Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
4/19/17

Greetings Riders,

Well, it is hard to believe, but we are already half way through the Spring season of the Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District. We only have 7 nights left to the season that ends on June 1st. This Thursday night we will have 2 SPECIAL DISPLAYS for Bike Night. My buddy SCOTT PASMORE from 3TV News will be bringing his new Backdraft Racing Cobra featuring a 550 HP 427 engine. This is a sweet ride and sounds bad to the bone. Jim Michaud, the guy who did the fiberglass work on my bike will be there with his Mid Engine Blown Pickup. It is a transformer type of vehicle that doesn't know if it is a Rat Rod or a Hot Rod. But it is Way Cool to see in person with its 525 HP motor mounted behind the cab. A real one of a kind. This week we will have LIVE MUSIC with "Strangeland" from 6-9pm. Both displays will be there by 5pm when the gates open. Next week we will have the Indy Car Display from PIR.

In case you missed the newsletter last week with my review of some of the Arizona Bike Week and Phoenix Bikefest events with photos, Click Here to Read.

Please Read - It could save your life.

If you have looked at the forecast for this weekend, you have probably seen that the projections are that we are going to be flirting with our first 100 degree day of the year here in Phoenix, AZ. I've talked about dehydration several times over the years, and that is serious stuff, but what I am going to talk about this week is much more serious and could save someone's life, like it did mine.

Yes, it is the time of year that we find ways to stay cool. But there are other concerns about being exposed to the sun at all. I got this reminder about 17 years ago when I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in a mole on my back. We had spent the weekend with my parents in their Prescott area home. I got up to eat breakfast one morning and didn’t have my shirt on. My Mother saw this mole on my back that looked kind of odd to her. She was always on the lookout for funny looking moles. She told me I needed to go to a dermatologist and have it checked back in Phoenix. Thinking this was just Mom being over cautious, I said ok, I will have it checked.
 
About 2 days later, knowing that whole conversation went in one ear and out the other at the speed of sound, my Mom called me and said, “I have an appointment at a dermatologist for you next Tuesday”, please go to it. So to please my Mother, I said, Ok, I will go. As it turns out, it was the best thing that I have ever done for my health. Sure enough, the mole in question was a malignant melanoma, that can be fatal if not treated. Had it been left untreated for very much longer, it could have been a very serious, life threatening problem. To this day, I owe it to my Mother for both giving me life, and for saving my life. Had she not seen that mole and noticed that it did not look right, and insisted that I go to the doctor, even making the appointment for me, I never would have seen it. And it might have been too late by the time other symptoms showed up. It was my lucky day for sure.

After having a melanoma case, you have a dermatologist for life. They started me on a visit every 6 months, I am now down to 4 months. The next checkup the Dr. spotted another one that looked suspicious about 3 inches from the other. They took it off and sure enough it was melanoma as well. They were now 2 for 2 on spotting suspicious moles. Fast forward to today and I have now had 5 Melanoma moles identified and removed. 3 of them in the last 2 years as recently as the last couple of months. The others I couldn't see because they were mostly on my back. But this time, it was on the side of my face. 

When they take one off for biopsy, it is no big deal. They deaden the area, and take a little bit out to examine. But when they find something, they have to go back and take a much bigger chunk. This is a little graphic maybe for some, but here is a picture of the chunk they took out of the side of my face. Click Here. They left it open like this overnight till it was sent in to make sure that they got it all. Fortunately they did, and sewed it up the next day. It has healed nicely, but is a constant reminder that too much of the sun is not my friend. I have been very fortunate that they have caught them early. Just last week she took off 3 more biopsies, I am waiting for the news on those now. 

Being outside in the sun as much as we all are and particularly on the motorcycle, we are exposed to more sun than most people. After those 2 early wake up calls I became a diligent sun screen wearer and have been ever since. Over the next several years I had changed my no sunscreen ways and lathered up with SPF 50 before every ride and extended stay in the sun and all was good, for a while. What I learned is that I am now paying for the early days when I didn't wear sunscreen and be cognizant about what the consequences were, especially in the Southwest sun.  

I was one of those that thought, that won’t happen to me. But the fact is, it can happen to anyone of us that have had even a little sun exposure over the years, and the older you get, the more susceptible that you are, as your skin has been exposed for many years. I was in my early 40’s when my first 2 were diagnosed. And they are still popping up. This is truly something that can affect anybody. The sun doesn’t know and doesn’t care who you are, it has no boundaries. It only takes one to be a problem.

The reason that I am writing this today is that I was saved by what I thought was an over protective Mother, and now I want to pay it forward and encourage EVERYONE who has had sun exposure over the years, to at least go to a dermatologist and ask them to do a full body check for suspicious moles or spots on your skin. If there are no problems then great, but it might be the preventative trip to a Dr. that would save your life before you even know that there is a problem. Most insurances will cover this exam that should cost you no more than a co-pay. But if you don’t do it, and there is a problem down the road, it could cost you a lot more, including your life.
 
If this helps even one person, it would be worth my time to write this. Thanks for listening. Please let me know if you go to a dermatologist and they happen to find something. I would like to report that to others that have not yet gotten checked. When riding, especially on long trips I always wear long sleeve shirts and plenty of SPF 50 sun screen, re applying often.

Ride Safe and Sunscreen Up! 
Barry



Cyclerides.com Bike Night
 

THURSDAY NIGHTS!

Thursday nights through June 1st

The Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District Presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Powersports and Indian of Peoria every Thursday night through June 30th from 5-9PM. The Spring season will last for 14 nights ending on June 1st. Live Music every Thursday night. For those that have been there before, this is the place to be on Thursday nights if you are a motorcycle enthusiast. New Vendors and Restaurant specials. Stay tuned to the newsletter and the Cyclerides.com Facebook for weekly updates of special events happening at bike night.Westgate Entertainment District is located at Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. in Glendale, AZ.

 

Join us for the best Bike Night in the Southwest! 5-9PM.

Westgate Entertainment District is located at Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. in Glendale, AZ.

Live Music:

Thursday, April 20th: "Strangeland"

Thursday, April 27th: "“Backstage Crew"”

Thursday, May 4th: "74th Street Band"

Thursday, May 11th: “"Kung Fu Grip”"

 

Here are the details for the Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District presented by Arrowhead HD, Indian Motorcycle Peoria and Ridenow Powersports:

Where: Westgate Entertainment District, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to Gila River Arena.

When: Thursday nights starting March 30th – June 1st. Time: 5 PM – 9 PM.

What: Bike Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style Cruising down Coyote Blvd.

Click Here for Flyer

 

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:

Arrowhead HD:

Your local Harley-Davidson dealership and proud sponsor of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night. Stop by and see the latest in what Harley-Davidson has to offer. Speak to one of our trained sales staff about what Harley-Davidson motorcycle would be right for you. We are located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. 623-247-5542.
Ridenow Powersports:

Stop by and talk to our staff at bike night or at one of our many valley locations. We feature many brands including Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Can-Am, BMW, Victory, KTM, Spyder, and Ski-doo. Click Here for a list of our locations.

Indian Motorcycle Peoria. Located at 8546 W Ludlow Dr., Peoria AZ.  Indian Motorcycle Chandler, 2677 E. Willis Rd. Chandler, AZ.

And to our Associate Sponsor:

Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers: Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers: Law Tigers are Arizona's Motorcycle Lawyers who are experienced and aggressive professionals, focused on getting you the compensation you deserve when you've been involved in a motorcycle accident. In addition, Law Tigers strive to reduce motorcycle injuries by promoting motorcycle safety through education and awareness, including a free, must-have mobile app for riders. 800-LAW-TIGERS.

This Week

Saturday, April 22nd
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson "Bring the Heat Bike Show"Entry is free - all makes and models welcome. *Live music *Awesome Bikes *Free Food *Raffles.
People's Choice - judging is from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Raffles begin at 12:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at 12:30pm. 
Prizes for winner of each category.
Categories: 
Best Bagger 
Best Trike
Best Cruiser
Best Club Style
Best Sportster 
First responder appreciation: All first responders who stop by and show their first responder ID will receive a special H-D gift. Winner's plaques courtesy of Law Tigers. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, April 22nd
Bites 'N Brews. Join us! On Saturday, April 22nd 2017, at Westgate Entertainment Center, Loop 101 & Glendale Ave., where true Arizona beer lovers will gather to sample the best local craft brews – from Flagstaff to Tucson – as well as national craft beers from over 26 different breweries! Don’t worry, we know how to satisfy all taste buds! Hor d’ouvres (bites) are included: compliments of Salt Tacos y Tequila, Whiskey Rose of Glendale and more!

Want to take your experience to the next level? Bump up your ticket to include exclusive beer tastings on the SALT VIP Terrace. Did someone say life-sized beer PONG? Enjoy the hottest music and mingle with the valley’s best DJs, courtesy of:  Hot 97.5/103.9 – Power 98.3/96.1 – 95.1/94.9 The Oasis. Go to www.bitesbrews.com for tickets. Use Promo Code BIKES to get $15.00 OFF a general admission ticket.

Next Week

Thursday - Sunday, April 27-30
Chandler Harley-Davidson "Spring Season Opener". Get your bike ready for the riding season! Stop by Chandler Harley-Davidson Saturday April 29th for our Spring Season Opener! We’ll have sweet treats and beverages, a Sidewalk Sale, and FREE Lunch served up by Flyin’ K BBQ. We’ll have raffle prizes given out every hour and Live Music by Nineball cover band. This is an event you don’t want to miss!” Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800. 

Upcoming Events

May 17-26
2017 Run For The WallRun For The Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. Veterans of recent conflicts and those currently on active duty are especially welcome to join us as we ride for those who cannot.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.
PHILOSOPHY:
We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.
GOALS:
To guide the participants across America.
To educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.
Click Here for more details.

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!
 
Who needs a ladder when you have a perfectly good bamboo pole? See how this Vietnamese SWAT team uses it. Click Here to view.
 
Video of the Week.
This monkey man doesn't even need a poll to climb a building. Amazing! 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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