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Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/16/05

Greetings Riders,

Have you ever had those times where you had a craving for something? Maybe you had a great desire for a certain food like chocolate or even a nice juicy filet. Or maybe there is an activity that you haven't done for a while like golf, snow skiing or going to the lake, and all you can do is think about your last experience with that activity and when the time will come that you can do it again? A lot of times there might be conditions that keep you from your favorite activity. But that doesn't matter, your imagination can see through all of the distractions and continues to build your excitement to once again get out and enjoy the picture that your mind's eye is painting for you from reflections of the past.

Yes, you might have guessed it. For me, the activity that was on my mind's pallet was getting out on the open road and taking a nice long ride on my motorcycle. The rains and inclement weather have kept me from getting out of town and enjoying a relaxing ride through the countryside. When the sun came out last week and the temperatures approached 90 degrees my "ridestosterone" was reaching unsafe levels and needed to be released. It wasn't something that a doctor could cure, there was no pill to take, the only prescription was to block out the weekend, get the bike out and tack on about 450 miles to the odometer. So that is what we did.

On Saturday morning Mrs. C. and I woke up to brilliant sunshine and the prospects of 90 degrees here in the Valley. So we looked at each other and said: "Road Trip!" And that is exactly what we did. We packed a couple of sweatshirts and some sunscreen and headed Northwest to Wickenburg for our first encounter with the vibrant green desert and wildflowers blooming everywhere. The rains kept us from riding for the last couple of months, but as a result, is now providing us with scenery that we haven't seen for many years due to the recent drought. As we take these rides throughout the country I am always looking for those neat photo ops with the bike. Here is one I took on our way into Wickenburg.

After going through Wickenburg we were on our way to The Ranch House in Yarnell for some breakfast. This is a popular rider stop just as you top the hill going into Yarnell. Be sure and plan your next ride around a stop for breakfast or lunch there. The omelets and burgers are great. After a brief stop for breakfast we were itching to get back on the road and were on our way to Prescott via Kirkland Junction and Skull Valley. This area is already green and will only get more beautiful as the Summer temperatures continue. We took a quick spin down Whiskey Row and around the Courthouse and were on our way to Jerome. The ride up Mingus Mountain was fun and invigorating as the temperature dipped a little as we crested 7023 feet. You could still see some snow on the sides of some of the hills as you ride through, but the weather was perfect wearing a long sleeve t-shirt.

We stopped in Jerome for a quick stroll through the street and was soon on our way through Cottonwood to catch I-17 back home. We ended the day logging 250 miles in our 7 hour trip. While that lowered my "ridestosterone" level considerably, it was still at unsafe levels and needed a couple hundred more miles to get the "all clear" from the ride doctor.

Sunday morning we wanted to take in some of the beauty of the desert right here in the Valley area. I've said it before and I maintain that one of the most enjoyable and beautiful rides right here in our area is to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat. In fact, right now it is almost hard to ride out there because all you want to do is look and the beautiful green desert and the brilliant yellow and purple wildflowers. If you haven't been here before, we did the Tortilla Flat Day Ride that is on Cyclerides.com. This ride takes you past Saguaro Lake where you can stop at the restaurant there for a quick refreshment while overlooking the lake and then make your way out to Tortilla Flat for lunch and some cowboy entertainment. The mix of people here is interesting as you will find riders setting next to the snow birds enjoying the old Southwest. And if you get lost along the way, you can always look up on the mountain and see which way to Phoenix. Don't forget to take the 5 miles of pavement past Tortilla Flat. It is some of the most beautiful scenery of the whole ride.

As most of you know, this is the beginning of the prime riding season. Arizona Bike Week is coming up that will have several rides around the State that you can participate in. Or you can go to the Cyclerides.com Day Rides page for some ideas. Whatever rides you decide to do, I encourage you to get out and take advantage of the weather and the beauty of our State right now. But Beware!! With the wet weather we have had and the warm temperatures on the way, BUGS will likely be the topic of Bike Week. I will be adding new Day Rides to the site over the next couple of months. Click Here for a map to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat. Click Here for a map to Jerome via Wickenburg. Click Here for Photo Page to Jerome and Click Here for Photo Page to Canyon Lake.

If you are riding through Cave Creek this weekend take note of the long awaited Cave Creek Roadhouse that will be opening real soon. It is the new building located directly across the street from Harold's. This will be the "place to be" in Cave Creek for riders. I will be back to you next week with Grand Opening details.

Next week I will be outlining the events of Arizona Bike Week as I see it. I will go over the historically good rides and the ones that look interesting this year. If you would like to be added to the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update Letter, Click Here.

Hearts To Heroes Video Additions:
I have added some new videos from the ride. You can see the Video Tribute to Veterans and the Closing from Pastor Don Wilson. If you haven't seen this yet, I would highly recommend it. It is only 3 minutes. Click Here for the Video Page. There will also be clips of Jesse McGuire doing "God Bless America".

This Week's Events
Wednesday

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!! Second Week!
Here is one for those of you in the far East Valley!
Hooters Mesa Thursday Bike Night. Hooters in Mesa located at 6730 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. will host a Bike Night every Thursday night from 6-9 pm. If you haven't seen this Hooters yet you will have to stop by and take a look. This is one of the nicest locations that they have. Hooters will $2.00 Corona's and 20% off of food and merchandise if you ride your bike in. Stop by for raffles prizes every Thursday Night with Big Raffle prizes the first Thursday of every month. For more information call 480-396-9396.

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, $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

Wild Willy's Weekend Bike Days in Cave Creek.
Stop by for 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. This Sunday: Hans Olson, 10am - 2pm. Paris James, 2pm-5pm.
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

March 18th-20th
World of Wheels 36th Annual Custom Motorcycle, Car & Hot Rod Show. Featuring The All American Motorcycle Show. $300 Best of Show, Trophies and Prizes presented by Arizona Biker Information Guide. Enter your motorcycle for $30 for an 8x10 space. Show Features & Special Sections include: the All American Motorcycle Show, "50 Years of Chevy Small Block", "Street Heat", "Extreme Heat". World of Wheels is held at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, 222 E. Adams St. in Phoenix. Friday, 3-10pm. Saturday, 11am - 10pm. Sunday, 11am - 7pm. Admission: Adults - $12.50, (6-12) $5.00, Children 5 & under free. For more information call Kimmy at 623-334-1545.

Saturday, March 19th
3rd Annual American Legion Poker Run. Registration at Post 105 at the N.W. Corner of 35th Ave. and Thunderbird in Phoenix from 8am-10am with breakfast available from 7-9am and finishes at Post 61 in Avondale, AZ. Free Rally t-shirts and ride pins for first 100 entries. 1st place $250. Event will benefit our Veterans and Active Duty personnel and their families. For more information call Roland at 602-943-0070.

Saturday, March 19th
Valle Luna Angel Run. Charity Motorcycle Ride for Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona. Leaves Valle Luna Restaurant located at 33rd and Bell Rd. Sign in from 8-9am. BBQ lunch after ride to Roadrunner Steakhouse & Saloon, 47801 N Black Canyon Hwy. $25 per bike, $5 passenger includes Ride Pin and Shirt, complimentary breakfast and BBQ Lunch. Raffle/50-50/Music. Ride ends at 3pm. For more information call 602-820-8267.

Saturday, March 19th
St. Patty's Day MasterLink Benefit. Live Music, 50/50, Raffles, & More at Kid Chilleen's Bad Ass BBQ, located at I-17 (Exit 244) in Black Canyon City, AZ. Presented by ABATE to raise money for the publication & distribution of the MasterLink, Your information source for ABATE, protecting & supporting your riding FREEDOM in the great state of Arizona. 928 771-0380.

Sunday, March 20th
17th Annual Greasewood Poker Run. This is annually one of the biggest rides of the year. Usually 1000 riders. The ride begins at Arrowhead HD located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Dr. (1 block S. of Bell Rd. off 83rd. Ave.) Pre-register at Arrowhead Harley on Saturday for $20 per person which entitles you to Lunch, Ride Pin (to the first 1000 registered) Vendors and Live Music. $20 day of ride. Registration between 8am and 10:30am on the 20th. Ride ends at Rock Springs where you will enjoy the great sounds of Arizona's favorite band Mogollon, BBQ lunch and no host-cash bar. Large vendor area on site. Prizes to the top 3 Poker Hands. Big 50/50 drawing. For more information call Buck at 623-247-5542. See ya there.

Next Week

Saturday, March 26th
Copper State Cycles Pit Stop. If you are like me, I am always looking for a destination to ride to where there are other motorcycles. And if there are free hot dogs and refreshments that is even better. Copper State Cycles is starting their Weekend Warrior Pit Stop on Saturday March 12th and 26th from 11am - 4pm. Stop by for some refreshments, but while you are there check out their new line of Red Horse Custom Motorcycles that comes with NADA registration and the industries only 4 year unlimited mileage warranty and lifetime scheduled maintenance. Copper State is also the first to offer Certified Used Motorcycles that are inspected and are offered with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty. If it is "Simply Superior Service" that you need, Copper State has factory trained and certified technicians. They have the tools and technology to work on all makes and models. Stop by their showroom at 8245 E. Butherus in Scottsdale. Go East on 83rd Pl. off Hayden then one block to Butherus and turn right. Click Here for map. 480-596-6820.

Saturday, March 26th
Dream Riders For Kids. Proceeds to benefit Arizona Helping Hands, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation committed to helping kids, families and other persons in need. Registration begins at 8:00 am – Ride starts at 9:00 am. 25.00 single rider and $30.00 for double riders. Free t-shirts to 1st 250 registered riders. Morning donuts, coffee & juice provided free to all riders. Meet at Paradise Valley High School 40th Street and Bell Road. Finish in Fountain Hills at Phil’s Filling Station & Restaurant. Drink and food specials. Vendors…Raffles….Music…Prizes. For more information call 602.867.3828.

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 1st
A big upcoming event is the Grand Opening of the new Buddy Stubbs, the Valley's newest and largest Harley-Davidson Dealership, on April 1st. Buddy Stubbs is building a new 47,000 sq. ft. dealership on Cave Creek Rd. just a couple of blocks North of the existing location at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. This dealership will also include a two level, 3,000 sq. ft. motorcycle museum rotating 90 of his 150 collectable motorcycles, meeting rooms, customer waiting rooms and greatly expanded service, parts and motorclothes areas. To kick off the new dealership, Evel Knievel will be there in person with an exhibit of his famous motorcycles and to sign autographs. You can also see Rhett Rotten's "Wall of Death" shows all day and visit with Jean Davidson. There will be three bands with music all day. Bike shows and Historic motorcycle displays. Eat,Drink and Have some FUN!!! New store specials all day. 10:00am till 8:00pm. GRAND FINALE Evel's escorted group ride to the Marshall Tucker Concert at the Handlebar Saloon at Cyclefest in Rawhide. Click Here for the flyer with all the information. 602-971-3400.

April 1st - 10th
Arizona Bike Week. This years ABW is shaping to more interesting, interactive and better than year's past. Next week I will be doing a whole recap of ABW. Until then, Click Here for a printable list of all of the rides and events for Arizona Bike Week.

May 5th - 8th
Cycle De Mayo at Lake Pleasant. Get ready for the First Annual Lake Pleasant Wet & Wild Rally May 5th-8th. This event will be held at Lake Pleasant and feature a lot of different events including a Fireworks Show, Dyno Racing, Extreme Team FMX and Trails Stunt Shows, Party Boats, Jet Ski's and Water Sports, Midnight Paint Ball Shootout at Cowtown, Speed World Drag Racing, Strong Man and Arm Wrestling Contest, Food, Vendors and much more. Mark your calendars for May 5th-8th. For more information call 602-229-2992. www.cycledemayo.com .

Extras

For those of you that like some fast paced action at the Dunes, check out Scott Pasmore's story about high horsepower sand rail's that was recently shown on TV 3. Click Here for the Video.

Evil Twin Motorcycles does it again with the Annual Evil Twin March Madness Sale! Not only is Evil Twin offering shop rates on labor for the month of March at $33.33 per hour, but you can also stop by Evil Twin for some incredible buys on selected parts for your bike. Because Evil Twin Buys Big, you can Save Big. You can find big savings on batteries for softails at $33.33. D.O.T. helmets at $33.33. All exhaust on sale at 3% over cost. 6 Speed Transmissions at $989.00, BDL Belt Drives $1333.00, 110 cubic inch motors at $5149, Hard Core bike kits unassembled at $12,800. Evil Twin is located at 2534 W. Broadway in Mesa (that’s just East of the 101 on Broadway) or call them at 480-784-0040.

As for me this weekend, I am going to try and make the Greasewood Poker Run on Sunday. Ride safe and enjoy the riding season.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com