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Greetings Riders,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere concern for those that were affected by hurricane Katrina in the Southeast. I can't imagine what those people are going through. From what I have seen, it looks every bit as bad as the Tsunami. Our thoughts and Prayers are with them to quickly recieve help, food and water and find the strength to carry on. I think it would be cool if all of the H.O.G. groups and Metric owners groups would combine forces for one benefit. I would be more than willing to help organize and spread the word.

The calendar has turned to September and peak riding season in the Valley of the Sun is right around the corner. As you can tell by the September and October event calendars on www.cyclerides.com the number of events are heating up as the prospects of cooler temperatures are upon us. One thing we can all count on in September is a lot of parties and free food at the Harley Dealers as the new model year introduction parties take place. Check the September calendar and plan a ride to all of the dealers listed on the calendar throughout the month. I also want to give you a heads up to make some plans for this years Rocky Point Rally. I am going to host the "Cyclerides.com Ride To Rocky Point" on Thursday November 10th. There is no charge, it is just an opportunity to get together and have a bunch of riders heading that way at the same time. We will leave Arrowhead HD at 10:00am and do the Poker Run on the way down. Should be a fun time. Here is the agenda for the Rally. I will give you more details as we get closer. If you have never been to Rocky Point, here are a couple of videos that I did that you can view to acquaint yourself.

In last weeks letter we had ended Day 4 in Gardiner Montana. I didn't know this before, but the North and West entrance to Yellowstone National Park are actually in Montana and part of the park also lies in Idaho. As we awoke at 5:45am on Day 5 to get an early start on the day, I have to admit, my excitement level was high to experience the United States first National Park established in 1872, from the seat of a motorcycle. I felt like that 10 year old boy with my face pressed against the car window waiting to see my first wild animal. After a quick bite to eat at the breakfast buffet, we were on the bike and heading for the entrance of the park as the sun was beginning to rise over the mountain for our customary sign pictures. Our goal was to get an early start and try to catch some of the animals during their morning feeding. We made our way the first 5 miles into the park crossing the Wyoming state line as well as the little known 45th Parallel of Latitude which is the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. As we came into Mammoth Hot Springs, we saw a small herd of Elk grazing on the lawn of the buildings in the area.

Man was I excited now. We had only ridden 5 miles and already we had scored a herd of Elk. I just knew that this was going to be our day and that we would see "Smokey the Bear" doing some forest fire training. I even thought "Bullwinkle the Moose" might make the trip from Frostbite Falls, Minnesota to get a look at the new yellow Road Glide. Apparently I had read just a little too much into the Yellowstone brochure and came away with the impression that there would be a Bear and a Moose around every corner and we would actually have to ride around them to make it through the park. That is what the pictures show. But that is NOT the case! The only animal we saw the rest of the day was a herd of Bison, aside from a deer here and there. Needless to say, I didn't come away with the massive portfolio of wild animal pictures that I had hoped for. By the end of the day, I would have even settled for a quick glimpse of "Rocky the Squirrel".

Without the abundance of animals, we turned our attention to the geological aspects of Yellowstone that we knew we could count on. The road around Yellowstone is in essence a figure 8. Since the East side was closed we made our way down the West side of the park and then cut across the middle to the East to get a look at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Falls. This is a beautiful geological creation complete with brilliant colored canyon walls and water falls. This is something that I would call a "must see" in the park. We then took the bottom part of the figure 8 and made our way around Yellowstone Lake and then back to the West side to the world famous Old Faithful Geyser. The thing about Old Faithful is that it is on a schedule and on this particular day, it was not on ours. We pulled up at about the time it shot its' last gallon of water out before going back to be being a benign steamer. It erupts approximately every 90 minutes. If you missed the last eruption, you will have to either buy the video or wait around another 90 minutes to see the next one.

We were a little bummed about missing the last eruption, because we would have rather been on the road on our way to Grand Tetons, but we said you can't ride all this way and not see Old Faithful with your own eyes, so we decided to kill 90 minutes and wait for the next 3 minute show. As we were getting closer to the time of the eruption the crowd started to swell as spurts of water and steam teased us before Old Faithful unleashed a 100 foot fountain of 200 degree water into the air. Having seen this when I was 10 years old, I noticed that it had really not changed much in the last 39 years. It might have to freshen up its act a little bit before I would invest another 90 minutes into waiting for an eruption. Maybe introduce some new water colors or something like that. After watching this 3 minute exhibition of steam being thrust from the ground I really couldn't decide if I was more impressed with the Faithfulness of Old Faithful or the fact that 2-3000 people waited around with cameras in hand to see it. And yes, I was one of them. But we came, we saw and we were now on our way to the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole.

A mere 6 miles from the boundary of Yellowstone is the Grand Teton National Park. The central feature of the park is the Teton Range, the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains, an active normal fault that lies on the 40 mile long mountain front. The range has eight peaks over 12,000 feet, including the Grand Teton at 13,770 feet. As you get your first glimpse of the majestic Tetons rearing high from the flats of Jackson Hole, with their exaggerated jagged edges reflecting off of Jackson Lake, you immediately know why they are called the "Grand Tetons". They exude an air of confidence and an almost surreal beauty like no other single mountain range that I have seen before.

Due to the overcast weather conditions we decided to continue on in to Jackson, WY for an earlier check-in to our lodging for the night. We stayed at a really nice little bed and breakfast called the Inn on the Creek. It is located on the creek where you are greeted by Canada Geese in the morning complete with food to feed them. We then took a ride around the town, walked the streets and then sit outside the Cowboy Bar to watch the bikes go by. Jackson is always a Summer time motorcyclist stop, but the week prior to Sturgis made it a motorcycle Mecca. Every motel in town had several motorcycles around it. After an awesome dinner at Nani's Italian restaurant and a stroll around town, we decided to retire for the night.

We awoke on Day 6 to sunshine and partly cloudy skies. Since we had enjoyed Jackson and the Tetons so much, we decided to extend our time in the area and take another ride through the park to get some good pictures and a better look at the mountains. So we took a leisurely ride 30 miles back along the Teton Range and to Jenny Lake. We then came back to Dornan's for lunch while enjoying the view of the Grand Teton Peak. As we were eating we were talking to another rider couple that had just finished a float trip down the Snake River and highly recommended it. The timing was right so we signed up and away we went for a 10 mile float down the Snake River in front of the Tetons. A great way to relax and take in the scenery.

We ended Day 6 with a self guided tour of Jackson, a stop at the Jackson Hole Harley Dealership for a T-Shirt and a giant hamburger at Billy's next to the Cadillac and Cowboy Bar. Jackson is a really neat place to spend some time. It has a definite old west feel with a lot of history and plenty of shops, galleries, antiques and things to see. Jackson is a place that I will definitely go back to spend some time. Judging by the price of real estate there, a few other people have the same opinion of the area.

If I were to sum up Days 5 and 6 it would go something like this. As with anything that we look forward to seeing or doing, sometimes the hype gets a little ahead of the end product. I was so worked up and excited to go through Yellowstone that by the time I got through reading the propaganda, I was expecting a bear to come up and eat out of my hand. Apparently I was expecting more of a "zoo" atmosphere than a "park" setting. Don't be misled about all of the wild animal interaction in Yellowstone. Consider yourself "lucky" if you see anything. If I were to break it down to enjoying it as a good ride, I would say that it is. Not one that I would go back especially to see, but one that I would enjoy riding through again. The Jackson Hole/Teton area was a lot more appealing to the senses for me. The Range and the lakes are beautiful and inspiring. The town of Jackson is easy going and relaxing with plenty of other activities to participate in. I will be sure to visit the Jackson Hole area again.

Next week I will be back with Days 7 and 8 that will take us from Jackson back to Phoenix. To view the photos from Day 5 Click Here. To view the photos from Day 6 Click Here.

This Week's Bike Night Events
Tuesday

Copper State Cycles Two Wheeled Tuesday. Who knew that north Scottsdale's newest bike night was such a great place to hang out. Last nights motorcycle trivia contest was a huge success, and the
winner really enjoyed the grand prize. Join Copper State Cycles and K O'Donnell's this Tuesday for a great time on the mist cooled patio. Enjoy $2 Bud drafts, Happy hour pricing on appetizers or a great meal from the full menu. Come see the new 2005 Red Horse Customs on display and visit with your friends. K O'Donnell's American Bar & Grill (formerly Uno's Pizza) located in the north Scottsdale area at 14850 N. Northsight, just of of the 101 & Raintree. Every Tuesday night from 7:00pm until...... 61" TV's and music on the mist cooled patio! Reserved parking in plain view for all bikes. For more information call 480-596-6820.

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!! 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:

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.

This Week

September 1st - 5th
Rally In The Rockies. 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 Evening Concerts including Led Zepplin Tribute Band Thursday, Lynyrd Skynyrd Super Tribute Concert on Friday at 9pm and The Guess Who on Saturday, AC/DC Super Tribute Concert Sunday, Poker Runs, Biker Field Events, Biker Bull Busting, Various Contests, Bike Parade, Vendors and much more. For all of the details and information go to http://www.rallyintherockies.com/.

Next Week

Saturday, September 10th and 11th
3rd Anniversary Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Chromecoming Celebration. Join Arrowhead Harley-Davidson as they celebrate their 3rd Anniversary of their new store and at the same time see the new 2006 models from Harley-Davidson.
Saturday: Enjoy a People's Choice Chili Cook Off from 11-1pm and Free Hot Dogs starting at Noon. Music from 1-4pm by Desert High and Free Snow Cones from 1-3pm.
Sunday: At Noon stop by for some Free Wings and Chicken Fingers compliments of Fox and Hound. 12-5pm participate in a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament. Musical Entertainment from 1-4pm. Snow cones from 2-4pm. Enter for a chance to win a new 2-6 Dyna.
All Weekend take advantage of a Free Dyno analysis of your motorcycle.

Saturday, September 10th
2nd Annual Northern Arizona ALS Poker Run. Poker Run to benefit the ALS Association of AZ (ALS is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a fatal neuromuscular disease that affects 30,000 in USA). Registration is $15 for single; $25 for double; gets you continental breakfast, poker hand (cash for hi & lo hand), and BBQ at final stop. Registration 8:00 am to 10:30 am at Pima Ramada, Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff. For more information visit our web site www.alsaz.org.

Saturday, September 10th
1st Annual Poker Run For C.H.K. Sponsored by Clothes Helping Kids, Clothes Helping Kids seeks to support quality programs for children and youth, focusing especially on educational activities. Registration from 10-11:30am at Tri-City Eagles located at 2314 E. Apache Blvd. in Tempe, NE corner of Price and Apache Blvd. $15 single and $20 couple. Raffle Prizes, Auction Items, Live Music with Fool's Life, 50/50 drawing and refreshments at end of run.

Upcoming Events

THERE WILL BE NO PATRIOT PARADE THIS YEAR. W. Steven Martin has decided to not do a Patriot Ride this year and continue next year with a big ride for the 5th Anniversary in 2006. Click Here for a letter from W. Steven explaining his decision.