Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
9/26/07
 

Greetings Riders,
 
I look at the date above and see that there are only 4 more days left in September. Hard to believe that we are already on the doorstep of the last quarter of 2007. I'm sure the late heat wave this year has left us unaware that we will soon need to locate our sweatshirts and leather jackets. If you have done any evening or night riding lately, it couldn't be much better.
 
This week I will continue with day 4 and 5 of our 2800 mile Colorado ride. If you are new to the letter or missed the first 2 reports click Here for 9/12 and 9/19 to catch up. So far I have posted 338 photos from the trip, with many more to come over the next few weeks. When I left you last week, we were finishing up day 3 by riding through a couple of hours pouring rain. But, if you are prepared, it really isn't as bad as it sounds. We use the Harley Jet helmets with the built in face shields along with the rain suits and together it keeps us pretty dry. We ended that night in Mt. Crested Butte which is about 27 miles North of Gunnison on Hwy. 135 and is now primarily a ski and tourist town. This is a really pretty area with lots of history and historic buildings as you will see by the pictures. We awoke the next morning hoping to see some sunshine and be able to take some pictures. After a huge cloud moved off the mountain we had some sun and blue skies to ride around the town. If you are ever in the area, it is worth the one way ride to spend the night. Here is a short video clip of riding down Main St.
 
It is kind of funny how your mind works on these trips. When you know you are going to be on the road for 9 days your mind kind of splits things up. The first couple of days are usually spent still winding down, trying to extract yourself from the hectic pace of everyday life. It takes that long just to let go of the routine. By the end of day 2 and day 3 you completely let go of what was important a few days ago and are completely immersed in every minute of motorcycle touring, the scenery, the weather and being on the road. By the time day 4 and 5 rolls around you have completely adopted the gypsy lifestyle of no clocks, no schedules and no expectations. The real world has been left behind for this awesome experience that you are enjoying now. Day 6 is the point in the trip when you are completely involved with the ride, in denial about having to return to what you know as "the real world", and are trying to figure out if anyone would really miss you if you decided to extend your escape from reality for another month or two. 
 
When you wake up on Day 7 and 8 you know the end is near and you want to soak up every bit of scenery and relaxation you can find to store up for those times when you need to take a mental vacation in the midst of the routine that you are about to re-enter. And then comes Day 9. The day that you are usually a few hundred miles from returning to being Mom, Dad, loyal employee, or business owner again. That long ride home is a day for reflection, being thankful for the last 8 days and to trying to figure out how you can add 9 additional days next year. But throughout the entire time that you are going through this mental exercise, your experience is pushing out a lot of the garbage that has piled up over the last several months and replaced it with memorable experiences to get you through to the next ride.

Our Day 4 was to be a relatively short 240 mile ride from Crested Butte to spend the night with some friends that we hadn't seen for several years in Evergreen, CO. After breakfast and some riding around town, we left Crested Butte around 10:30am back to Gunnision and then Hwy. 50 over the 11,312 foot Monarch Pass and another crossing of the Continental Divide. We then headed North on Hwy. 285 with a view of the Sawatch mountain range to the left on our way to our next stop of Fairplay. This is another old mining town from the late 1800's that has an interesting old hotel called the Hand Hotel. If you are ever through there and want old, this place is authentic. There is no Wi-Fi here. 

We followed Hwy. 9 to Breckenridge for a break before catching I-70 for our stop at the Naran's in Evergreen. One surprise along this route was how pretty I-70 is. I had no idea it was so scenic through here. The Eisenhower tunnel was also a surprise as well as the mining towns on the East side of the tunnel.
 
After an evening of catching up with old friends we were on our way for day 5 with the first stop Mt. Evans. This was one of those stops that was totally unplanned and decided upon that morning when Kevin told us that it was the highest paved road in North America, a great ride and that we should go up there. It also happened to be the awesome view that he had from his back deck. So off we went meandering our way to 14,200 feet and make our mark on the highest paved road in North America. This was a good example of being flexible with our route, because I would really have hated to miss this ride. As we were riding this road built in the early 1900's that literally hangs on the side of the mountain, we went through the clouds as we were dodging mountain goats and broke out into blue skies at the top just over 14,000 feet. When the clouds below moved on, we could see for miles from Pikes Peak in one direction to Rocky Mountain National Park, our next destination in the other.
 
We spent an hour at the top learning the history of the mountain that was really enjoyable. And believe it or not, we met some Cyclerides readers up there as well. Alex and his son introduced themselves at the top. Alex recognized the bike as we passed them on the way up. It is amazing where we run into riders that use the site. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend this detour. It can be reached off of I-70 at Idaho Springs on Hwy. 103. Once you reach the entrance of Mt. Evans Park, it is about a 14 mile ride to the top.
 
From Mt. Evans we headed to what we thought was to be our crown jewel of the trip, Rocky Mountain National Park. On paper it sounded good, but little did we know, we had already done the most exciting thing we would do that day. Maybe it was that I had put so much emphasis on the park as being a big deal. I was already comparing it to Glacier NP in my mind and I hadn't even been there yet. I'll save you the suspense, it was no Glacier Park. The ride to it was nice and the ride back was good too, but the park itself was not really that impressive. Although, if we had done it first, I might have been a little more impressed. But since we had already had an eye full several times, it was pretty average. Of all the big name places that we have been in the last several years, it wouldn't rank in my top 10 of favorite destinations.
 
But if you are in the area, and want to do a 177 mile loop, it is definitely worth doing. From I-70 at Idaho Springs, we took the Central City Parkway to the very cool old town of Central City. Take a few minutes to take a ride around there and look at all of the historic buildings. It is very cool. Then up Hwy. 119 to 72 to Estes Park, the entrance to RMNP on what is called the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Then Hwy. 34 over Trail Ridge Rd. through the park past Lake Granby to Hwy. 40 through Winter Park back to I-70. On your way back you can ride through the old town of Silver Plume and Georgetown for some more mining history. We ended our 287 mile Day 5 ended in Dillon, CO.
 
Overall Day 5 was very good, partyly because we started the day on such a high (no pun intended) by riding up Mt. Evans. And for us to actually see wildlife was another high point of the day. Sometimes I think we could ride through a zoo and not see any animals. And even though I was not specifically impressed with Rocky Mountain Park, the 177 mile loop around there is well worth doing.
 
Next week I will take you through Days 6 and 7 which will include Loveland Pass, Vail, Leadville, Independence Pass, Aspen and Redstone. These were some of the most beautiful and interesting areas that we went through.
 
I got a little "snap happy" on this leg of the trip. But there are some really good pictures.

Click Here for 210 photos of the days. 
Click Here for Maps of the route. 
 

Useful Links:
Crested Butte
Town of Fairplay, CO.
Mt. Evans - Highest Paved Road in North America
Rocky Mountain National Park
 


 

Highlights This Week
 
Saturday, September 29th
Buddy Stubbs Full Metal Open House. Enjoy Live Music, Free Lunch and Plan your visit for
one of the 3 Fashion Shows at 12pm, 1pm and 2:30pm.  
 
Saturday, September 29th
Victory of Mesa Open House. The long wait is finally over. Stop by the Victory of Mesa open
to get a first look and take a test ride on the all new Victory Vision Motorcycle.
 
Saturday, September 29th
7th Annual Thunder Valley Rally. Sponsored by Cliff Castle Casino, benefiting the Save
The Family Foundation of Arizona. This year features a FREE Poker Run. $500 to the highest hand.

 


 

This Week's Bike Night Events 

Tuesday Nights 

Chandler Harley-Davidson Two Wheeled Tuesdays.
The first Tuesday night was a huge success with over 350 motorcycles coming through the Tilted Kilt
to take part in the 9-11 Tribute. Bike night is every Tuesday night with food and drink specials, but Chandler Harley will be doing a special with live music the first Tuesday of every month. For October, look forward to Biketober night at the Kilt. There will be Raffles, Vendors, Bike Competition, Portable Dyno Competition. Watch next week for weekly event specials. Bike night hosted at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe located at 660 W. Warner Rd. 

Wednesday Nights 

Bike Night at Buffalo Wild Wings Mesa-Falcon Field. This is a great new stop for riders on the East Side. Enjoy GREAT FOOD and Live Music every Wednesday night with Soul Catcher, featuring acoustic blues and classic rock from 7pm - 10pm every Wednesday Night at Buffalo Wild Wings located at 4425 E. McKellips Rd. in Mesa, AZ, just across from Falcon Field. Special motorcycle parking in front of the patio. Choose from the extensive new menu including Wings, Chicken Tenders, Huge selection of salads, Wraps, Sandwiches, Ribs & Combos, Burgers, Desserts and Beverages. Click Here for complete menu. Bike Night specials are 50 Cent Legs all day, $2.50 Coronas & Pacificos, $1.75 Bud Light Pints, $1.75 Miller Light Pints. Sit inside and watch your favorite sporting events on over 50 TV's and 5 Giant Screen TV's or sit outside on the huge patio where there are more TV's and enjoy the evening air. Wherever you find to relax, you will be sure to have a good time, good food and good entertainment at the Buffalo Wings Wednesday Bike Night. 480-218-9464. Click Here to take a look at Buffalo Wild Wings. 

Thursday Night 

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Thursday Bike Night at Gordon Biersch Brewery at Westgate. Live Music on the patio this week 6:30 - 9:30pm!!  You can also sign up for the Gordon Biersch Passport card. Get your GB Passport. Pay $20 for the card, and you will get a $20 gift certificate to redeem for food and drink. On Bike Nights you will receive double rewards to build points for free food and drink. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Glendale features the best Beer Garden you will find in this State, an impressive bar area equipped with TVs and speaker system, great food, and a large outdoor patio seating. Bike night specials include: Extended Happy Hour for Riders to 8:00pm

Happy Hour includes:

$1.00 off Gordon Biersch Lagers

$2.00 off all Wines by the Glass

$4.95 Appetizer Specials: Southwest Egg rolls, Tapas, Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Crispy Artichoke Hearts, Garlic Fries, Mini Pizza's Cheese or Pepperoni.

Try my favorite, the Gordon Biersch "Golden Export" or a sampler of all 5 of their beers brewed on site. Plenty of motorcycle only parking. Gordon Biersch is located at 6915 N. 95th Ave. at Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale next to the Cardinals Stadium. An easy ride from anywhere in the Valley. 623-877-4300.
 
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.
 
Western Trails Ranch is open again for the riding season Thursday thru Sunday!
The Next 2 Weekends leading up to the 2nd Annual Rally at The Ranch are hereby Proclaimed to be "Easy Rider" Weekends. Thursday Bike Night starts at 6PM every Thursday. Bike Rodeo each Thursday Night. Trophies and Prizes. Horseshoe Tournament, We are giving away Rally at the Ranch/ Foghat Tickets every Thursday & Friday Night and our Horse Shoe tournament is a $5 Buy in with the winner getting 50% of the Pot with the other  50% supporting the MMA.  Winners will advance to a Play off at Rally at The Ranch where they can win a FREE ROOM for the Rocky Point Rally.  This Thursday Motorcycle Game will be Slow Drags. Also cash 50/50 drawings for Charity by the MMA Westsiders.  Food Discounts & Drink Specials Thursday Night.Happy Hour all night. Drink and Food specials. Foghat Ticket Giveaways, Meet and Greet the MMA Westsiders. 50/50 Drawings.
Friday and Saturday Night: Live Rock and Roll.
This Weekend enjoy Blue Tattoo, Super Blues and Classic Rock Cover Band
Saturday and Sunday Biker Days Open 10am. Drink Specials, Patio Misters, 4 horseshoe pits, Pool Tables, Watch the bikes come and go from the Buzzard Saloon. Western Trails Ranch is located at 37823 Grand Ave. Morristown, AZ Mile Marker 124. From Surprise Just 15 Short Minutes from Bell Rd on left side of GRAND AVE. Look for the Teepees  From Wickenburg just 15 short minutes. 3 miles past SR 74 "Carefree Hwy" on the right. More information at 623-922-0450. 

Every Saturday and Sunday 

Harold's Cave Creek Corral Bike WeekendsThis is the patio that we have all been waiting for in Cave Creek. The new 4000 Sq. Ft. patio at Harold's is finally finished complete with misters, TV's and an outdoor bar. There is plenty of room to put some tables together and hang out with your riding group for breakfast, lunch or the cold beverage of your choice. 
NEW!!
Saturday: Every Saturday Patio PartyFrom 12-5.
 50% off appetizers (under $10). Drink Specials, $2.00 Bud / Bud light Bottles, $3.00 16oz Bud / Bud Light Aluminum Bottles & Widmer Hefeweizen Pints. $3.00 Margaritas, Sunrise, ect. (new cuervo flavors; lime, orange, & pineapple)
Sunday: Every Sunday. All you can eat Breakfast Buffet $8.99 (from 8am - Noon). Live Music from 2-6.
Sunday's are SERVICE INDUSTRY DAY (from 8am to close). Are you in the Service Industry. Golf, Hotel, Restaurant, etc. Show us your check stub & receive 20% off your entire bill because we appreciate all that you do.
(not valid on already discounted items) You can also choose from their full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu every day of the week. Plenty of new motorcycle parking right in front of the patio. A great destination patio for your weekend rides. Harold's is located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. 480-488-1906.
There are still no tickets being given for DB violations. Just continue to keep the noise down as much as possible when riding through Carefree. 

Events This Week 

Saturday, September 29th
Buddy Stubbs Full Metal Open House. With the exciting new 2008 Harley-Davidson’s on the showroom floor, and new models arriving daily, please mark your calendar for our Open House Party Saturday, September 29th.  Enjoy Live Music, Plan your visit for one of the 3 Fashion Shows at 12pm, 1pm and 2:30pm , Enjoy a Free Lunch, Giveaways and Motorcycle Museum Tour at 12:30pm. We plan to host a party you won’t forget. And of course, get a good look at the new 2008 Harley-Davidsons and the new copper painted 105th Anniversary Models.  Plus enter to win a new  2008 Fat Bob motorcycle or a V.I.P. trip for two to the 105th celebration in Milwaukee. All the fun takes place from 11am - 5pm. Buddy Stubbs is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. 602-971-3400.
 
Saturday, September 29th
Vickie's Hope Ride 2007. Join Scott Baker and the Gypsy Riders on Saturday, September 29th for The 2nd Annual Vickie’s Hope Ride that will once again benefit Arizona women diagnosed with breast cancer.  All proceeds from the ride and raffles will benefit Arizona Institute for Breast Health where women receive timely options for care, education, and support, including free second opinions. Vickie’s Hope Ride 2007 is a 100 plus mile ride to Bartlett Lake.  The Ride begins and ends at Buddy Stubbs Harley Davidson located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix.  Registration is from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M.  A light breakfast will be provided.  Registration is $20 for riders and an additional $10 for passengers. This is an unescorted ride with no stops along the route except for gas and/or refreshments.  Buddy Stubbs is hosting an Open House Party on the 29th, so once you arrive back at Buddy's, stretch your legs, kick back and listen to the live music, and stay for lunch.  Purchase your raffle tickets, then step inside and check out the bikes and the motorclothes department.  Ladies don't miss the Blazin' Bachelors Charity Auction at 3:30pm.
 
Saturday, September 29th
Victory of Mesa Open House. The long wait is finally over. Stop by the Victory of Mesa open to get a first look and take a test ride on the all new Victory Vision Motorcycle. Open House is from 11am - 2pm. Enjoy Live Music with "Chuck Ziegler", Free BBQ, Tilted Kilt Girls, 50/50 Raffles, Huge In-Store Discounts, Test Rides. Don't miss this opportunity to be the first to see the new Victory Vision Motorcycle. Mesa Victory is located at 833 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-668-7969.
 
Saturday, September 29th
3rd Annual Run With The Fools. Run to benefit ChildHelp Arizona. $15 per person includes Free Lunch at end party, Ride Pin and T-Shirt for the first 100. End party $10 per person includes free lunch. 10am sign in at the Roadrunner Saloon in New River. Format is a 3 Stop "31 Run". Run ends at the Roadrunner with DJ Music, Live Music, 3 bands, Door Prizes, Raffles, Auction, Wet T-Shirt, Vendors.
 
Saturday, September 29th
7th Annual Thunder Valley Rally. Sponsored by Cliff Castle Casino, benefiting the Save The Family Foundation of Arizona. This year features a FREE Poker Run. $500 to the highest hand, $250 to highest hand passenger, $500 to the lowest hand and $250 to lowest hand passenger. Entertainment, Vendors, Food, Prizes. Registration from 7am - 9am. Poker run 9am - 3pm. Entertainment Noon - 6pm. All participants will receive one free drawing entry. Bonus entries will be received with every $5 donation to Save The Family Foundation. Drawings will be every 1/2 hour from 1pm - 6pm. All participants must register. You may pre-register online or the day of the event from 7-9am. Click Here to register. Click Here for Ride Map. Cliff Castle Casino is located at 555 Middle Verde Rd. in Camp Verde, AZ. approximately 85 miles North of Loop 101, Exit 289 off of I-17. For more information call 928-567-7900.
 
Sunday, September 30th
1st Annual RideNow for Kids Golf Tournament. For those of you that want to take a morning off from riding, you can still help the cause by participating in the RideNow for Kids Golf Tournament to raise money for The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in conjunction with the Ride For Kids on October 14th. Tournament takes place at Club West Golf Club, 16400 S. 14th Ave. in Phoenix. Registration fee is $90 that includes 18 holes of golf, cart, range balls, lunch and a chance to will lots of prizes. Space is limited. Click Here for more information or call Sarah Heiden at 480-755-5398. 

Next Week 

Saturday, October 6th
3rd Annual Gypsy Riders Ball. The 3rd annual Gypsy Riders Ball benefiting Arizona Institute for Breast Health and local charities will be held on October 6, 2007, starting at 6pm. Event to be held at Monterra, West World in Scottsdale. We count on your continued support and encourage you to attend the 2007 Ball.  This year will be another spectacular event with delicious cuisine, a custom bike display and other surprises!
Highlights of the night include:
Ruby Cheeks from KDKB Radio as MC for the evening, Music and entertainment by Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns,
Casino night with craps, black jack and roulette, Silent and live auctions, Hand rolled cigars by Churchill's Fine Cigars
Temporary airbrush tattoos by Crash Monkey Tattoos, Feather boa sales and more! For the Press Release and more detailed information
Click Here.
 
Saturday, October 6th
Moon Mullins Night Ride. Sponsored by the Shadow Mountain Chapter of ABATE of Arizona. 6pm sign in at Motodad's located at 11839 N. 19th Ave., between Cactus and Peoria. All riders out by 6:30pm. End of run party at Western Trails Ranch, 37823 N. Grand Ave. in Morristown. $15 single, $25 per couple includes T-Shirt for the first 50 riders and free poker hand. $100 High Hand, $25 low hand. 50/50, Raffle Prizes, Live Music. More information at 602-843-2906.
 
Sunday, October 7th
Lost Dutchman Amazing Ride. Sponsored by the East Valley H.O.G. Chapter. This is annually a very well attended ride. Proceeds benefit East Valley Organizations that aid others in need. Registration from 7am - 10am at Chester's Harley-Davidson at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. $25 per person registration fee. Ride pin T-Shirt to 1st 300 registered. Bike Show, Silent Auction & 50/50, Cash Prizes, Music,  Silent Auction. Catered Lunch included. For more information, call the East Valley H.O.G. Chapter Activities Hotline (480) 844-0803. 

Upcoming Events 

October 26-28
27th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows.
The Worlds Largest Powersports Tour is coming to the Cardinals Stadium in Glendale. Don't miss out on the action.
** Over 600 of the latest on and off-road vehicles.
** 18 of the Worlds top manufacturers.
** The latest aftermarket parts and accessories from top manufacturers with reps on hand to answer your questions.
** Special features including Motocross America, The ATV/Outdoor Showcase, Sportbike Customs, Big Twin Customs and The History of Speed.
** Live stunt shows daily with THE BOSS Stunt Team.
** Discount tickets available at
motorcycleshows.com. The stadium is located at the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. in Glendale, AZ. 

Extras 

Here is another one of those funny commercials trying to drive home a point. This one says: Don't judge too quickly. Click Here to View.
 
This one is pretty interesting and funny. An astronaut describing how you "use the facilities" in space. You will never look at a shooting star the same.  Click Here to View.
 
This one is great. A juggler performs a choreographed routine to an old Beatles song. He is really talented. It builds as it goes. You will want to watch the whole thing. 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

 All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2007 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
All rights reserved.