Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
12/6/06 

Greetings Riders,
 
There is now only 19 days until Christmas. But thanks to the 1200 riders that participated in the Cyclerides.com Toys To Kids Ride this past Saturday, there are 160 homeless kids from the Pappas Schools that experienced Christmas a little early. Although it was a little chilly in the morning, OK, a lot chilly in some areas, it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for the ride.
 
We started at Steele Indian School Park with donuts and coffee and at 11am we were on our way led by the DPS motors to Santa's Christmas Theme Park located at Firebird Raceway. While we were on our way, the kids were at Santa's being fed and entertained by jugglers, magicians and stilt walkers. Each child also received a gift bag provided by Santa's upon arrival. When we reached Santa's we rode through the entry and down the main corridor 1/2 mile to the middle of the park where the kids were waiting for us with screams and outstretched arms. I had gotten word before we left that they were really excited to see us and that proved to be the case.
 
After riding down the Main St., by the kids and around the big tree, the riders exited to park their bikes and bring back the toys to the kids. The riders did such a great job of bringing toys that they wouldn't all fit in front of the stage and we had to stack them in the food tent. Santa's provided entertainment for the kids and riders including a magician, juggler, a Parrott and dog from the Safari Show, and a great set by Elvis, as performed by Bret Kaiser. The entertainment closed with all of the kids coming on stage to show their appreciation of the day by singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" to all of the riders. That was a very rewarding moment for all who were there.
 
The kids were then let loose on the toys and were able to pick any 3 toys from the stack that they wanted. They were also taken inside the tent to choose from toys in there to round out the 3 toy limit. A lot of the additional toys were taken back to Pappas Schools to share with the other kids that could not make it that day. On December 21st, every child at Pappas Schools will receive one gift from these toys. The others will be distributed to shelters throughout the Valley. Needless to say, your generous gifts will make many underprivileged kids happy throughout the Valley.
 
One thing I noticed about these particular kids from the Pappas Schools versus others in the past were that they were very well behaved and reserved in their actions. When I would ask to take a picture I would rarely get a smile unless it was really prompted. It was almost as if they were aged beyond their years with a lifetime of less than desirable experiences, all trapped in the body of a child. As you would look into some of their eyes you could see a forlorn look of fear, mistrust and uncertainty that runs deep and has been the norm for many of these very young children.
 
As they got back into the tent with the other toys and mostly the other children, you could see them loosen up a little bit. That is why the Pappas Schools are so important to these kids. It gives them a stable environment on a regular basis and a peer group that are in similar circumstances. This allows them to feel "normal" for 6 hours a day. If these same kids were to go to regular schools, it would be a rough time for them in today's society. My experience with these kids as I toured the school, talking with them at the toy ride and even riding the bus with them this past Monday that drops them to their shelters, has been a truly rewarding experience for me.
 
Most of these kids have gone through some rough times and in a lot of cases all they have is hope that things will get better. The motorcycle riders that attended the Toys To Kids Ride this past Saturday showed them that the whole world hasn't gone bad and there is love for these kids. Some kids see the rainbow, some see the rain. My hope is that all of these kids saw the rainbow this day. Martina McBride just released a song of hope that I want to dedicate to the kids of Pappas Schools. I have put this song to pictures of the kids from the ride. It not only speaks to these children, but to anyone that has gone through some hard times, had some broken dreams or a failed relationship. The song is called "Do It Anyway". Here are a couple of verses from the song:
 
This worlds gone crazy
And it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
 
You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
 
God is great but sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
 
Click Here for the Photo Video with the entire song.
 
I want to say thank you to all that helped put on this event including Santa's for all their efforts on making our end location so special, the DPS for their escort, Tully's coffee, Photographic Lee and Rusty Childress for photos, TV3, Fox 10, AZ Rider and Nancy Paganelli of Thunderpress for their coverage, Safeway for their donations, Prime 3 for media, and all of the riders who donated over $3000 to pay for bus transportation, expenses and clothing for the Pappas Kids. We will be going on a shopping trip within the next week. I will update you when everything is bought and delivered. On behalf of Pappas Schools and Cyclerides.com I thank you for your generosity. It is all going to a great cause.
 
There were so many photos that I made a couple of different lists.
Click Here for the Toys To Kids photo directory.
Click Here for the Toys To Kids Video featuring the Pappas Kids.
Click Here for the Fox 10 TV coverage.
 

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Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, December 9th
Demo Day at Chester’s Harley! Everyone wants a chance to sit in the saddle of the new 96" powered Harley-Davidson
 
Saturday, December 9th and 10th
Chandler Harley-Davidson V-Rod Demo Ride. 2 Days Only!! Now is your chance to ride the new Harley V-Rod with the 240 Rear tire.
 
December 4th - 15th
Chester's Win A Harley-Davidson DiceRoll Contest. This sounds like fun!
Want to win a brand-new Harley? YES! Alright then!
 

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This Week 

Next Week 

December 1st - 24th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Holiday Scratchers. Does your holiday shopping include any authentic MotorClothes gear? From December 1st through the 24th, just drop $100 or more on MotorClothes here at Chester’s and you’ll get a free Scratcher card, which could net you a shotglass, logo t-shirt, pair of boots, leather jacket or even a $5,000 Chester’s gift card… But like they say, you’ve got to play to win, so stop in and buy today! Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. Click Here for Map.
 
December 4th - 15th
Chester's Win A Harley-Davidson DiceRoll Contest. This sounds like fun!
Want to win a brand-new Harley? YES! Alright then! Tune in to Kool 94.5, December 4th through 15th, and listen for the cue to head to Chester’s. When you hear it, get here fast for a 10 percent discount on your next MotorClothes purchase, AND an invitation to Roll for a New Ride on December 16th! Come back with your invitation that day and roll the dice—if it spells “H A R L E Y”, you win a new Harley. It’s that easy, and that fun—and that’s just how we roll at Chester's! Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. Click Here for Map.
 
Saturday, December 16th
Buddy Stubbs Customer Appreciation and Holiday Party. This is Our Thanks to you for a great year! Ride by Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson for some Holiday Cheer!
* Live Festive Music from 11 am - 3pm.
* Buddy’s Angels Holiday Fashion Show – showtimes 12:30pm & 1:30pm
* Free lunch 11 – 2pm, Free Pool Tournaments (sign up at 11am) Win top prizes
* Motorcycle Museum Tours starting at 12:30pm
* Free Gift Wrapping 11am – 3pm by Ladies of Harley, Free door prize giveaways throughout the day.
* All Day Personal Shopper Service. Chrome Center Workshop @ 11:30AM.  Want to add more power to your bike?  Stop by our Chrome Center and enter your name to win a free chrome gift.
* Over 215 great General Merchandise gift ideas under $40. Harley Gift Baskets for sale starting at $50.00 to $250.
Buddy Stubbs is conveniently located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. 602-971-3400.
 
Saturday, December 16 and 17th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Candy Cane Weekend. Mmm, candy canes. Bad for your teeth, great for your wallet. You heard me! Stop by Chester’s for Candy Cane Weekend, December 16th and 17th, pick up one of our candy canes, and you could end up saving as much as 30% on your total Motorclothes purchase! And if sugary sweets aren’t your thing, we’re also slinging pipin’ hot FREE pizza from 11 to 2pm. Your stomach or your wallet… like it or not, one of you is leaving here FULL! Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. Click Here for Map.
 
Saturday December 16th
Phoenix Rescue Mission Canned Food & Clothes Drive. Sponsored By Bikers For Christ/Rushing Wind Bible Fellowship. Phoenix Rescue Mission is a vibrant and growing Christian Mission serving needy and homeless men, women and families in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Founded in 1952, the Mission today seeks to provide food, shelter, and other services to as many as possible of the estimated 10,000+ homeless people in need throughout the Valley of the Sun. Join us  from 9:00 - 10:30am to drop off the much needed items. Rushing Wind Bible Fellowship @ the Crossing Community Church campus. 2452 West Warner Road Chandler. Warner just east of the 101 on the North side of the road.
 
Sunday, December 17th
W. Steven Martin's Police Toy Run. Check in starts at 8:30am at the Gilbert Police Department located at Gilbert and Civic Center Dr. North of Ray Rd. Food, ATM and fuel are available across the street. Ride leaves at 10am. The ride will be 50-60 miles and will end at Tempe Police Dept. Ride will be escorted by DPS. $10 donation and a new toy per bike. Gifts will be given out to children in Arizona by Officers and Fire Fighters year round to make a difference in the life of a child this holiday season. The most needed gifts are for boys and girls 11-16 years of age. 480-899-0366.
 
Sunday, December 17th
Todd's Kids Benefit Run. Ride starts 10am at Superstition Harley-Davidson located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction. $25 per couple or $15 single. Todd Beauregard, 31, was killed in a hit and run motorcycle accident Sunday, November 12th while on his way to work. Melani, his wife and their children, Alex, TlJ., James and Kyle mourn their loss. Kyle is only 5 weeks old. Join the memorial ride to benefit Todd's Kids. The ride is to Saguaro Lake, through Fountain Hills to Greasewood Flats ending at Sugar Daddy's in Scottsdale. Click Here for donation information. 

Extras 

Bikers Bay End Of Year Sale!! Now till the end of the year only. We will continue the 2 tires for $329.95. That's Right! 2 tires installed for only $329.95. Whitewalls, Avons, and the impossible to get "Dunlops" slightly higher. The Cyclerides.Com special this week is 20% off full service oil changes. We have gift certificates and a Chrome/Accessory registry for Christmas also. "The Ride In Ride Out specialist", Now with 2 locations at 2530 E. Bell Rd. in Phoenix and 1900 N. Mc Clintock in Tempe for the "RE-Tire while you wait special. For more information or to make an appointment, call Jim at 602-923-0114. Tuesday through Friday 9am - 6pm. Saturday 8am - 3pm.
 
Want a new HARLEY and clean up your credit at the same time? Maybe some extra cash for the Holidays?  Let Dave at MORTGAGE PRO USA assist you. If you own a home with equity and have a steady income, I can help. Give me a call for a debt consolidation/cash-out refinance. MORTGAGE PRO USA specializes in sub prime business. I deal with over 300 lenders in all 50 states who will refinance manufactured homes, single family residences, condo's, commercial, & land loans. Mention you saw this ad in Cyclerides &  when your loan  funds, you  will receive a $500.00 gift certificate to your choice of any one of the Cyclerides advertisers. Email David Herr at dkh121@yahoo.com or call Ofc: 602-682-6355. Cell: 480-888-6961.
 
Looking for that special Christmas gift for your significant other? Here is one that I really like. The Garmin GPS. Click Here for my Story on it. Click Here to order.
 
This short video is hilarious. It is not what you think it is at the start. Click Here.
 
Here is a funny new spin of the old skit "Who's on First" with Bush and Condolezza Rice. Click Here.
 
Next week I will be back with my report on the Carefree Noise Ordinance. I have met with council members and will be doing some tests of my own in Carefree to see how the unbiased numbers come in. Should be very interesting.