Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
9/24/08
 

Greetings Riders,
 
Can you believe September is almost over already and absolute prime time riding is just a few days away? However, seems like ole' man summer is giving it one more go as I was out yesterday afternoon on the bike and my thermometer said 105 degrees. Had it been the beginning of May and I was dealing with that, it would have been much worse knowing that I still had 4 more months to deal with it. But my mind was giving me a pass on this one knowing that the days of 105 are numbered at this point. I did hear an interesting report on the weather a couple of days ago. We have had something like 105 days over 100 degrees and 21 of those days over 110. BUT IT IS A DRY HEAT!
 
Whatever label you give it, tolerable is the end result. For some reason I have really had the riding bug lately stacking on another 250 miles in a few hours on Saturday. Of course, heading North helps as you are only getting blistered on the way back in, but that hasn't been bad either. With this in mind, we have been through Prescott 3 out of the last 4 weekends to get to some cooler riding. This past weekend we took the route through Wickenburg, Yarnell and the twisties of Prescott National Forest. After lunch in Prescott it was up the always fun Mingus Mountain to Jerome before heading back home on I-17. That is a great little 250 miles for those in the West Valley and about 325 miles for those in the East Valley. Here are 7 pictures from the day.
 
As we were riding back on Saturday one of the new really cool digital billboards on I-17 caught my eye. The electronic board cycles through about 6 ads every 30 seconds or so. I watched a few as the traffic slowed down around the Loop 101 and look what I saw pop up on the screen. Click Here. I was really surprised to see this but I have to admit feeling a little sense of comfort seeing a huge billboard that was telling the cages around me to "Look Out For Motorcycles". As it cycled through again, (traffic was slow) it came up with this one. After reading this, my euphoria took a dive as this sign reminded me of why the first sign was telling everyone to Look Out For Motorcycles. Accidents are an all too real by product of riding a motorcycle. A lot of times cars just don't see us.
 
Dealing with my recent mental euphoria and deflation in the span of the last 30 seconds, I spent the rest of the ride home wondering if these signs really work. Is it like the old "Baby on Board" sign that used to be popular? Am I really less likely to crash into a car if it has a Baby on Board than I would if it was just the Mom in the car? Probably not. My first thought would be not to hit the car at all. I would think the same would apply with cars pulling out in front of motorcycles. If a person is late for work, has a dozen things on their mind and is anxious to make that left turn, do I think the last thing that goes through their mind before pushing on the accelerator and entering the intersection is the sign they saw on I-17? I would hope so, but probably not.
 
The City of Glendale recently came out with a campaign for motorcycle awareness as well. Councilman Phil Lieberman, recently elected to his fifth term as councilman in Glendale was instrumental in making this happen. He is a long time rider and still riding strong at almost 80 years old. Phil is a great guy and being an avid rider he has a strong interest in Motorcycle Awareness. Using his position with the City of Glendale and his interest in motorcycle safety, the City of Glendale became the first city in the State to institute an awareness campaign by placing signs on 10 city streets that look like this. They are a blue and white sign about 3 foot square that tell you to "Look Twice for Motorcycles". I like that. Not only is it drawing attention to motorcycles, but it is an action item to not only look out for motorcycles, but to "Look Twice". 
 
Both are great campaigns. They create broad awareness to the otherwise aloof cage driver on the cell phone. But do they work? Being the eternal optimist, my first inclination would be that I hope they do and they certainly can't hurt. If it saved one life because a driver happened to think of that sign an actually did look twice before pulling into the intersection and avoid an accident, then it would all be worth it. While this is a good start, I think there could be so much more that could be done. But what? That is my question to you. 
 
The State of Arizona has a Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). Under that umbrella is the Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council that was created to advise the Director on the appropriations of the $1.00 fee that is added to every motorcycle registration. Currently those members represent diversity both in philosophies as well as in geographic areas of the State. Dave Novitt represents motorcycle membership from the Tucson or southern area of the State. Bobbi Hartmann is a lobbyist for ABATE. P.J. Janik a recently retired police commander is based out of Prescott and northern Arizona. Two more spots are available and will probably be appointed by the end of the year. Their goal is to both represent and provide review of the issues facing the motorcycle community. Those recommendations are shared with the Director of the Governors Office of Highway Safety and his staff. Click Here for a link to the GOHS Motorcycle Safety Page.
 
There are currently approximately 140,000 registered motorcycles in Arizona-which increases every year. Interestingly enough, for the months of July to August in 2008, a little over 5,000 people obtained their motorcycle endorsement from MVD. No doubt the high cost of fuel has driven people to consider two wheeled transportation. At $1.00 per registration, there is some money available to promote motorcycle safety in our State, but I don't think there is near enough to make a substantial dent into what really needs to be done. With the billboards, signs, flyers, booths and safety fair's that have already been accomplished, I believe the council has done a great job of kicking off this program and laying the ground work for making us all safer.
 
The good news is that we had a 3% decrease in motorcycle crashes in 2007. I'm not convinced that a billboard or a sign is going to be the answer to make a significant impact in the lowering of motorcycle crashes but it certainly can't hurt. It is the obvious place to start, but I believe that overall it needs to go much deeper than that to the point that it makes it as ordinary as turning the key to start the car or bike. I'm of the opinion that safety starts the moment you throw your leg across the seat of the bike and that as a group we are responsible and need to help ourselves.
 
How can we do that??? I have my ideas that will be covered in the letter next week. But for now, I would like to hear your ideas as to how the funds from the State can be best used to lower the motorcycle crashes. I understand that not every single crash can be avoided. Accidents do happen. But even if we could set a goal to lower accidents by 50%, we would all be happier. What do you think would be the top 3 ways to spend the money or even start a grass roots volunteer organization to reduce the amount of traffic accidents involving motorcycles? Please email your ideas to me at info@cyclerides.com . Next week I will go over what I think is necessary for us to protect ourselves, from ourselves and from others.
 
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Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, September 27th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Free Appreciation Breakfast.
Taking a ride Saturday morning? Stop by Arrowhead HD for a free breakfast on your way out of town.
 
Saturday, September 27th
Buddy Stubbs Open House Featurning the 2009 Models.
The new upgraded 2009 Harley-Davidson's are out and ready for you to take you to take your first look.
Free Food and Drinks, Live Music.
 
Saturday, September 27th
Chandler Harley-Davidson 2009 Model Open House and Miss Chandler HD Bikini Contest.
Join Chandler Harley-Davidson for the Unveiling of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Model Year Motorcycles
and the crowning of Miss Chandler HD at the Bikini Contest.
 
September 25-27
Best of the Beach AVP Volleyball Tournament.
Catch USA's Beach Volleyball Olympic Champs and the Valley's Best Beach Party
Featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh and Phil Dalhausser. 

 
Bike Nights This Week 

Thursday Night 

Starting Up Again!
Vito & Nick's II Thursday Bike Night. Starting Again in the SOUTHEAST VALLEY. After a long hot summer, Vito & Nick's II is putting their great outdoor patio to good use on Thursday nights with an all new bike night. This is a brand new location that features an outdoor patio, a comfortable dining area and bar. Bike night specials include $1.00 Off All Beer, $2.00 Off All Appetizers, $2.00 Off All Shots, $2.00 Off All Large Pizzas, Raffle Prizes. Get your raffle ticket when you ride in. Plenty of outside seating and dining inside. Stop by this Thursday for some Great Food and Fun! Vito & Nick's is located at 3321 E. Queen Creek Rd. (SE Corner of Queen Creek and Higley Rd.) 480-279-4482. Click Here to see Vito & Nicks. 

Chandler Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Tilted Kilt Mesa. Stop by the brand new Tilted Kilt in Mesa for Thursday Bike Night sponsored by Chandler Harley-Davidson. Sit out on the spacious patio or the cool inside. No matter where you are there will be the Tilted Kilt girls there to wait on you. Enjoy great food and drink, Door Prize Drawings, Music and 15% off your entire ticket on Bike Night. The NEW Tilted Kilt is located at 1910 S. Gilbert Rd. in Mesa. 480-507-5458.

Chester's Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Dos Gringos Mesa. Ride by the New Dos Gringos Mesa located on the northwest corner of Greenfield and Baseline in Mesa.  Dos is sure to make an impact and add some flare to the east valley. Enormous patio, complete with its own outdoor bar and separate dining areas on each side. Dos is a casual neighborhood hangout with great food and cold cervezas. Feel free to dine at one of our four tops, relax at one of the booths lining the edge or just belly up to the bar. Click Here to View. There will be drink and food specials and Raffles and Fun from Chester's Harley-Davidson. Ride with Chester's from the dealership at 5:30pm every Thursday located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. 480-894-0404.
 
Hooter's Thursday Bike at Peoria locationThe parking lot will be blocked off and it will be a night for MOTORCYCLES. Ride by Hooters in Peoria every Thursday night for Prizes, Giveaways every 1/2 Hour, Specials and of course great service by the Hooter's Girls. Enjoy $2.00 Bud and Bud Light Pints and $5.00 Bombers as well as those tasty Hooter's Wings. Sit on the huge outdoor patio and watch your favorite sporting event or inside with TV's every where you look. Enjoy this perfect riding weather with a ride to Hooter's this Thursday. Plan to check out the first night. 16550 N. 83rd Ave. just South of Bell Rd. 623-776-0123.
 
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 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 

Just Re-Opened!
Western Trails Ranch Biker Weekend. The Ranch - One of the largest Biker Venue's in the country. A 12 acre biker venue that's a Biker Haven. Sit on our extra large patio and watch the bikes roll in and out. We have a fully stocked bar and weekly drink specials. This week we are introducing the Western Trails Ranch Saloon Girls on Saturday night.  We will have 2 cocktail waitresses and 2 bartenders. Come check out their uniforms. We are open Friday's 10am to Midnight, Saturday's 10am to Midnight, and Sunday's 10am to 8pm.  Friday afternoons we have "The Ranch Game Club" from 12 to 4 in the afternoon, horseshoes, card playing, chess and checkers, everyone is welcome. Friday Nights are Game Night - Blackjack from 7 to 9 pm, then Roulette 9 to 11 pm, door prizes will be awarded, no money involved, this started last week and we all had a really great time. Saturday Night's LIVE MUSIC, check website calendar for particulars.  Westerntrailsranch.com or (623) 521-0367 for more information. 

This Week 

Saturday, September 27th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Free Appreciation Breakfast. Taking a ride Saturday morning? Stop by Arrowhead HD for a free breakfast on your way out of town. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson wants to invite all it's great customers to a customer appreciation breakfast on Saturday September 27th from 8:30am till 10:00 am!. Join us for a FREE pancake, sausage and egg breakfast. Thank you for all your support and business! Ride by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson the last Saturday of Every Month for a free breakfast. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.
 
Saturday, September 27th
Buddy Stubbs Open House Featurning the 2009 Models. The new upgraded 2009 Harley-Davidson's are out and ready for you to take you to take your first look. Stop by Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson to see why the New Harley's are the talk of the industry. This end of the month party is also time to Get a GREAT DEAL on a new 2009 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. There will be FREE Hot Dogs and Drinks, LIVE Music, Museum Tours with Buddy, Pool Tournament, Bikini Bike Wash from 11am - 2pm and a Sidewalk Sale with up to 50% OFF. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-971-3400.

Saturday, September 27th
Chandler Harley-Davidson 2009 Model Open House and Miss Chandler HD Bikini Contest. Join Chandler Harley-Davidson for the Unveiling of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Model Year Motorcycles. See the newly redesigned baggers and the New V-Rod Muscle. You will enjoy a Fashion Show and the Popular Miss Chandler HD Bikini Contest at Noon. Finals at 2pm. (Video) To enter the contest call Deb Lotardo at 480-496-6800 or email dlotardo@ridenow.com .Take advantage of the Bikini Bike Wash. And don't for get to show off you Tattoo's in the Tattoo Contest. Raffle drawings worth thousands $$ of items from our Parts, Service & MotorClothes departments. 20% off of all "In-Stock" items. Excludes sale/clearance items and no reward points given. FREE Music & Food !! Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. Just 1 mile East of I-10 on Chandler Blvd. 480-496-6800. Click Here for the Video of the Miss Arrowhead HD Bikini Contest. 
 
Friday - Sunday
September 25-27
Best of the Beach AVP Volleyball Tournament. Catch USA's Beach Volleyball Olympic Champs and the Valley's Best Beach Party Featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh and Phil Dalhausser. The best players on the AVP Crocs Tour hope to make it to Glendale, Ariz., for the season-ending tournament, where they will try to be crowned Best of the Beach. This will be the Beach Party of the Year in Arizona. Tickets starting as low as $10 with discount. Event takes place at Westgate City Center next to Cardinals Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Click Here for more information and to purchase your discount tickets.  

Saturday, September 27th
4th Annual Run With The Fools. A Charity Event to benefit ChildHelp.org presented by “Fools Life” Band. Sign up from Noon until 2PM At Amber Inn, 4236 W. Dunlap Ave. Your $25 Run donation includes a FREE “31” Run Card, End party entrance, All-U-Can eat Dinner, T-shirt and Run Pin for first 100. The End Party this year will be at the Rock Springs Café from 3 PM until 8 PM. 35769 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Rock Springs, Arizona. Just North of Phoenix on I-17 at Exit 242. Your $15 end party entrance donation includes the All-U-Can Eat Dinner. Multiple Bands including “Blueshounds”, “Straydog”, “Fools Life” and more – the “Brutal Beauties” Roller Derby Team - Vendors - Displays - Games - Contest - Raffles - Drawings - Door Prizes – Lots of  Shaded Seating - "All-U-Can Eat BBQ Dinner" 4PM to 7PM - FREE onsite Camping - After Hours Party featuring “Harry Brown” starts at 8 PM - Acres of FREE Parking. No one under 21 after 8 PM. MC and DJ Music provided by “The Farley McDavidson Road Show”. All proceeds benefit “Childhelp”, www.childhelp.org. For More Information call 602-770-5593. 

Next Week

Saturday, October 4th
Bikers for the Cure Poker Run. Hosted by The American Legion Riders Post 107. Bikers Supporting the Cure. Proceeds to Breast Cancer 3 Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ride begins at American Legion Post 107 located at 20001 N. Cave Creek Rd. Registration from 7:30am - 9:00am. Free T-Shirt to first 100 registrants. Breakfast buffet available starting at 7:30 for $5.00. $20 per person poker run. Includes "Wings and Things" Lunch, ride patch, prizes for high/low hands. 50/50, door prizes. KSU at 9am. Blessing of the Bikes and Survivor Recognition.
 
Saturday, October 4th
Free The Border Patrol. Ramos/Compean Benefit Fundraiser. RAIA Southwest will be sponsoring a benefit rally for wrongfully imprisoned border agents Ramos and Compean. In 2005, during a failed drug smuggling attempt these men were involved in a shooting resulting in the wounding of an admitted drug runner from Mexico.  For doing their jobs, defending our border, and capturing a van loaded with over 700 pounds of marijuana these agents were sent to federal prison for 11 and 12 years. Join us in assisting their families. Registration for the run is from 7 to 10am at Tosos sports bar and grill, 2401 W. Union Hills Drive.  Admission is free, but we are asking for donations to help the Ramos and Compean families.  There will be breakfast provided at no charge. The run will leave promptly at 10am.  We will ride to the state capitol at 17th Ave and Jefferson for surprise guest speakers. Once the speakers have finished there will be a road march of bikes and cars heading up I-17.  We will ride past the federal prison at the Pioneer Rd exit where Nacho Ramos is currently being held. The ride will end at the Roadrunner Saloon in New River.  Live music, raffles, vendors,and discounted food will be provided. More information will be released soon.  Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact: info@raia-southwest.com
 
Saturday, October 4th
The 1st Annual Run To The Races supporting OUR troops. Poker Run to benefit Operation Homefront, supporting our troops and their families. Traveling between 4 NAPA Auto Parts stores. Starts about 1:00pm at the Napa  Store at 51st Ave. just south of Bell Rd. and end up for the evening at Manzanita Speedway, 35th Ave. and W. Broadway. The run will be led by Fire Up Freedom (see their website: FireUpFreedom.com) after the run they will be serving Hot Dogs and Brats from the truck.  Parking at Manzy for over 300 cars and Bikes. Full security and extra lighting provided during the races.  The cost of registering will include a t-shirt, meal and admission to the races. Manzanita Raceway is rolling out the red carpet, lots of prizes and giveaways. They have made this night, FREE military night. All Military with ID will get into the races free. Lots of Raffle Prizes and Giveaways.Not an event to miss.For more information visit RunToTheRaces.com. Registration $25.00, Includes Event T-shirt, meal, race admission.
 
Saturday, October 4th
1st Annual Bikers for Ta-Tas Ride. To Benefit the Susan G. Komen - for the Cure Breast Cancer research and Team WISH. Ride begins at Hooters on 83rd Ave and Bell and will end at Harold's Corral in Cave Creek.  Cost is $25 for rider and $10 for passenger. Cost Includes ride pin and lunch at Harold's.  Check-in starts at 7:45, we roll out at 9:15 to arrive at Harold's around 10:45ish. At Harold's, there will be raffle items to try for, a 50/50 drawing, music and good eats!!
 
Saturday and Sunday
October 4th and 5th
Ride for the Heart Southwest 1000. Southwest 1000. Ride for the Heart Foundation charity ride, with multiple start and end locations. The ride format is based on our highly successful Iron Butt charity rides. Start and end locations are located in Apache Junction and Tucson, AZ along with Las Cruces and Socorro, NM.  Check the website for a specific location near you.  Donations are garnered through rider's pledges similar to the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. Your $125.00 registration fee includes IBA Certification, tee shirt, pin, patch and refreshments along the route. The Ride for the Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for both national and local heart-related charities.  One hundred percent of all rider-generated donations will go to a national or local heart-related charity. If you have ever thought about riding an Iron Butt ride, our ride is about the best one to cut your teeth on. If you have ridden them before you will appreciate the organization of the ride. For more information contact Bill at 760-644-2118 or go to www.ridefortheheart.com to register.
 
Saturday, October 4th
12th 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 1pm - 3pm. Donation: Rider - $20.00, Passenger - $5.00. Final Destination is Boston's Gourmet Pizza. Raffles, Door Prizes, VENDORS, Live Bands Metalhead and Dagger. Free Ride Pin to first 250 registered. Sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. FMI call 480-894-0404.
 
Sunday, October 5th
The Lost Dutchman Road Rally. If you are looking for a ride with a new twist, this might be it. Chesters Harley-Davidson and the East Valley HOG Chapter invite you to this great road rally! This is a precisely timed Road Rally. It isn't a speed race, it's all about timing and strategy. The Lost Dutchman Road Rally is a precisely timed riding event that will start at Chester’s Harley-Davidson in Mesa and finish at Arizona Joe’s in Apache Junction. Each rider will be given a timecard and a map with the event route. The rider’s start time will be marked at Chester’s Harley-Davidson at the beginning of the ride, and when they reach Arizona Joe’s they’ll receive an ending time. The rider who comes in with a total time closest to the Secret Rally Time will win the Grand Prize!. Route is about 100 miles long. Starting at Chesters Harley Davidson and ending up at Arizona Joe's, this charity event benefits East Valley children charities. Registration begins at 7am to 10am with a continental breakfast then the rally ends with a great time at Arizona Joe's. There will be Bike Games, Live Band With Jack The Ripper And Roxster, Food, Raffles, Silent Auction, And A Bike Show! This is a great time and a great cause. $30 per rider, $20 per passenger. Save $5 by registering early. FMI call 480-894-0404. For more details about the ride, Click Here. 

Extras 

Readers Rides 2008 Photo Gallery: I know a lot of you have great photos from rides this Summer. Share them with the rest of the Cyclerides.com family. Add them to the Readers Rides 2008 Photo Gallery. Just email me a picture of you or your bike next to a sign or landmark to share with everyone. Email to info@cyclerides.com. Click Here to View photos already sent in.
 
Women Who Ride Photo Gallery. Ladies! Send in your photos on your bike to be added to the Women Who Ride Gallery. Click Here to View photos already submitted. 

Cyclerides.com Classifieds are now FREE! List your Motorcycles, ATV's, Parts, etc. Just put 1234 in the credit card blanks and add your Bikes or Parts today. Click Here to add or view the current list of items for sale. 

What do you do when you are a cat and are 1/5 the size of a dog? Stick your claws in his nose. Click Here to View. 

Yikes! Here is a deer that should have used the crosswalk. Click Here to View. 

These guys have put dog training to an interesting use. Surprising the reaction that a cold wet nose will get when put in the right place. Click Here to View.
 
Here is a bonus video for you motorheads. This is a compilation of some of the worst motorsports racing crashes I have seen. But makes for some good video. Click Here to View. 

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

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