Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 2/11/04

Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/11/04

Greetings Riders,

Well, I mentioned last week that I was scheduled to make my first attempt at skydiving. And since you are reading this letter you can assume that all went well. Fortunately I didn't get one of the Chinese chutes that are designed to open on impact. One of the great things about getting older is that just when you thought you had done the coolest thing you could ever do, something else comes along. I thought that going 120 mph on a motorcycle with the wind in your face was a pretty good rush, and it is. Try it jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet with no brakes or steering wheel. It does raise the level of excitement just a bit. On a motorcycle you can shut it down whenever you want, but in skydiving you are in for the entire journey.

This all started when I asked my Daughter what she wanted for her 18th Birthday. Expecting the usual answer of a Mustang Convertible she caught me by surprise and said she wanted to go skydiving. I said that sounds like a fun idea, let's all go. So last Friday afternoon we were off to the largest drop zone in the world at Skydive Arizona in Eloy for our first jump. When you get there you go into a room with a TV and an instructor. This is where you watch a video that tells you how dangerous skydiving is and that you could receive serious injury, be killed or even worse. I thought, why not, this sounds safer than riding a motorcycle on Phoenix streets. Then they ask you to sign a 4 page legal document that says that if something doesn't go quite right, you won't hold them responsible. If that happened they probably wouldn't be hearing from me anyway, so I signed and initialed for 4 pages.

This is the time that you can ask the usual Newbie type questions. Things like: "What if the chute doesn't open? What if the reserve doesn't open, etc. One of the guys asked: If our chute doesn't open; and the reserve doesn't open, how long do we have till we hit the ground?" The jump instructor answered, "The rest of your life." Alrighty then, this danger thing is starting to sink in now. So off we went to get on our flight suits for the jump. Each of us were assigned a photographer and a Tandem Instructor to get us suited up and give us a few last minute instructions before the jump. We then boarded the plane with 17 other jumpers for the ride that was going to take us to 13,000 feet before letting us go. As we reached about 6,000 feet our instructor started the process of hooking us together for the jump.

The tension grows as you watch the altimeter strapped to your wrist, climb by the minute. At about 12,000 feet the experienced divers start bailing out. Then we started sliding our way down the plane to get to the door. We reached the open door and were setting perched on the edge ready to jump. Looking down at the ground from 13,000 feet with a guy strapped to your back that you've only know for 30 minutes, knowing that the only thing between living and certain death is a thin piece of nylon, is also the exact time that you start questioning what the heck you are doing! But it is too late to turn back, I had already paid for the pictures. I received some last minute instructions from my talking backpack about where the ripcord was and then away we went, soaring like a bird and dropping like a rock.

After about 8500 feet of free fall and 120 mph wind in the face my instructor grabbed my hand and put it on the rip cord. This was my cue to pull the golf ball handle allowing us to jump another day. Once the chute was opened it was one of the most peaceful exhilarating things I had ever done. You are in total control of how fast or slow you drop and what direction you go. It is an experience like no other. The free fall is more chaotic and noisy, but once that bag of nylon spreads out above your head, you just hang on for the gentle ride to the ground.

Due to space, I just gave you a brief overview of a 2+ hour experience. There is so much more to it that I didn't have time to go into. The 4 minute video really gives you a feel for the whole experience. If you have ever considered skydiving, go for it. I really wouldn't call it "scary", but there are a few tense moments. Overall it is definitely a rush, a ride like no other and worth every penny of what it costs. Click Here for all of the photos from the jump. Click Here for the video. If there was enough interest, I might even organize a "Ripcord Run" and ride to Eloy to jump again.

If you would like more information go to www.skydiveaz.com . They are extremely courteous, helpful and are interested in you having a fun and positive skydive experience.

It's that time of year again. The Miss Arizona Bike Week competition is back bigger and better than last year. If you missed last year's competition Click Here. If you want to be a part of this year's event read on. There will be 7 locations this year with 2 contestants chosen from each location for a total of 14 semi finalists. This year the winner of the contest will receive $1000 and a 2 First Class roundtrip airline tickets to anywhere in the Continental U.S. The first contest will be held right in the middle of ASU country at Margarita Rocks in Downtown Tempe next Wednesday, February 18th. Should be plenty of contestants for this one. Party starts at 7:00pm and the competition starts at 8:00pm. It will then move to the Billet Bar Paradise Patio on Feb. 26th. Then down the street to Flicka's Cantina on Thursday, March 4th and Hardtailz on March 8th, Wild Hare on March 10th, Steelhorse Saloon on March 16th and the final location will be at ACME Bar and Grill on March 18th. Follow the competition around town and be a part of the Miss AZ Bikeweek video and photo page. Click Here for this year's complete calendar.

Wednesday

NEW!! Margarita Rocks Beach Club Bike Night. This is our first bike night in the Downtown Tempe Entertainment District. Margarita Rocks is a multi level building with outdoor patios on each level that will feature a Bike Night every Wednesday starting at 6:00pm. This is a fun place decorated in a beach theme with a large dance floor that can be viewed from the second level and waitresses dressed in beach attire. >From the second level patio you will also have a view of all the bikes parked on the large brick patio in front of the building that provides parking for hundreds of bikes. (See the pictures) Bike Night will feature 1 Cent Tacos, 10 Cent Wings and $2.00 Buds, Bud Lights and Jack and Cokes. There will also be a DJ playing tunes that you can dance to or just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. KUPD will be on-site with prizes and concert tickets. Ride by and take a look. Margarita Rocks is located on 4th Street just West of Mill Ave. The street ends there but just ride right up on the brick patio and park where ever you can. 480-968-3301. Click Here for Margarita Rocks Web Site.

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 7 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. Hooters Best Bike of the Night Contest Every Thursday through February. There will be 2 winners each night for gift certificates and the finals on the 26th. 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.

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.

Eastside Riders Can Now Make The
"Scottsdale Road Fun Run" to 4 Great Places for Food and Drink.
Start from the North or the South!

New!
Jilly's American Grill. Many of you have been to Jilly's in the past. They now have a regular Thursday Bike Night. The food at Jilly's is excellent and would be a great place to start off your riding night on the outdoor patio or in the dining room with your own personal TV and sound. Motorcycle parking will be provided right in front of the building. Bike Night dinner specials include the Hog Heaven Sampler, The Fat Boy Burger, The Custom Chopper, Indian Mikes Smokey Pork Chops and The Flaming Bird. For a mouth watering description of all the specials Click Here. After dinner enjoy the music throughout or try your luck at Pool, Darts or Shuffleboard. This is a great laid back atmosphere with great food and fun. Jilly's is located just 1 block inside the front entrance to Scottsdale Airpark off of Scottsdale Rd. at 7301 E. Butherus (Greenway). Bike Night hours are from 6pm til Close. Click Here for Pics.

New!
Jetz Americana Thursday Bike Night. Jetz Bike Night Is Back! The Party In Full Force With Great Drink Specials And Giveaways. Dj Swerv Rocks The House With Nonstop Music And Classic Videos. If you want to get there early there is a complimentary Happy Hour Buffet from 4-6pm and Half Price Happy Hour Cocktails from 4pm - 7pm. You can enjoy $1.00/ Dozen Hot Wings 6pm-close, $2.50 Sam Adams Light or Lager all night, $4.00 Jack Daniels Cocktails, $7.95 1/2lb Burger and Domestic Beer all night. Jetz is in the SW corner of Scottsdale Road and Gold Dust, just one block south of Shea behind California Pizza Kitchen. Pull up, park, and party at one of Scottsdale’s finest. Click here to see the pictures of where you will be going and more information. 480-948-2606.

ACME Bar and Grill . Remember when downtown Scottsdale was the place to be? They are back with the complete remodel of ACME 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.

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.

Sunday

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. NEW!! Live Music Every Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm. Last weekend was the start of Live music. This week they are going to kick it up a notch with classic songs that you all know and love. 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 hollandaise 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

Monday-Saturday, February 9th - 14th
Chosa's Harley-Davidson Mesa Sweetheart Sale. Looking to get something for your Harley riding Valentine? Chosa's is offering discounts on selected merchandise for 6 days in a row leading up to Valentine's day.
Feb. 9th - 20% OFF Stamper and MOD Jewelry.
Feb. 10th - 20% OFF Wallets, Pins & Belts.
Feb. 11th - 20% OFF All Leather Jackets, Chaps & Vests.
Feb. 12th - 20% OFF Women's Clothing (Excludes Jeans).
Feb. 13th - 20% OFF Men's Clothing (Excludes Jeans).
Feb. 14th - Purchase $100 or more in MotorClothesTM Apparel & Collectibles and Pick a Sweet Treat to Receive 10%, 20% or 30% OFF your FINAL total purchase!
Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. For more information call 480-894-0404.

Monday-Saturday, February 9th - 14th
Chosa's Harley-Davidson Shop Apache Junction Sweetheart Sale. These Sales are Different from the Mesa store. Chosa's AJ is offering discounts on selected merchandise for 6 days in a row leading up to Valentine's day. Feb. 9th - 15% OFF any Collectible.
Feb. 10th - 10% OFF any Chosa's logo back T-Shirt.
Feb. 11th - 15% OFF All Leather Jackets, Chaps & Vests.
Feb. 12th - 20% OFF watches.
Feb. 13th - 20% OFF Stamper and MOD jewelry.
Feb. 14th - Take an Extra 14% OFF All sale Boots, Shoes & Sandals. Purchase $100 or more in MotorClothesTM Apparel & Collectibles and Pick a Sweet Treat to Receive 10%, 20% or 30% OFF your FINAL total purchase! Chosa's Apache Junction is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. For more information call 480-346-0600.

Saturday, February 14th
East Valley A.B.A.T.E. Valentines Day Party. Doors open 7pm at The MONASTERY, 4810 East McKellips (between Greenfield and Higley, on the northeast corner at Falcon Drive) in Mesa, AZ. Live Music and drink specials for those that donate to the cause ($5 per person). Great door prizes and raffle for a Romantic Weekend for Two at Majestic Mountain Resort in Payson, Food available on premises. Brand new location that is sure to please. Presented by East Valley ABATE of Arizona. Come out and support ABATE and ensure your right to ride free. Special Parking for bikes. For More Information: 480 855-3395 or 236-8423.

Next Weekend

Saturday, February 21st.
Chief Bill Lanford Memorial Ride. William D. "Bill" Lanford was the Chief of Buckeye Valley Fire Dept. until he was tragically killed while riding his Harley on Vulture Mine Rd. on February 5th, 2003. The Dept. is asking that you join the many Brother and Sister Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and all of his friends and family in honoring Chief Lanford on the memorial ride. This is an escorted ride to Chief Lanford Memorial site on Vulture Mine Rd. After a brief Memorium and escorted ride to Harold's in Cave Creek. Everyone is welcome - Any Scooter, Hot Rod or Apparatus... Ride it, Drive it Push it or Pull it. Just come and make this a huge memorable event. Check in 8:00am, leave at 10:00am. The starting location is BVFD Station #324. 25206 W. MC 85, Buckeye, AZ. Questions to Dan Calderon at BVFD_2805@cox.net or call 602-316-8003.

Sunday, February 22nd.
12th Annual Buckeye Beach Party. Sponsored by MMA of Arizona. Noon-5pm at the Longbranch Saloon, 10600 West Buckeye Road, Hwy 85 @ 107th Ave, South of the 107th Ave Exit off I-10. Go left (east) in Tolleson, AZ (west of Phoenix). Always on the third Sunday in February, $5 covers Entry, Food, Band, Tattoo Contest, & Bike Show voting. Raffles, Live Music, Vendors, 50/50, & $100 Cash giveaway to one lucky AIM Card Holder. Presented by the Modified Motorcycle Association of AZ. MMA. FMI: 602 788-8873.

Extras

It's about time someone came up with something like this. Read On! Have you ever wondered how you would find your bike if it got stolen? Now you can track your bike via the new MLU and Integrated GPS system. YOU can actually see where your bike is 24 hours a day by simply accessing the internet web site and "pinging it". Locate and recover your motorcycle (or any vehicle) before the thieves get away with it. Disable the engine within seconds via the internet. Have control of your investment. Lead cops to the vehicle by pinging it from the GPS web site. Gives exact location of your bike with street address and Longitude & Latitude. This amazing GPS will notify you by e-mail alert to your cell phone, home computer and or fax machine when your bike is moved outside the invisible"GeoFence" zone you choose, or if your bike alarm is triggered. Locate and recover your bike and bring her back home! Many more alerts and features included. Click Here for the complete story. For more information call 866-482-2855 or bob@us-gps.com .

Want to take that last minute trip to Daytona Bike Week but can't get your bike there? You can now. Charlie Mitchell has room for 4 more bikes. Your bikes will leave on the 26th and be in Daytona and ready to ride on the 28th. Return on March 8th. $600 round trip. Just fly in and fly back. Call 602-527-6261 to reserve your spot.

Arizona Bikeweek is featuring 2 national bands this year. Molly Hatchet on March 28th and The Little River Band on March 31st. Normally $25 for both concerts. Order yours early and receive both concert tickets for only $20. Call 480-704-1142.

As for me this weekend, I am going to take advantage of some of the predicted riding weather we are supposed to have this weekend. Should be nice.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

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