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Greetings Riders,

It is that time of year when motorcycle riding for pleasure tends to slow down, getting interrupted by weather and the busy time of the season. With the recent rain and other things to do, my bike hasn't been started for almost a week. I know this has nothing to do with motorcycle riding, but I just wanted to share with you an exciting milestone for me. Part of the reason the bike has not been started was due to some last minute cramming for my FAA Private Pilot Check Ride. You might remember last July I had some video of my first solo. Since then I have been working diligently to finish the training and prepare for the dreaded ride with the FAA Examiner. For those of you that have done it, you will know what I mean, but this was one of the most high anxiety exercises that I have ever done. You spend 2 hours on the ground answering oral questions about all aspects of flying and then spend 2 hours in the air performing different maneuvers including stalls and several different takeoffs and landings.

The good news is that I performed all aspects to the satisfaction of my examiner and now hold my Private Pilot Certificate. I will never forget coming around the pattern for my last landing knowing that all I had to do was set the wheels down on the numbers and the privilege to fly would finally be mine. Not sure what I will do with it, but it was one of those lifelong dreams to be able to learn how to fly, and now it can be checked off of my list of things to do. It is a huge undertaking and a big commitment of time, but if you have ever thought about flying, I would highly recommend it.

A friend of mine asked me if I was going to give up riding for flying. In fact the question was, if you could only fly or ride, which would you choose? The answer was hands down RIDING. Flying is fun, but I would much rather ride through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California than fly over them. There will be no flyrides.com for me. Believe it or not, one of the things I wanted to do with it was scope out some roads that I have always had an interest in riding, to see how good or bad they might be before I take the time to ride there. Other than that, just a pleasure flight to Sedona for lunch or sightseeing around the State is probably all that I will do with it.

Christmas is now only 7 days away but I have found a couple of last minute gift ideas that you might want to know about. You have probably seen the Garmin Quest GPS that I use on our motorcycle rides in pictures from our trips. I paid $340 for it a couple of years ago. Now you can buy the factory refurbished Quest for only $99. If you Google "Garmin Quest Refurbished" there will be a few online retailers come up with that. I still like and use this model because you can download your route to it and the battery life is 20 hours, so you don't need to plug it in.

The second thing I found that is particularly useful in Arizona now is a cool little product called Navalert. This is a small unit you set on your dash and it alerts you to all stationary photo radar locations. Just plug it into your computer and it downloads all the stationary locations in the United States, set it on your dash and it will beep at you in advance of the photo radar. I have not used this product, but it did come to me from a rider who has been using it and is very pleased with the results. The Navalert sells for $199. One ticket would pay for this product. Go to http://www.navalert.com for more information.

Another good idea for a Christmas gift is a gift certificate to TEAM Arizona motorcycle training. For that someone in your life that would like to ride, but not totally sure that they can do it. You can get the Introduction to Motorcycling course for only $85. This lets them ride TEAM AZ motorcycles to try it out in a 4 hour class. You could also give someone a Basic Rider Course for $285 or an advanced course for an Advanced Rider Course for $100.

Wednesday Night

Sandbar Mexican Grill Wednesday Bike Night. Ride by the Sandbar Mexican Grill this Wednesday night where the patio instantly sweeps you away to a tropical island paradise as thatch and tin roofs cover the bar. Sit on one of the many high topped tables on the sandy beach or sit at the palapa bar outside and watch TV while listening to music. Or go inside to the dining area featuring a huge bar with 30 HDTV's to choose from around the room all decorated in an island beach theme. Sandbar has a great menu of Mexican food and will be featuring build your own burrito's for $5.00. Choose any ingredients you want off the menu, pack them into your burrito all for $5.00. There will also be $2.00 off ALL Drinks which makes domestic bottles $2.00 and Margarita's $4.00. Ride by this Wednesday night to check out the Sandbar Wednesday Bike Night. Motorcycle Parking Only will be blocked off in front of the restaurant. Click Here to see Photos and details. Click Here for Sandbar Web Site.

Thursday Night

Dirty Doggs Thursday Bike Night presented by Renegade Classics. The Dirty Dogg Saloon and Renegade Classics of Phoenix announce the start of a Thursday Night Bike Night called Holiday Happy Hour’s for the month of December. Each week a lucky winner will receive a Renegade Classics Gift Certificate along with door prizes, drink specials and of course the Dirty Dog Girls. To kick it off; Renegade Classics will raffle off a $200 Gift Certificate on Thursday December 4th. The hours are 8-10; the Dirty Dog is located on the Southeast Corner of Shea and Scottsdale Road –480-368-8095. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 East Cactus Road in Phoenix and more information can be seen at www.renegadephoenix.com.

Chester's Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Dos Gringos Mesa. Ride by the New Dos Gringos Mesa located on the northwest corner of Greenfield and Baseline in Mesa. Dos is sure to make an impact and add some flare to the east valley. Enormous patio, complete with its own outdoor bar and separate dining areas on each side. Dos is a casual neighborhood hangout with great food and cold cervezas. Feel free to dine at one of our four tops, relax at one of the booths lining the edge or just belly up to the bar. Click Here to View. There will be drink and food specials and Raffles and Fun from Chester's Harley-Davidson. Ride with Chester's from the dealership at 5:30pm every Thursday located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. 480-894-0404.

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.

Saturday, December 20th
Chester's Harley-Davidson "Ride With Us" to Tortilla Flat. This is the PERFECT time to take a ride and meet some new friends on one of the BEST ROUTES IN THE VALLEY. And it is FREE. Don't miss this one! Especially if you haven't done it. Chester's Ride With Us is quickly becoming a popular event every month at the dealership. Riders from all over the valley make their way to Chester's for these rides. This is a good opportunity to ride with some friends that you haven't met yet. Saddle up with Chester's Harley-Davidson for a fun 40 mile ride to San Tan Flat for lunch at the "Tortilla Flat Restaurant & Saloon". Approximately 40 miles via US 60, Tomahawk Rd. & AZ 88. Everyone is Welcome! Ride Starts at Chester's located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. Registration from 11:00am - Noon. Kickstands up at 12:30pm. This is a FREE ride. Call 480-894-0404 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, December 20th
Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Customer Holiday Party. Buddy always throws a good party and this one will be no exception. There will be FREE FOOD, Holiday Music, 20% OFF Boots, Pictures with Santa and Much More! Buddy Stubbs HD is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400.

Saturday, December 20th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Holiday Celebration. Stop by and see Santa and see if you are on his naughty or nice list. Santa & Mrs. Claus will at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson December 20th from 11:00am till 2:00pm. Holiday Refreshments will be served from 10:00am till 4:00pm. TIER Discounts up to 15% OFF purchases. The HOG Chapter will be here wrapping gifts for free from 10:00am till 5:00pm! Donations to "Gifts From Home" being accepted. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, December 20th
Santa's Ride Toy Run. Poker Run Door Prizes, Live Auction. $20. plus a Toy T-shirt and Ride Pin provided by Puttin Sober M/C Call 602-418-2229 or Bikers Bay 602-923-0114 We plan to give over 100 toys to the kids at the Kids Camp USA. 9am sign in at the Steel Horse Saloon located at 1768 W. Bell Rd. For more information contact tstugart@cox.net.

Saturday, December 20th
2nd Annual Veteran Home Christmas Party Phoenix Veteran Home. RidersUSA will be holding their 2nd Annual Veteran Home Christmas Party on Saturday, December 20th from 2:00 till 4:00 at the Arizona State Veteran Home located at 4141 N. 3rd St in Phoenix. (602) 248-1550.Staging: Meet at 1:00pm, Steele Indian School Park (west entrance located just north of Indian School on Central St. in PHX.) Event: KSU at 1:30 and we will arrive together for a group photo at the VA Home. We are asking that all members donate a gift or two. Click Here for more details.

Sunday, December 21st
W. Steven Martins Police Toy Run. Join W. Steven Martins 23rd Annual Police Toy Run and make dreams happen for thousands of Arizona Children. Over our history more than 2,000,000 toys have been distributed to kids in crisis by valley Law Enforcement and Firefighters. Check in 8:30 to 10:30am at Chandler Harley-Davidson located at 6885 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. Donation is $10 and a new unwrapped toy per bike. This will be an escorted ride 60 miles round trip to the Native New Yorker in Maricopa Arizona. Music, Lunch and an auction plus a 50/50 raffle will take place at noon. Chance to win a 42 inch flat-screen TV.

NEW Cyclerides.com T-Shirts are available now!

If you are looking for that nice stocking stuffer or just want to get a couple of new shirts for yourself, you can now order the NEW design Cyclerides.com T-Shirt in Short Sleeve, Long Sleeve or in Women's Baby Doll and Spaghetti Strap styles. These will come in black and white. The men's shirts come in black, white and gray from Medium to 2XL. Total prices are $15 for short sleeve and $20 for long sleeve. All prices include shipping cost! $5.00 Off when ordering 3 or more shirts. Will be deducted on sales receipt. Click Here to Go to the ONLINE STORE TO ORDER. Orders will be shipped immediately.

NOW RENTING HARLEYS & VICTORY'S IN PHOENIX & TUCSON
Street Eagle Motorcycle Rentals the second largest motorcycle rental operator in the nation has now opened its doors inside of two Arizona Victory dealerships in Phoenix at 13401 N. Cave Creek Rd and in Tucson at 1102 N. Anita Ave. We specialize in renting the late model Harley-Davidson & Victory Motorcycles. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and unlike some other companies focus only on renting motorcycles. Check-out our special weekday rates, $99/day Monday-Thursday and our Weekend Holiday Special. $99/day with a two day minimum or try a one- way rental between Phoenix and Tucson by picking your bike up at one store and dropping it off at the other. Store hours: 9am-6:00pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday we will gladly open by appointment. Airport pickups are available. Street Eagle Arizona is proudly owned and operated by Milwaukeeans Chad, Justin, Chip & Mike so stop by or give us a call and let's get you out riding. Also, visit us at Street Eagle Milwaukee (www.streeteaglemilwaukee.com) we are open beginning May 1 through October 31.

Since car production has slowed so much at the GM plants, the workers have to find some things to do to entertain themselves. This is a good one. Click Here to View.

Ever wonder how they unload grain in Iowa? I didn't know timing was so important in unloading grain. Click Here to View.

Practical jokes are sometimes cruel and most times hilarious. This one is both, but it sure is funny. Click Here to View.

This is one of those funny video compilations called "You can't fix stupid". 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