Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
11/7/07
 

Greetings Riders,
 
I look at the date above and it is hard to believe that it is November 7th already. Doesn't seem like that long ago we were doing the Rocky Point Rally and here it is again. I know a lot of you are heading down there this weekend, so ride carefully and drink responsibly. We want you all to make it back safe and sound.
 
Not only that, we are only 24 days away from the Cyclerides.com Toys To Kids Ride that will take place on Saturday, December 1st. This year we are staging in Downtown Glendale at Murphy Park and then taking a short ride to Westgate City Center where there will be 100 homeless kids from Pappas schools waiting for us to arrive with presents. We will feed them, entertain them and let them play in the snow that Westgate is bringing in for the kids while they wait for us to arrive. We will have a stage set up for about 30 minutes of entertainment for the riders and kids including the Phoenix Children's Choir, *Animal Acts, Jugglers, etc. before allowing them to all get any 3 presents that they desire. Past years for this ride have been a lot of fun and I am currently working to finalize entertainment for the day. Click Here for the Flyer. Please pass this around to your riding groups. It is really special to see how these kids react when the riders bring in the toys, and for some, it is the only Christmas present they will get. More details to follow. *If you know of anyone that has a performing animal act with birds, dogs or cats, have them get in touch with me at info@cyclerides.com . Click Here for the video of last year. 

This week I am finishing up our ride to Colorado by riding the San Juan Parkway which takes you through Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride before ending back to Durango. If you missed last weeks report and 95 great photos, Click Here. As we were leaving Redstone on that Friday morning it was kind of a bittersweet time for me. I knew we would soon be going through what I consider to be the most beautiful 40 mile stretch of road anywhere in the United States, but also that our time on the road was soon coming to an end. 
 
We left Redstone and headed South on Hwy. 133 to 92 and Delta before taking 50 that connects to 550 which would lead us to the old mining town of Ouray aka "The Switzerland of America. In 1873, the famous Ute Chief, Ouray, reluctantly signed a government treaty releasing the Ute's treasured San Juan Mountains to encroaching settlers. The town was named in his honor. Three years later the town officially began with the stroke of a prospector's pick. Today Ouray is known for its' majestic peaks, cascading waterfalls, natural hot springs, being the North end of the infamous Million Dollar Highway and the reputation for being the Jeep Capital of the World as well as an awesome motorcycle ride. Today, people visit Ouray as much for the beauty and history as those did for the mining years ago. Most of the buildings that were built in the late 1800's have been renovated and are still standing today.
  
Heading South out of Ouray we were about to embark on my favorite and also the most treacherous stretch of the "Million Dollar Highway" that would take us the 24 miles from Ouray to Silverton. Leaving Ouray you work your way up the side of the mountain with a switchback that will give you your first view of the town of Ouray. Here you can read up on some history of the area. The next several miles through the Uncompahgre gorge will have you making a rapid ascent following a former stagecoach trail through the old Idarado mining area on your way to Red Mountain Pass at over 11,000 feet. This part of the trip will tickle your senses of visual beauty with stunning views around every corner as well awaken your sense of fear as you traverse a series of "S" curves and switchbacks that are often times seemingly hanging on the top of cliffs with several hundred foot drops and no guardrails. This part of the trip was extra exciting for me as I was clicking pictures the entire way. Be sure and look at the photo gallery some really beautiful photos.
 
As you round Red Mountain Pass you will cross back into the San Juan National Forest as the highway
becomes a little less hectic as it descends through the Chattanooga Valley giving you more reminders of the mining area that you are riding through before you drop into the old mining town of Silverton founded in 1874. We took a ride through the Main St. of Silverton to view the Victorian-style buildings that were erected in its heyday. In a 16 block walking tour you can visit over 50 historic buildings. We even got an up close and personal look at the Durango & Silverton Train as it was leaving town. After soaking up a little history we climbed out of the valley to get a good look at Silverton before making our way to Molas Pass and the beautiful view at 10,900 feet. The air on Molas Pass has earned the distinction of being the cleanest in the entire USA. We then crossed Coal Bank Pass at 10,640 feet on our way back to Purgatory and Durango Ski Resort which is about 25 miles North of Durango, known as the gateway to the San Juan Mountains.

Why is this stretch of asphalt called the Million Dollar Highway? 
The "Million Dollar" name is clouded in a fair amount of myth. I have read many variations as to the origin of the name, but three variations seem persistent. Some say it was first used after an early traveler, complaining of the vertigo-inducing steepness of the route, said, “I wouldn’t go that way again if you paid me a million dollars.” Others claim that it cost a million dollars a mile to build in the 1920s. But the explanation you hear most often is also the most likely: When the highway was first constructed, the builders used gravel discarded by nearby gold and silver mines, only to find out later that this dirt was actually rich in ore and worth an estimated “million dollars.”
 
My version of the story is that I had a "Million Dollar Smile" each time I have ridden the Million Dollar Highway.
 
We dropped into Durango at about 4:00 pm, checked into our hotel and headed downtown for some dinner and to hang out with all of the riders that were there for the Four Corners Rally that weekend. We got up early that Saturday morning with the intention of heading back home. But we went to the Brickhouse Cafe for breakfast on the outdoor patio. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and it was one of the most beautiful days I had seen in Durango. I mentioned to Mrs. C. that it sure would be nice to take advantage of this great weather and ride the San Juan Parkway one time before we left. She smiled, agreed it would be hard to miss, and at that moment our vacation had been extended by one day.
 
So we headed North out of Durango on 550 to tickle our senses one more time through the Million Dollar Highway before heading West to Telluride. I have one little tip about Telluride. We were there last year and completely missed this little detour. As you are coming out of Telluride you will see a sign that says Telluride Airport. Given my love for planes, I didn't want to miss that. And I'm glad I didn't. Take that little 3 mile road back to the top of the hill and the Airport. Not only are there planes, it was some of the best views you will see in the area. You get a birds eye view of Telluride far below and the ski area across the way, not to mention a 270 degree view of the surrounding mountains.
 
From there we started our trip home on 145 South through Delores, Mancos and cutting down at Hesperus on 140 making our way through Farmington and eventually on down to Gallup, NM for the night ending at around 9pm, bringing our trip to a close by Noon the next day.
 
We have ridden through a lot of the Western United States and Canada over the last several years and have seen incredible scenery along the way. But I have to say that riding through the roads and mountains of Colorado is second to none. There are miles and miles of beautiful roadways, 17 mountain passes, multiple ski resorts to view. landscapes to enjoy and most of the trip over 9,000 feet in elevation. Just when you think you have seen about the coolest sight you could see, a better one is waiting around the corner. My only regret about taking a week long riding tour of Colorado is that we didn't do it sooner. I give this ride 5 spokes out of 5 and would highly recommend putting this ride on your "Things To Do" list for the riding season next year. It won't be our last riding in Colorado, that is for sure. I will be organizing this entire ride into one link so that you can review all of the pictures, maps and commentary in one link.
 
Click Here For the Map of the Day.
Click Here for 177 Photos
Click Here for the Music Video of the San Juan Skyway from last year.
 
Useful Links:
San Juan Skyway.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2101/
San Juan Skyway. Mile by Mile
About Ouray
Telluride History
 


 

Highlights This Week 

November 8th - 11th
7th Annual Rocky Point Rally

NEW!
The Popular Sugar Daddy's Sunday Biker Brunch is Back!
Voted Best Brunch in Phoenix New Times 2006.
 
NOTICE!
Gordon Biersch is no longer doing a Thursday Bike Night.
 


 

This Week's Bike Night Events 

Tuesday Nights 

Chandler Harley-Davidson Two Wheeled Tuesdays.

Take a ride on a Tuesday Night to the Chandler HD Bike Night at the Tilted Kilt. Bike night is every Tuesday night with food and drink specials, but Chandler Harley will be doing a special with live music the first Tuesday of every month. Enter drawing to win door prizes and gift certificates. For November, look forward to another special night at the Kilt. There will be Raffles, Vendors, Bike Competition, Portable Dyno Competition. Watch next week for weekly event specials. Bike night hosted at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe located at 660 W. Warner Rd. 

Thursday Night 

NEW!!
Chester's Harley-Davidson Hooters & Harleys Thursday Bike Night. Join Chester's Harley-Davidson as they start their new Bike Night at Mesa Hooters located at 6730 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. Just South of U.S. 60 on Superstition Springs Dr. Live Music by Tin Weasel from 7-9pm, Jagger Girls from 6:30-8:30pm, Specials, 1/2 off appetizers. Raffles and Games. Biker Punch Cards. Ride from the dealerships at 5:30pm. Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa. For more information call 480-894-0404.
 
NOTICE!
Gordon Biersch is no longer doing a Thursday Bike Night.
 
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 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 

Harold's Cave Creek Corral Bike WeekendsThis is the patio that we have all been waiting for in Cave Creek. The new 4000 Sq. Ft. patio at Harold's is finally finished complete with misters, TV's and an outdoor bar. There is plenty of room to put some tables together and hang out with your riding group for breakfast, lunch or the cold beverage of your choice. 
Saturday: Every Saturday Patio Party 12-5. 50% off appetizers (under $10). Drink Specials, $2.00 Bud / Bud light Bottles, $3.00 16oz Bud / Bud Light Aluminum Bottles & Widmer Hefeweizen Pints. $3.00 Margaritas, Sunrise, etc.. (new cuervo flavors; lime, orange, & pineapple)
Sunday: Every Sunday. All you can eat Breakfast Buffet $8.99 (from 8am - Noon). Live Music from 2-6.
Sunday's are SERVICE INDUSTRY DAY (from 8am to close). Are you in the Service Industry. Golf, Hotel, Restaurant, etc. Show us your check stub & receive 20% off your entire bill because we appreciate all that you do.
(not valid on already discounted items) 
You can also choose from their full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu every day of the week. Plenty of new motorcycle parking right in front of the patio. A great destination patio for your weekend rides. Harold's is located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. 480-488-1906.
There are still no tickets being given for DB violations. Just continue to keep the noise down as much as possible when riding through Carefree. 

Every Sunday 

NEW!
The Popular Sugar Daddy's Sunday Biker Brunch. Voted Best Brunch in Phoenix New Times 2006. Sugar Daddy's is under new ownership and is undergoing a half million dollar makeover. The outdoor patio is being completely upgraded with new granite table tops and will be available for the new $9.00 all you can eat brunch. Sundays from 10am - 4pm. Live Music from 10am - 2pm.
Enjoy the patio with $2 mimosa's, $4 Skye Bloody Marys. Buffet includes, French Toast, Fruit, Eggs Benedict, Potatoes, Rice Veggies, Salad, Pasta Salad, Chicken Marsala, Biscuits and Gravy and much more. Sugar Daddy's is located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. 480-970-6556.
 

This Week 

November 8th - 11th
7th Annual Rocky Point Rally. The Rocky Point Rally has become one of the more popular motorcycle rallies in the Southwest. To get a good look at this event, Click Here for Music Video from last year. This year the Rally is the "Party On The Point" next to Penasco Del Sol at the end of Calle 13. The Poker Run to Rocky Point starts Thursday at Flores Chevron in Why, AZ. You can pick up your card there for $10 and get your card punched the rest of the way to Rocky Point. Last card in by 5pm on Friday. Welcome party once again at Hacienda Las Fuentes on Thursday from 3-Close.
Friday: The Resort Ride starting at Penasco Del Sol from 9-11am and the Party at the Playa Bonita from 3-9pm. Live Music and Food. The Party at the Point begins at 4pm - 1:30am. Admission $10. $15 for both nights. Concerts, Exhibitors, Manufactures, Contests, Go-Go Cage Dancing, VIP Bike Parking.

Saturday: 10am - Close at the Party at the Point.

Concert Stage with Rare Earth as headliner, Exhibits, Bike Builder Showcase, Stunt Shows, Biker Rodeo, Horseshoes, Volleyball, Wall of Death.

4PM - Puerto Penasco Motorcycle Parade. Stages at the Red Cross on Blvd. Fremont.

Featured Musical Guests include High N' Tight Band, Carvin Jones Band, The Banned and Featuring Rare Earth.

Click Here for the Complete Agenda.
Click Here for Events. 

Next Week 

Friday - Sunday
November 16-18

Arizona Boss Hoss Open House & Factory Demo Rides. If you have never experienced the incredible power and great handling of a Boss Hoss, this is your chance to see what you have been missing. I took a demo ride on 2 of these bikes this week and was amazed at the smoothness, balance, ease of ride and power that these bikes have. They are worth taking one for a ride. Join Arizona Boss Hoss for an open house at their new location located at 9550 N. 90th St. in Scottsdale. Demo rides are Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 4pm. The Boss Hoss Factory tour truck will be coming in with all of the latest 2008 models for you to see and test ride including the all-new Corvette LS-2 powered V8 bikes and trikes. Even though this bike looks intimidating, it is more nimble and easy to ride than you can imagine. And the exhilarating power and torque that comes from this bike is one of a kind. Food and drink will be available both days. Click Here to watch the introductory video.
 
November 16th and 17th

Billet Bar Customer Appreciation Party and Against the Wind 2nd Anniversary Party. Against the Wind, leathers & more is having a 2nd year anniversary sale and the Billet Bar is having a Customer Appreciation Party. Live music by the Whiskey Dogs, Friday & Saturday, lots of prizes and giveaways. Also a special guest appearance by Jack the Ripper on Saturday night. Jack is the 11 year old boy who appeared at many locations during AZ Bike Week. Jack plays in a band and is said to be the next Mick Jaguar or Eric Clapton. For more information you can call the Billet Bar 480-941-1876 or Against the Wind, 480-945-3458. Details in next weeks newsletter.
 
Saturday, November 17th

Harley's Heroes - A Fundraising Tribute to Veterans. An American Celebration at Chester’s Harley-Davidson.
9am Welcome, 9:30am Star-Spangled Banner & Flag Raising, 10am Flyover, 11am-1pm Lunch, 12pm Music Starts
Free All-American Food * Live Music With Tin Weasel
Sidewalk Sale * Harley-Davidson Police Demo Fleet
Commemorative Air Force Flyover * Westwood High School Marching Band
Ladies Of Harley 50/50 Raffle * Fallen Heroes Car
Show your support of Disabled American Veterans with the purchase of a Harley’s Heroes Commemorative Pin. Join the fanfare. Share the love of motorcycles.

Disabled American Veterans National Service Office on Wheels comes to Chester’s Harley-Davidson so that you can get the benefits and services you earned for free. This event gives you the best counseling and claim filing advice you can get anywhere at no cost. Need a ride? Veteran’s Free Shuttle Service is provided by Chester’s for veterans. Call and we will schedule it. Chester's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.
 
Saturday, November 17th

Addictions Body Art Grand Opening Party. Ride by Addictions Body Art new store in Tolleson for their Grand Opening Party located south of the I-10 on 95th Avenue and Van Buren. There will be Food, Music and Prizes drawn every 30 minutes. Addictions Body Art Tattoo Studio is a shop that provides tattoos, piercing and jewelry. We offer you a unique experience as this is not your typical tattoo studio.  Our studio is bright and clean.  We have separate rooms for each artists. This gives you the privacy you want while being tattooed. We also have MP3 players to listen to while you are being tattooed. We have three wonderful artists who can tattoo something from the flash rack or they will work with you to design the tattoo you have always wanted. We offer a clean sterilized environment. For both the tattoos and piercing, we use new, sterilized needles.  All are factory packaged. All surfaces are disinfected between customers. Our staff is trained in Red Cross First Aid, CPR and blood borne pathogens. We can be reached at 623-474-2767. Or, check out our web-site at addictionsbodyarttattoos.com
 
Saturday, November 17th

6th Annual Vietnam Vets Chili Cook Off and Poker Run. This event benefits Operation Freedom Bird. Tasting: Peoples Choices 11am - 3pm. Casi Rules: 9:30 am Cooks Meeting. 3pm Turn-In. Poker Run registration 8am. Depart 8:30am. Event takes place at the Steel Horse located at 1768 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix.
 
Saturday, November 17th

On the Road for Heroes 2007. Benefit Motorcycle Run & Party for Operation Homefront of AZ. Show your support for our Troops and the families they leave behind!! Sat Nov. 17th, 2007 at The Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse located at 6811 E Cave Creek Road 85331. $20.00 - 1 Rider/ $30.00  2nd Ride. Includes BBQ Meal with all the fix'in's. Event T-Shirt and Run Pin GTD for the first 200 riders. Raffle tickets being sold at each stop for lots of awesome prizes! Winners will be drawn at the benefit party later that evening. Party only donation $15.00 per person/ $20.00 per person includes BBQ Meal. 2 Bands Featuring PHAT BASTARD and then EASTON ASHE. Full dress Marine Corp Color Guard presenting the colors. Great  Giveaways from Coors, Coke and Absolute Vodka. Do your part and Support Our Troops By Helping their Families!
 
Saturday, November 17th

Run To Maricopa. A poker run to benefit the 2007 Goodyear Holiday Fill-A-Need program that provides toys, clothing and basic items for those in need throughout the Southwest Valley each holiday season. Breakfast and sign in from 9-10am. Ride at 10am.  Start at the City of Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road. End at Harrah's Ak-Chin in Maricopa. Join in and help the kids. Recommended donation of $20. For more information call Jeff at 623-703-6167.
 
Saturday, November 17th

Samantha's Ride. Benefit ride for Samantha, a 6 year old child that has been diagnosed with "Childhood Seizures". Medical bills are not covered by insurance. Register at Bongo's Bar and Grill located at 4080 W. Ray Rd. (NW corner of Ray Rd. and McClintock Dr.) in Chandler, AZ. from 8am - 10am. Ride leaves at 10:30am. $30 per rider and $40 with passenger. Each participant receives a T-Shirt and light breakfast. For more information call 480-330-0943 or email samanthasride@gmail.com .
 
Sunday, November 18th

1st Annual Southwest Birds on Bikes sponsored by Chandler Harley-Davidson. November 18th is our First Annual Southwest Birds on Bikes food drive for ST. Mary's Food Bank. We'll have food barrels for non perishable donations at all Coulter, RideNow, Arrowhead and Chandler Harley-Davidson Dealerships, along with the Tilted Kilt's in Tempe and Scottsdale. (All these destinations will have donation barrels through the Holidays.) On November 18th we will start our Southwest Birds on Bikes ride from Chandler Harley-Davidson to end at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe. There will be stops along the way to pick up a raffle ticket. The more tickets you pick up, the better your chances of winning many great prizes. The donation to start this fun day is a frozen turkey at the starting point or $15.00 per person. This includes a commemorative T-Shirt, Lunch at the Kilt, Live Music and Vendors. All proceeds will benefit the ST. Mary's food bank. Please join us and bring a friend for a very good cause. Help make the Holiday memorable, for someone less fortunate. For more information call 480-496-6800.
 
Sunday, November 18th

MMA Presents BIRDS ON BIKES. Strap your frozen Thanksgiving Turkey on your bike and the flocks will gather between 9 - 10am at the following locations: Charlie's Place - 4324 W. Thunderbird in Phoenix, Bikers Bay - 2530 E. Bell Rd in Phoenix. Smokey's (TJ's) - 1734 E. Main St. in Mesa, Moose Lodge - 1572 Cotton Lane in Goodyear. If you want to meet the flock at St. Vincents, plan to be there by 11:30am. Monetary Donations to be made out to St. Vincent de Paul - 420 w. Watkins, Phoenix AZ. For more information call: CJ AND BETTY at 602-788-2088. 

Extras 

The Classifieds are really moving some items. More motorcycles and parts have sold this week. Here is an email from a happy seller: "I advertised Robin’s Honda 250 Nighthawk on the website.  It is now, as of today, sold!!!!  Not too bad, only about 26 days to sell it using the Cyclerides Classifieds only."
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 110 listings. Don't forget to use the "Sort" function.
 
Hearts to Heroes DVD's are available to purchase for $12 per copy or 2 for $22. Includes never before seen footage and the ride around PIR. The reviews from those that have watched it are great. If you missed the event, this is your chance to see it. If you went, you will enjoy it again. Click Here to Purchase.
 
Here is a video for you animal lovers. I'm not sure you should try this at your local zoo. Click Here to View.
 
A lot of you have seen the Fruitcake Lady on the Leno show. She is at it again. This ole' gal is a hoot. Click Here to View.
 
This is a funny video by Jeff Dunham the ventriloquist with Achmed the dead terrorist. Click Here to View.
 
Ok, this one is a little graphic. It is video of the crash of a speeding car. Click Here to View.
 
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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