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Greetings Riders,

Well, has everyone had enough of this heat yet? It's hard to believe that we are still having 100+ degree record heat days only 9 days from November. And that might not be it. The Almanac says that we are going to have a warmer and dryer winter than normal. The good news is I've never had my rye grass come up any faster or better than it has this year. Personally, I like the warm weather. If it would stay 90's in the days and 70's at night it would be perfect in my world. T-Shirt riding weather ALL the time.

If you are reading this letter right now you are obviously accessing this fad (that the "nay sayers" said would come and go like the hula hoop) called the internet. The internet is a wonderful thing. Tons of information at your fingertips, saves time, saves paper, makes us all smarter, etc., etc. I almost wonder how my parents made it without it. But, as with anything that catches on like this, the scam artists and criminals are going to find their niche in it as well.

Every morning when I turn on my computer there is at least 40 unwanted emails waiting for me that are littered with scams of different types. I'm sure you have all seen the most popular ones lately including pills for just about whatever ails you and the one that claims to make your "Johnson" larger by just applying a patch to your foot. How does that work? It's not even in the right area. It goes on and on. It seems to be never ending. But now these guys are getting more bold. They are now using the Cyclerides Classifieds, Trader Online and Ebay and many others as a place to perpetuate their online scams.

Warning! If you receive an email from someone saying that they are interested in your bike and they are from out of the country, that is a BIG RED FLAG!! A friend received an email from a guy supposedly in the UK that said he was interested in his bike that was advertised on Cyclerides.com at $6500. He said that he was going to send a cashiers check for $10,000. My friend was instructed to cash the check and take the additional $3500 and wire it back to his shipping agent to get the bike sent to the UK. It all appears legit. The bank gives you the money within 24 hours, you wire the money away and all is good. NOT! The problem is that a few days later, the bank will inform you that the check was counterfeit, freeze your account and tell you that you owe them $10,000. So you are now out $3500 and possibly a bike if they were bold enough to try this in person. This is called the Nigeria Counterfit Check Scam and it is in high gear in online classifieds of all kinds right now. There is a guy that got stung right here in Phoenix. That is why I am telling you about it now. I got the same email myself on my bike about 2 months ago. It looked like a scam, so I deleted it and didn't pursue. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Click Here for and interesting warning from the Iowa Attorney General. It is a good example and explains the scam well. Here is a good site that tells you how to verify a cashiers check before you give up your merchandise. Here is one more link that is good from Newsday.com about phony cashiers checks.

EBAY is another mine field of scams. If you see a $15,000 motorcycle on there with a "Buy It Now" price of $8,000, you might guess that it is a scam. Their scam is that they put a ridiculously low price as a "Buy It Now" and want you to wire transfer to them $3,000 to get the deal started and they will ship you the bike at their expense. When the bike arrives you can send them a cashiers check for the balance. HA!! How about I just walk across the ocean and give them the money in person. There is about the same probability of that happening as there is that the bike would actually show up. The moral here is NEVER wire transfer money out of the country to a stranger.

Here is the one that finally put me over the edge that made me think it was important enough to talk about this in the newsletter. I was searching EBAY the other night looking at Vrods. Scrolling down the small thumbnail pictures I spotted one that looked pretty nice for a reasonable price. I clicked on the thumbnail and up came a picture of this very nice Vrod. IT WAS MINE!! Some guy got onto the Cyclerides.com Bike Photos page and took the picture of Mrs. C's Vrod and put it in his ad. But more importantly, it had 38 bids on it! I emailed the winning bidder and told him it was a scam. It ends up that he is a sheriff in Michigan. He thanked me for alerting him and said he wished the guy was in the states so that he could arrest him.

The bottom line is be careful when buying or selling things on the internet to people that you have not spoken with and verified their existence. These people will NEVER give you a contact number. NEVER wire money out of the country and always call the issuing bank directly to verify the cashiers check. Don't use the phone number on the bogus check, look it up in the phone book and call that number. You have now been warned.

New! Second Night!
Los Gringos Locos Wednesday Bike Night sponsored by Chosa's Harley-Davidson Shop.
Here is one for the riders in the far East Valley and Apache Junction. Los Gringos Locos and Chosa's HD Shop have combined for a Wednesday Bike Night. This is a great facility with a separate Cantina and an outdoor patio. Enjoy great Mexican food in the dining area or eat in the Cantina or outside. Happy Hour will be all evening long. $3.00 house margaritas, $1.50 domestics and $2.50 imports. Los Gringos is located at 280 S. Phelps Dr. in Apache Junction. That is just 2 blocks South of Apache Trail (Main) on Phelps. Join the gang from Chosa's HD Shop on Wednesday nights for some good food and fun. There will be raffle prizes and giveaways. More information at 480-288-5626. Click Here for Pictures.

San Felipes Wednesday Bike Night. - Click Here to see why the Arizona Republic is calling DC Ranch's Market Street the next "Hot Spot" As always you can enjoy good Mexican Food, Good Drinks and a Rockin' Good Time? San Felipes is your place in North Scottsdale. Not only are you allowed to dance on the bar at San Felipes...It is encouraged! See the pictures. San Felipes starts out mellow for the dinner crowd and then builds as the night goes on. It really gets going at around 10:00PM when the bartenders sing Karaoke on the bar. Billed as North Scottsdale's Only Dance Party with 100 Tequilas and No Cover, the DJ begins at 8:00 and will be playing your favorite tunes to get you going. And now they are inviting all riders to stop by and join in on the fun. Stop by for dinner and then sit back and wait for the fun to start. Located on the SE Corner of Pima and Thompson Peak Pkwy. There is a big new retail center there that is built to look like an old mining town. Really neat atmosphere with Bike Parking all across the front. San Felipes is easily accessible from just about anywhere. Just 2 miles N. of the 101 on Pima Rd. You can sit inside and eat, watch your favorite teams on the big screen or sit out on the patio and enjoy the evening weather. Bike night specials include: $3.00 Margaritas, $3.00 Bottles and 25% off all entrees. This is really a fun place. Some of you might recognize the San Felipes name from their restaurant on the Main St. in Flagstaff. Bike night is from 6PM - Close. For more information: 480-563-9495. Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Cardholders will get 25% Off Entrees all week long.

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. This will all start on Wednesday, August 14th. I will have an information page on the event calendar that will give you all the details. Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200.

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.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles.
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.

Thunder Pass Food and Spirits Lounge Thursday Bike Night.
Far East Siders you now have a nice big place to go on Thursday nights. The newly remodeled and very large Thunder Pass Food and Spirits Lounge opened for the first time Thursday May 29th to kick off their Thursday Bike Night from 6pm to close. Thunder Pass owners are the same as the Spirits Lounge in Gilbert that a lot of you have gone to in the past. Spirits closed the doors on Saturday due to the loss of the lease. Rick's new place, taking the place of Spirits will be Thunder Pass located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). They will have ladies night on Thursdays with $1.00 drinks, extensive food menu and a huge dance floor with a DJ. Thunder Pass features 2 patios. One out front and one in the back. Park your bikes right next to you. Rick invites all that have come to Spirits for the last 21 years to the new 300 seat Thunder Pass located on the County island between Mesa and Apache Junction.

ACME Bar and Grill . Remember when downtown Scottsdale was the place to be? They are back with the complete remodel of the place including the new rooftop bar. You will enjoy a Free Buffet from 8:00-9:30 PM, Drink Specials, Raffles every week, Great Music, Pool and lots of fun in Downtown Scottsdale. Make your plans for Thursday March 20th to kick off the return of ACME. Come early for the free buffet and get your raffle ticket and return at 10:00 PM for the drawing. ACME is located in Old Town Scottsdale at 4245 N. Craftsmen Ct. just South of 5th Ave. and West of Scottsdale Rd. For more information call 480-990-7111. Ride by and be a part of the Rebirth of the Acme Ride Night This Thursday Night. Click here for details and pictures.

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. 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 on Bike Night. 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. Keep an eye on your prized possession (your motorcycle) on the monitors. 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 Easyriders on 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday night and all weekend long. Info: at 480-941-1876.

Hailey's Grill in Mayer Has Closed Their Doors as of Sunday October 19th. I hated to hear this. It was a great stop on the way to or from Prescott, but the weekday business just didn't keep up with the weekend business. If you would like to get into the restaurant business, the place is for sale.

Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
This Sunday The Custom Bike Showdown! 15 Custom Builders compete with 2 bikes each. There is also a ride in show for you to compete with your bike. Fashion Show at 2:00pm and then the Bikini Contest with the pros at 3:00pm. Live Music with 3 bands all day long on the patio. Click Here For Details.
Live Music on the patio from 10-6PM this Sunday.
Beat the heat with the coolest outdoor patio in Scottsdale. 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 - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm and choose from 9 delicious ala carte brunch items or order off of the extensive menu including pizza, salads, burgers or sandwiches. Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down Scottsdale Rd. You can even play a game of pool as you watch the activities on the patio. Don't forget to go inside and see the unbelievable decor inside Sugar Daddy's. It's a Cajun and blues delight. Even if you can't make it 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.

Fandango
Friday: "Teddy and Manny" 9pm-1am.
Sat: "Teddy and Manny" 12-4pm.
Sun: "Combo Deluxe" 4-8pm.
Fandango is now the place to be in Cave Creek. They will be opening the Rooftop Bar (maybe this weekend with Combo Deluxe) and moving the bands outside. Many of you remember how enjoyable it is to lean on the railing and watch the band and the motorcycles ride by on Cave Creek Rd. There is no better venue in Cave Creek to ride to and enjoy good Food, Fun and Entertainment. Live Music Every Weekend. Visit our outdoor Patio's and Roof Top Bar. Plenty of bike parking. This Sunday at Fandango catch "Combo Deluxe". They are a fan favorite at Fandango. If you haven't seen this smooth style of Rock and Blues, stop by and see them this weekend. Sunday Bike Day features food and drink specials and the best bands in Arizona. Fandango is located at 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. There is also live music on Friday and Saturday night. More info at 480-595-5633.

This weekend is Wild West Days in Cave Creek. Watch the Bathtub races as they go from Harold's down the hill starting at 10:30am. Bathtub awards at Fandango at 11:30am. Live Music follows at Noon.

Saturday, October 25th
Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson in Mayer Open House. Take the 60 mile ride up North and join the fun for a day of Food and Refreshments, Fashion Show, Bike Show, Store Specials, Door Prizes and Drawings. Event times are from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Get your first look at the 2004 Model Harley's and Motorclothes. Grand Canyon HD in Mayer is located 8 miles West of Hwy. 69 at mile marker 270. For more information call 928-632-4009.

October 24th-26th
Parker Biker Fest 2003. It's an amazing site to see when the small river community of Parker open's their doors for the annual ParkerBikerFest III, a run to raise money for the Players Ninth Street Youth Center. Starting with the closing of downtown, Friday night, in order to host the bikers at the street party and Jim's Harley Davidson Bike show. The bikes roll UP onto a raised, checkered flag platform, complete with shining lights and smoke to let the crowds cheer and get an awesome view as they vie for the prize money and trophies.
Saturday its on to free breakfast and a spectacular tour of the river as it's Poker Run time for big $ and trophies. No sooner do the bikes return to their home base park on the rivers edge, and a bike rodeo begins with great prizes. Then it's off the bikes and on to a free dinner and live music.
Sunday morning starts with CMA services and an escorted rolling thunder through the community. Oh sure there's the full line up of vendors, 50/50's, free T-Shirts and run Pins and free camping, but most of all it the community of Parker, that extends its warmth and friendliness to the motorcycle community. One low price gets you entered into everything. See it all at www.parkerbikerfest.com . or the info line toll free at 1-888-733-7275.

October 24th-26th
Arizona Indian Owners Pow Wow 2003. This event is concurrent with the Parker Biker Fest and is sponsored by the Iron Indian Riders Association. This is a weekend of riding, food and fun on the Colorado River. For a full itinerary of events Click Here.

Saturday, October 25th
Banner Baywood Classics & Chrome Charity Cruise. Come join the fun and a wonderful day of cruising from Mesa to Tom Mix Memorial and back to Mesa where you will eat Lunch while listening to music from a Live Band and Raffle Winners will be announced. Registration 8-9am at Banner Baywood Medical Center located at 6644 E. Baywood Ave. in Mesa. $20 for a single rider, $30 for double. All riders receive a ride pin and T-Shirt. Proceeds to benefit the Banner Women's Breast Cancer Program. For more information call: 480-461-2345.

Saturday, October 25th
3rd Annual Poker Run Benefiting The Special Olympics presented by the Southwest Airlines Maintenance PHX. Sign up from 8:30am - 10am at the SWA Maintenance Hangar located at Sky Harbor Airport. Click Here for Map. All bikes welcome. $20 per person, $35 per couple. Free run shirts to the first 200 entries. Entry includes 1 poker hand, 1 raffle ticket, drink specials and free buffet from O'Kelley's. For more information and directions call Tony at 480-229-3933, Art at 480-628-7659 or Erica at 602-689-0486.

Sunday, October 26th
Custom Bike Showdown at Sugar Daddy's. There will be 15 custom bike builders displaying 2 bikes each at Sugar Daddy's on Sunday. YOU will decide which builder has the best bike in Phoenix. There is also a Ride In Show for you to display your bike as well. Voting will be by the public. There is live music all day long including 3 different bands. There will be a fashion show at 2:00 and a Bikini Contest at 3:00 on the 5,000 sq. ft. patio with contestants from Skin Cabaret. And don't forget the awesome Sunday Brunch at Sugar Daddy's. If you haven't eaten here yet, now is your chance to give it a try. The biscuits and gravy are really good. The event is from 10am - 6pm. located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. Between Indian School and Thomas Rd. 480-970-6556.

Sunday, October 26th
21 or Bust Blackjack Shootout. Event time is 11am - 4pm at Yolanda's Chuckwagon located on Highway 79, five miles South of Florence. $15 Single/$25 Couple. 500 Run Pins, Food, Vendors, Prizes. Blackjack Shootout winner gets $500 and runner up gets $200. Live Music by Mogollon. Bella Union will be opening for Mogollon. Proceeds support Florence Charities. For more information call 480-759-2218.

Biketoberwest. How about a nice ride to San Diego for a First-of-it’s-Kind Motorcycle Event that is taking place over Halloween Weekend in San Diego, CA. BiketoberWest will take place primarily at Qualcomm Stadium with additional events at the Town & Country Hotel a short five minute putt away in Mission Valley. A few of the special attractions at BiketoberWest will be a poolside screening of Easy Rider – complete with a replica of Captain America- at the Town & Country Hotel on Thursday, opening night; and a Halloween party under the stars on Friday. There are an abundance of activities on the schedule including a choice of 4 Poker Runs through the beautiful countryside around San Diego, Vendor Village, Battle of the Bands on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a Concert featuring veteran rockers Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, and Dave Mason. Concert is a $25 fee. For all the cost information and details check out their website at www.biketoberwest.com.

Sunday, November 2nd
5th Annual Sunset Riders and Friends Car, Truck and Motorcycle Charity Show. The event is held at Castles and Coasters located at I-17 and Dunlap. Go to the West Parking lot near Best Buy in Metro Center Mall. Show times from 10am - 3pm. Proceeds to benefit the Arizona Chapter of the Lupus Foundation. If you would like to enter your car or motorcycle, the participant fee is $15 with pre-registration, $20 day of show. There is also a swap meet. $20 for a vendor space. There is 24 car and truck and 5 motorcycle classes. Top of Class Trophies will be awarded. For more information call Robin or Nick Claus. 602-331-0599.

Sunday, November 2nd
Motorcycle Mania 4. Two events in one day. Roar 'N' Thunder Escorted Rides start simultaneously at Arrowhead and Chandler Harley. Registration is from 7:30-9:00am at both locations. Riders will converge and continue on a 92 mile scenic desert ride. $30 per rider, $25 per passenger. Includes T-Shirt, Ride Pin, Continental Breakfast, Lunch and entry into the Block Party.