Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
10/4/06 

Greetings Riders,
 
In last week's letter I reported on the first 2 days of our trip to Durango and our ride around the San Juan Parkway Scenic Byway. Or as I have always called it, "The Durango Loop". If you missed last week's letter, you can Click Here to catch up. You can also view 181 of the most beautiful pictures that I have posted. Since last week, I put together a little 4 minute photo slide show of those pictures to the tune of "Rocky Mountain High". Click Here to view.
 
Since I still had not had my fill of riding on the Million Dollar Highway, on day 3 of our trip, we decided to head North again from Durango Mountain Ski Resort through Silverton and Ouray on our way to the Blue Mesa Reservoir in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado's largest body of water. The reservoir, formed by damming the Gunnison River is located between Montrose and Gunnison at an elevation of over 7500 feet. We had read that we would be riding adjacent to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and experiencing beautiful mesas, deep narrow canyons and fjord like lakes as we meandered our way around the forest and the terrain created by millions of years of erosion from the Gunnison River.
 
Rather than backtracking roads we decided to make a 140 mile loop out of this trip. We continued North of Montrose to Delta and Hotchkiss to come in from the North side through the Gunnison National Forest, across the dam and then back to Montrose. As with any motorcycle ride, when you are traveling to get to your chosen destination, it can sometimes not be as exciting as you would like. That was the case here as we traveled 25 miles of the flat part of Western Colorado from Montrose to Delta. But after riding from Silverton to Ouray, what could compare?
 
After we made the turn East the terrain got more interesting riding through farm land and dropping into the Gunnison National Forest to start our ascent to 9500 feet and an incredible view of Western Colorado. The information that we read was correct as we rode through 40 miles of incredible twisties through the forest adjacent to the deep canyon walls of the Gunnison River on our way to the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Every corner presented a new look at the area that almost made it hard to keep your eyes on the road. What a memorable ride!
 
As with most rides, a lot times there are subplots to go along with the beauty of the route that you are riding. It can be a mechanical failure, weather or running low on gas. For some reason, the latter seems to have worked its' way into the last couple of rides that I have taken. You would think that something as simple as keeping gas in your tank wouldn't be that tough. But, If you are like me and just want to ride, stopping for gas is just a big waste of daylight. So with that mindset and underestimating the availability of potential gas stations in the miles ahead, I sometimes tend to push it to the limit. In this particular case there was some good news and some bad news. The good news was that it wasn't me that was running low on gas in the Road Glide. The bad news is that it was Mrs. C. on her thirsty Vrod, mostly due to the fact that I elected to pass on the last gas station for the next 50 miles. Hmmm.....How do you think that decision went over guys?
 
At the last overlook stop I asked her how much farther she could make it on her tank of gas. She responded that she probably should have run out 10 miles ago. Not the answer I was looking for. So I checked the GPS to find that there was a gas station 20 miles away as the crow flies. The problem was, we would have to cross a 1000 foot gorge, a mountain and a lake to get there in a straight line. Otherwise, it was going to be a 30 mile ride. At this point, all I could hope for was a miracle or a good divorce attorney. Fortunately, I got the miracle. As we were nearing the lake, I spotted a sign that said GAS, 3 miles, with an arrow pointing to the left. I'm thinking my prayers had been answered. (Click on the links to get the pictures for this word story)
 
So I turned on this patch of asphalt that soon turned into a gravel road next to the lake. My euphoria is now being quickly deflated as I am not seeing anything that looks like a gas station on the horizon. After about 3 miles I see what looks like a farm house or a general store on the right side of the road that was in fact Ferro's Trading Post. I pull up to the front and see a sign that says propane gas, but I see no pumps for gasoline. I said to Dan, "the sign said gas, I hope it didn't mean propane gas". Off to my right I hear an old man belt out, "We got gas!" I responded, really? I don't see the pumps. He said, "we ain't got no pumps, it's down there in the tank". Yep! My oasis was a silver tank on stilts full of the petroleum that I needed to keep me out of the dog house and back into the good graces with Mrs. C.
 
So we take the bikes down there, the owner John climbs up on the ladder to open the flow to the hose and gives Mrs. C. the gas she needs to both get her back to civilization and get me back in the family. As it turns out, John goes to town once per week and gets gas in 5 gallon cans, climbs up the ladder and pours it into the tank to help bail out travelers that are in dire need of gas and headed for a week of abstinence if they don't find any. And all of that for only $4.00 per gallon. He should learn to negotiate, I would have easily paid $10 per gallon for it at that point. So as we hung around talking to John, eating some ice cream bars and looking at antiques, we found out that True Grit with John Wayne was shot near there and John was in the movie. Very nice old guy with lots of stories.
 
As always, I tend to look at each day with the glass half full, and not half empty. Without a few little hiccups here and there, you might miss some interesting detours along the way. If Mrs. C. hadn't been running out of gas, we would have never met John, seen his old General Store and experienced getting gas this way. I couldn't help be reminded of needing gas in the bottom of King's Canyon in California. Here is what that looked like. The rest of the day was uneventful as we made our back to Montrose, topped off with gas and then back across the beautiful Million Dollar Highway for my third time in 2 days. What a treat.
 
Monday morning we pulled out at 7am in 42 degree weather from the ski resort for our 430 mile ride home. The weather was beautiful and we were making good time until another one of those little issues that I mentioned above reared its ugly head. This time it was a mechanical problem. About half way between Kayenta and Tuba City, my bike decides to eject the spark plug from the front cylinder. Yep, as in blow it out of the head. If you have ever been between Kayenta and Tuba City, you know there is absolutely nothing out there including cell phone service. We knew Scott Pasmore was only a few miles ahead of us with his motorhome and trailer, but had no way to contact him. Woody tried to keep the plug in by wrapping foil around it, but that didn't work either.
 
So I had no choice but to ride it on one cylinder, doing a top speed of 60 mph wide open, spitting oil, noise and gas for the next 120 miles to Flagstaff where I had finally gotten hold of Scott to wait for me there. The last 30 miles up the hill to Flagstaff went at a rate of about 45 mph. I told my group that was the only time I would ride from Kayenta to Flagstaff wide open. But back to the glass being half full, I was really glad I was able to get it started and ride it back to civilization. It would have been a long day otherwise. I also learned to carry a set of tie downs in my bags as there was a Cyclerides.com reader who offered to put it on the trailer in Tuba City to take me home. Thanks to them for the offer.
 
Click Here for the Photos
Click Here For the Map
 
Useful Links:
http://www.nps.gov/cure . Curecanti Recreation Area.
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nra/co_curec.htm
http://curecanti.areaparks.com/
http://www.sangres.com/forest/forestgunnison.htm. Gunnison National Forest.
http://www.nps.gov/blca . Black Canyon of the Gunnison Park. A good detour if you are in the area. 

See The Extras Column Below For More Information

Highlight This Week 

Ridenow Powersports New Location Grand Opening. New 32,000 Sq. Ft. showroom.
18th Annual Hogtoberfest. Presented by H.O.G. Tucson Chapter.
Cruising For St. Jude. Proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
10th Annual C.U.F.F.S. Run. This ride benefits families Law Enforcement Officers killed or injured in the line of duty. 

October 6th - 8th
18th Annual Hogtoberfest. Presented by H.O.G. Tucson Chapter. Vendors Galore, Wet T-Shirt Contest $1000 Prize, Poker Run $1000 Prize, Tattoo Contest, Bike Show, Bike Games, Western Gaming, Bikini & Firefighter Bike Wash, Fashion Show, BBQ & Other Treats To Eat. 4 Live Bands including The Fryed Brothers. Event at the Beaudry RV Center located at 3200 E. Irvinton Rd. in Tucson. Click Here for the full schedule. More info: hogtoberfest@tucsonhog.net
 
Saturday and Sunday
October 7th and 8th.
Ridenow Powersports New Location Grand Opening. Need a ride destination this weekend? Stop by the Ridenow Powersports new 32,000 Sq. Ft. showroom located at 15380 W. Bell Rd. in Surprise, AZ. I stopped by this location last week and it is a huge store jam packed with every imaginable powersports equipment including Metric Cruisers, Sport Bikes, Triumph, Dirt Bikes, Jet Skis, Quads, and Rhinos. See the latest in Polaris, Yamaha, Triumph, Suzuki. Motorsports equipment for all ages. Stop by the ultimate in powersports dealerships in the valley. Take advantage of the huge sidewalk sale with savings up to 70%. ATV Giveaway, $1,000 in hourly giveaways.
Saturday: Free Gift to first 200 customers, Live Band, Casino Parties, Free Chips, Win Prizes!
Sunday: Free Gift to first 200 customers, Pick-Your-ATV Raffle 5:00 PM. Stop by this weekend 10am - 5pm both days! 480-443-4567. 

Next Week 

Saturday, October 14th
Chester's One Year Anniversary BIKE-A-PALOOZA. Join Chester's HD as they celebrate their One Year Anniversary with Fun and Entertainment ALL DAY from 10am - 10pm! Plenty to do all day long.  
Bike Games: Test your riding skills from 10am - Noon.
Bike Show from Noon - 2pm.
Bikini Bike Wash Noon - 3pm.
Live Bands 2pm - 10pm. If Live Music is what you like, this is the place for you. 3 Bands - 1 Stage starting with:
MetalHead at 2pm.
The Hollywood Allstarz at 5:30pm
Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad at 8pm.

October 13th - 15th
Rally at the Ranch. Stop by the newest major entertainment venue in the West Valley at Western Trails Ranch. Western Trails will be holding a Bike Fest called RALLY AT THE RANCH, with the main event Saturday for the Bike Run, and Concert Saturday night, with headliner Bad Company featuring Brian Howe. Live music also provided by Shut Up & Drive, Phat Bastard, and Poppy and the Usual Suspects. Bike Games, Poker Runs, Vendors, Bikini Contest, Wet T-Shirt Contest, Burn Out Pit, Bike Show Awards, Tattoo Contest, Giveaways, Partying! 3 DAY admission Includes Poker Runs And Bike Games Pre-Buy-$25.00 Day of the Event-$35.00. 3 DAY admission with no Poker Runs or Bike Games Pre-Buy-$20.00 Day of the Event-$30.00. First 500 get a free Ride Pin. Join our Texas Hold’em tournanment for a chance at a seat at the National Tournament of Champions. Includes airfare and hotel. Western Trails Ranch is located at 37823 Grand Ave. in Morristown, AZ. Mile marker 124. Click Here for complete agenda with times and activities. More info: 623-388-0450.
 
Saturday, October 14th
6th Annual Foothills Stampede and Poker Run. Take a 190 mile Poker Run with Foothills H.O.G. Chapter through scenic Arizona. Ride Patch for the first 500 registered. Pancake breakfast at Chandler HD for registered participants. $25 person/$45 couple registration includes Poker Run, Entrance to Ft. Mcdowell Casino, Lunch, Music, Share The Wealth Raffle, Door Prizes, Vendor and Shopping. All proceeds benefit Chandler Compadres. Sign in from 8:30am - 10am at Chandler HD located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800. Chandler HD will be offering 15% off from 7:30am -  10am on the day of the event to all registered participants.
 
Saturday, October 14th
Deuces Wild! Draw a Deuce to End Abuse. Poker Run to benefit SwanRider, a non-profit organization to end domestic violence. $20 per rider/$5 passenger. Ride approximately 100 miles. Everyone welcome. Register at Steel Horse Saloon 8:30am - 9:30am located at 1768 W. Bell Rd. Last card at Steel Horse 4:30pm. Raffle, Auction, 50/50 drawing. Prizes for best and worst hand.
 
Sunday, October 15th
Sugar Daddy's Biker Brunch Kickoff. Sugar Daddy's welcomes you back to riding with the Award Winning Sugar Daddy's Sunday Brunch voted "Best Sunday Brunch" by Newtimes 2006. Enjoy a $9 All You Can Eat Buffet, $2 Mimosas, $4 Bloody Mary Bar from 10am - 4pm. Relax to live music from 10am - 4pm on the 5700 sq. ft. climate controlled patio. Riding by later? Grab a quick BBQ from Noon - 5pm on the patio. You can also order off of the extensive menu. Click Here for more information. Sugar Daddy's is located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale.
 
Sunday, October 15th
Ride For Kids Supporting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The Ride For Kids® is a motorcyclist’s program that is helping to find the cause and cure of pediatric brain tumors. The Ride For Kids® also serves as a nationally recognized educational and patient support program for patients and their families, and the medical community. Brain tumors are the most deadly of all the childhood cancers. Ride starts at the Cardinals Stadium located at 91st. Ave. and Glendale Ave. in Glendale. Registration opens at 8am and closes at 9:45am. Free coffee, doughnuts and light lunch. The police-escorted ride will arrive at the end point at approximately 11 a.m. After a light lunch, participants will enjoy a Celebration of Life program that features interviews with young brain tumor survivors-the Ride for Kids® "stars" of the day. The minimum donation to ride is $35.
 
Sunday, October 15th
1st Annual Oktoberfest Poker Run. Sponsored by American Legion Riders Post 62. Sign in at 9847 W. Desert Cove Ave. in Peoria, AZ from 9am - 11am. Prizes for best and worst hand. $10 per rider, $5 for passenger. There will be food and door prizes at end of ride. Info: 623-266-6704.  

Extras 

Need a new set of tires?? Now is the time to get them. And because you are reading it here, you will save even more. Go to the new Bikers Bay, "The Ride In Ride Out specialist", located at 2530 E. Bell Rd. for the "RE-Tire while you wait special. Any two Harley-Davidson blackwall tires mounted and balanced for only $329.00. Tell them that Cyclerides.com sent you and take another 10% off!! How can you beat that? For more information or to make an appointment, call Jim at 602-923-0114. Tuesday through Friday 9am - 6pm. Saturday 8am - 3pm.
 
I am still getting a lot of questions about the GPS that I use that you see in some of the pictures. Christmas is around the corner. If would like to get one for a Christmas present or just want one for yourself, Click Here for the article that I did on it. Or Click Here to for detailed information and to order online. The order will be shipped the same day that you order online.
 
Here is a short video of someone that should keep both wheels on the ground. Click Here.
 
Maybe with this video we can get the pro helmet contingent to start going after pole dancers instead of motorcycle riders. Click Here to view. Save The Pole Dancers!