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Greetings Riders,

I am going to take a break from the Canada Coast trip this week. I will be back next week with the last days of the trip. If you are new to the letter or missed last week, Click Here to read and view the pictures.

We are now 65 days away from what is shaping up to be one of the biggest 3 day motorcycle events ever in the State of Arizona. As most of you know by now. The cast from Orange County Choppers are going to make their first appearance West of the Mississippi for a 3 day show in Tempe, Arizona called "OCC In Tempe - Best Of The Southwest Custom Motorcycle Show". Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Mikey, Vinnie and Cody will all be here and will be signing autographs in shifts for 8 hours on Friday and Saturday and 5 hours on Sunday. I had originally reported that they would be bringing 10 bikes with them. But with the interest in the show from all over the Western U.S., they have now decided to bring 18 bikes with them as well as trying to encourage a few of their customer theme bikes to join in on the fun. The OCC compound will be set up on the baseball field under a 100' x60' tent displaying all of the bikes and their merchandise.

I am continually amazed at all of the emails and calls that I get from people all over requesting information on the show. This should be a very good time for all. We are currently adding vendors, exhibits and displays that I will be announcing in the near future. Circle K has signed on to be the title sponsor of the show, so you will be seeing many posters in all of the Circle K's in the State in the next couple of weeks. You will also be hearing about and seeing ads from our media partners FOX TV Network Channel 10 and our Radio partners KSLX, KUPD and KDKB. The three radio stations will each be sponsoring a day at the event and will be on site.

There will be live entertainment every day and night. Friday night headliner sponsored by KUPD is the local band "Crushed". I can't release the name of the Saturday night National Touring Band yet because they have not signed. But I can tell you we won't be in "Bad Company" if they do. Other local bands will be playing throughout the day and night.

One aspect of the show that I think will be really cool is the "Best of the Southwest Custom Motorcycle Show". This will consist of 25 of the up and coming "unknown" motorcycle builders. We are looking for guys that have not been discovered yet to display their bikes and let YOU decide who is the Best of the Southwest and hopefully give them a springboard to stardom. We already have some awesome bikes that have entered. I think this will be a really fun part of the event. First prize is $5000 to the winner, $2000 for second. If you know someone who has a great custom bike that they built and would like to enter, have them email me at info@cyclerides.com .

I was hopeful tickets would be on sale by now, but there was a problem that had to be fixed with the ticketing company. This should be taken care of by Thursday sometime. There will be a link on the front page of www.cyclerides.com to buy the tickets.

But, there are limited tickets now available for the V.I.P. Reception on Thursday night. If you would like to get "Up Close" with The Teutul's and their bikes, this would be a memorable way to do it. On Thursday, November 4th from 5-9pm there will be a V.I.P. reception with The Teutul's in the tent that will include Live Music, Food, Giveaways, Autographs, Photo Ops and a couple of other surprises. There are only 300 total tickets with only 200 left. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that would be a perfect Birthday or Christmas present for the OCC Fan in your life. Or if you have a business, this would be an ideal incentive or reward for your special employees. Seating will be in tables of 8. Cost is $300 per ticket and will be sold on a first come basis. This will be a special time. Click Here to order your ticket online. Questions at info@cyclerides.com .

Click Here for the latest information about the show. This link will be updated as new events and musical acts are added.

And now on a sad note. Many of you have probably already heard about the death of Indian Larry. For those of you that don't know, Indian Larry is one of the "Old School" custom motorcycle builders. He has done a lot of movies and commercials, but was recently brought to national attention through Discovery Channel's Biker Build Off Series. You might recall the episode when he was in competition with Phoenix's own Paul Yaffe in one of the shows. I didn't know him personally, but when I saw him in Daytona he seemed to really enjoy talking to his fans. Other reports I have heard is that he was truly one of the nice guys in the business. Here is a picture I snapped of him leaving his booth in Daytona. Reports said that he was performing his famous "standing on the seat" stunt when the bike started to wobble and he was thrown from the bike. He died of head wounds on Monday, August 30th. By his own admission, he was a character and will be missed. We plan to do a memorial for Indian Larry at the show here in November. Here is a Photo Tribute and Bio of Indian Larry. His website is www.indianlarry.com . They are asking that donations be sent to the National Council of Alcoholism and the ASPCA.

This Week's Events

Wednesday

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. Stop by and take a look, I'm sure you will like what you see. Info: 480-897-6200.

Thursday Night

Thursday Night features 4 Bike Nights all over the Valley.

Hooters at Arrowhead Bike Night. 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 (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $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 The evening riding weather is 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.

Hooters at Ahwatukee Thursday Bike Night. Continues Giveaways and Raffles. The riders in Ahwatukee were wanting a Bike Night of their own, so Hooters Ahwatukee stepped up to provide a great place to come on your motorcycle on Thursday nights. Stop by for raffles, good times and good food at Hooters in Ahwatukee located at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. There will be raffles and giveaways from Chandler Harley and Hooters as well as 20% off menu items (25% off with Cyclerides.com V.I.P. Card). $2.00 Corona Thursdays and plenty of parking next to the outdoor patio. Click Here for the pictures and all the details.

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. 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.

Saturday and Sunday

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon. Now opening at 6:00AM for Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. All of us are looking for that quick getaway out of town for an early morning breakfast on the weekends, or a good stop on our way up North. The Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon is the perfect place for that and they are inviting all motorcycle riders to stop by for a good old fashioned breakfast on the patio or a cool drink on the way home. Sundays feature a $6.99 all you can eat breakfast including drinks and any day you can get my personal favorite 1/2 order of biscuits and gravy for $1.95. This is a great dish. Breakfast starts at 7:00am. Pioneer is also open for lunch and dinner until 9:00 pm. On Saturday nights Canyon Walls plays from 7pm - 11pm. Pioneer is also a great place to get your group together for a sunset dinner ride. Sit out on the patio or the air conditioned dining room. Click Here for the complete menu. If you are organizing a ride, it is the perfect place for a ride end. Pioneer is located just 1 mile North of the Carefree Highway exit on I-17 at Pioneer Rd. exit 225. For private parties call Joey at 602-696-5245 or 623-465-1821.

Hungry Bear Roadhouse In Mayer. Many of you remember Hailey's Grill in Mayer, AZ. Hailey's went out of business last fall and the building was purchased by the owners of Grand Canyon Harley and has re-opened as The Hungry Bear Roadhouse. The Roadhouse has been completely remodeled to provide meeting rooms for motorcycle groups or any special events. The usable space has now been expanded to the front patio. You can now sit out on the huge patio and eat your breakfast or lunch and watch the bikes roll in for a weekend ride. There will be tables and chairs as well as stools next to the railing to relax and enjoy your favorite beverages. Roadhouse hours are 8:00am - 10:00pm. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served. Stop by the Hungry Bear on your rides to Prescott. More Info at: 928-632-4211.

Sunday

Cocomo Joe's Sunday Bike Day. Live Music Every Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm. Live music is also Thursday - Saturday nights at 8:30pm. Many of you have been to Cocomo Joe's in North Phoenix. There is now a day just for riders. Cocomo Joe's is a very open and comfortable place to hang out that is decorated in a Jamaican theme. They have a new large outdoor patio as well as 2 smaller ones around the side. There is a large dining area with TV's all around to keep up on all NFL football on Sundays. See the pictures here. After football season they will be bringing in live entertainment on Sunday afternoons. There is also 3 pool tables and games for your enjoyment. There will be food and drink specials for ride days starting at 10:30am as well as blocked off preferred parking for motorcycles. The day starts at 10:30am with breakfast foods available. Bike day is from Noon - 6pm. Cocomo Joe's is located on the NW corner of Tatum and Dynamite Rd. So if you are riding to or from Cave Creek, or want to take a ride up North and not have to run the DB gauntlet, stop by Cocomo Joe's. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-538-8008. Stop by this Sunday for opening day. Click Here for all the details.

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. 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 - 5pm. Enjoy live music from 1-6pm 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.

This Week

Thursday - Monday
September 2nd - 6th.
This Rally Is Not Cancelled! Some are getting it confused with the Four Corners Rally that is. This ride is getting bigger and better every year. The Rally In The Rockies will be a place to get out of the heat in Ignacio, Colorado. You can't ask for much better riding than the Telluride loop. The event this year will be held September 2nd - 6th. All Bikes are Welcome. There will be Afternoon And Evening Concerts including BTO and Molly Hatchet, Poker Runs, Biker Field Events, Harley-Davidson Demo Fleet, Biker Bull Busting, Various Contests, Bike Parade, Nearly 200 Vendors and much more. There is way too much to list here. For all of the details and information go to http://www.rallyintherockies.com/.

Saturday, September 4th
For those of you staying in town for Labor Day, Myron at the Billet Bar is anxious to show off his new flamed booths on the Paradise Patio and is throwing a Labor Day Bash with all day drink specials and a Live Music with the "Dave Dodt Band" from 8pm till 2am. You can choose food from the Billet Bar Menu until 10pm and then you can get delicious Pizza by the Slice until 2am. Or stop by any time and take a look at the newly remodeled Paradise Patio with 2 coolers that lower the temps on the patio in the low 80's. Billet Bar is located at 3725 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-941-1876.

September is the beginning of the Harley Dealerships new model year introduction Open Houses. The week of September 11th kicks off a month of open houses and parties with raffles, free food and entertainment. Check the calendar on www.cyclerides.com to find the one near you.

Saturday, September 11th
Hacienda Harley-Davidson Chromecoming Celebration. As The New 2005 Harley-Davidson Motorcyles Roar Into Town Hacienda Harley-Davidson & Buell Hosts The Party Of The Year. Hacienda Harley-Davidson & Buell is celebrating the H-D Chromecoming by the unveiling of the 2005 bikes, the latest MotorClothes, and genuine motor parts & Accessories. Harley-Davidson® Chromecoming kicks off Saturday, September 11th at 9:00am with Live Entertainment, Great Food, Fashion Shows, In Store Poker Run, Bikini Bike Wash And The Famous Basement Sale. "You can always find the best buys at the basement sale, customers are always talking about how much they got for such a great price" said Andreanne DePage of Hacienda Harley-Davidson Inc. In memory of September 11th Hacienda will be honoring our local emergency personnel with a presentation ceremony Saturday September 11th at 12:30. Local fire fighters, police officers, and armed forces will be in attendance as Hacienda strives for keeping America strong.

Saturday, September 11th
Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson Shop in Mayer. The Grand Canyon HD shop in Mayer is kicking off their Chromecoming Open House and new model year open house with a big party.
11am - 2pm: Stop by for a BBQ with the Hungry Bear Road House.
11am - 3pm: Enjoy the great music of Rondavous.
3:30pm: We will Honor Law Enforcement Officers, Military and Firefighters.
4:30pm: The drawing of the 50/50 raffle.
There will be door prize drawings throughout the day. And don't forget the Wheel of Fortune! Spin the wheel to determine your discount from 10% - 30%. GCHD is located at 10434 Hwy. 69 just 8 miles West of I-17 in Mayer. For more information call 928-632-4009.

Saturday, September 11th
W. Steven Martin's 9-11 Patriot Ride. W. has changed up this ride this year. Instead of riding to the asphalt jungle of downtown, he has decided to ride to the water. Join W. Steven Martin's 3rd Annual Patriot Ride and Parade to show our country and troops that WE WILL NOT FORGET our 9-11 victims and military heroes. Come enjoy a day of fun on wheels and on the water. This year the ride will start at Bell Ford at 2104 W. Bell Rd. and be escorted by DPS to Bartlett Lake where the Marina will host a 50 boat Honor Guard carrying 100 flags. Patriotic music will greet the riders as the watercraft proudly display the Stars and Stripes. After the water parade, ride participants will enjoy live music played from the top of a houseboat. So bring your swimsuit and dive in. Restrooms, Food and a limited number of shaded tables are available. Check in from 8am - 10am, ride at 10am. Click Here for all the information.

Saturday, September 11th and 12th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson 2nd Anniversary Bash. Come celebrate as we kick start our 3rd year AND preview the new Harley-Davidson arrivals for 2005! The New Bikes, The latest Motorclothes Apparel and the New Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories. There will be a free collectible gift to the first 75 purchases each day and the famous tier discounts up to 20% on motor parts and accessories. Don't miss the Fashion Show at Noon on Saturday. Take advantage of the following activities on both Saturday and Sunday:
10-12pm Free Coffee & Donuts
11-3pm Hooters Free Bikini Wash
Noon - 4pm Free Food from Wet Willy's, Drinks and Maggie Moo's Ice Cream.
Service Specials: 15% discount on Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories installed Sat. and Sun.
Saturday Only: LIVE Music, Triad 10-2pm.
Sunday Only: Caricature Artist drawing YOU and Your Bike. 10:30-2:30pm.
Free 9 Ball Pool Tournament 2-6pm, $200 gift card prize.
Click Here for ALL of the information. AHD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.