Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
10/24/07 

Greetings Riders,
 
It looks like our extended summer is still hanging on for a while which is making for some good rides outside of the Valley and into the evenings. Thanks to all of the riders that made it to the Kansas concert last Friday night. It was a beautiful night and the bands were really good. Here is a brief video clip and some pictures.
 
Several of you have been asking about the Cyclerides.com Toys To Kids Ride. I have been working with the City of Glendale for permits, etc. and it is close to being finalized. The date for the ride is Saturday, December 1st. We will meet and stage in Downtown Glendale at Murphy Park for coffee, donuts, entertainment, etc. I am even talking to the Downtown merchants to get involved as well with possibly a free walking poker run through the antique shops of Glendale for some prizes donated by the merchants. We will then take a short escorted ride West to Westgate City Center where they are doing a $400,000 Christmas decoration project. A stage will be set up in the Dancing Fountains Plaza on Coyote Blvd. where we will have over 100 children from the Pappas Schools bussed in and waiting for us to arrive with the toys. Once everyone arrives, there will be live entertainment for the kids and riders. After 30 minutes of entertainment, the kids will all be allowed to go get any 3 toys they desire out of the huge stack. It is a wonderful site to see. Some of them last year told me that was the only gift they would get for Christmas. Last year we took the leftover toys to the shelters around town. These were bagged and left outside the kids apartments on Christmas Eve. Some did awake to toys outside their doors. Thanks to all of you! Sign in from 8am - 11am. Ride leaves at 11am. If you have not been on a Cyclerides.com Toys To Kids Ride come with us this year, it is really special, Click Here for the video of last year. Click Here for the flyer. Hope to see you there.
 

Colorado Trip 2007 - Day 6 (1/2 of the Day) 

 I am happy to be back writing about our ride through Colorado. After 5 days on the road through some fantastic scenery we had separated ourselves from the rest of the world and were firmly entrenched into the routine of "Ride, Eat, Sleep and Repeat". We awoke this morning to beautiful blue skies overlooking Dillon Lake in Dillon, CO. Our goal this day was to backtrack a few miles through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Hwy. 6 across Loveland Pass at 11,990 ft., the first of 4 passes that we would travel that day. Hwy. 6 takes you over Loveland Pass and by the Keystone Ski Resort back to Dillon. This was a really nice 42 mile loop and well worth the detour off of the beaten path. From there we followed I-70 for 35 miles past Copper Mountain and Vail on our way to Hwy. 24 that would take us South to historic Leadville, which also happens to be the highest city in the United States with an elevation of 10,430 feet.
 
Almost always on these trips, there is a surprise portion that exceeds your expectations, and for us it was this day. I wasn't sure about taking Hwy. 24 until Councilman Lieberman of Glendale suggested that it would be a great ride. He was absolutely right. As it turns out, this road is the "Top of the Rockies" Scenic Byway that takes you through some great scenery and old historic mining towns. About 10 miles South of I-70 you will round a corner and see this bridge. If you didn't know before you go, you would miss the fact that there is a very cool little mining town named Red Cliff at 8600 feet stuck back in the canyon that you should go see. Take the turn left, right before the bridge and ride down to the town and take the road back under the bridge. This is a cool little historic town to see along the way. This Picture I took while riding down a side street will give you a good feel of the laid back nature of this place. Even the Chipmunks are easy going.
 
Another 12 miles South you will ride across Tennessee Pass at 10,424 feet. This is also the point of a WWII Memorial that you can stop to see. In just 9 more miles you will come into the old 1870's Gold and Silver mining town of Leadville. Also known as the highest city in America. Leadville boomed in 1860 when Abe Lee discovered Gold in the California Gulch which brought in prospectors by the thousands ready to find their fortunes. Although it only lasted about 6 years, it was replaced in 1877 with one of the richest and most famous silver districts the world has ever seen. By 1880 Leadville had over 30,000 residents, innumerable stores, hotels, boarding houses and, of course, over 100 saloons, dance halls, gambling joints and brothels. Leadville produced seven hundred million dollars of the precious metal!
 
It was here that Horace Tabor made his fortune. But in 1893, all good things came to an end. The repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act changed the backing of our currency from silver to gold, plummeting the price of silver overnight and spelling ruin for Horace Tabor and many others. While these people were industrious, they spent money as fast as they could make it, never imagining that the income would end. It was reported that Horace Tabor once spent $15,000 on a silver laced christening gown for his daughter in the late 1800's while the workers in his mine were making $3.00 per day. 
 
When you sit down and read the history of this town, it is filled with compelling stories of real people who made, and lost, fortunes in this frontier mountain town laced with Victorian architecture. People with names you would recognize include Carnegie, Guggenheim, Susan B. Anthony, the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, Doc Holliday, Oscar Wilde, Soapy Smith and Horace and Baby Doe Tabor, are just a few of the many who fill Leadville's past. If you get a chance, follow some of the links below to read up on the history of this area.
 
Another aspect of the town that is amazing is the amount of 19th century buildings and houses that are still standing and in use. Leadville has preserved an astounding amount of its history. Leadville is a National Historic Landmark District encompassing over 70 square blocks of Victorian Architecture, over fifty 19th century buildings, a 20 square mile historic mining district, a historic railroad and more museums than any town in Colorado. Most of the buildings were built between 1880 and 1905. Leadville is a very interesting town full of more history than any other that we saw along the way. Maybe one of the most amazing points is that it has survived all of these years and is still a thriving town of 2700 people.
 
Another interesting stop in Leadville about a mile outside of town is the Matchless Mine, owned by Horace and "Baby Doe" Tabor. These are 2 names that are of the most famous in Colorado mining history. You take a short walking tour of the mine that shows how mining was done in the 1800's and tells the story of Horace and Baby Doe Tabor's rise to riches and worldwide fame, to going completely broke and losing everything after the Sherman Act and ultimately working for the same $3.00 per day in the same mine that he once owned.
 
This is a truly fascinating area that would take way too long to describe in this letter, but was one of our favorite stops along the way. You can easily spend most of a day here to see it all. But for us, this was only half of our day and we were on our way to Twin Lakes, The Independence Pass, Aspen and over the hill to spend the night in the Historic Redstone Inn. I will be back with that story and photos next week.
 
For those of you that like history, I would encourage you to visit Leadville and read some of the links below about the boom times of Leadville and the mining history. The ride on the "Top of the Rockies Byway" is also excellent and very enjoyable.
 
I have included 124 interesting pictures from this portion of the ride on Day 6.
Click Here to View.
Click Here for Map.
 
Useful Links: 
Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway - Hwy. 24
Red Cliff, Colorado
History of Leadville - This was scanned from an information brochure from the visitors office. The best information I could find on the area.
Leadville - Chamber of Commerce site.
Leadville - As reviewed by Wikipedia
Leadville Timeline - A good look at what were key times along the way.
Horace and Baby Doe Tabor - The complete story of the Tabor's.
The Matchless Mine - A great history of the Tabors and the Mine that made them famous.  
Leadville Legends - Those who made their fame in Leadville.
Leadville - A collection of Stories about the area.

Highlights This Week
 
Cyclerides.com Classifieds now have over 100 listings. Take A Look!
More parts and motorcycles have sold this week. Over 12,000 Page Views.
Take advantage of some great deals or list your own. 
Only $10 for 60 Days! Submit Yours.
  
Hearts To Heroes DVD is Now Available!
90 minute Video from the entire day. Never seen video from the Soldiers in Baghdad.
Only $15 or 2 for $25. Includes a Ride Pin and Shipping.
See more information in the Extras or Click Here. 

Next Week 

Saturday, November 3rd
3rd Annual Shriner's "We Ride So Kids Can Walk". Personal Note from Barry. 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 about a month ago 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 Shriner's 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. 
    
The run on November 3rd  Shriner's"We ride so kids can walk" is growing. We have 50 vendor spaces filled up and identifying more space for additional vendors that are calling. Johnny Cash, Elvis, and some other singers will be there for entertainment. Food, Beer Garden, over $60,000.00 in door prizes and silent auction items. Cost is only $15.00 for the ride. $15.00 gets you chances at many door prizes, a pin, patch and raffle ticket for the Grand Prize. Grand Prize is 08 Dyna Fat Bob or Custom Softtail or $15,000.00. Your choice. Its not a poker run, its a sponsor recognition run. Visit as many stops that are on the run guide. The more stops you visit, the more chances you get for door prizes. See web site; www.el-zaribah.org/mcrun.htm  The web site is being updated daily.
 
Saturday, November 3rd
Darrell Ashford Jr's 6th Annual Poker Ride. The ride in memory of Darrell Ashford Jr. will start at Chopper Kings & Paint Shop, 3232 W Virginia at 10:00a.m sharp. 2nd stop Wild Horse West, then Lunch provided by Steel Horse Saloon. 3rd stop Desert Autoplex (donated ATV). We finish up at the Monastery in MESA. Your donation of $25.00 and Co-pilots of $10.00 will include Ride, Lunch, a T-shirt (while supplies last), entry to the Monastery and 1 raffle ticket. The winner of the poker run will win a ATV. Trucks & Cars are welcome to come along $25.00 for driver & $10.00 for one passenger. (all VEHICLES must follow BEHIND BIKES). We will be having a BIG raffle: Airline tickets & hotels, restaurants, massages, house appraisal, Diamondback tickets & many more items. For more information call Cathy or Darrell Sr. 480-284-4317. All proceeds to children in need.
 
Saturday, November 3rd
The Inaugural Officer Holly Run to benefit the children’s charities of the Anthony Holly Foundation. Officer Anthony Holly, was a Glendale Police Officer who lost his life in the line of duty in February 2007. Registration from 7-9 am at Arrowhead Community Bank 17235 N. 75th Avenue, B-100, Glendale, AZ. First rider out at 9 am. Ride ending at Gordon Biersch Westgate for a 12 Noon Lunch. 5 stop poker run, 50/50 raffle, prize raffle, & silent auction. Registration forms can be downloaded at http://www.arrowheadcommunitybank.com/hollyrun.html
 
Saturday, November 3rd
1st Annual Stunt For Kids. Event time 11am - 2pm at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd. $10 donation includes Food, 3 Raffle Tickets and Stunt Show. Also appearing: Hot Rod Jokers Car Club. Event benefits Andrea's Closet. www.andreascloset.org. For more information call Kenny at 623-556-7608.
 
Saturday, November 3rd
Maricopa County Motorcycle Swap-Meet. Event time is 8:00am - 12:00pm at the Scottsdale Worship Center located at 6508 E. Cactus Road in Scottsdale. 480-483-2401. This fun event will be for selling anything motorcycle related, including parts, clothing, memorabilia, etc. All we ask is that anything you bring be in good taste and not to bring anything deemed offensive to ladies, gentlemen, and children. To sell your items, we are asking for a $20.00 contribution or 20% of your sales for a contribution. Proceeds will be used to purchase toys for the annual Toys To Kids Ride. Please clean out your supply of motorcycle related goods and bring them out to sell and help support this event. It will bless you and a lot of needy kids.
 
Saturday, November 4th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Runway Fashion Show.
CHESTER’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROARS INTO SCOTTSDALE FASHION WEEK WITH A HIGH-OCTANE MIX OF LEATHER AND CHROME. Chester’s will show off Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and MotorClothes apparel in the
Luxury Pavilion, plus a runway show Sunday, Nov. 4, at 3:30. Fashion shifts into high gear when Chester’s Harley-Davidson roars into Scottsdale Fashion Week next month. The four-day event, Nov. 1-4, will be held at Scottsdale Fashion Square.  
 
Chester’s Harley-Davidson will have a display in the Luxury Pavilion throughout the event featuring a crowd-gathering collection of the new 2008 bikes, including some 105th Anniversary models, as well as the latest Harley-Davidson MotorClothes apparel for men and women, with items from the new Fall and 105th Anniversary lines.  
 
On Sunday, Nov. 4, Chester’s will hit the runway at 3:30 for a Harley Holiday Style show that will really get your motor running. Twenty models will take the stage to show off riding and casual fashions that let the world know you’re ready feel the wind on your face and the freedom of the open road. FREE TICKETS for the event are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Drive, in Mesa. Chester’s is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 
Sunday, November 4th
Scottsdale Fashion Week 2007.
Not only can you come to see the Chester's Runway show at Scottsdale Fashion Week, but you can also enjoy viewing the Barrett-Jackson Private Classic Car Collection in a spectacular "on the street runway" as well as enjoying the Fender Concert series. Not to mention the giant pavilion filled with fashion and products. If you can't make it by Chester's to pick up your free tickets, you can buy your tickets for 50% off at $12.50 right here online. Click Here for the complete event schedule. Click Here to Purchase. 

Extras 

Cyclerides.com Classifieds now has over 100 ads. More items have sold this past week as a result of over 3500 visits to the Classifieds and over 12,000 pages viewed. If you have a Motorcycle, Scooter, ATV, Quads, Jet Ski or any other Motorsports machine, you can list them on the Cyclerides.com Classifieds. Everyone has spare parts laying around the garage that someone else would probably want. Price them to sell and put them on the site. Listings are only $10 for 60 days that includes 5 photos to display your items. Are you looking for something in particular? You can search the site for categories of makes of motorcycles, trailers or parts. For example, to view all of the parts, Go to the Classifieds, click the drop down box and choose "Parts", then click GO. This will open a new page that lists all of the parts available for sale. GIVE IT A TRY! I will be doing a lot of marketing for the Classifieds to gain even more exposure for you to sell your items. Click Here to go to the Classifieds and take advantage of this great price of only $10 for 60 Days. Click Here to Submit and Ad.
 
This video is hilarious!! It is a recording of a guy who totally busts the chops of a telemarketer. You can read along on the screen of what is said. The laughing from the DJ is infectious. Click Here to View.
 
This guy is known as the Hammer King. I can't understand him, but sure is good with them. Wait till you see this. Click Here to View.
 
The long awaited Hearts To Heroes DVD is finally done. It took a while but is worth the wait. I couldn't be happier with the quality of this DVD. Brian from Kohatsu Video Productions and David Whitten did a great job of putting all of the available video clips together into a great 90 minute production. There is video from the entire day including pre event as riders were coming in, interviews, the entire show inside CCV, video clips from Baghdad during the show of them watching us on their TV, interviews from the Soldiers in Baghdad immediately after the event, clips from riding around PIR and Jesse McGuire at Westgate.

If you went to the event, you will want to have this 90 minute professionally produced DVD in your collection for sure. Many of you will see yourself on this video from throughout the day. The DVD is available in the online store at www.cyclerides.com for $15 that includes a FREE Hearts To Heroes Ride Pin and shipping. You can also get 2 for $25 that includes shipping and a FREE Hearts To Heroes Ride Pin. You will not be disappointed. Click Here for the Online Store to order your copy.
 
This one of for you animal lovers, particularly dogs. An amazing video of how a dog can overcome a handicap, or two. Click Here to View.
 
I will be out and about this weekend attending the International Motorcycle Show and several of the events around town. Hope to see you there!