Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
9/28/05 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, October is just days away and the local ride and event season is well under way. The October Cyclerides.com Rides and Events Calendar is already showing 21 events for the month. There are some upcoming quality events, so we should all be able to find a few things to do along the way. In November, make plans to join us as we lead a ride to the Rocky Point Rally on November 10th. It is a chance for you that have not been to Rocky Point or Mexico to ride with a group. This past weekend Mrs. C. and I did what I am going to call the Four Canyon Ride in an upcoming article. We spent the first night at the Grand Canyon South Rim and the next day visited Grand Canyon North Rim, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome State Park. Click Here for a few preview photos of the ride.
 
One of the common questions Mrs. C. and I get about our road trips is, how do both of us live out of a little t-bag for 8-10 days. Well that is a good question. When we were making these trips on the Vrod, we didn't even have saddlebags. The first thing you have to do is totally change the way you think about packing for vacation. You are not taking 2 suitcases and a carry on for a week in Maui. You are taking a motorcycle trip with an 18x14x12 bag strapped to the sissy bar of the bike. You have to lose the "more is better" thinking immediately and become a "minimalist". What is a minimalist? I'm not sure, but you will know you have become one when the zipper goes shut on the bag.
 
A minimalist by definition is: "Being or providing a bare minimum of what is necessary." That really sums it up very good. If there are 2 of you, the first thing you need to do is lay out all of the clothing and items you think you will need, for example, an eight day trip. After you have done this, you will find that what you have laid out would barely fit into the trunk of your car, much less a T-Bag to be strapped to a motorcycle. Remember, we aren't programmed to think minimal, so you will have to change your thought process.
 
What you do next is take what you have laid out and cut it in half. Guys, if you think you need 8 shirts and 8 pair of jeans, a fresh one for every day, get over it. It is not illegal on the road to wear a shirt, pants and socks more than one day, especially if you are riding in cooler country. Just get the powder scent deodorant, that will help to make you smell fresh. Ladies, you only need one pair of shoes on a motorcycle road trip, those are the ones attached to your feet. You are also allowed to wear the same outfit more than one day. Remember..."a bare minimum of what is necessary".
 
Once you have gotten over the fact that you might have to wear the same shirt, pants and socks more than once, you can both reduce your stack to what still looks impossible to get into the bag. Now start folding and laying your items into the bag, preferably in individual stacks, I really don't like sorting through bras and panties to get to my BVD's. Use every square inch of space by rolling or sliding things in small vertical areas. Now that you see that you still have too much stuff for the available room in the bag, you will both have to step back and revisit what you are actually packing for. Are you going to Maui for dinner every night at 5 star resorts? Or is it 8 days on a motorcycle with the wind in your face, communing with the elements of the road, getting close to nature, enjoying the sights and smells of the great outdoors for 8-10 hours a day? After you have brought yourself back to the reason you are packing in the first place, you will now be able to take out a couple of more unnecessary items and be ready to close your bag.
 
But wait, you still have not packed your toiletries. This is where once again, you will have to get used to the fact that your hair might not be able to have that bounce or shine that it has at home with your designer shampoo. Most hotels and motels provide soap and shampoo for you to use, which means one less bottle for the bag. Those will work just fine for these 8 days. Remember, when you are out in the middle of Montana, no one is going to know you and no one will care if you shampooed with Paul Mitchell or Holiday Inn. For the rest of those personal items, get travel sizes of whatever you need that will be just enough to last you for those amount of days on the road. This will conserve a lot of space. Then find a small cosmetic bag to put all of these items in.
 
Now comes the fun part of packing for an 8 day trip in a 4 day bag. Actually getting the bag to close  and zipping it up. I had once heard that Siegfried and Roy tried this trick in their act, but could never get it to work. Once you have made the 2 reductions in clothing, you will vow to not take one more thing out and will be determined to get that sucker zipped up at any cost. This is usually a 2 person job. One person needs to be the one to sit on the bag and compress all of the things in the bag that you think you need to take with you, and the other one is in charge of pulling the zipper to secure the bag. This can also be quite humorous. So if it is a lot of effort the first time around, remember that you have to do it 7 more times. But you will probably find that by day 3 you will be able to open up the zipper a mere 6 inches, put your arm in the bag, find whatever you want and pull it out without disturbing anything else in the bag.
 
If you find that you still did not get everything that you wanted in the bag, which is usually the case, you can get a small carry type bag and spider bungee it to the top of your T-Bag. These are also useful to strap a leather jacket to the front of your bike. You can get spider bungees at most of the motorcycle dealerships. You are now ready to strap your bag to the bike and enjoy your trip.
 
I have obviously poked fun at how to pack for a motorcycle trip, but there is also a lot of truth to what I have said. If you are going to take more than a couple day trip on a motorcycle, you are going to have to change the ways that you would normally pack and wear clothes. Remember, think minimalist, "Being or providing a bare minimum of what is necessary." If you can grasp that train of thought, you will get by just fine. Especially if I am going to a cooler climate, I can easily get 2 days out of a shirt and socks, and usually 3 days out of a pair of jeans. This will cut the load on packing by a lot. Jeans take up a lot of room. Once you get on the road, you will be so excited to be doing what you are doing, you won't care how many days you have worn that shirt. Hope this helps you in packing for your next trip.
 
A few things that I have found to come in handy on a trip are: flashlight, extra batteries, advil, a three way outlet if you need to plug in more than one charging device and there is only one available outlet, small tube of sunscreen, small siphon hose in case you missed that last gas station, small can of fix-a-flat and an extra spider bungee in case you buy something on the road that you need to strap on somewhere.
 

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This Week's Bike Night Events 

Thursday Night

Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill have teamed up to bring riders in the Far East Valley a great 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. ENTER YOUR NAME IN THE DRAWING EVERY THURSDAY IN OCTOBER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A $250 GIFT CARD FROM SUPERSTITION HARLEY-DAVIDSON. Drawing will be on October 27th. Must be present to win. Enter once every Thursday in October to increase your odds of winning. 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.

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.

September 30 - October 1st
Chester's Harley-Davidson Grand Opening Celebration and HD Chromecoming. This is one place you will want to make a destination this weekend. Enjoy 2 days of good times, great food and awesome entertainment in MESA from 10am - 10pm both days! Enjoy the Music of The Guess Who and The Chadwicks. You can also test your skills and bike on the Teresi Dyno Harley Drags.
Friday, Sept. 30th
Kick-off the weekend with H-D® CHROMECOMING Model Year 2006 Open House from 10am-10pm.
11:30am: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Register for a chance to WIN an all new 2006 motorcycle & other Harley prizes!

10am - 4pm: Grab your buddy and compete on the Teresi Dyno Harley® Drags

4pm: Get ready for some toe-tappin', foot-stompin, hand-clappin' country rock music performed by The Canyon Walls Band. Budweiser and a Variety of Food Vendors.

5pm: Show off your pride and joy with our Custom Bike Contest.

Saturday, October 1st
10am -4pm: The celebration revs up with more Teresi Dyno Harley® Drags with an Award Ceremony at 7:15pm.
2-4pm: Get you bike washed by beautiful AZ Models.
4pm: Chester's Harley-Davidson presents LIVE On Stage...The Guess Who with The Chadwicks.
 
September 29th - October 2nd
20th Annual Page Octoberfest. Event to be held at the Page City Park on South Navajo Drive in Page, AZ. No admission fee, pay as you go for contest & games. Vendors, bike games, demonstration riders, poker run & more. All proceeds go to Page Octoberfest Charities. Presented by MMA-AZ of Northern AZ. For more information call 928-645-6736.
 
Saturday, October 1st
3rd Annual YUBAD Rally. Poker Run Sign-In 8:30-11am at Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson in Yuma, AZ. Last card 2pm. Run’s End Party John Henry Park in Yuma, AZ. Bike Show, Raffles, 50/50, Door Prizes, Grand Prize includes: 2 tickets to Shedaisey Concert, DJ Danny, Live Band Tommy & the Drifters, Special Guests, & Kids Activities. Food & Beverage available. Rally package $25 per person includes: Rally Pin, Rally Tee Shirt, Poker Run, One Grand Prize Drawing Ticket and Meal. Presented by Yuma Bikers Against Diabetes in cooperation with Youth Diabetes/Foundation of YRMC. For more information: 928 782-7575.
 
Sunday, October 2nd
16th Annual Lost Dutchman Amazing Ride 2005. 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 Rider/$15 Passenger registration fee. Ride pin to 1st 600 registered. Bike Show, Vendors, Silent Auction & 50/50, Cash Bar, Cash Prizes, Live music from Noon-4pm with "Phat Bastards". Final Stop Harrah's AK-CHIN Casino. Sumptuous Buffet included or 2 for 1 coupon good for fine dining. For more information, call the East Valley H.O.G. Chapter Activities Hotline (480) 844-0803. 

Next Week 

Friday - Sunday, October 7-9th
Parkerbikerfest. a run to raise money for the Players Ninth Street Youth Center. Starting with the closing of downtown, Friday night, in order to host the bikers at the street party and Jim's Harley Davidson Bike show. The bikes roll UP onto a raised, checkered flag platform, complete with shining lights and smoke to let the crowds cheer and get an awesome view as they vie for the prize money and trophies.
Saturday its on to free breakfast and a spectacular tour of the river as it's Poker Run time for big $ and trophies. No sooner do the bikes return to their home base park on the rivers edge, and a bike rodeo begins with great prizes.  Then it's off the bikes and on to a free dinner and live music.
Sunday morning starts with CMA services and an escorted rolling thunder through the community. Oh sure there's the full line up of vendors, 50/50's, free T-Shirts and run Pins and free camping, but most of all it the community of Parker, that extends its warmth and friendliness to the motorcycle community.  One low price gets you entered into everything.  See it all at www.parkerbikerfest.com . or the info line toll free at 1-888-733-7275. 
 
Saturday, October 8th
2nd Annual Agent Orange Ride. Poker Run with Cash & Prizes. Sign-in 8-10am at Evolution Custom Cycles, 617 South McClintock Drive in Tempe, AZ. Poker Run, 50/50, Win Cash & Prizes including: A Fender Guitar & Amp, Southwest Airline Tickets, Leathers, T-Shirts, Hats, & More. Presented by The Order of the Silver Rose. From the Organizer, Buffalo Rick Galeener…Recently, our government has seen fit to revisit disability cases, and has severed compensation for any Vietnam veteran who "did not set foot on land, in Vietnam"! These are sailors and marines that served aboard ships stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin. They are suffering and dying from Agent Orange exposure and our VA system has seen fit to exclude them from compensation! Another promise broken! We will not break our promise! We will continue to recognize and award The Order of the Silver Rose to any veteran affected by Agent Orange. Get more info on the web at www.silverrose.org. We hope you will help in our effort by donating anything from Sponsorship dollars to Door Prizes. (Hats, t-shirts, products, services etc.) We'll take whatever we can get! It's for our vets! Thanks…Buffalo Rick Galeener, AZ Director, Order of the Silver Rose.
 
Sunday, October 9th
Hogtoberfest. Poker Run, Bike Show, Bike Games, Tattoo Contest, Door Prizes, Live Auction, Fashion Show, Live Music, Food, Drink, Vendors, 50/50, & a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to Harley-Davidson of Tucson. Jim Thomasson Memorial Poker Run-Sign-In 8-10:30am at Harley-Davidson of Tucson, 250 East Grant Road in Tucson, AZ. Payout for both High & Low Hands. Event Registration 11am-3:30pm at Beaudry RV, 3200 East Irvington Road in Tucson, On Site Registration includes: Admission, Event Pin (while supplies last), Door Prize Ticket, & a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to Harley-Davidson of Tucson (must be present to win). Plus there’s a chance to win a brand new 2005 Harley-Davidson, FLHRCI, Fuel Injected, Black, Road King Classic. Tickets are $5 each & $1 from each ticket will be distributed equally between: Pima Youth Partnership, Tucson Area Reading Council, TROT, & Las Familias. 520-792-0111. 

Extras 

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago about the new episodes of American Chopper on Discovery. The next 2 weeks are the Space Shuttle bike. These episodes should be very good as the Teutuls make a trip to Johnson Space Center to tour the facility and take a spin in the simulator. Check out the Space Shuttle Bike made for NASA episodes that premiere on October 3rd and October 10th.
 
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,