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I wasn't around in 1929, but I have never seen so many things this messed up all at the same time. In fact, it has even hit the motorcycle business, at least according to the earnings from Harley-Davidson and others. After over 20 years of HD reporting increased earnings, the last couple of quarters have been pretty rough for the motor company as they just reported earnings that showed a decrease in profit from the same quarter last year of 37%. That being said, I don't think we have to do a charity ride for them just yet as they still had a net income of $166.5 million on revenue of $1.42 billion for the third quarter. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 74,704 units, a decrease of 11,831 units or 13.7%, compared to the third quarter of 2007. HD expects to ship approximately 305,000 motorcycles for the year.

One thing that I found interesting was that while motorcycle sales are way down, people are still buying parts and clothing to keep them on the road with their existing bikes. The revenue from parts and accessories, which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $259 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $7.5 million or 3%, compared to the third quarter 2007.

Even though the wheels on the Mothership are starting to wobble a bit and world economics are in a tailspin, I did some investigation and found that some of the local Harley-Davidson and Metric dealers in Arizona are currently building for the future and will be ready for when things turn around. Here are a few of the new locations and addition/remodel projects that I found around the State of AZ.

The first one that I visited is the new location being built by Buddy Stubbs located on the West side of I-17 in Anthem that will be called Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson. Buddy is building a brand new state of the art 20,000 square foot building that will feature all of the services of his Phoenix dealership including a full service department, parts, motorclothes and new and used motorcycle sales. Buddy also owns the lot to the South of the building that will soon be home to the Riders Edge motorcycle training facility. The store is scheduled to open in November with an opening party near the end of the month. Stay tuned for that. Buddy Stubbs Anthem HD is located at 41715 N. 41st Dr. in Anthem. That is just West of I-17 at exit 229.
Click Here for an Aerial View of the building that I took this week and a photo tour of the building in progress.

Another local Phoenix dealership that is making a big stake in the future of the motorcycle business is Chester's Harley-Davidson located in Mesa, AZ. Chester's is currently located on a 2 acre parcel with a 30,000 + square foot building located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa. They recently purchased the 5 acre parcel to the South of the existing store and are building a new Used Motorcycle Pavillion, and a large building that will be a warehouse, offices, HOG Room and multi-purpose. The existing building will get a complete makeover to match the new styling with covered walkways to the new buildings. There will also be a new ride in service department that will get you out of the hot weather as you discuss the needs for your bike. The remodel inside will provide a much larger showroom and motorclothes area. The future plans for this property is to ultimately be a motorcycle event destination. Chester's has built in a permanent 800 square ft. covered stage that will be used for parties, concerts and Ride-In Movies. As you can see from this Aerial View, the area that will double as the Riders Edge training area, will also accommodate a few thousand people for a concert or other events. Click Here for the Artists Rendering of the new construction and other photos. Due to be open by early December.

Metric motorcycles will also be making their presence known in a big way as Ridenow Powersports will be opening their newest store in the valley, a 100,000 square ft. mega store just North of Thunderbird and West of the loop 101 in Peoria, AZ. This is proposed to be a theme store that will put you in the environment of the motorsport category you are looking to buy. You will find, Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes, Quads, Rhino's, Razor's, Jet Skis, Boats and accessories for everything imaginable in the outdoor powersports arena. This store sounds like the Cabella's of motorsports. Should be an interesting place to go kill some time while picking out your next toy with a motor. At this time it is projected to open mid 2009.

Next you can ride 100 miles to the South of Phoenix and you will find the new Tucson Harley-Davidson that currently stands as the largest HD dealership in the State at over 60,000 square feet. As you might imagine, this new state of the art store features the latest of everything HD in Grande proportions. A HUGE showroom area and extensive Motorclothes, Parts and Accessories areas that display all that is HD as well as a large customer lounge to keep you busy while you wait for your repair. The dealership recently changed locations from mid Tucson by moving North to 7355 N. I-10 Frontage Rd. near Marana, AZ. Take the Ina Rd. Exit off of I-10 West and take the first street North to get to the dealership. Click Here for Photos.

Bike Nights This Week

Thursday Night

Chandler Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Tilted Kilt Mesa. Stop by the brand new Tilted Kilt in Mesa for Thursday Bike Night sponsored by Chandler Harley-Davidson. Sit out on the spacious patio or the cool inside. No matter where you are there will be the Tilted Kilt girls there to wait on you. Enjoy great food and drink, Door Prize Drawings, Music and 15% off your entire ticket on Bike Night. The NEW Tilted Kilt is located at 1910 S. Gilbert Rd. in Mesa. 480-507-5458.

Chester's Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Dos Gringos Mesa. Ride by the New Dos Gringos Mesa located on the northwest corner of Greenfield and Baseline in Mesa. Dos is sure to make an impact and add some flare to the east valley. Enormous patio, complete with its own outdoor bar and separate dining areas on each side. Dos is a casual neighborhood hangout with great food and cold cervezas. Feel free to dine at one of our four tops, relax at one of the booths lining the edge or just belly up to the bar. Click Here to View. There will be drink and food specials and Raffles and Fun from Chester's Harley-Davidson. Ride with Chester's from the dealership at 5:30pm every Thursday located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. 480-894-0404.

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 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.

This Week

Saturday, October 25th
Renegade Classics Fall Open House Party and Sale. If you haven't been to the new Renegade Classics store yet, now is the time to go. I am really impressed with the comfortable feel and quality product in this store. Renegade is a great store full of all of the Gear and Accessories that you will need for the upcoming Riding Season. Renegade is full of new fall merchandise. You can take advantage of this sale that includes a top selection of:

Leather Jackets, Chaps and Vests all at 10% OFF.
Huge selection of Harley-Davidson Boots all at 15% OFF.
A whole wall full of Helmets at 20% Off.
Fantastic selection of Gloves, Doo Rags and Headwear at 25% Off.
30% OFF Renegade Full Color Shirts.
Need patches?? A large selection of patches are in stock and can be sewn on your jacket or vest for FREE from 9am - 11am Saturday. There will be FOOD, Girls, and LIVE Music and a Bikini Bike Wash from 11am - 2pm. This is the perfect time to stop by and see the Renegade Classics store that everyone is talking about and Gear Up For Fall. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 E. Cactus Rd. in Phoenix. Call now to see if they have what you are looking for. If not, they will get it. 602-595-9597. CLICK HERE for pictures of the store and merchandise inside the store. Check out the new Riggs Touring Bag that I just bought at Renegade.

Saturday, October 25th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Free Appreciation Breakfast. Taking a ride Saturday morning? Stop by Arrowhead HD for a free breakfast on your way out of town. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson wants to invite EVERYONE to a customer appreciation breakfast on the last Saturday of every month from 8:30am till 10:00 am. Join us for a FREE pancake, sausage and egg breakfast. Thank you for all your support and business! Ride by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson the last Saturday of Every Month for a free breakfast. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, October 25th
Hacienda Harley-Davidson Afternoon Free Ice Cream Sundaes. Need something to satisfy your sweet tooth in the middle of the afternoon?? Ride by Hacienda Harley-Davidson the last Saturday of every month to celebrate 30 Years with 30 toppings for your FREE Ice Cream Sundae. Ride by Hacienda Harley from 2pm - 4pm this Saturday and make your own Sundae from 30 toppings. While you are there, take a look at the new 2009 Harley-Davidson's and the latest in Motorclothes. Put this on your calendar for the last Saturday of every month. Hacienda is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. 480-905-1903.

Saturday, October 25th
2nd Annual Officer Holly Memorial Ride. 150 Mile ride to benefit the Anthony Holly Foundation. Anthony Holly was a Glendale police officer killed in the line of duty February 2007. The ride starts in Sun City at Care From the Heart, 10032 W. Bell Rd., goes to the Rancher Bar in Wickenburg, then to the The Tin Top in Tonopah, on to the Moose Lodge in Avondale, Iron Horse V-Twin in Peoria and ends at Pullano's Pizza and Wings in 13848 N. 51st Avenue, Glendale. Price is $25 for single rider and $40 for double. Price includes t-shirt, ride patch, and lunch for the first 400 paid riders. There will be a entertainment at the final stop, a 50-50 raffle and a poker draw at each stop with the winning hand winning a TV. www.anthonyhollyfoundation.org

Saturday, October 25th
Hideaway 10 Yr. Anniversary Concert featuring the Phunk Junkeez. $10 admission at the door. Concert is from 4pm - 9pm to be held at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Food and Drink will be available at the concert. Budweiser beer garden, great Cajun food, Ben and Jerry’s, two opening bands, lots of vendors and Alterations Inc. will be there sewing patches!!! Bring your leathers, vests and patches. Lots of free car and motorcycle parking. While you are there, take a look at the new 2009 Harley-Davidson's and the Fall Motorclothes. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.

Saturday, October 25th
2008 Ridin' For A Reason. Sponsored by Superstition Harley Davidson and Superstition HOG Chapter to benefit the Child Crisis Center. Registration 10 AM - Noon. Starts at Superstition Harley-Davidson, 2910 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ. Final Destination at Child Crisis Center 817 N. Country Club, Mesa. $30 rider with passenger-includes run shirt(s) for the first 400 registered. 5 stop Carnival game ride with grand prize of $500 SHD gift card Games (adults and kids), Live Band, Raffle All Proceeds to Benefit the Child Crisis Center, a 501(C)(3) organization.

Sunday, October 25th
Heart To Heart Benefit Ride. Poker run to benefit 2 year old twins after 3rd heart surgery. Proceeds to help family running out of health benefits. Ride registration at Brigett's Last Laugh, 9am - 10:30am located Just North of Bell Rd. on Cave Creek Rd. $20 Single Rider, $25 Couple. High hand $100. There will be a raffle, 50/50, auction and $100 best hand $50 lowest hand. Prizes include:weekend in Sedona, a golf weekend in Cave Creek, $500 Zoom teeth whitening, $350 Stamped Harley women watch, harley mens leather gloves, sun glasses, gift cards & much much more.

Sunday, October 26th
Arizona Rip's B.A.D. Ride IV. American Diabetes Association presents "Arizona Rip’s B.A.D. Ride IV, Bikers Against Diabetes. Start sites throughout Arizona (Click Here for Start Locations) with registration at 8:00am and escorted rides going to the festival site: Pinal County Fairgrounds (512 E. Eleven Mile Corner Road) in Casa Grande. Activities include: Bike Show, Bike Games, Vendors, Live Concert by Canned Heat. ALL participants also receive: complimentary BBQ Lunch and water/sodas, ride pin. Minimum donation to participate: $30 pre-registration for rider/$20 for passenger after Wednesday, October 22nd: $35 rider/$20 passenger. Raise more and receive "Thank You gifts" (BAD Ride T shirt, hat, jacket, etc.). For more information: 888-342-2383 x7112. 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.

Saturday, November 1st
4th Annual Shriner's "We Ride So Kids Can Walk". This is one of the best organized and enjoyable rides of the year. It is a ride wrapped around a mini event all for a great cause, the Shriner's Children's Hospital. Not many charities do we get the opportunity to see where the money is going and how it is spent. I was invited to visit one of the Shriner Clinics last year in Phoenix and was amazed and humbled by what this organization does for kids, ALL at their own expense which comes from what they raise at various fund raisers like this one. These kids with pediatric disorders including problems with bones, joints, muscles, orthopedic deformities, etc. are diagnosed at a local clinic and then flown to one of the 22 Shiners hospitals for treatment, at no cost to the family. I walked away with a whole new admiration of the guys with the oversized funny hats and the undersized bicycles. I would highly encourage supporting this event. Click Here to learn more about the Shriners and their purpose.

This year the ride has 4 start locations. Arrowhead HD, Chandler HD, Chester's HD or the Shrine Auditorium located at 552 N. 40th St. in Phoenix. Registration from 8am - 10am. Drawings start at 2:30pm. There will be over 50 vendors at the end location this year. $20 per person includes Admission, Raffle Ticket, Ride Prize Ticket and Meal Ticket. $25 includes previously mentioned items plus a Pin and T-Shirt. Highlights this year include:
All attendees with their admission will get a raffle ticket for the grand prize which is a Yamaha Rhino and trailer, meal ticket for hamburger or brat or hot dog, chips and soda, ticket for door prize. Those doing the ride will receive a t-shirt and pin in addition. All folks attending will be able to attend a free concert from 5-7pm, Vendors with all kinds of items, Over $20,000 in Door prizes, Live auction with top of the line patio furniture and pool table, Silent auction, Bike show with 9 classes, Beer Garden, Richard Tyson, the actor from "Jakes Corner" doing autographs, W. Steven Martin doing MC, Free bike wash, Arizona Rattlers cheerleaders doing autographs and Fang their ambassador, Run going to Cave Creek, Carefree, Rio Verde, Fountain Hills and back to Shrine Auditorium. Check out web site www.el-zaribah.org/mcrun. You can register on line.

Sunday, November 2nd
American Legion Riders Post 8 Casa Grande Poker Run. Registration is 8am - 10am at the American Legion Hall located at 713 N. Park Avenue in Casa Grande, AZ. $10 Rider/Single. $15 W/Additional Rider. Ride Pins to first 100, Poker Payouts High and Low, 50/50 Raffle. Ending location is American Legion Hall in Coolidge. Food and Drinks will be available at designated stops and at end of ride. Information at 520-233-8293.