Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 11/12/03

Greetings Riders,

Well, it looks like the weather has finally reached that optimum riding temperature. Sunny 80 degree days can really persuade riders to dust of the seat and get out for a few hours. I haven't seen this many bikes out on a Sunday in a very long time. And with all of the events we have on the calendar, there are many excuses to get out and ride in the coming weeks. Be sure and check the Rides and Events Calendar on www.cyclerides.com for all the events coming up. This is also a time to do some of the local Day Rides that I have on the site. You could even still do the excellent Tonto Bridge Ride in Payson. Check out the Video.

Have you seen any of these signs lately while riding on the Valley freeways? "All lanes must exit", "Right 2 lanes closed", "Loop 101 closed 9pm Fri - 9pm Sun.", "Hwy 51 on ramps closed from I-10". Seems like we are right in the middle of massive freeway construction every where we turn. But the truth is, even torn up freeways are better than what we had when I first came to Arizona in 1978. When I rolled into town, Bell Rd. was dirt for the last couple of miles before it connected to Scottsdale Rd. Going to Reata Pass seemed like a day trip and going West on a small 2 lane road called Bell, to a place called Sun City seemed like East L.A. The ONLY freeway we had back then was I-17, and it was a divided highway with a grass median and trees with 2 lanes each way. The only way to get East and West was the overcrowded surface streets. The 20 minutes that it takes me to get to Scottsdale now, was at least 45 minutes back then.

It is kind of interesting how when we get used to something that we didn't have, and then it is taken away for a while, how quickly we forget how good we actually have it. Even with the inconveniences of the road repair and enhancements they are doing with the rubberized asphalt, it is still way better than it was 20 years ago. It looks like with the Hwy. 51 repair and all the upgrades to the loop and I-10, that we are going to have some intermittent closures. It is helpful to know where these closures are going to be before you get stuck in them.

So if you are driving or riding the Valley freeways throughout the week, you can check with ADOT and see what closures you will be faced with on the routes that you travel. Click the link below for the Highway Condition Reporting System. Once you get to the map, click the button that says "All Events" located right below the map. This will give you every Highway in the State that is under construction. You can then right mouse click above the green line and click "Select All", then push CTRL and C on your keyboard to copy the information. You can then paste it into an email or a blank document to take with you. Or right mouse click and select print. Hope this helps make your travels easier. Click here for the Highway Condition Reporting System.

Most of you know about the "Toys To Kids Ride" that we are doing on December 6th. Due to the large response of riders wanting to participate, we need to get a rough count of how many are planning to attend so that we can let Rawhide know how much food to prepare. Since we are not doing pre-registration, we would like you to Click Here and tell us how many in your group will be attending. This is just to give us a projection for food and drink. Many have asked what age groups for toys. They tell me that you should bring toys suitable for ages 3-12 years of age, split between girls and boys. Games for all, balls for boys, kits for young girls and even things like back packs could be useful for the older kids. We look forward to seeing you there.

Just as we thought would happen, the "Loud 4" have now become the "Loud 8". Another Group of 4 riders have been cited in Carefree for violating the DB ordinance on their way back from Cave Creek. See the Extras Column Below for the Complete Story and what is being done about it.

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. 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.

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. Voted "BEST BIKER BAR IN PHOENIX". 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.

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.

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. 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.

This Weekend

Thursday, November 13th
Tip A Hog. For you riders in the Prescott area, the Yavapai H.O.G. Chapter is raising money for St. Vincent De Paul by serving tables at the Golden Corral at Frontier Village. 100% of the tips will be donated to this worthy cause. There will be food, music and door prizes. 5-8pm.

Saturday, November 15th
2nd Annual Halo Run. I went to the start of this run last year and it was one of the best organized rides I had seen in a long time. I was anxious to see what they would do this year and it looks like an excellent itinerary. Pre-Ride Festivities are from 8-10am at Turf Paradise located at 15th Ave. and Bell Rd. where breakfast will be served with Live Music and Vendors. Go on the run and end up at Casino Arizona at the Loop 101 and Indian Bend. Post Ride Festivities include Lunch, Raffle (take a look at these raffle prizes) and Entertainment. Casino Arizona will give each rider: Buffet and Beverages, A Cash Token, A Player's Card, A Casino Arizona Gift and Two Tickets to Showstoppers. Plus you will enjoy Live Music, Exhibits and the Grand Prize Raffle Drawing. Pre-Registration Cost is $20 per person and $25 per couple. Pre Register and receive Run T-Shirt, Halo Run Pin and entry in the drawing for two $250 cash drawings. The 2nd Annual Halo Run is a charity fundraiser motorcycle event from which 100% of the proceeds benefit the Children's Angel Foundation. (Click Here to see what they do). This event is organized entirely by Children's Angel Foundation volunteers and staff and supported by generous sponsor contributions. Only a few shirts and pins left. Click Here To Register or call 480-513-9270.

Saturday, November 15th
A Day With Gale Sayers. Here's one for the Football Fans. Bring a foot ball, helmet or posters and get them signed. This is your opportunity to meet and spend some time with a Hall of Fame Football Player. Click here to see what Gale Sayers memorabilia goes for. On Saturday, November 15th you can spend the afternoon with Gale Sayers at Coach & Willies located downtown Phoenix just South of 3rd St. and Jackson. You will receive an 8x10 photo of you and Gale Sayers, food and drinks and participate in memorabilia and giveaways for $95 per person. $50 per signature. Seating is limited. Mention Cyclerides and get 10% Off. Call ahead to reserve your entry at 623-572-9010.

Sunday, November 16th
6th Annual Chandler Custom Cycles Toys For Tots Ride. This is the 6th year for this run and it has become one of the Valley's Favorite Toy Runs. One of the neat things about this run is that you actually make a stop at the Child Crisis Center to visit with the kids. Since these shelters don't have national sponsors this is the most important time of the year for them to raise money. So these events really make a difference for them. $15.00 per person with toy, $20.00 per person without toy. You will also get a Free Lunch, Live Music from Krak Smokin' Grannies, 50/50 drawing, Auction and Lots of Door Prizes. Highest Hand Wins $250. Registration is from 9:00-10:30am registration at Chandler Custom Cycles located at 2775 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler. Ride ends at the Elks Lodge for lunch and activities. Sponsored by Chandler Custom Cycles and the Chandler Elks Lodge #2429. More information at 480-497-3573.

Next Weekend

Sunday, November 23rd
"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 4 starting locations:
From the West: Arrowhead Harley, 1 blk S. of 83rd and Bell Rd.,
From the North: Maximum Performance Cycles, NE Corner of Cave Creek Rd. and Greenway.
From the East: Chosa's Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa.
From the Far East: Chosa's Apache Junction.
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.

Sunday, November 23rd
Benefit Ride and Swap Meet. Ride benefits Desert Voices Oral Learning Center. Ride starts at 9:00am at Ram Jet Racing, 13207 N. Cave Creek Rd. Ends at Kid Chilleen's in Black Canyon City. Live Music 12-4 pm. $25 per rider/$15 per passenger that includes T-Shirt and special gift. For information call Curt at 602-740-8943.

Upcoming Events

The 1st Annual "Toys To Kids" Ride is now only 23 days away. For those of you that are new to the Newsletter, Cyclerides.com has gotten together with Arizona Bike Week and Outback Productions to bring to you a Toy Ride that will bring the Kids to the Toys. The ride will start in Fountain Hills and ride the back way through Rio Verde and end at Rawhide. Here there will be 200 needy children waiting to receive your toys. They will be able to pick out the toys that they want with the help of Santa's Helpers. We will have Mike Chamberlin from TV3 there to entertain the kids and riders with music as well as magician Richard Steele. The ride is on Saturday, December 6th. Registration time is from 8:00am - 11:00am. on the Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills. The cost is $10 per person and one new unwrapped toy. This includes a ride pin to the first 2000 riders and a complete lunch with drink at Rawhide. ALL proceeds go to charity. Click Here for all the details. Hope to see you there.

Extras

Just as we thought would happen, the "Loud 4" have now become the "Loud 8". This morning I talked to another group of 4 riders that were cited for DB noise violations in Carefree as a group reading on their way back from Cave Creek. Even if your bike is legal, if you are next to one that is not, you will get a ticket too. The man that I talked to said that he listened to the recording of the hearing that I had on the site and that it was almost a carbon copy of it for him. He said it was almost scripted between the judge and the officer. The end result was that the Judge said that HE would once again decide the interpretation of the ordinance about individuals VS. groups. And the verdict was GUILTY and a $100 fine. But we now have some hope. After the last newsletter, Warren Levenbaum from the Law Tigers contacted me and offered to represent one of these cases "pro bono" and appeal the decision to a higher court. So that is what is going to happen. Two of the riders from the most recent case are going to appeal. Hopefully we will get a resolve to writing tickets as groups, but using individual readings. I will keep you informed. Be careful when riding in that area, here is what you might see.

Living in the 21st Century is definitely different than living in the 60's. How we conduct our daily lives is all pretty much different than even 10 years ago. Here are a few things that will let you know that you are living in the New Millennium:

1. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
2. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
3. You use your cell phone more than your home phone.
4. You e-mail your friend who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends is that they do not have e-mail addresses.
6. When you go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.
8. When you make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "0" or "9" to get an outside line.
9. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.
10. You are so busy that you didn't even notice there was no number 7.

As for me this weekend, I will be going to the Halo Run. And since I went to KU, I will be going down to get Gale Sayers to sign a KU football for me.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com