Cyclerides.com
Weekly Update
10/20/04
Greetings Riders,
Last week I left you telling of my trip to New
York with Scott Pasmore from TV3 to do a story on the Teutul's from
Orange County Choppers. If you didn't see the story, you can
Click Here to read. If you didn't see the short
video of Paul Sr., Paul Jr. and Mikey's personal invitation to you to come
see them when they are here November 5-7th Click
Here. It is a small file so even dialup users should
have no problem viewing this video.
If you are reading this letter right now,
chances are you ride a motorcycle or have an interest in them. For
those of us that ride, we all have our own reasons why we do so. Some ride for
transportation, some for the lifestyle and some for the pure recreation of
seeing the countryside while becoming a part of it. For those of you that
have done the latter, you know what I mean. Whatever your reasons, if
you have ever gotten out across the country and pulled into a gas station,
it doesn't take you long to tell that motorcycling is probably as big an icon of
an activity as it has been since the days of Marlon Brando in "Wild One" or
Peter Fonda in "Easy Rider". As you take a break in these little towns, the
locals just can't seem to get enough of hearing about where you are going and
where you have been. It's almost as if they want to escape for a moment
and share a little of your adventure with you before they return back to
reality. It is apparent that motorcycling has reached higher grounds of interest
than ever before.
I have seen the crossover interest in
motorcycling growing over the last several years. You don't have to
look much further than the sales of Harley-Davidson's that have doubled over the
last 5 years and the countless custom motorcycles that are setting sales records
every year. Even those who don't ride have a fascination with riding.
What WE already knew was recently put out there for the general public to
read for themselves. In the October 18 issue of Newsweek Magazine, there was a 3
page article about the popularity of motorcycles. They point to the incredible
popularity of the Harley motorcycles, motorclothes and lifestyle that the brand
has built, but they also point to Discovery Channel bringing motorcycle programs
into our homes every week.
As you all know, the TV blitz of motorcycle
shows started with a little documentary about a rebel minded young man in
California named Jesse James starring in a show called "Motorcycle Mania". That intriguing story about a bike builder and his life got the interest
of motorcycle reality shows going. But it wasn't until last year when the first
show aired about a Father and Son building motorcycles in upstate New
York that things really got going. The tumultuous relationship between the
two combined with the incredible talented design and creativity of the Son was
an instant hit. It seems as though we just can't get enough of seeing them
create theme bikes that are modeled after a fire truck or a Statue of Liberty
bike that uses actual copper from Liberty herself. And yes, you are probably one
of the 10 1/2 million people every week that watch the Teutul's from Orange
County Choppers in Discovery Channel's top rated show known as "American
Chopper".
Love them as we do, not every one is a fan. I
have heard some other bike builders that have not quite reached the fame and
fortune of the Teutul's have had some less than complimentary things to say
about their rise to success. Even Newsweek reported
that Harley-Davidson CEO Jeff Bleustein said that "he cringes at what he
sees as subpar engineering on the show. It may look pretty but will it hold
together?" He also acknowledges that "American Chopper" is bringing more people
into showrooms. But he points out that bike sales were rising long before the
Teutul's showed up. While that is true, it doesn't change the insatiable desire
that we all have to see what side trip the OCC gang is going to take this week,
what profound words Mikey will have for us, what drama is going to unfold as
Paul Sr. tries to get Jr. to "get to gettin" and what awesome
creation is the next one to roll off the lift in Rock Tavern, NY. And this
phenomenon of watching "reality motorcycle" seems to grow with each passing
week. In the last 2 months alone they have been on The Tonight Show, The David
Letterman Show and Regis and Kelly. I can't think of any other motorcycle
personalities that have been that popular to cross over like they have. If you
missed the Teutul's last week on Letterman, Here is the
video (27MB, 10 minutes) of that appearance. It was
really good.
They can all say what they want, but I believe Discovery channel with the Biker Buildoff Series,
"Motorcycle Mania" with Jesse James and in particular "American Choppers"
with OCC is behind the recent craze about motorcycles. These programs
are giving the general public just a little bitty piece of what we
that ride already know. I think television and the popularity of guys like the
Teutul's is the main reason that it is projected that 1 million motorcycles will
be sold this year. It is also why that when I pulled into a gas
station on the coast of California, a 12 year old boy came up
to me and said: "Hey Mister! Cool motorcycle, I'm going to get
me one some day?" I just smiled and said, "I hope you do".
OCC Update - Only 12 Days
Till OCC:
Most of you know by now that OCC will be rolling
into Tempe for a 3 day event November 5-7. They will be signing
autographs under a huge tent for 8 hours per day on Friday and Saturday and 5
hours on Sunday. They are bringing an unprecedented 15 of their theme bikes that
will be displayed on risers for everyone to see and take pictures of. We are
setting up the viewing so that even if you are not in line to get autographs,
you will have full access to viewing the bikes. The show is coming together
nicely with great vendors and an over-full "Best Of The Southwest Custom
Motorcycle Show". There are over 25 Custom bikes from all over the Southwest
that will be displayed for the 3 days and you are going to pick the winner that
will receive the $5000 first prize. There are some incredible bikes in this
show. You will be impressed. Dodge has now signed on to bring their concept car
display including the "V-12 Viper Motorcycle". If you haven't seen this
yet, it is very cool. Gabe will also be displaying his AHDRA Drag Racing bike
and starting it up a couple of times a day. If you haven't heard one of these
run, you will be impressed. Click Here for the link to
buy tickets.
In This
Issue:
This
Week's Events
Wednesday
The Wild Hare Wednesday Bike
Night. Looking for a Bike Night on the East side? Here
is a bike night for the East side of town at a really nice
location. Stop by and take
a look, you will be impressed.
It is called The Wild Hare located at 4910 W. Ray Rd. That is the NE Corner of
Ray Rd. and Rural Rd. This is a really nice place with a very large outdoor patio. The inside has just been remodeled to double
the seating along with adding a DJ, pool tables and games. The Wild Hare has a
broad menu including 20 different appetizers, salads, wings, 17 different
sandwiches, chicken, filet mignon, burgers and desserts including strawberry
cheese cake. There will be food and drink specials that will run during bike
night from 6 PM till close. Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you
will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200.
Thursday Night
Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the
Valley.
Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. Ride by and join
in on the fun! Hooters will host
a Bike Night every Thursday at the Hooters at Arrowhead located just 1
block S. of Bell on 83rd Ave. Stop by for some great food and Hooters
Hospitality. There will be 20% off menu items (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card).
$2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio. Stop by
for some giveaways and raffles from Hooters and Arrowhead Harley as well as
great wings and fun at Hooters. Click Here to see Pictures and all the detailed
information.
Casey Jones Grill Bike Night The evening riding weather is good. You can always count on lots of bikes
here. Ride in for what I call the Best
Cheesesteak Sandwich in town. This thing melts in your mouth. They have 3 new
pool tables, darts and foosball. Located in the Mervyns Shopping Center on the
SE corner of 43rd Ave. and Thunderbird Rd. Casey Jones is a great place for a
bike night featuring a large outdoor seating and over 150 people inside. And for
those of you that want to watch a sporting event they have 50 TV's scattered
throughout the restaurant connected to satellite to get any game you can think
of. They have a full menu for lunch, dinner and a Happy Hour from 11:00AM -
7:00PM and a reverse happy hour from 10:00PM - 12:00 Midnight. $1.75 domestic
bottles and $2.00 Jacks. There are always a lot of bikes showing up for bike
night at Casey Jones Thursday night. Join them for open mic night on Wednesdays.
Sunday.
Hooters at Ahwatukee Thursday Bike Night. Continues
Giveaways and Raffles. The riders in Ahwatukee were wanting a
Bike Night of their own, so Hooters Ahwatukee stepped up to provide a great
place to come on your motorcycle on Thursday nights. Stop by for
raffles, good times and good food at Hooters in Ahwatukee located at 4804 E.
Chandler Blvd. There will be raffles and giveaways from Chandler Harley and
Hooters as well as
20% off menu items (25% off
with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card).
$2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio.
Click Here for the pictures and all the
details.
The Bike Night At The Billet
Bar. Voted "BEST BIKER
BAR IN PHOENIX" by New Times. There is
no better place to watch all the Bikes ride down Scottsdale road than from The
Billet Bar Patio. The Billet is ALWAYS packed with bikes Every
Day. Stop by and take a look at the New
Flamed
Booths on the Paradise Patio. The new bars front and rear provide
spacious seating, fresh air atmosphere, perfect temperature and courteous staff.
The food is amazing and always the latest in cold libations await. You can
sit at the back bar and watch your favorite TV on any of the seven big inch
televisions. Play pool, listen to the latest music and socialize. The front
patio seats over 75 people and is perfect for people watching on Scottsdale Rd.
The Billet Bar is located right next to Genesis Custom Cycles on
3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday night and all weekend long.
Info: at 480-941-1876. Click Here for the New Billet Bar Page
with pictures.
Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon. Live Music on the back Patio Every
Sunday from 3-7pm. Now opening at 6:00AM for Breakfast on Saturday and
Sunday. All of us are looking for that quick getaway out of town
for an early morning breakfast on the weekends, or a good stop on our way
up North. The Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon is the perfect
place for that and they are inviting all motorcycle riders to stop by for a good
old fashioned breakfast on the patio or a cool drink on the way home. Sundays
feature a $6.99 all you can eat breakfast including drinks and any day you can
get my personal favorite 1/2 order of biscuits and gravy for $1.95.
This is a great dish. Breakfast starts at 7:00am. Pioneer is also open for
lunch and dinner until 9:00 pm. On Saturday nights Canyon Walls
plays from 7pm - 11pm. Pioneer is also a great place to get your group
together for a sunset dinner ride. Sit out on the patio or the air conditioned
dining room. Click Here for the complete
menu. If you are organizing a ride, it is the perfect
place for a ride end. Pioneer is located just 1 mile North of the
Carefree Highway exit on I-17 at Pioneer Rd. exit 225. For private parties
call Karen at 602-493-7373.
Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. Cocomo Joes's is now your place to ride to for Sunday NFL Football
Games. Enjoy breakfast starting at 10:00am with $5.95 for a
Burrito Loco, French Toast or 2 Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon and Toast.
Cocomo Joe's has the full NFL Package to make it easy for you to watch the game
of your choice all day long. Cocomo Joe's is a very open and
comfortable place to hang out and watch the games. They have a new large
outdoor patio as well as 2 smaller ones around the side. There is a
large dining area with TV's all around to keep up on all NFL football on
Sundays. See the pictures here. There is also 3 pool tables and games for your enjoyment. There will be
food and drink specials for ride days starting at 10:00am as well as blocked off
preferred parking for motorcycles. The day starts at 10:00am with breakfast
foods available. Bike day is from Noon - 6pm. Cocomo Joe's is located on
the NW corner of Tatum and Dynamite Rd. So if you are riding to or from Cave
Creek, or want to take a ride up North and not have to run the DB gauntlet, stop
by Cocomo Joe's. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-538-8008. Stop by this Sunday for
opening day. Click Here for all the details.
Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday
Brunch.
Now is the perfect weather to be sitting out on
the Sugar Daddy's patio, listening to Live Music while dining from the Brunch Menu. And Sunday Brunch Just Got
Better! You now have 3 options to choose from.
Option #1: Eggs Benedict – Grilled English muffins, smoked ham, poached eggs
and hollandaise sauce.
Served with your chose of fresh fruit or crispy
potatoes. ($8) or Sugar’s Pancakes – You won’t eat pancakes anywhere else. Buttermilk
pancakes served with butter and syrup. ($5)
Option #2: Can’t decide what to eat? How about an
All-You-Can-Eat buffet for ONLY $12.
Option #3: Order off our regular menu.
Our 5,000 sq. ft.
temperature controlled patio has six air conditioning units, misters, and plenty
of shade. Sugar Daddy's patio, food and entertainment is becoming a regular
Sunday stop. If you haven't tried it yet, give them a try. Complimentary
coffee is now served. Make Sugar Daddy's Blues your stop on your ride down
Scottsdale Rd. for Brunch or Lunch from 10am -
4pm. Enjoy live music from 10am -
2pm Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite
beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down
Scottsdale Rd. Click here to see the awesome pictures and
details of Sugar Daddy's located at 3102
N. Scottsdale Rd. between Indian School and Thomas on the West side of the road.
Stop by and check it out. A great place to hang out. Plenty of Bike Parking. If
you have suggestions, email them at sugardaddysaz@aol.com .
480-970-6556.
Sunday Evening
Looking for that last stop for food
and drink after a Sunday ride? Bar Louie located 7014 E. Camelback
Rd. under the roof at Scottsdale Fashion Square is providing you with your last
stop. Starting at 5:00 pm you can pull up and park right on the curb in front of
the outdoor patio at Bar Louie. All riders will receive food and drink specials
on Sunday and an additional 20% off of your bill. Happy hour is from 3-7pm and
10-close. Stop by this Sunday and see what Bar Louie has to offer. Click Here to look at the pictures and for more information.
Phone: 480-874-9944.
This Week
Saturday, October 23rd
Special Olympics
Arizona Activities Run. Want
something different in a Charity Ride? How about
testing your skills with the Special Olympians? Here you go!
We had 10 of the Special Olympians and the Director of Special Olympics
in Arizona on TV3 this morning who provided great insight to the cause.
Thanks to Scott for a great interview. Click Here for the
Video. There are a lot of good events set up this month, but one that
I am a co-sponsor of that could break the mold of the typical poker run is the
Special Olympics Arizona Activities Run. I have always wanted to do a run that
would make every stop a little more exciting by inserting several everyday
sports to accumulate points. With this run you will sign in and start out with a
horseshoe toss at Superstition Harley-Davidson. At each event you will
be assisted by "Special Olympians" to help you with your task. You will
then go to the next 3 stops where you will shoot a basketball, test your skills
at a bean bag toss, and see if you can zero in for 50 points by getting a
bulleseye on the dart board. The ride will end at Jackson's on 3rd in downtown
Phoenix with Live Music, Silent Auction with great
items and presentation of prizes. Winners will receive a specially
made for this event Gold, Silver or Bronze Medal as well as cash prizes.
This should be a very fun ride that will add a little variety to
the typical poker run. Sign in 8-10:30am at Superstition Harley
located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction. $15 per person includes Ride
Pin and Door Prizes. First 500 are guaranteed a ride pin.
480-346-0600. Don't Miss This One!
Sunday, October 24th
Cruise For A
Cause. This 1st Annual Poker Run will benefit Hospice Family Care
Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1992 and has
improved the quality of life for hundreds of terminally ill patients and their
families. With your financial support, the Foundation is able to improve
the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness,
and their families. A patient could receive a much needed wheelchair ramp;
a caregiver could remain at home without financial worries in the final weeks of
the patient's life; a family member or friend could be flown from another state
to visit the patient plus the many other requests for financial assistance that
the Foundation receives. The ride has 3 starting locations. Grand
Canyon Harley-Davidson, Mayer,
Tucson Harley-Davidson and Embassy Suites Hotel Phoenix - Tempe. Ride ends at Iguana Mack's in Chandler. Day of
event $30 per person or $40 per couple. Includes Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Lunch and
Live Entertainment at end of ride. More information: Joy Butler at
480-889-1116.
Sunday, October 24th
Doug Matteson Benefit
Ride. Deputy Doug Matteson and a friend were sharing a single
lane of highway on their motorcycles at approximately 2:15am on eastbound U.S.
60 near Alma School Road when an off duty Scottsdale Officer, driving at speeds
in excess of 100 mph and tried to go between the pair, police said.
Doug was struck and thrown
from his bike about 60 feet across the concrete. He pulled himself by his arms
across three lanes of the freeway to avoid an oncoming truck, then lost
consciousness. Doug lost so much blood that only a quick-thinking nurse who put
a tourniquet on his leg saved his life. His leg had to be amputated. Doug
had a cut above his eye and road rash on both arms. Doug wasn't wearing a helmet
and was lucky he suffered no brain or spinal injuries. Doug is determined to ride again and return to work
but now is facing extraordinary medical bills such as a prosthesis that will
cost approximately $45,000. The Ride begins at both Joeta's Leather Stores. Mesa
store located at 202 W. Main in Mesa sign in from 9-11am. Peoria store
located at 16140 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. sign in from 10am - Noon.
Ride ends at Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon. Live Music by CTS. $15 solo,
$25 double. Includes BBQ and Ride Pin to the first 250 riders.
480-827-1868.
Next Week
Saturday, October 30th
Ridin' For a
Reason. This event is to benefit Phoenix Children's Hospital. The ride starts at Phoenix Children's Hospital with registration and
continental breakfast from 8-10am. PCH is located at 1919 E. Thomas Rd. in
Phoenix just off of Hwy 51. Branscombe Richmond is the Master of Ceremonies.
Single riders $20 and double riders $25. Ride T-Shirts to the First 500
registered riders. Event patch for every rider. There will be a 50/50 drawing,
Raffles, Auction and Live music with CTS. Cash Prizes for Best and Worst Poker
Hands. Ride ends at the Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek. For more information call
602-546-2640.
Sunday, October 31st
Hogs
With Hearts. Join Hacienda H.O.G. Chapter 97 for their first annual HOGS
With Hearts Charity Poker Run to benefit the Children's Angel Foundation and
Colter & Associates Foundation. Be one of the first 200
registered bikers by clicking HERE or calling (480) 905-1903, and you will
receive a commemorative ride T-Shirt. Your entry fee of $25.00 (for Single
Riders) and $35.00 (for Double Riders) includes one souvenir t-shirt (for the
first 200 registered bikers) and one poker hand per bike, and lunch for each
person. Music & lunch will be provided by Casino Arizona. Participants will
also be provided a Continental Breakfast, an opportunity to enter a 50/50
Drawing and various Raffles. The Best High Hand will win a prize valued at
$1000. Event day registration
starts at 7:30AM and ends at 9:30AM. The ride departs Hacienda
Harley-Davidson at 15600 North Hayden Road in Scottsdale, AZ at 9:30AM and ends
at Casino Arizona at McKellips & 101. The prize drawing occurs at 1:30PM.
For more information call 480-905-1903.
Sunday, October 31st
Motorcycle Mania
5. Don't Miss Motorcycle Mania 5 This Halloween! 2 Fun-Filled Events, 1
Incredible Day! Converging rides from Skunk Motorsports in Mesa and
Hacienda Harley in Scottsdale. Rides include admission to huge Halloween
Motorcycle Block Party. Scenic escorted rides will converge in the desert with
rest stop and continue to the Madison Street Jail, the site of the huge
Halloween Motorcycle block party in downtown Phoenix at approximately 11:00 am.
Rides escorted by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Sunday, October 31,
2004. Register at 7:30 am, Ride at 9:00 am at both Skunk Motorsports in Mesa and
Hacienda Harley in Scottsdale. Admission: $30 Rider, $25 Passenger. $25/$20 for
those who pre-register Includes: T-shirt (first 500 to register), Ride Pin (first
500 to register), Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Fun Contests & Prizes, Haunted Jail Tour, Tiger Babes,
Motorcycle Drill Team, Military Displays, Bike Contests, Live Music, Motorcycle
Stunts, Big 50/50, Over 50 Vendors. For more information call 602-271-0183. Click Here
for all of the details.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, December 4th
Toys To Kids Ride.
I have had some emails asking if we were going
to do the "Toys To Kids Ride" again this year. And the answer is
YES! It was such a rewarding time for everyone involved last year that we are
anxious to do it again. This year the ride will be on Saturday, December 4th
starting in Fountain Hills. We will again have 200 kids with us at the
event to receive your toys and are working on the entertainment for the kids
and for the riders. So mark December 4th on your calendar for the Toys To
Kids Ride. $5 donation. Ride pin to the first 1000 riders. If you missed last
year's ride, Click Here for photos. Click
Here for the Video Page.
March 18-20th
World of Wheels. 36th Annual
World Of Wheels Dates are March 18-20th 2005 for Vendors or to
enter your Motorcycle in the custom show. Call Kimmy
623-334-1545.
Extras
Readers Rides:
There are now over 150 entries in the
Readers
Rides section with more to add right now.
If you have a
good picture of you next to a Sign, a well known part of Americana or a Famous
Landscape of where you have ridden, email it to me at info@cyclerides.com to be included in the
pictorial. Take a look.
The Classifieds are one of the
most hit pages on the site. If you are looking for a bike, be sure and check
here.
One of my favorite things to do is make video's
for the site. If you haven't looked at them for a while, it is a
good way to take a break and take a virtual ride. Click
Here for the Video
Page.
As for me, I'm practicing my horseshoes, darts
and basketball shooting. Mrs. Cyclerides and I will be doing the Arizona
Activities Run for Special Olympics on Saturday. See you there.
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
All information in this
newsletter is
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Information may be used
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reserved.