untitled

Greetings Riders,

Well, can you believe we are at the first week of March already? Arizona Bike Week starts just 3 weeks from Friday with Mogollon opening for the big Charlie Daniels concert at Chester's Harley-Davidson. I'm really looking forward to this one. Weather has been great for riding if not even a little on the warm side for this time of year. If you missed last week's newsletter with the pictures from the air of the Canyon and Roosevelt Lake area, Click Here to read. If you haven't ever seen Roosevelt Dam and bridge, Click Here for a cool picture of it. Also, congratulations to Kelly on her 2nd win in the Wii Bowling Tournament at the Sandbar.

I'm not one that complains about getting older. In fact, it really doesn't make sense to complain about it. If I wasn't getting older, I'd be dead, then I couldn't ride my motorcycle. So basically, getting older is not such a bad thing, it keeps you on the road. But what comes with getting older is that you tend to have to make some minor repairs on the body. Not unlike maintaining your car or bike. Sometimes there is some preventative maintenance or every once in a while you might have a blowout of a tire. Well, I had a blowout on the body that I had to get repaired via some surgery this past Monday.

The doctor tells me that it didn't necessarily have to do with age, but when he starts talking about walls wearing out and breaking open, it sure sounds to me like that might have a little to do with age. But whatever the reason, I had what apparently is a fairly common problem with a Hernia in the groin area. I don't recall lifting anything that would have caused it, but I do remember putting my right foot down one day to quickly catch the bike and felt a twinge in that area. I'm guessing that could have had something to do with it.

Regardless how it happened, after a couple of painful weeks dealing with it, I finally went in to have it repaired this past Monday morning. The Doc tells me that there is a thin piece of skin that surrounds the intestines to keep them together. If that skin happens to pull apart, it can allow them to protrude out and get pinched, which can be very painful. That was the case with me. This is the first time that I have ever looked at needles and scalpels as the desirable alternative to anything. But in this case, it couldn't be worse, could it?

To do the repair, they simply put in a piece of mesh over the torn area, and this mesh then grows into the skin which in turn patches the hole that keeps your intestines where they are supposed to be. Kind of like patching the tube on that old shovelhead. They told me that the operation would be done by inserting a little camera just below my belly button and then 2 small incisions lower to insert the mesh and the tools to do the repair. Sounds easy enough. Snip Snip Fizz Fizz Oh what a relief it is.

So I show up to the Surgery Center at 6am. They get me all hooked up for an EKG, insert an IV then wheel me into the surgery room where I slide over to the operating table so that the Dr. can take care of my little issue. The anesthesiologist said he was going to insert something in my IV that was going to make me sleepy and in 5 seconds I was out like a light. I don't recall a single thing until I woke up over an hour later in recovery wondering what the heck had just happened. It is absolutely amazing that they can put you to sleep, stick tubes down your nose and throat, cut you open and put a camera down your abdomen, sew you up and you don't recall a single thing. Amazing!

When I woke up and the Dr. came by, he let me in on the news that I didn't have just one tear, I had two. Must have been why it was hurting so bad. They were right, the surgery doesn't hurt at all, but when the drugs wear off, you really know you have been worked on. The last couple of days have been pretty sore in the abdomen area and below. Sneezing and coughing is not nearly as much fun as it used to be. And anesthesia does have some interesting side effects on bodily functions. But other than that. The after surgery pain is better than the broken hernia pain for sure.

So now you are probably wondering why in the heck did he just tell me all of this? Good question. There are actually 2 reasons.
One is, that I didn't have anything else to write about because with Mrs. C's bike down I haven't done much riding lately.
Second is, as I have talked about this with others, apparently it is a fairly common problem that people just live with for a long time until it finally gets too much to handle. Fortunately for me, mine got bad quick and I had it taken care of. But I can't imagine living with that for years. I'm just here to be moral support for anyone who is thinking about getting a hernia repaired. It really isn't that bad. The surgery part is nothing to worry about, and the recovery will make you sore for a couple of days after, but the Doc said I would be good as new in 2-3 weeks.

So as Paul Harvey used to say, and may he rest in peace, "Now you know, the rest of the story".

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! 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. Saturday, March 7th, For One Night Only, The 74th Street Band Live From 9pm till Close. 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.

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.

This Week

Saturday, March 7th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Garage Sale. Have old parts you need to get rid of? Or maybe some you want to buy? This is your chance to clean out the garage and bring them down to Chandler Harley to sell them. Cost is only $5 per sale area. Looking for parts? Drop by and see what they have. Event takes place 9am to 3pm in the CHD backyard. Proceeds to be donated to the Foothills Chapter. You bring it, you sell it. If you don't want to take it home, donate it to the dealership drop bin. Chandler Harley is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6886.

Saturday, March 7th
Born To Be Wild, Liberty Wildlife's 2nd Annual Run. Sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. This is a puzzle run. You will create your own ride to varied places all over the valley. When you arrive at Chester's you will receive a list with all the business' participating such as The Steelhorse, Logan's Valley Motorcycles , The Dirty Dogg Saloon, The Elk's Lodge in Chandler , Renegade Classics and more. You will then have to ride to whatever business you choose and gather your puzzle pieces. It is up to you to decide where and how far to go, but you must bring all your puzzle pieces to the end. Sign Up/Ride 9am-11am Last bike out at 11am. Last Bike in 2pm for raffle, winnings, music live auction and food. 480-894-0404. Beginning at Chester's Harley-Davidson, 922 s. Country club drive, Mesa, Arizona. Final Stop: Harold's of Cave Creek. $20.00 per person, $35.00 per couple, Entry Fee includes meal. First 150 registered riders receive Born 2B Wild event shirt and pin. Music, Food, Raffle, 50/50, Live Auction, and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL MELISSA AT 480-998-0230, OR DAWN AT 480-213-1184. http://www.libertywildlife.org/

Saturday, March 7th
3rd Annual Ride To The Ruins Rally. This event is in conjunction with Cotton Days sponsored by the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce. In support of the Pinal County Family Advocacy Center. Enjoy Live Entertainment, Beer Garden, Games, Raffle, 50/50. Registration 8am - 11am at the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce located at San Carlos Park, 320 W. Central Ave. in Coolidge, AZ. $30 Per Person, $35 with passenger. Includes 1 Ride Shirt, 1 Ride Pin, and 2 cards. For more information call the Coolidge Chamber at 520-723-3009.

Saturday, March 7th
American Legion Riders Post #105 Presents, Operation Transition Warrior. Yard sale at 7am, Auction at 7pm with Kenny Cupp at Pati's Pub, 12820 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029. (602) 943-7978. ALR is having first fund raiser at Pati's Pub to assist our Gulf War Veterans who are coming home, applying for disability, having been discharged from the service because of those war injuries. As most of you know applying for disability takes a long time and if a Veteran can not work due to their disabilities they have virtually no income. We want to assist these families with monies raised to pay their bills, purchasing food, buy Christmas/Birthday presents for the children, clothes for the family or whatever assistance they might need. We are also looking for any donation you might have for our yard sale and auction. All donations are greatly appreciated! Please contact me. harleyrider32@cox.net JC Reece, Ret US Coast Guard , Vice President ALR Chapter Post 105.

Saturday, March 7th
Angels On Call 1st Annual Poker Run. Angels On Call is a program sponsored by Stardust Building Supplies. We provide no cost home repairs to low/fixed income homeowners in the Phoenix Metro area. We are raising money to continue providing this free service. So, please join us as we ride together and loop the 202!!! Registration at 8am, Superstition HD, $25 single, $10 passenger.

Saturday, March 14th
Ride the Track to Save a Family. On March 14th at Firebird! T.E.A.M. Arizona and Aztracktime are inviting you to come ride the track, improve your riding skill, have fun and help Save a Family! Click Here for Details.

Saturday, March 14th
Abby's Angel Ride. Join us as Shenanigans Bar & Grill hosts the seventh annual Abby's Angel Ride to raise money for services and programs benefiting children in Arizona with Down syndrome. The event begins with registration and breakfast at 8:am at Shenanigans at 2244 W Bell Rd in Phoenix. The ride starts at 10:am and goes to the community of Cave Creek and returns to Shenanigans by 4:pm. Ride is a poker run with stops at Big Daddy's Sports Lounge at Cave Creek & Peoria in Phoenix, Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek, Roadrunner Steakhouse in New River (BBQ lunch stop), and Lakeside Bar & Grill at Lake Pleasant Blvd. & Happy Valle Rd in Peoria. Entertainment, raffle and auction await riders as they arrive at Shenanigans. Registration is $25 for singles and $35 for doubles. Registration includes breakfast, lunch & ride pin. All proceeds from the event go Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation to benefit children with Down syndrome. Children of Arizona with Down syndrome Thank You for your generous spirit and cooperation in this fund-raising and fun event. www.abbysangelride.org

Saturday, March 14th
1st Annual Yell and Tell Ride. Join Jean Davidson, granddaughter of the founder of Harley-Davidson and Buddy Stubbs, as they lead a ride to support Jean's charity for children "Yell and Tell". Great 85 mile ride starts at Buddy Stubbs on Cave Creek Road, stops at Bartlett Lake and then ends at Buddy Stubbs in Anthem. Great raffles prizes and lunch at end of ride. Jean will be autographing her book! Come ride with a legend for just $20, raffle ticket, lunch, pin and patch included! Passengers $15. Register at Buddy Stubbs AZ H-D or by calling 602-971-3400. www.buddystubbs.com

Sunday, March 15th
MMA of AZ Westsiders NCOM Fund Raiser. Sign in 9am to 10am at Chuy's Mesquite Brolier 5134 N 95th Ave Glendale, AZ cost is $5/person. Stop 2: Hooper's Pub 5114 W Northern Ave. (NW side of Northern & 51st Ave). Stop 3: 50/30 Lounge 5030 W Peoria Ave. NE side of Peoria & 51st Ave) Stop 4: Throttle Up Motorcycle 5030 W Peoria Ave. (Next door to 50/30 Lounge). Last Stop: Ramjet Racing Performance Cycle 9th Annual Customer Appreciation Day 13207 N Cave Creek RD Phoenix, AZ. High score winner will be announced 1pm at the MMA Booth Free BBQ Lunch on Ramjet DJ Rocking the place out 50/50 and lots of Give A Ways. Everyone is Welcome FMI 623-433-6503 Mojo. amusmcwalker@aol.com

Sunday, March 15th
2nd Annual Riding for the Wounded. Leathernecks MC, KaBar Chapter, will be putting on the 2nd Annual Riding for the Wounded. Raffle prizes, 50/50, silent auction. Sign in at Ironhorse V-Twins, 8550 N. 91st Ave, Peoria from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. $20 Single and $30 Double. Includes food for first 50 sign ups.

Bikers Bay "Get Ready to Ride" Specials - With Bike Week just around the corner and prime AZ riding weather, it is time to get your bike Ready- to-Ride. Bikers Bay's, Ride In - Ride Out® services, no appointments, service while you wait, will keep you riding and money in you pocket. Check out Bikers Bay's, Get Ready-to-Ride" specials:
**Free base oil, engine oil change or $20 for a synthetic engine oil change with any set of tires purchased and installed.($50 value) or $20 off any oil service with purchase of single tire and mounting.
**Bikers Bay annual Performance Package Sale - 10% off all parts with the purchase of a performance package (requires purchase of exhaust system, fuel manager/jet kit, and installation).
**Customer Loyalty Program - Double dip your savings - 10% of your total invoice will be applied to the next service performed. The more you spend the more you save.
If you ride it we service it - Bikers Bay services all makes and models of motorcycles. Stop in a Bikers Bay shop and experience personal customer service, the way it used to be. Please visit our webpage at www.mybikersbay.com for more information and which one of Bikers Bay four AZ locations is closest to you.
Please reference Cyclerides.com "Get Ready to Ride" Special to receive your discounts.

Did you ever wonder what happened to the Lumberjack? This is an amazing piece of equipment. Click Here to View.

You've heard about the Miracle on the Hudson. Take a look at this animation of the flight with the real radio transmissions attached. Pretty interesting. Click Here to View.

Ever wonder what a bear does out in the woods when he thinks no one is watching? Click Here to View.

Ever have that sinking feeling when you think you have forgotten your keys? Click Here to View.

You think landing on an aircraft carrier is tough? Take a look at what this guy does. Click Here to View.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

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