Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/24/09
Greetings Riders,
Well, it looks like our pass to unseasonable weather for the month of June in Phoenix
has now officially expired. But for those that have been here for the
last 28 years, we have thoroughly enjoyed the break. This was by far the mildest temperatures I have ever seen
for this time of year. Hopefully we won't be paying for this in September. But for now, if you are riding out of
the Valley, which you probably will be doing, planning your entry back into the valley will be key. Carry some
water with you and watch yourself for Dehydration.
The Shady Dell
Last week I told you about the beautiful ride up Mt. Lemmon. That
is an easy Day Ride from Phoenix, but if you want to stretch your ride out a little further and make it an overnighter,
I have a good idea for you. Head Southeast out of Tucson through Sonoita, over to Tombstone and end up in Bisbee.
We had been hearing about this place called The Shady Dell, a vintage trailer park in Bisbee, AZ, that rents out 1950's vintage trailers
by the night. The Shady Dell is a former RV/Trailer Park located about a mile South of old town Bisbee
that now features 10 fully restored vintage trailers from the late 40's to the early 50's for nightly
or weekly rental. You can choose to stay in a perfectly restored 1949 Airstream, a 33 foot
1951 Spartan Royal Mansion, or if you are looking to live the lifestyle of the early musicians, you can rent
the 1947
Tiki Bus decked out in a Polynesian theme. For those
of you that want to be Gilligan for a night, you can even stay in a 38 foot 1947 Chris Craft Yacht complete
with your own dock.
I will admit to having been a little skeptical about the prospects of calling
the Shady Dell home for the night. I was expecting cob webs hanging
from the ceiling, 1 foot squares of asbestos tile curling up on the corners or the smell of musty old
trailer to greet me at the screen door. But those thoughts couldn't have been farther from the truth as we felt
comfortable and at home from the moment we rode into the park.
A very nice young couple by the name of Jen and Justin are owners and operators of the
Shady Dell. Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Justin began calling
the Shady Dell home in September 2007. An avid classic car collector and vintage memorabilia enthusiast, Justin
and the Shady Dell are the perfect match. With his experiences in travel, tourism and hospitality, along with a
love for antiquities and time-honored collectibles, the Shady Dell has become the perfect place for him to call
home. The first face to greet you at the Shady Dell is Jen. From taking reservations, to designing Shady Dell materials
and merchandise, Jen is always wearing a smile and
an amazing 50’s hairstyle. Jen has called Arizona home for the past seven years and gave into her love for the
Shady Dell shortly after Justin moved.
Unfortunately for us, we didn't get to see Jen at the front office on this trip as we
pulled in a little past closing time, but we were greeted with our name
on the window
of the door with instructions that the door to our trailer
of choice, the 33 foot 1951 Spartan Royal Mansion,
was open and the key was on the table. From the moment that you make your way to your trailer, you know that you
are about to transport yourself almost 60 years back in time. Seeing the vintage aluminum travel trailers
lined up around the park, the old signs hanging on the wall of the shower house to the 1950's music and radio programs
playing throughout the park, you can't help but forget about what was on your mind when you pulled in and just
succumb to the era of yesteryear.
The walk through the park to get to your rolling palace for the night is only the start
of getting you back to the 50's. When we opened the door to our Royal
Mansion we were greeted with an old black and white TV with a Lucy and Desi movie
sitting on the top of it. To our right was an old paisley couch sitting on leopard carpet next to the
old 78 record player complete with records. To the left toward the kitchen was the table with an old radio on it playing an actual radio program from the early 50's including music and commercials
from the day. I'll never forget hearing one of the commercials that was played with the announcer declaring that
"2 out of 3 doctors smoke Camel cigarettes, so you should too". Wow! What a difference 59 years
makes in commercial statements. On that same table was our keys, a couple of postcards to from the Shady Dell and
our instructions for staying in the park and operating the trailer.
As we made our way back to explore the entire 33 feet of our Mansion for the night, we found a fully stocked kitchen with sink, stove and nice big refrigerator. When
you make your reservations at the Dell, you will notice that some of the trailers have toilets and some don't.
We chose the Royal Mansion that does have a nice toilet and a double bed. My original fears were unfounded as the trailer was absolutely spotless, smelled
great and the swamp cooler was blowing cold air. This Mansion was definitely fit for a King. We couldn't have
been more happy to let the Shady Dell provide for us a trip back in time.
After exploring all of the furnishings from the day, we got our bags in from the bike
and cleaned up for our trip into old Bisbee for some dinner at Santiago's
and then walked across the street to the Brewery where there was an
excellent band playing. It looked as though the Brewery was a former commodities or stock exchange in the early
1900's. Might be worth a look if you are there on
a Friday or Saturday night. Not much else going on in Bisbee after they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm.
I will admit to being the type of personality that always has to be doing something.
You won't find me sitting around reading a book. But for those of you
that are like me, it IS possible to slow down for a minute if the situation is right. Just to give you an
idea about how relaxed we were, when we got back to the trailer about 10pm, I picked up this old
yearbook that was sitting on a table. It was the 1951 Douglas High School Bearcat. Believe it or not,
when there is no internet, TV or other gadgets of the millennium at your fingertips, you can still entertain yourself.
Mrs. C. and I sat on the paisley couch with the leopard carpet under our feet and spent an hour just looking through
The 1951 Bearcat yearbook. I never thought it could be so much fun talking about, laughing and making fun
of what kids looked like 58 years ago. Sounds kind
of silly as I write this now, but we had a great time looking at all of the old pictures of the basketball teams, cheerleaders
and the seniors in their suits and ties. So I guess we can get by at least for 24
hours without TV and the internet.
After a surprisingly superb night of sleep on the double bed in the Royal Mansion, the relaxation continued the next morning as I surprised Mrs. C. once again by turning
off the alarm at 7am and electing to take advantage of this altered state I had fallen into. When it comes to riding,
I am the first one up to proclaim that we are burning daylight by not being in the saddle. But on this day, sleeping
in and enjoying the moment was where I wanted to be. Times like this these days are few and far between. The riding
on this day could wait. When we finally got up, Mrs. C. drank some coffee on the front lawn while filling
out the guest book while I took a stroll around the park to take some pictures. We then went to Dot's Diner located on site
for and excellent home cooked breakfast before loading up and hitting the road at around 11:30am.
Everyone can have different experiences from whatever they do. But for us, The Shady Dell accomplished their goal in providing us a with a venue that got
us to unplug the computers, turn off the Blackberry's, and step back in time with the help of the vintage
trailers, the ambiance, the decorations and the old radio programs that had you believing you were in the day.
Mrs.
C. and I Say, Thank You Shady Dell for a great 18
hours of just enjoying life.
We were all charged up and relaxed, but after a quick ride through the narrow streets
of Bisbee it was now noon and we were still in Southeastern Arizona,
376 miles from home. I really wanted to see the Chiricahua National Monument
while we were so close. So it was off to Douglas for a gas stop and then North to the Monument.
Wow, what a surprise this was. Having no idea what was going to be seen, we were totally blown away by
the beauty of this area. It is a 7 mile ride in and out that is an absolutely gorgeous
ride through the trees and Hoodoo rock formations. If
you are in the area, I would highly recommend going through there. Otherwise, it is a long ride just to see
that. Take a look at the pictures that are in the gallery and I think you will be impressed. If you do make
the trip to the Shady Dell, I would definitely swing around to see Chiricahua.
We hustled on home through Willcox and took I-10 all the way back and was home
by 7:45pm capping off a 725 mile 2 day trip packed with beautiful riding and
a unique experience. There is nothing like weekend motorcycle trips to energize the soul. Plan yours today.
I have posted 183 Photos of Tombstone, Bisbee, The Shady Dell and Chiricahua National
Monument. Click
Here to View.
Click Here For Map
of Route.
Click Here For Map
of Area
Useful Links:
Want to make a reservation at the Shady Dell? www.theshadydell.com
Check out all the trailers and rates at the Shady Dell. Click Here.
Bisbee, Arizona
Chiricahua
National Monument
If you are in the area, also consider taking a tour of Kartchner Caverns.
Reservations are required. Click
Here.
Saturday, June 27th
Buddy Stubbs
Harley-Davidson presents "Soak The Stubbs".
Yes, you read that right. This is your chance to have some fun with
your favorite
staff member at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson.
Thursday Night
The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. The Billet Bar was the place to be during Bike Week as well as the rest of the year. Set on the patio and watch the action. 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.
Only 2 Nights Left!! Bike Night Now Ends on July
2nd.
Westgate
City Center Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com. Westgate Bike Night Has Been Extended to July 2nd!!!
For the First Time, The premier entertainment venue in the Valley, Westgate City Center, will Host a night for motorcycles
through June 25th. I have been wanting to see a Bike Night at Westgate for
a couple of years and it is finally here. If you have ever been to an event at Jobing.com or University of Phoenix
Stadium, you are most likely familiar with the Times Square feel of Westgate City Center. Starting Thursday, April
9th, for the 6 Thursdays, Westgate will open up Coyote Blvd. from 6pm - 10pm
for parking of motorcycles next to the 6 Million Dollar Dancing Fountains. Restaurants including Margaritaville,
Bar Louies, Shout House, Which Wich, Moe's, Kabuki, Johnny Rockets and Hell's Half Acre will have
Bike Night food and drink specials and will be welcoming all riders.
You will be given a flyer that will get you the discounts
at the participating restaurants.
Discounts include $2.00 Miller Lite, $5.00 Chicken Nachos and $6.95 pulled pork sandwich and fries at Bar Louie's and $3.00 drafts, $2.00 well, $2.00 off Margaritas, Mini Quesadillas for $5.95 and Sliders for $6.95 among other specials at Margaritaville. Sit out on the patios and enjoy the entertainment on the big screen.
Click
Here for full menu of specials
Thanks to our Westgate Bike Night Sponsors - GEICO Motorcycle Insurance, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Powersports and Chuck Franklin Law.
Click Here for Photos From the Last 4 Weeks.
There will also be motorcycle programming and music on the Huge
30'x50' LED screen located in events plaza.
What to do:
This week at the Westgate Bike Night you can participate in the McFadden's Grand Opening party and watch the McFadden's Calendar Girl Search Competition
with Playboy Playmate Jayde Nicole and
other celebrity judges. www.mcfaddensglendale.com
Come park on Coyote Blvd. and enjoy the music or eat at one
of the restaurants.
Music and Videos all night.
Every Half Hour: Music and Performances by the 6 million dollar
Dancing Fountains.
Take a ride to Westgate, located on the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. Enjoy this beautiful venue that is offering a night just for motorcyclists every Thursday
for the next 5 weeks starting April 9th - May 14th. Get something to eat or drink on one of the many outdoor
patios in events plaza, watch the video presentations or just join in the fun and view the display of
bikes lined up on Coyote Blvd. in Westgate. ALL MOTORCYCLES
WELCOME. Click Here for photos of Westgate.
Westgate City Center is located at the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. Enter Coyote Blvd. from the
West next to Jobing.com Arena.
This Week
Saturday, June 27th
Buddy Stubbs
Harley-Davidson presents "Soak The Stubbs". Yes, you read that
right. This is your chance to have some fun with your favorite staff member at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. On Saturday, June 27th you will have your shot dunk Buddy, Frank, Jack and the rest
of the staff in a Real-Life dunk tank. This all takes place from 11am - 3pm. While you are there enjoy FREE Sandwiches
and Drinks, Live Music, Museum Tours with Buddy, Pool Tournament for prizes and Sale items. And of course if you
have been doing some riding and need to get the bugs off, take your bike through the Bikini Bike Wash from 11am
- 2pm. Buddy Stubbs HD is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. 602-971-3400.
Saturday, June 27th
Andrea's
Closet Christmas in June Charity Run. Bring smiles one toy at a time.
Harley's, customs & street bikes partnering to help hospitalized
kids. Registration is 8 am at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive in
Peoria. Ride begins at 10 am and ends with the delivery of toys to Andrea’s Closet at St. Joseph’s Hospital,
350 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix. Entry fee $5 and a new toy (fee includes six raffle tickets). Police
escort, raffle prizes, food and drinks; photos with Santa. For more info: Kenny Brunk at 623.556.7508;
Kelly Gallagher at 623.521.6323 or email kenney@andreascloset.org
Next Week
Saturday, July 4th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Free Appreciation Breakfast. Taking a ride Saturday morning? Stop by Arrowhead
HD for a free breakfast on your way out of town. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson
wants to invite EVERYONE to a customer appreciation breakfast on the last Saturday of every month from 8:30am till
10:00 am. Join us for a FREE pancake, sausage and egg breakfast served up by Big D's Flippin Cakes. Thank you for
all your support and business! Ride by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson the last Saturday of Every Month for a free breakfast. Arrowhead
Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.
Extras
This comedian puts a very funny spin on commercials
using songs. Click
Here to View.
Animal videos are always good. Now this is one smart dog. Click Here
to View.
Video of the Week
I guess if you practice enough, you
can get good at almost anything. See some of the strange things people decide to become good at. 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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