Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/19/08
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, I will admit to this being my favorite time of year. The temperature starts getting to the middle 80's and the excitement of riding starts to grow as we begin planning our out of town rides. We will soon replace these 100 mile jaunts around the Valley with 300 mile loops around the state. Not only are we feeling the urge to roll up a good stretch of asphalt, but Arizona Bike Week is just a little over a week away and will soon provide many motorcycle related activities to kick off the riding season. The usual site of Mercedes and BMW's driving along the 101 and Scottsdale Rd. will soon be diluted with Motorcycles making their way to Cyclefest at Westworld. I am looking forward to getting out and enjoying the weather and ride. The extended forecast could not be better.
 
ABW is 10 days away, but as I mentioned last week, Mrs. C. and I have taken advantage of a couple of days over the last 3 weeks to enjoy the spring weather and view the desert beauty. One of the rides we took is my favorite ride in the State, The Road to Tortilla Flat. We have done this route several times over the last several years and I NEVER tire of it. The ride to Tortilla Flat was just as enjoyable this time as it was 9 years ago. From Apache Junction on Hwy. 88 it is 20 miles to the end of the asphalt and it showcases some of the most beautiful desert and crazy saguaro's that you will see in the entire Valley area. And if it is twisties that you desire along with your scenery, you will have your fill by the time the asphalt meets the dirt road about 6 miles past Tortilla Flat.
 
That's right, it seems to be a well kept secret that there is 6 miles of paved road East of Tortilla Flat that is actually some of the prettiest parts of the ride. If you were to continue on the dirt road past there, and it is fairly rough, you will go past Apache Lake and end your 20 plus mile ride at the dam of Roosevelt Lake. But I would really encourage you to take the additional 6 mile ride and then turn around and head back. You will not be disappointed. With the rains we have had, the mountains are green and the wildflowers are in bloom. The cactus will soon be flowering as well in the next several weeks. A great route to get to Tortilla flat is to take the Bee Line Hwy. to the Bush Hwy. past Saguaro Lake to Usery Pass and make your way to Hwy. 88 to Tortilla. Click Here for the Map and Day ride.
 
Another of my favorite local rides is to Bartlett Lake. This is a short 14 mile ride from Cave Creek road in Carefree, but right now it is as pretty as you will ever see it with the green growth on the mountains and the huge growth of yellow wildflowers. In all of the years I have been down this road, I have not seen it as brilliant in color as it is right now. The road to Bartlett Lake will literally take you right down to the water. But be sure to take the 4 mile ride to SB Cove on South Lake Rd. It will take you through some twisties and get up close to the wildflowers and giant Saguaro cactus before once again reaching the edge of the lake.
 
Most of you know by now that another one of my interests is flying, it is a life long dream that I hope to fulfill by starting my private pilot lessons in the next 6 weeks. So with the opportunity to take a demo ride in the 2005 Cessna Skyhawk 172  that I will be learning in, I thought it would be a rare opportunity to fly over and photograph the same road and area that I just ridden on the day before. I actually felt right at home snapping pictures as I was flying just as I do on the bike. The only difference was that I was 6,000 feet in the air and didn't have to brake for the upcoming twisty. Thanks to Andrew Eagleton of www.Eagleflight.biz for taking me up and allowing me to get some photos of the area. Andrew also happens to be an avid motorcycle rider and long time reader of Cyclerides.com. Should make for some great conversations as we spend 20 hours together in the air. Scott Pasmore is starting his flying lessons with Andrew today. Click Here for the Bartlett lake Day Ride.
 
Both of these are excellent rides and I would recommend taking them in the next couple of weeks while everything is still green and in bloom. In fact, they could easily both be done in one day. For lunch, the restaurant at Tortilla Flat makes a great grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
 
Click Here for photos of the ride to Tortilla Flat.
Click Here for photos of the ride to Bartlett Lake and photos from the air. 

Things are progressing on the Hearts to Heroes event. This is going to be another great event and one that you will remember for a long while as we honor our troops as they return home from Afghanistan and Iraq. There are a couple of things that I am working on that will be very special if I can get them done. As usual, I am asking for a lot. Please mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend. It is Saturday, April 12th at 10am. Click Here for the flyer. If you missed last week's newsletter story about the event, Click Here to Read.
Thank you for your support. 

Every Sunday 

This Week 

Next Week 

Next Friday marks the beginning of Arizona Bike Week. I will not be listing every event of Bike Week in the newsletter, but will be highlighting a few of the parties and events of the week. Beyond what is listed below, you can go to www.azbikeweek.com for a complete listing.
 
Thursday, March 27th
Miss Arizona Bike Week Pageant. Arizona Bike Week's first official party begins with the Miss ABW Pageant, March 27, 2008. “No Cover Charge” for this evening of entertainment with 12 of the hottest girls the southwest has to offer. Join in and enjoy all of your favorite libations and cast your vote with cheers to crown “Miss Arizona Bike Week 2008”. Held at the Venue of Scottsdale located at 7117 E. 3rd Ave. in Scottsdale. No time was listed. www.azbikeweek.com .
 
Thursday, March 27th
AHDRA Nitro Party at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson. AHDRA Racers, Food, Music and More! The only place in the valley to the AHDRA Drag bikes up close and personal. Guest appearance by Dana Conely. Plus: Autograph session with the riders. Event takes place from 4pm - 7pm. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.
 
Friday, March 28th
11th Annual Kickstart Party at Hacienda Harley-Davidson. 5pm-11pm. Annually one of the biggest parties of Bike Week. Kickstart Bike Week with Hacienda - it’s tradition! $10 cover (includes a chance to win a VIP ticket to the 105th Anniversary Party in Milwaukee) starting at 5pm, 18 and over, Budweiser/Patron Garden, Everything Motorcycle, Food, Fun, Girls, Live Top Bands, Auction, Fashion Shows, Celebrity Appearances, Tons of Free Bike Parking and much more. All proceeds benefit the Colter & Associates Foundation, a 501c-3 Non-Profit Organization. Hacienda Harley-Davidson,Buell located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd & 15750 N. Northsight Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ Info: 480-905-1903.
 
Saturday, March 29th
Buddy Stubbs 4th Annual Bike Week Bash. This has become the place to stop on the first Saturday of Bike Week. This year featuring Mogollon Band at 1:30pm. For all of you Mogollon fans, this will be a rocking good time. 11 AM-9PM. Admission is FREE! 88,000 sq. ft. Miller Beer Garden * Patron Margaritas * Pyrat Rum * Great Food * Vendor Displays * Ample Parking and Free Shuttle Service. Buddy Stubbs Main Stage: 11am-Wall Street, 1:30pm-Mogollon; 4:00pm-Harley-Davidson Fashion Show; 5:00pm-TNT. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85022. Info: 602-971-3400.
 
Saturday, March 29
7th Annual Colter Cannonball Run. Get ready for the 7th Annual Charity Poker Run at Haceinda Harley - “Destination Unknown” benefiting the Colter & Associates Foundation (a 501c-3 Non-Profit Organization). Ride the beautiful Arizona Desert on our 100-120 mile ride and gather clues as you stop along the way.  Pre-Registration $30/rider, day of the event $35/rider. Registration on-site from 8am-10am- Pancake Breakfast. Ride leaves at 10:30am. Event T-shirt to the first 100 registered riders.  $1,000 In-store shopping spree good at Hacienda Harley-Davidson or Hacienda North to the Top Hand, and other prizes. Ride includes breakfast, lunch and more. Hacienda Harley-Davidson, Buell, 15600 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. Info: 480-905-1903.
 
Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th
AHDRA Racing at Speedworld. The AHDRA thunders into Arizona Bike Week March 29th & 30th at a new location, Speedworld Dragstrip hosts ALL HARLEY DRAG RACING!! Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Arizona Bike Week Nationals All Harley Drag Racing!! Presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson & Chandler Harley-Davidson. 200mph Nitro Harleys, Modified gas bikes, V-Rod Destroyers, Street bikes, vendors and more!  16 classes of competition, Official H.O.G. Pit Stop:  H.O.G. members receive a free pin with paid admission. Saturday- Qualifying begins 9:00am. Sunday- Sportsman Eliminations-9:30am. Pro Eliminations 12:30pm. Admission: (Includes Pit Access) Weekend pass- $50, Single Day-$30 Children 11 and under admitted free. H.O.G. members receive $5 discount with valid H.O.G. card. Free admission for active and reserve military personnel. Discount tickets available at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Chandler Harley-Davidson. Speedworld Dragstrip (New Location). 19421 W. Jomax Rd., Wittmann, AZ. Ride in with Chandler Harley-Davidson on Saturday.
 
Saturday, March 29th
3rd Annual Bike Week Party at Western Trails Ranch. This is a huge party at Western Trails Ranch and this year located just 5 miles North of the AHDRA Drags. The all day event is from 11am-2am. Appearing on our Budweiser True Music Stage, FREEBIRD.... THE ULTIMATE LYNYRD SKYNYRD EXPERIENCE at 8pm!  Opening act "Shut Up and Drive" at 6:30pm. This Old Skool Biker Bash starts at 11am with a MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET, Vendors, Food, Live Music with Doc & Gal, Burn Out Pit & Slow Drags, Budweiser Girls & Giveaways, 4 Full Bars and more!  Party after the Concert with "Shut Up and Drive".  $5 Cover Charge. Free Rural Tent Camping available.  Limited RV Space.  Going to the AHDRA Drags?  The Ranch is just 5 miles N on Grand Ave. and you can still attend our Concert & Post Party! Vendor and Swap Meet Space Call Budd 623 521-0366.
 
Saturday, March 29th
12th Annual MDA Rally and Silent Auction. Registration, Silent Auction and Open House from 10am - 12:30pm. Ride Departs at 1pm from Arrowhead HD. $20 Charity Donation per person. Arrive at Western Trails Ranch at 3pm for party and concerts. Donation includes: Breakfast, Ride Pin, Raffle Ticket, Free entrance at Western Trails and discounted lunch coupon. Ride begins at Arrowhead HD at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.
 
Sunday, March 30th
The 13th Annual Trifecta Custom Bike Show and Blowout at the Steel Horse Saloon. BIKES! BANDS! BABES! Custom Bike Show presented by Biker Information Guide. The valley's top bike builders show their latest creations. Call 623-334-1545 for Bike Show Entry Form. Southwest Arm wrestling Championships presented by Budweiser. Giveaways from Budweiser throughout the day. Food, liquor, beer, lots of vendors, and a whole lot more. Gates open at 10am. $6 admission. A portion of the Proceeds will benefit the Crisis Nursery. Steel Horse Saloon, 1818 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix, AZ. For info: call 602-942-8778.
 
Sunday, March 30th
Takin' The Ride for Fallen Officers. Tragically in the line of duty deaths are up 30% in 2007. Sign in at Euro Motorsports 14870 North Northsite Blvd. (New Location), 8:00 am – 10:00am  registration and check in. Ride leaves 10:00 am. The ride will end at Greasewood Flat 27375 North Alma School Parkway Scottsdale, AZ. $25 Rider $10 passenger. $30 per rider and $10 passenger the day of the event. All riders will receive a commemorative pin, bandanna and raffle tickets for drawings at each stop. Info: 480-905-2090.
 
Monday, March 31st
Chandler Harley-Davidson’s 8th Annual Sunshine Acres Charity Ride to Tortilla Flat. This ride to Tortilla Flat is one of the best ride routes of Arizona Bike Week. This year the poker run will take you through the Superstition Mountains to Tortilla Flat before ending at San Tan Flat for food and entertainment. Pre-register at Chandler H-D starting March 1st and receive a free T-shirt with your donation. Day of ride registration 10am to noon at Chandler H-D. $25 entry fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch at San Tan Flat. Chandler Harley is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. 480-496-6800. 

You can find all upcoming Rides and Events at www.cyclerides.com
 
Extras 

For all of you out there that has ever played the game of golf, you will appreciate this one. It is a video demonstration from Golf magazine on the proper way to throw your club. Funny, and True. Click Here to View.
 
A lot of you have heard about the city of Berkley, CA trying to kick the Marines out of town. Here is a very funny bit from the Daily Show on the Code Pink Wackos. Click Here to View.
 
Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you are gone? Click Here to View.
 
I have had this one in about a year ago, but it is a great home video of a jet landing on an aircraft carrier. I've got to hand it to the guys that perfectly land a jet on a moving runway. Click Here to View.