Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/9/11
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Well, it is mid February and the weather has been unseasonably cool for us here in the desert. But one thing we do know for sure is that PRIME riding weather is right around the corner, and when that comes, we know that Arizona Bike Week is not far off. In fact, This year is the 15th anniversary of Arizona Bike Week and we are only 44 days away from the start of the Pre-Rally Days which begin on March 25th this year with the Backstage Biker Bash at Chester's Harley Davidson featuring Gretchen Wilson in concert. That will be the start of 10 days of non stop motorcycle activities and events around the valley ending with Logan's Run Charity Ride and valley favorite Mogollon.
 
Arizona Bike Week has always been one of my favorite times of year. There is always something to do throughout the week, and as a rider, it is exciting to see all of the other riders on the road that have come into town to enjoy the weather and beauty of the Arizona riding that we have all the time. With the event being moved up a week this year, I hope that the organizers have picked the sweet spot of riding weather this year. Not too hot, not too cold. I've seen it both ways. Check out this short video of the snow we rode through in 2007 on the Wednesday ride.
 
Each year ABW gives out the "Arizona Bike Week Hero Award" on the opening night at Westworld to a person who they feel has made a contribution to the motorcycle community in Arizona over the years. I am honored to say that this year they have chosen me to be the recipient of that award for 2011. There will be a brief award ceremony in the Handlebar Saloon at Westworld on Wednesday, March 30th at 8pm following the Miss Arizona Bike Week competition. I am inviting all of you to stop by and share this award with me. The Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek is sponsoring a ride to escort Mrs. C. and I from the Hideaway to Westworld leaving at 6pm. Make plans to ride with us to Westworld from the Hideaway. Thanks again to Arizona Bike Week for this honor and allowing me to be a part of the 15th Anniversary celebration.
 
There is so much on the ABW calendar that I can't list them all in the letter, but I will give you some of the highlights and ones that I think will be especially good. If you click on the dates below, the link will take you to the event page of all the events for that day.
 
Friday, March 25th:
Chester’s Harley-Davidson Backstage Biker Bash V featuring Gretchen Wilson. This will be the place to be on Friday night as Chester's begins the 10 days Arizona Bike Week activities with Country music recording artist Gretchen Wilson featuring the Herndon Brothers.  
Hideaway Grill Bike Week Schedule: The Hideaway Grill will also be kicking off 10 days of activities at the Hideaway in Cave Creek. Click Here for their calendar.
 
Saturday, March 26th
2nd Annual Greasewood Flat & Cavalliere’s Reata Pass Arizona Bike Week Music Festival March 26 & 27: Enjoy live country-western, bluegrass and rock music on both outdoor patios all day.
7th Annual Buddy Stubbs Bike Week Bash: 13,000 people came and enjoyed a great party last year, 2011 will be even bigger!! Admission is always FREE.
 
Sunday, March 27th
16th Annual Trifecta Custom Bike Show and Blowout at the Steel Horse Saloon. Vendors, bike show, music.
4th Annual Born 2B Wild Liberty Wildlife Ride. Proceeds benefit Liberty Wildlife.
The Hideaway Grill - AZ's Builders Bash: AZ's premier builders will be at the Hideaway all day with their newest and baddest creations!
 
Wednesday, March 30th - April 3rd
Cyclefest at Westworld begins. See tons of vendors, music all day and night, demo rides, food and lots of ABW fun.
 
Wednesday, March 30th
Wednesday Riding for Kids Charity Run: This event is a 280 mile ride that is the kick off ride for Arizona Bike Week. This route will be through southern Arizona. All motorcycle makes and types are welcome. Always one of my favorites and one that we go on every year.
Demo Rides Begin at Westworld: 5 Motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Boss Hoss, Star and Can-am.
Miss Arizona Bike Week Pageant in the HandleBar Saloon: Join us for our 15th annual pageant, featuring the sexiest biker chicks the southwest has to offer!
Barry Caraway – An “Arizona Bike Week Hero": Please join us in the HandleBar at 8pm as we salute the many accomplishments of a true Arizona Bike Week Hero.
Skid Row in Concert in the HandleBar Saloon - 9:00 PM
 
Thursday, March 31st
9:00 AM - 6th Annual T-Bar Trail Ride: Has turned in to one of the bigger rides at ABW.
Warrant in Concert in the HandleBar Saloon9:00 PM
Demo Rides at Westworld: 5 Motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Boss Hoss, Star and Can-am.
 
Friday, April 1st
The Hamsters Charity “Dry Heat” Poker run!: Come Ride with The Hamster Custom Motorcycle group who’s members include some very famous names from our industry such as Arlen, Cory and Zach Ness, Paul Yaffe, Donny Smith, Dave Perewitz, Don Hotop, Brian Klock and the list goes on and on.
Demo Rides at Westworld: 5 Motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Boss Hoss, Star and Can-am.
“Tribute to Excellence” - 7:00 PM. Arlen Ness - Pioneer in the Motorcycle Customizing Industry
"Heart" in Concert in the HandleBar Saloon. 9pm. Heart took the music world by storm in the 70s. Led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, Heart is considered by many to be the best “chick” band of all time. "I am really excited to see Heart. This should be the best concert of Bike Week.
 
Saturday, April 2nd
Chester's Harley-Davidson 12th Annual "Torch Ride" to Cyclefest: Don’t miss the 12th ANNUAL TORCH RIDE with Chester’s Harley-Davidson to benefit the Special Olympics Arizona. Largest ride of ABW last year.
Paul Yaffe Bash: - 2pm. This year Paul has moved the bash from his shop to Cyclefest at WestWorld to better accommodate the ever growing party crowd!
Buckcherry in Concert in the HandleBar Saloon: 9:00 PM
 
Sunday, April 3rd
"Logan's Run" Logan's Valley Motorcycles Charity Poker RideLogan’s Run Charity Poker Ride, presented by Logan’s Valley Motorcycles.  The FINAL ride of Arizona Bike Week 2011!  Always a local favorite.
Mogollon in concert at the HandleBar Saloon: Mogollon has earned the reputation as one of the Premier Country Rock Entertainment groups in the West and continues to keep their high standard.
 
These are just a few of the events that will be happening around the valley during Arizona Bike Week. Be sure to mark your calendars for Arizona Bike Week with activities from March 25 - April 3rd. Go to www.azbikeweek.com for all details on events and camping at the venue.

Bike Nights

Every Thursday Night
It’s Biker Bull Night at Western Trails Ranch!  Come on out to the Ranch and watch the bikers ride the bulls. This is a live bull show and Thursday’s are amateur night, starts at 7:00pm every Thursday.  Bull riding is billed as the most exciting sport on the planet and that ain’t no lie.  We have audience games during the intermission with prizes, Happy Hour all night!  Or ride the Mechanical Bull $2.00 a ride. Buzzard’s Saloon and the Ice House will be open, so come early and have dinner in our steakhouse.  Check out our website at www.westerntrailsranch.com. $5.00 admission at the gate; pays for the bull stock production company, which is K4 Bucking Bulls Luke & Gina Kraut.  It’s just a good time – don’t miss the excitement. Western Trails Ranch is located at 37823 NW Grand Avenue Mile Marker 123.5 FROM SURPRISE Morristown AZ 85342.

This Week
 
Every Saturday in February
Chester's Harley-Davidson 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Sign Up Your Chili to win prizes and trophies! Categories are: Best Overall Chili, Hottest Chili, Most Unique Chili, Best Display, Best Named Chili. We supply the electricity. You will make the chili at home, and bring it to plug in and serve! OR be a judge! Spoons for tasting and ballots are only $5 and ALL proceeds benefit the Arizona Animal Welfare League. Live music by Tin Weasel. 11am-1pm. Spend $100 or more in MotorClothes and roll the dice to receive a sweet discount during the event. Call 480-894-0404 to register, or e-mail jatkins@chestershd.com. Chester's HD is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.
 
Saturday, February 12th
Hacienda Harley's Dinner on the Patio. Everyone is looking for a destination on a Saturday morning ride. And if there is FREE FOOD there it is even better! Ride by Hacienda Harley-Davidson between 11am and 2pm for free food every Saturday in February. Get your Free BBQ right off the grill served to you by the Hacienda Diner Girls. Click Here for Photos. Hacienda is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ.
 
Saturday, February 12th
A.B.A.T.E. East Valley Annual Valentines Day Party. The party this year is at the Goat Head Saloon located at 1423 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. Everyone welcome from 7pm till the fun ends. Raffle for a romantic weekend for Two. Raffle tickets available from East Valley members. Donation is still only $5.00 per person. Door prizes, 50/50. See flyer for details.
 
Sunday, February 13th
Copper Basin YMCA Motorcycle Run & Poker Tournament. Registration at 8am. Free Pancake Breakfast for all registered participants. Ride Leaves Copper Basin YMCA located at 28300 N. Main St., San Tan Valley at 10am sharp. Lunch served at 1pm at Copper Basin YMCA. Free Poker Tournament to follow. Registration: $30..00 per bike. Entry fee entitles you to a pancake breakfast and lunch for all registered participants. One T-shirt per bike, one entry for motorcycle run, one entry to free poker tournament and one goodie bag. $25..00 to register for additional spot for lunch and free Poker Tournament. $10.00 for extra T-shirts. For general information or to become a sponsor, contact Anita Lopez at allopez@vosymca..org or 480.882.2242. Or visit us at www..valllleyymca..org/copperbasiin. All proceeds benefit the Copper Basin YMCA Strong Kids and Families Campaign.
 
Sunday, February 13th
3rd Annual "Ride For Love". Presented by the American Legion Riders of Arcadia Post 138. All proceeds to go to Maverick Calloway. Maverick is 15 years old and has a condition called Endocarditis and is in need of an operation to replace his heart valves. Sign in from 9-10am at Evil Twin Custom Cycles located at 2534 W. Broadway in Mesa. Donation $25.00 single, $30.00 per couple. Fun, Dancing, Raffles. Stops at American Legion Posts 39, 91, 2 and The Rogue Bar. End Stop D.A.V. with live music by: Crusin' from 1-5pm.
 
Next Week
 
Saturday, February 19th
Chief Bill Lanford Memorial Ride. Honoring our Fallen Firefighter Brother William D. “Bill” Lanford was the Chief of Buckeye Valley Fire until he was tragically killed while riding his Harley on Vulture Mine Road on February 6th 2003. Please join the many brother and sister Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and all of his friends and family in honoring Chief Lanford on this memorial ride. Everyone is welcome – Any Scooter, Hot Rod, or Apparatus, Ride it, Drive it, Push it, or Pull it – Just come and make this a huge, memorable event. Check-in at 8:00 A.M. – Ride Starts at 10:00 A.M. at Station 324: 25206 W. MC 85 Buckeye Az. 85326. Continental Breakfast Provided. $20.00 Single rider, $25.00 Couple. Escorted, 100 mile ride, including a stop at Bill’s roadside memorial on Vulture Mine Rd. Everyone Welcome to the After Ride Party.  If any questions please contact Jason at jjessamine@local4371.org or 480-734-3778
 
Sunday, February 20th
6th Annual "Biker's Soar For Wildlife". This is the 6th year for this run and from the beginning this has been a well attended event. You might have seen my articles and photos about the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center in the past. If not, CLICK HERE for Photos and Story.  This year the ride will end at Pioneer Restaurant and as always, will have a great lunch, rock and roll music from the 60's, 70's & 80's, raffle and prizes. And of course you will get to see some of the animals you are riding for at the end of the ride. Registration from 8am - 9:30am at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson located at 16130 Fountain Center dr. in Peoria, AZ. Ride Starts at 9:00 am (New ride route with more curves-approximately 120 miles) Single Rider: $30.00 or Rider with Passenger: $35.00. Registration Includes: Lunch, T-shirt for and Ride Pin for the FIRST 300 who register. More information, please call, 623-587-0139 or visit the website at www.azwildlifecenter.net or send an email to Sandy at bikerssoarforwildlife@hotmail.com
 

Upcoming Events

February 25th-27th
Checkered Flag Run. The Checkered Flag Run is a weekend in Arizona hosted by the Second II None Phoenix Motorcycle Club, Phoenix International Raceway and Talking Stick Resort and Casino. The weekend culminates with an escorted motorcycle run from Talking Stick Resort and Casino to Phoenix International Raceway to watch NASCAR Drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson tear up the track in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, Sunday, February 27th, 2011. 3 days of activities and fun.

This is quickly becoming a very big event. Here are a few details of what is going to happen:
For $35.00 this is what you get, all inclusive: 
Friday Feb. 25 - Meet and Greet at Talking Stick Resort 5-9pm (includes 2 drinks Hosted by 3 Amigo's Tequila)
Saturday Feb. 26th - Picnic at Hacienda Harley-Davidson 11-6pm (Food, Fun, Games, Music and more) 
Saturday Feb. 26th - Leather and Lace Ball at Talking Stick Resort 9p-2a (Miss Checkered Flag Contest)
Sunday Feb 27th - Police Escort to PIR, Subway Fresh Fit 500 from Talking Stick Resort 8am 
When you get to PIR you will have reserved seats, VIP motorcycle parking and: 
Largest Motorcycle Club present wins $5,000.00, Largest Female Club present wins $2,500.00, Largest Social Club present wins $1,000.00, Bike Show like no other judged by Paul Yaffe, Brian Klock and Rick Hatch. Bike Show winner $3,000.00 and escorts PIR President to winner circle to present Subway Fresh Fit 500 trophy. All this for only $35.00. For more information or to buy tickets call Ed LeClere at 602-315-0711. Or go to 
www.checkeredflagrun.com register your group or buy tickets.

Saturday, February 26th
Hogs with Hearts Poker Run. Hacienda HOG Chapter 97 is hosting the Second Annual Hogs with Hearts Poker Run. This run is in support of the MDA Children’s Summer Camp at Camp Shadow Pines east of Payson, Arizona.   We’ll be giving away over $5,000 worth of raffle prizes so don’t miss out on your chance for some great prizes as well as making a difference in a child's life. The entry fee is $25 for a single rider and $35 two-up. Fee includes a t-shirt for the first 100 registered riders, ride pin, coffee and breakfast supplied by Dunkin Donuts at the start, lunch and live music at the end.  The ride will start at Hacienda Harley-Davidson.  There will be prizes for high and low hand as well as dozens of raffle prizes including a Shell Vacation Club week valued at over $2100. Best Hand grand prize is $250 cash.  Ride Registration is from 8am - 10am at Hacienda HD located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. All Bikes Welcome.  Join us for a great 120 mile ride through beautiful Arizona scenery and make a huge difference in a child’s life.  More information and online registration at www.hog97.com

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook.

New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 2800 FANS! Take a look at all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the page, but you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!

I had somehow missed this Bud commercial over the years. It is called "The Streaker". Pretty entertaining. Click Here to View.

Here is one of those set up gags to mess with people in an elevator. Funny stuffClick Here to View.

Video of the Week: I never get tired of seeing a multi-story building get imploded. How do they do this? Is it Luck or Skill? But it is awesome! Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the page.

If you would like to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update Click Here.

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

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