Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
11/23/05
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, by the time most of you read this, Thanksgiving 2005 will be history in the making and the 30 day countdown to Christmas will begin. And with that will come the formation of the yearly motorcycle accessory wish list. Chrome, leather and horsepower are always at the top of my list and this year is no different. I always keep the list handy for when Mrs. C. wants to buy me a gift. But for those of you that are looking for a good deal or might even want to buy yourself a little something, be sure and check the Rides and Events calendar on www.cyclerides.com for all of the upcoming sale opportunities from the dealerships in the Valley. There are some good ones coming.
 
In these fast paced times that we all now live in, it is easy to get more caught up in anticipating the Thanksgiving sales and first day of the Christmas shopping  season than taking the time to stop for a couple of minutes and reflect why we even celebrate Thanksgiving. As I thought back to first grade I recalled coloring the buckles on the Pilgrims boot or the multicolors on the Turkey tail. The focus was really all about Pilgrims, Turkey's, Eating, and from simply extracting part of the name, it was a time for giving thanks. But I never really knew WHO I was giving thanks to. I always thought it was to the Pilgrims for growing corn and coming up with the idea, but I was really never directed to focus on it's roots. As a youngster, it meant that I got a couple of days off of school and the countdown to Christmas had begun.
 
Unfortunately, I'm afraid things really haven't changed that much in the education of Thanksgiving in our schools today, in fact it has probably gotten worse. So for my own edification, I decided to once again go to Webster's to give me the official meaning of Thanksgiving.  Here is what I found:
Main Entry: Thanksgiving Day
Function: noun, Date: 1674, : a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness: the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the U.S.
 
But to clarify this, I did a little more research and found that Thanksgiving first started  in 1623 when William Bradford of the 1620 Pilgrim Colony proclaimed: "All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones, do gather at the Meeting House, on the hill... there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for an abundant harvest and all His blessings." Which was then followed by a feast to celebrate. Since then it was proclaimed many times by congress, George Washington in 1795 and Abraham Lincoln in 1863 as "a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens".

I looked at several entries as to the
origin of Thanksgiving. So now I am up to date with the historical presence of this day. But the one thing I found that really sums it up for me at this point in my life was this poem. If you really take the time to read this, it can be as refreshing as that Pumpkin pie after your turkey dinner.

How to observe Thanksgiving
 
Count your blessings instead of your crosses; Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth; Count on God instead of yourself.
 
Happy Thanksgiving To All Of You From Mrs. C. and Myself. 

 

As always I have video clips in the Extras column below. Check there for a hilarious Thanksgiving greeting card and a new video from the Rocky Point Rally.


 

Toys To Kids Ride Update: 

This year is shaping up to be the best Toys To Kids Ride that we have done. As I mentioned in the past couple of weeks, Cyclerides.com will once again be co-hosting the 3rd Annual Toys To Kids ride on Saturday, December 3rd. This year it will start at Wesley Bolin Plaza at the Capital in Phoenix, 1700 W. Washington, where riders will be greeted by Santa Clause and Dickens Carolers as you park your bikes. While you are waiting to ride you can enjoy Scott Pasmore's special blend of coffee donated by TV3 and Tully's Coffee, water from CCV and donuts compliments of Cyclerides.com.
 
At 11:00 am the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will escort us to Downtown Glendale's Murphy Park located at 58th ave. and Glendale where there will be 200 kids waiting for us in the amphitheater to receive your toys. Upon arriving you will drop your toys in front of the screaming kids. Feel free to bring some candy to throw to the kids as you walk by. You can then find a place to sit in the Amphitheater or go to one of the food vendors that will be set up in the park.
 
Once the riders have arrived, the show will begin with Robert Van Arlen, who is a Scottsdale based motivational speaker known for uniting an audience with music.  From billion dollar corporations to youth groups, Robert has helped people in many walks of life make changes to better reach their dreams and goals.  At this years ‘Toys To Kids’ event, Robert will conduct a rhythmic experience with the riders and kids, while teaching the value of melody, harmony and rhythm.  He will distribute 700 vibrantly colored instruments called BoomWhackers™, donated by Arizona Bike Week to facilitate an unforgettable experience for the kids and riders alike.
 
After we have all become proficient with BoomWhackers, the King of Rock and Roll will take the stage in his "Blue Suede Shoes" and get us "All Shook Up" with his hits of the 50's and 60's. So "Don't Be Cruel", act like a  "Hound Dog" or go your "Separate Ways", stick around and see if we can get Sheriff Joe to collaborate on a version of "Jailhouse Rock". We will be looking for participation from you, so get ready to sing.
 
When the program is finished, you can watch the kids go get any 3 of toys you have brought to them. This is a very special time to see the smiles on these kids faces when they get the toy they never thought they could have. The riders have always been awesome about bringing quality gifts and toys to this ride for the kids. Ages of the children will range from 6-12 years of age. You are doing a great thing, stay and enjoy the moment. Click Here for the link to past photos and video. After all the festivities are over enjoy some of the 70 shops in downtown Glendale.
 
Everyone is welcome. Plan to take the day off and ride with us. This year the ride is FREE. Just bring a toy and join the fun. This ride is co-organized by Cyclerides.com, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and Arizona Bike Week. I would consider it an honor for all of you to ride with us and make this a memorable day for the kids. 

Date: The ride is on Saturday, December 3rd. 
Time: Line up from 8:00am - 11:00am. Ride leaves at 11:00 sharp.
Place: Wesley Bolin Plaza at the Capital 1700 W. Washington.
Cost: One unwrapped toy per person for children ages 6-12 years.
Refreshments: Free at beginning of ride. Available at end of ride from vendors.
Festivities end: At approximately 1:30PM. 


 Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, November 26th
Buddy Stubbs 6th Annual Blanket Drive.
11am - 1pm, attend the big party to end the blanket drive.
 
Saturday and Sunday, November 25th & 26th
Superstition Harley-Davidson After Thanksgiving Sale.
Save big on our Harley Davidson gifts for the holidays
 
Sunday, November 27th
Operation Appreciation 3rd Annual Toy Drive and Poker Run
To support the families of active duty Marines. 


 

This Week's Bike Night Events 

Hooters at 1-17 and Bell Rd. Tuesday Bike Night. Hooters at I-17 and Bell will be hosting a new Bike Night every Tuesday night from 6pm - 9pm. They will feature a "Ride In" Bike Show with weekly prizes for 1st - 3rd. And then, the third Tuesday of every month we will crown the Bike of the Month with a Grand Prize. We will have $2 Bud, Bud Light, and Bud Select bottles. There will be 20% off of all food and merchandise when you ride in on your bike. Stop by for loads of Raffle Prizes. There will be VIP Motorcycle Parking and you will be greeted at the front door by a Hooter's Girl waiting to give you your raffle ticket. Hooter's is located in the Bell Canyon Shopping Center at 2834 W. Bell Rd., West of I-17 on Bell Rd. 602-375-0000.   

Thursday Night

Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill have teamed up to bring riders in the Far East Valley a great Thursday bike night. For those of you in Far East Mesa and Apache Junction, you now have a place to go on Thursday nights. And better yet, just for riding your bike to Spirits, they will give you a free hamburger. That’s right, every rider to show up on their bike between 7-10pm will receive a free hamburger! Stick around and win great prizes and raffle items from Superstition Harley-Davidson. ENTER YOUR NAME IN THE DRAWING EVERY THURSDAY IN OCTOBER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A $250 GIFT CARD FROM SUPERSTITION HARLEY-DAVIDSON. Drawing will be on October 27th. Must be present to win. Enter once every Thursday in October to increase your odds of winning. Spirits is located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). Come sit on the patio and watch the bikes roll in, stay inside and enjoy a game of pool, and friendly wait staff.  The large dance floor is always open with music from Goodtime Charlie The OUTLAW DJ playing The Best of Country and the Best of Rock and Roll every Thursday night from 8:30p.m till 2am. With an extensive food menu, 2 patios, and monitors inside to watch your bike, Spirits is the hottest Bike night place to be in the east valley. The LEGEND of Spirits Lives on. More info at Superstition HD at 480-346-0600 or 480-986-5572.

Hooters Mesa Thursday Bike Night. Hooters in Mesa located at 6730 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. will host a Bike Night every Thursday night from 6-9 pm. If you haven't seen this Hooters yet you will have to stop by and take a look. This is one of the nicest locations that they have. Hooters will $2.00 Corona's and 20% off of food and merchandise if you ride your bike in. Stop by for raffles prizes every Thursday Night with Big Raffle prizes the first Thursday of every month. For more information call 480-396-9396.

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, $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. A valley favorite bike night for over 3 years. Ride in and sit out on the patio 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. You can always count on lots of bikes here.

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. 

Every Saturday and Sunday  

Cave Creek Roadhouse Bike Weekend. Take a ride and stop by the Hottest New Restaurant/Bar in Cave Creek where every weekend will be Bike Weekend. There is plenty of motorcycle parking right out front. I have mentioned this place before and now it has finally opened to rave reviews. CCR is located on Cave Creek Rd. in the heart of Cave Creek directly across from Harold's. It is a restaurant and bar that focuses on a broad menu of good food and has a large bar for socializing with your riding pals for a good time. It is built to look like something out of the 1800's, but it is brand new. Stop by this weekend for lunch, dinner or just to have a drink and take a look at the place. I can tell you that their hamburgers and steak fries are exceptional. Mrs. C. had the swordfish and said it was very good.
Live Music Every Weekend:

Thursday: Live Music with Todd & Ethan 8:30pm - 12:00am
Friday: Live Music with "Danny Rhodes" 9pm - 1:30am
Saturday Night: Live Music with "Wild Angels" 9pm - 1:30am
Sunday: Live Music with "Groove Defenders" 5pm - 9pm
Click here for the Cave Creek Roadhouse website.  480-575-3098

Sunday

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. Live Music from 10am on the patio.
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.

This Week 

November 14th - 26th
Buddy Stubbs 6th Annual Blanket Drive. This blanket drive is to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Ministry of the Homeless. Bring your blankets in any time from November 14th - 26th to the dealership located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. The First 100 People to drop off a blanket receive a free gift bag.
On November 26th from 11am - 1pm, attend the big party to end the blanket drive. There will be FREE Harley-Davidson Demo Rides, Music, Free Food and In Store Discounts. For more information call 602-971-3400.
 
Saturday and Sunday, November 25th & 26th
Superstition Harley-Davidson After Thanksgiving Sale. Have the people on your list been naughty or nice this year? Either way, our After Thanksgiving Day Sale on November 25th and 26th, has something for everyone!  You’ll save big on our Harley Davidson gifts for the holidays- every one hundred dollars that you spend earns you fifteen dollars in Superstition Motor Money, redeemable on December tenth through eleventh.  We’ll even gift wrap your presents for FREE from 11am to 3pm and you can enjoy holiday treats and refreshments while you shop!  Get into the holiday superstition spirit by coming to our After Thanksgiving Sale on November 25th and 26th.  See you then! Superstition HD is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600.
 
Sunday, November 27th
Operation Appreciation 3rd Annual Toy Drive and Poker Run To Support Active Duty Marines. Sign-In 10am-Noon at Common Ground Coffee House 8658 East Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale, AZ. Riders choose Eastside route or Westside Route. $20 single/$30 double includes: Ride Pins, Bandannas, Poker Hands, & Meals. Long sleeve Run Shirts available. Run’s end Party at Pioneer Saloon, 3901 W Pioneer Rd (I-17, Exit 225) north of Phoenix, AZ. Live Music, Food, Raffles, 50/50, Games. Presented by the Arizona Stray Feathers to benefit the Families of Arizona Marines & the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. 602 320-7690 or 602 999-8502. 

Next Week 

Saturday, December 3rd
Cyclerides.com will once again be co-hosting the
3rd Annual Toys To Kids ride on Saturday, December 3rd. This year it will start at Wesley Bolin Plaza at the Capital in Phoenix and ride to Downtown Glendale's Murphy Park where there will be 200 kids waiting for us in the amphitheater to receive your toys. This should be an excellent ride escorted by Sheriff Joe and the MCSO. This is a great end location for the ride. There will be food vendors at the park. Plan to take the day off and ride with us. This year the ride is FREE. Just bring a toy and join the fun. Ride leaves from Wesley Bolin at 11:00am located at 1700 W. Washington.

I would consider it an honor for all of you to ride with us and make this a memorable day for the kids. If you are not familiar with the ride, Click Here for the links to past video and pictures. 

Saturday, December 3rd
25th Annual Globe Toy Run. Meet across from Bullion Plaza Elementary School, Hwy. 60 in Miami. Rides leaves at 12:00 noon. Ride to the Globe Community Center for Music, Soda, Food, 50/50 Raffle, Auction and Door Prizes. Admission is one toy $10.00 value and 2 cans of Food. For more information: 602-942-9662. 

Sunday, December 4th
Kicks For Kids Toy Run. This is one of the popular runs every year. This year the route is the same as last year. Again this year the route will be escorted down 19th Ave. to Cactus then over to I-17, then down I-17 to Grant, to 7th Ave. where the ride ends at the Elks Lodge at 1007 S. 7th Ave. The street will be blocked off to accommodate parking. Sign In from 8-10am at the F.O.P. Lodge, 19th Ave. and Sweetwater. Donation is one new unwrapped toy with a minimum value of $5.00. Refreshments will be served at the ride destination. Awards for the most toys, Best Decorated Bike, Best Decorated Trike, Best Decorated Side Car Rig, Largest Club or Organization. More information at 623-846-9446. 

Sunday, December 4th
18th Annual Casa Grande Toy Parade. Sign in at Dave White Park in Casa Grande starting at 10am. Ride leaves promptly at 12 Noon. Entry fee of $10 or toy of equal value. Ride pins to the first 500. All makes and models welcome including antique and hot rod cars. Raffle Prizes and 100's of Auction items. 520-421-2772.
 
Sunday, December 4th
3rd Annual Poker Run benefiting Arizona Action For Foster Children. Sign in 8am - 10am at The Rusty Spur located at 7245 E. Main Street in Scottsdale, AZ. Last card pickup at 5pm, Drawing at 6pm. Raffles, 50/50, Ride Pins and T-Shirts for first 100 entries. $20 per rider/$5 Passenger. 

Extras 

Ever wonder what a Turkey would be saying on Thanksgiving? Click here for the hilarious flash movie from American Greetings.
 
Some say the turkey is the most stupid animal there is.
See what the turkey does when the blind farmer walks through the barnyard with an axe. Click Here.
 
For those of you that were at the Rocky Point Rally,
I have added a new video, with music from Mogollon of that event. If you didn't go, in 4 minutes you can be entertained and see what you missed. Click Here to view the video. 
 

We wish all of you a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving and our prayers go out to our Troops in Iraq and their families here at home. 

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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