Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update
9/19/12
Greetings Riders,
Well, it is definitely getting close to prime time riding here in Phoenix.
Predicted highs around 100 and low of 70’s for this week and then
even a high of 87 on October 1st. Gotta love that. By the attendance of the
Cyclerides.Com Westgate Bike Night last week it looks like people are looking for any excuse to get out on
their bikes because it was really packed for the opening night of the season.
Looking forward to the cooler nights to really enjoy some fall riding to bike
nights. The first Mixteca Friday Bike Night was
full as well and I am looking forward to riding over to Mad Dog Saloon on Tuesday Night
to kick their Tuesday Bike Night off for the Fall.
Riding up North is also going to be spectacular.
We rode up
through Page Springs Rd. to Cottonwood and then 89A up through Sedona and
Flagstaff on Saturday and it was awesome. Forgot how pretty that ride is. Will
give you some photos and map on the Page Springs rd. to Flagstaff in a couple of
weeks. In the meantime, check out this classic photo that I accidently got of
Mrs. C. giving the wave to 2 oncoming bikers with them waving back. Click
Here to View.
This past Labor Day Mrs. C. and I decided to get out on a 4 day ride to
Colorado before it starts snowing up there. The Four Corners Rally
was also taking place, but that is not one that we typically participate in,
however it is nice to see all of the bikes on the road during that run. Our goal
on this particular trip was to go to the Gateway Auto Museum in Gateway,
Colorado. This destination has been on my radar for about 4 years now and due to
the remote location of the place, I’ve just not been able to get there until
now. However, if I had known it was that good, I would have made it happen much
sooner. So this is going to be a 2 part letter coming to you over the next two
weeks starting with the unexpectedly fantastic Hwy. 141 that takes you to
Gateway, CO.
Our destination on Day 1 was to be
Telluride,
CO. which is approximately 540 miles from our house.
We left at
6:30 AM and pulled into Telluride at about 6:45 PM Colorado time with the time
change of losing an hour. So it ended up being a good 11 hour plus day, which
was perfect. The evening clouds were starting to roll in, the deer were showing
up along side the road and it was starting to get cool as the sun dropped below
the mountains. We rode to our motel, the Mountainside Inn just 2 blocks off of
Main St. took a good hot soak in the hot tub to loosen up the muscles from a
long day and then walked downtown to our favorite restaurant, “Rustico
Ristorante” authentic Italian. Give it a try if you are
there. It just so happens this was the same weekend as the Telluride Film
Festival, so the town was buzzing. Take a look at this pic of downtown Telluride
at night. Click
Here.
After dinner it was back to the motel to get rested up for an early
departure on Saturday morning to finally get to see the car museum
that had been alluding us the last 4 years. Gateway is 100 miles NW of Telluride
by way of Hwy. 145 to Hwy. 141 through the small town of Naturita. Hwy. 141 was
one of those roads that I was anxious to ride because I had been told that it
was good, but not even looking at a Google satellite map or flying it in Google
Earth prepared me for the epic visual experience that we were about to embark
upon following breakfast at Los Jilbertos in Naturita.
Heading North out of Naturita just a few miles down the road you make your first sweeping curve around the granite walled mountain
with the San Miguel River tracking you on your right and the view of red rocks
just ahead. At this point you will start to sense that the Unaweep/Tabeguache
Scenic and Historic Byway is a very special place and that this is going to be a
great ride. Now that this road has your full attention, what you don’t know is
that the best is yet to come.
You will soon make a gradual 1000 foot decent from 5500 feet into the
Unaweep
Canyon where you will be flanked by shear
red rock walls on both sides all while being shadowed by the San
Miguel river that appears to be guiding you along your journey
before handing off that task to the Dolores River that will usher you to
Gateway. The lush green valley floor dotted with Aspens and Cottonwoods
are a perfect compliment to the red rocks leading to the tops of the towering
granite mountaintops that are mesmerizing you as make your way
around the next turn.
Mrs. C. and I were both so awestruck by the raw beauty this Scenic Byway
that all we could say was WOW!
The beauty from the seat of a
motorcycle was so breathtaking that you just wanted time to stand still so that
you could absorb every bit of what you were seeing. It became just one fantastic
view of shear red
rock walls after another that seemed to reach 1000 foot above as we
serpentine our way along this asphalt nirvana anticipating what would be beyond
the next
turn, almost making it hard to decide what to focus on next. And
this goes on for 50 MILES! We just rode through Sedona and it is beautiful, but
for a motorcycle rider, this road takes the riding experience to a whole other
level and is the gift that keeps on giving, again and again.
One point of historical interest along the way is
the Hanging Flume. In 1889-1890, crews built a wooden flume on the side
of the shear cliff to deliver water to a mining project. The mine went bust and
the flume was left to rot on the canyon walls. Portions of the flume are still
there and you will wonder how in the heck they ever pulled this off. Pretty
amazing especially for back then. You will find this approximately 24 miles
North of Naturita. There is a pull off area to stop and look. This web site has
some interesting background and close up photos of the Hanging Flume. Click
Here.
We have ridden all over Colorado. The mountains in the Central part of the
state are awesome, the beauty is undeniable and can be ridden over
and over. But if you venture off to the West side of the State along Hwy. 141
you might be surprised at what Colorado has borrowed from Utah in terms of Red
Rock and sandstone beauty as Gateway lies just 6 miles from the Utah border. The
geology is that is exposed for all to see is interesting for all to see and try
to understand.
As you crest the hill and pop out of the canyon into
Gateway Canyons resort you will be greeted by an adobe styled multimillion dollar resort framed
by the towering red sandstone landmark – The Palisade. Looking to the West
horizon you will see the 12,000 foot peaks of Utah’s La Sal Mountains giving
this resort a comfortable feel. Gateway Canyons offers many outdoor activities
including mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, off-road touring, air tours,
Dolores River adventures as well as the Gateway Canyon Spa on site. This is also
the location of the Gateway Car Museum. I will be following up next week with my
report on the OUTSTANDING Gateway Auto Museum.
As a side note, a few years ago we took
Hwy. 141 south of Naturita to Delores. While it is a good road and worth doing,
if you have one shot at it, definitely take the road north of Naturita. I hear
it is even good all the way up to Grand Junction. On this particular day, we
turned around and gladly went back the same way we came on our way to Durango.
Doing this road twice in the same day is a real treat. I have also included
photos of the Million Dollar Highway in the gallery below.
Useful Links:
Tidbits and Updates:
**In 2 weeks I will bring you a couple of new routes to get to
the Durango area that you probably don’t know about that put some sizzle into
and otherwise uninteresting ride.
Bike Nights
Tuesday Nights
Mad Dog Saloon Tuesday Bike
Night. After a Summer hiatus, Mad Dog Saloon is BACK! And kicking off bike
night for the Fall with a big night. 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. Raffle Prizes, Retro Pin-Up Models and a 50/50
raffle to benefit Bikers Against Diabetes.
There will be food and drink specials including
$1.00 tacos on Tuesday’s.
$2.50 Bud Bottles
$3.00 Jack Daniels Honey Shots
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, September 18th. Click Here for
Details,
Map and Photos of the Mad Dog
Saloon.
Thursday Nights
September 13th – November 15th
Well, it is that time of year again. The weather is starting to cool down
and bike night season is upon us. Bike Night began Thursday night,
September 13th with a HUGE crowd and will continue for a total of 10 nights
ending on November 15th from 5 pm – 9 pm.
Enjoy Live Music
with “The Visitors” featuring their blend of Classic and
Contemporary Rock.
From the looks of things last
week, riders are ready to enjoy the break in the weather and get back on their
bikes. So grab your riding buddies and stop by to enjoy Live Music,
Restaurant specials and other special events along the way. Click Here for
Photos from the first night.
Here are the details for the
Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow
Powersports:
Where: Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to
Jobing.com Arena.
When: Thursday nights beginning September 13th – November 15th
Time: 5 PM –
9 PM
What: Bike
Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style Cruising
down Coyote Blvd.
Thanks to our Presenting
Sponsors Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports:
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.
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.
And to our Associate Sponsor
Curly’s Customs
Curly's Customs. Curly's Customs is a full service Custom Paint & Body
Shop for the motorcycle enthusiast. 623- 977-0339. Stop by and see them at Bike
Night.
Restaurant Specials at Westgate:
Saddle Ranch - 2 chicken tacos for
$5.50. Classic pints of draft beer for only $3. 6:30pm to 10:00pm All Bike
Nights, excluding event days/nights (when there are concerts, sporting or other
events at the Center/stadium/arena). Show “M” Class on license for
discount.
Calico Jack’s Cantina - Bike Night Platters. Nacho
chips, mini-chimis, onion rings & jalapeno poppers, plus a pitcher of
domestic draft beer for only $19.99. Enjoy 10% off your bill when you show your
motorcycle license.
The SHOUT! House - Bike Night Burger Deal: Burger,
fries and one beer for only $7.00.
Kabuki - Take 15% off when you show your motorcycle
license during Westgate Bike Night, Dine-in only. One offer per table per party.
Not valid during Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour.
Margaritaville – 5-9 PM. 15% off for bikers that show
their motorcycle license, alcohol not included. $2 PBRs.
Friday Nights
Mixteca Mexican Friday Bike Night.
Attention West Side Riders! First night was a big success! You now have a good
reason to get the bike out on a Friday Night.
Mixteca Mexican Food,
located at 67th Ave and Bell Rd., SW Corner is starting an every Friday Bike
Night on September 14th. Mixteca features a large outdoor patio with a grill to
fire up fresh street tacos as well as burgers. There will be Live Music on the
patio as well as plenty of seating inside and out. Or you could choose to sit at
the indoor bar that opens out to the patio. Mixteca has a great menu including
Sea Food, Mexican Food and American Food. There is something for everyone.
Click Here to view menu.
Ride in and enjoy:
$3 burgers on the grill
$1.75 Street Tacos
$2.00 Draft Beers
$4.00 Margaritas
Live Music with the Santana Experience.
TV’s inside and on the patio.
And plenty of blocked off motorcycle only parking right in
front of the patio.
Ride by Mixteca this Friday night and help us kick off this
new location on the West side located at 6731 W. Bell Rd.
This Week
Saturday, September 22nd
Tombstone
Harley-Davidson 1st Anniversary Ride. Come Celebrate With Us! The ride is
FREE! Starts at Tucson Harley-Davidson located at 7355 I-10
Frontage Rd. in Tucson, AZ. Breakfast at 8:30 AM. Registration from 9-10 AM.
Last bike out by 10:30 AM. First stop, Sierra Vista Harley-Davidson. FREE Lunch
and Music. Last bike out by 1:30 PM. Last stop and destination Tombstone
Harley-Davidson. Hangings off your bike by The Vigilantes on historic Allen St.
Pin the tail on the hawg for Raffle Items. Historic Saloon Crawl and After Party
hosted by Big Nose Kate’s. Stay the Weekend! Sunday, September 23rd join us for
a special historic ride. Call Kay at Tombstone HD for more information and to
reserve your spot. 520-457-1482.
Saturday, September 22nd
Harley-Davidson
of Scottsdale “New Model Year Open House & Fashion Show”. Join
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale for their New Model Year Open House and Fashion
Show from 10 AM – 4 PM on Saturday, September 22nd. 110th
Anniversary Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycles are on our show room floor! Get
here quick: gone means gone!
Enjoy these special
activities:
FREE Lunch from 11 AM – 2 PM
Fashion Show – 2
PM
Live Music – 10 AM – 2 PM
Bikini Bike Wash and Beer
See the new
110th Anniversary limited edition clothing. Get yours today while supplies last.
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale,
AZ. 480-905-1903. www.hdofscottsdale.com
Sunday, September 23rd
Arrowhead
Harley-Davidson Swap Meet. Please
join us for our Used Parts Swap Meet
on Sunday, September 23rd. 7 AM – Noon. Food Vendors, Raffles and More.
Space is free but limited, so call to reserve space at 623-247-5542 or
email ahdebay@ridenow.com to reserve your spot. Arrowhead
HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ.
Sunday, September 23rd
Assassin Cycle
and Design Open House. The East Valley’s newest and most unique motorcycle
dealer is having its Grand Opening on Sunday, September 23rd from
11 AM to 2 PM. We are located at 3045 E. Main Street in Mesa, easily
accessible from the 60 and 202. Our showroom is convenient to the Phoenix area
including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe. You will find a variety of
motorcycles in our showroom. Assassin Cycle & Design is unique! What
makes us different from other shops? We provide a full service location
with motorcycle sales, including a fine inventory of consignments, repairs and
accessories, at one of the best shop rates in the area! You will be
excited to see our custom paint department, where the only limitation to
personalizing your ride, is YOUR imagination . . . you'll be
surprised by the affordability! In addition, we have financing and
extended service plans available for our customers. All of these services,
combined with our excellent customer service, is why we assassinate the
competition! We are riders treating other riders right! Ride in to Assassin
Cycle and Design Open House from 11 AM – 2 PM. Enjoy Food, Entertainment and
Give-aways. Mike Score from JR Tucker Rocky will be displaying parts and also
have give-aways. Enter to win custom paintwork. See examples at the open house.
Please feel free to contact us. Assassin Cycle is located at 3045 E. Main in
Mesa, AZ. http://www.assassincycles.com/
Next Week
Saturday September 29th
Buddy
Stubbs Harley-Davidson Wide Open House. Ride into Buddy Stubbs Arizona
Harley-Davidson on Saturday September 29th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and check out
all the latest 2013 offerings from Harley-Davidson.
This year marks
the 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson and we’re throwing an open house,
Harley style! What better time than now to check out all the new options,
colors, and models! Ride early and stop in afterward to enjoy FREE food and
drinks while you browse the isles of motorcycles. In addition, there will be
live music, museum tours, and lots of shiny new chrome to check out! For more
information call (602) 971-3400 or e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com. Buddy
Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix
AZ, 85022. Or online at www.buddystubbshd.com.
Saturday and Sunday
September 29th & 30th
Tucson
Harley-Davidson Demo Event and 110th Model Year Release Party. Have you been
wanting to test ride one of the new 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycles?
We all want to! Now is your chance. The
Harley-Davidson Demo truck will be at Tucson HD for 2 days on September 29th and
30th from 9 AM – 4 PM to give you a chance to saddle up on a brand new 2013
Harley-Davidson and give it a ride. PLUS! The Drag Specialties will be on site.
Purchase any item from the DRAG Truck (in stock or order) and receive up to 2
HOURS OF FREE LABOR! See parts counter for details. You can also see the new
2013’s in our showroom. FREE FOOD both days from 11 AM – 1 PM while supplies
last. Tucson Harley-Davidson is located at 7355 N. I-10 EB Frontage Rd. in
Tucson, AZ. For more information call 520-751-3380.
Saturday, September 29th
Poker Fun
Ride. Proceeds benefit Central AZ Blue Star Moms.
Prizes, 50/50
Raffle, Starts 9AM at American Legion Post 41 located at 715 S. 2nd Ave. in
Phoenix, AZ. Then goes to 4 Tilted Kilt Restaurants along the way ending in
Tempe. Pre Registration at www.caz3bluestarmoms.org.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 20th
1st
Annual Bob’s Biker Blast 2012. Bob “Go Daddy” Parsons, Harley-Davidson of
Scottsdale and GO AZ Motorcycles present the 1st Annual Bob’s Biker Blast 2012.
The party will feature the Grand Opening of the new Demo and
Training Track. Highlighting the day will be the extremely popular national band
George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Performance will include the biker favorite
“Bad to the Bone”. Also performing on stage that day will be the very popular
southern rock band, 38 Special performing their hits including “Hold on
Loosely”. Concert gates open at 4 PM. FREE Admission to all riders or $20
donation for all others. *Motorcycle endorsement good for 1 rider and 1
passenger.
**Other guests include a special appearance by Tommy Flanagan, who you might know as “Chibs” on the television show Sons of Anarchy from
Noon – 7 PM.
**Don’t miss the Fear No Ice Thrill Show at 6 PM.
**As part of our new demo and training facility we will be
introducing the 1st Ever application of Real Live motorcycle simulators.
**All-Day events starting at 10 AM at HD of Scottsdale and GO
AZ Motorcycles.
Proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Go AZ
Motorcycles is located at 15500 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, 480-609-1800. HD of
Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. 480-905-1903.
Extras
Mid Week Updates will be made on
the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New
Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to
Cyclerides.com
Facebook. Over 3900 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
driving manual says the average driver's reaction time is .75 seconds ... or 1 car length for every 10 mph. It is tough to stop this one. I am
a Bobbing Bobcat. Click Here to View
Video of the Week. Since the election is not far off,
I
thought this video from an old Bob Hope movie might be funny. At least for the
Republicans. 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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