Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
11/12/08 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, by now, you have probably experienced some of the new Photo Speed Cameras and Mobile Photo Radar that have been placed around the Valley. The days of making up time on the freeway are pretty much over for Arizonans. Hopefully now everyone will just settle into the idea and quit slamming on the brakes before every one of these cameras. One thing that I have noticed is the inconsistency of the speed limits around the valley. I was told that the trigger number on the 55 mph zones is 11 over. If you missed the article last week on the new Speed Cameras, Click Here to Read.
 
This past Tuesday was Veterans Day, a very important day that should be recognized by all Americans. Throughout history, America has been protected by patriots who cherish liberty and make great sacrifices for our freedom. These brave members of the United States Armed Forces answer the call to serve our Nation. On Veterans Day, we honor these extraordinary Americans for their service and sacrifice. These men and women deserve our ongoing gratitude and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our Veterans who have served us in the past and a big thank you to all that are currently standing in the gap for this great country of ours. Thank You from Cyclerides.com!
 
As a lot of you know, last weekend was the 8th Annual Rocky Point Rally held in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Even though the crowds were down substantially, it didn't stop those who were there from having some fun in the sun with the Sea of Cortez as the backdrop for the weekend.
 
This year we left on Friday morning with a total of 6 bikes for the ride to Rocky Point. It is a pretty straight forward 215 mile ride from Phoenix that passes through the Organ Pipe National Monument. We have been through this area numerous times over the last few years on trips to Rocky Point and I never cease to be amazed at the size and shape of the Saguaro cactus through this area. For some reason these guys are huge with multiple arms in strange configurations. If you are a photographer of cactus, this would be the place to spend some time.
 
The ride down was smooth and the weather was nice. As usual. there were a lot of bikes at most every stop and along the road. For those that have never been to Rocky Point or traveled in Mexico, one of the things I do to pass the time is to try and figure out what the road signs mean. Since I am not bilingual, it is a process of elimination to know what they are trying to say. In some cases they will put a graphic, Like This One, to get the point across. Others you can pick out a word Like This One and see what is coming to figure it out. For me it is just something to entertain the mind and learn some Spanish along the way. After the 60 mile ride on the Mexico side we got checked into the condo on Sandy Beach, sat on the deck to enjoy the weather and the view of the Sea of Cortez. After some sightseeing and a ride through the Malecon in downtown, we ate at the Point, made a few more stops to some of the local hangouts before turning in to get rested up for Saturday. 
 
One thing about the Rocky Point Rally is that it is really one of the only motorcycle rallies I have been to that you can actually relax a bit if you want to. The riding is really not much other than in about a 4 mile radius from downtown. With that in mind, we eased our way into the morning and rode down to the beautiful Sonoran Sky condos for a buffet breakfast on the beach and some relaxation telling stories of Rallies past. 
 
It was then on to the Fish Market at the Malecon to take part in the madness that is the rally in Rocky Point. And once again, it did not disappoint. Even with the reduction in attendance this year, the energy was still high. I'm not sure how the law works in Penasco, but it seems as though as long as no one gets too out of line, pretty much anything goes. Riders line the street and fill the bars in this 300 yard section of the Fish Market. You will see riders hanging out of windows on second story decks, sitting on roofs and jamming the streets to get a glimpse of the endless line of bikes and to encourage the burnouts that entertain the crowds. There must be some sort of wind tunnel on this particular part of the street as occasional gusts of wind will blow up a tank top or bikini top as beads come flying from all directions.
 
Yep, for those of you that haven't been here, this is pretty much the type of cheap entertainment for riders that you won't find in the States without a dozen paddy wagons being parked nearby. Can you imagine this type of activity in Laughlin?? It is simple, cheap fun and the perfect antidote to an economic downturn. The interesting thing that I noticed is that while police presence is for the most part non existent, the crowd is pretty much self regulated. I didn't see one fight or any violence in my travels. But with that being said, it does not stop the distribution of "stupid pills". They were free and a lot of people took them. There are always those who will push the envelope and take simple fun to a dangerous level which happened a few times along the way.

Saturday afternoon we followed tradition by taking part in the motorcycle parade that travels through the business and residential areas of Penasco. This is always a highlight for us as the locals really get a big kick out of seeing all of the motorcycles and the children are extremely excited as candy is being thrown to them by the riders. This is really one of the highlights of the trip for me. I even stopped to take this picture of a Mexican family that really got into the spirit of the event and then handed the little one some candy. Click Here to View.
 
We ended the ride back to the Malecon for one last pass through the madness before enjoying a beautiful sunset dinner on the deck at Lapa Lapa, our favorite restaurant in Rocky Point. It was then a customary trip through Manny's, the Camel Toe Cantina and then back to Playa Bonita to enjoy the Mogollon concert on the beach.
 
Believe it or not, Sunday morning we were all up at out the door of the condo by 7am to beat the rush to the border. As it turns out, there was only about a 30 minute wait to get processed back into the States and we were on our way for a safe enjoyable ride home. Once again, the scenery from Lukeville to Why makes for a really an enjoyable ride through the Organ Pipe National Monument. The cactus through here are really interesting. I included several photos of them in the photo gallery.
 
Rocky Point Rally 2008 was another fun time with friends and a chance to see many of you that I hadn't seen in a while. Thanks to all that said hello and shared some stories. I not sure what it is about this place, but I always seem to have a big smile on my face most of the time. See ya next year! If you are planning a ride to Rocky Point on your own and need some tips, feel free to email me at info@cyclerides.com .
 
There are over 230 photos that will keep you entertained for a while. Click Here to View. 
 

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SAVE THIS DATE!
Saturday, December 6, 11am
The Cyclerides.com Toys to Kids Ride.
Due to the expense and complication of organized rides and my desire to keep this event free, I have decided to have a Toy RIDE-IN this year. Westgate City Center has offered the Events Plaza area next to the fountains for the destination. The cost is free. We will have Live entertainment with ELVIS making an encore performance, food will be available and we will be bussing in over 100 of the homeless kids from the Children First Academy that took over for the Pappas Schools. This year instead of us riding in and the kids clapping for us, they will be coming in and we will give them a cheer for encouragement in these tough times.
Details will follow in the letter next week.
 

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Bike Nights This Week 

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Next Week 

Saturday, November 22nd
Buddy Stubbs Anthem Grand Opening Celebration. Everyone LOVES to take a look at a new motorcycle dealership. Plan a ride or plan your day to take you to the Valley’s newest Harley-Davidson dealership, owned and operated by Buddy Stubbs! The dealership is located right off I-17 and Anthem Way and on the way to the best riding in Arizona! The Grand Opening Celebration will include live music by Hoss Howard, Nashville Recording Artist with free food provided by the one-of-a-kind Fire Up Freedom truck, great raffle items, and a chance to tour the new dealership and sneak away with a deal on a new Harley! The event is FREE and we hope to see you there! Event time is 11-3 PM. www.anthemhd.com
 
Saturday, November 22nd
2nd Annual Southwest Birds on Bikes. Strap a turkey on the bike and have some fun delivering it on a Poker Run. Registration from 9am - 11am beginning at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Chandler Harley-Davidson. Ride ends at Rawhide where there will be Live Music, Raffles, Food and Prizes. The $15 or 1 Turkey per person gets you the Poker Run cards and Lunch at Rawhide. Best Poker Hand wins $250. Low hand $100. Turkey's are donated to St. Mary's Food Bank. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, 623-247-5542. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. 480-496-6800.
 
Saturday, November 22nd
The 2008 Billet Bar Customer Appreciation Party. You are invited to the party of the year! The world famous AZ Billet Bar & Against The Wind Clothing have teamed up to bring you one of the hottest parties Old Town Scottsdale will see all year. This is a party and event not to be missed. And as always at the Billet the events are free NO COVER CHARGE. The Fun Starts at 11:00am and goes ALL DAY AND ALL EVENING. The day will feature a Custom Car, Bike and Chopper Show. Trophies Will Be Awarded To The Top Cars And Bikes So Bring Yours The Day Of The Event. A LIVE PIN UP GIRL CONTEST, Live Music All Day Long Featuring LIVE Direct From California, Rockabilly by HELLBOUND HAYRIDE! Plus 2 Additional Live Rockabilly Bands. Magazine Coverage The Day Of The Event By The Horse Magazine with special guest George The Painter. Car Kulture Deluxe Magazine will also be covering the event. In Store Specials By Against The Wind Plus Free Gifts For The First 100 Customers Drink Specials At The Billet Bar & As Always NO COVER CHARGE. For more info on this event or for info on entering the Car / Bike show or Pin Up Girl contest call 480-945-3458 or just show up the day of the event!!
 

Saturday, November 22nd
MMA Phoenix District 11th Annual Cave Creek Crawl. Fund raiser for the MMA. Sign up from 8am - 11am at Jimmy D's located at 2017 E. Cactus Rd. in Phoenix. Breakfast is available. Last stop 1800's Saloon located at 12032 N. Cave Creek Rd. $15 Per Person includes food and live music. T-Shirt for first 100 sign-ups, run pin for first 200. High Hand, Low Hand, Door Prizes and Raffles.
 

Sunday, November 23rd
Birds on Bikes 2008. Presented by the Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona. Grab a frozen bird, strap it on and meet the rest of the flock at 5 different locations. Gathering time is 10am for the ride to St. Vincent de Paul to deliver the turkey. Plan to arrive at the St. Vincent de Paul site at 11:30am, No Earlier.
From the West: Charlie's Place, 4324 W. T-Bird. North: Bikers Bay, 2530 E. Bell Rd. East: Smokey's, 1734 E. Main in Mesa. West: Moose - Goodyear, 1572 Cotton Lane. NW: Western Trails, 37823 NW Grand. 

Extras 

Have you ever listened to politicians try to explain this financial bailout and think they are using some other kind of math you aren't familiar with? This video might help with that. Pretty funny. Click Here to View.
 
Have you ever wondered if animals that are being hunted ever wanted to just kick the crap out of the hunter? Well, this one did. Click Here to View.
 
Here is one for you cat lover's that have been on the wrong end of a mad cat. OUCH! You can feel the pain. Click Here to View.