Cyclerides.com
Weekly Update
7/6/11
Greetings Riders,
I would like to start this week by
saying Thank You to all who participated in the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike
Night for the Spring season. It was a great 14 week run of Fun and
Live Music with lots of bikes every Thursday night. We had it once a month
last Fall but are currently looking into having a few more nights this Fall
when the weather is perfect. Stay tuned to the newsletter for the Fall Schedule.
Today is a big day for me as I am officially
in my "Mid Fifties". Yep, the double nickel has arrived, and
I'm not talking about the speed limit. I have no idea where the last 5 years
went as it seems like I just celebrated my 50th birthday. But I'm not one
of those that complain about getting older, I embrace it. Every birthday I
just feel blessed to have my health, to be able to take another
ride, enjoy family and my new Grandson while looking forward to the
next birthday to come around. Thanks to all who have sent birthday wishes!
Part of getting older is that your kids are
probably gone on with their own lives and you are now what is known as "Empty
Nester's". That is where Mrs. C. and I are right now and
it does give you the freedom to make plans on short notice to hit the road
if you want to. We seemed to have embraced this concept pretty well and
tend to exercise this new found opportunity regularly. Last weekend we decided
to take a quick run up the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur so that she could
experience this road on her own bike. As we came upon the Bixby Bridge on PCH 1,
I couldn't help but think about one of my favorite TV shows of all time, "Then
Came Bronson", as he made that stretch of road more famous than it already was.
I was going to give you the full report on
our trip last weekend, but with the short week I didn't feel like I
could do it the justice that I wanted to do, so I went back and found the
story I had done on Bronson in 2002 after taking a similar trip up the PCH. For
a TV show that was only on for one season, it had a big impact on me and the
general message still rings true today. I believe that show is what instilled in
me the urge to see America on a motorcycle.
The following is what I wrote back in 2002
that I think you will enjoy. I will be back next week with
beautiful pics of the PCH and the other areas that we rode.
Original article, July 31st, 2002
"Then Came
Bronson"
A couple of days ago I was reflecting back on
our riding trip through California. I'm still trying to fully
process all of the things we experienced in those 7 days of being out on the
open road. Seeing all of the scenery was nice but meeting the people who were so
intrigued by what we were doing has seemed to leave a lasting impression.
Motorcycles seem to provide so much mystery for the non rider that they are
captivated by the thought of taking off on 2 wheels with a bag on the back, the
wind in your face and letting go of reality for a few days. The smiles on their
faces as they ask you questions about your travels and the envy in their eyes
made me recall an old TV show from 33 years ago. The short lived, but extremely
popular show in 1969-70 was "Then Came Bronson". I was 13 years old and the
proud owner of a 1967 Honda Trail 90. I would pop those mufflers off and ride
around the block pretending I was Jim Bronson heading down the coast highway to
nowhere. After all these years I can still remember the excitement of Wednesday
nights at 9:00 PM to see what Bronson would run into next. That show must have
planted the seed for my enthusiasm some 30 years later.
The beginning of the show really summed up what
we experienced on our trip.
The Opening scene was a busy
city street. . . a harried businessman in a station wagon at a stoplight: He
turns to his left, where a young man is revving his motorcycle, and
asks:
Businessman: "Taking a
trip?"
Bronson: "What's
That?
Businessman: "Taking a
Trip?"
Bronson: "Yeah".
Businessman: "
Where To?"
Bronson: "Oh, I don't know. . . wherever I end
up, I guess."
Businessman: "Man, I wish I was
you."
Bronson: "Really?. . . well, hang in
there".
The businessman smiles and nods. The light changes, and off goes Bronson, riding out of the city,
presumably toward open road and the next adventure.
The motorcycle rider is Jim Bronson
who had just quit his job at the local newspaper. Only a few days
earlier, a friend, Nick, had leapt to his death from a bridge, but not before
asking Jim to buy back the motorcycle from his soon-to-be widow. Jim had
originally owned and customized the bike, then sold it to Nick when he became a
reporter.
Bronson began thinking about the meaning of his
own life. He decided to quit the rat race, simplify, see the
country, visit some old friends and discover what life would put in his
path.
When you view this and see the look on the
businessman's face, you can tell that he wishes he could have a
little of what Bronson has. The man knew exactly what the rest of his day was to
be, but Bronson was riding out to the unknown. The show would end with Bronson
riding off to his next adventure with the song "Long Lonesome Highway" playing
in the background. He also sang the song. Here are the
words:
Goin' down that long lonesome
highway. Bound for the mountains and the plains.
Sure ain't nothin' here
gonna tie me, An' I got some friends I'd like to see again.
One of these days
I'm gonna settle down, But til I do I won't be hangin' 'round.
Goin' down
that long lonesome highway, Gonna live life my way.
Bronson was a hard core rider, but there are a lot of
different types of riders out there. Here are a few of the types you may
see:
The Poser: This is the guy that buys a bike so that in
social settings he can say that he has one. He rides it twice a month to a bar
just to be seen, but only if the weather is perfect. This is the same guy that
has a $30,000-40,000 model year 2000 custom bike that is almost ready for its'
500 mile service.
The Bar Hopper: This is the guy
with the rigid or custom softail that rides once a week on bike nights but never
leaves the city limits. This rider would rarely see a speed limit 75 mph sign.
The Day Rider: These are the guys that will take
off in a small group and ride around the state for a 200-300 mile ride for the
day. They experience the open road, but not the freedom of all out
travel.
The Traveler: These are the riders that
will fill up the saddle bags, strap on a T-Bag and head for parts unknown.
Usually the Traveler will put on 350-450 miles per day, stop to enjoy the
scenery or landmarks and stay in hotels along the way. But they get the
full experience of the road and the excitement of parts unknown.
The Iron Butt: This is the strap on a sleeping
bag, live out of your motorcycle, ride across country all day rider. They think
nothing of laying down 700-800 miles per day and then sleeping on the ground.
These guys are the ultimate hard core riders.
None of the above ways of riding are right or wrong. It is
just the spectrum of the way motorcycles are used.
The aura around motorcycle riding is almost indescribable. The
old saying pretty much sums it up: "If I have to explain it...You wouldn't
understand! The trip we took to California was one of the most exciting and
liberating experiences in my riding career. Take the time to get out on the open
road to experience the feeling of freedom, to get alone with God and nature, to
meet new friends you didn't even know you had or to just have the opportunity to
say you are going to "Live Life My Way" for a while. If you haven't had the
chance to do it yet, as Bronson says, "Hang In There", and don't ever let
yourself turn out to be the guy in the station wagon.
Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life! This is the phrase the Bronson's friend uttered as he was about to leave
on his motorcycle.
Tidbits:
We are thinking about doing the Blue
Ridge Parkway this summer. If anyone has done this ride and has
some suggestions of what to see in the area, or side trips off of it, email me
your suggestions to info@cyclerides.com.
This Week
Saturday, July 9th
Arrowhead
Harley-Davidson Summer Bash. It is the time of year for a Summer Bash and
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is about to have a wet one!
We'll have a
Dunk Tank, Raffles, Adult Big Wheel bike races, Bike Wash with the Harley Girls,
Live Music, Free Food while it lasts and lots of fun. Don't miss it! All the fun
takes place from 10am - 5pm. While you are there, check out the deals on the
remaining 2011 Harley-Davidsons in stock. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is
located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ.
623-247-5542.
Saturday, July 9th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Party on the
Patio. Live Bands every Saturday at the Party on the Patio from 11-2pm.
Click Here
to see who is performing each week.
We have a lot going on
at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. This week July 9 Party on the Patio we have
Dok & Gal. They will rock the house with their show and style. You don’t
want to miss this as this as this band puts on one incredible show while playing
all your favorites. Free food, music all while helping East Valley HOG
Chapter Charities. Each Saturday 11-2pm we will show case a great band
while helping others. Food, Fun and much more and it’s FREE. Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club
Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.
Next Week
Saturday, July 16th
Buddy Stubbs
Anthem Hogs and Dogs. Ride up to Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson on
Saturday, July 16th, for our monthly Hogs & Dogs. Enjoy FREE
food and drinks as the Daisy Mountain Fire Department dishes out life saving
tips for the summer riding season. Our bikini bike wash is also up and running
this month so bring that filthy bike and let Buddy’s girls shine it up for you!
Stop in and enjoy the action from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. For more information call
623-465-1122. Buddy Stubbs Anthem H-D is located at 41715 N. 41st Dr. in Anthem,
AZ.
Saturday, July 16th
Chester's
Harley-Davidson Party on the Patio. Live Bands every Saturday at the Party
on the Patio from 11-2pm. We have a lot going on at Chester’s
Harley-Davidson. Click Here to see who is
performing each week. This week July 16 Party on the Patio we have "Mojo
Zoso". They will rock the house while playing all your favorites. Free food,
music all while helping Choir Boys Region #6. Each Saturday 11-2pm we will show
case a great band while helping others. Food, Fun and much more and it’s FREE.
Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.
480-894-0404.
Un-Button your buttoned up self with our Ladies
Garage Party. July 13th 6-9pm. Call today to RSVP 480-894-0404.
Food, Fun, prizes and more and it’s FREE.
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!
The ad companies
are getting creative again. Check out this slurpy
commercial. 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 July 15th. 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.
This is hilarious! This guy thought he had the right pick up
line. Click Here to View.
Video of the Week: Since we are just coming off of 4th of July and
fireworks, I thought I would run this one. Ooops! 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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LLC.
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reserved.