Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/15/06 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, our almost 5 month stretch with no rain finally ended, and it acted like it was playing catch up. Some parts of the Valley received 2 inches of rain in 24 hours. That doesn't seem like much for the people back East, but for the desert that is almost 1/3 of our total annual rainfall in one day. Not only did the Valley get needed rain, but the higher elevations got plenty of snow as well. This is not something that I thought about doing, but a local avid rider, Mary K, took a ride up Hwy. 87 towards Payson and got a great shot of Four Peaks covered with snow.
 
Hearts To Heroes Update:
 
The Hearts To Heroes Ride is really coming together and should be a gratifying experience for anyone who attends. If you go to one event this year, this would be the one to go to. This is your opportunity to show support for our troops and to donate needed comfort goods to send to our Soldiers. 

The format of the ride will be similar to last year. We will start at Christ's Church of the Valley, more commonly known as CCV located at 67th Ave. and Happy Valley Rd. This building seats over 3000 people and I hope to use them all. As we did last year, we ask that you bring some of the needed goods that are listed on this page and a $10 donation that will be used for postage to send the packages. 100% of the proceeds go to PFH. They say DVD movies are the most popular item right now. Registration will begin at 8am with coffee, doughnuts and water provided by CCV. The program inside the Church will begin at 10am. The T-Shirts came out AWESOME and will also be available this year at a cost of $10 per shirt. There will only be 2000 shirts available, so if you want one, you should get there early. They are very patriotic. Here is what the front and back will look like.
 
The program inside the Church will feature a full multi-media presentation on two 20' screens including singing of the National Anthem by Erin, video testimonies from a Soldier just back from Iraq after having been seriously injured from an IED and a Mom who lost her Son last year getting the devastating news on Mother's Day. We will also have a video tribute to all Veterans, a special tribute to Vietnam Veterans, a live on stage tribute to 8 World War II Veterans, an on stage Q&A with Soldiers that have served in Iraq, an encore performance by Jonnie and Brookie singing "American Tears" and a few other things thrown in as well. My biggest problem right now is that I have more material than time allowed.
 
After this presentation at 11 am we will be escorted by Sheriff Joe and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to Glendale Community College where we will have a couple of speeches and watch 6 sky divers jump from the sky each carrying a flag from a branch of service followed by the American Flag. Country music recording artist "Erin" will close out the event with a special 45 minute concert. Food will be available at GCC.
 
I encourage everyone to attend to this event. This will be a very moving and patriotic experience. Please attach a flag to your bike to show your support. Click here for needed goods and drop off locations if you do not want to carry them on your bike. Only 2000 T-Shirts will be available.  
 
Click Here for last week's story about the ride.
 

 
Arizona Bike Week 2006
 
A lot of you know that Arizona Bike Week is coming up and this year it starts on March 31st and runs till April 9th. Arizona Bike Week is under new ownership and is celebrating the 10th year anniversary for ABW. The new owners have promised this will be the best ABW so far. After the last 2 years of undesirable conditions at Rawhide, it is good news that the event has been moved back to Westworld where it was before the move to Rawhide. I think we had all pretty much had it with "Arizona Dust Week" and the move back to Westworld should be a step in the right direction. At least there is asphalt to park on and grass at the venue.
 
I hadn't heard much about ABW this year, so I called Ed LeClere, one of the new owners of ABW to find out what was going on that would make me want me to participate in the 10th Anniversary of the event. He mentioned that this year, they had gotten together a group of riders from the community to help organize the event from a biker perspective. He felt that this would help them include more activities that the riding community would be interested in. I am looking forward to see what they have come up with. After the past couple of years experience, I plan to keep my expectations moderate and hope to be pleasantly surprised by the infusion of fresh ideas and direction from the new ownership. Yes Ed, the pressure is on, this is the new ownership's time to shine and turn this in to a marquee event for the Southwest. Give us something Arizona can be proud of and would want to invite our friends from out of State to participate in this event. We are all watching and will turn in our report cards on April 10th.
 
From what I can tell, there is not much change in the structure of the event. The basic blueprint of ABW is about the same as it has been in the past. The event will officially kick off on March 31st with major parties at the following HD dealerships and parties throughout the Valley. Charity rides will be available the entire week as well. Cyclefest will begin on Wednesday, April 5-9 at Westworld with Vendors, Demo Fleets from Kawasaki, Yamaha and  Harley-Davidson, concerts and activities in the Handlebar Saloon featuring Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who and John Kay and Steppenwolf. There will be a $25 admission that will cover all 5 days. And if you are out riding around throughout the week, The Billet Bar will again be the hot spot to be at any time on Scottsdale Rd. You will always find a lot of bikes going in and out of The Billet. There will be additional secure parking just South across the street again this year. See you there.
 
Here are a few of the highlights of where you can go for entertainment the first weekend.
 
Friday, March 31st.

Superstition Rev-Up Weekend from 4-8 PM featuring country music star Harry Luge Live in Concert from 6:00-8:00 PM. Beer Garden and Free Food. Free concert Saturday 2-4 PM.
Chester's Harley-Davidson 1st Annual Backstage Biker Bash. 3-10 PM. Live Music featuring Metalhead and Chuck E. Baby and the All Stars. Happy Hour 3-10 featuring Bass Beer and Free Food.
8th Annual Hacienda Harley-Davidson Kickstart Party. 5-11 PM. Live Bands on 2 stages. Vendor Village, Trick Riders, Food and Drink.
 
Saturday, April 1st.
Buddy Stubbs 40th Anniversary Big Party. All Day Festivities 11am - 10pm. Main Stage with 3 Live Bands throughout the day featuring Branscombe Richmond. BBQ, Beer Garden and Stunt Shows.
 
Sunday, April 2nd
Paul Yaffe Originals and the World Famous Billet Bar present The PYO Bash. Come by and see the inner workings of Paul Yaffe Originals.  Noon to 5Pm.  Chicks, Cars, Bikes, Food, Beer, Live Music from The Western Bone Cleavers.  Follow us to the Billet Bar for the after party, 5pm - 2am. 
The Cave Creek Spring Festival at The Roadhouse. Live Music from 11am - 7pm, Food-Drink Specials, Free T-Shirt Giveaway. Huge outdoor venue. Print out flyer for discount.
Trifecta at The Steel Horse Saloon. Custom Bike Show and Blowout. 10am - 6pm. Bike Show, Live Music Concerts, Arm Wrestling Championships, Food, Drinks and Vendors.
 
Tuesday, April 4th
Scottsdale Tuesday Night Party. This is always one of the most fun and well attended events of the week. Starts on Craftsmen Ct. in Old Town Scottsdale 6pm at Acme, Dos Gringos, the Venue and The Billet Bar on Scottsdale Rd.
 
Friday, April 7th
AHDRA Nitro-Kickoff Party Custom Car & Bike Show. Meet drag racers. Free food and car show at Arrowhead and Chandler Harley-Davidson.
 
Some Rides To Consider:
 
Saturday, April 1st
Colter and Associates Ride. Run to benefit Colter and Associates Foundation. Starts from Hacienda Harley-Davidson.
 
Sunday, April 2nd
3rd Annual Arizona Discovery Ride. Leaves from Superstition Harley-Davidson for a scenic ride through the Rim Country. Benefits Phoenix Children's Hospital.
 
Monday, April 3rd
Sunshine Acres Charity Poker Run. Leaves Chandler Harley-Davidson for a ride to Tortilla Flat. Ride benefits Sunshine Acres.
 
Wednesday, April 5th
Wednesday Riding For Kids. Popular 250 mile poker run through the high country. Leaves Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Benefits Make-a-Wish.
 
Thursday, April 6th
Classie Lassie Ride. Ladies Only ride to benefit Arizona Institute for Breast Health.
 
Friday, April 7th
United Mesa Firefighters Poker Run. Ride leaves from Superstition Harley-Davidson. Benefits Muscular Dystrophy and Local Fire Fighter Charities.
 
Saturday, April 8th
7th Annual Torch Run. Leaves Chester's Harley-Davidson benefiting Special Olympics.
 
Sunday, April 9th
Logan's Run. Escorted Ride that leaves from Cyclefest benefiting the Children In Need Foundation.
 
Sunday, April 9th
10th Annual MDA Rally and Silent Auction. Ride leaves from Arrowhead Harley-Davidson to benefit MDA.

 

Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, March 18th
Chili Cookoff at Buddy Stubb's Harley-Davidson. Chili Cook-off between the Phoenix Police Dept. and the Phoenix Fire Department.
 
Saturday, March 18th
Valle Luna Angel Run. Charity Motorcycle Ride for Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona.
 
Saturday, March 18th
Superstition Harley-Davidson Gear Up Demo Day. Free Demo Rides on new Harley's.
 
Saturday, March 18th
Choppers and Charity Poker Run and Vacation Auction. Soroptimist International of the Kachinas presents 

 

This Week's Bike Night Events 

Tuesday Nights 

Chester’s Harley Davidson Biker Night at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe!  If you are looking for some fun on a Tuesday night, With 2 outdoor patios and plenty of excitement, This place is a good time! The Tilted Kilt is home to the best Scotch-Irish experience in Arizona, with an award-winning menu, classic pub fare, and signature Kilt items sure to please any palate—not to mention twenty four globe-spanning beers on tap!  Biker Night Tuesdays also mean $3 Jack Daniels and half-price appetizers.  And, with a Tilted Kilt Biker Night Card, you receive 15% OFF your total bill.  So what are you waiting for? Come on down and have a craic with Chester’s Harley-Davidson! The Tilted Kilt is located at 660 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe, AZ. Just 1.5 miles East of I-10 on Warner Rd. 480-592-0102. Click Here for Map. 

Thursday Night 

Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill have teamed up to bring riders in the Far East Valley a great Thursday bike night. Now riders in the far East Valley can enjoy a great Thursday Bike Night, thanks to Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill!  Ride up on your bike between 7pm and 10pm and receive a FREE hamburger!  That’s right, every rider to show up on their bike between 7-10pm will receive a free hamburger! Don’t miss out on the great prizes you could win from Superstition Harley-Davidson. Spirits is located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). Come sit on the patio and watch the bikes roll in, stay inside and enjoy a game of pool, and friendly wait staff and the large dance floor is always open.  Spirits is the hottest Bike night place to be in the east valley. The LEGEND of Spirits Lives on. More info at Superstition HD at 480-346-0600 or Spirits at 480-986-5572. 

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  

The "Hog Pen" at the Roadhouse Bike Weekend. Take a ride and stop by the "Hog Pen" at The Roadhouse, the Hottest New motorcycle patio in Cave Creek where every weekend will be Bike Weekend. Now Featuring a new Breakfast Buffet from 8am - Noon on Saturday and Sunday and Live Music on the patio every Sunday from Noon - 4pm! Grab a seat at the new Hog Pen bar rail and watch the bikes ride by. There is plenty of new concrete motorcycle parking right out front. CCR is located on Cave Creek Rd. in the heart of Cave Creek directly across from Harold's. It is a restaurant and bar that focuses on a broad menu of good food and has a large bar for socializing with your riding pals for a good time. It is built to look like something out of the 1800's, but it is brand new. Stop by this weekend for lunch, dinner or just to have a drink and take a look at the place. I can tell you that their hamburgers and steak fries are exceptional. Mrs. C. had the swordfish and said it was very good.
Live Music Every Weekend:

Thursday: Live Music with "Todd & Ethan" 8:30pm - Midnight

Friday: Live Music with "Chris Parker Project" 9pm - 1:30am

Saturday: Live Music with "Easton Ashe" 9pm - 1:30am

Sunday Afternoon: Live Music with "Dok and Gal" Noon - 4pm

Sunday Evening: Live Music with "Danny Rhodes" 5-9pm

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. Live Music from 10am on the patio.
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 

Saturday, March 18th
Chili Cookoff at Buddy Stubb's Harley-Davidson. Chili Cook-off between the Phoenix Police Dept. and the Phoenix Fire Department. Tasting last ALL DAY from 10am - 5pm. You don't want to miss over 80 entrants cooking up lip smackin' chili and BBQ. Music by Midway. Celebrity judging (including the Mayor of Phoenix). Winners will be judged by People's Choice. Stop by Buddy Stubbs listen to some live music, grab a bowl of Chili and you decide who will win. Buddy Stubbs HD is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. 602-971-3400. 1966-2006 Celebrating 40 Years.
 
Saturday, March 18th
Valle Luna Angel Run. Charity Motorcycle Ride for Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona. Leaves Valle Luna Restaurant located at 33rd and Bell Rd. Registration from 8-9am. BBQ lunch after ride to Roadrunner Steakhouse & Saloon, lunch at 11am, 47801 N Black Canyon Hwy. $25 per bike, $10 passenger includes Ride Pin and Shirt, complimentary breakfast and BBQ Lunch. Raffle/50-50/Music at Valle Luna. Ride ends at 3pm. Ride stops at Valle Luna on Cave Creek, Buffalo Chips, Roadrunner, Wild Horse West. For more information call 602-820-8267.
 
Saturday, March 18th
Superstition Harley-Davidson Gear Up Demo Day. Did you hear?  Superstition Harley-Davidson is helping you Gear-Up for The Rides of March™.  Now through March 15th, Purchase any NEW bike from Superstition Harley-Davidson and you’ll be entered to win head to toe riding gear.  That's a value of $650!  Be sure to come to Gear Up for The Rides of March Demo Day!  That's March 18th – you can test ride a Harley from 10 to 3 pm.  Enjoy FREE BBQ from 11am to 1pm.  We'll have great savings – get 10% off boots and gloves!  Best of all, the winner of the head to toe Gear will be announced – and it could be you! Superstition HD is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600. Click Here for Map.
 
Saturday, March 18th
Choppers and Charity Poker Run and Vacation Auction. Soroptimist International of the Kachinas presents: Choppers & Charity Poker Run & Vacation Auction. Proceeds to benefit the West Valley Child Crisis Center.  Poker run includes cash prizes for high and low hand, free ride t-shirt, happy hour cash bar, catered dinner, live band Noize Bone, silent and live auctions including vacation packages.  Emceed by Channel 3's Mike Watkiss.  March 18, 2006, Visa and Mastercard accepted, $50.  For information and reservations contact Kathy Copeland 623-930-3307 or 623-764-8091. 

Next Week 

Saturday, March 25th
Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes. Don't miss this one! This is your chance to show your support for our troops and help make their stay in Iraq and Afghanistan a little easier. Our troops need our support more now than ever. Join me on Saturday, March 25th for a tribute to the troops that you won't soon forget. Sign in at Christ's Church of the Valley, located at 67th Ave. and Happy Valley from 8-10am. Multimedia tribute to our troops begins at 10am inside the Church on two 20' screens and will last about 40 minutes. We will then ride to Glendale Community College football stadium where we will listen to some speakers and watch as 6 skydivers jump to the center of the GCC football field each carrying a flag of a different branch of service and the last one with the American Flag. This will be followed with a one hour concert by Nashville recording artist "Erin". $10 donation as you ride in and a few items for the troops. 2000 T-Shirts will be for sale at $10 per shirt. Click Here to see the shirt. Click Here to view the flyer. Get your riding clubs and friends to attend to honor our fighting Soldiers.
 
Saturday, March 25th
Spring Demo Day at Chester's Harley-Davidson. Sweet mother of all things steel and chrome! Its Demo Day at Chester’s Harley! Time to test ride the bikes, Saturday, March 25th from 9am-4pm. Then for $2 bucks get yourself a stuffed Idaho Spud—complete with chili and all the toppings—and the best part, your $2 goes straight to the Child Crisis Center East Valley. Stop by and test drive the Harley you've always wanted to ride. Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. Click Here for Map.
 
Saturday, March 25th
Ride To Save The Family Motorcycle Run. Check in at Superstition Harley-Davidson, 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction from 8-10am. Continental Breakfast, Raffle Prizes, Buffet Lunch, Live Band, T-Shirt and Ride Pin to the first 500 riders pre-registered. Ending location is Apache Gold Casino in San Carlos, AZ. $20 per person or $30 per couple. More information at 480-898-0228.
 
Sunday, March 26th
1st Annual Takin' The Ride For Fallen Officers. 150 miles of beautiful Arizona desert, lakes, tourist attractions and East Valley Cities. All proceeds to support the families of fallen officers in the U.S. and Canada. Sign in from 8am - 11am at Taser Headquarters located at 17800 N. 85th St. in Scottsdale, AZ. Poker Run begins at 10am.  BBQ at 4pm back at Taser Headquarters. Entry Fee is $25 per person, $40 per couple for the poker run. Prizes, Entertainment, Beer Tent. More information at 480-905-2090. 

Extras 

If for some reason you do not get the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update, you can always read it from the front page of www.cyclerides.com .
 
More video of guys riding sport bikes and providing incredible crash videos for us to watch. Click Here to view.
 
Here is video of an actual IED explosion in Iraq. Click Here to view.
 
Here is another crosswind landing of a 747. Wow! Click Here to view.
 

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All, 

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

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