Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/6/08
 

Greetings Riders, 
Well, Super Bowl 42 is FINALLY over. It was exciting having it in our City and was certainly good for the economy, but I'm glad to have it successfully completed and moving on to the next City taking the rain with it so we can get to some good riding weather. Amazing how a 60 minute game can be talked about that much for 2 years ahead of when game is played. My hat is off to all who planned and organized this event. It made the Valley look really good to the rest of the world. Now maybe some of those people can move here and prop up our property values.
 
Every once in a while a charity ride will come along that intrigues me enough to want to take a closer look. I like to tour the charity facilities to find out more about the entity and what the money is being used for so that I can report this to those who might be interested in supporting these organizations. And like a lot of you, I am especially drawn to organizations that help kids and animals. And being up close to wild animals particularly intrigues me. Must be the fact that we can never get close to them in the wild that peaks my interest.
 
You might have seen a run listed on the site called The Bikers Soar For Wildlife Poker Run to benefit the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. After visiting the Wildlife Center located in North Phoenix at Pinnacle Peak and I-17 a couple of years ago, I arranged another tour of the facility to see how they were doing. You are now probably wondering, what is the Wildlife Center? The Wildlife Center was founded in May of 1983. They are into their 22nd year of operation. The Arizona Game and Fish Department was the first government agency in the nation to include the component of wildlife rehabilitation into its program. The center exists to:
* Care for all sick or injured native wildlife.
* Provide opportunities for the public to learn about the special needs of our state's wildlife.
* Work with licensed rehabilitators to ensure the best needs of our wildlife are served.
* Rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife and return it to the wildlands of the state.
 
To get an even better idea of what the Wildlife Center does is to read their mission statement. "The mission of The Wildlife Center at Adobe Mountain is to act in cooperation with The Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide rehabilitative care for ill or injured wildlife, and to be an outstanding resource for education concerning Arizona's  unique assortment of wild animals.  The Wildlife Center will accomplish this mission by providing the finest possible care to the animals residing at the center and by promoting positive relations and continuing education to volunteers, rehabilitators, and the public." From what I could tell, they are accomplishing all of these goals.
 
My tour started with Sandy Cate, the coordinator and the ONLY paid employee at the center and a volunteer Julie Tolby. She gave me the overview of the operation which I covered above and we were off to explore the facilities. This time we started our tour down the cages with the injured birds starting with a very friendly and personable Black Crowned Night Heron. We were then on to some Falcons, Northern Groshawk and then to the Bobcat. It was fun to see the birds, but being in the cage with a Bobcat will increase your pulse a little bit.  He was on the ground when we opened the door, but made his way up the ramp to survey us from above. Sandy said that he might want to come down and check me out, so to remain still if he did. For me, that was right up there with waiting for my colonoscopy. I wanted to see him up close, but I was fine with him being content on his perch.
 
We went down the other side to view some more birds that were in various stages of injury either waiting to heal and be reintroduced to the wild, or some that would be there forever. This is where we saw 2 of my favorites. One you can see a lot of places in the wild, the Roadrunner. These guys are REALLY hyper and never stop running back and forth. The other bird that intrigues me is the Great Horned Owl. For some reason, I can sit and look at these things forever. They seem mysterious, smart and smug all at the same time.
 
This year I got to put on the leather glove and handle some of the birds. The first one that got to come out and play was a Peregrine Falcon. Although this bird looks fairly mean in the cage, it was really very calm once he got on my hand. But as you can see by the photo, he always kept an eye on me as we were posing for pictures. The next one that got to come out was a Barn Owl. These are very interesting looking birds, kind of creepy in a way. Not sure what to compare them to, they have a look all their own. I'm guessing Alfred Hitchcock had one of these as a pet. In this photo we are playing the game of "whooo blinks first". Get it? I lost. The last of the small birds was a burrowing owl. This one was really cute and didn't mind posing for pictures. What a fun little guy.
 
The last one I got to hold was really a rare treat. To accommodate the power of the claws on this mighty bird, we had to amp up the glove style to keep him from doing some real damage to your arm. This beautiful bird is a Golden Eagle named Magnum. I was amazed at the tight grip that Magnum would have on my arm and was much heavier than I had anticipated. After a couple of minutes of holding my arm out with him on it, I was ready to give him back. Now I see how eagles can swoop down and pick up large animals and carry them away. They are very powerful birds. But he was really accommodating and didn't seem to mind some time for a photo op. Next to Magnum in another cage by himself was a Montana Bald Eagle. He too was a beautiful bird, but much more hyper than the Golden. Click Here for short video of the transfer of Magnum to my arm.
 
After show and tell with the birds, we headed inside the medical building where they do some rehabilitation with the animals on site. Here is where they have 2 of the cutest little prairie dogs that I have ever seen. One of them was named "digger" and I think the other was "oggy". Now this is one that I could have taken home for a pet. But I'm not sure that is legal. The last critter of the day was a little Hedgehog. The quills on this guy are like that of a porcupine, but they don't release when you touch them. An fun little guy.
 
Once again it was a fun and educational trip to the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. In fact, that is one of the major benefits of this facility. Not only do they nurse animals back to health and release them back to the wild when possible, the center also visits thousands of students every year to connect the kids to the living world. By bringing these wild animals to the school they create an educational experience that goes beyond books, television or internet. The program is designed to encourage students to establish a personal commitment to conserving Arizona's wildlife.
 
From the beginning the Wildlife Center has run on a small budget and currently operates on an annual budget of $15,000.00 per year, deriving all operational resources from the Heritage Fund's "Lottery Dollars Working for Wildlife" and private donations. How can you help? Through monetary donations and by volunteering your time to help feed, care for and work with these orphaned and injured wildlife temporarily in their care. You can Click Here to learn how to make a tax deductible donation or Click Here to learn how to become a volunteer. Or you can call Sandy Cate at 623-582-9806. If any of you would want to make a considerable gift to the Center, Sandy told me that they could really use a 10x12 building constructed on the premises. So if you are an animal lover and have some extra money, here is your opportunity to make a difference by helping rehabilitate injured wild animals.
 
Another way to do it, is to participate in the 3rd Annual Bikers Soar For Wildlife Ride on Sunday, February 17th. The donation is $25 per rider and $35 per couple for the 120 mile ride if you do the whole route. This includes lunch for all registered, T-Shirt and ride pin to the first 300 registered. Click Here for location and start time.
 
Click Here for some great photos of the animals at the Wildlife Center.
Click Here for a short video clip of the
Bald Eagle in action. 


Highlights This Week 

Saturday, February 9th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Red, Wild and Hot.
This day has something for everyone including a Chili Cook-off!
 

February 9th and 10th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Pre-Valentines Sale.
There is a lot going on at Chandler Harley-Davidson this weekend.
Bike Blessing and 15% Off Selected Jewelry and Leather.


 

This Week's Bike Night Events 

Tuesday Nights
 

Chandler Harley-Davidson Two Wheeled Tuesdays.
Take a ride on a Tuesday Night to the Chandler HD Bike Night at the Tilted Kilt
. Bike night is every Tuesday night with food and drink specials, but Chandler Harley will be doing a special with live music the first Tuesday of every month. Enter drawing to win door prizes and gift certificates. For November, look forward to another special night at the Kilt. There will be Raffles, Vendors, Bike Competition, Portable Dyno Competition. Watch next week for weekly event specials. Bike night hosted at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe located at 660 W. Warner Rd. 

Thursday Night 

Fuzzy's Southwest Sports Grill Bike Night. Riders on the far west side in the Surprise area finally have a Bike Night. The brand new Fuzzy's Southwest will be hosting a bike night on Thursday Nights. Fuzzy's features an outdoor patio, 17 HD TV's, Pool Table, Large Horseshoe Bar and all glass front to see the bikes roll in. Enjoy Great Food, Pool, and Your Favorite Sporting Events all on new Flat Screens every Thursday Night at The Newest Bike Night In the Far West Valley. Bike Night Specials Include: 2.25 Corona's, Corona Light, Dos XX, Dos XX Amber, Pacifico, Tecate. $3.00 Jalapeno Poppers. $4.00 Super Spuds. $5.00 Chicken Tenders. $6.00 Baby Burgers. From 6-9pm. Fuzzy's is located 18795 N. Reems Rd. in Surprise at the corner of Reems and Grand Ave.
 
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 

Western Trails Ranch Bike Weekends with Live Music featuring Doc & Gal Rocking the Ranch every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm - 4pm with their Classic Rock Renditions, costume changes, and jokes. 12 Acres of pure fun in a Laid Back Old West Town. Two Large Dance Floors for those that want to cut loose. Four Regulation Horse Shoe Pits, Pool Table Room, Life Size Chess & Checkers. Nothing beats an open fire –lots of wood burning fire pits to keep you warm all winter long, we supply the wood.  Bar Food, Snacks, & Appetizers available. Secure Motorcycle Parking in the “Steel Horse Corral”. Western Trails Ranch is also a Special Event Venue! You can Rent the facility for your SPECIAL EVENT, Corporate Party, Concert, Weddings, Charity Events, Western Events or BIKE RUN at “The Ranch”. 623-521-0367. Western Trails is located (Map) at 37823 NW Grand Avenue Mile Marker 124 1/2
Morristown AZ. 
Click Here for more information. 
 

Harold's Cave Creek Corral Bike WeekendsThis is the patio that we have all been waiting for in Cave Creek. The new 4000 Sq. Ft. patio at Harold's is finally finished complete with misters, TV's and an outdoor bar. There is plenty of room to put some tables together and hang out with your riding group for breakfast, lunch or the cold beverage of your choice. 
Saturday: Every Saturday Patio Party 12-5. Drink Specials, $2.00 Bud / Bud light Bottles, $3.00 16oz Bud / Bud Light Aluminum Bottles & Widmer Hefeweizen Pints. $3.00 Margaritas, Sunrise, etc.. (new cuervo flavors; lime, orange, & pineapple)
Sunday: Every Sunday. All you can eat Breakfast Buffet $8.99 (from 8am - Noon). Sunday's are SERVICE INDUSTRY DAY (from 8am to close). Are you in the Service Industry. Golf, Hotel, Restaurant, etc. Show us your check stub & receive 20% off your entire bill because we appreciate all that you do.
(not valid on already discounted items) 

You can also choose from their full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu every day of the week. Plenty of new motorcycle parking right in front of the patio. A great destination patio for your weekend rides. Harold's is located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. 480-488-1906. 

Every Sunday 

The Popular Sugar Daddy's Sunday Biker Brunch. Voted Best Brunch in Phoenix New Times 2006. Sugar Daddy's is under new ownership and is undergoing a half million dollar makeover. The outdoor patio is being completely upgraded with new granite table tops and will be available for the new $9.00 all you can eat brunch. Sundays from 10am - 4pm. Live Music from 10am - 2pm.Enjoy the patio with $2 mimosa's, $4 Skye Bloody Mary's.
Buffet includes: French Toast, Fruit, Eggs Benedict, Potatoes, Rice Veggies, Salad, Pasta Salad, Chicken Marsala, Biscuits and Gravy and much more. Sugar Daddy's is located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. 480-970-6556. 

Events This Week 

Saturday, February 9th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Red, Wild and Hot. This day has something for everyone. Chili Cook-off time at Chester's Harley Davidson! Bring your best on Feb 9, 2008 from 11:00am-1:00pm! Be a participant or be a Judge!  Prizes awarded for "Best over all," "Hottest," "Most Unique," and "Best Named." Be a Blood Hero too! United Blood Service will have the Bloodmobile on site from 10:00am-2:00pm!  All donors will be entered to win a pair of Suns Tickets! You also have an opportunity to see awesome wild life on display from Liberty Wildlife. Come for food and fun and support GREAT organizations! Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.

 
Saturday and Sunday,
February 9th and 10th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Pre-Valentines Sale. There is a lot going on at Chandler Harley-Davidson this weekend. Need that perfect HD gift for your Valentine? Chandler HD is offering 15% off on select Leather, Jewelry and Watches. Stop by and pick something out for your loved one.
Saturday:
Renew Your Vows. Starts at 3pm. Foothills H.O.G. Chapter and the Black Sheep Motorcycle Club will have a minister for the re-celebrations.
BIKE BLESSING. Stop by at 3:30pm for an official Blessing of your Bike.
Bake Sale to Save Strays. 11am - 4pm. Proceeds to benefit The Arizona Humane Society. Come see why they call it "puppy love".
Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. Call 480-496-6800 for more information.
 
Saturday, February 9th
1st Annual Phoenix Dream Center Ride. The Phoenix Dream Center is a community of people that have a heart to serve those in need in and around our city. We are a community resource where people can get the tools and essential help they need to get a fresh start. At the Dream Center and throughout our community we provide hope by meeting both tangible and spiritual needs of those we serve. The Phoenix Dream Center extends a helping hand to thousands of people on a weekly basis by providing food, clothing shelter and life strategies to those in need. Ride begins at Biker's Bay located at 2530 E. Bell Road.  Check in 9am to 11 am.  Ride will make stops on the way to the Dream Center located at 3710 W. Grand Ave with a tour, gift giveaway and lunch. Live Music. $20 single, $30 double. 

Saturday, February 9th
East Valley A.B.A.T.E. Valentines Day Party. Party starts at 7pm at Arizona Joe's located at 417 S. Winchester Rd. in Apache Junction, AZ. for music and dancing. $5 per person. Raffle for a Romantic Weekend for Two, Door prizes and 50/50. Everyone Welcome. 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: Call Margie at 602-ABATE AZ (602-222-8329). 

Next Week 

Saturday, February 16th
Chester's Harley-Davidson Ride With Us. This is quickly becoming a popular event every month at Chester's HD. Last month there were over 70 riders from all over the valley that made their way to Chester's for this ride. This is a good opportunity to ride with some friends that you haven't met yet. Saddle up with Chester's Harley-Davidson for a beautiful ride to Gila Bend Saturday, February 16th. Ride Starts and Ends at Chester's located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. Registration from 9:00am - 10:00am. Stopping for lunch at Harrahs Casino in Maricopa. This is a FREE ride.  Call 480-894-0404 to reserve your spot.
 
Saturday, February 16th
Ride For Hope. H-I-M Motorcycle Ministry Presents Ride for Hope Charity Benefit. Proceeds to benefit 2 children ages 3 and 4 who lost their parents to domestic Violence. Sign in at Biker Bay - 2530 E. Bell Rd in Phoenix at 8am. Single Rider $20, Rider with Passenger $25. Final destination will be Food, Fun and Live Music. Ride ends at Cathedral Christian Center 16635 N. 51st. Ave. For more information call: 623-523-1077. For more details see flyer. Click Here.
 
Sunday, February 17th
3rd Annual BIKERS SOAR FOR WILDLIFE, The Poker Run will start at Steel Horse Saloon located at 1818 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix and is approximately 120 miles long if you ride the suggested route from one stop to the next, beginning to end.  We worked hard on trying to keep riders close to town while attempting to provide some wonderful Sonoran Desert scenery. Sign up early and receive a t-shirt with your registration fee.  Only the first 300 riders will receive a t-shirt and ride pin with their registration.  $25 per rider and $35 for rider and passenger. Lunch (included in registration) will be the choice of a hamburger or pulled BBQ pork, cowboy beans, cole slaw and chips. Registration starts at 8:00 and goes until 9:30. (We'll sign you up until everyone is included) Our goal is to send the last riders off no later than 10:00 a.m. Registration. Ride benefits the Wildlife Center at Adobe Mountain. Click Here for Complete details.
 

Sunday, February 17th
Arizona Military Heroes Bike Run. Ride to benefit AZ National Guard Soldiers and families. Registration is 8-9:30 am at Arizona Biker Leathers 13833 N. 19th Ave. NE Corner of 19th Ave and Thunderbird. Arizona National Guard personnel do not receive help from organizations that raise money for the General Troops. Enjoy meeting past and present military heroes and mothers of fallen hero's. For Information call Tom 623-848-0031. See flyer for more details.
 
Sunday, February 17th
David Kubista Fundraiser & Silent Auction. The Family and Friends of Dave Kubista will hold a Fundraiser and silent auction February 16th & 17th, 2008 at the Hideaway Grill.  The auction will start and 1:00 pm and end at 3:00 pm both days. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Dave Kubista who was injured in a motorcycle accident on November 3, 2007. Dave was hit on the left side by an oncoming SUV, which sent him flying from his bike, and severed his left foot. Dave also suffered a compound fracture of the left femur, as well as pelvic injuries. He's undergone surgeries to insert a rod in his left femur, another to install a plate to repair the separated pelvis, and the life changing surgery of a mid calf amputation of the left leg. Dave is self-employed. The driver of the SUV was not insured leaving Dave with the financial burden. Dave's family and friends are currently soliciting donations for auction items. If you would like to contribute or attend the auction, please contact Dianna Guyer at 623-544-9317. 

Extras 

Riding Season and Arizona Bike Week will soon be here. Don't miss out on a thing. Get the latest news and events right to your inbox. Sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update, Click Here.
 
Don't forget to mark your calendar for the 2008 Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes Ride. The date is set for Saturday, April 12th.
The event will once again be held at Christ's Church of the Valley at 67th Ave. and Happy Valley Rd. and will end at Westgate City Center next to the Dancing Fountains. Westgate has recently installed a new 30 foot giant LCD screen on one of the billboards that we will utilize. We plan to again talk to our troops live via satellite in Iraq with a special guest and are working on a national act for entertainment at Westgate. The theme this year will be honoring our troops that are now serving and welcoming home those that will be returning in March and April after their tours of duty. Please plan to attend and support our armed forces and thank them for their service. Many more details to follow in the next few weeks. 

Since this is the week of Super Tuesday, I thought I would throw in a funny video with political humor from the master of comedy, Bob Hope. Click Here to View.
 
Here is a funny Benny Hill video. It should be titled "be careful what you wish for". Click Here to View.
 
This is another creative 15 second commercial that will your mind wandering in the first few seconds. Click Here to View. Now tell me you weren't thinking something else.
 
I have gotten so many videos emailed to me lately, that you will be getting a couple of bonus videos for the next couple of weeks.
 
Now this will make you laugh out loud. Another funny animal clip. Click Here to View.
 
This one made me laugh as well. A funny and creative Fed Ex commercial. Click Here to View.
 
The Cyclerides.com Classifieds have already sold a lot of bikes. But there doesn't seem to be many parts listed. So, I am making the listing of motorcycle parts and motorclothes FREE! Just put 1234 in both the credit card spot and expiration. So clean out your garage and list your spare parts on the site for free. Motorcycles can still be listed for $10. Click Here for the Classifieds.
 

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

 
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours -  Take The Ride"

www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com

 

All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2008 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission. 
All rights reserved.