Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
5/5/04
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Here we are, May 5th, 2004, aka Cinco De Mayo in the Southwest. The mercury is starting to tease the 100 degree mark on the thermometers on a little more regular basis. What this means to us riders is that we will be going through those games with our mind that 100 degrees is really too hot. It's interesting that every year I go through this same exercise. One side of my brain, (the practical side) tells me that it is too hot to ride, that I am risking heat stroke along with dehydration and that one day I will melt into the asphalt and no one will find me. The other side of my brain (the motorcycle enthusiast side) tells me that this is the best time to ride because I can start and end in a T-Shirt for a ride to just about anywhere in the State, layering is not needed and that the practical side is a "wuss". As usual for me, the practical side of my thinking has lost yet another round with the motorcycle enthusiast side. I love riding in 100 degree weather.
 
It's interesting how we are such a numerical society. Just about everything we do is based on numbers. We have lucky numbers, favorite numbers, social security numbers and even ratings numbers on how good looking a girl or guy is. People make a living by being a numerologist and there is even a book in the Bible called Numbers. What is funny to me is how we use numbers of temperature to make decisions on what we are going to do. For me with swimming, the water has to be 80 degrees. If it is 79 I'm not interested. I'll wait for that extra degree because with it I will be much more comfortable. When riding a  motorcycle in Arizona the magic number seems to be 100 degrees. You can be talking to your buddies and they will be riding all over the place at 99 degrees and won't say a word. But the minute they hear that it is supposed to be 100, they don't want any part of it. Is it the heat that bothers them or the number??
 
As most of you know by now, I am a warm weather rider. I'll ride all summer long and put up with the heat. But I will admit, that the first few times of getting out when the temperature is over that triple digit mark does take a few days to get used to. But once you come to grips with that is what it is going to be if you are going to ride, the low 100's really aren't that bad. So don't let the report of the weather man dictate weather you ride or not, he is just giving you a number. Give it a try and decide for yourself what works for you. The really ironic part of this whole story is that in September we will all be out riding and rejoicing that it is ONLY 100 degrees. Welcome to Arizona. It's all about conditioning.
 
But seriously, for those of you that are new to the Valley, you need to respect the higher temperatures especially when you are riding. With the low humidity and high temps you can actually feel the moisture being sapped right out of you. You will find your that your lips will get dry and the need for more water stops. For those that are new to the area, be sure and drink plenty of water when out riding in the Valley. Dehydration in 100+ degree outdoor temperature, 130 degree asphalt and the wind in your face can come upon you very quickly. If you even feel the least bit dizzy from the heat, stop for water immediately. I usually stop every 20-30 miles for water to stay hydrated. Keep a supply of Blistex, Ride Skin Care Sunscreen and Water for handy for summer riding.
 


 
If you are looking for a short ride and something to do this week, you can ride down to ASU to look at the makeshift memorial left for Pat Tillman. After last week's article about Pat I wanted to experience for myself the Love that people had for him. I found it amazing to see what people had left and done to pay their respects to him. You will see everything from medals from other Veterans, to pictures, jerseys, flags, posters, patches, footballs and even messages written on rocks. I found myself just standing there and reading what people had written to him and his family. There was one very interesting reflection that Stan Dale pointed out to me. If you stand just South of the and West of the memorial, you can see the reflection of Pat's face in the window on the building. It appears that he is looking down over the area. The Memorial is on the Southwest side of the football stadium at ASU. Here are some pictures.
 


See the Extras column below for pictures from the World War 2 Memorial in Washington D.C.
 

 

This Week's Events

Tuesday 

Eli's American Grille Tuesday Bike Night. Live Music "Rule 11" Every Tuesday Night 8:00PM. EXCELLENT Sliders and a Great Band. Many of you know about Eli's located at 70th St. and Shea in Scottsdale. They have been a popular stop around Scottsdale for many years and the owners are avid riders. They are now doing a special night for motorcycles including live music featuring classic rock tunes from "Rule 11". If you haven't been by Eli's yet, be sure and try one of their 9 varieties of sliders served until midnight. You will not be disappointed. You can also watch your favorite game on TV while you eat, play some pool or sit out on the patio in front watching the bikes roll in. Eli's is your motorcycle friendly grille located on 7000 E. Shea in Scottsdale right behind Claim Jumpers. 480-948-9800. Stop by this Tuesday night. 

Wednesday 

The Wild Hare Wednesday Bike Night. Cinco De Mayo Party Tonight! 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
 
Thursday Night features 5 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. 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 (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $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  The evening riding weather is good. 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 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.

Hooters at Ahwatukee Thursday Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles. The riders in Ahwatukee were wanting a Bike Night of their own, so Hooters Ahwatukee stepped up to provide a great place to come on your motorcycle on Thursday nights. Stop by for raffles, good times and good food at Hooters in Ahwatukee located at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. There will be raffles and giveaways from Chandler Harley and Hooters as well as 20% off menu items (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio. Click Here for the pictures and all the details.
 

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. 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. Click Here for the New Billet Bar Page with pictures. 

Jetz Americana Thursday Bike NightLive Band Every Thursday starting at 8:00PM. The Party In Full Force With Great Drink Specials And Giveaways. If you want to get there early there is a complimentary Happy Hour Buffet from 4-6pm and Half Price Happy Hour Cocktails from 4pm - 7pm. You can enjoy $1.00/ Dozen Hot Wings 6pm-close, $2.50 Sam Adams Light or Lager all night, $4.00 Jack Daniels Cocktails, $7.95 1/2lb Burger and Domestic Beer all night. Jetz is in the SW corner of Scottsdale Road and Gold Dust, just one block south of Shea behind California Pizza Kitchen. Pull up, park, and party at one of Scottsdale’s finest.  Click here to see the pictures of where you will be going and more information. 480-948-2606.

Sunday 

Mike's At The Fountain Sunday Bike Day. We are all looking for a nice ride on a Sunday for lunch or just a drink and some beautiful scenery. Mike, owner of Mike's at the Fountain is inviting all riders out to Fountain Hills from Noon to 5:00pm to his restaurant for great food, good views from the patio of the mountains and the fountain, as well as DJ music from the 60's and 70's. Like Italian food? Then this is your place. Many menu items just for this day from $5.95 and up. Mike's is located on the corner of Saguaro Blvd. and Avenue of the Fountains. This is the same location that we had the Toys To Kids Ride. It all begins this Sunday. A good ride would be to take Dynamite from Pima Rd. through Rio Verde to Saguaro Blvd. or from the East Valley down the Bee Line Hwy. or straight East on Shea to Saguaro Blvd. Click Here for pictures and map.

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. Live Music Every Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm. Many of you have been to Cocomo Joe's in North Phoenix. There is now a day just for riders. Cocomo Joe's is a very open and comfortable place to hang out that is decorated in a Jamaican theme. They have a new large outdoor patio as well as 2 smaller ones around the side. There is a large dining area with TV's all around to keep up on all NFL football on Sundays. See the pictures here. After football season they will be bringing in live entertainment on Sunday afternoons. There is also 3 pool tables and games for your enjoyment. There will be food and drink specials for ride days starting at 10:30am as well as blocked off preferred parking for motorcycles. The day starts at 10:30am with breakfast foods available. Bike day is from Noon - 6pm. Cocomo Joe's is located on the NW corner of Tatum and Dynamite Rd. So if you are riding to or from Cave Creek, or want to take a ride up North and not have to run the DB gauntlet, stop by Cocomo Joe's. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-535-8008. Stop by this Sunday for opening day. Click Here for all the details.

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. 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 - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm 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 

Saturday, May 8th
1st Annual Unity Run. This year the run will be in the memory of Barbara Hatley, more commonly know as "Barbwire" to her friends. Barbara is the wife of Priest Hurm, the current Chairman and Designated Lobbyist of the MMA of Arizona. On March 25th, 2004 Barbara lost a long battle with breast cancer. 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit Priest and his family. Presented by the MMA of Arizona this is a "21 Run" in which each of Arizona's MMA Districts will have their own sign-in location. Sign up from 9-11am. There will be 3 starting points and game is Blackjack. North Valley at Hardtailz, SW corner of 35th Ave. and Bell Rd. Central Phoenix meet at Bridget's Last Laugh, 17222 N. Cave Creek, East Valley meet at TJ's Bar and Grill, 1734 E. Main St. in Mesa. The run's end party will be at 1800's Saloon at 13608 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. Raffles, Music, 50/50, and an auction. Last card in at 1pm.
 
Saturday, May 8th
1st Annual Poker Run For Fun. Sponsored for the United Cerebal Palsy. Register from 8:00am - 10:00 am at Throttle Up located at 5030 W. Peoria, #107 in Glendale. (NE Corner of 51st & Peoria). Registration is $15 per person and $20 per couple. Registration includes Breakfast at Stingers, Prizes, High/Low Poker Hand, Drawings for Door Prizes. End of run Pig Roast & The Harley John Band at the 5030 Lounge from 5-9pm. 1st 100 Registered riders get a free T-Shirt. Info. at 623-842-2262.
 

Next Week 

Saturday, May 15th
Cliff Castle Casino Spring Poker Run. This is annually one of the best poker runs of the year. A chance to get out of the heat, a good route to ride, great prize money and excellent organization. Cliff Castle Casino will host this year’s Ante Up for the Kids Spring Poker Run charity event benefiting the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®. Participants (riders & passengers) will begin their 109-mile journey from the casino at 10am, to qualify for prize money totaling $3,000. Stops include Prescott Valley, Mingus Mountain, Cottonwood, Windmill Park in Cornville and ending at the casino. Participants will each receive $10 in quarters, five entries for a custom bike to be awarded at this year’s Thunder Valley Rally on September 25 & 26, a ride t-shirt and a missing child ride button (while supplies last). Register online at www.cliffcastle.com. Same-day registration is from 8am-10am. Reservation fee is $25 per participant. Same-day registrations will only be accepted in cash. An Evening with Bryan Adams, in Cliff Castle Casino’s Stargazer Pavilion, will follow the spring poker run. Gates will open at 7pm and Bryan Adams takes the stage at 8pm. Tickets are just $20 and may be purchased in person at the Castle Club. Cliff Castle Casino is located off of I-17 at Exit 289 in Camp Verde, AZ.
 
Saturday, May 15th
It's a Mystery Poker Run. Join the Wachabe Tribe on a unique poker run on May 15, 2004 to benefit
the Joshua Tree foundation. The start point is Skunk Work Motorsports at  202 W Main Street in Mesa. Registration is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The route will be a bit of a mystery; at the 1st stop you will be given directions to the 2nd stop. At the 2nd stop you will get directions to the 3rd stop and so on. We can tell you that the route will be a 100 plus mile scenic one through the Arizona wilderness. At the end of the ride you will be treated to a meal and a live band. Rooms will also be available for rent and we suggest bringing some extra cash in case you feel, "lucky". Pins to the first 250 riders, plus a raffle and 50/50. Cost is $21 per bike. The Joshua Tree foundation is a  301c organization.
 
Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16
3rd Annual MS 300 Motorcycle Rally for Multiple Sclerosis. This is year three for this great rides through the desert, into the high country, visiting the great old mining town of Jerome and ending up in Prescott.  The ride has bikes of all types.  Most of the riders have a connection to Multiple Sclerosis, but each year we are adding riders who ride for the wonderful weekend they experience.  After arriving in Prescott, riders are treated to a Barbecue cookout with steak, chicken, beans and desert.  They are then transported to Whiskey Row for a night on the town.  In the morning before heading back to the valley, all riders are fed an old fashioned pancake breakfast.  Whether or not you have a connection to MS, this is a great weekend ride! Ride begins at Casino Arizona, Talking Stick Cactus Garden (Indian Bend and the 101). Registration begins at 9:00a.m. (breakfast sponsored by Casino Arizona.) Riders will depart at 10:00 a.m. $25.00 Per Person registration includes ride pin, t-shirt, dinner and breakfast. Fund Raising Minimum: $50.00 Per Person. Special room rates available at the Prescotonnian - $99.00/room 1-928-445-3096. For more information contact Gary at 480-922-7008. Ride proceeds go directly to the Arizona Chapter of the National MS Society.
 
Sunday, May 16th
2nd Annual Biker Dog Run. Does your dog ride motorcycles? Just Curious? Then come ride with Biker Dog and other biker dogs for a dog-gone good time. All proceeds benefit AZSTAR. Arizona Search Track and Rescue, Inc. Meet at Joetas Leather and Skunk Work at 202 W Main in Mesa (Just east of Country Club on the North Side of Main). Run leaves at 9:30am with sign up from 8am to 9:30am. This Run is open to all bikers with or without dogs. Run leaves at 9:30am with sign up from 8am to 9:30am and rides to Yolanda’s in Florence then on to Hardbite’s house In Queen Creek for a BBQ provided by Arizona Search Track and Rescue (AZSTAR). There will be Search Dog Demos, Dog Riders, K9 Demos and Raffles. For more information: hardbite@k9az.com.
 
Sunday, May 16th
Canyon River Ride. Join us Sunday, May 16th for the 1st Annual Canyon River Ride Poker Run! Registration at Chosa's in Mesa from 8am to 10am, your registration fee will include a ride T-shirt for the first 100 registrants and an American Stroke Association pin for the first 200. Registration is $20 per person, with proceeds benefiting the American Stroke Association. The ride is approximately 65 miles and culminates with a 2pm lunch at Arizona Joe's in Apache Junction. At Arizona Joe's you'll also enjoy a raffle, some great poker games, and a 3pm high and low hand award. For pre-registration info, call Debbie Hubbard at (480) 600-9588 or Traci Ryan at (602) 809-6981.
 
Sunday, May 16th
1st Annual Bobby McGees Arizona Run For The Wall. On Wednesday, May 19th, riders approx. 300-500 riders leave Ontario, CA. Run for the Wall begins. These are the riders that become Rolling Thunder in Washington DC. Accounting of all POWs and MIAs from all wars is their message to the American public and our representatives on the hill. A variety of Veteran Service Organizations will prepare meals for their first overnight stop which is in Arizona. Central and Southern routes have been established. Part of the group (Southern run) will stop in Phoenix and the Central Route will stop in Williams. We provide meals for the entire entourage. We are requesting funds to support the organizations that purchase the food and pay for campsites, etc. This fund raiser is strictly for the kitchens that provide the support to Run for the Wall. At 4pm there will be an opening ceremony. From 4pm - 7pm there will be Food Buffet, Live Entertainment, Raffles and Auctions. There will be a $5 donation at the door. Bobby McGees is located at 8501 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. 602-995-5982. 

Extras 

On April 29, 2004, as a service and tribute to members of the World War II Generation, the National World War II Memorial opened for public viewing, exactly one month prior to the formal Dedication Ceremony taking place May 29, 2004. The World War II Memorial is first national memorial dedicated to all who served during the Second World War. A fellow rider and friend of mine, Stacy Lankford, went back to view the new World War II Memorial. He sent back several pictures that I thought you might be interested in seeing. Some of you might have heard the story on the news that the reason they have opened this up early is that WW2 Veterans are now dieing at the rate of 1000 per day. So they wanted as many Veterans as possible to be able to see this. Click Here for the pictures. Click Here for the National WW II Memorial web site.
 
As for me, I will be adding some break-in miles to my bike this weekend. Yes, I said break-in miles. I will be back with that story next week.
 
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
 
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com

Get Ride Details And News That Are Not On The Site!
***Sign Up For The Weekly Email Update!***


All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2004 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission. 
All rights reserved.