untitled

Greetings Riders,

Well, you have probably heard the old saying, "Build it and they will come". Those are the words that came to my mind last Thursday night as nearly 300 riders rolled into Westgate City Center in Glendale for the first Westgate Bike Night. By 7:15 pm there were already over 200 bikes lined up on Coyote Blvd. next to the fountains and restaurants and they just kept coming. I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things is to do is to hang out with a bunch of other riders, share some stories and look at all the different bikes. If that sounds like fun to you, this is the place that will fulfill your desires.

For the last 10 years riders have been wanting a venue in Arizona where we could park on a Main street in a downtown like setting with surrounding amenities, similar to a Deadwood, Sturgis, etc. How about a place that we can ride to, get off of our bikes and walk a few feet to 13 bars and restaurants, sit out on the patio for dinner and watch the bikes roll in? Or a place to stroll around to window shop in 12 retail stores, visit bike night vendors, listen to music sitting next to the fountains, watch videos or just mill around to look at other bikes in a safe, bright and upbeat surrounding? Westgate City Center is as close as we will find that creates that type of atmosphere here in Arizona. There is something here for everyone. To really get a feel for the place, Check out this picture from the air.

Even though we have been clamoring for it, no city or other venue in the Valley has been able to provide that type of setting for riders until now. I have been trying to get a bike night going at Westgate for over 2 years. With the right timing, a progressive management team and avid riders in the decision making chairs, it has finally come to fruition with rave reviews from riders, restaurants, Westgate management and all that visited last Thursday night. Now that we know that this is a viable and desirable venue for riders to spend a Thursday evening, the sky is limit for what we can and will do for future bike nights. We have already had a meeting to brainstorm future events such as a Live Band once per month, Bike Shows in events plaza every week to highlight the best rides, walking poker run for prizes and more vendors, etc.

Now I would like to ask for your help. If you came last Thursday or you are planning on attending this week, I would like feedback from you suggesting activities, changes or ideas that you would like to see to improve the event to make it fun for everyone. One change that has already been made is the addition of a PA system so that we can communicate with the riders to announce special presentations and events that will be taking place throughout the night. For example, last week one of our guest builders was Paul Yaffe. He entertained the crowd with his fire breathing custom in the center of events plaza. One of them warmed my butt as I walked by. Click Here for Pics of the night. This week, with the ability to make announcements, we will be holding the Bikers Bull Riding competition at 8:15 pm at Saddle Ranch.

If just getting out and taking a nice ride on a beautiful Thursday evening isn't a good enough excuse, the restaurants at Westgate have stepped up with a Biker Stimulus Menu of their own. For example, Bar Louie is offering $2 Miller Lite, $3 Jack's, $5 Chicken Nachos and $6.95 Pulled Pork and Fries. Margaritaville is offering $2 Draft, $3 Well, $6.95 Sliders and Wings and $5.95 Mini Quesadillas, Yard House $6.25 Sliders among others. Click Here for full menu of specials.

Every week my intent is going to be to keep this event fresh by adding new things to do every week. For now, I plan to have 2 builders that will display their bikes in the middle of events plaza every week. Last week we had Paul Yaffe and Saxon Motorcycles. This week we are featuring John Shope of Sinister Industries, formerly Sinister Choppers showing off his custom baggers and showing some fire of his own. We will also have Chester's Indian of Phoenix displaying the new Indian Motorcycles. We will be filling in with smaller vendors every week. If you have something that you would like to display to riders, email me at info@cyclerides.com .

I encourage you to ride out to Westgate City Center for bike night this Thursday and see how you like it. Westgate is easily accessible from all parts of the Valley located on the SE corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. just a couple hundred yards from the University of Phoenix Stadium. Grab some friends and make it a road trip. Bike Night times are from 6 - 10 pm. But if last week was any indication, earlier will be the better for getting a good patio seat for dinner. Click Here for Flyer. If you would like to print the flyer, simply right mouse click on the flyer and click "Print Picture". Look forward to seeing you there. Click Here for Photos of the first night.

Wednesday Night

Sandbar Mexican Grill Wednesday Bike 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. The Billet Bar was the place to be during Bike Week as well as the rest of the year. Set on the patio and watch the action. 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.

Thursday, April 16th
Westgate City Center Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com. Westgate Bike Night now Sponsored by GEICO Motorcycle Insurance.
For the First Time, The premier entertainment venue in the Valley, Westgate City Center, will Host a night for motorcycles for the next 5 weeks. I have been wanting to see a Bike Night at Westgate for a couple of years and it is finally here. If you have ever been to an event at Jobing.com or University of Phoenix Stadium, you are most likely familiar with the Times Square feel of Westgate City Center. Starting Thursday, April 9th, for the next 6 Thursdays, Westgate will open up Coyote Blvd. from 6pm - 10pm for parking of motorcycles next to the 6 Million Dollar Dancing Fountains. Restaurants including Margaritaville, Bar Louies, Shout House, Yard House, Which Wich, Moe's, Kabuki, Johnny Rockets and Hell's Half Acre will have Bike Night food and drink specials and will be welcoming all riders. You will be given a flyer that will get you the discounts at the participating restaurants.
Discounts include $2.00 Miller Lite, $5.00 Chicken Nachos and $6.95 pulled pork sandwich and fries at Bar Louie's and $3.00 drafts, $2.00 well, $2.00 off Margaritas, Mini Quesadillas for $5.95 and Sliders for $6.95 among other specials at Margaritaville. Sit out on the patios and enjoy the entertainment on the big screen.

April 16th will feature motorcycle displays by John Shope of Sinister Industries and the New Indian Motorcycles from Chester's Indian of Phoenix. There will also be motorcycle programming and music on the Huge 30'x50' LED screen located in events plaza.
What to do:
6:00 pm: See the latest creations from Sinister and Indian Motorcycles. John will be there to answer any questions and will probably show how his bike can shoot flames as well.
7:00 pm: Watch how John got his start in the motorcycle building business on the big screen, an excellent video. This will be replayed.
Also, if you have been in any Cyclerides.com Videos, come see yourself on the big screen.
8:15 pm: Watch the Men get saddled up for the mechanical Bull Riding contest at Saddle Ranch. Think you can stay on the bull for 8 seconds?? $100 first prize gift certificate sponsored by Saxon Motorcycles to the one who stays on the longest.
Every Half Hour: Music and Performances by the 6 million dollar Dancing Fountains.

The weather will be beautiful at night for the next 5 weeks. Take a ride to Westgate, located on the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. Enjoy this beautiful venue that is offering a night just for motorcyclists every Thursday for the next 5 weeks starting April 9th - May 14th. Get something to eat or drink on one of the many outdoor patios in events plaza, watch the video presentations or just join in the fun and view the display of bikes lined up on Coyote Blvd. in Westgate. ALL MOTORCYCLES WELCOME. Click Here for photos of Westgate. Westgate City Center is located at the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. Enter Coyote Blvd. from the West next to Jobing.com Arena.

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.

Saturday, April 18th
2nd Annual Ride For Hope. All proceeds go to HOG Children's Charity. 50 Mile Poker Run from Buddy Stubbs Phoenix, 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. to Buddy Stubbs Anthem with great supporting stops in between. Ride begins at 10am. Music from "This Aint LA", Food, Raffle, 50/50. $25.00 per bike. Come have some fun and help make a difference in a child's life. It takes approximately $1100 to send a kid to burn camp for a week, we would like to see what we can do as a community to send as many kids as possible. Approximately one hundred young burn survivors attend the week-long Arizona Children’s Burn Camp, "Camp Courage", up at the Pine Summit campground in the Prescott National Forest each year. Lots of smiles are seen in the cool pines while campers are horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, performing skits, making crafts, and pushing their personal skills during the ropes course. Camp Courage attendance is encouraged for all our young friends who have been hospitalized for their burn injuries (ages 6 – 15 for Campers and ages 16 – 20 for Counselors-In-Leadership-Training). http://www.azburn.org/ or http://www.azburn.org/BurnSurvivorPrograms/CampCourage

Saturday, April 18th
4th Annual Robles Run. VFW Post 10254 In cooperation with the Arizona Leatherneck MC - VFW Riders - American Legion Riders presents The 4th Annual Robles Run Bike Festival in Three points just west of Tucson. This is a Family event with lots to do and see, all ages welcome All proceeds to benefit VFW Ladies Aux. Cancer Aid & Research Fund. Live music - Bike SHow - Poker Run - Bike Games - Raffles - Food - MOre. email contact@roblesrun.com

Saturday, April 18th
The Crusaders for the Children Families United (FU) run. This event will benefit the Crusaders in their efforts to help children who have been neglected, abused or are ill. This is a FREE ride and drive event (cars, trucks, motorcycles...all vehicles welcome) The Crusaders for the Children invite you to spend the day focused on family FUN. Grab your spouses and children and come spend the day with the Crusaders celebrating family UNITY and strength. Join us at one or all of these stops for a great day dedicated to spending time with your family. Ride events will include - breakfast, raffles at every stop and entertainment at the final stop. Click Here for all details. You can also contact kajer@CrusadersForTheChildren.com

Sunday, April 19th
2nd Annual Saxon Motorcycles Open House. This is your opportunity to take a nice ride, enjoy some Food, Music, Fun AND see how custom motorcycles are made. Tour the Saxon facility and see the manufacturing process that sets Saxon apart from other builders. A full day with: Food-Beer-Vendors-Rockin Music-Awesome Bikes. Factory Direct pricing on brand new Saxon Motorcycles and Apparel. See the new 2009 Saxon Motorcycles including the new Henchman, MSRP $18,800. Event is from 10am - 4pm. 555 W. Main Ave. in Casa Grande, AZ. Join us also in a ride with Caren Cooper & Big Sky Motorcycles from Big Sky to the factory. For more info and map go to website or call 520-426-3000. http://www.saxonmotorcycles.com/ for map and information.

Friday, April 24th
4th Annual Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Customs & Classics. Back by popular demand! Friday, April 24th from 5pm - 8pm. Ride by and enjoy a beautiful display of Customs, Hot Rods, T-Buckets, Muscle Cars and More. The show is free to enter and prizes will be awarded for the Peoples Choice 1st, 2nd and 3rd car and bike. Entrants in the car and bike show will receive a free event T-shirt. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. www.arrowheadharley.com

Saturday, April 25th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Free Appreciation Breakfast. Taking a ride Saturday morning? Stop by Arrowhead HD for a free breakfast on your way out of town. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson wants to invite EVERYONE to a customer appreciation breakfast on the last Saturday of every month from 8:30am till 10:00 am. Join us for a FREE pancake, sausage and egg breakfast served up by Big D's Flippin Cakes. Thank you for all your support and business! Ride by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson the last Saturday of Every Month for a free breakfast. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, April 25th
Buddy Stubbs Harleys and Hot Rods. Join Buddy Stubbs for their monthly last Saturday of the month party this month featuring Harleys and Hot Rods. Come enjoy free food prepared by our H.O.G. Chapter and check out some really cool classic cars! Awards will be given based on people's choice. As always, there will be Raffles, a Pool Tournament and great Live Music and motorcycle Museum Tours with Buddy featuring over 80 Vintage motorcycles in the onsite museum! Event from 11am - 3pm. And while you are there take a look at the new 2008 Harley-Davidsons and the latest in Motorclothes. Ride by Buddy Stubbs and enjoy the festivities at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400.

Saturday, April 25th
2nd Annual Teen Challenge Bike Run. This is one organization that I have heard nothing but extremely positive things about. Teen Challenge is the Faith Based solution for the drug epidemic, offering hope and healing for those in life-controlling problems since 1958. Teen Challenge has significant impact on local communities. By the time an individual enters Teen Challenge he has typically had almost every relationship and family tie shattered that might be helpful in recovery. He has usually formed strong relationships with people and groups that actually perpetuate the addiction spiral. After completing Teen Challenge, hope is restored to more than just the addict, but to the family as well. Solid, positive relationships within community and family are also re-established. Teen Challenge involvement in a community facilitates a reduction in drug-related crimes in the area. (More About Teen Challenge)

The Teen Challenge Bike Run this year will be going from the Teen Challenge Center to Globe Az. Come join us for a breakfast, time of fellowship, a raffle drawing, and of course a motorcycle treasure ride! Proceeds to benefit the Inner City Kids of Phoenix. The Teen Challenge Center is located at 1515 West Grand Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, 602-271-4084. The ride will be taking place on April 25th with breakfast and registration starting at 8:00am. The fee will be $25 for the day of the event. The Ride this year will include a treasure hunt along the way and many door prizes and raffle prizes. There will be a silent auction at the beginning of the ride with some really cool stuff to being auctioned. If you have any questions regarding the event you can contact Allen Malarky from Teen Challenge @ 602-769-5228. Allen's email address is allen@azteenchallenge.org. Click Here for Arizona Teen Challenge.

Saturday, April 25th
Spring Grub Run. Registration 9-10am at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church located at 2310 N. 56th St. in Phoenix. Ride to Cave Creek for prize drawing and no-host lunch. Hosted by United Christian Riders. All proceeds benefit St. Stephen's Food Bank. $10 per person. More information at 623-210-1504.

Saturday, April 25th
Jimmy D's 1St Annual Nascar Charities Poker Bike Run. Proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp. All BIKERS AND RIDERS WELCOME FOR PARTICIPATION. 9:00AM-11:00AM - REGISTRATION, Jimmy D's Sports Bar located at 2017 E. Cactus in Phoenix. $30 (Double Riders)/$25 (Single Rider) Includes Patch to first 45 Registrations. $5.00 Per Hand - No limit / Wildcard - AZ Motorcycle Repair (2450 E Bell Rd). 1st Card - Jimmy D's (formerly Sal's @ 2017 East Cactus). 2nd Card - 1800's Saloon. 3rd Card - Wagon Yard. 4th Card - The Hideaway. 5th Card - Jimmy D's w/Drink & Food Specials & 50/50 Raffles. 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prizes & the "Worst Hand" too!
Contact Jimmy at 602-363-7062 or 602-867-0255 or Vicky at 602-754-8821.

Saturday, April 25th
First Annual Stop Sexual Violence Poker Run. Sponsored by Comerica Bank and Native New Yorker. Registration 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Comerica Bank Avondale, 10115 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale, AZ. Stops include refreshments and raffles at Commerica Banks across the valley. Lunch and entertainment 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Native New Yorker - 1301 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ. Food/Buffet and T-Shirt included in price ($25 single rider and $35 for double riders/cars). More information at 480-831-1986.

Sunday, April 26th
Ride Fur Animals. RideNow Powersports and the Gypsy Riders are proud to present the 1st Ride Fur Animals to benefit FAR (Foothills Animal Rescue). Registration fee of $25 per rider and $15 per passenger includes breakfast, lunch, and live music. Free T-Shirt to the first 100 registered. Register from 9am - 11am. Start out from the Eastside at Ridenow located at 3333 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler or the Westside at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria. Last bike out by 11 AM. Light breakfast provided at both east and west locations. All riders meet up at Cave Creek Outfitters in Scottsdale, at noon or later. Live music compliments of the Brandon Shepard Band, BBQ lunch served at the Ramada, 1 hour horseback rides will be offered for $20 with all proceeds going back to FAR. Many dogs and cats will be on site for immediate adoption. Some adoptees will be transported to their new homes at the end of the benefit. If you can't make the ride, come on out to Cave Creek Outfitters located at 31313 N 144th St in Scottsdale at noon. Non-riders pay just $10 for lunch and participation in the festivities. For more information, E-Mail the Gypsy Riders at info@azgypsyriders.org.

Sunday, April 26th
Chandler Elk's 9th Annual Run For The Hog. Proceeds go to Elks major project Steele Memorial Children's Research Center & Youth Camp. Poker Run and Fun - $15 Single/$25 Couple. Dinner only - $10 Single/$15 Couple. Hog Roast and Band from 3pm till ?? at the Chandler Elks located at 1775 W. Chandler Blvd. Poker Run cash prizes top and low hands. Registration 10am - Noon at Chandler Elks. More information at 480-963-6262.

Sunday, April 26th
Old Pueblo Riders 6th Annual Run for the Kids Poker Run. All proceeds benefit the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind. Pins for the first 100 Riders. High Hand $250/Low Hand $75. 50/50 Drawing, Raffle & Door Prizes. Registration at 10am at the AZ School for Deaf and Blind located at 1200 West Speedway Blvd. in Tucson. Last bike out at 12 Noon. Last bike in at Montgomery's at 3:30pm. All kid-friendly stops. Day of event: $20 donation per rider/$15 passenger.

Upcoming Events

May 1st - 3rd
Gary Wells Sonoran Adventure. Join World Champion Motorcyclist Gary Wells on an Off-Road adventure along the Gold Coast of Sonora. You may remember Gary's famous jump over the fountain at Caesar's Palace, he now brings the same excitement to the seldom-seen coast of Mexico.
The Sonoran Adventure begins and ends in the Phoenix area. Here is what is included in the experience:
**Transportation for you and your bike from Phoenix to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) and back
**Welcome reception in Rocky Point.
**Chaperoned night excursion to some of the more "interesting" nightspots in RP (remember: "what happens in Mexico...")
**Room at the Playa Bonita Resort on Friday night
**Guided ride all-day Saturday
**All fuel and minor repairs during the ride, both days. (A chase vehicle with fuel and beverages will meet us periodically)
**Catered lunch on Saturday in Desemboque, Sonora - a fishing village on the Sonoran coast.
**Complimentary bike cleaning at Saturday lunch stop (if desired)
**Souvenir photo shot of the group with their bikes as Gary jumps his bike over them on the Sonoran beach
**Room at the El Camino motel in Caborca (the best in town!) on Saturday night
**Chaperoned night excursion to some of the more exciting nightspots in Caborca. There is a little-known neighborhood known as "Little Las Vegas" for its neon-lit cantinas and, well...you get the point
**Guided ride all day Sunday with fuel and beverage stops
**Souvenir "Cinco de Mayo Sonoran Adventure" shirt and cap
**Return to Phoenix Sunday evening
Cost: $545 to the first 8 riders to register.
For more information call Gary Wells at 602-531-5971 or Email.