Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 12/10/03

Greetings Riders,

Well, the 1st Annual Toys To Kids Ride is now in the books and what a ride it was! It was a beautiful and mild Saturday morning in the high 50's. The skies cleared and the temperature reached 80 degrees. Registration opened at 8:00 am and shortly after there was a seemingly endless string of motorcycles rolling onto the Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills. Riders filled the streets as they registered and had doughnuts and coffee while listening to Christmas music. At around 10:00 am Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by helicopter to greet the crowd and pose with riders for pictures. By this time the kids had arrived at Rawhide and were taking the Old West Town by storm. At 10:30 am motorcycles were streaming in by the hundreds to get their place in line for the Toys To Kids Ride. At 11:00 sharp the fountain erupted and Sheriff Joe and Santa hopped in the Hummer to lead us to Rawhide where we would deliver our presents to the kids.

After a beautiful 30 mile ride through Rio Verde to Rawhide we were greeted by loud cheers from the kids as they sat waiting patiently on the floor in front of the stage where the toys would be dropped off. It was really neat seeing the riders "High Five" and throw candy to the kids as they walked by. After dropping off their gifts, the riders enjoyed sitting down to a good home cooked meal from Rawhide. Soon after everyone arrived "The Singin' TV Guys" started the sing alongs with the kids. It was really cute to see them on stage singing to the crowd. Sheriff Joe and I even had our moment singing a duet to "White Christmas". The Magician Richard Steele then closed out the show with an excellent magic act. I was standing right next to them and couldn't figure out how he was doing those tricks. Very Impressive.

By 1:30pm all the riders had dropped off their thousands of gifts and it was now time for the kids to pick any three that they desired. I know some of them were eyeing up those special toys as the riders dropped them off right in front of them. Santa, Mrs. Claus and some riders helped the kids pick out their special gifts. I want to say that you guys and gals did an awesome job of bringing quality presents for these kids. I saw Radio Controlled cars, CD Players, Makeup Kits and all kinds of great presents. It was fantastic to see what these youngsters were walking away with. Here is one kid that cleaned up and appears to be pretty happy about it. And here are some girls that came for large stuffed animals and scored. You can see a lot more of them in the pictures.

Your support for the 1st Toys To Kids Ride was fantastic! There were 1600 bikes parked at Rawhide that stretched all the way around the track and over 2300 in attendance. The response to the ride has been tremendous with everyone looking forward to next year. Our main goal was to be a blessing to these underprivileged kids and provide for them a wonderful experience. It was also to give the riders a chance to be a blessing and give you a Toy Run to remember. I hope we accomplished that.

I want to thank each and every one of you that attended this event and made this dream come true. We were overwhelmed by the turnout, the excitement and generosity by everyone in attendance. It's not that often you can have a vision of how something will happen and have it completely fulfilled. Everyone of you made that come to fruition. You made a day for these kids that they will never forget. This all couldn't have been done without the corroboration of these groups: Joe Arpaio and The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office, Rich Dillman of Arizona Bike Week, Al Corte of Outback Productions and Cyclerides.com. We also would also like to thank Rawhide for their contribution of the facility, Richard Steele (602-725-8215) for his magic act, Stan Dale as Santa, Rod Baarstad at Best Buy for the Big Screen TV's and all of the volunteers.

We look forward to taking what we learned this year and making a few tweaks for an even better event next year. I have posted 126 pictures from the event. Click on the first picture in the index to view. If you want to scroll through all of them just click "Next" below the picture. I will also have video posted on this page later today or tomorrow.

Thanks again for your participation. It meant a lot personally to Mrs. C. and me to see all of your smiling faces there.

This Week's Events

Wednesday

Los Gringos Locos Wednesday Bike Night sponsored by Chosa's Harley-Davidson Shop.
Here is one for the riders in the far East Valley and Apache Junction. Los Gringos Locos and Chosa's HD Shop have combined for a Wednesday Bike Night. This is a great facility with a separate Cantina and an outdoor patio. Enjoy great Mexican food in the dining area or eat in the Cantina or outside. Happy Hour will be all evening long. $3.00 house margaritas, $1.50 domestics and $2.50 imports. Los Gringos is located at 280 S. Phelps Dr. in Apache Junction. That is just 2 blocks South of Apache Trail (Main) on Phelps. Join the gang from Chosa's HD Shop on Wednesday nights for some good food and fun. There will be raffle prizes and giveaways. More information at 480-288-5626. Click Here for Pictures.

San Felipes Wednesday Bike Night. As always you can enjoy good Mexican Food, Good Drinks and a Rockin' Good Time? San Felipes is your place in North Scottsdale. Not only are you allowed to dance on the bar at San Felipes...It is encouraged! See the pictures. San Felipes starts out mellow for the dinner crowd and then builds as the night goes on. It really gets going at around 10:00PM when the bartenders sing Karaoke on the bar. Billed as North Scottsdale's Only Dance Party with 100 Tequilas and No Cover, the DJ begins at 8:00 and will be playing your favorite tunes to get you going. And now they are inviting all riders to stop by and join in on the fun. Stop by for dinner and then sit back and wait for the fun to start. Located on the SE Corner of Pima and Thompson Peak Pkwy. There is a big new retail center there that is built to look like an old mining town. Really neat atmosphere with Bike Parking all across the front. San Felipes is easily accessible from just about anywhere. Just 2 miles N. of the 101 on Pima Rd. You can sit inside and eat, watch your favorite teams on the big screen or sit out on the patio and enjoy the evening weather. Bike night specials include: $3.00 Margaritas, $3.00 Bottles and 25% off all entrees. This is really a fun place. Some of you might recognize the San Felipes name from their restaurant on the Main St. in Flagstaff. Bike night is from 6PM - Close. For more information: 480-563-9495. Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Cardholders will get 25% Off Entrees all week long.

The Wild Hare Wednesday Bike Night. Looking for a Bike Night on the East side? Here is a bike night for the East side of town at a really nice location. Stop by and take a look, you will be impressed. It is called The Wild Hare located at 4910 W. Ray Rd. That is the NE Corner of Ray Rd. and Rural Rd. This is a really nice place with a very large outdoor patio. The inside has just been remodeled to double the seating along with adding a DJ, pool tables and games. The Wild Hare has a broad menu including 20 different appetizers, salads, wings, 17 different sandwiches, chicken, filet mignon, burgers and desserts including strawberry cheese cake. There will be food and drink specials that will run during bike night from 6 PM till close. This will all start on Wednesday, August 14th. I will have an information page on the event calendar that will give you all the details. Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200.

Thursday Night

Thursday Night features Bike Nights all over the Valley. Look below to find one near you.

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. 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. Keep an eye on your prized possession (your motorcycle) on the monitors. 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 Easyriders 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.

Casey Jones Grill Bike Night The evening riding weather is good. You can always count on lots of bikes here. Ride in 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.

Hooters at Ahwatukee Thursday Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles. The riders in Ahwatukee were wanting a Bike Night of their own, so Hooters Ahwatukee stepped up to provide a great place to come on your motorcycle on Thursday nights. Stop by for raffles, good times and good food at Hooters in Ahwatukee located at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. There will be raffles and giveaways from Chandler Harley and Hooters as well as 20% off menu items (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio. Click Here for the pictures and all the details.
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 (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $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.

Thunder Pass Food and Spirits Lounge Thursday Bike Night.
Far East Siders you now have a nice big place to go on Thursday nights. The newly remodeled and very large Thunder Pass Food and Spirits Lounge opened for the first time Thursday May 29th to kick off their Thursday Bike Night from 6pm to close. Thunder Pass owners are the same as the Spirits Lounge in Gilbert that a lot of you have gone to in the past. Spirits closed the doors on Saturday due to the loss of the lease. Rick's new place, taking the place of Spirits will be Thunder Pass located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). They will have ladies night on Thursdays with $1.00 drinks, extensive food menu and a huge dance floor with a DJ. Thunder Pass features 2 patios. One out front and one in the back. Park your bikes right next to you. Rick invites all that have come to Spirits for the last 21 years to the new 300 seat Thunder Pass located on the County island between Mesa and Apache Junction.

ACME Bar and Grill . Remember when downtown Scottsdale was the place to be? They are back with the complete remodel of the place including the new rooftop bar. You will enjoy a Free Buffet from 8:00-9:30 PM, Drink Specials, Raffles every week, Great Music, Pool and lots of fun in Downtown Scottsdale. Make your plans for Thursday March 20th to kick off the return of ACME. Come early for the free buffet and get your raffle ticket and return at 10:00 PM for the drawing. ACME is located in Old Town Scottsdale at 4245 N. Craftsmen Ct. just South of 5th Ave. and West of Scottsdale Rd. For more information call 480-990-7111. Ride by and be a part of the Rebirth of the Acme Ride Night This Thursday Night. Click here for details and pictures.

Sunday

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. Many of you have been to Cocomo Joe's in North Phoenix. There is now a day just for riders. Cocomo Joe's is a very open and comfortable place to hang out that is decorated in a Jamaican theme. They have a new large outdoor patio as well as 2 smaller ones around the side. There is a large dining area with TV's all around to keep up on all NFL football on Sundays. See the pictures here. After football season they will be bringing in live entertainment on Sunday afternoons. There is also 3 pool tables and games for your enjoyment. There will be food and drink specials for ride days starting at 10:30am as well as blocked off preferred parking for motorcycles. The day starts at 10:30am with breakfast foods available. Bike day is from Noon - 6pm. Cocomo Joe's is located on the NW corner of Tatum and Dynamite Rd. So if you are riding to or from Cave Creek, or want to take a ride up North and not have to run the DB gauntlet, stop by Cocomo Joe's. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-535-8008. Stop by this Sunday for opening day. Click Here for all the details.

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. 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 - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm and choose from 9 delicious ala carte brunch items or order off of the extensive menu including pizza, salads, burgers or sandwiches. Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down Scottsdale Rd. You can even play a game of pool as you watch the activities on the patio. Don't forget to go inside and see the unbelievable decor inside Sugar Daddy's. It's a Cajun and blues delight. Even if you can't make it 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 Weekend

December 12th - 23rd
Chosa's 12 Days of Christmas Sale. This is a very unique sale that goes on for 12 straight days at both the Chosa's Mesa store and the Apache Junction Shop. Every day some different category is on sale. You will see anything from Genuine HD Accessories, Leathers and Kids Clothes to Collectibles and Christmas Decorations. And on Saturday Dec. 21st you get to spin the wheel in Mesa and win some amazing gifts, Friday in AJ. Each store has different items on featured during this sale. Click Here for a complete list of what is featured and how much you will save. This is your chance for big savings on Christmas presents. For more information call 480-894-0404. Chosa's Mesa is located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa. Apache Junction Shop is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail.

Friday - Sunday
December 12th -14th
The Arizona Motorcycle Expo is back at the Civic Plaza in downtown Phoenix for 3 days December 12th - 14th. This is the second year for this event and they have attracted some of the top names in town and the vendor spots are completely sold out. Last year was a top notch well run event. This is a high caliber manufacturers type expo. All of the top bike builders and suppliers will be there including Paul Yaffee, Surgical Steeds, Jim Nasi, Custom Performance and many more. It is a very family oriented event with activities for the kids as well. So feel free to bring your kids along. You will see everything from Custom Motorcycles, Harley's, Quads, Custom Go-Peds, Display from Toy Junkies, Hourly Giveaways, Drawing for a Honda Mini 50, a spectators chosen bike show and much more. This will be the type of Expo that if you are looking for manufacturer products for your bike or Christmas gifts this would be a place to come take a look. This is a show of what is new in motorcycling and accessories. Welcome to Phoenix. Click Here to see the list of vendors. Admission is $8.00 and children under 13 are free. Hours are Friday 5pm - 9pm. Saturday 10am - 8pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Saturday, December 13th
Cigar King Tasting Day.
I personally don't smoke cigars, but I sure see a lot of riders that do. And if that is a hobby of yours you will want to join Cigar King on Saturday, December 13th from 11 - 4 pm for an Indian Tabac Cigar Tasting and choose from over 1 million cigars in stock. Stop by and enjoy a FREE Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend Cigar. Complimentary food and beverage will be available. Receive special discounts on all Indian Tabac Cigars including both singles and boxes during this event. ALL MOTORCYCLISTS ARE WELCOME.
Visit Cigar King - Your Home of Fine Luxury items. Cigar King has Arizona's Largest Cigar Inventory -Over 1 Million cigars in stock at Arizona's Lowest Prices. They also carry a full line of Luxury items including Mont Blanc Pens, Alfred Dunhill Accessories, Fine Swiss Time Pieces and much More! Call 1-800-669-7167 or email info@cigarking.com with any questions.
Cigar King is located at: 7830 E. Gelding Dr., Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Saturday, December 13th
9th Annual Toy & Poker Run to Benefit Crisis Nursery. Registration is 10:00 - 11:00am at the Steel Horse Saloon located at 1768 W. Bell Rd. Run entry is $15.00 per bike and a new unwrapped toy for a newborn to 10 years old. All participants receive a ride shirt. Run ends at the Steel Horse. Information at 602-942-8778.

Sunday, December 14th
W. Steven Martin Police Toy Run. This is an always popular Toy Run. The 2003 WSM Toy Run will begin in Historic Downtown Chandler. Sign in from 8:00am - 10:00am. Gather by the Tumbleweed Christmas Tree just south of Chandler Boulevard on Arizona Avenue in front of the San Marcos Hotel. Coffee, breakfast, an ATM, and fuel will be available. $10 donation per bike plus a new unwrapped toy. Teen gifts are needed. This year the ride is 110 miles round trip with a food and fuel break. Door prizes and 50/50 drawing will be announced. You should be back in Phoenix area by 3:00 pm. More information at 480-921-6366 or 480-899-0366. Click here for a video tour of the Police Toy Warehouse.

Upcoming Events

January 2nd - 4th.
The 35th Annual World of Wheels Custom Car and Motorcycle Show. This is a well known car show that will now have a motorcycle presence as well. The show is January 2nd - 4th at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. If you would like to display your motorcycle in the show it is only $25 per bike. Call 602-708-3024 to enter.

Extras
Cyclerides.com Christmas Gift Ideas
These are a few things that I have used or come across that would make good gift ideas.

Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card. This is the perfect gift for avid rider. Get $100 in free Food, Apparel and Services. And receive a one time 20% discount on All Parts and Motorclothes up to a $5000 purchase from Hacienda Harley-Davidson. You will also receive discounts all year long from many businesses throughout the state. And since we all drive cars, you will also receive $3.00 of every car wash from BJ's Car Washes. All for only $39.95. Order Online.

New Design Cyclerides.com long sleeve and short sleeve shirts. The new design has been very popular. Take a look and order in long or short sleeves for Christmas.

Garmin EMap GPS. You have seen me talk about this and even seen evidence of the GPS in my Grand Canyon Day Ride. This is one of my favorite toys on long trips and is a great gift item for anyone. Sells for around $185 at Bronco One Electronics. Located at 16236 N. 32nd St. just South of Bell Rd. Bronco One has been around for 35 years and is the most knowledgeable and best price in town. Call Alan at 602-992-2016. Tell him Cyclerides sent you.

Molded Stereo Headphones/Earplugs. These are awesome! These act as music headphones as well as ear plugs that you can plug into an MP3 player or a CD Player. You hear the music perfectly at 70 MPH as well as surrounding sounds that you need to hear. I don't go anywhere without these. Call Ron at Arizona Ear Protection at 480-236-2997. You can also get the standard molded earplugs. Since these will have to be fitted, you can purchase a gift certificate. 10% off with the Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card. You can make your purchase and get fitted at the Arizona Motorcycle Expo December 13 & 14.

T.E.A.M. Arizona Motorcycle Training. For that person that is ready to start riding, start them out the right way with a Gift Certificate for motorcycle training. This 3 day motorcycle training is a must for the new rider. Call 480-998-9888 for more information.

DETAILS Mobile Detailer. Everyone enjoys a clean motorcycle. Robert Knowles runs a mobile detail service in the valley for the last 15 years and does an excellent job. Prices as low as $50. Robert also sells an assortment of do it yourself professional detail products. Contact Robert at 602-430-3200 to arrange your detail or to purchase a gift certificate.

As for me this weekend, I will have a booth at the Motorcycle Expo. Stop by and say Hi.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com