Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update
8/23/06
Greetings Riders,
***Some of you might have heard about a motorcycle rider getting a
ticket for riding in the HOV lane by a Gilbert Police officer. A $300
ticket at that! I have already been alerted to the situation and have
talked to the rider that got the ticket. It seems as though there might
be some gray area in the interpretation of this law, but I am working
on getting to the bottom of this with our MMA and ABATE
representatives. I will give you an update on this situation in
next week's letter. ***
When I left you last week we were just leaving Banff in our rear view mirror on Wednesday Morning. If you missed last week's letter about
Banff, Click Here. Or Click Here to view the photos. Sometimes in trips you have days that
are not going to be very interesting and I call those "moving days",
that is to get from one riding area to the next. Wednesday
was one of those days. Our goal today was to knock off as many miles as
possible to get them behind us. So we settled for 430 miles stopping in
Great Falls, MT. where we knew for sure that we could get a motel room.
We took the Trans Canada Hwy. 1 out of Banff to Calgary and Hwy. 2 from Calgary to the
United States Border at Port of Piegan, MT. We then followed Hwy.
89 until we got detoured near Glacier Park onto County
Road 464 in the middle of nowhere that appeared to be closer to the moon
than civilization to where we picked up 89 again on into Great
Falls, MT. One good thing about Southern Canada and Northern Montana is
that if you ever need to blow some carbon out of your engine,
this would be the place to do it, as all there is out there is
miles and miles of roads to seemingly nowhere. I am happy to report that there was
not a spec of carbon left in the Road Glide motor after that 100 mile
trek across the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
However, gas mileage did suffer a bit. In fact, it suffered so
much that I almost committed the unforgivable sin of "running out of
gas". Fortunately I had the
GPS to tell me where the nearest gas station was and I nervously
watched it click down the last 10 miles as the motor sputtered in
the driveway on my way to putting 5.2 gallons of gas in my 5 gallon tank.
That was a stressful situation. Glad I had the GPS to tell me how
far I was going to have to push it.
We were excited to get going on Thursday morning as we knew that the
Beartooth Pass would be our main attraction for the day . We continued South on 89 through the
Lewis and Clark National Forest to Hwy. 90 where I finally got a shot
of some wildlife. I couldn't quite identify what it was,
but the sign said there were more in the back. Hwy. 89 was great as I
got a lot of pics of old barns. We then took Hwy. 78 to Red Lodge,
Montana.
Red Lodge
is a really neat little town that sits on the East side of the
Beartooth Pass on Hwy. 212. Red
Lodge is a year round destination for snow related sports in
the Winter and motorcycling the Pass in the Summer. I don' know all the
history of Red Lodge, but you can tell that
there is plenty there. We stopped at the local Beartooth Harley dealer for a shirt and then had lunch at the Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen where Road Glides seemed to be the bike
of choice.
After lunch we pointed the GPS West to follow Hwy. 212
that would take us through the Custer and Shoshone National Forests and
the Beartooth Pass, a
road that Charles Kuralt called "America's most beautiful highway".
I've been on a lot of beautiful roads the last 5 years and I'm not
quite sure that I would agree with Charles on his accolades of the
Beartooth Highway. I personally would put the "Road to the Sun" in
Glacier Park and maybe a couple more ahead of this one.
I found this road to be more amazing than beautiful. Sure, it was
a very pretty ride,
but I found the road to be
more incredible than beautiful, just by the fact that
someone actually went out there and built a road through that high
altitude rugged terrain. It is hard to explain until you have
seen it, so I made an illustration from my Garmin map on the computer
to show you what I mean. This illustration shows that you have to
meander up the side of the mountain for 8.7 miles on road just to go
1.3 miles as the crow flies. Click Here to view. What made me even look at this is
because as we were going up the hill, I could see on the GPS that we
were putting on the miles, but my distance to destination seemed to
barely change. Now I know why. When you are riding up it from the East
side you can really see how the road is hanging off the side of the mountain and what a
feat it must have been to build it.
Nearing the top, we caught one of the quick changes in weather as
it started to rain while the temperature hit as low as 53
degrees. This is also where you will get a good look at Island Lake and really see how rugged this area is. At our highest point, we were at 11,020 feet just about 1/2 mile across the Wyoming border. The West side of the Beartooth Highway
is more of a gradual descent with a changing landscape of
boulders, meadows and flowers. They say it is even Grizzly Bear Country, but of course we didn't
see any.
Here are some facts about the
Beartooth Highway:
Since its completion in
1936, the Highway has provided millions of visitors a rare opportunity
to see the transition from a lush forest ecosystem to alpine tundra in
the space of just a few miles.
The Beartooth area is one of the highest and most rugged areas in the
lower 48 states, with 20 peaks reaching over 12,000 feet in elevation.
Glaciers grace the north flank of nearly every towering mountain peak.
It is 50 miles of driving
miles from Red Lodge to the start of the Chief Joseph Highway and 34
miles as the crow flies.
When we reached the West side of the Beartooth we took the 63 mile ride
on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway 296 to Cody, Wyoming. This is a great road to ride and is very enjoyable. It
has plenty of curves and elevation changes too, but not as
drastic as the Beartooth. Cody is a cool little town with plenty of history as it was named after Buffalo Bill Cody, one of the more famous Americans in
the late 1800's. You can find an active Main St. and a huge museum of Bill Cody and Old West memorabilia. Even though
it is all about the ride and the miles for me, sometimes I wish I would
budget a little more time to take in a few things like this.
The ride through the Beartooth Highway and Chief Joseph Highway is
definitely something that I would recommend incorporating into
your travel plans sometime in the future, possibly on your way to Sturgis or
coming back. Both routes are extremely good riding and memorable,
something that I would do again. Take a look at all of the photos from Wednesday and Thursday of our trip
that include Red Lodge, Beartooth Highway, Chief Joseph Highway and
Cody, Wyoming and my assortment of old barns and buildings.
Next week I will bring you the last 4 days of the trip that include Sturgis and Surrounding
Cities, Mt. Rushmore, Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Rd. There are
some fantastic pictures in this group. You won't want to miss these.
Click Here to view Photos of the Beartooth Pass Highway Trip.
Click Here to view Map of Day from Great Falls to Cody.
Click Here to view Map of Beartooth Highway.
Click Here to view Map of Chief Joseph Highway.
Useful Links:
Red Lodge, Montana: http://www.allredlodge.com/area_info/community.php
Beartooth Highway: http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/byway/mt_beart.htm
Beartooth Pass: http://www.allredlodge.com/attractions/beartooth_scenic_highway.php
Chief Joseph Highway: http://www.codywyomingnet.com/attractions/chief_joseph_scenic_highway.php
Cody, Wyoming: http://www.codywyomingnet.com/area_info/community.php
Buffalo Bill Historical
Museums: http://www.bbhc.org/museums/index.cfm
This Week's Bike Night Events
Tuesday Nights
Chester’s Harley Davidson Biker Night at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe! If you are looking for some fun on a Tuesday night, With 2 outdoor patios and plenty of excitement, This place is a good time! The Tilted Kilt is home to the best Scotch-Irish experience in Arizona, with an award-winning menu, classic pub fare, and signature Kilt items sure to please any palate—not to mention twenty four globe-spanning beers on tap! Biker Night Tuesdays also mean $3 Jack Daniels and half-price appetizers. And, with a Tilted Kilt Biker Night Card, you receive 15% OFF your total bill. So what are you waiting for? Come on down and have a craic with Chester’s Harley-Davidson! The Tilted Kilt is located at 660 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe, AZ. Just 1.5 miles East of I-10 on Warner Rd. 480-592-0102. Click Here for Map.
Thursday Night
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
The "Hog Pen" at the Roadhouse Bike Weekend. Take a ride and stop by the "Hog Pen" at The
Roadhouse, the Hottest New motorcycle patio in Cave Creek where every
weekend will be Bike Weekend. Now Featuring a new Breakfast
Buffet from 8am - Noon on Saturday! Grab a seat at the new Hog Pen bar rail
and watch the bikes ride by. There
is plenty of new concrete motorcycle parking right out front. 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:
Wednesday: Live Music with "Easton Ashe" 9pm - 1:30am
Friday: Live Music with "Easton Ashe" 9pm - 1:30am
Saturday: Live Music with "Easton Ashe" 9pm - 1:30am
Sunday Evening: Live Music with "Danny Rhodes" 1-5pm
Click here for the Cave Creek Roadhouse website. 480-575-3098
Sunday
Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday
Brunch.
Looking for a place to start the day for brunch or to just cool down?
Enjoy Sugar Daddy's patio for brunch ordered off of the menu, a $2
Mimosa or a $4 build your own Bloody Mary bar from 10am - 4pm. You will
also enjoy Live Music while dining from 10am on the patio.
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. Or maybe just relax on the patio
with your favorite beverage 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, August 26th
Buddy Stubbs Hogs and Salsa. The new 07's are HOT and so is our Salsa Party!
Join us from 11am - 3pm for
Delicious Mexican Food while enjoying a Mariachi Band, Pool
Tournaments, 50/50 Raffles, The New 2007 Harley-Davidsons on the
showroom floor, Contests and Door Prizes. Stay out of the heat and cool
off with us inside. Ride by Buddy Stubbs and enjoy the
festivities at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400.
Saturday, August 26th
Sanderson Ford AMP Tour. Don't miss the 2006 Sanderson Ford AMP Tour
presented by Coyote Hill at the new Cardinals Stadium on Saturday, August 26th at 8pm. See the
world's top MX and Gravity game riders including Mike Metzger, Nate
Adams and Jimmy McNeil will rock the new Cardinals Stadium along with
16 monster trucks featuring Diggers Destruction takes on Big Foot and
El Bandito. Visit MonsterTruckLive.com for more show information.
Get up close and personal on the Cardinal
Stadium floor with your
favorite trucks and riders at the official Pit Party on Saturday,
August 26 from 4-7pm. You can also take a ride on one of the Monster
Ride trucks. Tickets are FREE in advance at participating sponsor
locations and $5 day of the show at the Box Office. Visit AMPLiveEvents.com for complete listing of locations.
Saturday, August 26th
American Freedom Riders Ride To Secure Our Borders.
The American Freedom Riders are bringing attention to the problem of
illegal immigration with a
big ride scheduled for 8:00AM August 26th, at Childress Auto Mall on
Camelback Rd at I-17. With pre-ride speakers Congressman J.D. Hayworth and Representative Russell Pearce they
hope for a large turnout help make a statement to other politicians
that they want our borders secured - now. The ride will be a
lunch run to Jake's Corner and the first 300 riders will receive free
American Freedom Rider T-Shirts. The public is also invited to the
pre-ride ceremony. Complete details are available on the website:
www.americanfreedomriders.com
This is the one time that Freedom IS
Free. Free T-shirts, Free Continental Breakfast, Free Ride, Free
America from Illegal Immigration.
Stage At Childress Auto Mall
Camelback Rd, 1 Block East
Of I-17 Gates Open 7:00 Am,
Free (But Cheap) Continental Breakfast, Speakers TBA,
8:00 Am / Program Begins,
Ride Starts At 9:00 Am Sharp,
Free American Freedom Rider, T-Shirts To First 300 Riders, Group Ride /
East on Hwy 60 to Globe, north on Hwy 88/188, along Roosevelt Lake to
Jake's Corner for buffet lunch & beverage.
Individual Ride (at your pleasure) up in the pine trees to Sidewinders
for lunch and beverages (if you didn't get enough at Jake's) COME RIDE WITH US, WE CAN MAKE A
DIFFERENCE.
Next Week
August30 - September 3rd
Rally In The Rockies. After 13 years of the rally being held in
Ignacio, the Rally has made the decision to move to a new location. This location is called Echo Basin
Ranch, just west of Durango. The 2006 Four Corners Rally in the Rockies
brings a Rocky Mountain rumbling that no rally can rival! This is the
ORIGINAL Thunder in the Rockies Rally. Known for our spectacular
mountain riding, we also have the greatest entertainment line up and
our "Everyone is Welcome" motto makes us THE annual Labor Day MUST DO
rally event! Take some time and check out all the information
throughout our site and make plans early - before we sell out - to
attend our 2006 party!! Tickets, Tent Camping, and RV Sites are on sale
now. Click Here for a listing of events. or 888-901-7701 or info@rallyintherockies.com . http://www.rallyintherockies.com
Extras
Here is a great video that every American
should watch. I did a story
on the Patriot Guard a few months ago and here they are in action. This
will make you proud to be a part of the motorcycle riding community
when you see what these guys are doing. Click Here to view.
The beer commercials have done it again. This is a funny one. Click Here.
Soon you will be seeing news on your gas pumps. Here is a funny little spoof called
Pumpcast News. Pretty funny. Kind of a interactive candid camera. Click Here to view.
As for me this weekend, I am going to the American Freedom
Riders ride at Childress Buick on Saturday morning and see what
Congressman J.D. Hayworth will have to say about our open borders.
Should be interesting as this is bound to be a hot election year issue.
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2006 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
All rights reserved.