Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
8/27/03

 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, this is the big week that a lot of Harley Riders have been waiting for. The 100th birthday celebration that has lasted and entire year will attract several hundred thousand riders from all over the world and they will culminate this weekend in Milwaukee for a massive celebration. Tickets for the festivities have been sold out for months and were going for 5 times face value on EBAY. Thousands of riders have shipped bikes from many foreign countries. Some are calling this their ride of a lifetime.
 
But what is all the fuss about? It's just a motorcycle! It can't talk, it shows no emotion, it's basically just a bunch of fabricated steel parts that were originally put together to serve as an alternative economical mode of transportation in the early 1900's. I'm sure William Harley and Arthur Davidson had no idea that 100 years from the 1903 birth of their first motorcycle that this would be going on. From those humble beginnings in a 10' x 15' shed, a couple of kids barely out of their teens, produced a motorcycle that would turn into a worldwide multi-billion dollar business 100 years later. Harley riders just can't get enough of the association with the Harley-Davidson brand. You can find the HD bar and shield on everything from shirts, jackets, baby clothes, dog collars to toilet seats, dart boards, furniture and even tattoos on riders arms. If you can think of it, you can probably find it with the bar and shield on it.
 
Where did this phenomenon of the Love of Harley-Davidson come from? Ford Motor Co. is 100 years old this year and has sold hundreds of millions of cars. Millions more than Harley. I haven't seen mass media about a 100th party by them, and I haven't seen people with Ford tattoos or pet collars and toilet seats emblazoned with the Ford logo either. Where did they go wrong? Kleenex is a national brand that is over 80 years old that we all use. I didn't see the media hype when they went from 1 ply to 2 ply like I did when Harley went from the EVO motor to the Twin Cam.
 
So what is it about the Harley name that riders just can't get enough of? Is it the lifestyle that was promoted by Hollywood stars like James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Marlon Brando? Or is it the Harley mystique that has captured riders imagination when they saw the super cool Peter Fonda in "Easy Rider" riding across the country on his Captain America bike? Maybe it was Michael Parks in "Then Came Bronson" that ingrained in us that concept of being one with your motorcycle. He glorified the independence of "ridin' down that long lonesome highway" across America with his backpack on a Harley, enjoying the countryside without a care in the world? Maybe it is just the slick advertising and promotion that Harley has done to create an image of being on the edge of society by wearing your black leather jacket, all while enjoying the freedom of the open road and the pop culture that goes along with it.
 
I don't know what the real reason is. You've heard the old saying: "If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand". In my case, "If I had to explain it, I couldn't". I have spent many hours on the road wondering that very thing. What is it about riding that keeps me coming back? I am guilty as charged with a lot of what I described above. I have the dog collars, the posters, the clothes, etc. I have bought into the Harley Culture as well. But for me, the thrill is being out in the open air, enjoying a 360 degree view of my surroundings, taking in the smells of the countryside and the camaraderie that goes along with the sport. It seems as though no matter where you happen to ride, if there is another person there on a motorcycle, you know you have a friend. To me it doesn't matter what you ride, but the Harley name is synonymous to motorcycles like Kleenex is to tissues. The lay person calls all motorcycles Harley's, and after the press that the 100th Anniversary Celebration will garner, it will only be ingrained even further. It reminds me of the video I did about a year ago entitled, "What is a Real Biker?" There are many different answers and interpretations.
 
I look forward to hearing the stories of the riders that made the "Ride Home" to Milwaukee to join in on the celebration. Be sure in send in your pictures and stories for the Cyclerides.com "Ride Home" page. If you want to catch up on your Harley History, here is an excellent package of stories that AP has produced detailing the history, impact and changing face of Harley riders and previewing the party itself. 

This Weeks 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 opened for the first time 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 visit the most popular rider stop in the Southwest. 
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 31st
Hailey's Live Entertainment Sunday's 
This Weekend - Sunday, August 31st: "Combo Deluxe"
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 29th: Cave Creek Idol Karaoke Contest Semi Finals-Karaoke starts at 8:30 pm.
Sat Aug 30th: Susan L. & Co. 9pm to Closing.
Sun Aug 31st: Miller's Harley-Davidson 100th Party with The Chris Hiatt Band 4-8pm.

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.
Next Weekend:
Friday, September 5th: JD Simo 9pm.
Saturday, September 6th: Cave Creek Idol Karaoke Contest  September 6th.
Sunday, September 7th: Sailor Jerry Promo with Combo Deluxe at 9pm.

This Week

August 28th - 31st.
Rally In The Rockies. Many of you remember this as the Four Corners Rally. This is held in the land of beautiful riding in Colorado. Last year this rally was cancelled. This year it is brought back under a new name and promoter and they promise it to be bigger and better than ever. The inaugural Rally In The Rockies to be held Ignacio, Colorado, over Labor Day Weekend is gearing up to bring a solid motorcycle rally back to the Four Corners Region. "We are really excited about getting the party started," said Rally In The Rockies organizer Dan Bradshaw. "We've been working real hard to put together a program of events that will be a good time and make people want to come back next year. Labor Day is going to be a lot of fun in the Four Corners." The rally was created last year after the Four Corners Ironhorse Rally failed to stage an event in 2002. Rally In The Rockies will be held at the Sky Ute Events Center, as were past Rallies. "We've been scheduled in the same place for a while now, and as far as I know, there are no other events scheduled at the events center that weekend," Bradshaw said. The rally costs $45 for four days, which grants entry to the events center, entry in all poker runs, access to the car and bike show in Durango, a chance to win four motorcycles, and other good stuff. Single and two-day tickets are also available for $15 to $35. Click Here for full press release.
 

Next Week 

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.


There are a bunch of new listings for September and October. Go to the Rides and Events Calendar on www.cyclerides.com for all of the latest information.
 

Extras 

It is always good to see a local motorcycle builder make it to the big time. Paul Yaffe has already made a name for himself in the Custom motorcycle world, but now he is being featured on the Discovery Channel "The Great Biker Build Build-Off". The debut showing will be Monday, September 1st as it pits Paul Yaffe against Indian Larry to see who can build the best bike in this competition. Let's root for our hometown boy. The show is supposed to air at 9:00pm this Monday. Check local listings for the correct time in your area. It will also be run a couple of more times throughout the week. Click Here for the Discovery listings.
 
For those of you that are going to Milwaukee and the Rally in the Rockies, ride safe and have a good time. I look forward to hearing your stories and seeing the pictures.
 

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,
 
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com

All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2003 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission. 
All rights reserved.