Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
May 4th, 2011
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Well, it has been a big week for the U.S.A. The biggest bad guy of our generation was captured and executed all at the same time. And that is how it should have been. The last thing we would need is a long drawn out trial and a world stage for this scum to further his propaganda. I want to give my congratulations to our military intelligence, the CIA and to the Navy Seals who pulled off this mission without a casualty. I would also like to give kudos to the current administration for having the resolve to pull the trigger on this mission. To finally get Bin Laden, will enter May 1st, 2011 in the books as a momentous day in American history. As always, I'm proud to be an American! We didn't give up, and justice was finally served. USA!
 
And speaking of proud to be an American, I have been working on the Memorial Day celebration that we will be doing on Thursday, May 26th at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night. I seriously can't wait for this. It is shaping up to be a touching and memorable patriotic program that you will not want to miss. This will be well worth the ride from all parts of the valley to participate in this event to honor our fallen troops while sharing our love of this great country. Not only will I have a 15 minute program from the stage that includes a memorable video presentation on the giant LED screen in events plaza at Westgate, but we will also have Mogollon in concert that night from 6-9 pm who will be doing their 15 minute patriotic set immediately following my commemoration of Memorial Day. This night will rekindle your patriotic spirit. Send this to your riding buddies and post on your rider sites. We need to show support to our troops and honor our fallen. Hope to see you there.
 
You will not want to miss this night. Not only will it give you the opportunity to publicly support our troops, but it will be full of Patriotism that will warm the heart while honoring those that have fallen to preserve our freedom. I can't wait for this event. More details and time line will come in the next couple of weeks. Save the Date, May 26th. I need a marching band that can play military fight songs for this night. Anyone know where I can get one??? Let me know.
 
With gas being as high as it is right now, the motorcycle has gotten the call more and more when I have to make those long cross town meetings or errands. Last Sunday I had to meet a guy just off the I-10 and Jackrabbit Ln. in the far West Valley. Since I live up North it was about a 30 mile one way ride. So I zipped down the Loop and to the 10 to make my meeting. But it was such perfect weather, and I had some time to kill, that I decided to take the long way home, zig-zagging through the 45 mph back roads and dead ends, just cruising and enjoying the farm fields and trees.
 
I'm sure there are many of you that do this type of ride more often, but for whatever reasons, I don't seem to have the time or take the time to do it. Usually there is a mission involved. While I take the opportunity to ride as much as I can, there always seems to a particular destination and time frame. This day I found particularly enjoyable because I was able to totally relax on my bike, not concerned about which road I took or the stress of being on a schedule. It was just me, my motorcycle and my thoughts on a beautiful Sunday morning outside the hustle of busy city streets enjoying the farm animals, crops in the fields and trees. It doesn't get much better than that.
 
Even though my perfect world only lasted about 45 minutes, it must have made an impact as I am still talking about it.  This is just another small example of motorcycle soup for the soul. I know I talk a lot about great destinations around the State to go to, and I will in the future. But it is also good to just slow down, take a long 45 mph road on the outskirts and just enjoy the moment once in a while. Even if it is only for an hour. It will do your mind some good to get it flushed out with some fresh air, different scenery and pleasant thoughts.
 
I will give you a few ideas of rides that would be good for this around the four corners of the valley. The links with them will take you to ride reviews that have maps. You can take parts of them for your short ride.
 
Southeast: You can never go wrong with a ride out by a lake. Try a ride by Saguaro lake or Canyon Lake. These are good roads just to putt around on. Stop and walk to higher ground to enjoy the views.
 
Northeast: Bartlett Lake is the perfect getaway for those in the Scottsdale or North Valley areas. Don't forget to take the 5 miles East of the Bartlett Lake turnoff. A great spot at the end of that road to take a little hike to higher ground and enjoy the view.
 
North/Northwest: Lake Pleasant offers some very nice riding. Pay your $5 and take all the roads around there. Very relaxing. Also North of Carefree Hwy. on New River Rd., through New River and around to 7th St. back to Carefree Hwy. A very good road to unwind on.
 
South: If you live in the area. You can never go wrong with a ride up South Mountain for a view of the City. It is beautiful in the late evening as well to see the city lights on a full moon night.
 
Southwest: A ride through farm land to see crops, animals and to really get away, take Estrella Parkway and then West through the farm lands and the town of Buckeye and on around to Arilington. A really good one to enjoy the countryside. And with all the irrigation out there, it can even be cooler.  
 
Those are some ideas for you. I'm sure there are a few of you reading this right now that are being swallowed up by the world, that could carve out that 45 minutes to ride and spend some time alone to reflect on the good things in life. Make the time, take that garage trophy out of the garage, and use it for what is was made for, to put a smile on your face. It will do you good. Enjoy your ride.
 
Barry
 
 
Tidbits and Updates:
 
**The Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night Reminder! No Bike Night This Friday Night!
But we will be back strong next Friday the 13th. This bike night has been growing fast with a full house a Friday ago. Last week was down due to Laughlin River Run, but we will be coming back strong with a Ride-In custom bagger Bike Show and some bike displays inside the Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery. So if you have a custom bagger, we will have special parking for you to display your bikes. We will also have the amazing band "Attitude Cat". For those of you that were there last week, you know what I mean. Tell your riding buddies. Don't miss this high powered band playing classic rock and blues. Huge extension of patio's for both Cactus Moon, Matta's and Toby Keith's so that you can sit out on the patio and watch the bands and the bikes. Be sure to stop by the Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery that is in the storefront right behind the band. I have displayed 50 of my favorite riding and flying photos. Rusty Childress has also some very large photos displayed as well. Click Here for some Photos from the last couple of weeks.
 
**This Thursday night at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night ride by and enjoy live music all day and all night long. Calico Jack's will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo with an extension of premise and Live Music outside by the fountains all day starting at 12:30 PM.  Park your motorcycle on Coyote Blvd. and enjoy the night.
 
**Motorcycle Sales are up! I guess gas prices have finally hit the point where people are finding alternative means of transportation. The motorcycle Industry Council reported that Motorcycle sales among major brands rose 7.2 percent in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the same period last year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council's Retail Sales Report. This report tracks sales among 18 leading brands being sold in the U.S. The popular scooter segment saw the biggest gain, up nearly 50 percent. Sales of dual-purpose bikes, built for on- and off-highway use and generally among the most fuel-efficient motorcycles, increased by almost 25 percent. See the full article here.
 
**Congratulations to Paul Yaffe of Bagger Nation and Suzy on their recent marriage. After a 6 year courtship they were married last Sunday in a beautiful ceremony at the Castle in Chandler. We wish them good luck and happiness in their marriage. Here is a picture I clicked from my cell phone.
 
**If you missed last week's letter featuring the Ride of the Week, Click Here to view. You can always view the on the front page of www.cyclerides.com or go to the Archives for past letters. If you don't currently take the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update, Click Here to sign up.
 
Bike Nights
 
Every Thursday
 
Only 9 Nights Left!
Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night This Thursday night at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night ride by and enjoy live music all day and all night long. Calico Jack's will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo with an extension of premise and Live Music outside by the fountains all day starting at 12:30 PM.  Park your motorcycle on Coyote Blvd. and enjoy the night.
The wait is finally over. Welcome back to "The Times Square In The Desert". The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night that has been a valley favorite for the last 2 years began again on Thursday, March 31st from 5-9 pm. It will run this season for 14 consecutive Thursday nights from March 31st and end on June 30th. Anticipation has been building for this year and we kicked it off with a record crowd of almost 2500 bikes on March 31st for another season of fun and entertainment. We hope to make this season as good as the last by bringing you different programming each week with Live Bands, Vendors, Displays and Special Events. We look forward to seeing you again this year.
Don't forget to pick up your brand new Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night T-Shirt. You can also purchase them any time at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson – RideNow Powersports Peoria, Goodyear and Surprise. 
 
Restaurant Pick of the night!
If you haven't been here yet, try the Tuscan Oven for great food and their $8 pizza and beer special from 5-9. Plenty of space on their outdoor patio or their bar inside.
Also pick up the Tuscan Oven "Tomato" Card and receive 20% off all future visits.
 
Live Music:
Enjoy Cinco De Mayo at Calico Jacks with Live music all day and night starting at 12:30pm.
 
Click Here to view the new Westgate Bike Night Web Cam. It Works Now! Page automatically refreshes every 10 seconds. Will be live every Thursday for bike night from 5pm - 10pm.
 
I would like to give special thanks to our Sponsors of the Westgate Bike Night.
Please visit their booths at the event and click their links below to learn more about them.
 
Petersen Johnson is a local Arizona law firm, whose attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience in Accident/Injury law and DUI/Criminal Defense law.  We have substantial experience in representing riders injured in motorcycle accidents.  Ron Petersen and Brad Johnson are involved in every injury case.  We discount our fees; never our service.  Please call us locally at 602-650-1200 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your local Harley-Davidson dealership and proud sponsor of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night. We are located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. Stop to see the latest 2011 HD motorcycles and to pick up the new Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night T-Shirt. 623-247-5542.
Curly's Customs is a full service Custom Paint & Body Shop for the motorcycle enthusiast. We refinish Harley Davidson and Metric motorcycles. Our goal is to provide high quality workmanship & materials at a very reasonable price. Curly's is located at 12030 N. 111th Ave. in Youngtown, AZ. 623- 977-0339. Stop by and see them at Bike Night.

For the duration of this run over the next 9 weeks, I will be updating the Westgate Bike Night page with the weekly photos, restaurant specials, special guests, musical guests and programming. So BOOKMARK THIS PAGE and check back every week to see what is coming up. I look forward to seeing you all next week at Westgate. Westgate City Center is located on the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. in Glendale next to Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium.
 
Friday Nights
 
No Mesa Riverview Bike Night This Week! 
**The Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night Reminder! No Bike Night This Friday Night!
But we will be back strong next Friday the 13th. This bike night has been growing fast with a full house a Friday ago. Last week was down due to Laughlin River Run, but we will be coming back strong with a Ride-In custom bagger Bike Show and some bike displays inside the Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery. 
If you have a custom bagger, we will have special parking for you to display your bikes.
 
Only 6 nights left, ends on June 24th. We will not be able to have the bike night on the first Friday of May and June. See new photos from this Bike Night. Be sure and check out the new Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery behind the band stage featuring 50 blown up photos from the Cyclerides collection and some large canvas photos from the Rusty Childress collection.
 
For 2 years I have been looking for a great bike night location on the East side that would be comparable to the Westgate location. There is only one location in the valley that has a setup like Westgate, but Mesa Riverview, located at the Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. has the next best venue available to host a bike night. I wanted a location that is new, clean, attractive, well lit at night, has plenty of places to go eat and have fun, and could create that critical mass of excitement in one location. This is private property, so the management has agreed to close the street for 2 blocks in the complex from Bass Pro to the theatre. This will be utilized for motorcycle only traffic and parking. The great thing about Mesa Riverview is that they have 3 GREAT restaurants on the 3 corners in the middle of the 2 blocks plus 3 more within a few hundred feet.
 
These locations are Toby Keith's Bar and Grill with 18,000 square feet of Restaurant, 85 Foot Guitar Shaped Bar, Live Music, Dance Floor, Tv's And Outdoor Patio And Beer Served In Mason Jars. 
 
Across the street from Toby's is the brand new 14,000 square foot Cactus Moon Sports Grill featuring 12 pool tables, Forty eight 65" plasma screen tv's, a huge bar in the middle, a dance floor and a Huge outdoor patio.
 
The other corner across from Cactus Moon is Matta's Grill & Cantina featuring 5,000 square feet, 2 floors of great Mexican food dining, a great bar, beautiful interior design and an outdoor patio.
 
Within a few hundred feet of walking distance from the street parking is Chili's and Famous Dave's. All of these restaurants will have Bike Night specials and are welcoming riders from all over the valley to a fun Friday night at Mesa Riverview located at the Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. in Mesa. There is also a Gyro shop at the end of the street by the theatre and a Yogurt shop next to Matta's.
 
CLICK HERE to see photos of these great restaurants.
 
If you would like to be a vendor at this bike night, email me at info@cyclerides.com .
 
I would like to give special thanks to our First Sponsors of the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night.
Please visit their booths at the event and click their links below to learn more about them.
 
Chester's Harley-Davidson - Your local Harley-Davidson dealer. See our display at Bike Night. Store location at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404
Victory Big Dog Motorcycles of Mesa - Your store for Victory and Big Dog motorcycles. Visit our display at Bike Night. Store location at 833 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-668-7969
Victory BMW - Stop by 1717 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler to see our full line BMW touring motorcycles. We carry a great selection of apparel and accessories to complete your BMW riding experience. We have new Arai, Shoei and Scorpion helmets in stock. We just got our new Olympia order as well.
The Law Tigers - "If you have injured in a motorcycle accident, call 800-LAWTIGERS (529-8443) or visit lawtigers.com.  We know bikes, bikers, and the law.  The Law Tigers, Arizona's Injury Lawyers Who Ride."
I am looking forward to bringing some good fun to the East Valley riders and am currently adding the details to the page, but CLICK HERE to see some photos to give you an idea of how nice this property is and general information.
See you this week from 5-10pm.
 
Mesa Riverview is located at the SE Corner of the Loop 202 and Dobson Rd. Bike night location is next to Bass Pro. Follow the signs to cruise the Main St.
 
This Week
 
Monday - Sunday
May 2nd - 8th
Mother's Day Deals at Chandler Harley-Davidson. Need a good Mother's Day gift for the motorcycle loving Mother in your life? Chandler HD is offering 20% OFF May 2nd - 8th on Purses, Footwear and Jewelry that would be perfect for Mother's Day. Complimentary Gift Wrapping on gifts for Mom leading up to Mother's Day. This is a great opportunity to get your Mother something special and save some real money. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 85226.
 
Thursday - Sunday
May 5th - 8th
Mother's Day Deals at Tucson Harley-Davidson. Need a good Mother's Day gift for the motorcycle loving Mother in your life? Tucson HD is offering 15% OFF May 5th - 8th on Jewelry by Stamper & MOD and Harley-Davidson Purses that would be perfect for Mother's Day. This is a great opportunity to get your Mother something special and save some real money. Tucson HD is located at 7355 N. I-10 Frontage Rd. East in Tucson, AZ. 85743.
 
Thursday and Friday
May 5th & 6th
In Honor of Mother's Day and Arrowhead Harley-Davidson. Need a good Mother's Day gift for the motorcycle loving Mother in your life? Arrowhead HD is offering 15% OFF on May 5th and 6th for gifts that would be perfect for Mother's Day. Enjoy 15% off on Jewelry, Harley-Davidson Womens Jeans and Women's Pink Label Shirts. While you are in the store enter your name or your Mom's name into our drawing for a FREE bouquet of flowers. Winner will be drawn on Saturday, May 7th. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.
 
Friday, May 6th
Motorcycles on Main. The first Friday of every month is the Downtown Mesa "Motorcycles On Main" sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. Cruise Main St. and enjoy Sturgis Style parking on the inside lanes. Park and show off your bike. The night will feature Beer Gardens located throughout the 2 blocks and Live Bands. Downtown Mesa is located Just East of Country Club Dr. on Main St. Reserved Motorcycle Parking on the Main St.
 
Saturday, May 7th
The Marine Warrior Poker Run. Show your support for our US Marines. This contribution is for Marines and Marine families of wounded and disabled Marines. Registration begins at 7:30 AM, Sun City Country Club located at 9433 N 107th Ave, (1 mile North of Olive). Marine Corps Flag Raising Ceremony begins at 7:45am. 100 Marines will be present for the USMC Flag Raising Ceremony.  Poker run leaves at 9AM, returns at 2pm for raffle. $10.00 per rider, $5.00 passenger. 1/2 the pot goes to the winner, 1/2 goes to the 1st Marine Division Association Programs. Run will stop at three American Legions: Wickenburg, Goodyear and Peoria. Run will end at Peoria Pines Golf Course at 8411 N. 107th Avenue, (1/2 mile South of Olive). Food and drinks available with raffle drawing and entertainment. Sponsors, giveaways, and golfers are still welcome.
 
Saturday, May 7th
Historic Mining Camp Restaurant Charity Motorcycle Run. All proceeds going to Stand up and Stand Proud Organization. $15.00 rider $10.00 extra for passenger, ride pins to the first 150 participants! Enjoy a wonderful ride from Texas Roadhouse in Gilbert located at 3961 S. Gilbert Rd. and ending at the Mining Camp Restaurant on Historic Apache Trail. You then can enjoy Entertainment by the McNasty Brothers, multiple Vendors, Raffles and door prizes.
 
Saturday, May 7th
American Legion Riders #117 Treasure Hunt Ride. Proceeds Benefit American Legion Charities. Registration at Hacienda Harley Davidson located at 15600 North Hayden in Scottsdale, AZ. From 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost is $10.00 Per Person.  4:00 P.M. Food Will Be Served at Post #117 with Entertainment Provided by: Mykel Montana. All Riders and Cages Welcome! There will be 7 ride stops ending at Pat Tillman Post 117 located at 16428 N 32nd St, Phoenix. Pick up a “Treasure Item” at each stop that is Yours to Keep!
 
Next Week
 
Friday, May 13th
Adolfson Peterson benefit ride for Sunshine Acres. All proceeds benefit the children at Sunshine Acres Children's Home. Start at Baseline Bar located 201 E. Baseline Rd. in Tempe, AZ. $10 single, $15 for 2 riders. Riders receive "route bandana". Poker Run $5 with 50/50 split with Sunshine Acres. Wheels up 12:00 noon.
1st stop, San Tan flats - Wheels up 1:30
2nd-Superstition Harley- Wheels up 3:00
3rd-Sunshine Acres -Wheels up 4:00
4th-Toby Keith Saloon - final card- poker 50/50 payout 5:00pm - enjoy bike night at Riverview.
 
Saturday, May 14th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Ladies Ride. May is Women's Riding Month. Join Chandler Harley-Davidson for a FREE ride to honor women riders! ALL Bikes Welcome. Meet at Chandler HD at 9:30 AM. Ride leaves at 10 AM. First 30 women that sign up will receive a special gift bag. Approximately 1.5 hour ride. Route presented day of ride. Ride ends at our luncheon destination. Please RSVP to chdsales@ridenow.com . Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800.
 
Saturday, May 14th
Bingo Run for AASK. This run is to benefit Aid to Adoption of Special Kids. Registration from 9-10 AM at Buddy Stubbs Anthem HD located at 41715 N. 41st Dr. in Anthem, AZ, exit 229 off of I-17. Cost is $10 per rider or $15 with passenger. Grand prize is $150. There will also be a 50/50 with other prizes awarded from the 50/50.  
 
Saturday, May 14th
Tuscon Harley-Davidson Ladies Ride. May is Women's Riding Month. Join Tucson Harley-Davidson for a FREE ride to honor women riders! ALL Bikes Welcome. Meet at Tucson HD at 9:30 AM. Ride leaves at 10 AM. First 30 women that sign up will receive a special gift bag. Approximately 1.5 hour ride. Route presented day of ride. Ride ends at our luncheon destination. Please RSVP to mahins@ridenow.com . Tucson HD is located at 7335 N. I-10 EB Frontage Rd., Tucson, AZ. 520-751-3380.
 
Saturday, May 14th
Camp Soaring Eagle Ride for Children's Laughter. This ride benefits Camp Soaring Eagle. This camp is for kids that are hospital dependent and most with terminal illness. We are working toward being one of the “Hole in the Wall  Camps” that Paul Newman started years ago. Help send seriously ill children to camp. Ride starts at Chester's HD located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. Registration from 9-11 AM. Ride starts at 11 AM. 1-3 PM Appreciation Party at the River Bottom Grill in Florence. $30 rider and $20 passenger. Fee includes: Pin, entry to River Bottom Grill Party, BBQ, live entertainment, raffle, T-Shirt for first 100 to register. For Info: www.CampSoaringEagle.org. Sherry Baker 602 396-5977 or
sbaker@campsoaringeagle.org
 
Upcoming Events
 
Friday - Sunday
May 20th - 22nd
30th RoadRunner Rally presented by AZ Beemers. Just a Great Rally! Join your friends in the tall pines of Northern Arizona, at Camp Shadow Pines in Heber. A weekend of great riding, food and camping awaits you. Registration fee is $50. Your rally fee includes camping and dinner Friday and Saturday night, continuous coffee, clean restrooms and hot showers. Live music from Junction 87 and Soli Belly Dance Fusion for your evening entertainment. Demo rides, vendors and great door prizes. Evening entertainment, door prize drawings and tech sessions are planned. Sign up at the rally to win great prizes by joining the dual sport ride or poker run. Visit our vendors. Hiking and fishing at nearby lakes and national parks. There are motels and cabins available in the area or reserve a bunk at the camp for $12.50 per night. For schedule of events go to bottom of THIS PAGE. Contact Brian Boles at 480-861-2816.
 
Sunday, May 22nd
Celebration of Life in Rememberance of Kimmy Chapman. The event will be held at the El Zaribah Auditorium. 552 N. 40th Street Phoenix, Az 85008. 12:00pm to 4:00pm Admission is Free. Silent Auction, Troop Fuel, Vendors, Cash Bar, Live Music featuring Cellphone Cowboys. Free Vendor spots, call 602-708-3024 for vendor info.
 
Save The Date:
I am planning a big Memorial Day celebration for Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night on Thursday, May 26th and am excited to announce that MOGOLLON will provide the Live Music that night. For those of you that haven't heard it, they do a 15 minute patriotic set that will blow your socks off and put goosebumps on your arms. I have a few other surprises for that night as well as we honor our fallen on Memorial Day. Don't miss it. Should be our biggest night yet.
 
Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 3100 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!

Bud Light does it again. Here is a very funny Bud commercial! Click Here to View.

This tortilla roller is amazing. Even wings it over the waiter. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: This is a collection of 911 calls. It is amazing what people will call 911 for. Funny stuff. 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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