Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
11/21/07 

Greetings Riders and Happy Thanksgiving,
 
Well, it looks like winter, at least Arizona style is finally going to make an appearance this week. Yes, for all of you reading this outside of the Valley area, high temperatures in the upper 60's marks the beginning of Winter around here. I've been getting away with just wearing a sweatshirt when riding, but now I might actually have to dig out the leather and gloves.
 
I've touched on a lot of different things in the newsletter over the years, but one thing that I don't think I have talked about is the protocol of stopping when you see another rider on the side of the road. As we all know, bikers are some of the most generous and helpful people that there are as a group and are always willing to help another rider in distress. But the problem these days for me is trying to figure out who REALLY needs help and who is just getting something out of their bags, taking a break or checking their voicemail.
 
It is hard at 70 mph to try and figure out in 2 seconds who needs help, and who doesn't. I look at what they are doing and try to decide if there is a problem or not. If I ascertain that there isn't, sometimes it still haunts me when I go on by and start second guessing myself that they might have actually needed help. You never know what to do. Usually for me, if they are leisurely getting something out of their bags, etc., I don't stop. But if they are tinkering with the motor, it is a sign to pull over. The good news is that with the reliability of the new bikes and the increased use in cell phones, there seems to be less stops for breakdowns and more for phone use than in years past, but is does still happen. Coming back from Rocky Point we could have stopped at least 4 times by the time we get to Ajo. But the first 3 I made the decision that they didn't need help or there was already another bike there. But the fourth one, I guess my instincts kicked in and I was right.
 
Just South of Why, AZ I saw this guy just standing next to his bike looking down the road. He was not smoking, not on the phone, just looking a bit perplexed, at least as far as I could tell at 70 mph. So I slowed down a little and mouthed "Do you need help?" He raised his arms as if to say, "I don't know what is wrong". So I slowed down, and both Mrs. C. and I did a U-Turn to go back and see if we could help. As it turns out, the guy was from Nevada and his Indian Chief had lost all power and died on the side of the road. He said it had been missing out for a while and he was trying to limp into Ajo. We tried starting the bike but there was no spark at all. I told him I had a cell phone that worked out there, but he said he didn't have anyone to call, but that he was staying at an RV park in Ajo where his truck and trailer was, and if he could get there, he could come back for the bike. So I put Mrs. C. on the back with me, and he rode the Vrod in to town to get his truck. Fortunately he had that available, or he would have been in big trouble, because that bike wasn't going to start any time soon.
 
He thanked us profusely for stopping as he had already seen many bikes go by that had not stopped. As it turns out, by having an extra bike available, we were able to provide a good way to get him out of the jam he was in. Mrs. C. and I felt good that we were able to help a fellow biker in need, but it still didn't solve the problem of stopping at every bike we see on the side of the road. With all of the other reasons that riders stop these days, maybe we should come up with some universal hand signal to let others know when we do actually need help, and not just taking a break, layering or answering a call. This way people like me won't have to beat myself up over whether I made the right decision or not with someone on the side of the road. Maybe if we need help, we should just cross our arms to make an X and stand next to the bike. Or maybe carry a yellow cloth and place it on the outside grip to signify that help is needed. Otherwise we will assume there is not a problem. If someone has a better idea feel free to let me know. Maybe we can start this trend right here in Arizona, and save a lot of needless stops to help someone that doesn't need help.

Bikers helping others goes on throughout the year, but it is even more evident during the Christmas season. One event that I would encourage you to participate in is the Cyclerides.com Toys To Kids Ride that will be held Saturday, December 1st. This is a very special time as we bring in over 100 homeless and underprivileged kids that will be waiting for the riders at the end location to bring in the toys. It is hard to describe the feeling that you get when you ride in or when you walk up to stage to drop off your gifts and hear all of the cheers from the kids. A lot of riders bring candy to throw to the kids as they ride in or walk up front with their presents. This year the Dickens Carolers will entertain you with Christmas Carols as you get to the start location and then will do a special performance Skit at 10:15am in Murphy Park located at 58th Ave. and Glenn Dr. in Downtown Glendale. 
 
We will then take the short ride to Westgate where there will be a stage set up for 30 minutes of entertainment and music with 100 kids waiting for you to arrive. Westgate is bringing in snow for them to play in as well as feeding them before we get there. Rumor has it that Elvis might even make an appearance again this year. After the show, the kids will be told to get any 3 presents that they want out of the stacks of toys to take home with them. It is really cool to see them get their chosen gifts and then set down to examine them. In fact, I have a little surprise for the kids to help teach them about giving. If you have never done this ride before, it is truly a rewarding experience for everyone involved. I would encourage you to attend. Just bring one new unwrapped toy for a boy or a girl ages 6-12 years and a $5 per bike donation. The money left over after paying for the busses to bring the kids, insurance and the costs to put on the ride will be used to buy clothes for the kids at Pappas. Last year I took 2 teachers from the school and went shopping at a local Wal Mart and bought 3 overflowing shopping carts full of clothes and supplies. This was a needed boost to their clothing closets. Click Here for a couple of pictures. We then distribute the remaining toys to shelters around the valley. 
 
One brief story I would like to share is that when we were shopping at the Wal Mart on around December 20th, filling those baskets, I saw a Woman looking at us trying to figure out what we were doing. She finally asked and I told her that we were buying clothes with money raised from a motorcycle toy ride and that we were also distributing toys to the shelters around town. I could tell that this touched her heart and she shared with me that she was in one of those shelters with her kids a couple of years ago but had gotten a job and was able to get her own place. She went on to say that she had recently lost her job and was probably going to have to go back to the shelter real soon. She then showed me a picture of her kids that was on a key chain that she carried with her. I could tell she needed help, just like that biker on the side of the road. I reached into my pocket, pulled out a hundred dollar bill and told her to buy her kids something nice for Christmas. She broke down in tears of disbelief right there in the store, wondering out loud where the cameras were. I said there are none, I just wanted to bless you. When you get back on your feet, do this for someone else some day. I don't remember her name, but here is her picture. You can still see her red eyes from crying.
 
A quote from a wealthy philanthropist that I have always remembered is "Success Unshared Is Failure".
I look forward to seeing all of you on December 1st to share a small part of our success with those that might be at a low point in their life. Stick around to see the lesson I will have for the kids to help them learn about giving, even at a time when it seems like they have nothing to give. Please see all of the ride details below.
 

Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, November 24th
Buddy Stubbs 8th Annual Denim Drive and Party. From now until November 24th, Donate your old "jeans!"
11am-3pm there will be a Big Party! KSLX Live Remote, Music by Wallstreet Band, Free BBQ Lunch. Huge Outdoor Sale.

Saturday, December 1st
4th Annual Mesa Police Department Safety Expo at Mesa Marketplace. Escorted Ride to the Expo! Registration begins at Chester’s at 7:30 a.m. and leaves Chester’s Harley Davidson at 10 am. The Expo Event takes place at the Mesa Marketplace from 10 am – 3:30 pm. The cost to ride is $10 per person, 5 canned food items or a $10 unwrapped toy. Lots of displays and activities for the kids and riders. Proceeds from registration will benefit the 100 Club, United Food Bank and Santa Cops. Click Here for the flyer and all of the details.
 
Saturday, December 1st
Ride for a Cause. Ride for a fallen rider Adam Ruelas involved in a serious accident riding his motorcycle to work. Registration at Detour Bar and Grill, 6403 W. Chandler Blvd. Registration 9:30-10:30am. $25 per bike, $10 per passenger. See flyer for complete details.
 
Sunday, December 2nd
35th Annual Kicks For Kids. This ride is now sponsored and organized by Star of Phoenix Chapter 113 & The Army Reserve NCO Council. Donation: One unwrapped toy of $5 minimum value. Sign in from 8am to 10am at the F.O.P. Lodge #2 located at Sweetwater and 19th Ave. in Phoenix. The route is South on 19th Ave. to Cactus, West on Cactus to I-17, South to Grant, East to 7th Ave. for refreshments, presentations and toy drop off. Breakfast available for purchase at the F.O.P. Lodge. Drill Team Performance at run start. Refreshments served at end location. Prizes available for best decorated bike, etc. Click Here for all details. 

Extras 

This is one of the funniest videos I have seen in a while. For those of you that are not big Rosie O'Donnell fans, you are going to love this one. Don't we all wish we had an Easy Button sometimes. Click Here to View.
 
Here is one of those candid camera type videos catching people trying not to look at something that is out of the ordinary. Click Here to View.
 
This is an oldie but it has come back around the internet and it continues to make me laugh. And who doesn't like a good "chimps talking" video? Click Here to View.
 
This is one of those videos that will make you realize the impact of the roadside IED's that our troops are having to deal with. Wow! This is amazing. Click Here to View.
 
NEW CLASSIFIEDS!
If you have old parts laying around or a motorcycle, trailer, atv, etc. to sell, put in on the site. It is only $10 for 60 day listing and includes an upload of 5 photos. Click Here to View the 125 listings. Don't forget to use the "Sort" function to find parts, etc.
 
We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!