Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
1/14/04

 

Greetings Riders,
 
Now this is Chamber of Commerce weather for riding. High 70's to Low 80's in January is perfect. From the looks of the roads this past weekend, a lot of you have dusted off your bike and have gotten back out for a new year's spin around the valley. That's good, because it won't be long until we can start planning some of those Day Rides out of the Valley into our great Arizona countryside.
 
Not only do you want to get your bike ready for the riding season, but you also want to get yourself ready. Believe it or not, we do participate in a fairly dangerous sport. When you think about it, we are out there balancing 600 pounds of steel on 2 rubber tires, with no protection around us at all, doing 70 mph while riding three feet from Cars, SUV's and Semi's. Sounds kind of crazy when you put it like that doesn't it? As you know, riding a motorcycle takes a lot of defensive riding skills and constant concentration. We are not always easily seen by other drivers. I have had so many cars change lanes in front of me or into me, that I almost expect it to happen now and am prepared for it. When riding on the freeways around town I almost always ride on the far left side of the inside lane. This takes away all of the people changing lanes and pulling erratic moves when they almost miss their exit. Sometimes I feel like my eyes are a radar screen  thinking one step ahead of what the vehicles around me are going to do. I never give the car pulling out of a side street the benefit of the doubt when I am the only one that they have to see. I always have my front and rear brake covered ready to make a defensive move.
 
Maybe some of you have not been on your bike for a while and you are getting ready to take advantage of this good weather to get back out. If you haven't been out for a while it will take you a few miles to get your motorcycle riding sixth sense back up to speed. I ride over 15,000 miles a year. But if I don't ride for a couple of weeks, it still seems like I need to get back in tune with the bike. No matter how much we ride, we need to stay on top of what we are doing at all times, because it only takes one wrong move that could result in serious injury or worse.
 
You are probably thinking by now, OK Barry, I don't need a lesson in riding a motorcycle.
But Stay With Me. The reason that I am bringing all of this up now is that doesn't matter how good we think we are, we ALWAYS need to be 100% on our game. There was a local Women named Deb Moran that was an accomplished rider, an active member in GWRRA, was on the Arizona District Membership Team and recently won the "Individual Of The Year" award for her work in advancing the sport of motorcycling. All accounts were that she was a very focused rider and safety conscience. Not only do we have to watch out for all the car drivers out there, but we also have to make good decisions ourselves. It only takes something on your mind for a second to pay the ultimate price. That is what happened to Debra Moran.
 
She was distracted for a moment while talking to someone in at a stop sign about her motorcycle. A car came up behind and she realized she was blocking traffic. To her left was a slowing van that was preparing to turn right that was hiding a small fast moving truck. She pulled out and was broad sided by the pickup truck possibly without her ever seeing it. When the paramedics arrived she had no heartbeat. She was wearing a helmet, but the impact to her body was just too much. Had she not been hurried by wanting to clear the intersection, this might never have happened. She was as careful as she could be, but one little hurried decision was disastrous. After she failed to show up for a staff meeting, her boyfriend Chet went out to search for her. He writes a compelling story about coming upon the scene and the details that surrounded this unfortunate accident. Our condolences and blessings to Chet and Debra's family and friends.  
Click Here for his story
 
What I'm trying to do is raise awareness for our own safety. The part that we have control of. One of my bad habits is occasionally I find myself following too close behind cars. We all know from the motorcycle test that we can't stop as fast as they can. And I sometimes get anxious waiting to pull out into traffic or making a left turn. What I have learned from the story above is that I've got all the time I need to get to where I am going and safety should be my first concern. I have been blessed in my riding and this story above has made me realize how focused we have to be. I hope it has for you.
 
T.E.A.M. Arizona offers advanced riders classes for anyone that want to improve their skills or just brush up on what they already know. Call 480-998-9888 for more information.

 


 

In This Issue: 
Chosa's 3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Sale in Mesa. 10-50% off selected merchandise.

V-Twin Consignments Grand Opening. Clean out your garage. Consign your old parts for sale.

Arizona Freedom Rally 2004. Show support for motorcycle rights in Arizona.

 

"Toys To Kids" Final Toy Placement Update. See Extras Column below.

 


 

 This Week's Events 

Wednesday 

Los Gringos Locos Wednesday Bike Night sponsored by Chosa's Harley-Davidson Shop. This is the Last Night! 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.
 
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
 
New Years Night. Call to verify.
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 GrillRemember 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. 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 hollendaise 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 - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm 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 Weekend

Saturday, January 17th
Chosa's 3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Sale in Mesa. Join us at Chosa's in Mesa for our 3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Sale on Saturday, January 17th, from 9am - 3pm! BIG SAVINGS ON SELECTED HARLEY-DAVIDSON MERCHANDISE: 10-50% off selected MotorClothes Apparel, Leathers, Helmets, Boots, Gifts & Collectibles; and selected Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories. (All specials are limited to IN STOCK items only. Cannot be combined with any other Chosa's offer). The Hooters girls will be at Chosa's H-D in Mesa serving FREE refreshments and Chosa's Biker BBQ from 11am to 2pm! Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club in Mesa. 480-894-0404.
 
Saturday, January 17th
V-Twin Consignments Grand Opening. I was wondering when someone was going to come up with this great idea. V-Twin consignments is giving everyone the opportunity to clean out those quality parts that are sitting around your garage and providing a venue for you to sell them. Bring in your parts to consign this week before the big Grand Opening. Or stop by and see if that part you have been looking for is already there. While you are there you can pick up some new essentials for yourself. VTC carries spark plugs, cams, starters, mirrors, carbs, tires, etc. They are an authorized Drag Specialties and Custom Chrome Dealer. If they don't have it, they can have it the next day. The Grand Opening is January 17th from 11am - 3pm. Stop by for some food, beverages and giveaways. V-Twin Consignments, "Your Harley Parts Place". 1716 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix. 602-548-5799.
 
Sunday, January 18th
Arizona Freedom Rally 2004. This is where the motorcycle riders of Arizona put on a very visible show of support for the Right's of ALL Motorcyclists here in Arizona. This event is sponsored by ABATE, MMA and the ACMC. There are always several hundred motorcycles that show support. Sign in 9:00 AM, Parade Lines Up at 10:30 AM. Start at Park Central Mall - Central and Earl, Between Indian School and Thomas on Central in Phoenix. Parade to Wesley Bolin Plaza at 17th ave and Washington. Guest speakers are Senator Gabrielle Giffords, New York Myke and Local Representatives From: ABATE-ACMC-MMA. Vendors and food. 480 855-4023 or 480 694-0741. 

Next Weekend 

Saturday, January 24th
Customer Appreciation Day. This is a FREE Poker Run. Best hand wins $200, worst hand $50.  50/50, Raffle Prizes and more. Sign In 10:00am - Noon at Ramjet Racing, 13207 N. Cave Creek Rd. Run ends at Casey Jones located at 4163 W. Thunderbird. SE Corner of 43rd Ave. and Thunderbird. Ride sponsored by Casey Jones and Arizona Biker Information Guide. For more info call 602-708-3024. 

Sunday, January 25th
Ramjet Racing Swap Meet. Finally! An opportunity for you to get rid of your old parts. Do you have some parts laying around the garage you would like to sell? Are you looking for that rare part and haven't been able to find it? How about a great deal on some take off parts? Then this is the place to find it. Ramjet is building a monthly Swap Meet for people to buy and sell their own parts. Call Now To Reserve Your Table! Contact Jerry to reserve your spot to display and sell your parts at 602-788-0364. Discounts on all In-Store purchases as well as discounts on all RamjetWear. The swap meet hours are from 9:00-12:00 Noon. Setup from 7-9am. www.ramjetracing.com . 
 

Extras

"Toys to Kids" Toy Distribution. This is the final tally by the Sheriff's department of toys from the Toys to Kids ride. Thanks to all who participated. In addition to the kids that were at the ride, this is where your gifts have gone.
Phoenix Children's Hospital  (AHCCHS Program) - 200 children received gifts.
Phoenix Children's Hospital (terminally ill children) - 30 children received gifts.
El Mirage Community - 100 children received gifts.
Kid's Place Day School - 80 children received gifts.
Hidden Treasures Pre-school - 85 children received gifts.
Family Resource Center in Queen Creek (DES) - 30 children representing 10 families received gifts.
South Phoenix Boys and Girls Club - 50 children received gifts.
Abused and Abandoned Children's Home - 7 children received gifts.
New Joy Charter School (Title I Program) - 239 children received gifts.
Dep. Wargo's children - 3 children received gifts.
Single parents/low income families - 43 children received gifts.
Low-income families - 8 children received gifts.
Fixed income (Grandparents) - 3 children received gifts.
Garcia family/ low income (father has leukemia) - 3 children received gifts.
Siecrest family (parents out of work) - 3 children received gifts.
Single parent/ low income (mother battling cancer/surgeries) - 1 child received gifts.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN HELPED = 879

Went to see the wild riders of Supercross last Saturday night compliments of the Arizona Motorsports Group. If you haven't seen what goes on here, I put together a little 30 second video that I took with my digital camera. It is pretty cool and gives you a feel for what goes on there in front of 48,000 fans. Anyone should be able to watch this, even on dialup as it is a small 1.3 mb file. Click Here to View.
 
There is a story about the Pinebreeze Motel in Bellemont that was featured in the movie "Easyrider". This story was put out by the AP and has really made the rounds. You will recognize the Roadhouse Grill in Bellemont and other aspects of this story. It is good reading. Click here for the link to the story.
 

Stay tuned for next week for new event announcements and updates.  
 
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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