Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
8/10/05
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, Road Trip 2005 for Cyclerides is now complete. After 8 days of riding, 2844 miles through 5 States, 5 National Parks, 19 National Forests, snapping 1900 photos, spending 53 hours in the saddle, burning 70 gallons of gas, adjusting to 60 degrees of temperature change, and making a million deposits into our memory bank of life, we are home safe and sound. As you probably know from the last newsletter Mrs. C. and I shipped the Road Glide to Seattle and flew in on a one-way ticket to start our 8 day, 2844 mile ride back to Phoenix. The ride took us through the Cascades in Washington, Coeur D' Alene in Idaho, Glacier National Park in Montana, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and back to Arizona.
 
As we were getting close to leaving for this trip my adrenaline was building by the hour. I had never been to most of these places, but from the pictures I had seen and the stories that I have been told about these world famous locations, I was really excited to hop into the saddle and get rolling. Our first stop after getting off of the plane was Downtown HD in Tukwila, WA. We had the schedule set so that this would be no problem to get to their place in plenty of time. But the plane was an hour late on arrival and only left us about 40 minutes to get off of the plane, and catch a cab to the dealership. While consulting the map and talking on the cell phone doing 60 mph through the city streets, our "out of the Country" cab driver finally got us to our destination to pick up our bike 15 minutes before closing time. And as it turns out, we had to do a little shopping while we were there. About 30 minutes outside of Seattle I was going over a mental checklist of what we needed to do when we got there. It was at that time that I realized that I had forgotten two very important items to start our trip. Helmets! Washington is a helmet State, so we had to buy the exact same helmets that we had setting in the garage at home. You will soon find them on the classifieds for sale.
 
But if that was the worst thing to happen, it would be a great trip, and it was. We started the trip Thursday, July 28th with a quick ride through Deception Pass before taking Hwy. 20 East across the North Cascades in Washington. This was a great way to start the trip as the awesome beauty of this route only helped to raise the anticipation of what would follow in the next several days from the more well known locations. As it turns out, the Cascades were a pleasant surprise as they were on par with everything else that we saw and is a must see for anyone traveling in that area. The second day was a 409 mile travel day from our night at Grand Coulee Dam in Washington through the panhandle of Idaho via Eureka (7miles from the Canadian border) to Whitefish, MT. The 45 miles from Eureka to Whitefish at 8:30 in the evening was where we learned and perfected the art of "Dodge Deer". This was a game that I was not familiar with being from the Phoenix area, but nonetheless one that you have to take very seriously. The object of the game is to stay alive as you ride through cerebrally challenged deer standing on the side of the road ready to dart out in front of you in a moments notice for no apparent reason. Mrs. C. counted over 40 deer on the side of the road in that stretch with one jumping out in front of the car in front of us. Fortunately we made it through the gauntlet, a little nerve wracked but unscathed.
 
Saturday, July 30th we took the "Going-To-The-Sun" road through Glacier National Park and then looped around to the South back to Whitefish. Glacier is in a league of its own when it comes to National Parks. It is one of the oldest parks in the States and is full of history that could keep you busy for a couple of days. The roads are very old, narrow and almost hanging off of the side of the mountain. I have pictures, but when you go, you will see what I mean. In my opinion, this is one destination that you will want to put on your future ride calendar. Sunday, July 31st was a travel day from Whitefish to Gardiner, Mt., which is also the North entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This gave us the opportunity to get our Yellowstone HD t-shirts. It had been 36 years since I had been to Yellowstone as a kid, but the anticipation that I had that Monday morning was at the enthusiasm level of a 13 year old. We entered through Mammoth Hot Springs and made our way through Deer and Bison on our way down to Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful for the geyser show. I still can't figure out what is the most amazing. The fact that Old Faithful timely spurts hot water out every 90 minutes, or that literally thousands of people wait around to see it. And yes, we were two of the thousands that did just that.
 
That same day we made it through Yellowstone and Rode through the Grand Teton National Park on our way to Jackson, WY. The Grand Tetons are beautiful and Jackson is one of the neatest old towns I have been to. It was especially exciting that week because there were so many riders staying in town on their way to Sturgis. Every motel you went by there were several bikes parked at each one. In fact, we even ran into a group from Scottsdale at the Cadillac Bar and Grille. We liked Jackson so much we stayed another night so that we could go back to Jenny Lake at the Tetons and take a float trip down the Snake River.
 
Wednesday was the start of the trip back to Phoenix. We traveled Hwy. 89 through Montpelier, ID., Logan Canyon and Salt Lake City to an unknown gem called the Nebo Loop around Mt. Nebo just outside of Payson, UT. I'm guessing you haven't heard of this route, but if you are ever up that way, I would highly recommend this National Scenic Byway as a road to take. We then spent the night in Richfield, UT. The last day was filled with 583 miles and lots of eye candy from Mother Nature as we rode through Bryce Canyon National Park and Southern Utah on our way back to Phoenix.
 
I've said this before and I'll say it again. There is no better way to see, feel or experience this great Country we live in than from the seat of a motorcycle. We could smell the distinct aroma from the lumber mills as we passed by in Washington, the strong fragrance of the healthy forests in Montana, the undeniable sulphur smell from the hot springs in Yellowstone and the 180 degree view of the majestic mountains in Glacier. You can even be a total stranger in a small community but feel like a part of the family as they are always friendly and curious to know about your trip. There is just something about the thought of living out of a bag strapped to the back of a motorcycle for a couple of weeks on the road that intrigues those who haven't done it. And for those of you that have, you know what I mean. In 49 years I have found no better way to relax than to ride my motorcycle to the mountains or the coast, far from the nearest cell service. It is only way to completely unwind.
 
After 2000 miles through California's Napa Valley and Yosemite, 3000 miles through British Columbia and the West Coast and now 2800 miles through the Northwest, these annual trips are something that Mrs. C. and I look forward to, enjoy and recollect all year long. If you are new to riding and haven't taken at least a week long motorcycle trip or if you have been riding for a while and haven't gotten past the weekend rides, I would encourage you to start planning your next trip now. There is no better way to see the awesome beauty of God's Country than the way that our forefathers did it. By taking the back roads with the wind in our face.
 
I have said this before, but after this trip it deserves to be repeated. "Being a motorcycle rider it almost seems like we have an unfair advantage when it comes to building memories. Every day we fire up our motorcycles and head out on the open road, we are filling out another deposit slip for our memory bank of life. And the more you ride, the more experiences you have to share with others."
 
I took a total of 1900 pictures on this trip. Many of them are fantastic. I will be back next week with pictures, maps and details from the first couple of days of the ride and then follow that up with the rest of the ride over the next couple of weeks.
 
If you have emailed me over the past couple of week's, I am still trying to catch up. I will get to your email as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.
 


 

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

NEW THURSDAY BIKE NIGHT IN THE FAR EAST VALLEY!!

New!! Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill have teamed up to bring riders in the Far East Valley a great New Thursday bike night. For those of you in Far East Mesa and Apache Junction, you now have a place to go on Thursday nights. And better yet, just for riding your bike to Spirits, they will give you a free hamburger. That’s right, every rider to show up on their bike between 7-10pm will receive a free hamburger! Stick around and win great prizes and raffle items from Superstition Harley-Davidson. Spirits is located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). Come sit on the patio and watch the bikes roll in, stay inside and enjoy a game of pool, and friendly wait staff.  The large dance floor is always open with music from Goodtime Charlie The OUTLAW DJ playing The Best of Country and the Best of Rock and Roll every Thursday night from 8:30p.m till 2am. With an extensive food menu, 2 patios, and monitors inside to watch your bike, Spirits is the hottest Bike night place to be in the east valley. The LEGEND of Spirits Lives on. More info at Superstition HD at 480-346-0600 or 480-986-5572.

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.

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  

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:

Friday: Live Music with "T.A.T.E." 9pm - 1:30am
Saturday Night: Live Music with "J.D. Simo" 9pm - 1:30am
Sunday: Live Music with "Rondavous - CD Release Party" 3pm - 7pm
Click here for the Cave Creek Roadhouse website.  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. Live Music from 10am on the patio.
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.

Next Weekend 

Saturday, August 20th
Superstition Harley-Davidson "Hula Harley Day". Too hot? Cool off at Superstition Harley-Davidson’s Hula Harley Day, Saturday, August 20th from 8-5pm only at Superstition Harley Davidson!  There’s a whole wave of savings coming in as we make room for our 2006 MotorClothes inventory, with great clearance prices on selected in-stock MotorClothes merchandise! This is a one day only event, you don’t want to miss. You’ll enjoy Hot Beach Dogs, Monsoon Madness Mix, superstition savings, and door prizes every 15 minutes from 11-2pm. That’s Hula Harley Day, August 20th, only at Superstition HD! Don't miss your chance at great prices on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes. Superstition is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600. Map. 

Extras 

Are your tires getting a little worn? Now is the time to get them changed for the riding season at the best price in town. Copper State Cycles is extending our 30% off sale on all Dunlap, Metzeler and Michelin tires through the month of August. We also are still installing them for a flat fee of $35.00. This sale has been a huge success. We would also like to introduce a new brand of tires to Arizona. We are now a dealer for Maxxis Classic tires. They are known for quality and value. For a limited time, we can install a new SET of Maxxis black walls (front and rear) of any size available on your bike for $260.00 out the door.
 
We can also install a SET of Maxxis wide whites (front and rear) of any size available for $320.00 total price including install and tax. Don't miss this smoking deal. Call today for an appointment. 480-596-6820 or tiredeals@copperstatecycles.com
 
There haven't been many events this Summer but I am currently updating the September thru November calendars on www.cyclerides.com now and over the next couple of days.
 
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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