Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 5/28/03

Greetings Riders,

Well, it looks like Summer is in full swing here in good ole' Arizona. And if you are like me and enjoy the warm weather riding, you are loving this. With highs in the low 100's and lows in the mid 70's, it is great to throw on a long sleeve t-shirt to protect your arms from the sun, find a good reason to saddle up, and then take off for parts unknown. That is exactly what Mrs. C. and I did last Sunday. We had a small window of time and wanted to get in a good Day Ride feature. I had remembered Buck Rogers telling me about a place called Tonto Natural Bridge located North of Payson. I knew that wouldn't be too far, so I thought we would give it a try and I'm glad we did.

Not being one to sit around for very long, I'm always looking for a new adventure and an excuse to take a ride. Anxious to start gathering future deposits for my memory bank of rides, we took off from our NW Valley location on what was a 108 mile ride to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The ride to Payson on Hwy. 87 is very scenic on a perfect 4 lane divided highway taking you through mountains, boulders and valleys while climbing to 5000 feet in Payson. Once you arrive in Payson you are only 11 miles from the turnoff into the park. Be sure and keep and eye on your odometer and the signs on the side of the road or you could miss it. The left turn into the park is only marked by a sign on the right side of the road. You will then follow the Forest Service road another 3 miles. The last 1.5 miles is a very steep 800 foot drop to bottom of the canyon where you will pay $6.00 to enter the park and receive a map of the area.

The History of the Bridge:
The Forest Service describes The Tonto Natural Bridge as being tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees, and has been in the making for thousands of years. A series of underground springs with mineral-laden waters have built up large deposits of travertine (calcium carbonate) through which Pine Creek, a year-round stream flowing through the canyon, has eroded a passageway leaving the rocks above standing a natural bridge. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. The discovery of the small and beautiful valley between Pine and Payson was documented in 1877 by David Gowan, a prospector who stumbled across the bridge as he was chased by Apaches. Gowan later claimed squatter's rights and then persuaded his family move there. They left the area in 1948, but the lodge remains. For more information on the park Click Here. For the State Park site Click Here.

We made our way to the far end of the parking lot to start our trek on the Gowan Loop Trail and work our way back up to the parking area. I have highlighted on the map the trail that we hiked. As we descended down the steep trail to the bottom of the canyon I suddenly started to feel like a walking Best Buy commercial. I realized I was strapped with a video camera, digital camera, MP3 player, cell phone and a handheld GPS. That must be why that Japanese guy with the Sony shirt on gave me such a big smile when I ask him to take our picture. I probably paid for his flight over here. I'm guessing that Gowan didn't make his first trip to the canyon floor with this kind of equipment. But if he had, he might have known where the Indians were! What a difference 126 years can make on the same trail. Ok, back to the trail, once you reach Pine Creek you can follow that underneath the bridge and make your way about a mile back to other side of the parking lot. This is a great hike that will involve a little climbing and boulder hopping across the creek, but it is well worth the effort. You will walk past the bottom of the waterfall that is laden with rich green vegetation and moss that looks like something you see in the tropics.

We spent about 2 hours total in the park just trying to consume this geologic wonder, all the surroundings and taking the hike up the creek. If you like a little adventure and beautiful scenery at the destination of your ride, this is the one for you. The total ride is 174 miles starting at the Loop 101 and Shea and is about 3 hours riding time round trip. You can extend the trip by going another 8 miles North to Pine and Strawberry. And on your way back, if that hike has made you hungry or thirsty, you can stop for lunch or a refreshment at the Rider Friendly Ox Bow Saloon on old Main St. in Payson. Just 1 mile N. of Hwy. 87 on Main St. You can cook your own burger or steak and then sit out on the deck and enjoy the weather and the scenery.

Mrs. C. and I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. It is a very scenic ride and the destination is fantastic. I gave this ride a rating of 4.5 spokes out of 5. It is the perfect blend of moderate travel, scenery and entertainment. I'm sure you will enjoy. You can reach the Tonto Natural Bridge Day Ride Feature complete with a road map, hiking map, video and pictures by clicking on the link or seeing all 10 of the Cyclerides.com Day Rides by going to www.cyclerides.com and clicking on Day Rides. I have also done a fun little video of the ride to give you a sneak peek of what you will see. For cable or fast internet connections Click Here. For dial-up modems I also have one for you. It is a small download that will take about 8 minutes. Click Here.

Wednesday

The Wild Hare Wednesday Bike Night. Looking for a Bike Night on the East side? Here is a bike night for the East side of town at a really nice location. Stop by and take a look, you will be impressed. It is called The Wild Hare located at 4910 W. Ray Rd. That is the NE Corner of Ray Rd. and Rural Rd. This is a really nice place with a very large outdoor patio. The inside has just been remodeled to double the seating along with adding a DJ, pool tables and games. The Wild Hare has a broad menu including 20 different appetizers, salads, wings, 17 different sandwiches, chicken, filet mignon, burgers and desserts including strawberry cheese cake. There will be food and drink specials that will run during bike night from 6 PM till close. This will all start on Wednesday, August 14th. I will have an information page on the event calendar that will give you all the details. Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200.

Thursday Night

New! Starting This Week
Thursday May 29th.
Thunder Pass Food and Spirits Lounge Thursday Bike Night.

Far East Siders you now have a nice big place to go on Thursday nights. The newly remodeled and very large Thunder Pass Food and Spirits Lounge will be opening for the first time this Thursday May 29th to kick off their Thursday Bike Night from 6pm to close. Thunder Pass owners are the same as the Spirits Lounge in Gilbert that a lot of you have gone to in the past. Spirits closed the doors on Saturday due to the loss of the lease. Rick's new place, taking the place of Spirits will be Thunder Pass located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). They will have ladies night on Thursdays with $1.00 drinks, extensive food menu and a huge dance floor with a DJ. Thunder Pass features 2 patios. One out front and one in the back. Park your bikes right next to you. Rick invites all that have come to Spirits for the last 21 years to the new 300 seat Thunder Pass located on the County island between Mesa and Apache Junction.

Riders on the East side you now have the Thursday night Scottsdale Rd. Hat Trick!!
Jetz Americana, ACME Bar & Grill and The Billet Bar. Ride to all three.

Jetz Americana Thursday Bike Night.

INCREDIBLE would best describe the weather right now for an evening ride. INCREDIBLE is also the menu at Jetz prepared by Chef James Devine and the INCREDIBLE atmosphere created with DJ Aaron. Don’t miss any of these this and every THURSDAY! Preferred parking, delicious menu, and great music can be expected along with specials that run all night! Nitro Happy Hour starts with ½ price cocktails and a $4.95 appetizer menu from 4-7pm. Roll right into the Full Throttle Late Nite with $3 domestic bottles, $4 Jack Daniels, and a $7.95 Burger and Brew Special. Jetz is in the SW corner of Scottsdale Road and Gold Dust, just one block south of Shea behind CPK. Pull up, park, and party at one of Scottsdale’s finest. Click here to see the pictures of where you will be going and all of the information.

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. 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 on Bike Night. 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. Keep an eye on your prized possession (your motorcycle) on the monitors. 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 Easyriders on 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday night and all weekend long. Info: at 480-941-1876.

Come check out the Seventh Week of the ACME Bar and Grill Eight Week Rooftop Bikini Contest. Come check it out this week and see what happens. ACME is looking for contestants. 1st place $150, 2nd $50. Just show up with your best bikini. Contest begins at 8:30 PM. View the bikini contest while taking advantage of free appetizers and drink specials from the very cool rooftop lounge. Remember when downtown Scottsdale was the place to be? They are back with the complete remodel of the place including the new rooftop bar. You will enjoy a Free Buffet from 7:30-9:30 PM, Drink Specials, Raffles every week, Great Music, Pool and lots of fun in Downtown Scottsdale. Make your plans for Thursday March 20th to kick off the return of ACME. Come early for the free buffet and get your raffle ticket and return at 10:00 PM for the drawing. ACME is located in Old Town Scottsdale at 4245 N. Craftsmen Ct. just South of 5th Ave. and West of Scottsdale Rd. For more information call 480-990-7111. Ride by and be a part of the Rebirth of the Acme Ride Night This Thursday Night. Click here for details and pictures.

Casey Jones Grill Bike Night in Phoenix on Thursday nights. The evening riding weather is perfect, Casey Jones will be packed as it always is from here on. You can always count on lots of bikes here. Ride in 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 drafts. 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.

Saturday Night

Saturday Night Bike Night at Broker's Bar and Grill. Need a destination on a Saturday night for some great food and refreshments with other riders?? This is a great little place that reminds me of the show Cheer's. A lot of you already stop at Broker's for the excellent food and refreshments on the patio. Now they are having an official Bike Night starting May 10th from 6pm - Close with several food and drink specials. I'm sure the place will be packed on Saturday nights. Broker's is located on the SW corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Bell Rd. in North Scottsdale next to Paris Paris. Food Specials will be $6.00 Burger meal, $5.00 Chicken Sandwich meal and $1.00 Burger Sliders (each). Drink specials include $2.50 domestic bottles, $3.00 imports, $3.50 drafts, $4.50 Guinness and Black & Tans, $4.50 Well Drinks. Click Here for pictures and more information.

Saturday and Sunday

Bike Days at The Hideaway.
Be a part of the Porch Posse at the world famous Hideaway, one of most popular stops in the Southwest for riders that come to Arizona. Stop by for one of their great burgers or their outstanding pizza and shop at Stampede Leathers while you are there. The porch is a busy place these days. This is Perfect weather for a ride to The Hideaway and try a few items from their new menu. This weekend enjoy the ride to Cave Creek and the beautiful weather from The Hideaway Porch. Check out the Friday Night Steak Fry from 6-10 PM for only $7.95. Don't Forget, Every Day is Bike Day at the Hideaway. "There are no strangers here, just friends you haven't met yet! " 6746 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek, AZ. 480-595-0358
At The Hideaway there is something to do every night. Click here for the Weekly Schedule of Events

Monday-Friday: 10am - 6pm: $2 Well, Wine & Domestic Beer. Free Pizza Buffet 3pm - 6pm
Exclusive Bike Shows at The Hideaway with the Hottest Custom Manufacturers:
Jim Nasi Customs: The 1st Saturday of Every Month.
Bourget's Custom Bike Show: The 2nd Saturday of Every Month.
Titan Motorcycles Show: The 3rd Saturday of Every Month.

Ramjet Racing Performance Parts Expo. The 4th Saturday of Every Month.

In addition to the Bike Shows there will be a free Bikini Bike Wash during the shows along with Fun, Food, Entertainment, Vendors and More.

Sunday

Sunday, June 1st
Hailey's Live Entertainment Sunday's - This Weekend - "Danny Rhodes and the Messengers" with some great Blues Rock from 1 - 5 PM. Here is your chance to take a ride up North and stop in to Hailey's for some good food and entertainment all weekend long. If you are looking for a short ride (only 60 miles from I-17 & Loop 101) this weekend, this is it. They also have a great ice cream parlor. I am giving the 5 spokes award for the best chocolate milkshakes I have had in a long, long time. These things are awesome. Hailey's Grill is located just 60 miles from the Loop 101 and I-17 at 10434 S. Hwy 69 right next door to the Harley-Davidson shop in Mayer, AZ. This is a fun ride for some great food and entertainment. For more information call 928-632-4448. Don't forget to use your Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card for your 20% off food at Hailey's.

Upcoming Bands appearing at Hailey's on Sundays:

June 8th: Combo Deluxe

June 15th: Father's Day Brunch and Cruiser Sunday.

June 22nd: Combo Deluxe

June 29th: Combo Deluxe

Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
Live Music on the patio from 1-6PM this Sunday.
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 on their relaxing 5,000 square foot Tree Covered Patio from 11am - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm and choose from 9 delicious ala carte brunch items or order off of the extensive menu including pizza, salads, burgers or sandwiches. Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down Scottsdale Rd. You can even play a game of pool as you watch the activities on the patio. Don't forget to go inside and see the unbelievable decor inside Sugar Daddy's. It's a Cajun and blues delight. Even if you can't make it 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.
Every Saturday: Live Reggae Saturdays at Sugar Daddy's. Every Saturday from 2-6pm. $2 Red Stripe and $4 Appleton Rum Drinks. Enter a drawing for a trip for two to Jamaica. Day Drinking Reggae Style.

Fandango
Sunday, June 1st.
Live Music all weekend long.
Combo Deluxe Saturday night from 9pm - Close and Sunday from 4pm - 8pm.
Chris Hiatt Friday night at 9pm.
Yeah that's right, great live Blues music in Cave Creek! Combo deluxe will be entertaining the biker crowd on Sunday from 4 to 8 pm (either on the patio or inside with air conditioning depending on the temperature!). Have a nice cold 16 oz Bud or Bud Light draft for only a $1.25. Have some lunch and check out our patio and waterfall or our rooftop bar. Great views of the surrounding mountains and the bikes cruisin' Cave Creek Road. Fandango's not just biker friendly on Sunday, stop by any time! We are located at 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd in the town of Cave Creek. Call 480-595-5633 for info or check out our website at www.restaurant.com/fandango.

This Week

Saturday, May 31st - 9am - 6pm.
Sunday, June 1st -10am - 4pm.
Hacienda Harley Open House Party and Outdoor Make an Offer Tent Sale. Celebrating 2 anniversaries in one party. Hacienda is turning 30 and Harley-Davidson is turning 100. Stop by and help them celebrate with Live Music, Raffles, Bikini Bike Wash, free 30th Poster signings by Brittny and Fashion Shows Daily, 12:30PM & 2:00PM. Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday, 10am-4pm. Take advantage of an "Everything Must Go" Outdoor Tent Sale and the popular "Basement Sale" both days. Hacienda is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. Information at 480-905-1903.

Saturday, May 31st.
Cliff Castle Casino's Ante Up For Kids Spring Poker Run.
Many of you have done this great ride in the past and it is here again. I have gotten many good reviews from this ride. The ride begins at Cliff Castle Casino located at Exit 289 Off of I-17 in Camp Verde. This is about a 75 mile ride from I-17 and Loop 101. The ride will begin at 8:00 am on Saturday, May 31st and end at 5:00 pm with the announcements of the poker run winners. You may leave anytime after 8:00am or leave with the group at 10:00am. The Riders High hand will pay $1000, Low hand $500. The passengers High hand will also pay $1000 with the passengers low hand $500. The ride will take you on a fun loop to Hailey's Grill in Mayer, Indian of Prescott, Mingus Mountain Rest Area, right before Jerome, KA Cycles in Cottonwood and then back to the Cliff Castle Casino for the prizes. Click here for map of run. Registration is $25 per person. At the time of registration you will also receive $10 in quarters, a commemorative T-Shirt, along with a raffle ticket for a 2003 Indian. For more information call 928-567-7999.

Next Week

Big Boys & Their Toys. The Men's Luxury Expo.
Friday - Sunday. June 6th 2pm-9pm, June 7th- 10am-9pm and June 8th 10am-6pm.Phoenix Civic Plaza, Downtown Phoenix. Click Here for Directions.
Why not take the very best of several product shows, and combine them together under one roof at the same time? Well, six years ago, that's exactly what Gary Glava, president of 21st Century Promotions in Phoenix, Arizona did. Today Big Boys & Their Toys USA gives men of all ages the opportunity to see and buy the latest and greatest luxury "toys" available. From the most exotic sports cars to high-end jewelry to the perfect easy chair, it's all right here. This year motorcycles have become a big part of the show with many local motorcycle manufacturers exhibiting. See the latest in Automobiles and Accessories • Luxury Homes & Properties • Electronics for Home and Business •Big Screen TV and Stereo Systems • Computers, Peripherals, & Software • Boats and Marine Equipment • Home Furnishings • Watches & Jewelry •Men's and Women's Fashions • Health & Exercise Equipment Aircraft and Aviation Equipment • Motorcycles and Accessories • Travel and Adventure Packages • Golf Equipment and Outings. Benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Cottonwood. For more information call: 602.331.4744.

Saturday June 7th
La Casa Loca Motorcycle & Car Show. Proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Southern Arizona. $10 to enter the show. Bring a new or used blanket & get a free cheese crisp. La Casa Loca Restaurant & Bar is located at 1957 W Dunlap in Phoenix AZ. Live band, Fools Life on the patio 2-6:30pm. $2.25 House Margaritas & $1.25 Domestic Draft Beer. Trophies at 6pm. For more information: 602 870-7774.

Extras

Father's Day is only 2 weeks away. Get your husband or Father the gift that keeps on giving all year long. The Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card. Give him $100 in free food at all the favorite stops, free dyno run, free leather and a 20% discount on parts, accessories and motorclothes. Plus discounts all year long. Order online at www.cycleridesvip.com .

If you have sent in a classified ad and have not seen it up yet I am running a little behind. I will get them posted as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.

Enjoy the weekend riding and let me know if you take the trip to Tonto Natural Bridge. I would like to hear your reviews.

Until Next Week,

Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours-Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com