Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
3/9/05 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, the Hearts To Heroes Ride is now behind us. It was a very successful event as over 1200 riders came out even with the threat of rain in most of the Valley. When I went to bed Friday night to the sound of rain, thunder and lightening I was wondering if we would be able to go forward with the ride. I awoke at 5:30am to see wet streets and heavy cloud cover around the valley which was disappointing to say the least. But as daylight approached and the sun started to shine, I knew that at least some riders would be able to make the ride to the start location. As it turned out, we were blessed with sunshine over the start and ending location with no rain for the event. But I was disappointed that so many weren't able to come experience this very emotional tribute to our armed forces due to the rain in other parts of the Valley.
 
The day started with motorcycles getting to the flag draped entry at CCV by 8:00 am loaded with thousands of needed goods for the troops. Doughnuts, water and coffee were also provided by Christ's Church of the Valley. As the motorcycles lined up, riders were invited inside the Church to watch the 10 minute video featuring Trent Franks, Kathleen Lewis and Col. Dawn lake talking about the importance of Packages From Home.
 
At 10am we started the program inside the Church with the presentation of Colors by the Marine Corp. 9th Division from Camp Pendleton followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Pamela Croteagh and the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by 5 members of the Stars Soccer Team. After the Pledge I introduced 10 and 12 year old singing sensations Jonnie and Brookie to take the stage. These 2 young girls definitely stole the show with their heartfelt rendition of "American Tears" and were greeted with a standing ovation from all 1200 in attendance. If you haven't heard this song, check out the video of their performance. After the song I said: "Leave it to two young girls that can sing like that to bring bikers to tears". And that is exactly what they did. When you listen to the words to this song, you will see what I mean.
 
After that I introduced my favorite part of the program, the video tribute to the Veterans. I asked that all Veterans in the crowd stand up to be recognized and then played our special video presentation for them to the song of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA". This was made for all  Veterans of the past and present. Click Here to view the Video. We then closed the program with a special prayer for the troops and the riders by CCV's Pastor Don Wilson. Click Here to view.
 
We then made our way to our bikes and were escorted by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and led by Congressman Trent Franks to Anthem. Upon arriving at Anthem we were greeted by music from Doc and Gal. Thanks to them for donating their time. Once everyone arrived at Anthem we were presented the Colors by the Marine Corp and then a moving rendition of our National Anthem by Jesse McGuire. Sheriff Joe Arpaio then started the afternoon with some kind words for the riders and the troops. We then heard from Mike Broomhead, Bruce Jacobs from KFYI radio, Col. Dawn Lake, Major Sundt, Congressman Trent Franks, music from Jonnie and Brookie, Congressman J.D. Hayworth and the day was closed with words from Jesse McGuire and a moving rendition of "God Bless America". Click Here to view.
 
I would like to once again thank everyone who was involved in this event, especially Christ's Church of the Valley for opening up all aspects of the Church to us, Pulte Homes for donating the Anthem Community Park and stage, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for getting us there and David Whitten of Packages From Home for all of his help.
 
I will have a DVD available of the complete program at the Church and clips from the ride and Anthem for sale on the site late next week for around $10. If you are interested in one, please email me at info@cyclerides.com and I will put you on the list to contact when it is done.
 
The Vietnam War ended 3 months before my 18th birthday and the draft was stopped, so as a result, I have never been in the military. I have never had to sleep in a foxhole or had RPG's aimed at my vehicle or an abandoned building that I am sleeping in. I have no idea what it must be like to go door to door in Falluja not knowing what awaits me on the other side. I have no real world experience of what life this must be for our Soldiers. But I will say to all of you that have served our Great Country and who are serving now, I am your biggest fan and will continue to do all that I can from our homeland to give you the support that you deserve and to make things a little more comfortable for our active units.
 
One quote from a Soldier on the Channel 5 news report said: "this is the biggest outreach of support for the troops that we have seen in a long time". He is right, we haven't done enough to let these guys know that we are behind them. I never again want to see another Vietnam treatment of our Soldiers. So because of that, I have already started planning for another Cyclerides.com Hearts to Heroes Ride for the Month of October. So with 6 months, instead of 6 weeks to plan this one, I promise it will be even more special for you and the troops.
 
Click Here for all 179 Photos from the Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes Event.
Click Here for Video from the Cyclerides.com Hearts To Heroes Event.
Click Here for the TV News reports.

In This Issue:

With the weather like it is, this is now a great time of year for Bike Nights.
Get out this week and visit a bike night in your area. See all listed below.
Saturday, March 12th - Copper State Cycles Pit Stop.
Saturday, March 12th - 6th Annual Arizona Diamondbacks Line Drive For Kids 

Next Week

March 18th-20th
World of Wheels 36th Annual Custom Motorcycle, Car & Hot Rod Show. Featuring The All American Motorcycle Show. $300 Best of Show, Trophies and Prizes presented by Arizona Biker Information Guide. Enter your motorcycle for $30 for an 8x10 space. Show Features & Special Sections include: the All American Motorcycle Show, "50 Years of Chevy Small Block", "Street Heat", "Extreme Heat". World of Wheels is held at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, 222 E. Adams St. in Phoenix. Friday, 3-10pm. Saturday, 11am - 10pm. Sunday, 11am - 7pm. Admission: Adults - $12.50, (6-12) $5.00, Children 5 & under free. For more information call Kimmy at 623-334-1545. 
 
Saturday, March 19th
3rd Annual American Legion Poker Run. Registration at Post 105 at the N.W. Corner of 35th Ave. and Thunderbird in Phoenix from 8am-10am with breakfast available from 7-9am and finishes at Post 61 in Avondale, AZ. Free Rally t-shirts and ride pins for first 100 entries. 1st place $250. Event will benefit our Veterans and Active Duty personnel and their families. For more information call Roland at 602-943-0070.
 

Saturday, March 19th
Valle Luna Angel Run. Charity Motorcycle Ride for Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona. Leaves Valle Luna Restaurant located at 33rd and Bell Rd. Sign in from 8-9am. BBQ lunch after ride to Roadrunner Steakhouse & Saloon, 47801 N Black Canyon Hwy. $25 per bike, $5 passenger includes Ride Pin and Shirt, complimentary breakfast and BBQ Lunch. Raffle/50-50/Music. Ride ends at 3pm. For more information call 602-820-8267.
 

Saturday, March 19th
St. Patty's Day MasterLink Benefit. Live Music, 50/50, Raffles, & More at Kid Chilleen's Bad Ass BBQ, located at I-17 (Exit 244) in Black Canyon City, AZ. Presented by ABATE to raise money for the publication & distribution of the MasterLink, Your information source for ABATE, protecting & supporting your riding FREEDOM in the great state of Arizona.  928 771-0380.
 
Sunday, March 20th
17th Annual Greasewood Poker Run. This is annually one of the biggest rides of the year. Usually 1000 riders. The ride begins at Arrowhead HD located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Dr. (1 block S. of Bell Rd. off 83rd. Ave.) Pre-register at Arrowhead Harley on Saturday for $20 per person which entitles you to Lunch, Ride Pin (to the first 1000 registered) Vendors and Live Music. $20 day of ride. Registration between 8am and 10:30am on the 20th. Ride ends at Rock Springs where you will enjoy the great sounds of Arizona's favorite band Mogollon, BBQ lunch and no host-cash bar. Large vendor area on site. Prizes to the top 3 Poker Hands. Big 50/50 drawing. For more information call Buck at 623-247-5542. See ya there. 

Upcoming Events 

April 1st - 10th
Arizona Bike Week. As most of you know by now, Arizona Bike Week begins 3 weeks from this Friday. If you haven't looked at the schedule or taken some time off during this week for some of the fun events, now is time to start thinking about that. ABW has expanded and added a lot of new events this year. Click Here for the complete events schedule to pick out the activities you want to participate in. This year visit kick off ABW off at one of the participating dealerships "Rev Up" parties. The participating Valley dealerships include: Chosa's, Superstition, Chandler, Arrowhead and Buddy Stubbs. Around the State you can visit Grand Canyon Harley, Mother Road, Sierra Vista, HD of Tucson and Territorial HD.A new event that will get you acquainted with all of the dealerships is the ABW "Rattlesnake Charity Ride". Upon registration you will receive a stamp card. All you need to do is visit each participating dealer and have your card stamped to be eligible for the drawing of a 2005 Harley Fat Boy to be drawn on April 10th in the Handlebar Saloon. Starting at 6:00pm on the night of April 1st will be the Dedication of the American Veteran's Traveling Tribute, "The Wall". I will be back in a couple of weeks with my favorite activity picks of ABW. You can pick up your "Guide to ride map" at all sponsor locations.
 
May 5th - 8th
Cycle De Mayo at Lake Pleasant. Get ready for the First Annual Lake Pleasant Wet & Wild Rally May 5th-8th. This event will be held at Lake Pleasant and feature a lot of different events including a Fireworks Show, Dyno Racing, Extreme Team FMX and Trails Stunt Shows, Party Boats, Jet Ski's and Water Sports, Midnight Paint Ball Shootout at Cowtown, Speed World Drag Racing, Strong Man and Arm Wrestling Contest, Food, Vendors and much more. Mark your calendars for May 5th-8th. For more information call 602-229-2992. www.cycledemayo.com . 

Extras 

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.
 
As for me this weekend, I am going to shine up the bike, take in some bike nights and enjoy some of this 80 degree weather.