Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
5/4/05
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Wow! What great riding weather we are getting now. The forecast is calling for mid 80's here in the Valley for the rest of the week and into the low 90's next weekend. And as you all know, when it is that warm here it is a good time to start some rides out of the Valley. Check the Day Rides section for some ideas of where to go. Just be sure to check the weather for the areas up North as they tend to get more chances of rain than we do here. I will be adding some more Day Rides in the near future.
 
If you are reading this letter right now you probably have an interest in or even a passion for riding motorcycles. I personally have a passion for riding but I always seem willing to venture out and try something else. I'm not sure why, maybe it is just to remind me how much more I like riding than all of these other sports combined. In the past year or so it seems that the "extreme" type sports have been on my list of things to do. I have been Sky Diving, Bungee Jumping, Parasailing and the latest experience is Off Road Racing. The typical questions about Sky Diving are "Why jump out of a perfectly good plane at 13,000 feet?", or "Why jump off of a perfectly good bridge with a rubberband around your waist?", or "Why soar 900 feet above the water when you can just ski ON the water?". My question for Off Road Racing is "Why drive off of a perfectly good smooth road to beat the heck out of yourself and your car?". I don't have good answers for any of those other than the adrenaline rush.
 
You are probably wondering how I ever got involved in this one. A couple of weeks ago my buddy Scott Pasmore got a new Tatum Motorsports Corvette Powered Sand Rail. There was a scheduled Whiplash off-road race last weekend in Rocky Point so he asked Mrs. C. and I to go do a pre-run of the race course in his new rail. Since I had never been on one of these 110 mile courses before, it sounded like a good time to me. Little did I know that this was a better place for dramamine than on a boat. Fortunately for this particular event, Mrs. C. thought that a better idea would be to hang out by the "dust free" pool. As it turns out, that was a smart move.
 
So Scott and I head over to the "Desert Oasis" with 3 other rails from Tatum to take a run through the course. After arriving at the Oasis we got all geared up with a long sleeve shirt, a Headsock to cover up the face, sunglasses and a headset to be able to communicate with each other while on the course. I looked more like Jason from the "Halloween Movies" than an off road racer. Click Here to see. We were then off for my first taste of an off road race course that I had only seen on TV. After about 5 miles out of the 110 that we were going to go, I was wondering what the heck I was doing here. These roads more closely resemble the chartlines of an EKG than they do a place to drive anything. If they would flatten them out it would be more like 200 miles. Pictures don't even come close to show what you have to go through. It is amazing.
 
After about 20 miles we had our first stop to regroup, talk about the wicked roads and grab a cerveza. Nearing 40 miles into the course I was finally getting used to the violent ride and able to appreciate how well this machine was put together to be able to handle this kind of abuse. This is not a ride in the park. Everything you do out here is at speeds from 50-100 miles per hour over the roughest possible trails through the desert. Scott was doing a good job of his first time driving the car on this type of course. No doubt, his sprint car racing had prepared him for sliding sideways around the corners. But unfortunately for me, there was one turn that got away from him. It seems as though when we slid sideways we left the course and t-boned a nice big Cholla Cactus that promptly exploded into many smaller pieces of Cholla that are now flying through the air heading right for the windshield of the rail that had not been installed. Yep, here I am again without a windshield.
 
The result of this driving miscue was a nice 6 inch long 3 inch diameter piece of cholla finding its' way inside the car and coming to rest on my inner thigh. After repeated screaming throught the headset "I've been hit, I've been hit", Scott brings the car to a stop so that I can dig the newly transplanted jumping cactus out of my leg. Fortunately for me, the guy riding with us in the back seat was carrying a "Ron Popeil" type of folding pliers and I was able to get the main part of the cactus and the stickers out of my leg. This was now officially the low point of the ride and we still had 60 miles to go.
 
About 20 miles later Scott's car got a flat tire and had to be put on a trailer to be taken in. I'm sure they found a nice Cholla spine somewhere in that tire. I know I had a few. So we then got into the back seat of the professional race cars with the drivers. It was now "game on". The next 40 miles were a complete blur as we were doing 95 miles per hour down dirt roads in the middle of nowhere with 3 foot "whoop te do's". It is truly amazing how these cars stay together.
 
But, as with any sport or activity, the enjoyment from it is all a matter of perception. As we were rolling to the end of the track the driver said "Man, wasn't that fun?". Unfortunately, that really wasn't the adjective that I was going to use to describe my experience. All I could think about for the last 30 miles was how good of a decision Mrs. C. had made to stay by the pool and how much I really appreciate taking a nice day ride on the motorcycle. Off road racing is really an "extreme sport". I can see that for those who do it all the time it is a challenge and they really enjoy it. As for me, give me my motorcycle and 400 miles of open road and I will be much happier. But it is a rush and you never know until you try. Here is a 30 second video clip of some of the ride.
 
Unfortunately, my excitement for the weekend was not over yet. Sunday morning we thought we would wind down with a nice little ride through the sand dunes near Sandy Beach. I rented a couple of quads for Mrs. C. and I while Scott took my daughter and a friend of hers for a ride through the dunes on the way to JJ's. About half way through we switched. Shortly after that, my daughter's friend took a turn a little tight on the quad, flew off and broke the femur bone in her right leg. The next 9 hours was spent getting her taken to the local Rocky Point clinic for stabilization. After paying $688 for the ambulance ride and medical care she was then taken by ambulance from Rocky Point to the border where she was transferred to an American ambulance that would take her to on in to Phoenix. You might have guessed by now that turned out to be a long stressful day. It was a freak accident, but it's just a real sick feeling to have someone else's kid get hurt that bad on your watch.
 
Although the Mexican Doctors did a good job with what they have to work with, I wouldn't recommend getting seriously hurt South of the border. The clinic more resembles a  double wide with an X-Ray machine than a medical clinic. After surgery Monday she is all patched up and doing well. 
 


This Week's Bike Night Events 
 
Wednesday 

Hooters at 1-17 and Bell Rd. Wednesday Bike Night. Hooters at I-17 and Bell will be hosting a new Bike Night every Wednesday night from 6pm - 9pm. They will feature a "Ride In" Bike Show with weekly prizes for 1st - 3rd. And then, the third Wednesday of every month we will crown the Bike of the Month with a Grand Prize and will also be featured on Cyclerides.com as the "Bike of the Week". We will have $2 Bud, Bud Light, and Mich Ultra bottles. There will be 20% off of all food and merchandise when you ride in on your bike. Stop by for loads of Raffle Prizes. There will be VIP Motorcycle Parking and you will be greeted at the front door by a Hooter's Girl waiting to give you your raffle ticket. Hooter's is located in the Bell Canyon Shopping Center at 2834 W. Bell Rd., West of I-17 on Bell Rd. 602-375-0000.  

Thursday Night

Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Here is one for those of you in the far East Valley!
Hooters Mesa Thursday Bike Night. Hooters in Mesa located at 6730 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. will host a Bike Night every Thursday night from 6-9 pm. If you haven't seen this Hooters yet you will have to stop by and take a look. This is one of the nicest locations that they have. Hooters will $2.00 Corona's and 20% off of food and merchandise if you ride your bike in. Stop by for raffles prizes every Thursday Night with Big Raffle prizes the first Thursday of every month. For more information call 480-396-9396.

For those of you in the far West Valley!!
Drivers Sports Grill Thursday Bike Night. You have been asking for it and now it is here. Starting Thursday, February 3rd, Drivers will be hosting a new Thursday Bike Night. Drivers is located in Litchfield Park on the S.W. Corner of Indian School and Litchfield Rd. They feature a huge outdoor patio that holds 150 people as well as an indoor dining area with multiple TV's and a HUGE menu to choose from. You can park on the sidewalk or in coned off areas out front. Enjoy Food and Drink Specials Every Thursday Night, Domestic Bottles $2.00, Corona's $2.25, Drivers Burgers, Grilled Chicken "Sandwedges" and Chicken Caesar Wraps are 15% off. Drivers is easily accessible from I-10 at the Litchfield Rd. exit. Stop by from 6-10 PM for giveaways. For more information call 623-536-8571.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles. Ride by and join in on the fun! Hooters will host a Bike Night every Thursday at the Hooters at Arrowhead located just 1 block S. of Bell on 83rd Ave. Stop by for some great food and Hooters Hospitality. There will be 20% off menu items, $2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio. Stop by for some giveaways and raffles from Hooters and Arrowhead Harley as well as great wings and fun at Hooters. Click Here to see Pictures and all the detailed information.

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  

NEW!!
Cave Creek Roadhouse Bike Weekend. Take a ride and stop by the Hottest New Restaurant/Bar in Cave Creek where every weekend will be Bike Weekend. There is plenty of motorcycle parking right out front. I have mentioned this place before and now it has finally opened to rave reviews. 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 Night: Live Music with "Rave" 7pm - 11pm

Friday: Live Music with "Rave" 9pm - 2am

Saturday Night: Live Music with "Soul Catcher" 9pm - 2am

Sunday: Live Music with "Soul Catcher" 2pm - 7pm

Click here for pictures and more information.  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. This Sunday: Hans Olson, 10am - 2pm. Paris James, 2pm-5pm.
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.

Events This Week

May 5th - 8th

Cycle De Mayo at Lake Pleasant. Get ready for the First Annual Lake Pleasant Wet & Wild Rally May 5th-8th. This event will be held at Lake Pleasant and feature a lot of different events including a Fireworks Show, Dyno Racing, Extreme Team FMX and Trails Stunt Shows, Party Boats, Jet Ski's and Water Sports, Midnight Paint Ball Shootout at Cowtown, Speed World Drag Racing, Strong Man and Arm Wrestling Contest, Food, Vendors and much more. Mark your calendars for May 5th-8th. For more information call 602-229-2992. Click Here for the Schedule of Events. 

May 5th-May 7th
Chosas Harley-Davidson Mothers Day Sale. Win a barrel of fun for Mother's Day at Chosa's in Mesa! With a qualifying MotorClothes® Merchandise purchase between May 1st and 7th, you'll be entered to WIN a Lady Rider Barrel Bag filled with Harley-Davidson gifts, with a combined value of $150! One lucky winner will be drawn on Saturday, May 7th at 3pm, and need not be present to win. Limit of one entry per person, per purchase. And like they say, you can't win if you don't play, so rumble on in to Chosa's Harley-Davidson in Mesa! Purchase your gifts May 5th through the 7th and we'll even let you pick a flower for a chance to receive as much as 30% off your total MotorClothes® Merchandise purchase, not to mention gift wrap it for you! Chosa's is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr , Mesa, Arizona. 480-894-0404.
 
May 5th -  May 8th
Chosa's on Mill Mother's Day Sale. Slip Into Style! Sometimes it's the thoughtful little gifts that mean the most, and this Mother's Day, Chosa's Harley-Davidson On Mill is thinking of you--mother or not! Between May 1st and 8th, with any purchase of a $100 or more, we'll throw in a free pair of Women's or Men's slippers! Supply is limited, so hurry down to Chosa's On Mill in Tempe and let us treat you to something nice! Chosa's Harley-Davidson on Mill is located at 690 S. Mill Ave Suite 120A, Tempe, Arizona 85281. http://www.chosashd-tempe.com . 480-355-6160.
 

May 6th and May 7th
Superstition Harley-Davidson Mother's Day Sale. Ride in Style For Mother's Day! What mom wouldn't love the gift of Harley this Mother's Day? Stop in at Superstition Harley-Davidson Friday, May 6th, or Saturday, May 7th, and spend $50 or more on MotorClothes(r) Merchandise, and we'll throw in a free Guardian Angel pin, the perfect topper for any Mother's Day gift. Or, pick up a sterling silver MOD OR Stamper Genuine Black Hills Gold necklace, and we'll give you the matching earrings 1/2 OFF! Both offers for in-stock, regularly priced items only. We even offer complimentary gift wrapping and may even win a door prize--ask for details! So arrive early and shop for Mom's Day at Superstition Harley-Davidson in Apache Junction! Superstition Harley-Davidson is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail , Apache Junction. http://www.superstitionhd.com . 480-346-0600.
 

May 5th - May 8th
Buddy Stubbs is Celebrating Mother's Day. Looking for that special something for Mother's Day? Enjoy a week of specials of 20% off all in stock jewelry items at Buddy Stubbs. Stop by any time during the week to take advantage of these big jewelry savings. You can also enter to win a Stamper Black Hills Gold Necklace. Winner will be announced on May 10th. On Saturday, May 7th enjoy 2 informal fashion shows. One at 11am and one at 3pm. The new 45,000 sq. ft. Buddy Stubbs dealership is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. 602-971-3400.

 
May 6th - 8th
1st Annual High Country A.B.A.T.E. Chapter Wild In The Weeds Run. Camp out at Jakes Corner Bar located on route 188 (Roosevelt Lake turn off) off of Hwy. 87 about 2 miles on the right. Food available at Jakes Corner. Poker run to all of our business members in Payson, Star Valley, Christopher Creek, Pine and Strawberry on Saturday. Sign in from 8am-9:45am. Run leaves at 10:00am. Horse shoe tournaments, raffles, games and live music by "Midway". $15 per person, $25 per couple includes camp site for 2 nights. Day pass $10. Sign in starts at 11:00am on Friday the 6th at Jakes Corner Bar. Everyone Welcome. More information contact Billy and Barbie at 928-474-6851.
 
Saturday and Sunday May 7th and 8th
4th Annual MS 300 Motorcycle Rally for Multiple Sclerosis. Ride begins at Cycle Werks located at 11803 N. Saguaro Blvd. in Fountain Hills, AZ. Ride to Showlow. Register begins at 9:00am. Breakfast will be provided during registration. Riders will depart at 10:00am. Cost is $25 per person. Registration includes ride pin, t-shirt, dinner and breakfast. Overnight at the Hon-Dah Resort Casino. 30 rooms have been blocked for $89/PP. For more information Click Here. Or call Gary at 480-922-7008, ext. 1102.
 
Saturday, May 7th
Second Annual Chief Bill Lanford Memorial Ride. On February 5th, 2003 Chief William D. “Bill” Lanford of Buckeye Valley Fire lost his life while involved in a tragic accident riding his Harley on Vulture Mine road near Wickenburg. Please join the many friends, family, fellow Firefighter and Law Enforcement brothers and sisters in honoring Bill on this memorial ride. All proceeds of this event will benefit the William D. Lanford Scholarship Fund. Sign-up 8:00 am - 9:00am at the BVFD Station 324 - 25206 W. MC 85 in Buckeye. Breakfast provided by the Brothers and Sisters of United West Valley Firefighters Association IAFF Local 4371. This ride will consist of a beautiful 100+ mile ride including a stop for a brief road side prayer at “Bill’s” memorial site on Vulture Mine Road. Finish: Tin Top Bar and Grill - Salome Hwy and Wintersburg Rd. Fun, Food, Music, Dancing, Raffle and Prizes. Any questions please contact Dan Calderon. BVFD_2805@cox.net or call 602-316-8003. 

Thursday, May 12th
Ms. Hooters Arizona Contest. Take a ride to Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix and watch as 50 girls on stage compete for the Ms. Hooters Arizona crown. Competition will be held in the beautiful grassy special event area at Arizona Center. First round will be casual wear and then Bikini's. The field will then be cut to the top 10 for the finals competition. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The competition begins at 7pm and ends at 11pm. $10 General Admission tickets available at any Hooter's. Food and drink will be available. There are still a few VIP Tables left. Arizona Center is located between 3rd and 5th Streets and Van Buren. For more information about the contest and tickets call 602-375-0000. 

Events Next Week 

Wednesday, May 18th
Run For The Wall XVII. Run For The Wall XVII. Leaves 8am from the T&A Truck Stop (junction of I-10 & I-15) in Ontario, CA. "Riding in Freedom for Those Who Can't", Veterans from all wars and their supporters will begin their annual pilgrimage across the heartland of America. Most will be riding motorcycles. Its purpose is to create a groundswell of support for ALL AMERICAN PRISONERS OF WAR and MISSING IN ACTION from all wars and to help those injured by war, to heal. This 10-day cross-country journey will include ceremonies with veterans and civic organizations, visits to war memorials, visits with VA hospital patients and appropriate stops to make sure our POW-MIA's are remembered. Anyone can join the group anywhere along the route. Everyone and all brands of motorcycles are welcome. In Wash. DC, on Memorial Day Sunday, the group will unite with other riders from all over this country to form Rolling Thunder's Ride for Freedom XVII, a Welcome Home and We Have Not Forgotten Demonstration from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial -THE WALL. There will also be a Run for the Wall Fundraising Party at Bobby McGee's located at 8501 N. 27th ave. in Phoenix at 4:00pm Sunday May 15th.

The Southern Route will be stopping in Phoenix. For those of you that can't go on the ride you can support the riders by gathering along 3rd Street North of Indian School near Steele Indian School Park around 4:00-4:30pm to Welcome the riders to Phoenix. 4:30-5:30pm Visit the VA Hospital & the State Veterans Home. 5:30-6:30pm will be Ceremonies @ Steele Indian School Park. Everyone welcome. FMI: 602 439-4517 or 602 402-8026 or 602 481-7663 or RREROGERS@aol.com or www.rftw.org . Click Here for flyer. 

Extras 

For those of you that think you are part of the "Rat Race" known as "Getting Ahead", read the following story. Maybe you are already where you want to be and just don't know it.
 
The irony of the rat race explained------
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answered the Mexican.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
 
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs...I have a full life."
 
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City!
From there you can direct your huge enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?"
 
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends.
Hmmm....
 
As for me this week I am going to check out the Cycle De Mayo event at Lake Pleasant. I have no idea how this is going to turn out, but I hope it is good. It seems like they have a lot of activities planned.
 

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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