Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/23/05 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, It is that time of year again. The official start of Arizona Bike Week (ABW) is now just 8 days away and will officially begin on April 1st and run through April 10th. ABW will be held at Rawhide once again and for the last time. Rawhide has been sold and ABW will be moving to their new location at Wildhorse Pass. There have been a lot of changes and it looks like the last year at Rawhide will go out with an entertainment packed event. I've studied the schedule of events and it really looks like this could be the best ABW ever. There is plenty to do to keep us entertained. I'm a really looking forward to this year's event.
 
Due to the fact that there is so much to list with Arizona Bike Week this year, I am just going to go over the basic framework of the event and then give you recommendations from events that I have done in the past or ones that look interesting that you might want to try. These are only ABW events. Non ABW events will be listed below under Next Week events. If I don't mention an event, it doesn't mean that it is not good, it only means that I haven't done it or know more about it. You can read the descriptions and decide for yourself on those.
 
As I see it, Arizona Bike Week is made up of 3 components. There will be the "Rev Up" parties at the participating dealerships (Arrowhead, Buddy Stubbs, Chandler, Chosa's, and Superstition), Rides and Events every day, and entertainment, live music, vendors and food  at Rawhide and the Handlebar Saloon. What will make the Handlebar more interesting this year is the daily changing of themes and the music to complement that. The first night kicks of with "Celebrate America".
 
A lot of you have already started ABW by participating in the "Rattlesnake Charity Ride". This is a really cool event that gets you out to ride and also gives you a great opportunity to win a 2005 HD Screamin' Eagle Fatboy. You simply have to sign up for $20 and then go to the participating Harley dealerships and get your entry stamped. Once you have done that, you are entered to win the bike. The odds should be very good on this one. Just go to any of the participating Valley dealerships to get your entry and start riding. You can sign up at the following dealerships: Chosa's, Superstition, Chandler, Arrowhead and Buddy Stubbs. Around the State you can visit Both Grand Canyon Harley's, Sierra Vista HD and HD of Tucson.
 
One of the special features of this years ABW will be the display of the American Veteran's Traveling Tribute, "The Wall" for all 10 days. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is an unforgettable exhibit that pays tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Vietnam War is of major importance to the Tribute and the 4/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is its visual centerpiece, standing 8 feet high at the apex and spanning 378 feet! The purpose of the "Traveling Tribute" is not to glorify wars fought, but to pay homage to those who served their country. You may visit "The Wall" during all 10 days of ABW. Dedication at Cyclefest 6pm Friday evening. If you would like to escort "The Wall" to Rawhide on March 31st, gather at Wild Horse Pass by 10am, Thursday, March 31st. Click Here for details.
 
This year Arizona Bike Week will be kicked off a little different. On Friday April 1st, Each participating dealership will be having their own "Rev Up" party. Locally you can go to following dealerships for activities all day long: Arrowhead, Buddy Stubbs, Chandler, Chosa's, and Superstition HD. Tucson and Grand Canyon HD's are also having events. See information below in Next Weeks events for details or Click Here for the list. Then the culmination of all of the dealership events will end at Rawhide in the Handlebar Saloon with the theme "Celebrate America" featuring the unveiling of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute "The Wall" followed by the Marshall Tucker Band in concert, Miss Arizona Bike Week pageant and more.
 
Something I think will make ABW and the Handlebar Saloon and little more interesting this year is the changing of themes. Each day will consist of a different theme and activities to go along with the theme including lots of quality entertainment. Among the themes you will find are Celebrate America, Evel Weekend (with Evel Knievel), 50' & 60's, Art and the Motorcycle, and Mardi Gras just to name a few. You'll never know what to expect when you walk into the Handlebar this year. New this year also is the Texas Hold'em Championship Poker Series. Every day at 3pm and 7pm you can try your luck to be a daily winner and play in the finals on Sunday. I will definitely give this a try.
 
Since it is impossible to do everything for ABW, you will have some decisions to make of what you want to attend. But here are a few of the rides and events that I have had experience with or that I think will be good and worth checking out.
 
Friday, April 1st: Theme - "Celebrate America"
* Take Friday off and visit the local dealership parties. Superstition will be having a "Ride to the Wall" at 3pm, Arrowhead and Chandler HD will be having AHDRA dragsters on display, Chosa's will be having a 20% off sale on motorclothes and Buddy Stubbs will be having their Grand Opening party all day featuring live music, displays, food, and a ride with Evel Knievel to the Marshall Tucker concert at the Handlebar.
* Miss ABW Finals Biker Wear round at 8:00pm.
* Marshall Tucker Band in concert 8:30 - 10:00pm.
* Miss ABW Finals Swimwear round at 10:00pm.
* Crowning Miss ABW at 11:30pm.
 
Saturday, April 2nd: Theme - "Evel Weekend"
* The AHDRA Screamin’ Eagle Arizona Bike Week Nationals races are always a good time at Firebird Intl. Raceway. Join Arrowhead and Chandler HD for an escorted charity ride to the races.
* Qualifying for the ABW Dyno Horsepower Shootout daily 10am to 1pm.
* The AZLMRA Lawn Mower Races at Rawhide. We saw this last year and it is a hoot. Never knew a lawnmower could go so fast. Racing begins at 7:00pm.
* Freebird, The Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band from 9:30pm - 11:00pm.

Sunday, April 3rd: Theme - "50's & 60's"
* 2nd Annual Discovery Ride. A great ride throughout the Arizona Desert to Grand Canyon HD in Mayer. Answer Arizona trivia questions for prizes.
* Run With the Chiefs. A really nice evening ride through the Tonto National Forest to Cyclefest.
* Screamin’ Eagle Arizona Bike Week Nationals Pro eliminations 12:30pm.
* Trifecta Custom Bike Show and Blowout. This is always a popular event at the Steelhorse Saloon. Live music featuring 7 bands. Gates open at 10am.
* Sugar Daddy's Party on Scottsdale Rd. Starting at 10am with their delicious Sunday Brunch, Custom Bike Showdown and live music on the patio. Then the party starts at 5pm with music on 3 different stages. A great stop for Sunday night.
 
Monday, April 4th: Theme - "Art & The Motorcycle"
* Sunshine Acres Charity Poker Run. A beautiful ride to Tortilla Flat. This is one of my favorite ride destinations in the State. This is one to take the day off for.
* Mania Monday at ACME Roadhouse. End location for above ride. Live Music 3pm.
* Handlebar Saloon - The Art & The Motorcycle Exhibit. A one night only invitational art exhibition exploring the timeless attraction of the motorcycle culture.
 
Tuesday, April 5th: Theme - "Hollywood Celebrity Bartenders"
* Joeta’s Leather 2nd Annual Treasure Hunt. I have heard this ride is a lot of fun and I will probably do it this year. Each participant will receive a route map and a checklist of required treasures. The items you collect will be as interesting as the places you’ll visit.
* Old Town Scottsdale Tuesday Night Party. This is a can't miss for a good time. Craftsman court is closed for bike parking only in front of Dos Gringos and Acme. Then ride to the Billet on Scottsdale Rd. to a packed house and to Billy Bob's. This is one of the best nights out during bike week.
 
Wednesday, April 6th: Theme - "World on Wheels"
* Wednesday's Riding For Kids. This is one of my favorite rides of Bike Week. It's a really nice route and you get plenty of time to hang out with your friends and other riders. Leaves Buddy Stubbs for a beautiful ride through Payson, Strawberry, Cliff Castle, Mayer and back to Cyclefest.

Thursday, April 7th: Theme - "Ladies Night"
* Ride for the Heart Foundation. New this year. For the long distance riders this sounds like fun. I might do this one myself. 500+ mile route through Tucson, Sierra Vista, Bisbee (Tombstone-if you want), Douglas, Stafford, Globe and ending back at Cyclefest.
* Real Bikers Riding Real Bulls at 7pm. Also see the pros of the PBR ride.   
 
Friday, April 8th: Theme - "Fight Night"
* 2nd Annual United Mesa Fire Fighters Poker Run. Join the firefighters on a ride to benefit MDA and local firefighter charities.
* Real Bikers Riding Real Bulls at 7pm. Also see the pros of the PBR ride. 
* Live music with crowd favorite Rondavous at the Handlebar from 1pm - 6pm.
 
Saturday, April 9th: Theme - "Mardi Gras"
* 6th Annual Torch Ride. Leave Chosa's in Mesa for a beautiful ride through Fountain Hills and Rio Verde to Cyclefest.
* New this year. Get your Iron Butt qualification through the Ride for Heart 1000 with a ride to San Diego and back within 24 hours.
* ABW Dyno Horsepower Competition Finals throughout the afternoon. Awards at 7:00pm.
 
Sunday, April 10th: Theme - "Arizona Bike Week"
* 9th Annual MDA Rally and Silent Auction. Celebrate the 25 year partnership between HD & MDA! Be a part of Arizona’s “Parade of MDA Heroes” with Jerry’s Kids leading the Pack!
* The always popular Logan's Run. A popular run that closes out bike week. Take an unescorted ride and return to Handlebar for Mogollon and a silent auction.
 
Daily Events for ABW at Rawhide and the Handlebar Saloon:
* Vendors every day starting at 10:00am
* Live Music daily
* Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament 3pm and 6pm.
* Open Billiards Play
* American Veterans Traveling Tribute "The Wall" Display
* ABW Horsepower Competition Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 1pm.
 
To see the flyers for some of the above events Click Here for the April Rides and Events Calendar for www.cyclerides.com
Click Here for a direct link to all Rawhide/Cyclefest Daily Events.
Click Here for a direct link to a printable list of all Arizona Bike Week Events.
 

This Week 

Next Week
 
Arizona Bike Week 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.
 
Friday, April 1st
Join Superstition Harley-Davidson, official sponsor of 2005 Arizona Bike Week, Friday, April 1st, at our "Official Celebrate America Ride to The Wall", from 10am to 3pm!  This free event features live on stage The Visitors, an all American lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and apple pie from 10 to 2, staging from 2 to 3, and departure for The Wall at Rawhide at 3pm sharp!  Join us and help Celebrate America!
 
Friday, April 1st
Rev-Up With Savings at Chosa's Harley-Davidson in Mesa from 8am - 7pm. Gear up for Arizona Bike Week with storewide savings of 20% off MotorClothes® merchandise, Genuine Motor Parts and Motor Accessories, Screamin' Eagle® Performance Parts or Official Licensed Products - discount not valid on Sales, Service & Rentals. What you need or forgot to pack - you will find at Chosa's in Mesa. Boots, eyewear, helmets, jackets, pants, shirts, vests and more! And we offer a wide selection of MotorClothes® apparel in extended sizes for men and women. We carry a large variety of chrome accessories, hard and soft saddlebags, bike covers, bike security and much more! Get geared up and keep your ride roaring during Arizona Bike Week, all with help from the friendly staff at Chosa's Harley-Davidson - an official sponsor of the 2005 Arizona Bike Week.
 
Sunday, April 3rd
Trifecta Custom Bike Show & Blowout. The Steelhorse Saloon and Indian of Phoenix Present the 10th annual Trifecta Custom Bike Show & Blowout. The valley’s top builders show their latest creations. Live music featuring 7 of the valley’s hottest bands. Southwest Arm Wrestling Championship, food, liquor, beer, and 50+ vendors. For pre- registration to enter show, Gates open at 10am Sunday, April 3rd. Giveaways from Budweiser,and more. Admission $8. A BIG TIME PROMOTIONS EVENT. Info: 602-942-8778. 

Non Arizona Bike Week Events 

Friday, April 1st
7th Annual Kickstart Party. Join us in the 7th Annual Kickstart Party - the one that starts it all. Enjoy an evening of food, music, motorcycle vendors, prizes, drinks, fashion show, guest announcer Jay Allen from the one and only, biggest biker bar The Broken Spoke Saloon, and more. The event starts at 5:00pm and doesn't end until 11:00pm. Help crown the new Dutch Angel girl, as the new Southwest Angel for Von Dutch. The Colter V.I.P. Party is back and ready for their 4th year. Come and join in all the fun at Hacienda Customs with a silent auction throughout the night. Always a big party and a good time. More information at 480-905-1903.
 
Saturday, April 9th
Paul Yaffe Originals and the World Famous Billet Bar present one of the biggest parties of the weekend. Ride over to Paul Yaffe Originals located at 2211 E. Indian School Rd. to party with Paul Yaffe from Noon - 5pm. View the awesome collection of PYO Bikes. There will also be Cars, Chicks, Beer, Food and Music from The Western Bone Cleavers all the way from Salt Lake City. At 5pm the party moves to the Billet Bar at 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. where there will be live music with The Western Bone Cleavers. Don't miss one of the biggest parties of the weekend. If you haven't been in year's past, ask someone about it. 

Upcoming Events 

Extras 

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 for April 1st.
 
Congratulations to Custom Performance for placing 1st and 2nd in the Daytona Bike Week Horsepower Competition with bikes that they built. 1st place was an turbo charged FXR built by Custom Performance that produced 247.6 horsepower. 2nd place was Nick's turbo charged Custom Heritage that produced 228.0 horsepower. Both bikes were built with the Custom Performance "Turbo Your Harley" bolt on kit that they sell at their shop. You can easily add 50 hp at 8 lbs. of boost on pump gas to your bike and maintain reliability with one of these kits. I rode the Vrod they built that was producing 160 hp. Disneyland only wishes they had a ride like that. Call Nick at 623-879-8488 for a quote. It is by far the best horsepower for the dollar that you can get.
 
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.
 
Looks like the weather is going to be good this weekend. It is time to shine up and service the bike for some miles during ABW. Be sure and take some time off for some of the great rides through the State.