $10 dollar racks on sale. Get ready for pool parties, buy 1 pair of sandals get the 2nd pair 1/2 off.  Bikini bike wash & BBQ both days (Saturday & Sunday). Take off parts bargain bin sale, all designer sunglasses 65% off!!! COOL OFF with our hydration station. 4.99% O.A.C. Finance rates on 60 month term. Hacienda Harley-Davidson is located 15600 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ. www.haciendaharleydavidson.com
 
Saturday, July 2nd
Chester's Harley-Davidson Party on the Patio. We have a lot going on at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. This Saturday July 2nd we have Party on the Patio Independence Day featuring "LoudHouse" with Pete Cummings of KSLX and our charity is Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley. It is also the start of our Hot Rods and Harleys show. AZ BBQ association will have a cook off and it is people’s choice, come vote and lets crown the winner. Bikini Bike Wash and much more. You don’t want to miss this event 11-2pm. There will be Food, Fun, Giveaways and More. FREE each and every Saturday at Chester's. Each week we also help a charity with donations and this week it is Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley. The party is each week 11-2pm and features a different band and charity. Come out for this FREE event and have some fun while giving back. Log on to www.chestershd.com  for all the dates, bands and charities. Like our page on facebook as we add events as they happen. Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.
 
 
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 how the teachers handle cell phones in the class room in Brazil.  Click Here to View.

Stop Sweat Stains on your new hats!
Many of you know that I developed a product called Hat Saver several years ago. You spray Hat Saver on the outside of your ball cap or any kind of hat and it keeps the sweat from coming to the outside of your hat. This keeps the sweat stains off your hat and keeps it looking new. It is an amazing product and one that we certainly can use in our area. This would also be a great product for Firefighters, Police or Military that wear hats all of the time and have to keep them looking new. I am offering a 20% discount for Cyclerides.com newsletter subscribers till the end of June. Just put in the coupon code CR20 in the shopping cart. Click Here for 30 second commercial. Click Here for TV3 spot.
Go to www.hatsaver.com
to order.

Do any of you grade school teachers ever have trouble getting your class under control? Maybe you should invite this woman to help you. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: This is how a real man takes off his underwear! 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 © 2011 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission. 
All rights reserved.