Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
10/14/09
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, here we are in the middle of October in Phoenix and the weather is beautiful, if not even a little warm for this time of year. The forecast is calling for as high as 98 by the end of the week. Pretty warm for this time of year, but it makes for absolutely gorgeous riding up North for one last look at the Fall Colors that I talked about 2 weeks ago. Call this phone number to see how the colors are going in the area that you want to ride. Fall Colors Hotline: 800-354-4595. This also makes for excellent evening riding. If you haven't done so already, check out the Bike Nights below. There have been big crowds, riders are really enjoying this time of year.

Speaking of Bike Nights, I have gotten a lot of emails regarding when the Westgate Bike Night was going to start up again. I met with Westgate management this past weekend and the tentative date is set for March 18th. There are just too many events at the arena that would conflict with Bike Night to do it before then. The plan would be to run it through July 1st, which would be a total of 16 weeks. The good news is that we have some time to plan, add some programming and make it even better than this year. I think you will be pleased. I am also working on another large venue that will hopefully kick off at about the same time in another part of the Valley. Stay tuned for news on this one.

When I last left you in writing about our 2009 Trip we were on Day 4 in Lake Louise and had just finished up our ride up the Icefield Parkway to Jasper and back. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful rides that you could ever take. If you missed the photos from this day, take 10 minutes and go through them. I think they are the best collection of photos that I have ever displayed. Click Here to View.

Day 5 had us waking up in Lake Louise to sunny and blue skies for our ride back to the United States. We weren't going to, but we just couldn't get out of the area without a quick trip down to Banff for breakfast. This is just such a cool town in a beautiful setting, that it is hard not to go there. We were glad to be able to see Banff again.

But, back to the United States and Whitefish, MT was our goal for the day. It was 11:00am and we knew we had over 300 more miles to go, so we needed to get going to make it to Whitefish before dark. One thing you don't want to do is go from Eureka, MT to Whitefish at dusk. The deer through there are about as thick as mosquitoes. So, getting through there in late afternoon is definitely the safest thing to do. So we headed back North from Banff to catch Hwy. 93 which would take us through Kootenay National Park and across the Continental Divide. This is a very pretty ride for sure, but is the least beautiful of the 4 National Parks in this area. And on this particular Canadian Holiday, there was a lot of traffic. Hwy. 93 takes you to Radium Hot Springs and the end of Kootenay Park.

We then headed South on Hwy. 93 to Hwy. 95A that takes you to a really cool little town in a ski area called Kimberley. If you are in the area I would highly suggest the detour to this town that is also known for having the largest Cuckoo Clock. You can add this to the largest ball of twine and largest frying pan if you have seen them. After lunch in Kimberley we had the United States border firmly in our sight and were only 75 miles away. For those of you that have been out of the country, you probably know that no matter how good of time you had wherever you were, there is nothing quite like that feeling of crossing the border back to our homeland. It is kind of hard to describe, but even if you haven't been in this particular area before, it still feels like home. That sign that says "Welcome to the United States of America" kind of gives you goose bumps and gives you a certain amount of comfort just crossing the border.

Seven miles from the Canadian border on Hwy. 93 you will come to Eureka, the first town you will see in Montana, and a good place to get some gas. Approximately 50 miles South, and through the Deer gauntlet, you will arrive in Whitefish. The last time we went down this road, we counted over 40 deer, but it was at 8:30 - 9:00pm. This time we went through at 6pm and we were fine. Only saw 5. Once in Whitefish we started the hunt for a motel room. This is definitely where the GPS comes in handy. Just push the Find button, then Lodging, and all of the motels in the area pop up with phone numbers. You just pull off the road, make a few calls, then push the route to button and off you go. On this day the Pine Motel got our business and it was excellent. If you are in the area I would recommend it, just about a mile from downtown.

A walk down to the Dairy Queen for dinner and a trip to the spa to meet some new friends from L.A. and we were in for the evening to plan for our next adventure through Glacier National Park. And what an adventure it was. This is an interesting story about what happens when you are in the middle of Montana and your bike decides not to start. Or for that matter, not to have any electrical function at all. I will tell that story next week.

Until then, enjoy 70 photos from Day 5.
Click Here for the Map. 

Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, October 17th
Mogollon "IN CONCERT" at Western Trails Ranch.
MOGOLLON  (Mug-ee-own) Arizona’s own homegrown premier Country and Country Rock Band
will headline Western Trails Ranch Annual Rib Fest and Concert Saturday, October 17th.
Live Bands, Food and Fun. 2pm - Close. 

Wednesday, October 21st
Tempe Improv and Sheriff Joe Arpaio present "Pink Collar Comedy". A night at the Tempe Improv to Benefit the Animals of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's MASH unit for abandoned pets. The MASH unit is for animals that have been abandoned due to their owners getting arrested or put in jail. This is a non-profit no kill facility that relies on donations. The Pink Collar Comedy night is to raise money for this facility. Doors open at 5pm, No host dinner and bar with open seating. 5pm silent auction opens. 8-10pm comedy show with nationally known comedians along with Elvis Tribute by Bret Kaiser. All takes place at the Tempe Improv located at 930 E. University Dr. in Tempe, AZ. Tickets are $30.00. See flyer for more details.
 

Next Week

Friday, October 23rd

Bike Night at Radiant Church. Join Radiant Church on October 23rd, for Bike Night with recording artist and Harley enthusiast, Bryan Duncan. Starting at 6 PM on Radiant Church's Campus, located at 15522 W. Paradise Lane, Surprise, AZ, there will be food and fun from vendors such as DJ's Smokin Rib shack, White eyes Fry Bread, and Arrowhead Harley Davidson. We'll have a mini-concert by Bryan, followed by a question and answer segment led by Pastor Lee. Bring your bike for a chance to win one of three awards: $50, $75, or $100 for the 3 favorite bikes of the night. Please bring a can of food to support our Economic Relief Center that helps needy families in Surprise. For more information please call 623-975-2662.

Saturday and Sunday

October 24th and 25th

Demo Day at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Chandler Harley-Davidson. It's DEMO DAY!! This is your chance to ride a new 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Been thinking about trying out another model? This is your opportunity to pick one and see how you like it before you buy it. Stop in from 9 to 5 on Saturday OR Sunday and test drive a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for FREE! All you need is a valid motorcycle license. Draw a poker chip inside the store and receive 10, 15 or 20% off your purchase on in-stock motorclothes, parts and accessories all day! (no other discounts apply, not valid on service or motorcycle purchases). There will also be FOOD, MUSIC and RAFFLE PRIZES. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. 480-496-6800.

Saturday, October 24th

3rd Annual Anthony Holly Memorial Ride. Once a year on a cool fall morning, hundreds of folks shine up their bikes and put the rubber to the road to raise money for Arizona's kids. Come join us for the 3rd Annual Anthony Holly Memorial Ride on Saturday, October 24th as we do our part to help Arizona's youth. Tony served our country, his community, God and his family unfailingly. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and was a member of the Air Force Honor Guard.  After completing his military service, he became a Glendale Police Officer, where he also served on the Honor Guard. He was shot and killed in the line of duty on February 19, 2007 while coming to the support of a fellow officer. He was 24 years old. There is a $25 per rider and $15 per passenger registration fee and proceeds benefit the children's charities of the Anthony Holly Foundation. The ride will start at the 5 & Diner restaurant, located on the Southwest corner of 75th Ave. and Bell Rd. right next to McDonalds, at 9:00 AM. Registration begins at 7:00 AM.  The diner is also offering free coffee to all riders.

Saturday, October 24th

2nd Annual Ride to Provide. L.I.F.E. is a special place for developmentally disabled children. L.I.F.E. offers a variety of therapies that nurture each individual child's overall growth to improve their quality of life and the lives of their family members. $25 per rider or $35 two up. Registration at 9am. Kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. at Chandler Harley Davidson located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. Ends at The Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek, AZ. Event includes Live music, silent auction, casino tables, and a raffle. Buffet of BBQ brisket, pulled pork, chicken, cole slaw, beans, rolls and drinks. Texas Hold’em Tournament. $100 Donation per seat. 480-621-8361.

Saturday, October 24th

Hogs for Heroes. To provide Combat Veterans and their Families with a Support Team, tools, and training required to successfully transition into their community and home ownership as a productive and independent survivor. Sign In / Registration on the day of the event will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Any and all bikes are welcome. Phoenix Area Riders will begin at Buddy Stubbs Harley Davidson in Anthem and continue to draw stops in Cottonwood, Jerome, Prescott Valley, and finish at the Gateway Mall in Prescott Northern Arizona Riders begin at Grand Canyon Harley in Mayer,or Buddy Stubbs AZ and continue through Jerome, Old Town Cottonwood, Prescott Valley and finish at Prescott Gateway Mall. Don't miss out on prizes, 50/50 raffle, bike show and live music! $20.00 per card.

Sunday, October 25th
Rip's BAD Ride. Bikers Against Diabetes. Start sites throughout Arizona with registration at 8 am and rides going to the Festival Site: Pinal County Fairgrounds (512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Road) in Casa Grande. Activities include: Bike Show, Bike Games, Vendors, Live Concert by Mogollon. ALL participants also receive: complimentary BBQ Lunch and water/sodas, ride pin; minimum donation to participate: $30 pre-registration for rider at $20 for passenger after Wednesday, October 21st: $35 rider and $20 passenger. Raise more and receive GREAT “Thank You gifts” (BAD Ride T shirt, hat, jacket, etc.) For more information: 888.342.2383 x7112 or www.ripsbadride.com,  hgoldsmith@diabetes.org. ALL Bikes are welcome! Rip’s B.A.D. Ride is an important fundraising event of the American Diabetes Association. The B.A.D. Ride is personally supported by legends, Willie G. and Bill Davidson, of Harley-Davidson®, based on their personal commitment to the fight against diabetes.