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Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/27/12
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Well, it is officially the dog days of motorcycle riding Summer around these parts. Looks like the heat has settled in for a while and then the monsoons are sure to start which will have us dodging thunderstorms and dust storms. Not a lot of fun on the bike. The last Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night of the season presented by Law Tigers is this Thursday night, June 28th. We have our best band of the year, “Kung Fu Grip” to close us out for the Spring season. If you haven’t seen these guys, take on the heat for one last time to enjoy their music and help us close it out till the Fall season starting back again in September. The band will play from 6:30-9:30 PM. Look forward to seeing you there to say “So Long” for the Summer. If you missed the newsletter last week, Click Here to read.
 
Mrs. C. and I will be heading out Friday morning early to “beat the heat” for a few days as we are heading out for a 3000 mile ride to Northern California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Fortunately I was able to bribe my Sister and brother in-law from Kansas on short notice to come house sit for a while. I guess the heat here is better than the heat and humidity in Kansas right now. I’m sure the plane tickets and the pool doesn’t hurt either. A nice vacation for them as well.
 
From what I can tell, we should be riding in temps of 70-85 degrees with evening temps in the 40’s to 50’s. We are definitely looking forward to that. The plan is to criss-cross some of our favorite Sonoran Passes in California and then focusing on a State we have not done before by making a good loop through Idaho and coming down Lolo Pass, Hwy 12, to Lewiston and then on in to Washington and back down to Bend, OR. After a short break-in on the Pacific Coast ride, this will give Mrs. C. a good run on her new Street Glide while pushing the Mako Glide odometer to over 10k miles since I got it done in December. Looking forward to getting away for a few days. Watch the Cyclerides.com Facebook for daily updates and photos. If you haven’t already, click “Like” on the page to get the updates. Even if you don’t do Facebook, you can still view the photos and comments. Click Here.
 
Last weekend we decided to beat the heat, check out some motorcycle roads AND scratch an airport off of my bucket list. One of the reasons I wanted to learn how to fly was to scout out some roads from the air that I had not ridden and to visit some that I had. One of my favorite rides anywhere is Hwy. 550, aka, the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. I’ve ridden this numerous times and NEVER get tired of it. So I was excited to be able to view and photograph this incredible road from the air while picking out some of my favorite spots. I’m sure you will have fun doing that with the photos as well. 
 
There are also a few airports that I have read about or seen on TV that I have wanted to land at. The first one was Catalina Island in California, which we did a couple of years ago. Another one is Telluride Regional Airport in Telluride, CO. It is commonly known as one of the most difficult and challenging runways to land in the United States. Not only is it perched on the side of a mesa, like Catalina, it is the highest commercial airport in the U.S. at 9070 feet, which provides density altitude problems in the summer. A common problem is it usually has winds particularly in the afternoon that bounce off of the mountains and mesa to create a swirling effect as you approach the runway which makes things a little more exciting and definitely keeps you on your toes.
 
On this day there was a cross wind at 14 gusting to 22. Not terribly windy on a normal landing here in the valley, but with the wind swirling  and bouncing off of the mesa it pushed us in all directions, up, down, left and right as you can see by the video. It gave us a good wing dip to the left, right, left, a little lift near the approach of the runway before a nice downdraft just before touching down. Although I learned a couple of things on this landing, particularly coming in a little low in the event of mechanical problems, it was a fun approach and landing for sure.
 
Apparently a couple of other planes had diverted to another airport before we landed. Possibly due to wind or density altitude being at around 11,200 at that time. I put together a pretty cool video with music of landing and taking off from Telluride. As you will see, Mrs. C. is still smiling after the landing, so I guess it wasn’t that bad. I used a Go Pro camera strapped to my head, so you will see this from my perspective. Click Here to take the flight with me. You can also watch it on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. Watch in full screen for best effect. As you can tell by these first 2 airports on my bucket list, I like a challenge.
 
After landing we rented a car and drove the 6 miles down to Telluride. This has to be one of the neatest mountain towns that there is. They have done a fantastic job with keeping it clean, interesting, beautiful and friendly. All while staying true to the period. It seems that they have a festival of some type there every weekend. On this particular weekend was their biggest, the Bluegrass Festival. We didn’t go there for that, didn’t even know it was going on when we decided to go, but it was great for people watching. Every Hippie from the West must have made it to Telluride that weekend. If you weren’t wearing some tie dye, YOU were the freak. It was very interesting to say the least to see the amount of people dressed just like we saw from the 60’s.
 
The festival was sold out to the over 10,000 music lovers that came to town, but we were able to set on the river bank at 8 PM about 100 yards from the stage and listen to John Fogerty play some old CCR songs for about an hour. Mrs. C. must have gotten into the mood as she sat by the river and made herself a flower ankle bracelet. From there it was a 5 block walk along the river path back to the Mountainside Inn. A couple of other fun things we did while we were there was take the free Gondola up over 11,000 feet to Mountain Village. This is a beautiful place that reminded us of Whistler. The view from the Gondola back to Telluride is awesome. We also ate at an Italian restaurant on the Main St. called Rustico. I would HIGHLY recommend this place. Here we are on the great patio area next to the restaurant that was a lot of fun to enjoy the weather and soak in some more tie dye outfits.
 
The next morning we took off for Durango to ride the Durango & Silverton Train. Since the Cessna that I fly is not capable of flying over the 14,000 peaks in Colorado, we went North around the mountains to Ouray and followed Hwy. 550, the Million Dollar Highway all the way back to Durango. This was great for us as we have ridden this road many times and was fun to see it from the air. We got some good photos of Ouray, up close and personal look at Red Mountain, saw the twisties through that mining area with the white houses, got photo’s of the loop before Silverton, the town of Silverton, Molas Pass as well as the Durango Valley and Durango. I’m sure those of you that have ridden this area will have fun picking landmarks out of the photos. I know I did.
 
After landing at Animas Airpark just outside of Durango, we got transportation to the Strater Hotel to drop off our luggage and then caught the 11 AM bus that would take us to Silverton to catch the train back. This gave us about 3 hours to eat lunch at Grumpy’s in the old Grand Imperial Hotel and explore the town. The piano player there created a great turn of the century experience as we at. The train left at 3:15 PM for the 3.5 hour ride back to Durango. This is something that we have wanted to do for several years, but never wanted to take time out of riding to do it. But we are glad we finally got it done as it is a beautiful ride through the mountains and along the Animas River. We would highly recommend it. Our seating was in the open car, which I would advise if the weather is good.
 
My only critique would be that it could be about 30 minutes shorter. But other than that, it was excellent. Click Here for a little video of the ride that I took with my cell phone. For you Harley riders, they have now opened a new HD store in Silverton where you can get your “I rode the Million Dollar Highway” T-Shirt. They are very cool. Stop in and get yours when you are there. The photos from the Durango & Silverton Train ride turned out spectacular. I hope you enjoy the ride. Click Here to View.
 
To clarify the photos that you will see, our trip up took us to Monument Valley first where we landed at Goulding’s for lunch. We took off from there and went North to fly over the Goosenecks on the Colorado river. It just so happens that right next to that is the Moki Dugway road that you have heard me talk about before. Here is the video from Moki Dugway to refresh your memory. Here is a picture of it from the air. From there it was on through Heavenly Valley and on it to Durango. On the way back we went over Canyon De Chelly. You will see some pictures from that.
 
It was a great trip in which we had perfect weather throughout. I hope you enjoy seeing some of our favorite riding destinations from the air and also enjoy the virtual ride on the Durango & Silverton Train.
 
These are some exceptional photos from both flying and on the train. Be sure to run through them.
 
Click the Slideshow button in upper right for optimum viewing.
Click Here for Telluride Flight Photos.
Click Here for Landing and Taking off from Telluride video with music. This is a good one.
 
Useful Links:
 
 
Tidbits and Updates:
 
Mrs. C’s Street Glide update:
As you might recall from a couple of weeks ago, I stripped down Mrs. C’s new Street Glide and chromed the wheels, added chrome calipers, chrome hand controls and just about everything else I could chrome. I also added Harley-Davidson CVO stretched bags and Paul Yaffe side covers that he specially cut for me to match the CVO bags that really give it a custom look while not impeding with her reach at all. Paul is now selling those as an item in his catalog for stock bags as well as CVO bags at BaggerNation.com. All of the tin went into Chad at C.R. Designs for a fresh coat of custom paint and is now all put back on. It is hard to tell in these photos, but this is a tri color called Molton Orange Effect. It is a red base with a gold pearl over the top followed with clear. It then has candy apple red graphics with a gold pin strip and a drop shadow. It is absolutely beautiful in person especially with the sun highlighting the pearl in the paint. After MANY hours of putting it back together it is now completed, and I only ended up with 3 bolts and 2 washers left over. :) My days of a shade tree mechanic are over. Now I know why these builders get paid so much to do custom bikes. Mrs. C. will have it at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Law Tigers for the last 2 Thursday nights on June 21st and 28th. Click Here for Photos of the completed bike.
 
Saddle Bags
Since I sold my yellow Road Glide I now have an extra set of stretched bags that I was going to put on it. This is a brand new set of 4” stretched bags that have frenched in LED lights, are fully lined & padded including the lids and are painted vivid black. These would be an easy bolt on for anyone with a black Street Glide or Road Glide. Or you could easily paint to your color. If interested email me at info@cyclerides.com or talk with me at Westgate Bike Night. Click Here for photos.
 
Archives:
The archives on Cyclerides.com have been updated. If you want to review a past newsletter you can go to the Archives to review. If you don’t remember when it was, type in a keyword to use the Google search of the site. This will give you all the possibilities available with that word. Click Here to view.
 
Cyclerides.com Photographs and Video:
Need something to do while staying out of the heat? See recent photos that I have taken from rides and events on the Cyclerides.com Smug Mug photo gallery. Plenty of Riding, Flying and Event photo’s and Video. Click Here to View.
 
 
Bike Nights
Every Tuesday Night
 
Mad Dog Saloon Tuesday Bike Night in Mesa. I am really excited about Mad Dog Saloon as it is a perfect stand alone bike night location with a huge patio. For those of you that live in the area you will recognize it as the former Salty Senorita’s. The patio is huge with an outdoor bar, the inside is huge as well with garage doors that open to the outside and TV’s everywhere you look. And plenty of motorcycle parking. There will be food and drink specials including $1.00 tacos on Tuesday’s. Mad Dog Saloon is located at 1860 S. Stapley, just 3/10 of a mile South of U.S. 60 on Stapley. Stop by and check it out. See you there for opening night on Tuesday, May 8th. Click Here for Details, Map and Photos of the Mad Dog Saloon.
 
Every Thursday Night
 
Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by The Law Tigers: This Thursday is the last night of the season!
Live music with “Kung Fu Grip” on June 28th.
Where: Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to Jobing.com Arena.
When: Thursday nights beginning March 29th – June 28th
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
What: Bike Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style Cruising down Coyote Blvd.
Music: You will enjoy Live Music with “Kung Fu Grip”.
Food and drink specials include: Calico Jack's - $3 Tacos, $2 Bud and Coors Original, The Shout House - $7 Burger, Fries, and a Beer, Shane's Rib Shack is offering a FREE 10 piece Traditional Chicken Wings Basket with the purchase of any Full Rack Rib Plate. Value $7.99. Saddleranch - Chicken Tacos for $5.50, Classic Pints of Draft Beer only $2.50, Large Pilsners of draft for only $4.50. Margaritaville: 15% Off Food with “M” class license.
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.
"Visit LawTigers.com or facebook.com/lawtigers for your chance to win a $500.00 Renegade Classics gift card."
Law Tigers is a professional association of motorcycle injury lawyers who help riders every day. Our association of motorcycle accident attorneys consists of a skilled group of personal injury lawyers whose mission is to support and promote the well being of motorcyclists. Dedicated to rider safety, awareness, and education, we are committed to the riding community. Find an attorney near you from our network of motorcycle accident lawyers or call Law Tigers, toll-free, at 1-800-529-8443. Our lawyers are available -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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.
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.
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.
 
This Week
 
Saturday June 30th
Buddy Stubbs Hogs and Dogs. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson invites you to join them on June 30th from 11AM till 2PM for their Hogs & Dogs Event! This month they will be featuring a special Try Before You Buy Program. Their service team will have an H-D® Seat and Wind Screen Demo where they will actually install the product on your bike and give you a chance to Try Before You Buy! In addition, their Hogs & Dogs will feature FREE food & drinks, live music, a bikini bike wash, museum tours and more! Stop in and enjoy all that Buddy Stubbs AZ H-D has to offer this month! Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix and can be found online at www.buddystubbshd.com. For more information or questions call (602) 971-3400.
 
Saturday June 30th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Red, White and Blues Event. Join Chandler HD from 10 AM – 4 PM as they celebrate Independence Day with our Red, White and Blues Event. Enjoy FREE Food, Music, Bike Wash featuring the Chandler Harley Girls, Raffle Prizes, and Specials on Licensed Harley-Davidson Products. Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-4800.
 
Saturday, June 30th
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration. It was July 4, 1776 when the USA adopted the Declaration of Independence. However, it seems as of late too much emphasis has been placed on dependence rather than Independence. So, in our very own HDOS way, we're saying, "Buck the System, let's celebrate this great nation's Independence with some fun and FREE Stuff... FREE our favorite 4 letter F-word. Join Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale this Saturday for a Pre-4th of July Celebration, June 30, starting with a FREE Famous Breakfast at 9a.m. FREE Ice cold drinks available and served by the MISTRESS OF COOL, along with a refreshing spritz of cool lightly scented H2O, neck wraps chilled and ready to wear for $5. Grizzly will be here sewing on patches for FREE and the Liberty Wildlife Eagle will be available from 11-2 for FREE photos, along with the BIG WHEEL OF FREE PRIZES. Fun for the entire family, Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale is a great place to stay cool on Saturday, June 30.
 
Sunday, July 1st
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Red, White and Blues Event – “Harley’s Heroes”. Join Arrowhead HD from 10 AM – 4 PM as we celebrate Independence Day with our Red, White and Blues Event. The Harley Heroes Mobile Truck will be onsite all the way from California to process claims for VETS IN NEED! If you are a Vet in need of know a Vet in need, please tell them about this event. Enjoy FREE Food, Music, Bike Wash featuring the Arrowhead Harley Girls, Raffle Prizes, and Specials on Licensed Harley-Davidson Products. Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.
 
Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 3800 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!

It is baseball season. So 3 Allah’s and you are out. Click Here to View

Trask Performance, Arizona’s premier performance and service center, will take care of all your bikes needs. Get ready for your Summer trips. We provide routine service, maintenance, dyno tuning and emissions service are just a couple of examples of what we can do. From mild to wild, we can create a custom build to suit your needs contact us for more info at 623-879-8488 ask for James or Nick
 
This one is a little long, but great video of Chinese sky diving. Click Here to View
 
Video of the Week: Here is another one of Criss Angel’s crazy tricks. 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

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