Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
4/23/08
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, I have to say, the response to last week's newsletter about the lack of media coverage of the Hearts To Heroes event was incredible. If I haven't replied to you yet, I will. I suspected that most of you reading my comments would probably feel the same way that I did about being completely snubbed by the local media in their lack of coverage of the Hearts To Heroes event in favor of a gay pride festival, but I had no idea that it was so strong and that it would prompt this many of you to reply with confirmation and thoughts of your own.
 
A Cyclerides.com Newsletter reader was so incensed that he copied and pasted my words and emailed it to all of the news stations in town. He got a reply from ABC Channel 15 in Phoenix. Here is what they said:
 
First thank you for your feedback, as the weekend assignment editor I made the editorial decisions on the stories to cover this weekend.
 
First, we did cover military returning home and the gay/lesbian event this past weekend. For the military we asked a photographer to come in and wait at Sky Harbor for the return of a Sgt from Iraq whose flight was delayed with him returning after midnight with his working dog. 
 
Coincidentally Saturday night the gay/lesbian community made the same arguments you did but in reverse, hence why we went and covered their event on Sunday to try and cover both sides of the story. 
 
As to why we did not make the Hearts to Heroes event, I apologize but with the breaking news that occurred this weekend along with the staffing I have to work with we couldn't get a photojournalist to cover this additional event. ABC15 values our military men, women, and the gay and lesbian community the same hence why this weekend we covered stories involving various groups. Specifically this weekend we covered stories relating to the Hispanic community, the law enforcement community, the armed forces, gay and lesbian, families, consumers, health, children, and charity just off the top of my head. 
 
I hope this puts some of the background regarding this weekend and our commitment to cover as much news for our diverse viewers as possible.
 
Regards, Brian Pryor
Assignment Editor, ABC-15HD/KNXV-TV
 
Let me decode this for you. BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!
 
The military that they covered was one Soldier coming in at Midnight! It is great that they were doing that, but it had nothing to do with their lack of coverage of a couple of thousand supporters at 10am on Saturday. Secondly, you see by the third paragraph that it was the squeaky wheel theory of reporting. The gay/lesbian crowd had an opportunity to whine for coverage. We didn't have that opportunity. He said they had the same argument in reverse. How could they?? We didn't get any coverage! And lastly, in paragraph 4 he says that "ABC15 values our military men, women, and the gay and lesbian community the same". Say WHAT?? Are you kidding me? Did he just put the gay/lesbian party in the park on the same level with supporting the Men and Women of the Military, that sacrifice their lives and the well being of their families left behind to protect this Country from those who have sworn to cause us harm? IS HE SERIOUS??? You might remember that quote next time your dial lands on ABC 15 News in Phoenix. 

The bottom line is that the assignment desks at these news stations have choices from which to choose what they feel is an important newsworthy story to cover on a given day. On this day they chose to show us the gay pride festival instead of almost 2000 motorcyclists supporting our Veterans and returning soldiers, not to mention all of the people lined up on the side of the road in support as well. Why in the world they would give airtime to an alternative lifestyle that is participated in by a small fraction of the population instead of showing major support and love for the Soldiers and their families who sacrifice more than we can imagine, is beyond my comprehension to understand.
 
This is the last that I will address this in the newsletter, but as you can tell, I am severely disappointed in our local media
for biffing this opportunity to do the right thing. I just don't get it. Please raise your kids with Patriotism at an early age. And if they become a weekend assignment editor at a local news station, hopefully they will not bow to special interests and do the right thing.  
 
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
To put all of this in perspective and to illustrate why I believe it is so important to do what I do to support our troops,
I am including an email I got from SPC Dawson explaining what his family has gone through for him to be in the Military.

This is a heart wrenching story and reinforces why we need to support our military AND their families.  


Dear Barry,
 
Thank you for what you do for the support of the troops. I totally support what you are out to accomplish, but lets not forget the ones that the troops have to leave behind to be able to do what we do. True nowadays we get told that we are appreciated and we are thanked unlike the Vietnam era. But the families that are back home should get the same amount of recognition for what they do also. The following is an account of my personal experience.
 
I left on Aug. 4 2006, leaving my pregnant wife a 7, 3, and 1 year old. In Dec. 06 my youngest daughter was born, I wasn't there and my wife did everything on her own. In Jan. 07 her grandfather passed away and he was her father figure, again I was not there to support her. In Mar. 07 she had a surgery, and again I was not there to help her afterwards. Again in Apr. 07 she has another surgery, and again I was not there.
 
I was finally able to come home on leave in late July 07. I apologized to my wife for not being there, she said no apology needed, I was doing what was needed to be done and she would be fine. I was finally able to see my youngest for the first time. My other children love to tell people that their daddy is in the Army (the don't know the difference in National Guard and regular Army).
 
Two weeks later I leave again. I had always told my wife that I wanted to have a Harley in the garage. She said make it happen. I told her it would have to wait cause she needed some dental work done and it would cost as much as getting my Sporty. She said get it anyway. I ordered it while in Iraq in late Aug 07.  We flew out of Iraq in late Oct. and arrived in the states. I was informed then that I wouldn't be able to go home with the rest of my unit due to medical reason from getting hit with an IED and getting a kidney disease there. I was able to fly home for a 4 day pass. Her first words was let's go get your bike. We get it and put it in the garage and I come back to Ft. Bliss, TX..
 
I have been able to come home every once in a while to visit for a few days at a time. This time I took a week of leave to help her move into our new house in Peoria and was fortunate enough that a friend told me about this ride.  We load up and go to it and I will say again it was awesome. Yesterday I rode back to Ft. Bliss to get ready for a surgery and she tells me she has to have another surgery in May. Guess what, I won't get to be there for that either. All she ever tells me is that she will be alright and for me to get better.
 
Now if that is not support I don't know what is. Even though I do what I do in the military there is no way in hell that I am as strong as that woman. With what she has gone through, if I had to go through it, I am honestly not sure if I could do it. If you could in the next ride, please include the spouses, children and all the other family members that go through a lot having to deal with their loved ones in harms way.
 
Thanks Again,
SPC Dawson
 
Thanks to SPC Dawson and the hundreds of thousands of other Military Men, Women and Families for what they do.
God Bless all of you for what you do. Here is a video of a man in Texas that is making a difference for our military.

This is a great story and one that you will enjoy.
Click Here to View.



Click Here for the
Photo/Video page from the Hearts To Heroes 2008.
More photos will be added in the next week or so. Check back again.
 
Escorted rides are really a thing of the past, if we would even hope for another Hearts To Heroes, I would encourage you to send a little thank you note to the Sheriff's Office for doing this important event. Email to: information@mcso.maricopa.gov
 
T-Shirts and Ride Pins were sold out at the event. You can now order them online for the next week and I will send them to you. Click Here to View Shirts and order online. 

For more information go to www.cyclerides.com

 


 
Highlights This Week!
 
Friday, April 25th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Customs and Classics Car and Bike Show.
Back by popular demand! View Classic Cars and Motorcycles. DJ providing music. 4pm - 8pm. 

Saturday, April 26th
Buddy Stubbs Hogs, Dogs and Roller Derby.
Ride in for the monthly Hogs and Dogs and a Roller Derby bout
featuring the tough ladies of Arizona Roller Derby at 1 PM!,

 


 

This Week's Bike Night Events
 
Tuesday Night 

Chandler Harley-Davidson Two Wheeled Tuesdays.
Take a ride on a Tuesday Night to the Chandler HD Bike Night at the Tilted Kilt
. Bike night is every Tuesday night with food and drink specials, but Chandler Harley will be doing a special with live music the first Tuesday of every month. Enter drawing to win door prizes and gift certificates. For November, look forward to another special night at the Kilt. There will be Raffles, Vendors, Bike Competition, Portable Dyno Competition. Watch next week for weekly event specials. Bike night hosted at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe located at 660 W. Warner Rd. 

Wednesday Night 

New Bike Night Starting Wednesday, April 23rd.
Kalahari Grill Wednesday Bike Night. What a cool place! For all of you on the West Side that would like a nice ride off the beaten path of the City, you need to check out the Kalahari Grill on Wednesday nights. Located in Vistancia just 5 miles West of Happy Valley Rd. and Lake Pleasant Rd. in Peoria. This is a very nice restaurant with a great indoor horseshoe bar and outdoor pass through bar that leads to a huge patio where you can relax while watching the sun set overlooking the desert . Kalahari Grill has an excellent menu and seriously good food and service. Enjoy Live Music on the patio every Wednesday for Bike Night from 7pm. Bike Night Specials include: $2.00 Off All Appetizers, Prime Rib Dinner $13.00, Domestic Drafts $2.50, Imported Drafts $3.50. Mrs. C. recommends the Ahi Tuna Tartar Appetizer. For more information call: 623-594-5947. Kalahari Grill is located at 28615 N. El Mirage Rd. in Peoria, AZ. Click Here for Photos Map and Menu. Kalahari Grill would also make the perfect Poker Stop for your next run. 

Thursday Night 

New!
Hooter's Thursday Bike at Peoria location. Starts April 17th. The parking lot will be blocked off and it will be a night for MOTORCYCLES. Ride by Hooters in Peoria every Thursday night for Prizes, Giveaways every 1/2 Hour, Specials and of course great service by the Hooter's Girls. Enjoy $2.00 Bud and Bud Light Pints and $5.00 Bombers as well as those tasty Hooter's Wings. Sit on the huge outdoor patio and watch your favorite sporting event or inside with TV's every where you look. Enjoy this perfect riding weather with a ride to Hooter's this Thursday. Plan to check out the first night. 16550 N. 83rd Ave. just South of Bell Rd. 623-776-0123.
 
Fuzzy's Southwest Sports Grill Bike Night. Riders on the far west side in the Surprise area finally have a Bike Night. The brand new Fuzzy's Southwest will be hosting a bike night on Thursday Nights. Fuzzy's features an outdoor patio, 17 HD TV's, Pool Table, Large Horseshoe Bar and all glass front to see the bikes roll in. Enjoy Great Food, Pool, and Your Favorite Sporting Events all on new Flat Screens every Thursday Night at The Newest Bike Night In the Far West Valley. Bike Night Specials Include: 2.25 Corona's, Corona Light, Dos XX, Dos XX Amber, Pacifico, Tecate. $3.00 Jalapeno Poppers. $4.00 Super Spuds. $5.00 Chicken Tenders. $6.00 Baby Burgers. From 6-9pm. Fuzzy's is located 18795 N. Reems Rd. in Surprise at the corner of Reems and Grand Ave.
 
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 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 

Western Trails Ranch Bike Weekends with live rock music Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  We've got 12 acres of fun in a laid back Old West town.  Two large dance floors for those of you who want to cut loose, and for those of you who really like to dance, we have 2 go-go cages up on the Buzzard's Stage.  The Buzzard's Saloon is fully stocked with liquor and beer, including draft beer, and we have a large covered patio and lots of open air seating areas with picnic tables.  Four regulation horseshoe pits, pool tables, life size chess and checkers.  We offer a large flat screen TV so you don't miss any games or races.  Every Sunday is our Parking Lot Flea Market from 9am to 3pm.  NOW OPEN at the Ranch - Stage Stop Steakhouse & BBQ.  The restaurant opens at 10am and besides steaks, BBQ ribs and pulled pork, they have hamburgers, chicken, biscuits and gravy and a really good breakfast burrito.  The barbequed food is made in our all wood-burning smokers and pecan wood is used for the best flavor.  This food is Biker Made- Biker Served. The Ranch is now open Wednesday's through Sunday's!  (623) 521-0366.   We are located at 37823 NW Grand Ave mile marker 124 ½ Morristown AZ smack dab in the middle of Surprise & Wickenburg - our website is westerntrailsranch.com 

Every Sunday 

New Sunday Brunch at Salty Senorita's in Peoria.
Salty Senorita Sunday Biker Brunch. The Brunch Kicks Off This Sunday from 9:30am - 3pm. Stop for a great brunch, some giveaways and the Salty's VIP Card good for 15% off of your food. This is a great location for brunch on the West side, you will not believe how cool this place is. Mrs. C. and I had it last Sunday and it was excellent while dining on their 3000 sq. foot outdoor patio with great music and an excellent sound system that backs up to the baseball field at Peoria Sports Complex. Salty's Sunday Brunch features a "Build-Your-Own Omelet for just $7.99, possibly the best omelet you will ever have, or you can order off of Salty's Super Brunch menu. Salty's also has a Create-Your-Own Bloody Mary.  Plan to make the first one on Sunday, April 13th. Salty's in Peoria is located at 8011 W. Paradise Lane just one block South of Bell Rd. and one block East of 83rd Ave. See you this Sunday. See Photos of "Who Was There" last Sunday.
 
The Popular
Sugar Daddy's Sunday Biker Brunch. Voted Best Brunch in Phoenix New Times 2006. Sugar Daddy's is under new ownership and is undergoing a half million dollar makeover. The outdoor patio is being completely upgraded with new granite table tops and will be available for the new $9.00 all you can eat brunch. Sundays from 10am - 4pm. Live Music from 10am - 2pm.Enjoy the patio with $2 mimosa's, $4 Skye Bloody Mary's.
Buffet includes: French Toast, Fruit, Eggs Benedict, Potatoes, Rice Veggies, Salad, Pasta Salad, Chicken Marsala, Biscuits and Gravy and much more. Sugar Daddy's is located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. 480-970-6556. 

This Week 

Friday, April 25th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Customs and Classics Car and Bike Show. Back by popular demand! Friday, April 25th from 4pm - 8pm. No pre-registration necessary. Space is limited so plan on showing up early! 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 Banner Thunderbird Safety Fair. We will have a DJ providing music and NOS handing out samples of their drinks! Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. www.arrowheadharley.com

 
Friday and Saturday, April 25th
Inaugural Special Olympics Torch Ride. Friday: Sponsored by Law Enforcement Torch Run. Torch Ride Pre-Party at Chandler HD from 4pm - 7pm. 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. Complete with catering, DJ, Petting Zoo, DPS Helicopter and more. All donations and proceeds benefit Special Olympics.
Saturday: April 26th. Meet at Chandler HD at 9am. Ride leaves at 10am. Each torch rider or team will carry an unlit Special Olympics torch to the beginning point of one leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run located in six cities. Yuma, Page, Nogales, Kingman, Winslow and Safford. To participate call Roger Campbell, 602-653-5158. director_hog76@qwest.net . www.arizonatorchrun.com
 
Saturday, April 26th
Buddy Stubbs Hogs, Dogs and Roller Derby. Ride in for the monthly Hogs and Dogs event at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson, Saturday, April 26th, from 11 AM - 3 PM. There will be Free Food, Live Rock 'N Roll, Great Bikes for sale, up to 50% off on Motorclothes and general merchandise at our Sidewalk Sale, Buddy-led museum tours, and for the first time ever: a Roller Derby bout featuring the tough ladies of Arizona Roller Derby at 1 PM! Dealership located at 13850 North Cave Creek Rd. (just north of Cactus). For more information: 602-971-7401.
 
Saturday, April 26th
Tonto Bridge Bike and BBQ. This sounds like a good time and a good ride. Benefits Inner City Kids at Risk. Ride starts at It's a Grind Coffee House at 8386 W. Thunderbird Rd. in Peoria. Registration starts at 8am, Kickstands up at 10am. $25 per rider, $35 per couple. BBQ includes Burger, Chips, Beans, Soda, and Dessert. Goody Bags for all Participants. Horseshoes, hiking trails, volleyball, cards and other BBQ activities. Join in for a great ride to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park 10 miles North of Payson.  
 
Saturday, April 26th
1st Annual BACA Maricopa County Chapter 100 Mile Ride and Fund Raiser, Bikers Against Child Abuse 100 Mile Run, 1st Annual Poker run. High/Low Hand, 50-50, prizes, raffles. $20 donation per bike. Registration at Arrowhead Harley(10% off merchandise). 7AM-8:30 Ride leaving at 9. Last stop Greasewood Flats. Preregister at www.azbaca.com . BACA is a 501c3 organization dedicated to empowering abused children. 100% of all proceeds are tax deductible and go to help abused children.
 
Sunday, April 27th
East Valley Biker Blessing. Bike Blessing takes place at Grace Community Church, 3147 S. Mountain View Rd. in Gold Canyon, AZ. Biker Service 10:30am. Biker Blessing following service. All Bikers Welcome. Food and Beverages provided. Live music by "Passage Paid". Free Ride Pin for the first 150 Riders. More information at 480-983-0560.
 
Sunday, April 27th
WSM Police Law Ride. Poker Run to Honor Arizona's Fallen Police Heroes. Sign In at Chandler Harley-Davidson from 8am - 10am. Get a chance to win a great prize at every stop. Route includes 5 poker stops and ends with lunch, cash giveaway and Grand prize giveaways. $500 to the 50/50 winner. $20 per bike, Ride Shirts for $15 each before the ride. Click Here for more information.

 

Next Week 

May 1st - 3rd
2008 State H.O.G. Rally. Join your fellow H.O.G. members for a second year in downtown Tucson to make great memories and share your passion for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles! Guided rides through the spectacular scenery of the incredible southwest
Great live music ranging from Classic Rock to Country.
Big parties every night, Large vendor area for shopping, Bike show with many different categories, Bike games INSIDE the Tucson Convention Center, Lots of raffle prize giveaways during the games, Bike parade through downtown Tucson, Numerous restaurants and bars all in one centralized location, The host hotel is The Hotel Arizona in the heart of downtown Tucson. They are offering a special rate for H.O.G. members and free covered parking for hotel guests. The Tucson folks are eagerly awaiting your arrival so "shine up" that bike and head to Tucson for a thrilling adventure in the Wild West. Downtown Tucson is hosting bands and activities Friday and Saturday in Downtown Tucson on 5th Ave. from Congress to Broadway. Live music all day and night.  
Click Here for Downtown Schedule. 

Extras 

Here is a police pursuit that you won't find in the United States. This is how they do it in South Africa. Click Here to View.
 
This is a funny old clip from the Johnny Carson Show that includes Bob Hope, Dean Martin and George Gobel. Click Here to View.
 
Good magicians and illusionists can really blow your mind with their tricks. This one is really hard to explain. 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

 

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