Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

2/15/17

Greetings Riders,

Well, looks like mother nature is going to affect the riding of another weekend with some rain, but the future forecast is still keeping the temperatures in the low 70’s for at least the next couple of weeks. We are now just a little over 2 weeks away from our very first Friday Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate that will be starting on March 3rd. We will run four Friday nights in a row and and then switch to Thursday nights. The forecast calls for 73 degrees and sunny. Should be a great night to kick it off. If you missed the newsletter last week about the recent news of Harley-Davidson coming out with 50 new models over the next 5 years, Click Here to Read. I think you might find it interesting what the CEO of Harley-Davidson had to say about where they are headed with the business.

This is the time of year when I start thinking ahead about where I want to take the first multiple day ride of the year. We usually like to do a couple of 3-4 day rides before embarking on a 10 day adventure. And one of the things I like to do with the newsletter is share with you destinations, give you some possible routes, and let you design your own ride. One destination that recently came to mind when I saw a reporter doing a story from there was the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA. This was a ride we did back in 2008 that I have never forgotten and am ready to do again very soon. As we all know, he was a Republican President, but was appreciated by many across party lines. Regardless of your political preference, I would highly recommend a visit to the Reagan Library.

Along with being the largest Presidential library, it has the most visitors of all of the 13 Presidential libraries with over 430,000 people per year. It is also the final resting place of Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, and his wife Nancy Reagan. His memorial site is decorated with the same words that he said on the opening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, "I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and that there is purpose and worth to each and every life". Ronald Reagan was once quoted as saying "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone". You can now see an actual chunk of the Berlin wall that was given to Ronald Reagan after he left the Presidency.

The museum features continually changing temporary exhibits and a permanent exhibit covering President Reagan's life. The library is full of memorabilia from his 8 years as President of the United States, including photos and artifacts collected throughout those years, including descriptions of those items which are fascinating. There is also a lot of space dedicated to Ronald Reagans earlier years as he was growing up in Dixon, IL, including his study of economics and sociology at Eureka College to when he signed a 7 year contract with Warner Brothers in 1937 and became a famous movie and television actor. He is credited with 53 different acting roles in his career. There is a lot of space and items reflecting his long TV/Movie days which are thoroughly enjoying to look at.

The "Citizen Governor" gallery shows footage of Reagan's 1964 "A Time for Choosing" speech and contains displays on his eight years as governor. The gallery includes a 1965 Ford Mustang used by Reagan during his first gubernatorial campaign, as well as the desk he used as governor. His 1980 and 1984 presidential campaigns are also highlighted, as well as his inauguration suit and a table from the White House Situation Room is on display. News footage of the 1981 assassination attempt on his life is shown, and information about the proposed Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI, dubbed "Star Wars") is included.

A full-scale replica of the Oval Office is a prominent feature of this museum as well. You get to see the photos he had on the wall, statues that he coveted, as well as his famous obsession with Jelly Beans. This really gives you an inside look at what the Oval Office must be like. Other parts of the exhibit focus on Reagan's ranch, the presidential retreat Camp David, life in the White House and First Lady Nancy Reagan. An example of a temporary exhibit that ran from November 10, 2007, to November 10, 2008 was titled "Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style" and had featured over 80 designer dresses belonging to Nancy Reagan. This was one that we got to see which was an extremely interesting look at the contribution of Nancy to Ronald Reagan and the White House.

Even with all of that to take in, one of the most interesting parts of the Library to me was the Air Force One Pavilion. As of October 2005 and the completion of the Air Force One Pavilion, you can now walk onboard and tour Air Force One, tail number 27000 that Reagan used and put more miles on than any other president. He always wanted the public to be able to see what is widely known as the "Flying White House". So when Air Force One 27000 was replaced with the 747 that is now used for Air Force One, the Reagan Foundation built the Air Force One Pavilion that will permanently house this plane forever for the public to view. The aircraft was flown to San Bernardino International Airport in September 2001, where it was presented to the Reagan Foundation. Boeing, the plane's manufacturer, disassembled the plane and transported it to the library in pieces. After the construction of the foundation of the pavilion itself, the plane was reassembled and restored to museum quality, as well as raised onto pedestals 25 feet above ground.

You get to walk through the entire plane, every cabin and even see the communications center and the famed briefcase that holds the nuclear bomb codes. The plane is set on 3 pillars hoisted several feet in the air at a 2 degree pitch as if it could take off through 2 story window facing out to the Simi Valley. It really is a site to see for anyone. Also displayed in the Pavilion are the Marine One helicopter, his Presidential Limo and secret service detail, many photos of historic places that he flew and other memorabilia. A definite must see.

We ended up spending a little over 4 hours at the Reagan Library, but you could easily spend much more if you were to consume everything there was to do there. It was an honor and a privilege to visit his Library and Museum to pay homage to his contributions to this nation. I would make the Ronald Reagan Library and Air Force One Pavilion a "Must See" on your next trip to California. It is an easy ride there at only 413 miles from the NW Valley. You could even make a big loop out of it and come back by way of San Diego. Or visit it on your way up to the Pacific Coast Highway 1. We made it extremely simple and fast by taking I-10 to Hwy. 57 to I-210 to 118 to Simi Valley. The address is 40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley, CA. Open 10am – 5pm 7 days a week.

The Reagan Library is truly something that everyone should experience at some point. The history packed into this building is amazing and reflects maybe one of the most important times in modern day U.S. history. So if you are in the midst of looking for a destination for your next ride, I would highly recommend a stop at the Reagan Library.

Click Here for over 100 Photos from our day back in 2008.

Click Here for Map.

Click Here for alternate scenic route through Angeles Crest Hwy.

Reagan Library

Air Force One Pavilion

Next Week

Every Thursday Through February 23rd.

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Bike Night Series. Let's paint the town chrome...the Harley way! Cruise around town with Arrowhead Harley-Davidson for our Paint the Town Chrome Bike Night Series. We will be at a different location each week with onsite raffles, games, and AHD's latest inventory! Each week, you will have the chance to enter for our badass grand prize raffle, an $800 H-D Addition Craftsman Tool Box Set! Winner will be announced on the last night of our bike series at AHD! Must be present to win.

*Thursday, Feb. 16th Slicks Garage Bar & Eats - 8350 W Paradise Ln, Peoria, AZ 85382. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

*Thursday, Feb. 23rd - Cucina Tagliani - 8349 W. Bell Road, Peoria, AZ 85382. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

*Saturday, March 4th Arrowhead Harley-Davidson - 6130 N Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr, Peoria, AZ 85382. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Our final event on the town will take place at Arrowhead H-D with free music, food, raffles, games and much more

Saturday, Feb. 18th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson American Badass Big Jug’s Horsepower Shootout. Think you've got the baddest bike in town? Join us President's Day weekend for our American Badass Big Jug's Horsepower Shootout! Saturday, February 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free Dyno runs! Crack 100+ HP and receive a free shirt and some serious bragging rights. Top three category winners get a gift card, plaque and your name added to AHD's Top Hog Board! Categories: V-Rod, Traditional V-Twin and Wild Card! Free entry, music, food and loud fun! Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, Feb. 18th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson Hogs and Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson for Hogs & Dogs! They’ll have free burgers, dogs, drinks and more as they host a great open house! There will be up to 75% off end of season MotorClothes apparel at the GM Sidewalk sale, along with test rides and more! This is a great opportunity to outfit your bike as well as yourself in some great deals. Join them Saturday, February 18th from 11am till 2pm! Great food, cold drinks, fun shopping and an all-around good time! So hop on your bike, grab some friends and roll up to Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson. For more information call (623) 465-1122 or go to www.buddystubbshd.com. Also check them out on facebook at facebook.com/anthemhd!

Saturday, Feb. 18th

Chandler Harley-Davidson Wild West Spring Roundup. Join the US Military Vets MC on a Mystery Run. Proceeds support local Arizona Veterans. Registration at Chandler Harley-Davidson located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ starting at 8:30AM. $20 Per Bike/$5 per passenger. Last bike out at 9:30AM. Last bike in at 2:30PM. NFF Shop in Avondale. Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle, Best Hand, FREE Breakfast.

Saturday, Feb. 18th

Desert Wind Harley-Davidson Chili Cook-Off. Does your Chili have what it takes? If you think it does, cook up a BIG pot of your famous Chili and bring it to Desert Wind Harley-Davidson for the DWHD Chili Cook-Off. There will be Complimentary Food and Drinks and Live Music by “Unknown Associates”. Hosted and benefitting: Chrome Angelz RC. Desert Wind HD is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.

Sunday, February 19th

Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run. 12th Annual Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run starting at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson – 16130 N Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr, Peoria, AZ 85382. Signup begins at 8:30 A.M. Breakfast is available. Poker hand participation not required to ride. Ride starts at 9:00 A.M. Single Rider $30, or Rider with Passenger $40. Registration Includes: Lunch, T-shirt and pin to the first 300 Paid Registrations, see the Wildlife you are supporting, Raffle, Music, Prizes for High and Low hand, Live Auction. Ends at Buffalo Chip Saloon. For more information call 623-277-6926 or visit http://www.azwildlifecenter.net .

Next Week

Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Hot Rods & Harleys. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is hosting a Hot Rods & Harleys show at the dealership! Come by on Saturday, February 25th to enjoy amazing automobiles from a time gone by. If you would like to enter your classic car or custom motorcycle in the show simply e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com! Sweet cars, cool custom bikes, FREE food and drinks, what’s not to love? The event will run from 11AM - 3PM with prizes and trophies given away at 1:30PM. In addition to the already great festivities, Buddy Stubbs H-D will be hosting live music by the 50’s rock band Come Back Buddy! Of course Buddy’s Motorcycle Museum will be open, and more! We look forward to having everyone join us and feel free to call Phillip with any questions at (602) 971-3400 or by email at marketing@buddystubbs.com .

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to www.facebook.com/cycleridescom. Over 6000 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!

Watch this feel good video of a Dad and 4 year old daughter. She has a future. Over 8 million views. Click Here to view.

Video of the Week.

You will watch this more than once. See the baseball player save a reporter with a blind catch. Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the page.

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Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com