Cyclerides.com
Weekly Update
6/30/10
Greetings Riders,
First of all, I would like to say Happy Birthday
to the greatest nation in the world, the United States of America. Let's hope that the good people of this country can keep it that way
by resisting the opposing forces who would like to CHANGE that
proclamation. Stand strong America!
Well, after last week's newsletter where
I spent 8 paragraphs telling you that I had nothin' to talk about,
but somehow rallied with some aerial pictures of the
Salt River Canyon to pull out a very small something, I decided that I had
better come back with a little more meat this week. I know that the
scorching heat, SB 1070 and the "I hate Arizona" chants that can be heard across
the United States have all been good water cooler talk, but an
interesting motorcycle related story is also developing as we speak.
This story is very long and involved, but I am
going to give you the highlights and links to let you read as much about it as
you would like. Some of you might have heard about the Hoka Hey
Motorcycle Challenge. The Hoka Hey is a 7,000 mile motorcycle race from
Key West, FL to Homer, AK. The winner of the endurance race is supposed to
pocket $500,000 in Alaskan gold. The participants were all supposed to follow
speed limits, traffic signs and would be outfitted with GPS units to
monitor their progress. They would reach each check point to get the route for
the next leg to hold down potential cheating. They were also supposed to sleep
next to their bikes in route while spending as much as 18-20 hours per day
riding if they had any hope of winning the $500,000.
Sounds kind of interesting and exciting on the
surface. But after you peel a couple of layers back and really take
a look at it, maybe not so much, at least for me. First of all, the Hoka
Hey Challenge cost you $1000 to enter the ride, with very slim hopes of
winning the money, because there is always someone that is going to be crazier
than you, especially when there is a half million dollars on the line. Not to
mention the verification of following the rules for that many riders.
Secondly, if you just want to take a long ride,
get a bunch of your buddies together and plan a long trip and go do
it, enjoying the ride and not having the added stress of riding to the point of
being unsafe, dangerous to yourself and others and just generally
beating yourself up for 8-10 days. I'm sure there are many of these
riders that are just out for the ride and to enjoy the trip, you just don't
need to give some guy $1000 to do that.
And third, I never warmed up to the name,
especially when it came to going on a motorcycle ride. Seems a
little counter productive to me. Apparently, the phrase "Hoka Hey" means
"It's a good day to die". The story goes that this was the roar of every warrior
that rode into battle with Crazy Horse. Not really something I want to be saying
as I take off on a motorcycle ride. I'm just saying. These are just my thoughts
when I took a closer look at this event. For those who chose to do it, I'm sure
it sounded like a good idea at the time and for many it will have been. I will
be anxious to see how it all plays out.
I don't know how it is going to end, reports are
that it didn't get off to a good start. The message boards, blogs
and newspapers are full of reports from rider's and families that are
following the riders. I will give you a few of the highlights of their
comments and then give you some links to read below including a link to a radio
interview of a rider that has already finished.
Here is a sampling of the posts on the
Facebook message board?
**There have been 16 accidents and at
least one death. One guy ran off the road into a ravine after apparently falling
asleep. Another rider fell asleep and ran into the back of a dump truck. He
lived.
**3 separate accidents at the same turn
due to poor directions.
**Claims of early riders taking down road
signs to confuse the riders behind.
**Maps given to the riders were not
correct.
**Questions about the validity of those
that were the first to show up in Homer, AK. Well ahead of
schedule.
**No tracking for bikes for validation as
advertised.
**No film crew for reality show as
advertised.
**Odd things reportedly said by organizer
Jim Red Cloud: "I lied to get you all here, I just wanted to get food and water
for my people". "You will be going to 7 burial grounds and collecting the souls
of dead warriors."
**Rumor that organizer checked out of
hotel in Homer, AK.
** Claims that the whole thing is a
scam.
I don't know what is true and what is
fiction, but you can read all of these threads on the Hoka Hey Facebook discussion
board and at the links
below.
These are a few of the issues that have been
reported, there are many other stories too numerous to list
here.
It is a shame that this ride has been tainted by
all of the described occurrences. I'm sure that there were some
that actually thought they had a chance to win this thing that are extremely
upset at the circumstances and it has probably put a damper on what should have
been a real adventure. And there are probably a lot of those out there that just
wanted to go have a good time in a semi organized event, enjoying the ride along
the way and being out there for their own personal reasons.
Whatever those reasons are that each of the
700-800 riders entered this race, it will all be coming to and end
on July 4th in Homer, AK where they will announce the winner. For now it has
turned into a big "Peyton Place" and what some are calling the "Hoka Ha Ha" and
the "Hoxa Hey". It will be fun to keep an eye on this event and see what
happens. At the very least, those who participated will have some stories of a
lifetime, that is for sure. I look forward to hearing them. My condolences to
those families who lost loved ones and those injured in collisions.
Here are some links to news reports that you can
spend some time catching up on the Hoka Hey. A guy from the Examiner.com in Tucson has done a good job
of following the reports from this event. Here are a few links, and from these
links at the bottom of the page and in the body of text there are several more.
Tidbits and Updates:
**The Westgate/Cyclerides.com Bike is now over
for the season. Thanks to everyone who supported this event for the
last 16 weeks. Stay tuned to the newsletter for the upcoming Fall schedule that
will include at least 1 night per month September through November.
**Mrs. C. and I are heading to Flagstaff
and the Grand Canyon North Rim then to the South Rim this weekend.
We have a cabin rented for the North Rim. We are looking forward to
getting out of the heat for the weekend. Will have full report and photos next
week.
**Ok, it is seriously hot out right
now. If you are out riding, even if it is a getaway out of
town, be very cognizant of dehydration and drink plenty of water before you get
on the bike and when riding. Click Here for
Dehydration Tips.
**A lot of you have asked what I do when not
doing Cyclerides.com activities. About 10 years ago I
developed a product called Hat Saver. You spray Hat Saver on the
outside of your hat or cap and it keeps the sweat stains from ruining your hat.
It has gotten 4 stars from Gold Magazine new products review, was featured
in Golf Digest, Editors pick for holiday gift ideas in Golf Mag and was
featured on QVC. In fact, it was highlighted in a segment yesterday on TV
3. I know a lot of you reading this right now wear hats and constantly ruin
them, especially this time of year. Hat Saver will solve that problem for good
and it also will work on bandanna's. You will be amazed at how good it works. It
is sold online at www.hatsaver.com for $8.99 per can. For all of my
Cyclerides readers I will give you the shipping for free. Normally $6.75. Just
enter the coupon code CYCLERIDES for the discount. There is a 2 can minimum
order. Click
Here for the 1 minute TV3 spot from yesterday.
Highlights This
Week
Friday, July 2nd
FIREWORKS THIS WEEK! And Much More!
Bike Nights This
Week
Wednesday
Billet Bar Bike Night has moved to Wednesdays 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
Every Saturday
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.
Events This Week
Friday, July 2nd
Riders have been asking for something to do on a Friday night
for a long time and it is finally here at least once per month.
Last month over 1000 riders came out to downtown Mesa for a fun time. Ride
to downtown Mesa the first Friday of every month for the Downtown Mesa
"Motorcycles On Main St." Cruise Main St. and enjoy Sturgis Style parking on the
inside lanes. Park and show off your bike. The night will feature 8 Beer
Gardens located throughout the 2 blocks and 4 Live Band Stages. Be sure
and check it out this month on Friday, June 4th to join in
on the motorcycle fun in Downtown Mesa from 6pm - 10pm. Downtown Mesa is located
Just East of Country Club Dr. on Main St. Ride in with Chester's HD. Meet
at the dealership at 6:30pm located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. Ride
leaves at 6:30pm and ends at the Chester's Booth on Main St.
Reserved Motorcycle Parking on the Main St.
Events Next
Week
Saturday, July 10th
Buddy Stubbs
Anthem presents "Would you know what to do at a motorcycle accident scene".
Joins us at Buddy Stubbs Anthem H-D on July 10th from 11-3. At 12 PM, Phoenix Firefighters will be here to show riders and cagers (that’s
right, bring your car-driving friends) what to do in case you’re in a motorcycle
accident or you’re the first responder and also, the best ways to avoid a
motorcycle accident. This event is back by popular demand and not to be missed.
You will walk away with some knowledge that might help you save a life! In
addition, we will have free sandwiches and cold drinks. Enjoy them under our
misted patio while listening to live music from 11-2. Bring us your dirty
bikes-Bikini Bike Wash 11-2. Sidewalk sale with up to 50% off on t-shirts, boots
and helmets. Buddy Stubbs Anthem is located at 41715 N. 41st. Dr. in Anthem, AZ.
Exit 229 off of I-17.
Extras
Mid Week Updates will be made
on the Cyclerides.com Facebook.
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 a guy who probably won't be getting the
"Truck Driver of the Month" award.
Click Here to View.
A lot of you have asked what I do when not doing
Cyclerides.com activities. About 10 years ago I developed a product
called Hat Saver. You spray Hat Saver on the outside of your
hat or cap and it keeps the sweat stains from ruining your hat. It has gotten 4
stars from Gold Magazine new products review, was featured in Golf Digest,
Editors pick for holiday gift ideas in Golf Mag and was featured on QVC. In
fact, it was highlighted in a segment yesterday on TV 3. I know a lot of
you reading this right now wear hats and constantly ruin them, especially this
time of year. Hat Saver will solve that problem for good and it also will work
on bandanna's. You will be amazed at how good it works. It is sold online at
www.hatsaver.com for $8.99 per
can. For all of my Cyclerides readers I will give you the shipping for free.
Normally $6.75. Just enter the coupon code CYCLERIDES for the discount. There is
a 2 can minimum order. Click
Here for the 1 minute TV3 spot from yesterday.
I know I have had this one
in before, but it is just too funny not to run again. It is titled "Why middle
aged women shouldn't drink. Pretty funny stuff. Click
Here to View.
Video of the Week: Ever wonder why
there is some games that the pitcher just can't get his groove on? This video
might reveal an answer. Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the
page.
All
information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2010 BDC Products,
LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
All rights
reserved.
