Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
8/20/03

 
Greetings Riders,
 
I'll bet there are a few motorcycles that got the call to be the primary mode of transportation this week. What better way is there to beat a gas crunch than to ride something that gets 40 plus miles per gallon, and have fun while you are doing it. Not only that, Mother Nature has been accommodating with giving us lower temperatures to ride in. You can do your part for conservation, ride your bike to work.
 
Since I couldn't go to Milwaukee I decided to do the next best thing and that was to go to the first stop on the Southwest section of the Ride Home at Grand Canyon Harley in Bellemont. So I called my buddy Scott Pasmore from TV 3 and suggested that he might want to ride up with me and do the mid day show from there. He checked with his producers and they thought that would be a good idea. Scott did the morning show until 7:40am and was off to meet Gary and I at McDonalds at I-17 and Deer Valley at 8:15am. As we are finishing up breakfast Scott walks in the door and says: "Let's go, Bruce Hefner in the TV 3 chopper is going to film us live as we ride up North". (Note to self: Don't ride with a local TV anchor when you are sneaking your wife's VROD out for a little weekday romp to Flagstaff.) Sure enough, we get saddled up and here comes Bruce circling around in the chopper to show us riding up I-17 to the tune of Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild". It was a really cool shot, but hard to deny when someone calls Mrs. C. at work and tells her to turn on TV3 to see me riding her bike to Flagstaff. She didn't buy the story that is was really my blue bike, and that the sun was reflecting off of the tank that made it look silver. I finally told her that I was just doing my job to conserve gas because her bike gets better gas mileage than mine does. Riiiiggggght! She wasn't buying that one either.
Here is a video clip of the shot from the TV 3 Chopper. Scott also did a couple of interviews with Kyle Rose and a rider from Wales on the Mid Day show. Here is a clip of those with the chopper shots.
 
So Bruce turned back to the Valley and we headed on up I-17 to Bellemont to mingle in the celebration. Grand Canyon HD had a huge party set up to be a part of Harley-Davidson history with bands, food, vendors, etc. for the riders to enjoy. The riders from Las Vegas started slowly coming in around noon with Willie G. and his group coming in around 1:30pm. He and his wife Nancy graciously signed autographs (see what he signed for me) for about an hour while waiting for his old friend Vaughn Beals. Former CEO Vaughn Beals was among the group of Harley executives who bought the company from former owner AMF, and was widely credited for rounding up the financing and saving it from bankruptcy by the narrowest of margins in the 1980s. Click here for a picture of Willie G. and Vaughn Beals.
 
Kyle Rose, Dick Doughton and the rest of the crew did a nice job of making everyone feel welcome but with the rain socking in and no relief in site we decided to turn our sites back to the Valley at about 3:15pm. It was raining pretty good and being on I-17 being overtaken by semis spraying water all over me didn't seem all that appealing, so we decided to make it a leisurely ride down 89A to Sedona. That plan worked well for about 8 miles until the rain drops got even bigger and the hail started to fall. Most of us have probably been caught in the rain and know how that can sting and be an irritant to riding. Riding in hail does all of that and feels like you are getting hit all over with a ball-pean hammer. After a few of those attention getters bounce off of your face and hands you are ready to find some shelter. We pulled off to the side of the road under some pine trees to get out of the weather. About that time a big bolt of lightning and a crack of thunder hit at the same time in a nearby tree and scared the living snot out of us. At this point the hail was starting to look better than being a Harley Shish-K-Bob. We got some relief a few minutes later and were on our way down 89A. That is one of the most beautiful routes in the State. about 20 miles of downhill twisties ending in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona.
 
As the skies cleared we stopped in Sedona to eat lunch, talk about the ride down the hill and enjoy the sun and dry out on the outdoor patio. By 5:15 we were on our way back to the Valley with a stop in Cordes Junction to fill up on that precious fuel. For those who don't ride, it is hard to explain that riding in rain, wind and hail is a good time. In fact, at the time, I wasn't so sure of that myself. But after it is all over and the sun comes out, and I am cruising in the sunshine recounting what we had just gone through as a group, it is hard to explain unless you have done it. And we will be reliving and talking about it for years to come. I've said it many times before, but as 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, it is for a brand new adventure, and we will be 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.
Here are some photos of our day including some great shots of Sedona.

I know a lot of people are heading out this week to "Ride Home" to Milwaukee for the 100th Year Anniversary Celebration. That REALLY sounds like a great time. Unfortunately Mrs. C. and I are not able to make it but I am anxious to hear all of the stories. For those of you going to Milwaukee for the Harley 100th Anniversary I thought it would be nice to start a section for you. If you want to write a short story about your experiences from the trip to share with everyone and attach up to 4 photographs, one with a background that would place you at the event, I will post these stories and pictures for everyone to see. So keep this in mind as you are planning and enjoying your trip to Milwaukee. It should be a fun section to share your trip. 

Blessings and safe riding to all of you that get to go to Milwaukee for this historic event. I look forward to your stories and photos. 

Don't forget to look at the Extras Column below for more information.


This Week's Events
 
Wednesday 

San Felipes Wednesday Bike Night. How about some good Mexican Food, Good Drinks and a Rocking's 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 Flintlock 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 Seders 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 GrillRemember 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 and see a display of Parts and Accessories 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, August 24th
Hailey's Live Entertainment Sunday's 
This Weekend - Sunday, August 24th: Cash Dailey Band. 
Here is your chance to take a ride up the hill to some cooler country to hear. 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, time. These things are awesome.  Hailey's Grill is located just 60 miles from the Loop 101 and I-17 at 10434 SO. 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:
Sunday August 31st: 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
Fri Aug 22nd: Cave Creek Idol Karaoke Contest Round #6-Karaoke starts at 8:30 pm.
Sat Aug 23rd: Kamikaze Karaoke 8:30 pm.
Sun Aug 24th: Soul Catcher 4-8 pm.

Cave Creek Idol Karaoke Contest, sponsored by Ori Custom Homes and hosted by Erika Krueger (the short dark haired girl that can really sing) continues this week.  Anyone can join in on the Karaoke starting at 8:30 pm and then if you want to join the competition, sign up for the contest at 10 pm.  Don't want to join the contest, that's okay too!  After the contest we keep the karaoke going until closing time.

Lots of great stuff going on this weekend so come on out to Cave Creek. Stop by and see Soul Catcher Sunday afternoon. Too hot for your bike?  Pile everybody in the mini-van!  If you do bring your bike please remember the
best way in and out of Cave Creek is via Cave Creek Road.  Have a great weekend and ride safe. Fandango is located at 6032 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. 480-595-5633.

This Week

Saturday, August 23rd
The Ante Up For The Kids Poker Run benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern AZ. This is another opportunity to get out of the heat and also to win some big money on a poker run. This ride got high marks for class and organization from those who rode in it last year. Registration at 8:00am. Registration is $25 per person and participants will receive at time of registration $10 in quarters, a commemorative T-Shirt (while supplies last), a free BBQ along with a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2003 Indian Vintage and a Club Thunder Card exclusively for motorcycle enthusiasts. Riders will begin their 109-mile journey from the Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde at 10am, qualifying for prize money totaling $3,000. High hand wins $1000 and Low hand wins $500. Stops include Hailey's Grill, Indian Motorcycle in Prescott Valley, Mingus Mountain Rest Area, KA Cycles and back to Cliff Castle Casino. Reservations can be made at www.cliffcastle.com or by calling the Castle Club at (928) 567-7999. Same-day registration is from 8am-10am August 23rd. Reservation fee is $25 per person in cash & will only be accepted on event day. There will be a free BBQ at Cliff Castle Casino for participants. BBQ will begin at 1pm. 

Upcoming Events

 

August 31st - September 11th
2nd Annual Americas Ride. If you have some time and want to be involved in something that definitely builds as you go then this is one for you. America’s Ride is a twelve-day, coast-to-coast motorcycle and community fundraising event that raises money for the World Trade Center Miracles Foundation. Leaving Los Angeles, California on August 31, 2003, the 2nd annual ride travels across the country to Shanksville, PA and Washington D.C., ending at Ground Zero, New York on September 11 to assist those who were affected by the terrorist attacks. They have a very good video from last years ride.Click Here for the Video Page. August 30th is the Kickoff Party for the 2nd Annual Americas Ride at Petersen Automotive Museum at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. Click Here for Details.
 


Sunday, September 7th
9-11 Patriot Parade 2003.Many of you were on this ride last year to make it one of the biggest in the state. The Patriot Parade is back this year bigger and better than ever. This year the ride is on Sunday, September 7th to accommodate the crowd and make blocking the freeways and streets easier. The ride is to be filmed and shown in New York City on September 11th. The first 5,000 to sign in will get a bracelet of one of the fallen in the 9-11 attack or one of the fallen heroes in the war on terrorism. W. Steven Martin has worked hard to make this one of the most exciting rides ever. The ride will start at the Gila River Casino/Wild Horse Pass located at I-10 and Exit 162A (Maricopa Rd.) with registration beginning at 8am. Food and beverage will be available at the start of the ride.

The fully escorted ride will leave at 12:00 Noon and ends in downtown Phoenix at The Bank One Ballpark for a ceremony and a time to honor our fallen soldiers and victims of 9-11.
The streets around Bank One Ballpark including Jackson St. will be blocked off for parking and the Restaurants in the area are going to be open to serve you. The donation is $10 per person paid at the start to benefit The Police Toy Drive. T-Shirts and ride pins will also be sold at the event. You might ask why is it on the 7th instead of the 11th? It is so that the ride can accommodate more riders and that the logistics of blocking major highways on a Sunday is easier to do. Plus, the ride this year is going to be televised in New York City on September 11th. See you there. I will have more details as we get closer to the event.
 
Saturday, October 18th - Sunday, October 19th
Rancho Feliz Guardian Warrior Fandango

I watched the video, but I did not personally know much about this ride. So I asked the organizers to write a paragraph: This is an outstanding two-day ride in support of a fantastic  cause.  The Guardian Warriors of Rancho Feliz are a group of Valley  bikers that have helped support the Mexican town of Agua Prieta for many years. They have helped provide housing for displaced families, a community park, a children's center and other "good works".  The Fandango will begin with a beautiful ride through southern Arizona to Douglas. The bikers will  then ride in formation to Agua Prieta (which is adjacent to Douglas),  where they will distribute Christmas gifts at the children's shelter.  This alone is worth the ride, a very moving and happy occasion for  bikers and kids alike.  On Saturday night there will be a huge party and  raffle at the beautiful and historic Gadsden Hotel, where rooms have  been made available for ride participants to stay Saturday night. The ride is  open to the first 100 riders who sell (or buy) $1,000 worth of raffle  tickets.  There will likely be local and/or national TV coverage. 
Here  is a good video promoting the ride that will give you a real flavor of what it's all about.    For further information or to sign up,  call Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, Inc. at (480) 949-7144.  Their  website is http://www.ranchofeliz.com. (If you have a few moments you  might also enjoy this essay about the unusual events that led up to  the founding of Rancho Feliz.)
 

Extras 

Skunk Work Motorsports.
Imagine This! One on one guidance going through the parts books, personal service from 2 guys that are eager to help and on top of that, you get a discount. Don't let the name fool you. There is nothing smelly about this place. This is a one stop shop for ALL motorcycle parts at discount prices. Mick and Jack are a couple of great guys that love motorcycles and are there to help you go through the catalogs and pick out parts that would be best for your bike. And if you need the part installed, they can do that too. Don't have a Harley or a Custom? No problem! They also specialize in Metric Parts as well. Skunk Works is an Authorized Dealer with the largest names in the motorcycle industry including Drag Specialties, Custom Chrome and Kuryakyn. Skunk works buys direct from the manufacturer in most cases and passes the savings along to you. Save 10% right off the top and the more you buy, the more you save with the Skunk Works discount program. Check out the Monthly Specials for deep discounts on various parts. Stop by their shop located at 1902 N. Country Club Dr. #4 in Mesa and see for yourself. That is just South of the Loop 202, one block South of McKellips. Or give them a call at 480-649-2800 to price some parts. Cyclerides.com V.I.P. members will receive 15% off at any time just by showing your card.
 

Heading back to Milwaukee for the big celebration? If you get a Commemorative 100th Anniversary hat don't forget to protect it with Hat Saver. Just spray it on the outside of your hat one time to protect it from sweat stains that can ruin your hat. You can order Hat Saver online at www.hatsaver.com or you can pick it up at Joeta's Leather in Mesa and Peoria or any of the Golfsmith Stores, Nevada Bob's or Van's pro shops in Phoenix. Take a can with you.
 
The "Women in the Wind" motorcycle organization (WITW) has now formed a local riding group called the, Desert Diamonds Chapter.  www.desertdiamonds-phoenix.org The purpose of the organization is:
1. To unite women motorcyclists with friends of common interest.
2. To educate our members in motorcycle safety & maintenance.
3. To promote a positive image of women on motorcycles.    
All women riders are welcome to contact Paula Hinckley, the Desert Diamonds Road Captain @ 623-334-4925 for additional information. All bikes are welcome. The Diamonds Chapter already has 60 members and they are out riding the road, recruiting members & have loads of fun. In February 2004 the Chapter is planning a big run. Welcome the Desert Diamond Riders and invite their Chapter to your events & activities.
 
As for me, I will trying to work my way out of the dog house by cleaning Mrs. C's bike. I'd better put an extra shine on it for trashing it the way I did. 
 
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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