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I have been doing a series of in the newsletter about our Oregon Ride that we did this past August. If you missed the first 4 newsletters with photos you can find them and all other past newsletters in the Archives. Click Here. This week I will be outlining Day 5 that takes us from Yreka, CA to Ferndale, CA. We decided to continue our quest of riding as many National or State Scenic Byways as we could on this trip. And as you might imagine, with a state as big as California, it has a lot of scenic byways. The next one on our ride card was Hwy. 299, also known as the Trinity Scenic Byway which is a state designated byway.

The 130 mile Trinity Scenic Byway has been called one of the most beautiful drives in Northern California. It is a really nice road, but after doing several roads and byways in the area, I'm not sure I would give it quite that high of status. It crosses both the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests, the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. About 40 miles West of Redding you will go through the old town of Weaverville. This was one of the more intact historic towns that I had seen in a while. Weaverville boasts some of the oldest continually used buildings in California. The courthouse was built in 1856-57 and is the second oldest in the State. The Weaverville Drug Store on Main Street is the oldest in California, the doors open since 1854. The Joss House, a Taoist temple, was rebuilt from ashes in 1873 and is now preserved as a State Historic Park. There is a walking/riding tour of the town and a museum on the main street that you can stop at along the way.

Approximately 55 miles from Redding you will intercept the Trinity River which you will follow for about 35 miles as it winds back and forth along the side of the rock outcroppings of the hills it was carved from. While this is a pretty part of the ride, I told Mrs. C. that I kind of felt like it was Groundhog Day as we would round ever corner it would look just the same. A river on the left, a corner and rocks on the right. Then do it again. Got pretty comical after 30 miles of that. It is a pretty ride, just don't think it is one of the best in Northern California. In fact, the one we took back the next day was much better.

Hwy. 299 takes you right to the coast of California to Hwy. 101 where you will head South into the old town of Eureka. Eureka's Pacific coastal location on Humboldt Bay adjacent to abundant Redwood forests provided a rich environment for the birth of this 19th century seaport town. Beginning more than 160 years ago, miners, loggers, and fishermen began making their mark in this pristine wilderness of the California North Coast. Seven of the nine largest lumber mills were located in Humboldt County which fed the massive construction projects and building in San Francisco.

The cool thing about going to Eureka today is to see the incredible amount of Victorian homes that have been restored. A can't miss stop if you go to Eureka is the magnificent Carson Mansion on 2nd and M Streets. It is perhaps the most spectacular Victorian in the nation. The home was built between 1884-1886 by renowned 19th Century architects Newsom and Newsom for lumber baron William M. Carson. It is really an outstanding example of Queen Anne Victorian style construction. Click Here to view Carson Mansion. Old Town Eureka, the original downtown center of this city in the 19th Century with Victorian architecture on the buildings, has been restored and has been declared an Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places. Since the arts are big here, another unique aspect of Eureka is the use of murals on buildings. Take a look at this outstanding mural on the side of a four story building. Really cool and well worth seeing.

After eating a late lunch in Old Town Eureka, we headed about 20 miles South to Ferndale, the gateway to one of our favorite roads, the Lost Coast Highway. The Victorian Inn in Ferndale would be our resting place for the day. I will tell you more about this very cool old town and very special hotel next week.

Click Here for Photos.
Click Here for Map.

Useful Links:
Trinity Scenic Byway - Hwy. 299
California National Scenic Byways
Eureka, CA
California's Redwood Coast

October 8-10, 2010
Thunder Mountain Ride Motorcycle Rally. This Weekend!
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. Event to be held at the Green Valley Park. Just take Hwy. 87 to Payson and make a left on Main St. Follow the signs to the event. Click Here for Map.
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 Motorcycles 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.

Saturday, October 9th
Renegade Classics 3rd Annual Kick Start Party and Bike Show. Stop by Renegade Classics 9am - 4pm for some FREE Food, Beverages and Live Music. And while you are there, take advantage of their huge sale. Save 20%-50% on Leather Chaps, Jackets, & Vests. HD Leather Boots, Dot Helmets, Saddlebags & Luggage. Ladies' Tanks & T's & Long Sleeve Shirts. Men's T-Shirts & Work Shirts. Sewing available on site. Bike Show Voting begins at 10am. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Trophies & Prizes. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 E. Cactus Rd. in Phoenix. 602-595-9597. www.renegadephoenix.com

Saturday and Sunday,
October 9th and 10th.
Arrowhead 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 Arrowhead HD on Saturday and Sunday to give you an opportunity to see for yourself how truly great the new 2011 models are. 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. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fntns Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, October 9
Budweiser Arizona Mile Grand National Championship Finals. The AMA Pro K&N Filters Grand National Championship series is the oldest and most traditional form of motorcycle racing competing on stock car and horse tracks throughout the country. Motorcycle riders from across the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada will compete handle bar to handle bar only inches apart at speeds over 140mph on the one mile dirt oval. Mile dirt track racing has been dominated by the Harley-Davidson XR750 for over 30 years, 2010 brought new competitive equipment to challenge the Harley-Davidson. To date Harley-Davidson has won 5 races, Ducati 1 and just last weekend Kawasaki won their first race at the Lucas Oil Indy Mile ridden by former Harley-Davidson factory rider Bryan Smith. Often called the most spectacular motorsports racing in the country, both Pro Singles and Expert Twins compete on the K&N Filters Grand National Championship Series. The drafting technique keeps riders together for the entire main event with the race often won by only inches at the finish line. The win by Joe Kopp on the Ducati in May over Harley-Davidson mounted Sammy Halbert was won at the finish line by less than 2 feet! Takes place at Yavapai Downs in Prescott Valley, AZ. Gates Open 9:00am. Practice/Timed Qualifying 10:30am. Opening Ceremonies 1:30pm. Races 2:00pm. Yavapai Downs (928) 775-8000. Hacienda Harley is hosting a press party at 15600 N. Hayden Road from 2-4pm Thursday October 7, 2010. Come meet Jared Mees and learn more about flat track racing.

Saturday, October 9th
2nd Annual East Side B.A.C.A. Poker Run. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. Sign in at Joeta's Leather, 433 W. Main St. in Mesa. 9am - 11am. Prizes for High and Low hand. $20 single or $30 per couple. Your donation includes Ride Pins for the first 100. Live Music, Merchandise and 50/50 Raffle, Vendors, Breakfast served before run.

Thursday, October 14th
The Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night will present the second night of the Fall season on October 14th. If you didn't make it to the first one last month, don't miss this one. The Fall season is going to be a little different. We are just going to do 3 Thursday nights for the Fall. So mark you calendars for September 16th, October 14th and November 11th which will be a Veteran themed event. Event time is 5-10pm. I will end the season with the Cyclerides.com Toy Event at Westgate on Saturday, December 4th.

This year we will have Live Music every month. This month we have Velvet Tiger bringing back classic R&B, Motown and Blues. There will be more Vendors, Restaurant Specials, Videos on the giant LED, performances from the 6 million dollar dancing water fountains and of course plenty of motorcycle parking on Coyote Blvd. and beyond. Urban Roots will play from 6-9 pm.
Plan to join us on Thursday, October 14th from 5-10pm at Westgate City Center located next to the Cardinals Stadium and Jobing.com Arena at Loop 101 and W. Glendale Ave. Click Here for Details.
Sponsored by:
Arrowhead HD
Your local Harley-Davidson dealership and proud sponsor of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night. We are located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. Stop to see the latest 2011 HD motorcycles. 623-247-5542

Petersen Johnson Accident Lawyers.

Petersen Johnson is a local Arizona law firm, whose attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience in Accident/Injury law and DUI/Criminal Defense law. We have substantial experience in representing riders injured in motorcycle accidents. Ron Petersen and Brad Johnson are involved in every injury case. We discount our fees; never our service. Please call us locally at 602-650-1200 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Allstate Insurance - Steve Wingenfield Agent.

Stop by Steve Wingenfeld's Allstate tent on Bike Night and check out Allstate's NEW Lower rates on All Harley's and all cruiser bikes. Now you can save over 40% with multi-line discounts. You can stop in at our Westgate office on Coyote's Blvd(suite 1056) or call us at 623.581.0374. Check out our Motorcycle website at http://www.allstategarage.com/, Just input zip code 85305 to get to my web page.

RideSmart Motorcycle Training - Celebrating ten years of being the highest quality, lowest priced rider training school in the Phoenix Metro area! Motorcycle Safety Foundation based curricula and highly qualified, personable Rider Coaches. Courses for beginners and experienced motorcyclists. MVD testing is an integral part of the curricula. Fun, low threat training environment. Ninety-seven percent student success rate. Not the biggest school, simply the best!

If you would like to be a vendor or a sponsor on any of these next 2 nights, please contact Barry at info@cyclerides.com

See photos from last season.

Saturday, October 16th & 17th
ROCKTOBERFEST at Chester's Harley-Davidson. Ride in and join the huge party at Chester's Harley-Davidson that takes place in their 5-acre Miller Beer Garden, sponsored by Miller, Patron Tequila, Jagermeister & Jack Daniels. Free Admission to party. Gates open at 11am till 10pm. Proceeds from alcohol sales benefit Choir Boys Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, a 501 (c) 3 charity organization helping families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty. Enjoy festivities and events throughout the day including:
- Hot Rod & Low Rider Custom Show & Shine Car Show on display all day.
- Bike Vendors & fantastic food

Krystinas 65 Roses Poker Run Ride for the Cure. Charity Motorcycle Poker Run for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Krystina Marie Everett. All proceeds from this event benefits the cystic fibrosis foundation. Registration begins at 8:30AM ($25 per bike, $10 per passenger) At Buffalo Chip Saloon. Per Bike Registration Fee includes Rally Fee, Event Tshirt, and One Buffalo Chip(Good for One Free Meal at Rally) Paid Passenger includes Rally Fee and Buffalo Chip. Pick up packets on Ride day at Buffalo Chip Saloon – 6811 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek, AZ.

Saturday, October 16th
American Legion Post 117 Legacy Benefit Run. Proceeds will benefit Legacy Scholarship Fund. All bikes and cages welcome for participation. Registration 9am - 11am at Post 117 located at 16428 N. 32nd. St. in Phoenix, AZ. Last bike out at 11am. $25 per rider. $30 with passenger. Ride pins with registration. Food at 4pm. Live music 5pm - 9pm. Contact Vicky with questions. 602-754-8821.

Sunday, October 17th

Ride For Hope Fun Run Motorcycle Rally. Registration Starts at 7:30am. Kick stands up at 9am at the Cancer Center at Chandler Regional Medical Center located at 1875 W. Frye Rd. in Chandler. The scenic route that will be ridden finishes at San Tan Flats at 6185 W. Hunt Hwy. in Queen Creek for great food, entertainment and raffles. Funds go to assist cancer patients with necessities that, because of their medical condition, they cannot afford to pay for themselves. Registration fees are $25 that includes meal and t-shirt. Passenger $10 includes meal. Deadline to register Friday, October 8th. More information at 877-728-5414.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 23rd

Unveiling of the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper and Bret Michaels concert. Join 100.7 KSLX for our 1st Annual Bike Night at the Fair with Hacienda Harley Davidson Saturday Oct 23rd at 4pm. Just $13 gets you admission for two into the Arizona State Fair plus bike parking inside the fair gates (in-venue parking limited to first come, first served but overflow will be designated bike parking area) and general admission seating for the Bret Michaels show that night. There is so much to do FREE with your Fair admission, including seeing the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper Unveiling Ceremony at 5pm, attend the Bret Michaels show at 7pm (doors are at 6pm for general admission seating), see Demolition Derby in the grandstand at 7pm, and more! Tickets can be purchased until 10/22 at Hacienda Harley Davidson located at 15600 N. Hayden Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260. The event is at the Arizona State Fair, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85007.

November 4th - 7th

10th Annual Rocky Point Rally. Yes, it is on and Mogollon is going to be the featured musical entertainment on Saturday night at Las Palomas on Sandy Beach. This should be a great concert. 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 hear about in the press. Do your own research about issues in Rocky Point, don't let the broad brush of the press decide for you. Then see if you want to go or not. One thing we do know, this is always a good time. Here is the Agenda. If you are looking to make a reservation for lodging, Click Here. If you want a good snapshot of the Rocky Point Rally, check out this video from a couple of years ago.

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 is one of the coolest contraptions I have seen in a long time. Looks like a lot of fun. Click Here to View.

I never get tired of watching the bad guys blow themselves up. Looks like they packed that IED a little too much. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: I've seen some dangerous sports, but this one has everyone in jeopardy. Watch these impossible dirt bike hill climbs. 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