Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Last week I asked for suggestions and ideas for the site. I got a lot of good ideas of which I am going through right now to see which ones I can implement. If you didn't get a chance to respond, email me at info@cyclerides.com with what you would like to see on the site, what subjects you might like me to write about, new sections on the site, poll subjects or whatever constructive feedback you would like to give. Thank you to those that have already responded.

Well, the calendar has now turned to 2007. A brand new year that puts us closer to closing out the first decade of the new millennium. Seems like only a couple of years ago we were trying to figure out if our computers were still going to work as the clock struck midnight. Isn't it amazing how one day or the change of a calendar page can have such a significance? Every year I have these great ideas of how things are going to be different or how I am going to do things different simply because the calendar has turned to another year. It can sometimes be a good demarcation to set a timetable to do things differently or reset goals, but it really comes down to the fact that it is just 24 hours removed from the day before in 2006. Nothing has really materially changed. You still have the same job you can't stand, the same boss you would rather not see again, the same extra 20 pounds that won't seem to go away and maybe even the same spouse that could use a tune up.

What I have found over the last 50 years is that it is not the rolling over of the calendar that is going to make a difference. It is the changing of our own mindset and attitude that will ultimately make things better. I read someplace that we have 2 choices when we wake up in the morning. We can decide that it is going to be a good day, have a positive attitude and make the best of it that we can. Or we can decide that it is going to be a bad day, begin with a negative attitude and set that course of action for the day. If you start the day with the glass half full, instead of half empty, your boss might even seem nicer, or that 20 pounds might only seem like 10, or your spouse might even start responding kinder. Give it at try.

The good news is, January 1 can also act as a line in the sand that can wipe the slate of the last year clean in our minds, gives us the opportunity to finally let go of our mistakes by labeling them as learning experiences and motivate us to regroup, refresh, and use those lessons to get the new year off to a good start. One of the ways to do this is by writing down a few things that you would like to remember throughout the year. Here are a few that I came up with last year that still apply. Some of them might even work for you.

1. Stop taking off with kickstand down. Rookie mistake #1. It is embarrassing to have someone point at your kickstand when you are riding to find that it is down. It also makes left turns much more challenging. Page 12 in the riders manual advises against this activity. Never can figure out how I forget this.

2. Make sure fork is unlocked or disk lock is removed before trying to take off. Makes for a very awkward moment, especially in a crowd, when you are trying to act cool while trying to keep your bike upright. You usually only have to experience this once to learn your lesson. Remember my Vrod fork lock story from 2002. Rookie mistake #2.

3. Be sure to have saddle bag lids secured before riding. Another rookie mistake. Once again, embarrassing to have someone pull up next to you on freeway and point at your bag lid flopping in the wind while your personal belongings are being littered along the freeway.

4. Learn that "E" on the gas gauge actually does mean empty. It does not stand for "E-ternity of Gas". I sometimes tend to get those confused. Figuring out how far past the "E" you can ride is useful in the game to see how far you can go on a tank of gas. To win the game you are able to ride into the gas station and actually put more gas in the tank than it holds. Losing the game involves a call to AAA from the side of the road. My record is now 5.3 gallons in a 5 gallon tank.

5. Wash the windshield on long trips more often. When I would actually have a better chance of seeing through the fiberglass fairing than the windshield, it is time to scrape off the bugs.

6. Stop under dressing. Realize that standing still in the sun with a short sleeve t-shirt on in 70 degree weather does not feel the same as riding 70 mph in the same temperature and attire. Over dressing will never be a problem for me.

7. Accurate timing. Realizing that a motorcycle is not a helicopter and I still have to deal with traffic in this town. I need to start adding 15 minutes to every estimate of when I might arrive somewhere.

8. Map Reading and Estimations. Getting it through my head that 300 miles of riding through the mountains and twisties is going to take considerably longer than 300 miles on a Montana freeway. One of my more famous quotes on a trip; "It is only 300 miles, we should be there by 1pm." I am reminded of this quote at 5pm by Mrs. C. when we arrived.

9. Be sure bike is in neutral when starting. Nothing much worse than going to your bike in front of the Billet Bar, thinking it is in neutral and pushing the start button to find out that you were wrong. However, it is quite entertaining for the 40 people on the outside patio. Double check neutral light before making Rookie Mistake # 3.

10. Confirm that the kickstand is actually down when dismounting. The wrong time to realize that it isn't down is when that 600 pounds of steel has built up momentum as it is heading for the ground. But once again, this one can be a conversation item for those that watch this happen. Rookie mistake #4.

These are a few that have happened to me. I'm sure you have a list of your own.

Mrs. C. and I wish you a Happy New Year full of great riding experiences and good fortune.

Highlights This Week

2 New Weekly Events Starting This Week

NEW!!! First Days This Weekend!

NEW!! First Night January 10th!

This Week's Bike Night Events

Tuesday Nights

Chester’s Harley Davidson Biker Night at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe! If you are looking for some fun on a Tuesday night, With 2 outdoor patios and plenty of excitement, This place is a good time! The Tilted Kilt is home to the best Scotch-Irish experience in Arizona, with an award-winning menu, classic pub fare, and signature Kilt items sure to please any palate, not to mention twenty four globe-spanning beers on tap! Biker Night Tuesdays also mean $3 Jack Daniels and half-price appetizers. And, with a Tilted Kilt Biker Night Card, you receive 15% OFF your total bill. So what are you waiting for? Come on down and have a craic with Chester’s Harley-Davidson! The Tilted Kilt is located at 660 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe, AZ. Just 1.5 miles East of I-10 on Warner Rd. 480-592-0102. Click Here for Map.

Chandler Harley-Davidson Tuesday Bike Night at Nozzlehead's Grille & Pub. Stop by Two Wheel Tuesday Bike Night at Nozzlehead's Grille and Pub located at 4920 S. Gilbert Rd. in Chandler, AZ. Join us for Munchies and Music, Food and Drink, Specials, and good old fashion H-D fun! Nozzlehead's is a fun firefighter-themed restaurant that serves the best pure angus burgers and meatiest wings in the valley. 12 flavors of wings! 11 tap beers served out of the front-end of a real fire truck. Hot Times, Cold Drinks and Great Food! Stop by this Tuesday for the First Night!! Stop by Chandler Harley-Davidson located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler for a Nozzlehead Food Discount Coupon.

Wednesday Nights

***NEW!! First Night January 10th!***

Bike Night at Buffalo Wild Wings Falcon Field. This is a great new stop for riders on the East Side. Enjoy GREAT FOOD and Live Music every Wednesday night with Soul Catcher, featuring acoustic blues and classic rock from 7pm - 10pm every Wednesday Night at Buffalo Wild Wings located at 4425 E. McKellips Rd. in Mesa, AZ, just across from Falcon Field. Special motorcycle parking in front of the patio. Choose from the extensive new menu including Wings, Chicken Tenders, Huge selection of salads, Wraps, Sandwiches, Ribs & Combos, Burgers, Desserts and Beverages. Click Here for complete menu. Bike Night specials are 50 Cent Legs all day, $2.50 Coronas & Pacificos, $2.00 Well Rum and Coke, $2.00 Well Vodka Tonics, $1.75 Bud Light Pints, $1.75 Miller Light Pints. Sit inside and watch your favorite sporting events on over 50 TV's and 5 Giant Screen TV's or sit outside on the huge patio where there are more TV's and enjoy the evening air. Wherever you find to relax, you will be sure to have a good time, good food and good entertainment at the Buffalo Wings Wednesday Bike Night. 480-218-9464.

Thursday Night

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.

Every Saturday and Sunday

***NEW!!! First Days This Weekend!***

Western Trails Ranch Bike Weekend. Take a nice ride out of town and Enjoy a relaxed country atmosphere with good food and Live Rock & Roll Music every Saturday and Sunday Afternoons from Noon to 4pm. See the upcoming band list below. Loud pipes? No problem! You can ride out to Western Trails without worrying about DB metering equipment to greet you. Hang out under the covered patio at the Buzzard's Saloon or in front of the stage for some impromptu dancing. Buzzard’s Saloon now has Appetizer’s available at the Bar. Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Chicken Tenders, Fries, Jalapeno Poppers, Breaded Mushrooms, Onion Rings, Beer Battered Mushrooms & Zucchini and Spicy Chicken Wings. Fast food service from the Bartender. Buddy Boom’s Real BBQ is also open for those who don’t mind walking 300 Feet for the best Burgers, award winning Ribs & BBQ on the Westside of town.
So take a ride out to Western Trails for some Lunch, Live Music and Fun every Saturday and Sunday. Starts This Saturday! For more information on Western Trails Ranch go to www.westerntrailsranch.com . Located on Hwy. 60 in Morristown, just 12 N. of Sun City West on Grand or just 3 miles South of Carefree Hwy. Click Here for Map.

Live Band Schedule:

January 6-7. Noon-4pm. Dok & Gal. Biker’s Favorite rock & roll.

January 13-14. Noon-4pm. Trite playing Classic Rock.

January 20-21. Noon-4pm. Dok & Gal. Biker’s Favorite rock & roll.

January 27-28. 1-5pm. Phat Bastard playing Rock & Roll.

The "Hog Pen" at the Roadhouse Bike Weekend. Breakfast Buffet Now Beginning at 8am - Noon on Saturday! Grab a seat at the new Hog Pen bar rail and watch the bikes ride by. There is plenty of new concrete motorcycle parking right out front. 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:
Wednesday: Live Music with "Bad Bob Bouchard" 9pm - Close
Thursday: Live Music with "Bad Bob Bouchard" 7pm - 11pm

Friday: Live Music with "Easton Ashe" 9pm - 1:30am
Saturday: Live Music with "Train Wreck" 9pm - 1:30am
Click here for the Cave Creek Roadhouse website. 480-575-3098

Every Sunday

Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
Sugar Daddy's welcomes you back to riding with the Award Winning Sugar Daddy's Sunday Brunch voted "Best Sunday Brunch" by Newtimes 2006. Enjoy a $9 All You Can Eat Buffet, $2 Mimosas, $4 Bloody Mary Bar from 10am - 4pm. Relax to Live Music from 10am - 4pm on the 5700 sq. ft. climate controlled patio. Riding by later? Grab a quick BBQ from Noon - 5pm on the patio. You can also order off of the extensive 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. Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite beverage 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 one is early and it is going to be cold, but it is a worthy cause. While we are home in our toasty beds, these 680 Men and Women of the Arizona National Guard are off to Iraq and Afghanistan for a tour of duty for over one year. This is the largest deployment of Arizona National Guard since World War II. The Patriot Guard Riders will be there to escort them to the airport for a proper send-off. They invite anyone who would like to attend to be there to show support for their service. There are several stages of deployment.

Support is needed for all of times listed below from 6am - 11:30am. So try to make whatever you can. Read the times below. The send off ceremony is set for 6am inside the Wells Fargo Arena on the ASU Campus next to Sun Devil Stadium. Busses will be leaving from the same location.

The following information is from the Patriot Guard.

Arizona National Guard Deployment - Saturday, January 6th, 2007

OK Folks...Staging info is set.

Ladies and Gents....we will be sending out OUR largest contingent from Arizona, and these folks are going in to Afghanistan and Iraq. Let's all step up and let them know Arizona cares! These are all a part of us...friends and neighbors, they ARE Arizona. Let's make sure they leave knowing they are carrying the hearts and prayers of all of Arizona! As you can see on the deployment schedule, over 14 bus loads will leave Saturday and it may be a very long time before they see the incredible sunsets of Arizona. Make a pen pal...make a friend, give a part of you....be there for OUR troops folks, they are there for US!

0500 (yes..that is 5:00AM) at Lot 59 on ASU Campus (see map below) with kickstands up at 0530!

The send off ceremony is set for 0600 inside Wells Fargo Arena with the first deployment of 5 buses rolling at 0630.

Second wave will be at 0730 with 2 buses.

Third will be at 0830 leaving with 7 buses and breaking off 4 buses to the airport and 3 buses to the Armory for escort at 1130. Those going on third wave to airport will leave and head off to Glendale Mission. Those wanting to join Glendale mission should join them for staging.

All other riders will then go to armory to escort 1130 escort from armory to airport. Please follow the thread on the PGR website for updates or changes.

Arizona State Captain

Patriot Guard Riders

ASU Lot 59 is on the Southwest corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Packard Drive .

From the 202, exit on Rural (Scottsdale Road) and go south on Rural to Rio Salado Parkway (the first light after you cross the riverbed), Turn right at Rio Salado Parkway (westbound) to Packard Drive
Turn left onto Packard Drive (southbound) and you will see Lot 59 on your immediate right (which is next to Frank Kush Field), This is a large lot, we will be staging in the lot near the intersection of Rio Salado Parkway & Packard Drive.

Saturday, January 13th

Memorial Ride In Honor of Major Troy "Trojan" Gilbert.

A memorial ride has been organized in honor of Major Troy "Trojan" Gilbert, 34, who was killed in Iraq on November 27th when his F-16 crashed near Anbar Province, 20 miles northwest of Baghdad while engaged in support of coalition ground support operations. Trojan was a member of the 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base and was deployed to the 332nd Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq. Trojan has been described as a patriot, warrior, proud American and a courageous leader by General Jones. Trojan was also married and the father of five children. The major was the first F-16 pilot to die in Iraq since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Please join together to show your support to the Gilbert family, Luke Air Force Base and to all of those who so selflessly fight every day and do all that are asked of them for their Country, for all of us! Registration and check-in at 7:30 a.m. at CCV, 67th and Happy Valley Road, please enter on 67th Avenue entrance just prior to reaching the Happy Valley Rd. intersection., ride departs at 9:00 a.m. - $20 per bike. The ride will be escorted. No weapons, please have id's ready upon arrival at Luke Air Force Base. If your helmet has a visor, please flip it up prior to approaching the Security Forces who will be checking id's as we enter the Base. The bbq lunch is by donation also, again with all funds going directly to the Gilbert Family Memorial Fund. Airmen from the base have been invited to join us for the lunch, please thank them for their service.

Saturday, January 13th

Free The Border Patrol Day. Agents Ramos and Compean.

Over the last several weeks you have probably heard about the arrest, trial and sentencing of 2 Border Patrol Agents for trying to arrest an illegal alien drug smuggler at the border. This could very well be one of the biggest injustices in our legal system that we have seen since O.J. walked out of court a free man. Agents Ramos and Compean, fathers of six children are facing 12 years in prison for doing their jobs by trying to arrest an illegal alien smuggling a van full of drugs across the border. The smuggler even admitted to doing this. Read this compelling story of the events that have transpired leading to this conviction of these men and subsequent sentencing. It will really make you wonder what the heck is happening in our Country. The smuggler got sent back to Mexico and the Agents get sent to prison. The American Freedom Riders have organized a nationwide protest to try and free these men before they report to prison on January 18th.

Where: Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 401 West Washington St. Phoenix, Arizona
What to Bring: Signs, Megaphones, Energy
Who to Bring: Patriots With an Attitude

Join the American Freedom Riders and Friends to make thunderous noise.

For more information email info@americanfreedomriders.com

Changes to Classifieds.

As I mentioned before, I will be making some changes to Cyclerides.com. The first one is a change to the classifieds section. Effective January 8th, 2007 our Classified section will be enhanced and expanded. Cyclerides has contracted with Xtreme Consignments a National Web Based Vehicle Consignment Facility located here in Scottsdale for the Direct Selling & Buying of Motorcycle's, Personal Watercraft, Snowmobile's, and Motorcycle Trailer's. If you want to browse what’s new and available it is free and if you wish to sell your ride there is a listing fee. You will now be able to list your own Vehicle directly online without waiting for your information to be displayed. This is a listing service designed with you in mind. It is fast, simple and cost effective. You will now be able to search for exactly what you are looking for.

For those of you who were listed on our site you have been transferred to Xtreme Consignments for free. Those of you who wish to sell their vehicle you can go directly to Xtreme Consignments and register your vehicle or parts at a 50% reduction in the listing price for the next 60 days. Just remember to indicate you were Referred by Cyclerides or you will not get the discount. I have included below for your review a brief explanation as to what service they will provide for you the Motorcycle enthusiasts. I hope you enjoy this new addition to the site. At your convenience visit them at www.xtremeconsignments.com or Email them at info@xtremeconsignents.com . Site will be live on Friday, January 8th.

I used to play a lot of golf a few years back. If I had known it was this simple, I would probably still be playing. Click Here to view the 1 minute golf lesson. This guy can't be serious.

Here is an incredible hill climb by a sand rail. I don't know how anyone could make it up this hill. Click Here to view.

This guy takes trap shooting to a whole new level. Watch to the end the guns and the targets get bigger. 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

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