Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/30/04
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, another weekend and another ride up North. I'm thinking I should get a house up there and save the ride back to the Valley. This time I took Mrs. C. on the Day Ride that goes through Bagdad. If you haven't taken the route from Wickenburg through the Joshua Forest Parkway to Bagdad then to Prescott through Skull Valley yet, you are missing an excellent ride. We even ran into some Cyclerides.com readers in Bagdad at the Bashas. The scenery and road from Bagdad to Prescott through Skull Valley is great. Then it was on through Prescott, stopped for pizza in Jerome at the Jerome Brewery and then on to Sedona. I didn't know this before, but there is supposedly 158 curves in 12 miles on the way up Mingus Mountain on 89A. I didn't count them, but that is what the T-Shirt Says. This would be a good ride this weekend. And on your way back, you can drop into the Hungry Bear for some live music. Click Here for all photos from the Bagdad - Jerome - Sedona ride.
 
For some reason I have been to Sedona 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I started thinking that it might be those crystals or the vortex energy that I have been hearing about that kept pulling me in. Given the inquiring mind I have, I decided to do a little research on it. It has always been interesting to me that Sedona is famous worldwide for the beauty of what you can see, but it is almost as famous for what you can't see. If it does exist, it’s very interesting indeed, and if it doesn’t, the widespread belief in its existence is equally interesting. I am referring to a natural phenomenon supposedly found in several places around Sedona: something called an energy vortex. What is a Vortex you ask? I did. It is claimed that a Vortex is an area of invisible, swirling energy emanating from the earth producing an uplifting, rejuvenating sensation in visitors. Sounds pretty interesting, they should put this in a can and sell it.
 
Being a farm boy from Kansas, this was already way above my head. The only Vortex that I had known about from the Land of OZ usually had a house or a barn floating around inside it and was known as a tornado. This was a Vortex that you wanted to get away from, not drive hundreds of miles to get rejuvenated by it. Some of the locals say there are four main vortexes around Sedona. Others say the whole area is one giant Vortex. I'm not a "Vortexpert" so I just had to take their word for it. But I was willing to take one of these swirling masses of energy for a spin if it came my way. I have been through Sedona often and experienced many powerful sensations including fresh air, sunshine, beauty of the land and even perspiration from a warm day. But these would hardly qualify as a phenomenon created by an energy vortex covering an entire region.
 
Since I was getting no where on my own, I decided to employ some professional help and stop by one of these New Age places and see what all of the fuss was about. Noticing on their sign that they had Vortex Info, Psychic Readers, Crystals and Aura Photography, I assumed that would be a one stop shop. We chose the Center for the New Age to do our research. I walked in the door to be greeted by a strong smell of incense and multi-colored crystals reminiscent of the old head shops in the 70's. There was mood music playing  and people talking softly as if it were a library. We were greeted by a very nice Woman who had an aura of peace and confidence that asked if she could help us. I picked up a crystal and said: Do these things really work? She appeared a little taken back by the question and responded by saying very quietly, "If you BELIEVE they will work." HMMM, wouldn't that be the case with just about anything? What I was starting to BELIEVE was that the owner of the shop was selling what looked to be $2 polished rocks from a bead shop in Phoenix as $16.99 crystals in Sedona, was the one that was making out. It worked for the "Pet Rock" for years.
 
So I walked around the store trying to make some sense out of how sitting an amber crystal (rock) next to me would "Teach me to reach the right decisions and handling of all of life's situations skillfully." It just wasn't getting through my thick head. Fortunately as I made one last pass around the store, I found something that would give me a second chance at experiencing what so many come to Sedona to experience. I had the opportunity to buy some Sedona Cathedral Rock "Vortex in a Can". For only $6.99 you can save your trip to Sedona and stick this can under your easy chair and get rejuvenated while watching NFL football in your own family room. The can says that the "Contents have been known to produce life changing effects". Well, if you end up looking like the Alien on the can, I would have to agree. And if that doesn't do it for you, go down to the Circle K at Oak Creek and get some Live Rattlesnake in a Can. Sedona has it all!
 
As we walked out the door to head back home, we were greeted by an older man with gray hair and beard that looked as though San Francisco was a likely address in the 60's. He proceeded to give us an unwanted parking lot psychic reading telling us how many past lives we had and what our interests were. Pretty strange in and of itself. Gary mentioned that he was in the computer business. The man said that he told people 45 years ago that computers would be huge. Hmmmm, one would have to ask, if he is that smart, why was he standing in a parking lot in Sedona talking to us? On that note, I politely told him that we needed to compute our way back to Phoenix and that we would have to be going now. He wished us well and we were on our way.
 
All in all, if you like being out on the metaphysical edge, it was quite an experience. But I think the lady was right, you first have to BELIEVE. And as for us, we are not quite there yet.
 
On our way out of town we met this cute little 75 year old lady from Kentucky that wanted to have her picture taken next to a motorcycle to show her friends back home. So I said, just sit on mine and make it look authentic. Here is her picture.
 


In This Issue:
Saturday, July 3rd. Frosty 4th of July Weekend at Hacienda Harley. Real Snow!
Saturday, July 3rd.
Yavapai A.B.A.T.E. Annual Steak Fry and Swap Meet in Cottonwood
See The Extras Column Below
Saturday, July 3rd. Mogollon and Fireworks at Lake Pleasant starting at 7:00 PM


This Week's Events 

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.  Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200. 

Thursday Night
 
Thursday Night features 4 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. 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.
 

Saturday and Sunday 

NEW!
Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon. Now opening at 6:00AM for Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. All of us are looking for that quick getaway out of town for an early morning breakfast on the weekends, or a good stop on our way up North. The Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon is the perfect place for that and they are inviting all motorcycle riders to stop by for a good old fashioned breakfast on the patio or a cool drink on the way home. Sundays feature a $6.99 all you can eat breakfast including drinks and any day you can get my personal favorite 1/2 order of biscuits and gravy for $1.95.  This is a great dish. Breakfast starts at 7:00am. Pioneer is also open for lunch and dinner until 9:00 pm. On Saturday nights Canyon Walls plays from 7pm - 11pm. Pioneer is also a great place to get your group together for a sunset dinner ride. Sit out on the patio or the air conditioned dining room. Click Here for the complete menu. If you are organizing a ride, it is the perfect place for a ride end. Pioneer is located just 1 mile North of the Carefree Highway exit on I-17 at Pioneer Rd. exit 225. For private parties call Joey at 602-696-5245 or 623-465-1821. 
 
NEW!
Hungry Bear Roadhouse In Mayer. Live Music This Weekend featuring "Rumor Has It". Saturday 2-6pm and Sunday 1-5pm. Many of you remember Hailey's Grill in Mayer, AZ. Hailey's went out of business last fall and the building was purchased by the owners of Grand Canyon Harley and has re-opened as The Hungry Bear Roadhouse. The Roadhouse has been completely remodeled to provide meeting rooms for motorcycle groups or any special events. The usable space has now been expanded to the front patio. You can now sit out on the huge patio and eat your breakfast or lunch and watch the bikes roll in for a weekend ride. There will be tables and chairs as well as stools next to the railing to relax and enjoy your favorite beverages. Roadhouse hours are 8:00am - 10:00pm. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served. Stop by the Hungry Bear on your rides to Prescott. More Info at: 928-632-4211. Saturday July 3rd. The 1st Annual Iron Horse Bike Show. 10am - 2pm. Harley's, Metric Cruisers, Vintage, European and Sport Bikes.
 

Sunday

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. Live Music Every Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm. Live music is also Thursday - Saturday nights at 8:30pm. 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. 480-538-8008. 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, July 3rd
Hacienda Harley Frosty Fourth of July Weekend. This I've got to see! If you want to be "COOL" this 3rd of July, Hacienda Harley is going to give you a way to do that. They are going to bring in 45 Tons of Snow and create a Fun Air Conditioned Tent Play Land with Free BBQ, Snow Cones, Live Band and all the Snowball fun you can have in Sunny 105 degree weather in Scottsdale. This will all take place from Noon to 5pm at Hacienda Harley located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. And don't miss the 2004 Harley Blowout. We have to make room for the 2005's coming in July. Make Us An Offer!! For more information call 480-905-1903.
 
Saturday, July 3rd
A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona Yavapai County Chapter Annual Steak Fry, Swap Meet and 7 Card Draw Poker Run. 2 sign up locations. Cottonwood area at Valley Dirt and Quad located at 2642 Union Dr. just off 260 and Western Dr. Prescott area at Billy Jack's at Highway 69 in Humboldt, AZ. Maps will be available at sign up. Join in for a Poker Run, Swap Meet, Steak Fry, Raffles, Door Prizes, 50/50 and Live Music. More information Pat Rogers at 928-639-4675. 

Next Week 

Saturday, July 10
Chosas's "Pick A Partner In Store Poker Run". As you can tell, the Harley Dealers are really getting creative in the Summer Months. What is it you ask? You and your partner cruise through the store collecting cards and building your winning hand. You must register as a twosome. So bring a buddy or your significant other. Winning Hand: Couple receives a Chosa's $100 Gift Card. 1st Runner-up: Couple receives a Chosa's $50 Gift Card. Worst Hand: Couple receives a Chosa's $25 Gift Card. Winners will be announced at approximately 1:30pm. Must be present to win. And when you are done with your in store poker run, the Hooter's Girls will be serving free refreshments and some Chosa's Biker BBQ. There will also be raffle prizes throughout the day. Registration starts at 9am. Chosa's in Mesa is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. For more information call: 480-894-0404.

Saturday, July 10th
Brothers In The Wind Poker Run, presented by the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs,  in conjunction with the Sober Riders MC and the IOOB MC. Come and meet your Brothers in the Wind and learn how to protect your rights to ride in the State of Arizona. The run is a 50/50 poker run, cost is $5 per hand and begins at Laverna's Cafe at 220 South Plumer  in Tucson, AZ.  This is 1 1/2 blocks south of Broadway on Plummer Ave. Stop's will include the Home Den Lounge, The Mint Cocktails, The Bashful Bandit, with the final stop being Pepper's Cantina at 950 S. Wilmot Rd.  Registration is from 8:00AM to 10:00AM. Final card must be turned in at 2:00pm at Peppers. Food and spirits available. All riders are welcome.  For further information contact: Termite of the Sober Riders MC at (520) 795-4757, or Guru of the IOOB MC at (520) 955-2027. 

Extras 

Happy Camper RV & Cycle Trailer RentalsIf you are planning to trailer your bikes to Sturgis, Daytona, Four Corners, or other rallies…you will love Happy Camper RV's enclosed Haulmark Hi-Low motorcycle trailers. Whether your vacation plans are to Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, or our local National Parks of Arches, Bryce, Grand Canyon, or Zion's, renting a motorhome, travel trailer, pop-up tent or cycle trailer from Happy Camper RV will help assure your scenic journey will be one to remember! Check out Happy Camper RV's website to view their complete inventory of motorhome and trailer rentals. For information, call 623-322-8401. www.happycamperaz.com.
 
Fireworks! If you are looking for a good place to ride to for fireworks that you don't have to get off of your bike, try the Lake Pleasant fireworks show on Saturday July 3rd. The fireworks are shot off of the dam, so you can see them for miles around. Mogollon will be playing an outdoor concert at the Marina starting at 7:00PM immediately following the U.S. Air Force fly over. The fireworks start at 9:00 pm. After the fireworks Mogollon will again play until 10:30 PM. If you have not seen this, it is a great fireworks show.
 
Mrs. Cyclerides and I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 4th of July Weekend in whatever you are doing. God Bless America!
 
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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