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Greetings Riders,

Well, the dog days of a Phoenix monsoon summer is now in full swing. The humidity is up, tempers are flaring, even the chips are getting soggy. So let the sweating begin. We think it is tough to be on a motorcycle in this weather, but getting into a closed car in the middle of the day is no big thrill either. In last weeks newsletter I talked about making judgments about other riders I would see during the middle of the day. You know, "What is wrong with this guy? Doesn't he know it's too hot to ride?" or "What an idiot! That all changed for me this week. I wasn't tempted to make those types of judgments on anyone this week. I DIDN'T SEE ANOTHER RIDER! Yep, it appears that motorcycle riders have become the Hermit Crabs of the crustacean world. Some have moved their bikes to the back of the garage, not to be seen again until September. But they'll be back, that is when our great riding weather will start all over again. So don't lose the keys, hang in there for another 5 weeks.

And now from the "Where Is Everybody?" department, according to an article in the Arizona Republic on July 19th, motorcycling in Arizona is at an all time high. They reported 81,331 motorcycle registrations in 2002. That's a 36% increase in riders from the 59,700 in 1997. But with that also comes an increase in accidents. The Republic states that "Motorcycling baby boomers, either renewing a lost hobby or starting a new one, are helping fuel a steady annual increase in motorcycle registrations, crashes and fatalities across Arizona and the United States, industry and safety officials said."

It stands to reason that the more bikes you have, the more accidents there are going to be. Part of the reason for increases in accidents is largely due to inexperience. One point in this article seems to stick out for me. It says that while sales are up about 20% in Arizona, a large amount of the buyers are people over 40 that are either renewing their love for motorcycles or just getting into it. And a lot of them are not getting the formal training needed to handle all the situations that we encounter here in Arizona with all of the traffic, animals in the road, etc. One thing that new riders, or even older riders might want to consider is formal training when they get a bike. Certified instructors at TEAM Arizona combine classroom teaching with riding practice over three days. Motorcyclists who pass the basic-skills class are given a waiver exempting them from the MVD tests to get their motorcycle license. Click Here for the full Arizona Republic article. On that same page there is a link to a Channel 12 video report on motorcycling.

Ah Yes, the motorcycle license. So you have gotten your new bike and you can't wait to ride. You say you'll get your motorcycle license soon but right now you want to ride. I had the same thought process going when I got back into riding after an 18 year hiatus. After about 6 months of that Mrs. C. finally told that if I didn't get my license we weren't going to Laughlin. So I did. Is it important to get a motorcycle license to ride your bike? You bet it is, especially if you happen to become one of the statistics. I received an email from Donn Loper that is a must read that I want to share with you. It is a very interesting story about a motorcycle accident that he witnessed that totaled the guys new motorcycle, did damage to the car and was not the riders fault at all. But when asked for his license, registration and insurance, he was able to produce 2 out of the 3. He did not have a license. If you don't click on anything else today, Click Here to read this well written and compelling story about what happens when you are in an accident on your motorcycle and you don't have a motorcycle license. If you don't have one and you are riding, this will make you go to the MVD or TEAM Arizona today and get your certificate. Thanks to Donn for sharing with us.

See the Extras Column below for a really neat link to a site that let's you see what was going on at certain dates in your life as it relates to your birthday. It is really fun.

This Weeks Events

Wednesday

San Felipes Wednesday Bike Night. How about some good Mexican Food, Good Drinks and a Rockin' Good Time? Then San Felipes is your place in North Scottsdale. Not only are you allowed to dance on the bar at San Felipes...It is encouraged! See the pictures. San Felipes starts out mellow for the dinner crowd and then builds as the night goes on. It really gets going at around 10:00PM when the bartenders sing Karaoke on the bar. Billed as North Scottsdale's Only Dance Party with 100 Tequilas and No Cover, the DJ begins at 8:00 and will be playing your favorite tunes to get you going. And now they are inviting all riders to stop by and join in on the fun. Stop by for dinner and then sit back and wait for the fun to start. Located on the SE Corner of Pima and Thompson Peak Pkwy. There is a big new retail center there that is built to look like an old mining town. Really neat atmosphere with Bike Parking all across the front. San Felipes is easily accessible from just about anywhere. Just 2 miles N. of the 101 on Pima Rd. You can sit inside and eat, watch your favorite teams on the big screen or sit out on the patio and enjoy the evening weather. Bike night specials include: $3.00 Margaritas, $3.00 Bottles and 25% off all entrees. This is really a fun place. Some of you might recognize the San Felipes name from their restaurant on the Main St. in Flagstaff. Bike night is from 6PM - Close. For more information: 480-563-9495. Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Cardholders will get 25% Off Entrees all week long.

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

Thursday Night features Bike Nights all over the Valley. Look below to find one near you.

Chuy's in Tempe on Baseline. Many of you remember this bike night from a few years ago when it was one of the biggest in town before the neighborhood made them shut it down. They are Now Coming Back bigger than ever and excited to once again publicly invite the riders. I remember many a Thursday night making the loop from Chuy's to The Billet Bar to ACME. Now you can even go on up the road to Jetz. Or do it in reverse. Chuy's will be doing raffles every hour for Chuy's Bike Night shirts, Beanies and other prizes. All you have to do is go up to the counter and ask for a ticket. Bike night specials include: $1.50 Long Necks 6-9pm, $2.50 Corona all day, $3.50 Whiskey Rivers, $2.99 Domestic small pitcher, and Tri Tip Sandwich and fries for $5.49. Stop by this Thursday night and relive some of the old times at Chuy's on Baseline. It is always a good time. Chuy's is located at 1831 E. Baseline Rd. in Tempe, just 1 mile West of the 101 on Baseline and 1 mile South of US. 60 on Mc Clintock to Baseline. You can also stop by the Chuy's in Ahwautukee for Sunday Bike Day. More information at 480-777-2905.

Casey Jones Grill Bike Night in Phoenix on Thursday nights. The evening riding weather is still 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.

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.

ACME Bar and Grill . 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 8:00-9:30 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.

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.

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.
Stop by The Hideaway this Saturday for the performance parts expo from Ramjet Racing. The HIDEAWAY Grill is the creation of a guy named Mark, a motorcycle enthusiast who loves to ride his Harley-Davidson ! The HIDEAWAY opened in August 0f 1998 and was the only biker friendly establishment in Cave Creek. Since that time The HIDEAWAY Grill has become known World Wide. Any day of the year you can stop in and see some of the most Amazing Show Quality and Road Warrior Bikes in the southwest. Some of the Hideaway events have become legendary. If you haven’t heard about these then keep an eye on the website for events. 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, July 27th
Hailey's Live Entertainment Sunday's -
This Weekend - "Combo Deluxe"
Here is your chance to take a ride up the hill to some cooler country to hear Lori and the Boys with Combo Deluxe. Stop in at Hailey's for some good food and fun 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:
July 27th: Combo Deluxe.

Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
Live Music on the patio from 1-6PM this Sunday
Beat the heat with the coolest outdoor patio in Scottsdale. 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 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.

Fandango
Friday, July 25th, "Soul Catcher 9pm - 1am".
Saturday, July 26th, Round 3 of Cave Creek Idol Karaoke Contest 8-9pm
Sunday, July 27th, Krystal Blue 4pm - 8pm.
CAVE CREEK IDOL KARAOKE CONTEST Saturday July 26th at 8:30 pm. Sponsored by Ori Custom Homes and hosted by Erika Krueger. YOU could be the first Cave Creek Idol. 2 winners from each week will advance to the finals. Cash prizes at the finals. Bring your friends...the winners each week are selected by audience applause. We are keeping the Sunday Bike Day going for you! Come party with us, have a cold draft Bud or Bud Light for only $1.25 and try one of our new menu items, like the Hickory Burger or Hawaiian Burger. Fandango is located at 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. 480-595-5633.

Fri Aug 1: Combo Deluxe 9 pm
Sat Aug 2: Combo Deluxe 9 pm
Sun Aug 3: Combo Deluxe 4 pm
Fri Aug 8: Round #4 Cave Creek Idol Karaoke Contest 8:30 pm
Sat Aug 9: Chris Hiatt Band 9 pm
Sun Aug 10: Combo Deluxe 4 pm

This Weekend

Friday - Sunday, July 25th - 27th
Too Broke For Sturgis. This is the second year ABATE is holding "Too Broke For Sturgis" at Mormon Lake Lodge Cost for the weekend is $20 single, $30 couple, or $10 day pass. Includes camping spot, entertainment, games, etc. FMI: 602-843-2906. Vendors call Steve Musgrave at 602-335-1210. There are public restrooms, showers, washer/dryers. RV hook-up spaces are available at a reduced rate, and cabins are available to rent as well. Call 1-928-354-2359 for reservations. The Chuck Hall Band is playing on an outdoor stage on Friday and Saturday nights in arena. There will be vendors, raffle for prizes, and 50/50 tickets. Poker run Saturday in the pines, will return to MLL in time for bike games in the arena 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm. A bike show will be going on at the same time. Tattoo contest will be held in the evening, after kiddie hours. Other new surprise events will be held. MLL will have more variety of food available this year, always at reasonable prices. Horse back riding is also available. ALL RIDERS ARE WELCOME. This is some of the best country Arizona has to offer! Come and have a great time, while supporting ABATE, Arizona's State Motorcycle Rights Organization.