Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/4/04 

Greetings Riders,
 
I'm guessing everyone is getting some good use out of their leathers these days. When we are used to 90+ degree days for the bulk of our riding, 55 seems pretty cool. I mentioned last week how cool it was here and got an email from a guy in Chicago that is moving to Phoenix. Now this guy gets my iron man rider of the year award. Here is what he said: "I ride all year long here in Chicago, and can't believe people wouldn't ride when it is in the 50'60's out there. I went to my HOG chapter meeting last week, and it was 10 degrees below zero.  I bought my Dyna to ride, not to look pretty in the garage. I got it in mid April last year and have put over 17,000 miles on it". OK, I give! You Win! I would NEVER ride in 10 below zero. But let's see how he does when it hits 115 here in good ole' AZ. You can always add clothing, but it is hard to take anymore off (and not get arrested).
 
This week I wanted to share with you a little ride that we took last Sunday that might work for some of you particularly on the West side. I am not making this a Day Ride, but it is something to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors on the motorcycle. One of Mrs. Cyclerides and my favorite things to do on the motorcycles is to just get out and explore. Have a starting destination in mind and then just end up wherever we end up. We were wanting to take a little ride before the Superbowl last Sunday so we headed out to this new "Hometown" concept development called Verrado. We knew it was out at the base of the White Tank Mountains so we decided to take the 35 mile ride and see what all of the fuss was about. It is actually a very cool concept. They already have the "Town" built with the Main Street, but there are few businesses operating yet. There are several model homes for you to tour as well as taking a walk around the town. While you are there you can ride West around the golf course to the base of the White Tank mountains for a great view of the Phoenix area. You can literally see for miles from that vantage point. If you go around lunch time or just want to relax, the Raven golf course at Verrado is open and you can eat lunch on the patio overlooking the 18th green. We just parked the bikes right out front of the clubhouse. To get to Verrado just take I-10 West of the Loop 101 for 14 miles to the Verrado Way exit. Go North about 2 miles to the Town.
 
If you are going back North you can take the Loop 303 North all the way to Grand Ave. If you are inclined, you can go North on Grand about 3/4 of a mile and turn right on 163rd Ave. and take that about 3 miles to Jomax Rd. Turn right on Jomax Rd. that will take you by one of the biggest houses up on a hill that I have ever seen. This thing must be around 20,000 sq. ft. Definitely overbuilt for the neighborhood. But here is where it gets interesting. A little way past that you will see a sign that the pavement ends, but the road is extremely hard-packed and appears to have been asphalt at some time in the past. This road will take you through beautiful raw desert with large saguaro cactus. I saw the biggest multiple armed cactus I had ever seen on this road. Here is a pic taken with my cell phone. If you continue on you will go through about 2-3 miles of rougher road and hit pavement again which will take you to Lake Pleasant Rd. (99th ave). The total distance on Jomax is 10 miles. You will see a sign that says Road Closed (Local Traffic Only) in some construction areas, but you can pass through these areas. If you don't like rougher roads don't go through here. But if you like a little excitement in your ride, give it a shot. Mrs. C. and I both rode our bikes through this stretch. Once you reach Lake Pleasant Rd. you are on your own.
 
Next week I will be previewing the details and locations of the Miss Arizona Bikeweek competition preliminary locations. Here is last years competition page. The first one will be at Margarita Rocks on February 18th. This year there will be cash prizes to the preliminary winners and the Finals winner will receive a 7 Day Vacation. If you would like to enter the competition, email info@cyclerides.com and request to sign up for the first event.
 
I will be back next week (hopefully) with the story about my first ever Sky Diving experience. We will be heading out to Eloy this weekend to strap a parachute on my back and leap out of an airplane from 13,000 feet. The plan is to free fall for 1 minute and take about 4 minutes for the rest of the ride. Hopefully we won't be using the Chinese made parachute that only opens on impact. I will have pictures and video to share with you.

For all Rides and Events go to www.cyclerides.com

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In This Issue: 

Wednesday:
First Night of Margarita Rocks Beach Club Bike Night
Thursday:
First Night of Jilly's American Grill Bike Night
First Night of Jetz Americana Thursday Bike Night

Saturday:
Valentine's Sale for the Hog Hearted at Arrowhead and Chandler Harley-Davidson
Desert Rose Chili Lovers Cook Off
Planes, Trains, Automobiles & Up On Two Wheels

Sunday:

New! Live Music Now at Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day from 1-4pm

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This Week's Events 

Sunday 

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. NEW!! Live Music Every Sunday from 1-4pm. 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.