Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 3/3/04

Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/3/04

Greetings Riders,

I don't know if it is the same for you, but it's amazing to me that the older I get, the more time I spend recalling things out of the blue that happened 30 years ago. Maybe it is a song that triggers it, an old movie, a persons name or even a familiar smell. I guess it is because that the older you get, the more experiences you have to draw from. I mean, I don't remember at the age of 12, sitting on the front porch sharing a bomb pop with my buddies and saying, "Remember when we were 8? I'm not that old, but there has been enough water under the bridge to grab a bucket full of memories now and then. And as it usually ends up, it has to do with motorcycles.

Ten days ago I was able to add another experience that I will be recalling in the future. Most of you know of or have seen the show on Discovery Channel called American Chopper. It is the reality TV show that features The Teutal family of Orange County Choppers as they build these incredible theme bikes for different companies. The show has become the highest rated program on Discovery Channel pulling in over 3 million viewers per week and has made Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Mikey and their bikes instant celebrities. The commercials recently debuted on the Superbowl by AOL featuring the Teutal's have even taken them to a whole new level.

About 6 months ago I was introduced to a guy who was working on bringing the Teutal's and their bikes to Arizona for an event. He asked if I would partner with him for the motorcycle aspect of the show. I accepted and we started the process of arranging their appearance. On February 20th we flew back to New York to finalize the deal. I have to admit, I was excited to see the behind the scenes of what I had seen on TV for the last year. As with anything like this, you always wonder if it is really going to be anything like what you envision.

We took the 11:30 PM red-eye out on Thursday night and arrived in Newark at around 5:40 am New York time. We got our rental car and drove the 90 miles up state for our 9:00 am meeting. As we came upon their place, located on a small 2 lane county road out in the middle of the New York countryside, we saw the familiar Orange County Choppers sign on the side of the road. We turned into the driveway and drove down about 50 yards to the OCC sign and door that we had seen many times before on TV. After being let in the secured door to the office by Paul Jr's girlfriend Whitney, we looked at memorabilia on the walls commemorating some of their accomplishments. A few minutes later the door to the office opened and Paul Sr. came out to introduce himself and invite us in.

This must be reality TV at its finest, because Paul Sr. is just as you see him on the show. All business, but yet has a sincere side and is very hands on with what happens with his company. Just like on the show. We had an hour long meeting with their office manager, Paul Sr. and Mikey who was very involved with the discussions. Paul Jr. and Mike Campo joined in later as we were wrapping up. These guys are all extremely genuine and haven't let all of this fame go to their heads. One thing that I came away with was that they are extremely concerned about their fans and want to do everything they can to accommodate them. I found that very refreshing in this age of prima donna movie stars.

Once the meeting was over they posed for a group shot, invited us to look around at the bikes and watch them as Discovery was there filming another episode of the show. We were able to see most of the theme bikes including the Fire Bike, Jet Bike, Spider Bike and the Christmas Bike. We were also able to see a finished bike that has not been aired yet called the Statue of Liberty Bike. The bike is made from copper removed in the statue's 1984 rehabilitation and features a torch-topped carburetor that lights up. This could be one of their best shows.

We are going to make this a total Motorsports event centered around Orange County Choppers. They will bring their theme bikes and most of the people that you have seen on the show. All of their appearances in the past 6 months have drawn 30-40,000 people per day. We are still working on the venue that will be big enough to handle the crowds and will be meeting with them again to finalize all the details. We also plan on bringing in a top named act to entertain on Saturday night. My choice is someone like The Marshall Tucker Band. The dates are November 5, 6, and 7 which is the soonest that OCC is available. We look forward to putting on a fantastic 3 Day Event with Orange County Choppers that will be fun for everyone from 8 to 80 years of age. I will update you as things develop.

When we got back to the Newark airport we had some time to kill so we took a train to New York City's Penn Station for some pizza. We irritated the New Yorkers by playing tourist for about an hour and were on the train back to the airport for the 5 1/2 hour flight home. Click here for all pictures from the day. Here is a short video I put together really quick to give you a feel for the Teutal's and the area. Click Here for a recent article in USA Today about AOL and the Teutal's.

I would like to direct you to all of the great Rides and Events that are happening in the next 4 weeks preceding and during Arizona Bikeweek. Go to www.cyclerides.com and click on the Rides and Events Calendar.

If you missed last week's letter about the Noise Ordinance in Carefree, Click Here.

Miss Arizona Bikeweek competition has been a big success. This Thursday night the competition moves to Flicka's Baja Cantina located at 2003 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. Gathering starts at 7:00 pm with the competition getting under way around 8:00 pm. Click Here for the schedule and pictures. Monday is the next event at Hardtailz on the SW Corner of 35th Ave. and Bell Rd. CONTESTANTS WANTED! Come on down. Win prizes on the spot by making the semi-finals and the winner receives $1000 cash and two 1st class tickets to anywhere in the U.S. on America West.

Wednesday

Margarita Rocks Beach Club Bike Night. This is our first bike night in the Downtown Tempe Entertainment District. Margarita Rocks is a multi level building with outdoor patios on each level that will feature a Bike Night every Wednesday starting at 6:00pm. This is a fun place decorated in a beach theme with a large dance floor that can be viewed from the second level and waitresses dressed in beach attire. >From the second level patio you will also have a view of all the bikes parked on the large brick patio in front of the building that provides parking for hundreds of bikes. (See the pictures) Bike Night will feature 1 Cent Tacos, 10 Cent Wings and $2.00 Buds, Bud Lights and Jack and Cokes. There will also be a DJ playing tunes that you can dance to or just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. KUPD will be on-site with prizes and concert tickets. Ride by and take a look. Margarita Rocks is located on 4th Street just West of Mill Ave. The street ends there but just ride right up on the brick patio and park where ever you can. 480-968-3301. Click Here for Margarita Rocks Web Site.

The Wild Hare Wednesday Bike Night. Looking for a Bike Night on the East side? Here is a 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

Thursday Night features 7 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. 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 (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $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 The evening riding weather is good. 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 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.

Hooters at Ahwatukee Thursday Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles. The riders in Ahwatukee were wanting a Bike Night of their own, so Hooters Ahwatukee stepped up to provide a great place to come on your motorcycle on Thursday nights. Stop by for raffles, good times and good food at Hooters in Ahwatukee located at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. There will be raffles and giveaways from Chandler Harley and Hooters as well as 20% off menu items (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio. Click Here for the pictures and all the details.

Eastside Riders Can Now Make The
"Scottsdale Road Fun Run" to 4 Great Places for Food and Drink.
Start from the North or the South!

New!
Jilly's American Grill. Many of you have been to Jilly's in the past. They now have a regular Thursday Bike Night. The food at Jilly's is excellent and would be a great place to start off your riding night on the outdoor patio or in the dining room with your own personal TV and sound. Motorcycle parking will be provided right in front of the building. Bike Night dinner specials include the Hog Heaven Sampler, The Fat Boy Burger, The Custom Chopper, Indian Mikes Smokey Pork Chops and The Flaming Bird. For a mouth watering description of all the specials Click Here. After dinner enjoy the music throughout or try your luck at Pool, Darts or Shuffleboard. This is a great laid back atmosphere with great food and fun. Jilly's is located just 1 block inside the front entrance to Scottsdale Airpark off of Scottsdale Rd. at 7301 E. Butherus (Greenway). Bike Night hours are from 6pm til Close. Click Here for Pics.

New! Jetz Americana Thursday Bike Night. Live Band This Thursday starting at 8:00PM, "North". The Party In Full Force With Great Drink Specials And Giveaways. Dj Swerv Rocks The House With Nonstop Music And Classic Videos. If you want to get there early there is a complimentary Happy Hour Buffet from 4-6pm and Half Price Happy Hour Cocktails from 4pm - 7pm. You can enjoy $1.00/ Dozen Hot Wings 6pm-close, $2.50 Sam Adams Light or Lager all night, $4.00 Jack Daniels Cocktails, $7.95 1/2lb Burger and Domestic Beer all night. Jetz is in the SW corner of Scottsdale Road and Gold Dust, just one block south of Shea behind California Pizza Kitchen. Pull up, park, and party at one of Scottsdale’s finest. Click here to see the pictures of where you will be going and more information. 480-948-2606.

ACME Bar and Grill . ACME is finishing their major remodeling now. You will not recognize the place. They have added a front patio and an opened up the bar area for dancing on the bar. Stop by and take a look. I will have more details and pics next week. You will enjoy a Free Buffet from 8:00-9:30 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.

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. 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. Click Here for the New Billet Bar Page with pictures.

Sunday

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. NEW!! Live Music Every Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm. Many of you have been to Cocomo Joe's in North Phoenix. There is now a day just for riders. Cocomo Joe's is a very open and comfortable place to hang out that is decorated in a Jamaican theme. They have a new large outdoor patio as well as 2 smaller ones around the side. There is a large dining area with TV's all around to keep up on all NFL football on Sundays. See the pictures here. After football season they will be bringing in live entertainment on Sunday afternoons. There is also 3 pool tables and games for your enjoyment. There will be food and drink specials for ride days starting at 10:30am as well as blocked off preferred parking for motorcycles. The day starts at 10:30am with breakfast foods available. Bike day is from Noon - 6pm. Cocomo Joe's is located on the NW corner of Tatum and Dynamite Rd. So if you are riding to or from Cave Creek, or want to take a ride up North and not have to run the DB gauntlet, stop by Cocomo Joe's. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-535-8008. Stop by this Sunday for opening day. Click Here for all the details.

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. 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 - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm 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 Weekend

Saturday, March 6th
1st Annual H.O.G. Chapter Chili Challenge. The Battle For The Best Chili Continues... Come feel the heat at the 1st Annual HOG Chapter Chili Challenge at Chosa's Harley-Davidson in Mesa on Saturday, March 6th, from 11am to 1pm. The Hooters Girls will be here stirrin' things up as they serve some of the best chili made by Chapter members! The Superstition HOG Chapter is defending the trophy that they won at the Inaugural HOG Chapter Chili Challenge held in FEB 2003. Vote for the best tasting chili and put "out the fire" with thirst quenching beverages provided by Chosa's Harley-Davidson. Remember - YOUR vote determines the winning Chapter, so if you have a taste for competition - as well as great chili - make plans to join us! The Chapter with the most votes takes the trophy home for 1 year until it's time to kick off next year's Chili Challenge. Be a part of something hot when the weather is cool! The HOG Chapter Chili Challenge - definitely not for the mild! 922 S. Country Club in Mesa. 480-894-0404.

Saturday, March 6th
2nd Annual American Legion Poker Run. This run is to support the Veterans home and youth programs. Check-In at the American Legion Post 105 located at 3534 W. Calavar, 1 block North of Thunderbird on 35th Avenue. Breakfast available from 7:00 - 9:00AM. Finish at American Legion Post #1 located at 7th Ave. & Van Buren in Phoenix. Live music with KrakSmokin Grannies. 50/50 Drawing and Raffle. Dinner available 4:00 to 7:00PM. For more information Call George Cushing at 623-544-0797.

Sunday, March 7th
Agent Orange Ride. This ride is to raise money for agent orange victims and the order of the Silver Rose. They issue no Purple Hearts for wounds or death from Agent Orange. The Order of the Silver Rose issues a medal, a citation and will arrange for a presentation ceremony for victims of Agent Orange dioxin wounds. The ride begins at Evolution Custom Cycles at University Plaza located at 1435 E. University Dr. #101 in Tempe, AZ. $20 single rider, $30 couple. Ride pin to the first 250 registered. Poker Run, Biker Bingo, 50/50, Door Prizes, Raffles. Prizes include a Fender Amplifier, Hotel and Resort Packages, Event Tickets, Gift Certificates, Hundreds of dollars of Raffle Prizes. Ride ends at Sugar Daddy's in Scottsdale.

Next Weekend

Friday-Sunday, March 12th - 14th
Grand Opening of New Harley Store Inside Chandler Mall. There is a new Harley store located inside Chandler Mall that will carry all Gifts, Collectibles, Motorclothes, Footwear and Fashion Apparel. Stop by starting on Friday March 12th from 6-9pm, 15% off to ALL H.O.G. Members. Saturday and Sunday enjoy FREE food from BJ's Brewery, Face Painting for the kids, 10% OFF of Everything and Door Prizes. The new store is located at the East Entrance between BJ's Brewery and Harkins Theatre. BJ's will have a Bike Night on the patio March 15th with free appetizers 4-7pm. Visit the store after bike night, show your BJ's receipt and get a free gift. Store hours are Mon-Sat. 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-7pm. For more information call 480-917-2300.

Saturday, March 13th
Chosa's Harley-Davidson Big Outdoor Tent Sale. Join Chosa's Harley-Davidson in Mesa on Saturday, March 13th for our ONE DAY ONLY BIG Outdoor Tent Sale! From 10am to 3pm, you'll find awesome bargains on selected apparel-including leather, Men's, Women's and Kid's clothing! Clearance tables with items as low as a buck, and of course our famous "Let's Make A Deal Rack!" Stop in and enjoy our free refreshments and Chosa's Biker BBQ from 11am to 2pm, served by none other than the Hooters Girls! Come on down, park the hog and kick your boots up! Its going to be a great time at Chosa's in Mesa! Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. 480-894-0404.

Saturday, March 13th
Diamondbacks Line Drive for Kids Ride. It's that time of year again. Baseball is right around the corner and so is the Diamondbacks Line Drive for Kids ride. March 13th you can join this popular ride to Tucson to get an early look at the 2004 Arizona Diamondbacks in a Spring Training game. You can still register on line to reserve your spot. Many of you have enjoyed this event before and it is here again. This is really a fun time. The ride begins at Claim Jumpers in Tempe, AZ located at 1530 W. Baseline Rd. Sign in from 8-9AM. The ride will go to Tucson via Florence and then onto the Diamondbacks Spring Training game. Cost is $30.00 per rider and participants receive: Breakfast, Lunch, Event T-Shirt, Spring Training Game Ticket and Ride Pin. This ride is always a good time. Click Here to sign up online.

Sunday, March 14th
Ramjet Racing 4th Annual Customer Appreciation Day. This is annually one of the bigger Customer Appreciation Parties of the year. From 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM there will be Live Music, Free Food & Drinks and a large Bike Show that will have the winners picked by you. There will be 8 Trophy Classes for you to judge. And on top of all of that there will be over $10,000 in Giveaway Prizes. You can also save some money while you are there. All in stock parts and all special orders will be sold at 10% over cost. A mystery ride will follow immediately after the event. Ramjet Racing is located at 13207 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. More information at 602-788-0364.

Sunday, March 14th
13th Annual Chili Cookoff sponsored by ABATE of Arizona Phoenix Chapter. It's that time of year again. Pull out your best chili recipe and enter it into this year's Chili Cookoff. There is a $5.00 per person Gate Fee and a Cook-Off registration of $15.00. There is a First, Second and Third place cash and award for the winning recipe. Chili Registration is 11AM - 1PM. Chili and Bike Show Judging 2PM - 3PM. Enter your bike in the Free People's Choice Bike Show. Categories include: American, Import, Trike and Best of Show. Cookoff location at the BPOE Elks Lodge located at 14424 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. For more information contact Dwayne at 623-873-3460 or Clyde at 602-285-0366.

Sunday, March 14th
Biker Sunday. Free BBQ, Free Ride Pin, Family Friendly, Puppet Show, Bike Rides For Kids, 23 Foot Air Slide, Air Climbing Wall, 3 Volleyball Courts, Music "Live Band", Bike Blessing & Prizes, 70 Mile "Hot Fudge" Run Special CMA Speakers: Cliff Stringham and Pastor Irvin. Event Schedule 9AM, Check In & Coffee Donuts, 10:30AM Speaker & Honoring All Bikers, Noon BBQ, Volleyball, Picnic 1:30PM Drawings For Prizes 2PM "Hot Fudge" 70 Mile Ride All Motorcycle Enthusiasts Welcome And Everything Is Free!!!!! Glendale Nazarene Church (59Th Ave & Cactus Rd) Invite All Your Friends Who Ride!

Upcoming Events

March 26th - April 4th
Arizona Bikeweek. Rawhide is going to be the new home for Arizona Bike Week and the Handlebar Saloon. ABW is going to make their own town made up of vendors, restaurants and bars. You will be able to cruise down a long "Main Street" similar to Sturgis, park your bikes, walk around, eat, drink and watch the action go by. YOUR motorcycles will now be a part of the venue all throughout the vendor village. Now that is what we have been asking for!

The Rawhide Pavilion will be transformed into the Handlebar Saloon and will be open every night for the entire run of bike week starting with the "Cajun Party" on March 31st. There will be nightly activities, bands and events including flat track racing, biker bull riding on real bulls and much more. Cyclefest will run from April 1st through April 4th. Mar 31st will kick off Cyclefest with a performance from "The Little River Band". One of my big questions was, "What about the dust?" The answer is that they are spending over $20,000 to treat all of the dirt in the area with a product that will make it like asphalt. Dust will not be an issue. I was very excited to hear all of the changes for Arizona Bike Week for the coming year. If this turns out anything like it is planned, Arizona might be on its way to becoming one of those major Annual events that we deserve to be. This is just a brief synopsis of what is to come. You can go to www.arizonabikeweek.com for more information. They are planning and updating events on a daily basis. I am really looking forward to seeing how this all works out. It should be fun. Don't miss the Discovery Channel Great Bike Buildoff on Saturday, April 3rd.

Extras

2004 Custom Performance/Arizona Bikeweek Horsepower Competition. Custom Performance is proud to present the official 2004 Arizona Bike Week Horse power competition to all Horse Power Nuts. Do you think your bike is strong? Do you think you have what it takes to win? Come prove it during pre-qualification taking place at the Custom Performance Tuning Center daily beginning Monday, March 30, 2004 through Friday, April 2, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day. Stop by and check the results, they will be posted throughout the day during qualifying and posted nightly on our website: fastbikesaz.com. This year's competitors are offered 7 classes; the top three from each class will Shoot It Out on Saturday, April 3, 2004 out at Cyclefest. Come see if your bike has what it takes to win the prize money, trophy and national recognition from Rumble Magazine, and other National publications as one of the official Arizona Bike Week 2004 Horse Power Competition Winners. For more information call: 623-879-8488.

I have talked about these before and many of you have seen me with them on. It seems that I never hit the freeways without them. That is the new molded earphones that plug into an MP3 player. They serve as earplugs to protect you from the wind noise as well as headphones for you to enjoy music as you ride. They are OUTSTANDING! AZ Earprotection has now made it a lot easier for you to get these and the regualr molded ear plugs. They will have a representative that will be floating on Wednesday nights between 3 Harley Dealerships in the Valley. Click Here to see when they will be near you. You will not be disappointed. They are worth every penny.

This weekend is predicted to be near 80 degrees and sunny. That is the weather we have been waiting for. Get out and enjoy it. Hopefully this is a preview for AZ Bikeweek Weather.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

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