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Greetings Riders,

Well, AZ Bike Week kicked off last weekend with several events. We started off the weekend at the Chester's Back Stage Bash featuring the Charlie Daniels Band with thousands of other riders. Chester's did a great job with this event while showcasing their new 7 acre destination dealership. With the built in stage and 3 acres of asphalt, that doubles as a motorcycle training area, this place is sure to be home for many more big events in the future. Mogollon started the show at 6pm and absolutely rocked the place. They were spot on with crisp sound, high energy and great entertainment. In fact, I think this was a time when the warm up band blew away the headliner. Charlie just never seemed to get the crowd going like I thought that he would, and that could have been because of his song selection. In my opinion, I think legacy bands should come to a gig, play 90 minutes of the top 15 songs that they ever recorded, and leave the drum solos to the hair bands. But overall, it was a great party and an excellent run event.

Saturday, we attended the Buddy Stubbs Bash who put on another excellent event at their dealership. This event has become a staple for Bike Week and once again there were several thousand that attended the event throughout the day with bikes lined up and down Cave Creek Rd. Always a fun time to catch up with old friends. We then made our way over to Hacienda to check out the deals in the Huge Tent Sale. If you haven't gone by there yet, I would suggest taking a look at some of the smokin' deals they have right now in the tents. Sunday we took a quick ride out to Western Trails Ranch to check out the new Ice House restaurant and to try one of their half pound burgers off the grill. Wow! These are one of the best burgers I have had in a long time. If you are in the area, give them a try.

Monday, I decided I was going to ride out to Tortilla Flat with a friend and just enjoy the ride and the beautiful Arizona weather we are having right now. My plan was no taking pictures, no writing newsletter stories in my head, just go enjoy a ride as anyone else would do. That lasted for about 5 miles until I saw the first view of the desert and the wildflowers in bloom. The camera came out and over 150 photos later I had captured the exceptional beauty of the ride to Tortilla Flat for the umpteenth time. This ride still remains as one of the best little rides in the Valley area by far. I've done it many times and never tire of it. So due to the fact that I couldn't keep the camera in my pocket, You Win, because these are some beautiful shots of the Sonoran desert on the way to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat. If you were on the ride yesterday, you might find yourself in some of these pictures.Click Here for photos.

I will also use this time to remind everyone to be careful on this ride and keep your eyes on the road. About a mile from the Canyon Lake overlook we encountered several emergency vehicles on the side of the road. We pulled into a view area down the road to see what was going on. A man driving a small SUV apparently missed one of the corners and drove off a cliff falling a couple hundred feet to his death below. Here is a picture of where the vehicle ended up. Here it is on the truck after they retrieved it from below. A very sad sight to see. So ride safe on this route and keep your eyes on the road. There are lots of tourists out there this time of year doing taking in the scenery as well.

I am now on my way to set up my booth at Westworld. This year I have blown up an Arizona Map to a 5 foot by 7 foot size and highlighted some of the better Day Rides in the state. It will be a great place to look at the State and plan your next ride. I will not be manning the booth all the time, but will be in there some throughout the rest of the week. Stop by to say HI and ask me about riding in Arizona, or even give me some ideas. Look forward to seeing everyone!

Tomorrow, we will be taking the Wednesday ride for Kids out of Buddy Stubbs and ending up at Westworld.

This week's rides and events are below, or go to www.cyclerides.com . Ride safe and have a fun week.

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Bike Nights This Week
Wednesday Night

Sandbar Mexican Grill Wednesday Bike Night. Stop by and try your hand at the Wii Bowling Tournament every Wednesday night! (No Wii Bowling this Wednesday Night) A new Wii Bowling High Score has been set at 269 by Barry. See if you can break it.

Ride by the Sandbar Mexican Grill this Wednesday night where the patio instantly sweeps you away to a tropical island paradise as thatch and tin roofs cover the bar. Sit on one of the many high topped tables on the sandy beach or sit at the palapa bar outside and watch TV while listening to music. Or go inside to the dining area featuring a huge bar with 30 HDTV's to choose from around the room all decorated in an island beach theme. Sandbar has a great menu of Mexican food and will be featuring build your own burrito's for $5.00. Choose any ingredients you want off the menu, pack them into your burrito all for $5.00. There will also be $2.00 off ALL Drinks which makes domestic bottles $2.00 and Margarita's $4.00. Ride by this Wednesday night to check out the Sandbar Wednesday Bike Night. Motorcycle Parking Only will be blocked off in front of the restaurant. Click Here to see Photos and details. Click Here for Sandbar Web Site.

Thursday Night

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. Live Music all week during AZ Bikeweek featuring The Whiskey Dogz. The Billet Bar the BEST PLACE for bike watching and people watching during Bike Week. Set on the patio and watch the action. March 31st, Jack The Ripper on stage.
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 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.

Dirty Doggs Thursday Bike Night presented by Renegade Classics. The Dirty Dogg Saloon and Renegade Classics of Phoenix join forces to host one of the best Bike Night’s in the valley every Thursday. Each week a free raffle will take place along with door prizes for both guys and gals, drink specials and of course the Dirty Dog Girls doing their thing on the bar. The hours are 7-10; the Dirty Dog is located on the Southeast Corner of Shea and Scottsdale Road –480-368-8095. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 East Cactus Road in Phoenix and more information can be seen at www.renegadephoenix.com

Chester's Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Dos Gringos Mesa. Ride by the New Dos Gringos Mesa located on the northwest corner of Greenfield and Baseline in Mesa. Dos is sure to make an impact and add some flare to the east valley. Enormous patio, complete with its own outdoor bar and separate dining areas on each side. Dos is a casual neighborhood hangout with great food and cold cervezas. Feel free to dine at one of our four tops, relax at one of the booths lining the edge or just belly up to the bar. Click Here to View. There will be drink and food specials and Raffles and Fun from Chester's Harley-Davidson. Ride with Chester's from the dealership at 5:30pm every Thursday located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. 480-894-0404.

Sunday

Sugar Daddy's Biker Brunch on the Patio. Sugar Daddy's is back with their Sunday Biker Brunch from 10am - 1pm. Start your day on the huge outdoor patio with the $4.00 Bloody Mary bar. Then go for the build your own breakfast for $9.99 or other breakfast plates including the "Country Breakfast", "Farmers Breakfast" or "Mexican Breakfast" for as low as $6.99. As always, enjoy the fabulous 5000 Sq. Ft. outdoor patio on Scottsdale Rd. Just South of Old Town. Sugar Daddy's is located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale.

April 1st - 5th
Arizona Bike Week begins at Westworld in Scottsdale. Enjoy over 200 Vendors, Demo rides from Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Triumph, Star, Indian, Boss Hoss and Kymco USA. Concerts with The Gin Blossoms, Blackfoot, Eddie Money and Cheap Trick on Saturday and Mogollon to close out Bike Week Sunday afternoon. There is way too much to list in the newsletter. I would encourage your to go to the AZ Bikeweek web site and spend some time seeing what all is available to do. Go to www.azbikeweek.com for all of the information and details.

Wednesday, April 1st
Buddy Stubbs Wednesday's Riding For Kids. This is the biggest mid week ride of AZ Bike Week and one that I go on every year and will be there again this year. Every year this ride attracts over 1000 riders. This year riders will enjoy a beautiful 234 mile ride through Wickenburg, Yarnell, Kirkland Junction, Prescott, Mayer and back to Westworld for the Gin Blossoms concert in the Handlebar Saloon. Sign in will be at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. Registration time is 6:30am - 10:00am. $35 per person. First 600 receive tshirt, first 750 receive pin. Your entry price includes entry to Cyclefest and the Gin Blossoms concert. Raffle Prizes and Awards will be given away at 6:30pm. You can Click Here to sign up online.

Wednesday, April 1st

AZ Bikeweek Tribute to Kimmy Chapman. Kimmy Chapman’s roots with Arizona Bike Week run deep. She was one of the original ABW staff members in 1997 & 1998 when Cruise America originated the idea of Arizona Bike Week with the first event held in Avondale, Arizona. Many things have changed since those days but one thing remains the same, Kimmy is still in there contributing her time and talent to make things better. Kimmy founded the Biker Information Guide in 1997 and continues to be dedicated to the motorcycling community. Tribute will be in the HandleBar Saloon at WestWorld of Scottsdale at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, April 1st

The Traveling Wall Veterans Tribute – Welcoming Ceremony. Join in at 2:00 pm, at Verrado High School (soccer field), 20050 West Indian School Road, Buckeye, Arizona, for the Opening Ceremony as we welcome “The Wall” Traveling Replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Escorted Ride and POW/MIA Ceremony. The Wall will continue to be on display for all patriots to visit and pay their respects to honor those who gave all for God and Country from April 1st to April 6th, 2009. Presented by the American Legion and American Legion Riders of Post 53 and the Town of Buckeye, Arizona. For additional Information please contact Bob “Nomad” Lane at 623-694-2455 – Nomadiz@yahoo.com or Sarah Blank at 623-349-6312 – Sblank@BuckeyeAZ.gov

April 1st - April 5th

Hacienda Harley-Davidson Huge Tent Sale. Hacienda Harley-Davidson is setting up the tents to move some merchandise. If you have ever been to one of these tent sales, you know that there are some excellent deals. This time you will find up to 75% OFF. The tent sale will be ALL DAY EVERYDAY. While you are there enjoy Daily BBQ's and Music. There will be other activities going on throughout the week that will include:

April 1st-5th- Arizona's 1st 5-Day SWAP Meet

Wednesday, April 1st: April Fools Day, Thursday, April 2nd: Ladies Day, Friday, April 3rd: Come see Cyclesolutions, Saturday, April 4th: BBQ 11-2pm, Bikini Bike Wash, Tattoo Contest. Ride with us to PYO Bash at 2pm. Hacienda Harley-Davidson is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. 480-905-1903.

Friday, April 3rd

Hawgs for Heros Ride to support AZ. Public Safety. Registration 8-11am. at Chandler Harley-Davidson located at 6895W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. $20.00 for individual $10.00 for passenger. Price includes admission to WestWorld. First 100 Pre-registered get a free t-shirt. Pre-registration ends 03/28/09. 480-496-6800.

Friday, April 3rd

6th Annual Fire Fighters Poker Run Presented by Superstition Harley-Davidson & United Mesa Fire Fighters. All proceeds benefit East Valley Firefighter Charities. This year’s event kicks off at Superstition Harley-Davidson in Apache Junction at 8:00 am on Friday, April 3rd, 2009 with a huge “Three-Alarm” pancake breakfast. Pre-registration is $30/rider and $20/passenger which includes an event t-shirt and commemorative ride pin for the first 500 people registered. All registered participants will also receive entrance into Arizona Bike Week for Friday’s events at WestWorld including a concert by legendary rocker Eddie Money at the HandleBar Saloon. Take part in this year’s poker run for a chance at $1000 in total prize money for the best and worst poker hands. Register the day of the event from 8:00 am – 10:00 am or Pre-Register early by going online to www.FireFightersPokerRun.com.

Saturday, April 4th

Chester's Harley-Davidson 10th Annual "Torch Ride" to Cyclefest. Don’t miss the 10th ANNUAL TORCH RIDE with Chester’s Harley-Davidson to benefit the Special Olympics Arizona. If you haven’t already pre-registered at www.chestershd.com, you can register the day of the ride from 8-10am at Chester’s. Pre-Reg is $20 per person. Day of event is $25 per person. Last year there were 1800 riders and over $35,000 was raised. And the ride is expected to be even bigger this year! This is a great opportunity to check out Chester’s newly expanded compound, over 7 acres of Hog Heaven and the new Chester’s Indian Dealership! Kickstands up at 10:30am. RIDE WITH US! Chester’s Harley Davidson - 922 S. Country Club Drive. Info: 480-894-0404 / 800-831-0404 or visit http://www.chestershd.com

Saturday, April 4th

7th Annual PYO Bash 2009. Brought to you by Paul Yaffe Originals and the World Famous Billet Bar. One of the best attended biker parties every year starts at the home of Paul Yaffe Originals from Noon to 5pm, located at 2211 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Come by and see the shop, listen to some tunes and have a beer and pizza on us. Enjoy Bikes, Cars, Beer, Food and the music of "Rock Revival" while touring the PYO shop. This is always a good party. At 5pm the party then moves to the Billet Bar located at 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale for more music and entertainment on the paradise patio and then on to Cyclefest for the 9pm concert with Cheap Trick. For more information call 602-840-4205. Click Here for Video from last year.

Sunday, April 5th
Logan's Run. Logan's Valley Motorcycles Charity Poker Ride, The Final ride of Arizona Bike Week 2009 is always a favorite! Proceeds benefit the “Crusader for the Children” and their list of local children organizations. This leisurely unescorted 110 mile ride through the beautiful Sonoran Desert begins and ends at ABW Cyclefest at WestWorld followed by an afternoon of rowdy entertainment with local favorite Mogollon, 3-6pm in the HandleBar Saloon. Day of event registration, 10am - 1pm at main entrance to Cyclefest, $25 per person includes lunch at world renowned Iguana Mack's in Chandler, entry to Cyclefest, and a chance at $1000 in total prize money. Pre-register online at www.LogansMC.com or Logan's Valley Motorcycles in Mesa by 3/31/09 to receive a free ride t-shirt. First 500 registered includes commemorative ride pin. Please join us in supporting a new great cause and don't miss out on the final event of Arizona Bike Week! Logan’s Valley Motorcycles - 1440 W. Main Street. Info: 480-962-1700 or visit www.logansmc.com