Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
4/13/05
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, I don't even know where to start this week. I guess I'll just start by just telling you what is on my mind. Every week is a new adventure for me to compose this newsletter. Some week's are easy to write as I share with you a funny story, a fun ride or a useful current event. Some week's are more difficult as I have to tackle more serious matters. But ultimately, my goal is to always promote a positive outlook on riding, life in general and strive to make this a positive experience for you to read. I have not used this forum to bash anyone or anything and I am not going to start now. But I have to admit, I have been dreading writing the review of ABW 2005 at the risk of it sounding like anything other than constructive criticism.
 
As most of you know, I have nothing to do with the organization of Arizona Bike Week or have any financial interest in it at all. But... I am a big supporter of it and agree with the concept of having a week every year that would bring thousands of riders to our State to show off our great riding and beautiful weather. I know that the organizers of ABW tried hard this year to make something positive happen. No matter what you are planning, even if it is a birthday party, what you have in your mind might not translate into energy or excitement for an event. Sometimes that happens, and that it is what appeared to happen with ABW this year. They tried, but things just never got rolling. For me, it was one of the most lackluster, unexciting and under attended years that I can remember.
 
I've done a few events and know how hard it is to stage a successful event, and I don't pretend to be an expert event planner or have all the answers that would fix ABW. But I do have some ideas and some obvious observations that I noticed and some that were sent in by the readers. Due to the lack of space I will just go over a few items.

The Venue:
Rawhide has got to go! Most have said they liked Westworld better. The lack of dust lasted for about 2 days this year and then it was all over. Those poor vendors will be cleaning their stuff for the next month. I always thought the concept was good to ride the bikes in the venue, but it just doesn't create enough excitement. The Handlebar needs to be the center of the event and wrap the vendors around it to keep the energy going. There needs to be better communication as to what events are happening in the Handlebar or on the vendor grounds. Announcements every 15 minutes reminding everyone what is coming up would have been helpful. Otherwise, it was just a chance walk through the Saloon to see what was going on. The word is that the event is moving to the Gila River Casino South of Chandler on I-10. The venue is supposed to be grass and concrete which would be good. But that doesn't automatically make it a good location. I personally think it is too far out of town. There are no other attractions around it and I'm afraid there would not be repeated visits to the site that far out. Especially if there is nothing to come back to see and no good riding around it. I would still like to see it in the Scottsdale corridor.
 
Vendors:
We need to see way more bling bling for this to be a National type of an event. More hardware and chrome items, more custom builders, more production builders, more manufacturers of all items, more demo rides, more unique items that we can't get anywhere else. Things that will keep us coming back to revisit our favorite items which will create interest, excitement and sales for all vendors. This year there was an abundance of T-shirt and trinket vendors that are at any and every event. For this to be special, we need the big guys to join the party, even if ABW has to give them their space just to get them here.
 
Length:
10 days for Cyclefest is way too long. I think that would be a unanimous opinion. It needs to be 4 days at the most. We just don't have the volume of people or attractions to make it 10 days. How it was done last year was much better. Let the rides happen throughout the week along with the other small events in town. Let the momentum and energy build into Thursday and then entertain the heck out of us with some nice events and vendors. Then communicate to us what is going on throughout the day. Being fragmented over 2 weekends is a waste of time for the vendors and offers nothing to create excitement for the riders.
 
Summary:
I know this is no Sturgis or Daytona nor will it ever be. We need to get over that idea. There is not a City in this town that will open up their main streets to this type of event. They aren't set up for it nor do they need to do it. But there is no reason why we can't have a nice ABW where we can invite riders and vendors from across the U.S. and show them a good time. One way to help toward putting on a good event would be to solicit input from those who would attend. I would like to see ABW take some serious input from the riders and vendors, who are ultimately the ones that make this a success or failure.
 
I would also like to see ALL of the major dealerships in this city get together and stick with this event through the good times and bad. As the old saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. There are going to be ups and downs along the way. That is to be expected. If everyone would put their own agenda and politics aside for one week and work together for the good of the event, I would think that would be a positive for the riders, the visitors and the dealerships.  Anything less, is, and will be, a negative reflection on those who don't support the event. It's really not that tough if everyone, including the promoters, have the common goal of making a successful event. But fracturing off to start other events to stifle what has been going for 9 years doesn't seem to be in the best interest of the riders in this town that want to see this event show well to our visitors throughout the Southwest. Ultimately it is our City and State that will take the brunt of bad reviews throughout the industry.
 
I think this year is going to be the watermark for Arizona Bike Week. The decisions made in the next few months by those with the controls, will decide if this event will ultimately sink or swim. Those decisions should be well thought out and packed with input from any and all sources. If we go through another year of apathy and lack of energy like I saw all over town this year, it will be tough to keep it going and that would be a shame. If everyone decides to play well together, it can only help the entire event. As evidenced this year, there are not enough people in this town to support many different events. If ABW is not at the top of its' game, all of the other splinter events will suffer as well.
 
And lastly, I am still a big supporter of Arizona Bike Week and am on board 100% to help in any way that I can. I endorse the concept and think it is extremely important that we have this event to showcase our State. I love the fact that we can all look forward to one week where we can experience a lot of bikes in town, meet new people, take some great rides around the State, invite riding friends from around the country and see a lot of old friends right here in town. I hope that there will be unity with all of the dealerships to take an active part with the promoters in making ABW 2006 a rebound success. 

Photos will be posted on the front page of www.cyclerides.com within the next 48 hours.
 


This Week's Bike Night Events  
Wednesday 

Hooters at 1-17 and Bell Rd. Wednesday Bike Night. Hooters at I-17 and Bell will be hosting a new Bike Night every Wednesday night from 6pm - 9pm. They will feature a "Ride In" Bike Show with weekly prizes for 1st - 3rd. And then, the third Wednesday of every month we will crown the Bike of the Month with a Grand Prize and will also be featured on Cyclerides.com as the "Bike of the Week". We will have $2 Bud, Bud Light, and Mich Ultra bottles. There will be 20% off of all food and merchandise when you ride in on your bike. Stop by for loads of Raffle Prizes. There will be VIP Motorcycle Parking and you will be greeted at the front door by a Hooter's Girl waiting to give you your raffle ticket. Hooter's is located in the Bell Canyon Shopping Center at 2834 W. Bell Rd., West of I-17 on Bell Rd. 602-375-0000.  

Thursday Night

Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Here is one for those of you in the far East Valley!
Hooters Mesa Thursday Bike Night. Hooters in Mesa located at 6730 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. will host a Bike Night every Thursday night from 6-9 pm. If you haven't seen this Hooters yet you will have to stop by and take a look. This is one of the nicest locations that they have. Hooters will $2.00 Corona's and 20% off of food and merchandise if you ride your bike in. Stop by for raffles prizes every Thursday Night with Big Raffle prizes the first Thursday of every month. For more information call 480-396-9396.

For those of you in the far West Valley!!
Drivers Sports Grill Thursday Bike Night. You have been asking for it and now it is here. Starting Thursday, February 3rd, Drivers will be hosting a new Thursday Bike Night. Drivers is located in Litchfield Park on the S.W. Corner of Indian School and Litchfield Rd. They feature a huge outdoor patio that holds 150 people as well as an indoor dining area with multiple TV's and a HUGE menu to choose from. You can park on the sidewalk or in coned off areas out front. Enjoy Food and Drink Specials Every Thursday Night, Domestic Bottles $2.00, Corona's $2.25, Drivers Burgers, Grilled Chicken "Sandwedges" and Chicken Caesar Wraps are 15% off. Drivers is easily accessible from I-10 at the Litchfield Rd. exit. Stop by from 6-10 PM for giveaways. For more information call 623-536-8571.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles. 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, $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. A valley favorite bike night for over 3 years. Ride in and sit out on the patio 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. You can always count on lots of bikes here.

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. 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 right next to Genesis Custom Cycles 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. 

Every Saturday and Sunday 

Wild Willy's Weekend Bike Days in Cave Creek.
Stop by for
the best place in Cave Creek for Food, Fun and Entertainment. Happy Hour every day from 11:00am -7:00pm featuring $2.00 domestics, $3.00 well drinks and $13.00 bucket of crabs. You can also choose from  Wild Willy's Extensive Menu with Appetizers, Salads, Sandwiches and Dinner Entrees. You will find Great Food, Great Service, Tasty Appetizers and Drinks at Wild Willy's. This is the best food menu I have seen in Cave Creek. Wild Willy's is formerly Fandango and is under new ownership. It has been remodeled and features a new bar with a giant TV screen, plenty of outdoor seating on the upper and lower patios, seating on the top deck for a great view of the mountains and the bikes riding by. The parking lot has been improved for easy navigation and sealed. Wild Willy's is located at 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. More information at 480-355-6150. Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm - Close stop by for $1.00 Beer, Shots and Cocktails.

Sunday

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. This Sunday: Hans Olson, 10am - 2pm. Paris James, 2pm-5pm.
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 - 4pm. Enjoy live music from 10am - 2pm 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.

Events This Week 

Thursday - Sunday April 12th - 15th
Cave Creek Roadhouse Grand Opening. Take a ride and stop by the Hottest New Restaurant/Bar in Cave Creek where every weekend will be Bike Weekend. There is plenty of motorcycle parking right out front. I have mentioned this place before and now it has finally opened to rave reviews. CCR is located on Cave Creek Rd. in the heart of Cave Creek directly across from Harold's. It is a restaurant and bar that focuses on a broad menu of good food and has a large bar for socializing with your riding pals for a good time. It is built to look like something out of the 1800's, but it is brand new. Stop by this weekend for lunch, dinner or just to have a drink and take a look at the place. I can tell you that their hamburgers and steak fries are exceptional. Mrs. C. had the swordfish and said it was very good.
Thursday: Live music with "Wild Angels" 8pm - 11pm.
Friday: Live Music with "Rondavous" 9pm - 2am
Saturday: Live Music with "Rondavous" 9pm - 2am
Sunday: Live Music with "Rondavous" 2pm - 7pm
Click here for pictures and more information.  480-575-3098 

Events Next Week 

Saturday, April 23rd
1st Annual AIADA Ride/Drive-What-cha-Got Poker Run. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix. Ride starts at ADESA Phoenix Auto Auction located at 400 N. Beck Ave. in Chandler, AZ at 10:30am and ends at the Elks Lodge #2429 at 1775 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. Last card in at 4pm. End of ride party with food, music, fellowship, raffle prizes and a $500 cash grand prize for the best 5 card stud poker hand. $150 for the worst hand. Poker Run and Party $25 per person. More information at 602-694-3344, Van Ellen Patrick.
 
Sunday, April 24th
2nd Annual Run For The Kids Poker Run. Registration begins 10:00 am at the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind at 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson, AZ. All proceeds benefit the school. Pins for the first 100 riders. $250 high hand, $75 low hand, 50/50, Raffle and Door Prizes. 

Upcoming Events 

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. Click Here for the Schedule of Events. 

Extras 

Let's Get Acquainted!! That is what Copper State Cycles would like to do by offering you a substantially reduced labor rate of $39 per hour for the month of April. There is no limited number of hours for this special. Whatever you need done, we can do it! We would like to show you our superior customer service and workmanship by offering you a $39 per hour labor rate for the entire month of April. If you have been putting off some major maintenance or adding some chrome to your bike, now is the time to get it done. Also check with Copper State for their great prices on parts and accessories in stock. Call Copper State Cycles now for an appointment at 480-596-6820 or stop by the shop at 8245 E. Butherus Dr. in Scottsdale. Click Here for the map. We will also be offering free coffee and doughnuts every day from 8:00 to 10:30am starting Friday, April 1st. Stop by to see our daily specials.
 
As for me this week, I will be wiping the dust off of my bike and taking in a couple of bike nights this week to take advantage of the great riding weather we have coming up.
 
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
 
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours -  Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com

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