Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/19/03
Greetings Riders,
Well, does anyone else feel like you should be growing feathers and
webbed feet to be able to get around these days? If this rain keeps up I might trade my 180 rear tire in for a
240 paddle wheel. We need the rain, but it certainly puts a kibosh on riding and events. But kudos go
out to the approximately 200 riders who made it to Rock Springs in the pouring rain for the Greasewood
Run and to Mogollon for standing in water and holding an electrical
device in their hands to entertain those hearty few that made the trip.
And then there were three.
That's right, there are now 3 licensed motorcycle riders in the Cyclerides family. Little Miss C. attended and
passed the beginners riding course from T.E.A.M. Arizona last weekend. It's kind of funny how things like this work. As a parent, I wasn't pushing
her to take the course and learn how to ride. In fact, I never mentioned it, nor did I discourage it when the subject
came up. But one day about 3 months ago she came to me and asked if she could take the class. I said, I thought
you really didn't care for riding that much. She said, I don't really like being on the back, but I'd like to take
the class just to learn how to ride on my own. What was I going to do? It is something her Mother and I do all
the time, so it would be pretty cool if she had an idea why we liked it so much. Should I throw motorcycles in
with the dating rule? No dating OR motorcycle riding until you are 40. I couldn't do that. So I called Ron from T.E.A.M. Arizona Motorcycle Training and
got her signed up for the class.
I went with her the first day of the riding part of the class to get
her situated and pick out a bike, then moved out of the way to watch the instructors work. It is really amazing
watching this process in motion from the start. T.E.A.M really has this class down to a science to help the
beginning rider feel comfortable and get their confidence. They will even pull them over to the side for some one
on one instruction. The students start out by sitting on the bike with it running and push it across the training
area to feel the balance and get used to the being on a bike. They soon have them slowly let out the clutch ride
across the area then walk the bike to turn it around. If you are reading this letter right now, you know
as well as I do, the passion that you have for riding and the riding experience. For me to see my daughter take
off, put her feet up, ride across the asphalt on her own for the first time, sharing the experience that I love so much, was really a special moment for me. Since I don't have any boys. This was the equivalent of that first basket, pass
or goal.
Once I knew she was off to a good start
I left her to the instructors to teach her all of the important skills that she would need to be a proficient rider.
That afternoon was spent in the classroom where she would finish the bookwork and pass the test.
It was now down to the final day of riding on Sunday morning. Most of the morning was spent riding in the rain
and eventually taking the finals on wet pavement with the rain falling. As if this isn't difficult enough for a
new rider, the rain would surely throw an additional challenge their way. But she passed all of the riding skills
test and was now in possession of her certificate to get her license.
As long as she was riding Ron's bikes in a controlled situation I wasn't
too worried about her safety or the bike. So when she returned home that afternoon the rain cleared, the streets
dried and I asked her if she would like to take Mrs. C's VROD for a spin around the cul-de-sac. (Notice I
didn't ask her to ride my bike). Thinking that she wouldn't want to tackle this just yet, she gave me the answer
I really wasn't looking for. She said, Sure.
So I got it out, pointed it in the right direction, gave some last minute instruction, held my breathe and let
her go. This was nothing like the time I sent her off on her 12 inch bicycle while running next to her. I have
to admit, it was one of the more tense times I have had in a while. The straight part was alright, but when she
tried to make the turn around the cul-de-sac using every bit of the street and gutter, not slowing down and
not using the clutch it was definitely some pucker time for Dad. But she ended up making it just fine. After a
few lessons on how the "clutch is your friend" she made several more passes getting better each time.
It will be interesting to see how her interests in riding develop in the future. For now, I think she just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
If you are on the fence about riding, now you have heard the story
about how a 17 year old did it, even in the rain. I would highly recommend T.E.A.M Arizona Motorcycle Training.
They are excellent in their training and instruction. They have classes at their headquarters in Gilbert and also
at Glendale Community College in Glendale. Go to their web site at www.motorcycletraining.com for all
of the times and locations in the State. Or call 480-998-9888.
For those of you that did not see the Channel 15 story on the Carefree Noise
Ordinance, Click
Here.
In This Issue:
**Opening Night Of ACME Thursday Ride Night-Free Buffet**
**Miss Arizona Bikeweek Competition at Lucky Seven**
**Combo Deluxe at Hailey's Grill**
**See The Extras Column For Story on Molded Headphones-Awesome!**
**And 10 Reasons You Know You Are Living In 2003**
Wednesday Night
The Wild Hare Wednesday Bike Night. All of you that used to go to Chuy's, this is your new place on the East side of town. This is a new bike night for the East side of town at a really nice location. Stop by and take a look, you will be impressed. It is called The Wild Hare located at 4910 W. Ray Rd. That is the NE Corner of Ray Rd. and Rural Rd. This is a really nice place with a very large outdoor patio. The inside has just been remodeled to double the seating along with adding a DJ, pool tables and games. The Wild Hare has a broad menu including 20 different appetizers, salads, wings, 17 different sandwiches, chicken, filet mignon, burgers and desserts including strawberry cheese cake. There will be food and drink specials that will run during bike night from 6 PM till close. This will all start on Wednesday, August 14th. I will have an information page on the event calendar that will give you all the details. Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200.
Thursday Night
Jetz Americana
Thursday Bike Night. This bike night is growing
fast. Great
bike parking right outside the patio that is now lighted. Stop by this week and see for yourself. Jetz is a Very Nice Restaurant located in
North Scottsdale 1 block South of Shea on Scottsdale Rd. behind the California Pizza Kitchen. They have a
beautiful interior with flat screen TV's to watch your favorite teams or a large bar to lounge at with your friends.
Jetz also has a large patio with an outdoor bar right next to where you will be parking your bikes. Happy
hour is 4-7pm with 1/2 price drinks and $4.95 appetizer menu. From 7:00PM
till close there will be BURGER
& BEER $7.95 (½ lb of Certified Angus Beef and a domestic pint or bottle), DOMESTIC BOTTLES $3, JACK DANIELS $4.
Bike night is all night till close. This is one nice place to go for dinner or hang out on the patio and watch
the bikes roll by. Stop by and take a look. You will be impressed. Bikes are always welcome. Take a look at Jetz
Saturday food and drink specials and the Sunday Brunch and the Bloody Mary bar with over 75 items. Click here to see the pictures of where you will be going and all of the information.
Casey
Jones Grill Bike Night in
Phoenix on Thursday nights. The evening riding weather is perfect, Casey Jones will be packed as it always is from
here on. You can always count on lots of bikes here. Ride in 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 drafts. 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.
The
Bike Night At The Billet Bar. 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 on Bike Night. 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. Keep an eye on your prized possession
(your motorcycle) on the monitors. 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 Easyriders
on 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday night and all weekend long. Info: at 480-941-1876.
Billet Bar Specials:
Monday, Stoli Citrone $1.50. Tuesday, Bacardi Silver $1.50. Wednesday, SKYY Blue $1.50. Thursday, Mike's Hard Lemonade,
$1.50. One Week Only. Paradise Bar Now Open Wednesday Through Sunday.
Friday Night
33 American Bistro Friday Bike Night.
Live Music Every Friday Night 6-10PM
If you haven't been here yet, stop by and try some of Bistro 33's great food. Finally!
A good place to go for an organized Friday Ride Night with live music every week from 6-10pm. American Bistro is
a really comfortable restaurant that features an outdoor patio that seats 40 people with 4 wood burning fireplaces
to keep you warm at night and a mist system to keep you cool in the summer. And a beautiful interior with
a lounge for relaxing and keeping an eye on your favorite game. They have a broad menu including Bike Night
Specials of Grilled Chicken Sandwich meal for $6.00 or a Steak Caesar for $9.00. They also have Pizzas, Pasta,
Burgers and Fish and Chips just to name a few items. You have to try the Chicken Sandwich! It is the best I have
ever had. $3.00 House Wines, $3.00 Well Drinks, $3.00 Rolling Rock Bombers. This is a very comfortable place that
makes you feel at home when you walk in the door. And the food is very good. 33 American Bistro is located on Hayden
Rd. one block South of Frank Lloyd Wright on the East side of the road. Help us kick off the first night February
7th starting at 6:00pm with live music on the patio. You won't be disappointed. Click here to see the pictures and info.
Saturday and Sunday
Perfect
weather for a ride to The Hideaway and try a few items from their new menu. This weekend enjoy the ride to Cave Creek and the beautiful
weather from The Hideaway. Be a part of the Porch Posse at The Hideaway, one of most popular stops in the Southwest
for riders that come to Arizona. Stop by for one of their great burgers and shop and Stampede Leathers while
you are there. Check out the Friday Night Steak Fry from 6-10 PM for only $7.95. Don't Forget, Every
Day is Bike Day at the Hideaway. "There are no strangers here,
just friends you haven't met yet! " 6746 E. Cave Creek Rd.
in Cave Creek, AZ. 480-595-0358
The Hideaway Schedule for February:
Monday-Friday: 10am - 6pm: $2 Well, Wine & Domestic Beer.
Free Pizza Buffet 3pm - 6pm
March 29th:
The
Ramjet Racing Bike and Performance Parts Expo. Check out
the latest in parts and accessories.
Sundays
Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
Live Music 1-5PM Every Sunday
If you haven't tried Sugar Daddy's yet, Now is the time. Great Reviews on the
Food. Complimentary coffee is now served. Make Sugar Daddy's Blues your
stop on your ride down Scottsdale Rd. for Brunch or Lunch on their relaxing 5,000 square foot Tree
Covered Patio from 11am - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-5pm and choose from 9 delicious ala carte brunch items or order off of the extensive menu including pizza, salads, burgers or sandwiches. Or maybe just relax on the patio
with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down Scottsdale Rd. You
can even play a game of pool as you watch the activities on the patio. Don't forget to go inside and see the unbelievable
decor inside Sugar Daddy's. It's a Cajun and blues delight. Even if you can't make it 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 .
Sunday, March 16th "Whiskey River"
Fandango - Live Music Every Sunday from 2:00PM - 6:00PM.
Visit our outdoor Patio's and Roof Top Bar. Plenty
of bike parking.
If you have not experienced Sunday at Fandango your are
missing one of the best parties in the valley. Live music outside 2-6PM, weather permitting, the best seat in the
house is the Rooftop Bar!. The Rooftop Bar also has the best views of Black Mountain, Spur Cross as well as all
the bikes cruisin' Cave Creek not to mention all the action on the lower patio. Enjoy the drink and food specials
NOON to 6PM. Fandango features the best of Classic Rock and Blues Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday
afternoons. Fandango is located 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. For more info call 480-595-5633 or www.restaurant.com/fandango. Here is the band lineup for the rest of the month:
Sat March 22nd
Whiskey River 9pm-1am
Sun. March 23rd:
Danny Rhodes & The Messengers 2-6pm, Fri 28th Rocket 88's 9pm-1am, Sat 29th Chill Factor 9pm-1am
Sun. March 30th:
Combo Deluxe 2-6pm
Sunday, March 16th
Hailey's
Live Entertainment Sunday's - This Sunday -
"Combo Deluxe". The popular Arizona Band Combo
Deluxe will be taking their act to Hailey's this weekend from 1-5 PM. Hailey's is continuing their live entertainment every Sunday. The
weather should be nice this weekend, give it a try. If you are looking for a short ride (only 60 miles from I-17
& Loop 101) this weekend with some good food and entertainment, this is it. They also have a great ice
cream parlor. I am giving the 5 spokes award for the best chocolate milkshakes I have had in a long,
long time. These things are awesome. Hailey's Grill is located just 60 miles from the Loop 101 and I-17
at 10434 S. Hwy 69 right next door to the Harley-Davidson shop in Mayer, AZ. This is a fun ride for
some great food and entertainment. For more information call 928-632-4448.
Upcoming Bands appearing at Hailey's on Sundays:
March 23rd:
"Combo Deluxe",
March 30th:
"Joker's Wild"
This
Week
Thursday, March 20th
ACME is Back!
That's right. ACME
Bar and Grill one of the original Bike Night stops is starting up
their Thursday Ride Night again. Remember when downtown Scottsdale was
the place to be? They are back with the complete remodel of the place including the new rooftop bar. You will enjoy
a Free Buffet from 6:00-8:00 PM, Drink Specials, Raffles every week, Great Music, Pool and lots of fun in Downtown Scottsdale.
Make your plans for Thursday March 20th to kick off the return of ACME. Come early for the free buffet and get
your raffle ticket and return at 10:00 PM for the drawing. ACME is located in Old Town Scottsdale at 4245
N. Craftsmen Ct. just South of 5th Ave. and West of Scottsdale Rd. For more information call 480-990-7111. Ride
by and be a part of the Rebirth of the Acme Ride Night This Thursday Night. Click here for details and pictures.
Stop by ACME for the Free Buffet before the Miss Arizona Bikeweek Competition.
Thursday, March 20th
Miss
Arizona Bikeweek Contest. Last Week, The Eastsiders Ruled! See
the pictures. This Week the contest moves to The Lucky Seven Sports Lounge located at 7341 E. 6th Ave. in
Scottsdale, 480 990-7770. Click
Here For Map. Last week was a full house
and I expect MJ to have some of the best contestants we have seen. Click here for last weeks results.
This year Arizona Bikeweek is going to bring this contest to the public.
What was once a one night affair at the Kickstart Party, will now take
a page from "American Idol" and bring the contest to you,
to help decide the winner. This will be a 5 week long contest on consecutive Thursdays at 5 different locations
starting February 27th at the Steelhorse Saloon. There will be multiple contestants at each location strutting
their stuff to get the attention of the judges so that they can make the cut to be one of the final 10 contestants
the night of the Kickstart Party on April 4th. There will be 2 winners from each location that will move on to
the finals. Come out and make some noise for your favorite contestant. And yes, your cheering has been known to sway the judges opinions. The winners from
each week will be posted on Cyclerides.com for all to see. At the end of week #5, all the contestants will be on
the site and you will be able to vote online for your favorite Miss
ABW "Biker" Idol. Your votes will be weighted 50% with the
judges votes on April 4th. All contests start at 7:30PM. Next week will be:
March 27th: The Steelhorse Saloon.KSLX will be there to MC the competition and have some free giveaways. If you
would like to be a contestant, Click Here For An Application.
Saturday, March 22nd
Run For
The Hog Poker Run. Registration
is from Noon to 1:00 PM at Chandler Harley located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. Poker run is from 1:00
to 5:00 PM. There will be a Pig Roast, Live Band, 50/50 and cash prizes to the top three hands. Single Rider-$15.00,
Couple-$25.00. Dinner only: Single-$10.00, Couple-$18.00. Ride ends at the Chandler Elks #2429 at 1775 W. Chandler
Blvd. All proceeds to the Tucson Children's Hospital Research Center. For more information call 480-963-6262.
Sunday, March 23rd
T.E.A.M. Arizona is offering a "Ladies Only" Experienced Rider Course. 7:30am-5:00pm.
The fee is $75 and sign-up is limited to the first 24 who register. Ladies must have a current license or permit,
their own bike and at least 6 months experience. It will be a fun day of both knowledge and skills improvement
in an environment geared specifically for the ladies! To sign up call 480-998-9888.
Sunday, March 23rd
"Who Let The Hogs Out?" Charity Benefit Run. MMA/Verde Valley
and Backyard Grill Co-Host for the Cottonwood Boys and Girls Club. Registration begins at 9am and leaves the Backyard
Grill at 10:30am. $10sgl/$15 Cpl Poker Run, Raffles, & 60/40. For More Information: 928-646-3453.
Next Week
Friday-Sunday, March 28-30
Phoenix Bike Fest. Put on your helmets, rev up those engines
and get ready for a weekend event to remember. The Phoenix Bike Fest, the largest professional motorcycle
road race of its kind in the Southwest is coming to Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, AZ March 28-30. Featuring
the largest Vintage Bike Show in the Southwest as well as high-speed road racing to full throttle off-road
action, this event will capture the interest of motorcycle enthusiasts of all types by offering the best of many
worlds in motorcycle racing. For the first time in 8 years, the return of American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association
(AHRMA) will offer fans the excitement of competition racing. Riders on Ducatis, Hondas, Harley-Davidsons,
Kawasakis, Suzukis, and Yamahas compete for points in this nostalgic forum. Unlike any other motorcycle race
ever held in Phoenix, Bike Fest will feature the opening round of the new 7-race Prime Media/ Supermotard (SuperBikers2).
Phoenix Bike Fest promises to be a full weekend of action-packed racing, motorcycle-related activities and most
importantly, motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from around the country. The gates are open to the public Saturday
and Sunday morning from 9:00am to 5:00pm. General admission $15 each day or $20 for a weekend pass. Kids 12 &
under free. Tickets available at Firebird Raceway, Ticketmaster and M-E Magazine. Click Here For More Information.
Saturday, March 29th
Chosa's
Harley-Davidson Annual Spring Fashion Show . This is annually one
of the biggest and most anticipated fashion shows in the valley. Come
See The Latest Harley-Davidson Riding Wear At The Chosa's Annual Spring Fashion Show and Open House. See All Fashions
Displayed In A Live Runway Show! Complete Looks From Head-To-Toe For The Whole Family! Women, Men, Children &
Infant Fall Fashions. Genuine Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and Riding Gear Will Be Modeled.
Open House From 8am - 5pm.
FREE BBQ (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and beverages) from 11am to 1pm
Live Runway Show from 1pm - 2pm
Spend $100 in general merchandise and receive a scratch off card for an additional 10% - 20% off. Get a Bar
and Shield crystal tattoo for under $2.00. Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. For more
information call 480-894-0404.
Saturday, March 29th
Hacienda
Harley Basement Blowout Sale. You've
seen these before and gotten great deals. This is the day when Hacienda Harley moves items from upstairs and puts
them in their basement liquidation area. You will find clothing from 30%-60% off the retail prices. They continually
add stock in the basement sales to make room for new items in the showroom, so what you see here will change every
time they have a sale. If you haven't been here before, stop by and see what they have. Shopping hours are
from 9am - 6pm on Saturday. Hacienda is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. Info: 480-905-1903.
Saturday, March 29th
Maximum Performance
Cycles Grand Opening Party. Many
of you know R.J. from American Muscle Bikes in Scottsdale. R.J. has now opened his own shop at 2424 E. Greenway
Rd. (not Greenway Pkwy.)in Phoenix. They are having a Grand Opening Party on March 29th from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Stop by for a Free Lunch, Refreshments, Bike Wash, Raffle Prizes, Raffle Prizes, Grand Prize Giveaways and
a tour of the facility. MPC features a full repair facility and is an Authorized Service Provider for the
Harley-Davidson Extended Service Plan. MPC also has an in-house paint shop and machine shop for all your performance
and customization needs. Stop by and take a look at the newest shop in the valley. Phone: 602-569-6320. Click Here for All The
Information.
Sunday, March 30th
7th
Annual Goldrush Run. Poker
Run sign-in starts at 9:00 AM at the Burger King parking lot at 1440 S. Country Club. (N. of Hwy. 60). Poker Run,
50/50, Bike Show, Bike Games, Cash Prizes, Run Pins to the first 500. Run Ends at Apacheland Movie Ranch, 4369
S. Kings Ranch Rd. in Gold Canyon, AZ. Singles $15, Couples $25 includes Meal & Poker Hand. High hand wins
and ounce of gold. For more information: 480-833-4683.
Go to the Rides and Events Calendar on www.cyclerides.com for all ride information.
Extras
Whenever I find a good product I always like to tell you about it. This time I found a jewel.
I've always liked the idea of listening to music while riding. But I
am also a believer in earplugs. Arizona Ear Protection has the best of both worlds. You can now get molded earplugs
with tiny speakers inside that give you maximum ear protection from the wind and perfect sound from your CD or
MP3 player. All you do is have them make a mold of your ear, they send it in and 2 weeks later you get your molded
earplugs with electronics built in. Click Here To View Them. I tried them out doing
75 on the interstate and they are FANTASTIC! It saves your ears from the noise of the wind and really makes the time go by on
longer rides with the perfect sound from the headphones. So if you would like to hear your favorite tunes while
enjoying your favorite hobby, these are for you. The cost is $185 and is well worth it. AZ Ear Protection
will be at Cyclefest during Arizona Bike Week every day or you can call for an appointment to get fitted in
their office in Gilbert at 480-236-2997. Or email for more information at info@azearprotection.com. Or www.azearprotection.com .
Every once in a while I get one of those email jokes that really ring
true. Here is one.
You know you are living in the year 2003 when:
1. The reason for not staying in touch with family is because they do not have an e-mail
address.
2. You pull up in a friends driveway and use your cellphone to see if anyone is home.
3. Every commercial on television has a web site address at the bottom of the screen.
4. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
5. Your grandmother asks you to send her a JPEG file of your newborn so she can create a screen saver.
6. Using real money, instead of credit or debit cards to make a purchase, is a hassle and takes advance planning.
7. You hear most of your jokes via e-mail instead of in person.
8. When you disconnect from the Internet you get this awful feeling as if you just pulled the plug on a loved one.
9. You wake up at 2 AM to go to the bathroom and check your E-mail on your way back to bed.
And My Personal Favorite...
10. Leaving the house without your cell phone, is now a cause for panic and you must turn around to go get
it.
The Horsepower Competition at Arizona Bike Week
has been expanded to include and unlimited class this year. Because of that there are already people
signing up to compete from all over the United States. So this year should see some big numbers. So for those
of you that are planning on entering the expanded Horsepower Competition you might want to start tweaking
your motors. Click
Here For More Information and to sign up.
As for me this week, I will
be at the rebirth of the ACME Thursday ride night and take advantage of the free buffet at 6:00 PM and
then across Scottsdale Rd. to Lucky 7 for the Miss Arizona Bikeweek competition. The weather is supposed to
be good so it should be fun. See ya there.
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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