Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
9/23/09 

Greetings Riders,
 
If you missed last week's newsletter about our ride to Jasper, AB in Canada, here is the link to it. You might want to at least take some time to look at the photos from this area. Based upon the email replies that I got, others agree with me that these are some of the best photos that I have taken, from an area that is a perfect backdrop for creating beautiful memories.
 
Well, it is definitely becoming motorcycle riding time of the year here in the Phoenix, AZ area, particularly in the evenings and early mornings. You are going to be coming home from, the sun will be going down soon and you will start to feel that hint of cool in the air that will make you want to start up the bike and take a little evening ride. If that bug does bite you, we have got some great bike nights going now that will give you plenty of choices.
 
This Wednesday night starts the beginning of a minimum 10 week run of the Historic Downtown Chandler Bike Night sponsored by Ridenow Powersports, Chandler Harley-Davidson and Chuck Franklin Law in association with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and Cyclerides.com. This will run every Wednesday night from September 23rd to November 25th. If things go well, we might even extend it a couple of weeks. Plenty to do down here with parking on the main street and 6 restaurants participating with bike night specials and fun. Click Here for menu's and details. There are a lot of bikes in the Southeast Valley, so I think this is going to be a good one. Hope to see you there to kick this off. A few miles North you can also ride to the Chester's Harley-Davidson Bike Night for some Live Music at the Toby Keith's Bar and Grill at the Loop 202 and Dobson in Mesa.
 
On Thursday nights we've got the new McDuffy's Bike Night on the West side of town, just South of Bell Rd. on 83rd Ave. Last Thursday over 100 bikes came out to kick off this new bike night. McDuffy's is a perfect venue for a bike night with plenty of parking, great food and fun atmosphere. Drop by this week to check it out. And on the East side of town is the landmark for motorcycle riders, the Billet Bar in Scottsdale. Stop by and help them celebrate 14 years of providing a cool place for riders to go on Thursday nights and the weekends.
 
This past weekend Mrs. C. and I headed South across the border to Rocky Point for a little beach time. We really enjoy watching the pelicans on the water and seeing the fisherman in those old boats do their work in the Marina area. Well, it wasn't all relaxation as I did have a meeting with the Rocky Point Visitors & Convention officials about the upcoming Rocky Point Rally taking place Nov. 5th - 8th. It had been about 4 months since we had been there and I am amazed at how fast things can change down there. The big things aren't changing much, as all construction has completely halted at literally every project in town. But the Malecon seemed to have a bit of a facelift that will be beneficial for those going to the Rally. More second level patios have been built as well as patios on the front of some places. These small improvements will be all the better for the fun times on the Malecon'. We even found a bit of history that we didn't know before. Apparently, the Posada La Roca Hotel, built in 1927, just a block from the Malecon' was Al Capone's Hiding Place in Rocky Point during the prohibition days. While we were walking around we went in there. The rooms are really pretty nice for only $30-$35 per night.
 
After meeting with Rafael of the RPVCB, I am more excited than before about this being a good rally. But let's be real, it really doesn't take much effort to have a good time in Rocky Point, especially during the Rally. I was really impressed with what all that have put together. It seems like they have taken most of the things that have been done over the last 10 years and plugged them back in this year including the Resort Run, Closing Calle 13 on Friday and Saturday night, Live Bands on the beach at Playa Bonita, the parade for the kids and of course, plenty of action on the Malecon'.
 
This year we even have a restaurant/bar that will be home base for all Cyclerides.com readers. It is called Debbie's Beach Bar Grill located on the Malecon' on the second level above the fish market on the water side. The cool thing about Debbie's is that it is on the end of the row of restaurants so everyone in there ends up with a 270 degree view of all that is happening downtown. You will have a water view and 2 views of the street. I am also working on making this the street in front of Debbie's the  official "Cyclerides.com Burnout Pit". This will be some entertainment for everyone on the second level. There will be preferred entry for all with a Cyclerides.com coupon which I will have available on the Cyclerides.com before the Rally. Should be a good time.
 
I also want to remind everyone of a couple of things. Number 1 is that if you don't already, you need to get your passport or passport card to be able to get back across the border. Rumor has it that a birth certificate and a drivers license will still work, but it does take longer. You still have plenty of time to get a passport card as they only take a couple of weeks to get. Click Here, to read my newsletter from July 1st with links on how to get your card. The other thing is that you might want to secure some reservations down there. I was told by some riders at bike night last week that they got the last room at Sonoran Sea and Rafael said that hotels and condo's were filling up. Go to Sea Side Reservations to see what is available. I know one place that is offering great deals right now is the Las Palmas on Sandy Beach. You can even get 3 couples together and rent a house on the beach there. A great place to stay.
 
I know the press is really bagging on travel to Mexico right now, but we just went down there and it was as quiet as you have ever seen it. No problems at the border or anywhere else. So far, Sonora has stayed away from the problems that you hear in other parts of Mexico. For those of you that have been down there in busy times know the border at Lukeville can be quite a wait to get back on any given weekend. Last Sunday we came through there at Noon and had one car in front of us. Two years ago that would have been a 2 hour wait.
 
It is really pretty down there right now and the weather in November will be wonderful. They will be updating the RPR site with ALL of the things you will need to know about in the next week or so. But for now the Agenda is up for you to view. Click Here. As usual, I took a few pictures as we were around town and down on the Malecon'. There are also some cool shots of the old fishing boats, beach and some brave pelicans. Click Here to View. Look forward to seeing you there.  
 

On another note, I visited the Vietnam Traveling Wall that was set up in Phoenix this past weekend. As I have said before, I was not in the military for the Vietnam war. I did have my draft card, but the war ended just as I turned 18. Even though I wasn't in the war, it was very much a part of my growing up during that era and I really have a soft spot in my heart for what these guys went through both there and on their return home. If you have ever visited the Traveling Wall, a story is told just by viewing all of the names inscribed. But a much bigger story is told by watching the people that were in the war, or had a loved one killed. The solemn look as they slowly reach out to lay their hands on the names of those that they lost during that time is very emotional. You can just feel their thoughts going back 40 years as they remember their buddies or loved ones. I even saw 3 generations visiting the wall as I was there. God Bless the Vietnam Vets. If you missed the display, Click here for Photos. 

Next Week 

Saturday, October 3rd
13th Annual C.U.F.F.S. Run. Register at Chester's Harley Davidson - 922 S Country Club Dr., Mesa. This is always a good run. Choir Boys are a Law Enforcement organization committed to assisting the survivors of fallen law enforcement officers with immediate needs. This is a great cause to help families of the Civil Servants the help us every day. Net proceeds go to the families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty. Registration starts from 8:30 - 10:30am. Donation: Rider - $20.00, Passenger - $10.00. Includes Poker Hand. High Hand $300/Low $150. Free Ride Pin to first 250 registered. After party at Chester's with Live Band or DJ to be announced. $5 for non riders. Sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. FMI call 480-894-0404.
 
Saturday, October 3rd
Save the Vets Day Parade. Sponsored by American Legion Riders - Post 26. Come support the parade that honors our heroes past and present. Starts and ends at American Legion Post 26 located at 505 W. 2nd Ave. in Mesa, AZ. (off Country Club between Main and Broadway) Admission $15 per bike or $20 with passenger. 5 stops - Free playing card at each stop. Registration 8-9:30am. $5 Breakfast 8-10am. Proceeds to support our combat unit in Iraq. Lat bike out 10am, in at 3pm. Live Music 2-6pm. Raffle, Door Prizes. Everyone Welcome.