Greetings Riders,
 
Well, it looks like Mother Nature is giving us desert dwellers a little glimpse of what it would be like to live in Seattle. This is all good for filling up lakes and raising water tables, but not real conducive for venturing to far from home on a motorcycle. Hopefully this will be completely out of here by the time Arizona Bike Week rolls around April 1st - 10th.
 
I had planned another story for this week but as a result of organizing the Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes Ride I have realized that this is a more important event than I had even thought it was. After talking to Soldiers that have been to Iraq and reading letters that have been written by Soldiers that are currently serving in Iraq, I realized that getting communication and goods from home are huge moral boosters and something that these men and women look forward to every day. Mail call is a highlight of everyone's life in combat. From what I have been told, most of these soldiers live a very minimalist life in Iraq without a lot of things that we take for granted. Some don't even have something as simple as a pillow to lay their head on.
 
I had no idea what type of living conditions these Soldiers were dealing with until I got involved in this project. They have indicated that just about anything that comes from the U.S. is a welcome treasure as they sleep in a bombed out building or in a tent on the outskirts of town. Since they have no way of heating anything, dried foods and goodies like candies, cookies, chips, protein bars cd players with cd's, DVD's or even magazines they can catch up on or crossword puzzles help pass the time. The contribution that we are about to make by giving needed goods and money to send those packages is more important than we will ever know.
 
I can't even imagine what our troops are going through in Iraq. But the phrase "one day at a time" must be used regularly. The following are a few excerpts from letters that have been written by Soldiers who have received packages. You will see how important your support and needed items are to these men and women.

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"I told my family about what wonderful strangers are doing to support their soldiers like me and they too are forever thankful. Keep it up, you guys do make a difference!"
 
"I just want to say thank you to all the fine people who have written letters and sent packages, the support has been awesome, as we do our best to protect our great people in America the great people have responded with a display of affection and support for us. The Bn we are training is doing well, it is my belief that we will start taking the fight to the terrorists in early May, our Iraqi counterparts and soldiers are very appreciative of our efforts and most of them are ready to completely take their nation away from all terrorists. Again, thank you for your support, it makes the sun shine a little brighter knowing how good the American people are and how much they are supporting us."
 
"Letters and word from home are very important to us, the feeling of support cannot be replaced by anything material. If I were to request anything in particular it would be small snacks to break the monotony of army food every day, small cans of ravioli, chili, and the like. Personally I miss a chocolate bar but this is for my soldiers not me, if you have a book you've read and don't know what to do with it that would be prized as well, it gives the troops an escape from the reality of being here, away from their family and friends. Most important is we want to assure you we are doing all we can to keep you safe and that we are being as safe as possible, that we are honorably representing you and our nation. On behalf of my men and I thank you, your support is fantastic and a real morale booster, god bless you."
 
"Thank you very much, not only for the package and all that came in it but also for the thoughtfulness of it all. I was never expecting a package in the first place but to open it and find all the Christmas decorations in it was an absolute delight. It has not been easy on anyone over here, seems like everyone has had some kind of problem, someone has died or marriage problems and such can bring down the morale quite a bit after a while. It's very touching that people back home such as yourself give their time, money, and effort to others when so many others take things for granted. Everything that was sent in the package will be used or eaten. I've already given the female type lotions and such to another soldier in our section. I can honestly say that I haven't seen anyone that happy in quite a while. Thank you for the small miracle of HAPPINESS and LOVE at this time when much is needed."
 
"It does me so good to see my soldiers and the others sitting around talking about the “Air Head” candy that was in one of the boxes, brings on long conversation of kids, family and friends. Your boxes with the smallest of things are just as important as more important things. Your boxes make soldiers forget the day’s mission, the mortars, the worst things that happen and they all turn into younger happier days. Each box is like Christmas and there is always something that is perfect for every soldier. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." 
 
"I really just wanted to thank you SOOO MUCH for going out of your way and sending me and all my comrades TONS AND TONS of morale boosters! I can't even imagine how many thousands of dollars this all must have cost and we're all really just blown away. Food and showers are the main things that really contribute to our morale here, and if a group has low morale while being in a combat zone, I couldn't even imagine them making it through a whole year...It's already seemed like decades. Anyway what you have done has really given us strength and encouragement to endure, and we are really happy to do whatever our country asks of us. Thank you again for showing us how much our country is supporting us, it really changes that whole way we see things out here. From our hearts to yours..."
 
"I just wanted to thank you folks again for the packages that you have sent my friends and I. We really appreciated everything and honestly, we were overwhelmed by the generosity of your organization. Being from Phoenix, it really makes me proud that my home town is so supportive. If there is any way I can help your organization out please let me know." 

Click Here for some photos of the troops that you are helping.

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We are now entering our final week of preparation for the Cyclerides.com Hearts to Heroes Ride and I think this is going to be a very large and rewarding event. Our mission is to collect as many needed goods for the troops and raise money to send all of these packages to them. We are also going to recognize all current Servicemen and Women as well as all Veterans.
 
U.S. Congressmen Trent Franks and J.D. Hayworth will be participating in the event as well as The Marine Corp. Color Guard from Camp Pendleton, CA. There will also be several Soldiers that have just returned from duty in Iraq available for you to thank and to talk to.
 
Here is a rough timeline of activities:
You may start arriving CCV to sign in at 8:00am.
There will be a special video presentation looping on the 20 foot video screens inside the 3500 seat CCV sanctuary from 8am to 10am featuring interviews with Soldiers, Trent Franks and others telling the story of Packages From Home.

At approximately 10:00am we will start the ceremonies inside:

We will have the presentation of colors from the Marine Corp Color Guard from Camp Pendleton, CA

The professional singing of our "National Anthem" and "America The Beautiful".

The Pledge of Allegiance led by children 8-12 yrs. old.

A salute to all Veterans with a special video presentation of God Bless The USA.

A special Patriotic performance by 9 and 11 yr. old Jonnie and Brookie that you won't want to miss. They have sung in front of as many as 50,000 people.

Followed by a closing prayer from CCV's Senior Pastor Don Wilson.
 
We will then take the short ride to the Community Park at Anthem led by the Sheriff where we will hear from Soldiers returning from Iraq that will tell us how important our support here is for them. We will also hear from our Congressmen as well as a few other speakers. There will be live music before and after the program at Anthem.
 
I would like for everyone to have flags on their bikes if possible. I heard that Wal Mart has 4 for $2. We also ask everyone to bring some needed items with them as well as a $10 per bike donation for postage to send the packages. Here are a few of the items that I have seen that the Troops asking for specifically:

Personal hygiene products, such as toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, shaving cream, disposable razors for male and female. There are a lot of insects over here so insect repellent is also something that is useful to us and of course sunblock and lotions. Snacks and books to read, Phone Cards any DVD's. Healthy snacks would be appreciated, among favorites are: flavored tuna, protein bars, protein shakes that sort of stuff. Small snacks to break the monotony of army food every day, small cans of ravioli, chili, Lysol, cleaning supplies, and anything that would make an area smell good like spray or potpourri. Board games, magazines, snack food, candies, cookies, chips, puzzles or anything that would help pass the time. Click Here for the complete list.
 
I want to say that I am honored to be a part of this event and I hope you will be too. These Men and Women are sacrificing more for us than we can imagine and it is nice to know that we can brighten their day just a little with our support and generosity. We will be making a DVD of this event to send to the troops so that they can see for themselves how much we appreciate them. So decorate your bike with flags and wear patriotic clothing. If you are currently a member of the armed forces, we invite you to wear your uniforms in support. 

Click Here for the flyer with all the information.
 
Listen to Bruce Jacobs on KFYI 5.50 am and TV3 with Scott Pasmore next week. I will be on both programs talking about the ride.
 

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 In This Issue:
Saturday, February 26th. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Moving Sale
Saturday, February 26th. Making a Brighter Day Ride For New Life Poker Run 

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 This Week's Events  

Thursday Night

Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

New!! For those of you in the far West Valley!!
Drivers Sports Grill Thursday Bike Night. You have been asking for it and now it is here. Starting Thursday, February 3rd, Drivers will be hosting a new Thursday Bike Night. Drivers is located in Litchfield Park on the S.W. Corner of Indian School and Litchfield Rd. They feature a huge outdoor patio that holds 150 people as well as an indoor dining area with multiple TV's and a HUGE menu to choose from. You can park on the sidewalk or in coned off areas out front. Enjoy Food and Drink Specials Every Thursday Night, Domestic Bottles $2.00, Corona's $2.25, Drivers Burgers, Grilled Chicken "Sandwedges" and Chicken Caesar Wraps are 15% off. Drivers is easily accessible from I-10 at the Litchfield Rd. exit. Stop by from 6-10 PM for giveaways. For more information call 623-536-8571.

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.

Casey Jones Grill Bike Night. A valley favorite bike night for over 3 years. Ride in and sit out on the patio 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. You can always count on lots of bikes here.

Wild Willy's Weekend Bike Days in Cave Creek.
Live Bands This Weekend:
Saturday the John Jacobsen Band 2-6pm.
Sunday the Classic Daze Band 2-6pm.
Stop by for Live Music this weekend and every Saturday and Sunday from 2-6pm.  This is the best place in Cave Creek for Food, Fun and Entertainment. Happy Hour every day from 11:00am -7:00pm featuring $2.00 domestics, $3.00 well drinks and $13.00 bucket of crabs. You can also choose from  Wild Willy's Extensive Menu with Appetizers, Salads, Sandwiches and Dinner Entrees. You will find Great Food, Great Service, Tasty Appetizers and Drinks at Wild Willy's. This is the best food menu I have seen in Cave Creek. Wild Willy's is formerly Fandango and is under new ownership. It has been remodeled and features a new bar with a giant TV screen, plenty of outdoor seating on the upper and lower patios, seating on the top deck for a great view of the mountains and the bikes riding by. The parking lot has been improved for easy navigation and sealed. Wild Willy's is located at 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. More information at 480-355-6150. Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm - Close stop by for $1.00 Beer, Shots and Cocktails.

Sunday

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 - 4pm. Enjoy live music from 10am - 2pm 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.

Next Week 

Saturday, March 5th
Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes Ride. If you ever wanted to support our troops and help the ones that are now in combat, this is your opportunity. We now have 2 United States Congressman that are going to join us for the event. Congress Trent Franks is going to ride with us and speak at the end. Congressman J.D. Hayworth is going to meet us at the end and speak as well. We have now lined up Soldiers that are recently back from Iraq that are going to tell us first hand about their experiences and how we can help our Soldiers from here. We have officers that will tell us about combat in Iraq and parents to tell us what it is like to have their child in harm's way. 

Saturday, March 5th
Planes, Trains, Automobiles & Up on 2 Wheels X 3. The event promises to delight the entire family. There will be opportunities to tour the new Commemorative Air Force Museum, interact with historians about the planes & pilots of this historic time in America's history and see up close and personal, the finest in historic planes. Check out for yourself and watch to see who is selected as the finest in the classic, special interest and collector car show. There will be plenty of opportunity to just sit back and enjoy live music and great food. Gift of Life/Arizona, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has been lovingly saving children's lives "one" heart at a time, since its inception in 1975. Proceeds benefit Gift of Life/Arizona, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has been lovingly saving children's lives "one" heart at a time, since its inception in 1975. The event will be held at the Commemorative Air Force at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. $20 fee includes T-Shirt, Vest Pin and 2 tickets to the event. Info at 480-987-4379.
 
Sunday, March 6th
A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona Phoenix Chapter 14th Annual Chili Cookoff. Held at the BPOE Elks Lodge, 14424 N 32nd Street in Phoenix, AZ. $5.00 per person at the gate. Chili Cook-off registration $15.00. Chili Registration: 11am-1pm. Chili & Ride in Bike Show Judging: 2-3pm. Peoples Choice Bike Show with Classes including: American, Import, Rat, & Best of Show. 50/50 & Door Prizes. Food & Libation available. Presented by Phoenix ABATE. For more information: 623 695-0955 or 602 285-0366.
 
Sunday, March 6th
Pop The Cherry Poker Run. Sign up opens 10am at Valley Dirt & Quad, 2642 Union Drive, off of Western Drive in Cottonwood, AZ. Raffles, Door Prizes, 50/50, Live Music, & Free Vendor Spaces. $25 single/$35 couple. Presented by the Verde Valley Chapter of ABATE. FMI: 928 639-4675 or 928 593-9458. 

Extras 

You don't want this guy after you. Check out this video clip from the History Channel.
Here's a funny video clip of a commercial that's called "How a guy can mess up romance".
 
As for me this weekend, if the rain will give us a break Saturday I am going to Buddy Stubbs for some bargains on the moving sale and then try and get some riding in. Let's hope for a break this weekend.