Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
11/10/04
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Wow, as I typed in the date above it was hard to believe that we are almost half way through November and Christmas is only 45 days away. Toy runs, blanket drives and office parties will soon be the talk. 2004 has been an absolute blur for me, particularly the last 4 months leading up to OCC making their trip to Tempe.
 
The real work started on Monday, November 1st, as the ground was being marked and the tents were starting to be erected. At that point, I knew all the planning had been done and we were about to build an event. By Wednesday, the main stage and the huge tent in "Teutulville" were erected and waiting for the OCC trucks to arrive. Mike Campo and company arrived and the process of setting up their bikes and merchandise began. It creates quite a buzz when their trucks roll into town as the anticipation of seeing the bikes, merchandise and the cast of American Chopper start to build. By around 6:00pm Wednesday evening things were winding down and we decided to grab Michael Campo and 4 Saxon Choppers and ride to the Billet Bar for the Tribune OCC kickoff party. Campo wanted to do some riding, so after about an hour at the Billet we did a little loop down McDowell to 44th St. to Camelback and had dinner at Kona Grill.
 
On Thursday, the Theme Bikes rolled out of the trailer and were placed perfectly on the risers under the tent. The vendors were lined up on the road by 8:00 am. and over the next 10 hours Tempe Beach Park was transformed from a quiet city park to one of the biggest 3 day motorcycle events ever seen in this State. The hustle and bustle of vendors moving in was at a fever pitch and my little electric scooter got a real workout as I was all over the park answering questions. By 4:30 most of the vendors were in place and the media from virtually all Radio, TV stations and Print Media showed up to see the Mayor make Mikey the Honorary Mayor of Tempe for the weekend and present him with the keys to the city. The twist to this was that these keys actually fit all the dumpsters in the city and the Public Works department. All areas that Mikey already has experience with in the OCC Shop.
 
Friday was the first day of the show and there were several hundred people lined up waiting for the gates to open. The first day went very smooth as about 5500 people made their way through the park to see the OCC display, vendors and the 26 builders entered into the Best of the Southwest Custom Motorcycle Show. This was a very popular area as these guys really turned out some excellent one-off custom motorcycles to display. 
 
Saturday exceeded everyone's projections as there were a total of almost 24,000 people through the gates that day. The weather was sunny, even a little warm for this time of year at around 85 degrees and it seemed that motorcycles were on everyone's mind. As some of you know, the lines stretched across the Mill Ave. bridge and up Rio Solado for about 3/4 of a mile each way. Everyone made it into the park fairly quickly to settle in to looking at the Orange County Theme Bikes, getting autographs, looking at the 26 custom motorcycles  and viewing the 80 excellent vendors that were on site. Here are a couple of pictures of the venue taken from the top of the America West building. The highlight of the day for the ones that wanted to see the Teutul's was when Paul Sr. and Junior got on top of the merchandise trailer and started signing and throwing Frisbees. The crowd went wild and some were left with some nice souvenirs. Here is a video clip. Later Saturday evening Bad Company's Paul Rodgers put on an excellent concert filled with songs from the past. Here is a little video clip from his performance.
 
Sunday was threatened by rain but the skies dried up for the day and held off until early evening to let another 4500 people get a last minute look at the event. Sunday was also the day that the winner was crowned for the Best of the Southwest Custom Motorcycle Show. The winner of the $5000 first prize went to Harold Fisher of Chandler Custom Cycles. Second place went to Mark Singleton and Mike Green of Iron Eagle Motorcycles and Third Place went to Louis Adney of Roadrunner Motorcycles. There were some excellent bikes in this display.
 
Thanks to everyone who attended and everyone who helped make this show a success. It was an incredible team that put it together. I will be adding pictures this week. Watch the front page of www.cyclerides.com and next week's newsletter for the links.
 

 
As I mentioned above, the Toy Runs are right around the corner. I would like to remind you of one in particular that I am one of the co-organizers of and that is the 2nd Annual Toys To Kids Ride. Last year there were over 2000 that participated in the ride. Sign in starts at 8:00am and the ride leaves at 11:00am from Fountain Hills and ends at the Pavilion at Rawhide where there will be 200 underprivileged kids waiting for you to bring them toys. We will feed the kids and entertain them while they wait for you to arrive. When you arrive you will stack the toys up in front of the kids according to boys or girls. Once all the riders have arrived, the kids will be able to pick out any 3 toys that they desire. The balance of the toys will be distributed valley wide to needy families. The first 1000 riders will receive a ride pin and lunch for $10. There will be a $5 donation for the remaining riders that will be given to Hospice of the Valley and the Youth Assistance Foundation. All riders are asked to bring one new toy. If you missed last years ride, here are the photos. If you really want to see what went on, Here is the video page.  
 

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This Week's Events 

Wednesday 

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.  Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200. 

Thursday Night
 
Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. 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.

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.
 

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 right next to Genesis Custom Cycles 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. 

Saturday and Sunday 

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon. Live Music on the back Patio Every Sunday from 3-7pm. Now opening at 6:00AM for Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. All of us are looking for that quick getaway out of town for an early morning breakfast on the weekends, or a good stop on our way up North. The Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon is the perfect place for that and they are inviting all motorcycle riders to stop by for a good old fashioned breakfast on the patio or a cool drink on the way home. Sundays feature a $6.99 all you can eat breakfast including drinks and any day you can get my personal favorite 1/2 order of biscuits and gravy for $1.95.  This is a great dish. Breakfast starts at 7:00am. Pioneer is also open for lunch and dinner until 9:00 pm. On Saturday nights Canyon Walls plays from 7pm - 11pm. Pioneer is also a great place to get your group together for a sunset dinner ride. Sit out on the patio or the air conditioned dining room. Click Here for the complete menu. If you are organizing a ride, it is the perfect place for a ride end. Pioneer is located just 1 mile North of the Carefree Highway exit on I-17 at Pioneer Rd. exit 225. For private parties call Karen at 602-493-7373.  

Sunday

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day Cocomo Joes's is now your place to ride to for Sunday NFL Football Games. Enjoy breakfast starting at 10:00am with $5.95 for a Burrito Loco, French Toast or 2 Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon and Toast. Cocomo Joe's has the full NFL Package to make it easy for you to watch the game of your choice all day long. Cocomo Joe's is a very open and comfortable place to hang out and watch the games. They have a new large outdoor patio as well as 2 smaller ones around the side. There is a large dining area with TV's all around to keep up on all NFL football on Sundays. See the pictures here. There is also 3 pool tables and games for your enjoyment. There will be food and drink specials for ride days starting at 10:00am as well as blocked off preferred parking for motorcycles. The day starts at 10:00am with breakfast foods available. Bike day is from Noon - 6pm. Cocomo Joe's is located on the NW corner of Tatum and Dynamite Rd. So if you are riding to or from Cave Creek, or want to take a ride up North and not have to run the DB gauntlet, stop by Cocomo Joe's. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-538-8008. Stop by this Sunday for opening day. Click Here for all the details.

Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
Now is the perfect weather to be sitting out on the Sugar Daddy's patio, listening to Live Music while dining from the Brunch Menu. And Sunday Brunch Just Got Better! You now have 3 options to choose from. Option #1: Eggs Benedict – Grilled English muffins, smoked ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Served with your chose of fresh fruit or crispy potatoes. ($8) or
Sugar’s Pancakes – You won’t eat pancakes anywhere else. Buttermilk pancakes served with butter and syrup. ($5)
Option #2: Can’t decide what to eat? How about an All-You-Can-Eat buffet for ONLY $12.
Option #3: Order off our regular menu.
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 - 4pm. Enjoy live music from 10am - 2pm Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down Scottsdale Rd.  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.

Sunday Evening
 
Looking for that last stop for food and drink after a Sunday ride? Bar Louie located 7014 E. Camelback Rd. under the roof at Scottsdale Fashion Square is providing you with your last stop. Starting at 5:00 pm you can pull up and park right on the curb in front of the outdoor patio at Bar Louie. All riders will receive food and drink specials on Sunday and an additional 20% off of your bill. Happy hour is from 3-7pm and 10-close. Stop by this Sunday and see what Bar Louie has to offer. Click Here to look at the pictures and for more information. Phone: 480-874-9944.
 
This Week
 
Friday - Sunday, November 12-14
Ride Now Sales Event. This is the Huge Annual Factory Authorized Tent Sale put on by Arizona Motorsports. This 3 day event features displays of Motorcycles, ATV's Watercraft, Boats, Scooters and Generators. There will be New and Used Blowout Sales. All brands, All models, Dirt, Street and Ski. Over 400 units Show Priced and Drastically Reduced and ready for immediate delivery. Huge $200,000 Parts and Accessories Closeout. Up to 50% off on Gear, Apparel, Parts & Accessories, Leathers, Saddle Bags, Chrome, & Much More. Bring your whole family for Street and Trials Stunt Shows, Kids Games, Activities, Food, Vendors. Enter to win a Bike a Day! All of this will be held at Tempe Diablo Stadium located at 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ. For more information call 602-923-4360.  
 
November 12th - 14th
4th Annual Rocky Point Rally. The 4th Rocky Point Rally is looking like the biggest ever. Last year over 2000 motorcycles attended the Rally and with all of the new events, it looks to be even bigger this year. Everything I have heard from those that have attended, it is a very good time. If you haven't reserved your room yet, this is your reminder to do so. Click Here for all of the information on this ride.
 
Saturday, November 13th
3rd Annual Halo Run. This ride has quickly become a favorite of Valley Riders. The 3rd Annual Halo Run is a charity fundraiser motorcycle event from which 100% of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Angel Foundation. Registration is $20 single rider and $30 for a couple and includes a continental breakfast at Glendale Arena (starting location), a beautiful ride, and lunch at Casino Arizona (final destination)! Pre Ride festivities include Live Music with CTS, Vendor Booths, Raffle Tickets, and Much More. Plus, first 500 pre-registered riders receive a t-shirt and rider pin! Ride Time 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Post-Ride Festivities 1:30 p.m - 5 p.m at Casino Arizona located at 101 & Indian Bend includes Lunch, Raffle and Entertainment provided by Casino Arizona. Casino Arizona (Indian Bend) gives each rider: Buffet and beverages (with no host bar), A Casino Arizona gift. Plus enjoy: Live Music & Grand Prize Drawing of Two Round Trip Tickets to any continental America West Airlines Destination!
 
Sunday, November 14th
7th Annual Toys For Tots Poker Run. This is an always popular Toy Run entering its 7th year. The ride starts at Chandler Custom Cycles located at 2775 N. Arizona Ave., 1 block S. of Elliot Rd. on the East side. Registration is from 9am - 10:30am. Please bring one unwrapped toy for ages 2-17, plus $15 donation or $20 per person donation without toy. Last stop, Chandler Elks Lodge with Live Music by Krak Smoking Grannies, Auction, 50/50, Door Prizes, Free Lunch. Free T-Shirt to the first 200 Pre-Registration. All donations benefit the Child Crisis Center. For more information call 480-497-3573.
 
Sunday, November 14th
20th Annual Verde Valley Toy RunThis years 20th annual Verde Valley Toy Run will begin in Cottonwood at the Fry's Parking Lot at Hwy 260 & 89A. Registration is 8am - 10am. $20 and new toy gets participant a Run T-Shirt, Poker Run, Main Street Parade, Bike Show & Hot Rod Show Entry, A Fantastic Dinner Including Dessert, Door Prizes, And Much More. Live music this year is LIMBS AKIMBO.  For more info or vendor space call Rose 928-634-5640.
 
Next Week
 
Saturday, November 20th
Buddy Stubbs 5th Annual Blanket Donation Drive. Help us support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ministry to the homeless. How can you help? It's easy! Drop off a new or used blanket on Saturday, November 20th at Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson. Between 11am to 1pm there will be Live Music by Shirley's Temple, Lunch served by Streets of New York and Hourly Prizes. Your donation is priceless to those who receive it. Please give what you can and know that you have made a difference in someone's life. You can drop off your blankets any time between now and Nov. 20th. Buddy Stubbs is located at 13401 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400.
 
Saturday, November 20th
Desert Moon Run Charity Ride. One of a kind escorted night ride through the Sonoran Desert with complete traffic control benefiting the kids of the valley. All Bikes Welcome. $20 per rider - Pre-registered, $25 per rider day of run. Run includes an outdoor party at the Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek, BBQ Dinner of brisket, pork, chicken, coleslaw, beans and biscuits. Live Music from 2 bands, dancing, horseshoes, pool tables, volleyball, souvenir pin to the first 300 registered riders. The ride begins at Indian Motorcycle in Mesa located at 833 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa and ends at Buffalo Chip. Run day registration from 12-6:15pm Saturday. Ride leaves at 6:30pm. Info at 480-668-7969.
 
Sunday, November 21st
"Birds On Bikes" sponsored by MMA of AZ. This is an annual event that is growing every year. Your chance to help feed the homeless or less fortunate. Strap your Turkey or fixings on the back of your bike and ride to one of 3 starting locations:
From the West: Throttle Up, 5030 W. Peoria.,
From the North: Maximum Performance Cycles, NE Corner of Cave Creek Rd. and Greenway. 
From the East: TJ's Bar and Grill, 1734 E. Main St., NW Corner.
Gather from 9:00-11:00AM for coffee and doughnuts and at promptly 11:00AM  head for St. Vincent de Paul's at 420 W. Watkins in Phoenix. From 11:30-Noon meet the chefs and see how they feed the masses. If you can't make it to a starting location, just meet everyone at St. Vincent to give your turkey.
 
Extras
 
If I haven't answered your emails in the last week or so I am not ignoring you, I just haven't had much time in front of the computer. If it is important, email me again. Thanks for your patience.
 
As for me this weekend, I am probably going to the start of the Halo Run and then lay low and relax. There are a lot of good events this weekend. Be sure and check the Rides and Events Calendar on www.cyclerides.com .
 
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
 
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com
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