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Greetings Riders,

Well, Arizona Bike Week was kicked off last Friday and is now in full swing with the opening of Cyclefest on Wednesday. Mrs. C. and I decided to attend every kickoff party last Friday starting in Apache Junction at Superstition HD, then to Chester's HD while working our way to Hacienda HD on our way back home. The afternoon and evening was a 150 mile roundtrip for us but was well worth it. All of the dealerships did an EXCELLENT job in kicking off the 10th Anniversary of Arizona Bike Week and ALL of the events were very well attended.

Saturday we attended the 40th Anniversary Party of the Buddy Stubbs dealership. Wow! What a beautiful day to ride and apparently a lot were taking advantage of it. It was reported that around 10,000 people came through the dealership that day. When we pulled up at 2:30pm there were bikes parked 1/2 mile from the dealership in a closed lane on the street as well as bikes everywhere they could find a spot around the building.

Sunday went to Sugar Daddy's for a great brunch buffet and then attended the always popular PYO Bash at Paul Yaffe's and The Billet before heading out to The Roadhouse in Cave Creek for the Cave Creek Spring Festival. The weekend bike traffic was really heavy all around town, but who could deny wanting to get out and ride in this kind of weather. Tuesday night we attended the downtown Scottsdale party. But for some reason, the attendance was way down in comparison to the years past. Maybe everyone was resting up from the weekend of riding.

Wednesday I hooked up with my buddy Scott Pasmore at Buddy Stubbs to take the Wednesday Ride For Kids. You might have seen his live spot on TV3 as he was talking with Bruce in the Chopper above the dealership. This is always one of my favorite rides of the year because you can get out and tack on around 300 miles with this ride. But as you might have noticed, a nasty little storm came through the Valley Wednesday morning dropping temperatures and some rain as it went through. As I checked the weather reports up North where we were heading, the news was not any better. Thunderstorms, snow and highs in the upper 30's were predicted.

As we watched the rain fall at the dealership we decided to wait it out and at least take a stab at heading North and see how far we could get. So we slipped on the rain gear and made it to the second stop at Mayer with very little rain. The temperatures dropped from 70 at the start to about 50 at Grand Canyon HD. Although the cloud cover looked pretty bad, there was still no more rain. As we were eating lunch I called to the Sportsman's Chalet, our next stop sitting at about 6000 feet in Strawberry, AZ, and asked how the weather was. She replied that is was raining mixed with snow and 39 degrees. Normally, that would pretty much be the sign to turn around and take the warmer dry route back home. But I really dislike not finishing something I start. So I did what any good leader would do and told the rest of the guys in our group that it was sunny and 65 and that we should keep going.

That was a bit of a hard sell as they looked to the East, but apprehensively we decided that we would take a leap of faith and forge on. Fortunately, we seemed to push the clouds ahead of us all the way around and stayed out of the rain and snow, but as we crested the rim at 7000 feet coming down into Strawberry my digital thermometer dropped to a brisk 40.6 degrees. So in the matter of just a few hours we had gone through a 30 degree change of temperature. Not the type of weather I would like to ride in for very long, but we knew that warmer times were ahead of us. By the time we made it down to Payson at the Knotty Pine Cafe we were back to 55 degrees and scattered sun.

So after much guessing and second guessing, we were all happy we took the ride and actually finished the entire route. But we will be talking about that little cold spell on the rim for a while. We made it back to the Valley safe and sound while filling out another deposit slip to our memory bank of riding. All in all it was a great day. But timing was everything. I heard of others that took off earlier that didn't miss a lot of the rain.

Click Here for 79 pictures from the day.

This Week's Bike Night Events

Tuesday Nights

Chester’s Harley Davidson Biker Night at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe! If you are looking for some fun on a Tuesday night, With 2 outdoor patios and plenty of excitement, This place is a good time! The Tilted Kilt is home to the best Scotch-Irish experience in Arizona, with an award-winning menu, classic pub fare, and signature Kilt items sure to please any palate—not to mention twenty four globe-spanning beers on tap! Biker Night Tuesdays also mean $3 Jack Daniels and half-price appetizers. And, with a Tilted Kilt Biker Night Card, you receive 15% OFF your total bill. So what are you waiting for? Come on down and have a craic with Chester’s Harley-Davidson! The Tilted Kilt is located at 660 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe, AZ. Just 1.5 miles East of I-10 on Warner Rd. 480-592-0102. Click Here for Map.

Thursday Night

Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill have teamed up to bring riders in the Far East Valley a great Thursday bike night. Now riders in the far East Valley can enjoy a great Thursday Bike Night, thanks to Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill! Ride up on your bike between 7pm and 10pm and receive a FREE hamburger! That’s right, every rider to show up on their bike between 7-10pm will receive a free hamburger! Don’t miss out on the great prizes you could win from Superstition Harley-Davidson. Spirits is located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). Come sit on the patio and watch the bikes roll in, stay inside and enjoy a game of pool, and friendly wait staff and the large dance floor is always open. Spirits is the hottest Bike night place to be in the east valley. The LEGEND of Spirits Lives on. More info at Superstition HD at 480-346-0600 or Spirits at 480-986-5572.

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

The "Hog Pen" at the Roadhouse Bike Weekend. Take a ride and stop by the "Hog Pen" at The Roadhouse, the Hottest New motorcycle patio in Cave Creek where every weekend will be Bike Weekend. Now Featuring a new Breakfast Buffet from 8am - Noon on Saturday and Sunday and Live Music on the patio every Sunday from Noon - 4pm! Grab a seat at the new Hog Pen bar rail and watch the bikes ride by. There is plenty of new concrete motorcycle parking right out front. 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.

Live Music Every Weekend:

Thursday: Live Music with "Todd & Ethan" 8:30pm - Midnight

Friday: Live Music with "Furious George" 9pm - 1:30am

Saturday: Live Music with "The Crown Kings" 9pm - 1:30am

Sunday Afternoon: Live Music with "Dok and Gal" Noon - 4pm

Sunday Evening: Live Music with "Walt Richardson" 5-9pm

Click here for the Cave Creek Roadhouse website. 480-575-3098

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. Live Music from 10am on the patio.
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.

This Week
Arizona Bike Week Events

Wednesday - Sunday, April 5th - 9th

Arizona Bike Week Cyclefest Begins at Westworld in Scottsdale, East of the 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Open from 10am - 1am. Vendors from 10am - 7pm. Cyclefest features Live Music every day in the Handlebar Saloon, Vendors, Demo Rides from Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Kawasaki starting on Thursday. Headliner concerts featuring Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who and John Kay and Steppenwolf as well as many other good bands. Many other games and activities on the weekend. Pick up your guide to ride at the participating Harley Dealerships and Check it for times of events. There will be a $25 admission that will cover all 5 days.

Thursday, April 6th

Classie Lassie Ride. For the first time in Arizona Bike Week history, we are proud to announce
the “Classy Lassie” ride for ladies only to benefit Arizona Institute for Breast Health. A 125-mile ride to elite establishments around the Valley. Sign-in 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at La Madeleine on Camelback Road and 32nd Street. Then to Dolce Spa & Salon (Chandler), the English Rose Tea Room (Carefree), DSW on Bell Road (Peoria), AZ Thunder Cycles (Scottsdale) ending at WestWorld where prizes will be given. Cost: $30 includes $20 raffle ticket for Survivor Bike raffled 4/9 in the HandleBar Saloon and entry into Cyclefest for the Blue Oyster Cult concert. Each lady receives a “goody bag”. T-shirts on sale for $17.

Friday, April 7th

United Mesa Firefighters Poker Run. 3rd Annual United Mesa Fire Fighters Poker Run benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association and local firefighter charities. The event will start at Superstition Harley-Davidson in Apache Junction at 9:00 am on Friday April 7th and end at The HandleBar Saloon at WestWorld of Scottsdale for Cyclefest 2006. Registration is $25/rider and $15/passenger and will include event t-shirt and commemorative ride pin for the first 250 people registered. All registered participants will also receive free entrance to Friday’s events at WestWorld including a free concert by “The Guess Who”. Please join us and help support a great cause. Also, be sure to purchase your tickets for the United Mesa Fire Fighters Charity Bike Raffle at www.UnitedMesaFF.com. For more information call 480-678-1978.

Friday, April 7th

AHDRA Nitro Kickoff Party Custom Car and Bike Show. Join us Friday April 7th at Arrowhead HD and Chandler HD, for our AHDRA Nitro Rev-Up Parties! Stop in from 4:00 - 7:00pm for a meet and greet with this years racers and their drag bikes. Plus, join us for our Nitro Custom Car and Bike Show! CALL NOW TO PRE-REGISTER YOUR CAR OR BIKE AT EITHER LOCATION FOR FREE...spaces are limited! (480) 755-5282. 1st place winners will receive $100 HD gift cards, and 2nd place winners will receive $50 gift cards. Plus, all winners will receive People's Choice plaques! Join us for this free show, free pizza, drag bikes, and AHDRA racers! Pre-register your car or bike today! Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Center Dr. in Peoria (83rd Ave. and Bell Rd.) Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler.

Saturday, April 8th

7th Annual Torch Ride to Benefit Special Olympics of Arizona. Meet, greet, and support Arizona’s Special Olympians at the 7th Annual Torch Ride, Saturday, April 8th at Chester’s in Mesa! Pre registration online is only $20 dollars, and day-of registration is just $25. Sign in from 8-10am at Chester's located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. Be one of the first 500 registered and receive a commemorative ride pin! We’ll also have a pancake breakfast, admission to CycleFest, and a live concert by John Kay and Steppenwolf! Best of all, RIDE TO WIN with your Torch Ride Registration, a 2006 XL 883 Sportster® courtesy of Chester’s Harley. Help us keep our Special Olympians in competition—your support and contributions are truly appreciated! *Winner of the 2006 XL 883 Sportster® is responsible for tax, title, license and applicable dealer fees. Winner will be drawn by Miss Arizona Bike Week on the main stage at CycleFest in the 7-8pm hour on Saturday, April 8th, 2006. Must be 18 years of age or older. Must be present at CycleFest to win and a registered rider of the Torch Ride. 480-894-0404.

Sunday, April 9th

10th Annual MDA Rally and Silent Auction. Celebrate the 10th anniversary partnership between Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, MDA, and Arizona Bike Week! Join us April 9th and be a part of Arizona's "Parade of MDA Heroes" with Jerry's Kids leading the Pack! Come out and help us beat last year's record, and raise over $12,500 for MDA. Arrowhead Harley will once again be hosting the ride and open house on April 9th. For a donation of $30 to MDA, riders will receive brunch at the open house, which also features a silent auction and MDA families. After brunch these heroes on Harleys will roll out on the escorted ride to Cyclefest at Westworld, where they will receive special parking and entrance to Cyclefest. Sign in from 10am - 12:30pm. Ride departs at 1pm. 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Center Dr. in Peoria (83rd Ave. and Bell Rd.)

Sunday, April 9th
Logan's Run. The ride to finish up bike week. This annually popular poker run is an unescorted ride that will take you on a 115 mile scenic ride through the desert and back to Westworld. The ride begins from Cyclefest at Westworld with sign in from 10am - 2pm. All bikes due back at 5pm. Entry fee is $20 per person which includes a complimentary dinner, with over 100 door prizes and payouts of $1000 Cash. Includes a commemorative Ride Pin to the first 500 who register. Free Sunday admission to Cyclefest for all participants. Mogollon will perform at the end of the ride. Portions of the proceeds go to Children in Need Foundation and AZ Bikeweek Charities. Pre register at Logan's Valley Motorcycles by April 5th and receive a free Logan's Run T-Shirt. 1440 W. Main St. in Mesa. 480-962-1700.

Other Events

Saturday and Sunday
April 8th and 9th

The party continues at The Roadhouse with Cave Creek Fiesta Days. The tent is still up and the entertainment continues. Ride out to the Roadhouse for the usual Food and Fun with reserved motorcycle parking. Live Music all weekend in the tent.

Saturday, April 8th
First Annual ALR Post 79 Poker Run. 106 miles, $5 per hand, unlimited hands. Sign in at the American Legion, Yarnell, Post 79, 22911 Lookaway in Yarnell from 9am - 11am. Last bike in at 2pm. High hand gets half of the pot. More information at prescottbikers@hotmail.com .

Saturday, April 8th
Thunder In The Sky Memorial Rally Poker Run. Registration 8am at Marine Corps League, 216 E. 29th St. in Tucson, AZ. Rider Registration $15 includes T-shirt and 1 raffle ticket. Passenger $5. Run ends 12pm. at Wagon Wheel Post, 6803 S. Sandario Rd., Marana, AZ. Memorial service at Marana Airport 1:00pm. Celebration immediately following. More information at 520-664-0116.