Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/2/05
 

Greetings Riders,
 
The calendar has now turned to the month of February. The days are getting longer and the average temperature will soon be rising. We are on the doorstep of awesome riding around the Valley of the Sun and soon the entire State. Bike Nights and Bike Weekends are now popping up all around the Valley for your destination riding including the new Thursday night at Drivers Sports Grill in Litchfield Park, the new Hooters Wednesday Night on Bell and I-17 (featuring John Daly and the Hooters Calendar girls this Thursday 5-7pm), the new Hooter's in Mesa Wednesday Bike Night starting on Feb. 16th and the new Wild Willy's in Cave Creek and coming soon the new Cave Creek Roadhouse on the weekends as well as all of the others that are currently happening. Check the Rides and Events Calendar on www.cyclerides.com for all of the listings in your area.
 
In the newsletter last week I wrote about a ride that I was putting together to benefit Packages From Home, a non-profit organization set up by the Mother of a Soldier in Iraq to send care packages of needed items to the troops. If you did not read that letter, Click Here, it will give you the background on what is to follow. The date for the "Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes Ride" has now been set for Saturday, March 5th. Sign in will be from 8am - 11am at Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) located at 67th Ave. and Happy Valley Rd. where there is parking for thousands of motorcycles. CCV will provide water, coffee, juice and pastries at the beginning of the ride. We will have static displays of military equipment as well as Soldiers that have been to Iraq to speak with you. CCV is also producing a 5 minute video about Packages From Home with interviews from Soldiers and film of the packing parties showing what is involved with this charity. The film will be showing from 8-11am on the two 20 foot screens inside the Church.
 
Pulte Homes, a major sponsor of PFH, will be hosting the end of the ride in Anthem at their community park. There will be a band that will be playing as we ride in, there will be testimonies from Soldiers that have been in Iraq to let us know personally what their experiences were and what the needs of Soldiers are in combat. We are also trying to get a Congressman and a high ranking military officer to speak as well. The Commander of Luke AFB would be nice. If you have connections with any of the above, please let me know. I really want to make this an opportunity for everyone here to get a first hand testimony from those that have been in Iraq, to tell us what their experiences were with the Iraqi people and their daily sacrifices for our Country.
 
This will be set up similar to a toy run as PFH needs donated items to send as well as money to mail the packages. There will be a $10.00 donation for the ride as well as any of the items on the list that you could bring. If you don't choose to bring items on your motorcycle, there will be drop boxes around the Valley. Chosa's Harley and Superstition Harley have already volunteered to host drop boxes. I will give you a full list next week and tell you when you can start delivering your items. Click Here for a list of the items that are needed.
 
One of the favorite items for the Soldiers are CD players with a CD. If you are good with the computer you could also burn a CD with some songs to include with it. Another item that is desperately in need are small, "Beanie Babie" type stuffed animals. You are probably asking, why would a Soldier in Iraq need a "Beanie Babie"? I asked the same question.
 
In securing the different towns our Soldiers have to go door to door to flush out the insurgents. When they do this, in can be very intimidating for those that are getting their homes searched. To help alleviate the fears of the children, the Soldiers will give them a stuffed animal that they carry around in their back pack. This lets them know that they are not the enemy and that Americans are good, kind people. And in a least one instance, this has proved to same a lot of American lives.
 
Here is an incredibly touching story that just keeps coming back into my mind. Apparently a U.S. Convoy was driving down the road in one of the small towns known to be the home of insurgents in Iraq. As they were traveling in single file down the road they came upon a small Iraqi girl sitting cross legged in the middle of the road. The Soldiers tried to get the child to move, but she wouldn't budge. As a result, the convoy had to go around her to continue on their way. A few vehicles back, a U.S. Soldier stopped his truck to talk to the little girl.
 
He approached the child and recognized her from a home search they had done a few days earlier. As he looked in her arms he saw that she was clutching the Beanie Babie that he had given to calm her on that day. He tried to communicate to ask why she was sitting in the middle of the road. She continued to clutch the Beanie with her left arm and kept pointing to her right. The Soldiers investigated and found that there was an "IED" planted in the middle of the road not far from where she was sitting. If she had not been there, chances are the convoy would have run over the bomb and more American lives would have been lost. Her desire was to show her support for Americans and to protect our guys. As a result of our Soldiers being compassionate and generous with the Iraqi people, a small girl saved the lives of several men. That is why our Soldiers need small stuffed animals to carry with them.
 
This will be an opportunity to connect with our troops, help make the stay of our men and women in the armed forces a little easier, and also help us understand the sacrifice that they are going through by hearing it first hand from those that have served. The money raised will be used for postage to send the items to the troops. I hope for a large turnout and would like to have everyone that rides in this event to have a flag attached to their bike to show their support for our Country. More information will follow in next week's letter. Watch the Rides and Events calendar on www.cyclerides.com for the flyer.

 


 

In This Issue: 
Thursday, February 2nd. First Night of the NEW
Drivers Sports Grill Thursday Bike Night.
  With Giveaways, Raffles, Saxon Custom Motorcycle Display!
Saturday, February 5th.
Chili Lover Cookoff.
Sunday, February 6th.
A.B.A.T.E. Superbowl Poker Run 


This Week's Events  
Wednesday 

New! Hooters at 1-17 and Bell Rd. Wednesday Bike Night. Hooters at I-17 and Bell will be hosting a new Bike Night every Wednesday night from 6pm - 9pm. They will feature a "Ride In" Bike Show with weekly prizes for 1st - 3rd. And then, the third Wednesday of every month we will crown the Bike of the Month with a Grand Prize and will also be featured on Cyclerides.com as the "Bike of the Week". We will have $2 Bud, Bud Light, and Mich Ultra bottles. There will be 20% off of all food and merchandise when you ride in on your bike. Stop by for loads of Raffle Prizes. There will be VIP Motorcycle Parking and you will be greeted at the front door by a Hooter's Girl waiting to give you your raffle ticket. Hooter's is located in the Bell Canyon Shopping Center at 2834 W. Bell Rd., West of I-17 on Bell Rd. 602-375-0000.  

Thursday Night

Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the Valley.
New This Week!! 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. There will be food and drink specials on Bike Night. Drivers is easily accessible from I-10 at the Litchfield Rd. exit. Stop by the first night, February 3rd from 6-10 PM for tons of giveaways and a display of the 2005 Saxon Motorcycles.  

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. Every Third Thursday of the month Hooters is giving away a gift certificate for $1000 towards a custom paint job. 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.

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 right next to Genesis Custom Cycles 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!!
Wild Willy's Weekend Bike Days in Cave Creek. Stop by for Live Music this weekend and every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm. 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.

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.

This Week 

Through Sunday February 6th
Bourgets of Arizona Grand Opening Party Continues. For those of you that haven't heard, Bourgets of Arizona is Under New Ownership and Management. The new location is at 8355 E. Raintree Dr. in Scottsdale. Just 1/2 mile West of the Loop 101 on Raintree. The Bourget show truck will be on site displaying a huge inventory of the very latest new Bourget Motorcycles. Stop by for pictures with the Discovery bike. There will be daily Prizes and Giveaways at 5:30 pm. Prizes include: Free Bike Rentals, Leather Jacket, T-Shirts and Apparel, Duffle Bags and other items. The Bourget Show Truck will be there all week and the celebration will last through Sunday, February 6th.

For more information on any of these activities call 480-844-9200. 

Saturday, February 5th
Chili Lover Cookoff. Chili Cookoff located in Arlington on Old 80, SW of the Valley. Group ride leaves at 11am from 83rd Ave. and McDowell. $5.00 per adult or $2.00 per chili entry. $3.00 for kids. Live Music, Vendors, 50/50 and more. Cash prizes to the Best Chili Entries. To enter your chili contact Terrye at 623-826-5293. 

Sunday, February 6th
A.B.A.T.E. Superbowl Poker Run. Poker Run sponsored by ABATE of AZ Phoenix Chapter. Sign-In from 9-10:30am at the Hometown Buffet at 2730 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix. $10 per hand. $2 for extra cards drawn at last stop. 50/50 drawing and Door Prizes. Run Ends at The Branded located at 6411 N. 59th Ave. Last card drawn at 2:00pm. More information at Dwayne at 623-873-3460 or Clyde at 602-285-0366. 

Next Week 

Saturday - Monday, February 12th - 14th
Chosa's Harley-Davidson Harley Hearted Valentine Sale. Valentine’s Day is a tricky holiday. You never know what signal certain gifts send. Fear not, romantics, because Chosa’s Harley-Davidson can steer you through the Valentine gift-giving mine field with sweet in-store specials! Nothing says “I like you a lot, but I’m not ready for the picket fence” better than the wide selection of Genuine Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes™. Tier Discounts on Genuine Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® purchases, including leather jackets, chaps & vests. And if you’re looking for the ultimate expression of love, consider giving the one thing that says “Let’s run away together,”10% off selected jewelry. No matter what message you want to send, a Valentine’s gift from Chosa’s Harley-Davidson can say it perfectly – and with a lot more feeling that a box of chocolates. Saturday, Feb 12 from 8am to 5pm, Sunday, Feb 13 from 10am to 4pm, Monday, Feb 14 from 8am to 7pm. Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.
 
Saturday, February 12th
2nd Annual H.O.G. Chapter Chili Challenge. The HOG Chili Challenge is on! Hosted by Superstition Harley-Davidson. H.O.G. Chapters from around the valley compete for the best chili. People's choice determines the winning Chapter. Stop by and cast your vote for the best chili 10am 'til its all gone! Vote for your favorite tasting chili! One vote per person. Free beverages provided by Superstition Harley-Davidson. The Chapter with the most votes takes the trophy home for 1 year until the next Chili Challenge. Donations are accepted with all proceeds benefiting the Apache Junction High School JV Baseball Team and Washington D.C. Trip Students. Superstition HD is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600.
 
Saturday, February 12th
Superstition Harley-Davidson Sweetheart Sale. Stop by Superstition Harley-Davidson from 8am - 5pm to find that perfect  gift that says, "Be My Valentine" Harley style. You can take advantage of 20% storewide savings on MotorClothes and 10% off Genuine Harley Davidson Parts and Accessories. There will also be door prizes and a free hot dog barbeque from 10am to 2pm. And while you are there, vote for your favorite tasting chili at the 2nd Annual H.O.G. Chapter Chili Challenge starting at 10am. Superstition HD is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600.
 
Saturday, February 12th
Making a Brighter Day Ride For New Life Poker Run. Ride from Glendale to Black Canyon City to raise money for the New Life Center. 100% of all proceeds will benefit the New Life Center, a 64 bed domestic violence shelter located in Goodyear. Ride starts at Arrowhead Community Bank located one block N. of Bell Rd. on 75th Ave. in Glendale. Sign in from 8am - 10am. Ride ends at Rock Springs Cafe. $30 per hand, add $10 to double up. Registration includes Continental Breakfast, Poker Hand, Ride Pin, Shirt and Lunch at Rock Springs. Raffle prizes and 50/50. For more information call Belinda at Arrowhead Community Bank at 623-776-0800.
 
Sunday, February 13th
Sweetheart Run and Dance Sponsored by MMA of Arizona. Run from 2pm - 4pm. Pot Luck Dinner and Dance at 6pm with Live Music by The Retros. Run start and sign in at Chaparral at 2pm located at 325 S. Main St. in Cottonwood, AZ. Dinner and Dancing  begins at 6pm at the American Legion Hall in Cottonwood. $10 per person, $15 per couple. For more information call Dusty at 928-649-1213.
 
Sunday, February 13th
V-Twin Consignments 1st Annual Customer Appreciation Day.  There will be food , drawings, giveaways, and 15% off of everything in stock and on all orders placed that day, as well as a mobile dyno machine, get a dyno print out for $25.00. Clean out your garage and get your consigned parts in before that day. For more information about new or used parts and service phone 602-548-5799, and are located at 1716 W. Bell Rd.

Extras 

A couple of weeks ago I asked women to email me a picture of them with their bikes. Several have submitted their pictures and you can now view them. Click Here. If you are a women rider and have a shot of you by your bike, email it to me at info@cyclerides.com to be included in the gallery.  
 
You never know if emails you get forwarded to you are true or not, so I usually check with www.snopes.com to see what they say. This is one that was forwarded that shows a mule supposedly killing a mountain lion. Whether is true or not, these are some pretty interesting pictures. Click Here to read the story and view the pictures.
 
Here is a video that gets me every time I watch it. It's almost like you can hear the bones break. And at the end, the cameraman shows that he has a firm grasp of the obvious. Click Here.
 
As for me this week, I will be attending the opening night of the Drivers Thursday Bike Night. Then I am going to try to get a little riding in on the weekend before watching the Patriots win their 3rd Superbowl in the last 4 years. Have fun and enjoy the weather. 

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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