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Greetings Riders,

Well, looks like mother nature is giving those of us in the Phoenix area a little peek into what we are going to be experiencing on a regular basis in the near future. I believe it was 102 for a high yesterday. Way too early to be saying that, but it is the reality that is on our way. Hopefully we won't have a repeat of last year where we had something like 106 days in a row over 100 degrees. The only good news is that it makes for really nice evening riding as evidenced by the turnout for the Bike Night at Westgate last week. I counted over 260 bikes parked at 7:20pm with several more coming an going throughout the night. With several riding 2 up, we estimated around 400 total riders. Click Here for Pictures from last week. Click Here for Flyer for this week. Live Music this week with Dok and Gal in Events Plaza.

If you have been riding a motorcycle long enough, you are bound to have some stories to tell. Things like that close call with a cage driver, taking a corner a little too fast, things in the road, rain, snow, etc. We all have stories of little things, or maybe not so little things, that have kind of put the fear in us in some way, and we tend to recount them in our mind from time to time. Seems like I've had so many over the years that I have to categorize them. When they come back to mind is when they are triggered by a similar incident or time and place. That is not such a bad thing, as those thoughts tend to keep us from doing something dumb again, or maybe just reminds us to be more careful.

As I was getting on the bike yesterday afternoon to do some errands, the 102 degrees and warm sunshine triggered one of those reminders for me. 3 years ago I wrote about this after an incident that I had coming back into the valley one hot June afternoon. I had never before personally experienced the effects of dehydration, but I got an up close and personal look at it on this day. It scared me then and it is one of those things that I probably will never forget. When you are losing control of your basic muscular movements, and you are trying to ride a motorcycle, it tends to get your attention. I didn't used to think it could happen to me, so to help you recognize this condition and hopefully keep you from experiencing it yourself, I am reprinting this article from May of 2006. Always Carry Water on days over 100 degrees.

Dehydration - Reprinted from 5/31/06

One thing that we all have to pay attention to and be extremely careful about this time of year is dehydration. Dehydration is a loss of water and important blood salts like potassium and sodium which can be very serious, especially when riding a motorcycle. It occurs when the amount of water in the body falls below normal, which, in turn, disrupts the balance of sugars and salts (electrolytes) in the body. A lot of us, especially those that are new to the area, don't really know that much about dehydration in general, and certainly not as it applies to riding. I didn't know that much about it either until about 5 years ago when Mr. Dehydration introduced himself to me as I was riding South down I-17 just North of Rock Springs. He made a believer out of me. It is one of those days that I won't soon forget, and it taught me a big lesson about not getting into that situation again. I, like a lot of other riders, had underestimated the impact of dehydration on my body.

I was coming back from Prescott in late June after a stop at Grand Canyon HD in Mayer. I was heading back to the Valley in the late afternoon dropping into temperatures of about 107 degrees, which was of course much hotter on the Interstate. About 20 miles North of Rock Springs I started noticing that I had cotton mouth so bad that I couldn't have mustered up a spit for a $100 bill. A few miles later I noticed that my sweat glands were no longer producing any sweat. My arms and face were completely dry. Shortly after that I remember that I starting having blurred vision, almost like I was seeing stars followed by a dizzy feeling and weakness in my muscles, like I really wasn't in complete control. Not being an expert in dehydration, or for that matter ever experiencing it before, I didn't know clinically what was going on, but I had a pretty good idea what was happening was heat related.

My immediate problem was, I didn't have any water with me, and I was still about 15 miles from Rock Springs where I could get some. The closer I got to water the worse my symptoms were getting. More blurred vision, getting more unsteady and weaker by the mile. It was like when I started going downhill physically, it was a rapid decent and every mile I rode doing 75 mph in 107 degree temps with no windshield just seemed to be sapping every ounce of moisture out of my body. I was almost to the point that I couldn't even swallow and considered stopping and letting my riding buddy go get me some water. I wasn't sure that I was actually going to be able to make it. But I decided to focus while counting down each mile in hopes that I would soon get to water.

We finally made it to the gas station next to the Rock Springs Cafe. For me, that old place had never looked so good. It was truly an oasis in the desert. I promptly threw down the kick stand and headed to the cooler to make my claim on the biggest bottle of water I could find and downed it in two gulps. I followed that with a big bottle of Gatorade. It wasn't long until I was starting to regain some of my faculties while getting back to normal vision and able to think straight. Needless to say, this put a little scare in me and I learned my lesson without it turning ugly on me. Now when I am riding in the heat I pay attention to maintaining hydration in my body.

Now, what should you do to avoid what happened to me?
Here are some tips to keep yourself in good hydration all the time and while riding.

1. Keep the direct sun off of your skin. Wear a light colored long sleeve shirt over your arms and a helmet or a bandanna on your head. Exposing your skin to sun and wind is a double whammy that only increases fluid loss from your body. Wear generous sunscreen on exposed areas. Your brain is about 75 percent water, so anything you can do to keep your head covered is a good thing. A helmet can go a long way in preserving fluids in your body when it is extremely hot.

2. Pour water over your shirt. A good way to create a natural evap cooler for your body is to pour water over you arms, neck and the front of your shirt. While you are riding this provides a cooling sensation for your body.

3. Drink LOTS of water. You should be drinking at least 8 ounces of water every hour when riding and probably more. Sports drinks like Gatorade are also good as they replenish needed electrolytes as well as fluid. Caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and soda pop, as well as alcoholic drinks, should not be considered as alternatives for hydration. In fact, caffeine and alcohol can actually contribute to dehydration.

4. Drink water BEFORE you are thirsty. Once you have gotten to the point that your mouth is bone dry, you are on your way to dehydration.

5. Take in more fluid than you are losing. If you are not making a trip to bathroom regularly, or your urine is a dark color, this means you are not getting enough liquids in your body. This is something to pay attention to daily, not just when riding.

6. A good idea for keeping you hydrated while you are riding is a CamelBak Hydration System. This is a 70 ounce pack that fits on your back with a tube that comes around for you to drink water while you are riding. Click Here to view. Click Here for some more ideas.

7. Symptoms of dehydration: Thirst, Dry Mouth, Dry Tongue, Fatigue, Dark Colored Urine, Infrequent Urination, Dry Skin, Rapid Pulse, Dizziness, Blurred Vision. Here is a good link for Preventing Dehydration.

8. Covering Your Head is a good way to prolong your ride in the heat. Mrs. C. and I have found that wearing a good helmet is a great way to combat dehydration. Even if you don't normally wear a helmet, if you are taking a long trip in the heat, it is a good idea to do. You would think it would be hotter, but it has the opposite affect in keeping you cooler. A lot of the water leaves your body through your head. If it is covered, it will greatly prolong the amount of miles that you can ride without water intake.

With the humidity being as low as 4% on a daily basis right now. Dehydration can come upon you very quickly. In fact, you can become dehydrated in as little as 15 minutes. Stay ahead of it by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks. As you are taking trips in or out of the Valley area, be sure and take water with you when you travel and make a note to drink some at every stop.

I now carry a water bottle with me at all times, and even lay it on my lap to take drinks every 10 minutes or so if I am going to be riding in extreme temperatures for very long.

Other useful links:
http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/article.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561

Thursday, April 16th
Westgate City Center Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com. For the First Time, The premier entertainment venue in the Valley, Westgate City Center, will Host a night for motorcycles for the next 4 weeks. This Week: Live Music this week with Dok and Gal in Events Plaza. 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.
Click Here for full menu of specials
Thanks to our Westgate Bike Night Sponsors - GEICO Motorcycle Insurance, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Metro Motorsports. Click Here for Photos From Last Week.

April 23rd will feature motorcycle displays by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and the Ridenow Metro Motorsports. 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 - 10pm: Displays of Custom Baggers and Bikes From Arrowhead Harley-Davidson.
Sport Bikes, Cruisers, Rhinos and Spyder From Ridenow Metro Motorsports.
Come park on Coyote Blvd. and enjoy the music or eat at one of the restaurants.
7:00 pm - Live Music with Dok and Gal.
Music and Videos all night.
Every Half Hour: Music and Performances by the 6 million dollar Dancing Fountains.

The weather will be beautiful at night for the next 4 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.

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 car and bike. People’s Choice winners will receive 5 gallons of racing fuel. Plaques will be awarded for second place, too. Entrants in the car and bike show will receive a free event T-shirt. T-shirts can also be purchased onsite to benefit the Andrea's Closet . We will have a DJ providing music and a hot dog vender selling some tasty Hot dogs 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-Davidson's 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.

April 30th - May 2nd
Arizona HOG Rally. Join your fellow H.O.G. members for a third year in downtown Tucson to make great memories and share your passion for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Guided rides, Live Music, Parties every night, Large Vendor area, Bike Show. For more information www.azstatehogrally.com .

Saturday, May 2nd
Renegade Classics Anniversary Bash! Renegade Classics is the best motorcycle store in the Valley for finding all of your riding needs and those hard to find accessories all in one place. If you haven't checked out their huge selection of touring gear, travel bags, luggage, boots, helmets, glasses, jackets etc., Saturday, May 2nd from 11am - 3pm would be the time to do it. To celebrate their one year Anniversary, RENEGADE IS OFFERING A 25% STOREWIDE SALE! That's Right! Grab that touring bag or leather you have been wanting today. And while you are there, enjoy a FREE BBQ Lunch, Bikini Bike Wash with the Dirty Dogg Girls and a Bikini Contest sponsored by Beyond Bodyz. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 East Cactus Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-595-9597.

Sunday, May 3rd
W. Steven Martin's Memorial Law Ride 2007. Salute the Men and Women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety by joining in the Police Memorial Law Ride. Proceeds benefit Police Week and Arizona Memorial Programs. The ride begins at Chandler Harley-Davidson, 5600 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler and ends in downtown Chandler. Check in from 9:00 to 11:00am at Chester's. $10 donation for each person gets you a poker card. Each additional card is $10. One additional card to improve your hand, $2. Donations to support Police Week, Family Services and Police Toy Drive.

Sunday, May 3rd
Runnin for the Hounds. Poker Run to benefit the Phoenix Greyhound Rescue. The run starts at Against the Wind Leathers Phoenix located at 15005 N. Cave Creek Rd. 602-992-3438 for information. Registration from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. Door Prizes, 50/50 raffle, Best Hand/Worst Hand Last bike in at 4 p.m. to Qualify for prizes Stop #4 at Galivan Peak will have a food special for all to enjoy. Last stop and party at the Steel Horse Saloon - 1818 W. Bell Road #100 with Whiskey Dogz as the entertainment. This is Approx. a 75 mile run.

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.