Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
10/21/09
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, if it is organized charity rides and events that you like, this is your time of year. There were 10 events listed in the newsletter for last weekend alone with a total of 16 for both weekends. And now another 9 over the next two weekends to keep you busy. But if you would rather take off and go for a ride on your own, Fall Colors are still available for you to view. Some areas have now peaked, but some are just reaching their best times to view. With temps in the low 90's in the valley, it will make great riding up North for viewing. If you want to take a ride to see the colors, call the local Ranger stations in the area that you want to go to or call the Fall Colors Hotline at 800-354-4595 for the updates. Click Here for the newsletter about the Fall Colors and links to the different forest web sites. 

There are so many charity rides right now that it is almost diluting the amount of money that any individual charity can make. So in these times of a lot of competition for charity money and less available to pull from during tough economic times, I think the organizers of these events need to get creative by making them more interesting and provide the most entertainment and value to the rider for the invested dollar. One ride that I found interesting, a little different, perfect for the animal lover and gives you some added value is the Zoo Ride.
 
This is the second year for the Zoo Ride that is put on by the Wildest Club in Town, formed in 1972 as the Zoo's major volunteer group for working professionals and lovers of wildlife. Last year the ride was a big success hosting over 300 riders for the first year to benefit the Bornean Orangutans. (See my report and pictures from last year) This year, the money raised is to benefit the Sumatran Tigers. The Phoenix Zoo has recently acquired two new Tigers, Jai and Hadiah. They are Sumatran Tigers, which originated from an island off the coast of Malaysia. There are less than 500 of these animals left in the world due to destruction of their habitat and poaching. Proceeds, sponsorship funds, and donations from ZooRide 2009 will benefit the new Sumatran Tigers and their exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo.
 
Last week I was invited down to the Zoo with the local press before opening hours to get a look at these Tigers. They are beautiful animals to look at from a few feet away, but I was happy to see a nice high strong fence between us. When the trainer let him out of his holding area out to the habitat, he was full of energy and seemed to want to show off for the early visitors. Prior to letting him out, the keeper had hid a frozen rabbit in a box in the tree. If you are like me, you are probably wondering, why they hid the rabbit in a box in the tree? That was the first question that I asked. It is to try to keep the Tiger's sense of hunting as keen as it can be in the habitat. They apparently hide them in a different spot every day. Once he sensed where his prey was, he leaped up in the tree, knocked the box out and quickly had the rabbit in his mouth. 
 
To me, wild animals are fascinating to watch, especially when they are active, as this one was on this morning. You would expect that he would take the rabbit and start immediately chowing down on it, but that wasn't the case. He actually carried it all around the habitat, sometimes flinging it up in the air and taking it to the pool for a little soak in the pool. For the time that I was there, he still had not chowed down on it yet. I guess he was waiting for it to thaw a little bit. After that, I went around the corner and got a couple of good shots of the Lions that are right next to the tiger cage. The zoo is still one place that intrigues me every time that I go.
 
Go Wild For The Tigers!
There are 2 start locations for the 2nd Annual Zoo Ride this year that takes place on Sunday, November 1st. East Valley route starts at Chandler Harley-Davidson. West Valley route starts at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson. Registration the day of the event is from 8:00am to 10:00am at either the Chandler Harley or Arrowhead Harley location. Riders: $25, Passengers: $15. Ticket purchases include one free ticket to the Phoenix Zoo, Lunch and one free raffle ticket. The first 250 people to pre-register will also receive a ZooRide 2009 T-shirt, collectors pin and one additional raffle ticket. ZooRide begins at 8:00 am. Last Stop for both routes is The Phoenix Zoo. Click Here to see Routes.
 
Party at the Zoo
ZooRide 2009 T-Shirts and collectors pins will be available for sale at the Zoo.
Live performance by Side Affects. Raffle drawings begin at 12:00pm. Lunch Begins at 11:30am.
Silent Auction will begin at 10:00am and will close at 3:00pm. Poker Drawing is at 3:00pm. All Bikes Are Welcome.
End Party will be at the Billet in Scottsdale at 4pm.
Click Here for Zoo Ride Website.
 
So if you are looking for a ride that is moderately priced, including Lunch, Live Music, Entry to the Zoo and even a T-shirt and pin if you pre-register. You can consider the 2nd Annual Zoo Ride as something fun to do. Click Here for all Photos. 

If you are sitting around drinking your coffee at 6am tomorrow morning, Thursday, October 22nd, turn on KTVK Channel 3 in Phoenix. Scott Pasmore and I will be flying the Cessna 172 down to the Copperstate Fly-In at the Casa Grande Airport. This is the 4th largest Fly-In in the United States. Might even be a good motorcycle ride and event to attend. Scott will do a live shot from the plane at 6am and then we will be off to Casa Grande. I will have my laptop tethered to my cell phone and will attempt to film the takeoff and the flight over to Casa Grande via Skype back to the TV3 News Station which will be shown on the air live. That is, if technology will cooperate. Scott will then do the rest of the morning show with live spots from Casa Grande till 9am. Tune in to see if we can pull this off. If you are out of the area, you can also watch it live on your computer at www.azfamily.com . 

This 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 and be 25 years of age. 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.

Sunday, October 25th

1st Annual 'Bikers for Boobies - 52 Card Shuffle. In recognition of the National October Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dirty Dogg Saloon is hosting our 1st Annual Bikers for Boobies Ride as an inspiration to find a cure for Breast Cancer. Ride begins: Gavilan Peak in New River, Az. With Breakfast Buffet included. Registration from 10am-11:30am. All donations and proceeds from this event will be donated to the Susan G. Komen. $20 Single, $30 Couple. See flyer for details.

Next Week

 
Saturday, October 31st
Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Halloween and Harleys. Buddy Stubbs end of the month party is a great destination ride that ends with a good time. Come in costume for a chance to win $150 gift card in the Best Costume Contest. You can also Trick or Treat in General Merchandise. Fill a Buddy Stubbs Limited Edition tote bag and get 15% off everything in the bag. Spend $200 or more and keep the tote bag. Enjoy FREE Food, Drink and Ghoulish Treats. Live Music by 74th Street Band, free motorcycle museum tours with Buddy Stubbs and a pool tournament for Buddy Stubbs gift cards. 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. 602-971-3400.
 
Saturday, October 31st
3rd Annual American Legion Riders Halloween Biker Ball. Event is to be held at the American Legion Post 2, 2125 S Industrial Park Ave., Tempe, AZ. Phone: 480-967-2968. Live Band featuring Stormwatch, 7:00pm - 11:00pm. Finger Foods, Raffle And 50/50 Drawing. Doors open at 6:00 pm. $10.00 per person.  Costume Contest, Peoples Choice. All proceeds go to the American Legion Legacy Run. Contact Skeeter at (480) 518-7743 for more information. mlroot1@yahoo.com.
 
Sunday, November 1st
2nd Annual Phoenix Zoo Ride.