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.
 
Click here to see video of this opening scene.

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.

Click Here To Play The Song
 
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.
 
Click Here for 1 minute NBC trailer for "Then Came Bronson".
 

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

All information in this newsletter is 
Copyright © 2011 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission. 
All rights reserved.