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Greetings Riders,

Well, I hope you have been able to enjoy this beautiful riding weather that we are having here in the Valley of the Sun. I have heard that a lot of you are taking day rides around the State. This is the perfect time of year to do that. A good ride that seems to get overlooked is the 4.5 Spoke rated Tonto Natural Bridge Day Ride. This is a good little ride that is only 85 miles from the Loop 101 and Shea Blvd. But the cool part is you can take a little hike through the natural bridge when you get there that is very enjoyable. Click Here for a video tour of the ride and the hike.

Most of you know that November 11th is Veterans Day, a day set aside as a government holiday to honor Veterans of all Wars. But do you know the history of Veterans Day, formerly "Armistice Day"? Since we all owe a debt of gratitude to the Veterans that have served to defend our Country, I thought we should have a better understanding of how this day began. On November 11th, 1918, the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease; so the hostilities of the First World War ended. This day was set aside to reflect and remember the sacrifices men and women made during World War I in order to ensure peace. The first official celebration was on November 11th, 1919. Veterans who survived the war marched in parades and were hometown heroes. Ceremonies were held and speeches were made. World War 1 was called ‘the war to end all wars’ because everyone hoped there would never be another one.

Almost 20 years later in 1938, Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday. Unfortunately the very next year, in 1939, World War II began. This ended the theory of no more wars. It seemed that with the progression of war came the progression of death. Over 16.5 million Americans took part in World War II and 407,000 died in service. Over 292,000 people died during battle. After World War II, Armistice Day was still celebrated on November 11th. After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I. The word, "armistice," means simply a truce; therefore as years passed, the significance of the name of this holiday changed. Leaders of Veterans' groups decided to try to correct this and make November 11 the time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I.

In Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans' Day observance. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the name to Veterans' Day. The name was changed to Veterans' Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly, and through rededication to the task of promoting an enduring peace. The President referred to the change of name to Veterans' Day in honor of the servicemen of all America's wars.

Almost everyday that I turn on the news it is a stark reminder that unfortunately, the original "Armistice" lived for only a short time. Since World War I ended, where the we lost 116,516 soldiers, and the signing of the Armistice, proclaiming "The war to end all wars" there has been over 500,000 U.S. Soldiers perish in the line of duty. This number includes the deaths of the enlisted Men and Women that have served our Country in World War II (405,399), Korean War (36,574), Vietnam War (58,200), Persian Gulf War (382), Afghan War (247), and the Iraq War (2026) and counting.

As I have said before, I have not served in the armed forces. My age put me available for duty just as the Vietnam war was ending. In my younger years, and not being in the service, I didn't have a full appreciation for what Veterans Day really meant. But as I have gotten older, and had the privilege to meet many of the Veterans and current Servicemen and Women who ride motorcycles, it has really made me realize how much we owe those of you that have put on a uniform and gone to fight for our freedom. From WWII to the Iraq war, no matter what war you served, I personally thank all of you for your bravery and service to our Country.

Doing the research for this newsletter was very enjoyable to learn about the origins of Veterans Day. But as I reviewed videos it was also very emotional at times. There are 3 things that can stir emotions in me faster than anything and that is God, My Country and Children. And not by accident, I do what I can with all three by serving with our Church, organizing the Hearts to Heroes Ride and the Toys to Kids ride. One of the most recent was the Hearts To Heroes Ride this past March. As I was going back over the videos and pictures from the Hearts to Heroes Ride it was nice to see the Tribute to the Veterans and all of those serving in the military today. It reminds me how Blessed we are as a Country to have Men and Women who will go willingly to fight for our freedom. I invite you to view all of the videos from the H2H Ride. There is an especially gripping testimony from Jesse McGuire that you will enjoy. Click Here for the Video Page.

My prayer is for the safety, comfort and safe return of all of our service Men and Women all over this World. I also pray that someday there will no longer be a need for a bugler to continue his graveside duty of "Taps" for those returning home, and that Peace would be declared instead of war.

If you do nothing else today, I would encourage you to watch this flash presentation of the Armed Forces Tribute. It happens to encompass the 3 things that get to me most. It features the music of Ricky Skaggs and the voice of a small girl named Avery. I'm sure you will enjoy. God Bless America.

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.

Wednesday

Chester's Harley-Davidson Wednesday Bike Night. Chester’s Harley-Davidson invites you to join us for Wednesday Bike Night at Dos Gringos in Tempe, located at 1001 E 8th St from 6-10 pm! From 6-7, Dos brings you $2 Pacificos, $3 Gringoritas and 1/2 price tacos! Wednesday night Goldfish Races starting at 9pm. There will be prizes distributed for the winners of each round. And, of course, Chester’s Harley-Davidson bike games & trivia! Answer or play them right, and you could WIN BIG with Chester's H-D prizes! The most happenin' spot in Tempe is definitely Dos Gringos Trailer Park where every hour is happy hour at the Chester’s Harley-Davidson Bike Night. 480-894-0404. Click Here for Map.

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 "Rondavous" 9pm - 1:30am

Saturday Night: Live Music with "Rickie Joleen" 9pm - 1:30am

Sunday: Live Music with "Rondavous" 6pm - 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

Thursday, November 10th.
Cyclerides.com Ride to the Rocky Point Rally. This is your chance to see Rocky Point, one of the hottest up and coming resort locations around, and do it with 5000 other riders. This sleepy little fishing village is growing up and so is the Cinco Annual Rocky Point Rally. Never seen Rocky Point? Click Here for a couple of videos that I did for my Rocky Point Day Ride. If you have never been to Rocky Point and want to ride with a group, Cyclerides.com is hosting a free ride on Thursday November 10th to the Rally. Just arrive at Arrowhead Harley, sign up for the $10 Rocky Point Rally poker run and be ready to ride by 10am. We will leave and you can all ride at your own pace down there, but there will always be riders nearby as bikes will be coming from all over the State and California. Friday morning you can participate in the Resort Ride and all of the activities throughout the weekend. Come join us for the ride down. Click Here For the Event Listings. If you don't have a place to stay, Click Here to see what rooms are left. You will need insurance for your trip there as well. I would advise that you get it before you leave to avoid the lines to get it on the way. Click Here for insurance, you can do it online. If you have any questions you can email me at info@cyclerides.com .

November 10th -13th
Rocky Point Rally. This has quickly become a favorite fall Southwestern event for riders from Arizona, California and New Mexico. The Fifth Annual Rocky Point Rally is set to take place in Puerto Penasco, Sonora Mexico on November 10th through 13th, 2005. On the agenda are many activities and events to participate in throughout the weekend. The heart of the Rocky Point Rally is in raising funds for the local charities by sponsoring the Red Cross, D.I.F. Families in Distress, Children's and Senior's Homes, Women's Cancer Society and the Volunteer Fire Department. The Fifth Annual Rocky Point Rally kicks off with the largest Poker Run in the Southwest on Thursday & Friday mornings, November 10th & 11th, 2005.

The "Red Cross Mystery Cards Poker Run to Mexico", starts at ten participating motorcycle Dealerships located throughout Arizona. Sign up at the Dealerships will be from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., for a fee of $10.00 per Mystery Poker Play Sheet, you may win one of many Resort Vacation Packages awarded to the highest poker hands. The route down to Mexico brings thousands of motorcyclists together on scenic roads leading to the Resort destination on the Sea of Cortez known as Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point). The Mystery Cards Poker Run finishes at the Playa Bonita Resort's Cantina where the poker cards are to be turned in Friday ONLY, between 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Mystery Cards winners will be announced and raffle prizes will be drawn at 7:30 p.m. during the Party at the Playa on the Playa Bonita Patio. For those wishing to ride en masse, Thursday Nov 10th, Cyclerides.com is organizing a huge group ride departing from Arrowhead Harley- Davidson at 10:00 a.m. sharp. The information above just gets you there. See the many activities in the links below.
Click Here for very good written details from the press release.
Click Here for the web site with all of the information.

November 11th - 13th
Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience Comes to Phoenix. The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience is a traveling, three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Dignity Memorial funeral, cremation and cemetery providers created this powerful exhibit for those who might never travel to the nation's capital. The exhibit crisscrosses the country every year, allowing millions to see and touch the black, mirror-like surface inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died or are missing in Vietnam. Dedicated to Vietnam veterans and honoring all U.S. veterans, the faux-granite replica is 240 feet long and eight feet high. Help celebrate the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom by taking part in this meaningful experience, November 11-13. Admission is free. The Wall will be on display at Steele Indian School Park at 300 East Indian School, Phoenix AZ. (Map Directions).

Saturday, November 12th
4th Annual Halo Run. For those of you staying in town this weekend, this is the ride to go on. This ride has quickly become a favorite of Valley Riders. Always a well run and excellent event. The 4th Annual Halo Run is a charity fundraiser motorcycle event from which 100% of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Angel Foundation. Pre-Ride festivities and registration from 8am - 10am is $20 single rider and $30 for a couple and includes a continental breakfast at Glendale Arena, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. (starting location), a beautiful ride, and lunch at Casino Arizona (final destination)! Plus, first 500 pre-registered riders receive a t-shirt and commemorative pin! Post-Ride Festivities 1:30 p.m - 4 p.m at Casino Arizona located at 101 & Indian Bend includes Lunch, Raffle and Entertainment provided by Casino Arizona. Casino Arizona (Indian Bend) gives each rider: Buffet and beverages (with no host bar), A Casino Arizona gift. Plus enjoy: Live Music & Grand Prize Drawing of Two Round Trip Tickets to any continental America West Airlines Destination!.

November 17th - 18th
Karats, Chrome & Cocktails, Designs by Syd Curtis.
November 17th Ladies Night. Some situations demand the finest. Syd Curtis Designs Sold for a Limited Time Exclusively at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. Ladies Night Thursday, Nov 17 from 7-9pm. Fashion Show, Complimentary Wine, Cheese and Fruit.
November 18th Men's Night Friday from 7-9pm. Fashion Show, Beer, Pizza and Wings.
Private appointments may be scheduled from Nov 17-30, 2005.

Friday, November 18th
Inaugural Bikers Ball. This year more than 3900 women in Arizona will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Which of these women will you know? The Gypsy Riders of Greater Phoenix AZ are hosting the Inaugural Bikers Ball on Friday, November 18, 2005 at the Waterfront in Tempe as a fundraising event to support the Arizona Institute for Breast Health (AIBH). The eclectic Ball will feature cocktails, dinner, casino tables, fashions, motorcycles, and dancing to The HEAT. At this inaugural ‘Pink and Black’ motorcycle themed ball, the highlights of the evening will be a live auction and the display of the Survivor Bike created by local motorcycle builder Ed Whittley, owner of Firebird Custom Choppers.
Who is Invited? Motorcycle riders and philanthropic minded individuals 21 years and older.
What is the Event? A Fundraiser Ball to Benefit the Arizona Institute for Breast Health.
When is the Ball? Friday, November 18, 2005.
Where is the Ball? The Waterfront Private Events on the Lake, 5350 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe AZ 85283. Map to the Waterfront.
What is the Cost? Through November 15, 2005 $60.00 per person $100.00 per couple.
What is the Program? Cocktails - 6:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
Dinner by Farrelli’s Catering - 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Casino Tables - 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Live Auction - 8:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Dancing to the HEAT - 9:30 P.M. to Midnight.

Saturday, November 19th
Garages Are For Girls Too. Women riders are one of the fastest growing segments in motorcycles today. Now Ladies, there is a day just for you to further your knowledge of motorcycles! Attention new and experienced women riders…save this date… Saturday, November 19th, 11am to 4pm, Superstition Harley Davidson and American Home Mortgage is hosting a FREE event called “Garages are for Girls Too”. Learn safety and maintenance tips, take a demo ride, enter to win great door prizes, receive 10% off our safety riding gear, enjoy our FREE barbecue and let one of the Biker Boys give your hog a wash down for a donation to Community Alliance Against Family Abuse! Come meet Miss AZ Bike week 2005 and the first 300 to register receive a FREE gift bag! Remember, this FREE event is for women only! Ask for more details when we return. Superstition Harley-Davidson is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600.

Saturday, November 19th
Rev Up For Research Poker Run. TO BENEFIT JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION. One in three families are touched by diabetes…help us raise money to find a cure for our family and friends, Saturday, November 19th. Register at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. Register from 9-10 a.m. Early Registration Fee $20 Biker / $15 Rider if register by November 11, 2005. $25 Biker / $15 Rider after November 11. Chef Tasting Tables at each stop. Final stop at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort For A Lavish Western Cookout with Live Entertainment ($10 entrance fee for non-riders). Raffle, 50/50/Silent Auction/High Hand/Low Hand-Cash Prizes Raffle gifts include hotel nights, spa, restaurant meals & Golf. TO REGISTER FOR THE POKER RUN: CLICK HERE.

Saturday, November 19th
Christmas For The Troops. Starts at 10am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Pinnacle Peak Road & Cave Creek Road in Phoenix, AZ. Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony, Presentation of Donations, Honor Guard/Taps Bugler. Run to follow ceremony. Presented by Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets MC. See flyer for list of donations needed. For more information: 623 979-1525.

Sunday, November 20th
"Birds On Bikes". Sponsored by MMA of AZ. This is an annual feed the hungry 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 3 starting locations to take your turkeys to St. Vincent De Paul's.
From the West: Joeta's Leather, 16140 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, next to Arrowhead HD.
From the North: Buddy Stubbs AZ Harley-Davidson, 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.
From the East: TJ's Bar and Grill, 1734 E. Main St., NW Corner., Mesa, AZ.
Gather from 9:00-10:00AM for coffee and doughnuts. All flocks meet at Park Central Mall by 11:00am to ride as one group to 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. Need more info? Betty, 602-788-2088.

Tuesday, November 22nd.
H-D Traveling Museum at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. What is the Traveling Museum? It is a two-wheeled legend in an 18-wheeled package and it is delivering 100 Years of Racing Glory to our dealership. This 18-wheeled semi-trailer is packed to the axles with 10 of the greatest bikes in Harley-Davidson's® 100-year racing history. Leave the almanac on the shelf because this exhibit is a rare chance to come face-to-face with the trophies, riders, and machines that defined era after era of American motorcycle racing. Exhibits this year include the 1927 Peashooter, which led an incredible 14-race sweep of the 1935 National Championships, as well as the Wrecking Crew, a team of racers whose infamous performances "demolished" their opponents' hopes of victory, and even the FL Dragster that broke three world records in the 1990's. Free tours through this popular H-D® museum Tuesday, November 22, 2005. traveling museum located at dealership parking lot Open 9am – 6pm. FREE ADMISSION. 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. 602-971-3400.