Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
9/22/10
 

Greetings Riders,
 
I want to start out this week by thanking all of the riders that braved the heat to attend the first night of the Fall sessions of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Nights. The place was packed with riders all night long tapping their toe to the sounds of the Velvet Tiger band. They were a really nice addition to set the tone for just hanging out and looking at all of the bikes. A real fun time. The next one is on Thursday, October 14th. Look forward to seeing you there. See pictures from last week. Click Here. There is a lot going on in the coming month, which I will go over below in the "Tidbits and Updates" column. 

Oregon Ride 2010 Day 4 - Crater Lake

 

But for now, I want to bring you Day 4 of our Oregon Ride 2010. After 3 days of riding in Oregon we were firmly entrenched in this ride and had left the real world behind us for a while. If you missed the letter last week and the report on Day 3, Click Here. The anticipation of Day 4 was exciting for me because we were going to see a couple of things that I had come to Oregon to see. Another covered bridge, which Oregon is so famous for, and the famous Crater Lake National Park.
 
We started the day in Roseburg, OR just off of I-5 and headed South to Canyonville where we took a little road called the Tiller Trail Highway, aka Hwy. 227. This is an excellent motorcycle road that takes you through the pines and twisties while following the river along the way. I had never heard anything about this road, I only knew that it would take us past the Milo Academy covered bridge. As it turns out, it was an excellent 50 mile road that would lead us to the Rogue-Upmqua Scenic Byway that would take us to our crown jewel of the day, Crater Lake.
 
On most rides that you will do, there always seems to be some stretches in the trip that aren't very interesting and you are just trying to get from point A to point B. In the area of Oregon that we were riding, there really wasn't any of that. It seemed like the next road was as good as the one that we just got off of. But I guess a state that has 10 National Scenic Byways is going to have a lot of good riding to do.
 
Once we reached Hwy. 62 from the Tiller Hwy., we turned North and headed toward the Rogue River National Forest and our turnoff to Crater Lake. One stop that we can recommend along the way would be to stop and take the small hike to the Natural Bridge. This is a river that runs through the forest on volcanic rock. It has somehow managed to tunnel under the rock for a ways and then pop back out. An amazing bit of geology that is worth seeing. I tried to photograph it, but pictures do not do this justice. From there it was on up Hwy. 62 to what would be our highlight of the day, Crater Lake.
 
Now I will admit to seeing pictures of Crater Lake and saying, "what is all the fuss about, it is just a big round lake"?. I can tell you now, this geologic wonder is way more than just a big round lake. Pictures can no way do it justice. The brilliant deep blue color of the water is almost unbelievable when you see it in person. You just keep looking at it and saying, how can it be that blue? Well, I don't know the answer to that exactly, but I would suspect it has something to do with the depth of the lake and the purity of the water. The thumbnail history of Crater Lake is that Mount Mazama had a massive volcanic eruption 7700 years ago that literally blew the top off of the 12,000 foot mountain. After the blast, Mazama's peak remained as a shell over a hollow interior leaving a caldera that then filled up with water creating the deepest lake in the United States at 1949 feet deep.
 
Since Crater Lake is literally perched on the top of a mountain, there are no streams flowing into or out of it. All water that enters the lake is eventually lost from evaporation or subsurface seepage. The lake is re-filled entirely from direct precipitation in the form of snow and rain. Because no water flows into or out of the lake, its waters contain few minerals and almost no impurities. That combined with the depth of the lake likely accounts for the pure blue water color to the eye.
 
Since we were going to be headed out of the park to the South, we entered from the South so that we could ride around the entire 32 miles around the lake and then exit the same way we came in. This is an absolutely beautiful ride around the lake as you climb to over 9000 feet in elevation as you serpentine your way around the lake getting glimpses of it from different vantage points along the way. Wizard Island is a small patch of land on the West side of the lake that is located near the lodge and is by far the most photographed and recognizable part of Crater Lake. If you go, make sure to make a stop at the old lodge to see the interior of it.
 
After spending more than 3 hours at Crater Lake, it was time to head South and eventually exit Oregon into Northern California. One very cool thing about riding a motorcycle on trips like this is that other riders are always anxious to help you out with local knowledge on roads to ride. I was talking with a rider at Elk Lake the day before telling him where we were headed and he recommended a little unknown road that I would have never even found on the map. It is called the Dead Indian Memorial Rd. that takes you to Ashland, OR. This is a fantastic little road that takes you past Lake of the Woods through mountains, meadows and trees before dropping you into Ashland. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend taking this lightly traveled road to I-5. Take 62 South out of Crater Lake to 140, then the Dead Indian Rd. to Lake of the Woods. Click Here for map.
 
From Ashland we headed down I-5 into Northern California and spent the night in Yreka to get us closer to the route for the next day that would take us to the coast and Eureka, CA to ride the "Lost Coast Highway", one of our favorite roads. This concluded our 300 mile day and our fond farewell to Oregon, but already planning on a return to see more.  
 
Click Here for some stunning Photos of Crater Lake and Day 4.
Click on Slideshow in upper right for best viewing. 

Click Here for Map of Day. 
Oregon National Scenic Byways.
History of Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park Site


 

Tidbits and Updates:
 
**I have had a lot of questions about the Rocky Point Rally lately and it is on and scheduled for November 4th -7th. It is hard to believe, but this is the 10th anniversary of the Rally. I know that some are hesitant to go to Mexico right now with all of the bad press down there, but Rocky Point has seemed to avoid most of the issues that you here about in the press. But that is your decision to make. Here is the Agenda. More information to follow.
 
**Thunder Mountain Ride Update! October 8-10. There has been some confusion on the registration costs for the event. I called today and got the bottom line on it. Here is the deal as simply as I can make it. If you want to have a ticket in each of the drawings for the 13 motorcycles the cost is $120. This will get you into all of the rides and all activities as well as the drawings. If you would like to be involved in the drawings for 5 motorcycles, the cost is $60. This will get you into the event all 3 days and in the drawings for 5 bikes. No rides are included. You can add rides or motorcycle drawings for $20 each. To register for the bikes and entry Click Here. If you would just like to go to the event and watch the bands and view the vendors and entertainment, the cost is $10 per day. Bike drawings days, locations and times, Click Here.
 
They have done a real nice job of lining up Entertainment for this event.
Friday: John Scott Band, 1-3pm,  74th Street Band, 3-5pm. Valley favorite Mogollon, 5-9pm.
Saturday: John Scott Band, 1-4pm. Echoes The Fall, 4-5pm. Rondavous, 5-7pm. American Idol Star Amanda Overmeyer, 7-9pm.
Sunday: John Scott Band, 11am-2pm.
 
**Photos on Cyclerides.com Smugmug. I am getting quite a collection of photos on the Cyclerides.com Smugmug page and adding more every week. There are 15 galleries under Events and 10 galleries under Riding Photos. Click SLIDESHOW in the upper right of the gallery screen for best full screen viewing. Or you can just watch the random slideshow of all the photos on the opening page. 


 

Events This Week 

Saturday, September 25th
4th Annual Toy Drive and Ride for Andrea's Closet. Ride starts at Arrowhead Harley Davidson at 8:00am for registration toy drop off and  leaves at 9:30am. New toys only please. 1 toy equals 3 raffle tickets. The more you bring, the more chances to win and the more smiles for kids. Tons of great raffle prizes and a silent auction. All bikes and cars welcome. Free Water and Donuts. Escorted ride. Ride ends at St. Joseph's Hospital, 350 W. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix. Starts at Arrowhead HD located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountains Ctr. Dr. in Peoria. http://www.andreascloset.org/
 
Saturday and Sunday,
September 25th & 26th.

Tucson Harley-Davidson Demo Days. You might have seen the new 2011 Harley-Davidson's by now, but there is nothing like actually getting on one and taking it for a ride. This is your chance! The Harley-Davidson Demo Truck will be at Tucson HD on Saturday and Sunday to give you an opportunity to see what all the fuss is about with the new 2011 models. Pick the one you want to ride and take a spin on it from 9am - 4pm both days. You must have a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21 years old. There will be Free Food, Raffle Prizes and More! Don't miss this opportunity to test ride your favorite Harley-Davidson. Tucson HD is located at 7355 N. I-10 EB Frontage Rd. in Tucson, AZ. 520-751-3380. 

Next Week 

Friday, October 1st
Motorcycles On Main St. in Mesa Sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. Motorcycles on Main in Mesa is back in full swing. Riders have been asking for something to do on a Friday night for a long time and now it is here at least once per month. This event regularly brings in over 1000 riders 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 4 Beer Gardens located throughout the 2 blocks and 4 Live Band Stages. Be sure and check it out this month on Friday, October 1st 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. 

Saturday, October 2nd
Thunder Mountain Ride Official Kickoff Party at Buddy Stubbs. By now most of you have heard about the Thunder Mountain Ride happening in Payson on October 8-10 that is giving away 13 motorcycles. The first one of those bikes will be given away on Saturday, October 2nd at Buddy Stubbs HD. And since it is unprecedented to give away 13 bikes at one event, Buddy Stubbs is throwing a huge party to kick it off! Free Admission 3pm-8pm. There will be Live Music on the Main Stage, Great Food, a Miller Lite beer garden, Vendors, Museum Tours and of course the Sportster Giveaway. You can buy your registration to the Thunder Mountain Ride and get your name in the hat for the first bike given away at Buddy Stubbs. Click Here to see how to register for the event, or register at Buddy Stubbs to be in the drawing.  
 
Saturday and Sunday, October 2nd & 3rd
Chandler Harley-Davidson Demo Days. You might have seen the new 2011 Harley-Davidson's by now, but there is nothing like actually getting on one and taking it for a ride. This is your chance! The Harley-Davidson Demo Truck will be at Chandler HD on Saturday and Sunday to give you an opportunity to see what all the fuss is about with the new 2011 models. Pick the one you want to ride and take a spin on it from 9am - 4pm both days. You must have a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21 years old. There will be Free Food, Raffle Prizes and More! Don't miss this opportunity to test ride your favorite Harley-Davidson. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800.
 
Saturday, October 2nd
4th Annual We Ride so Kids can Walk presented by El Zaribah Shrine Motorcycle Unit. Registration at Johnny Rockets at Westgate City Center at 101 Hwy & Glendale Rd. from 7am - 10am. Ride starts from 9-10am. $20 Registration/$10 Passenger. This year's Theme is Treasure/Scavenger Hunt. Ride is 100 miles which is about 3 Hours seat time. Ride ends at El Zaribah Shrine. 1st Prize 1 oz Gold Bar, 2nd Prize a Diamond, 3rd Prize 10 oz of Silver. Many more prizes and raffles. Download a Registration form at www.weridesokidscanwalk.com.  Registration at event start only.
 
Sunday, October 3rd
2nd Annual "Never Give Up" Ride. For strength and hope in loving memory of Claudine Brady. 100% Of funds raised will benefit a child with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona. $5,000 makes a child's wish come true! Register at Renegade Classics, 3102 E. Cactus Rd Phoenix at 8:30 am. All riders will receive a raffle ticket at registration & Meet Miss Arizona Bike Week 2010 Jules Elliott! 10:00 am We’ll Hit The Road. 1st Stop American Legion Post #107. Enjoy $7.00 & under breakfast first come first serve! 2nd Stop Gavilan Peak Sports Bar & Grill in New River. 3rd Stop The Hideaway in Cave Creek. 4:00 PM Final Stop Legends Bar & Grill in Scottsdale. Legends will offer a delicious nacho bar, $5 dollar burgers & house chips & Happy Hour drink prices! Raffle prizes from our sponsors! 

Upcoming Rides 

October 8-10, 2010
Thunder Mountain Ride. PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
There are rides or events that come along every now and then that really get me excited and that includes the upcoming Thunder Mountain Ride Motorcycle Rally in Payson, AZ. Not only is Payson Arizona a beautiful place to have a motorcycle event, it is also the perfect time of year for it. But they are really making it huge by giving away 13 motorcycles to those who attend. Not to mention live music daily including high profile acts like Mogollon and rides through and around the rim.  I will be talking more about this event over the next several weeks. But for now I would like to direct you to the excellent video that they have done for this ride that will definitely get you excited about it. Event is sponsored by Native Air, City of Payson, North Country HealthCare, Outback Steakhouse and Budweiser. 
This video is really good and will get you excited to participate. Click Here to View Video.  Stay tuned for weekly updates for this event.
Click Here for Schedule of Events. 

Drawings For Motorcycles! There has been some confusion on the registration costs for the event. I called today and got the bottom line on it. Here is the deal as simply as I can make it.
If you want to have a ticket in each of the drawings for the 13 motorcycles the cost is $120. This will get you into all of the rides and all activities as well as the drawings.
If you would like to be involved in the drawings for 5 motorcycles, the cost is $60. This will get you into the event all 3 days and in the drawings for 5 bikes. No rides are included. You can add rides or motorcycle drawings for $20 each.

To register for the bikes and entry Click Here.

If you would just like to go to the event and watch the bands and view the vendors and entertainment, the cost is $10 per day.

Bike drawings days, locations and times, Click Here.
Click Here to see ALL 13 Motorcyces and how to win them.
Click Here to Register Now! 
They have done a real nice job of lining up Entertainment for this event.
Friday: John Scott Band, 1-3pm,  74th Street Band, 3-5pm. Valley favorite Mogollon, 5-9pm.

Saturday: John Scott Band, 1-4pm. Echoes The Fall, 4-5pm. Rondavous, 5-7pm. American Idol Star Amanda Overmeyer, 7-9pm.
Sunday: John Scott Band, 11am-2pm..

Extras 

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 2600 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! 

This week I have some funny commercials. The newspaper.  Click Here to View.

This is a sure sign it is time to get into shape. Click Here to View. 

This is proof that cheering can help. Click Here to View
 
Video of the Week: This is a funny one. Wouldn't you like to see the look on this lady's face when she looked at her pictures? 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
info@cyclerides.com
 

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