Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

5/29/13

Greetings Riders,

Well, we are safely back from our Pacific Coast Highway 2013 ride logging 1476 miles over the 4 days. This is our 3rd year in a row of making this ride, and at least the 7th time doing this route. I’ve kind of lost count. If you missed the newsletter last week with the preview of the ride, Click Here. Even though we have done this route at least 7 times, it still excites me just as much as the first time. There is so much scenery to absorb and so much beauty to devour that you couldn’t possibly get it all in one trip. Not to mention that it is just a great road that surely must have been built for motorcycles. I even mentioned to Mrs. C. on this trip that I was still seeing things that I hadn’t ever seen before.

We started the trip this year by leaving the house at 6:30 AM on Friday with our final destination of Malibu, CA. I don’t know about you guys, but we never seem to be able to meet a target time of leaving on a long motorcycle trip, no matter how well organized we are. We traveled I-10 on this one just to make some time. Our first stop was Blythe for breakfast at the McDonalds and gas, then another gas stop before reaching our first destination of the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A., a total of 386 miles by about 1:15 PM.

If you are an automotive buff, and have never been to the Petersen Museum, I would highly recommend a visit if you are in the area. It is a 3 level museum with the first 2 levels displaying cars and motorcycles. This first level is very unique, as you will see by the pictures. It has the cars in a period setting, as if they were in their natural habitat. You walk along an asphalt street indoors to simulate you were walking through a town while looking at the cars. It is a really cool setting that makes it a much more enjoyable experience while viewing the vehicles. The second level features specialty rooms that include a motorcycle display, Hollywood movie cars, aerodynamic cars and cars with fins just to name a few. Overall a very enjoyable stop that I would recommend. I have separated the photos from the museum into their own gallery. Click Here to View.

From the museum we traveled west on Wilshire Blvd. through Beverly Hills where we took a lap down Rodeo Dr. before continuing on to the worst traffic jam I have ever seen in my life. We moved 2/10 of a mile in 20 minutes before finally turning down a side street just to get out of the mess and made our way on down to the PCH via Santa Monica to get to Malibu. My suggestion would be to plan this visit more toward mid morning. We finally made it to our final destination at 5:15 PM totaling 407 miles for the day.

Saturday we hit the road around 9 AM and followed the PCH 1 North to Oxnard for another McDonalds breakfast. That is really our preferred place for a quick breakfast. I would rather be riding than sitting in a restaurant. Must be why we are able to put on so many miles. More riding and less time eating. We proceeded hugging the ocean on #1 up to Santa Barbara where we took Hwy. 154 across the Los Padres National Forest to connect with the 101 just past Los Olivos. This route gives you the option to stop in Solvang as well. I have followed the 1 before through Lompoc. You are not missing a thing. It is much better to go 154.

We followed 101 to San Luis Obispo where we again picked up #1 again through Morro Bay and on up to Cambria. This is where the fun begins for me. Starting in Cambria you are 100 miles from Carmel and ready to embark on one of the best motorcycle roads in the United States that will take you through twisty roads, provide beautiful ocean vistas both elevated as high as 1200 feet as well as sea level then take you through redwoods in Big Sur before reaching Carmel. Just a fabulous 100 miles of motorcycle nirvana that imprints a 3 hour smile on your face.

As I mentioned earlier, there always seems to be something new to see on this road. But this time, what I saw was totally unexpected. Just about 2 miles South of Hearst Castle, I looked to my right and saw some cattle in the pasture mixed in with about 12 ZEBRA! Yep, we pulled over for that photo op. Have to say I wasn’t expecting to see Zebra in the wild on this trip. Click Here to View.

This trip we also stopped to take a look at the Elephant Seals just outside of Cambria. I have never seen so many seals in one spot ever. And these boys are BIG! Some reaching up to 5000 pounds. When they are not sound asleep, they lay in the sand and constantly use their flippers to flip sand on themselves. Pretty funny to watch. By the time we reached the sea lions, it was already 2:30 PM, so we made a couple of stops for photo ops along the way (Click Here), looking forward to our next stop, Nepenthe Restaurant dinner. When you make this trip, be sure to stop at Nepenthe for at least a refreshment, if not dinner. The food here is Excellent and the view is heavenly. One of the most beautiful locations for a restaurant that I have seen. Make this a must stop on your trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.

As I was taking a couple of shots of the view with my cell phone to share on Cyclerides Facebook, a bird flew in front of my camera and I got an amazing shot of the bird in flight with his wings straight out. A rare and incredible shot to say the least. Click Here.

After a great dinner and dessert we saddled up and cruised the next 30 miles into Carmel getting there around 7:15 PM. One thing about Carmel and Monterey, is that you can always count on it being cold and overcast, and it did not disappoint on this trip.

We got up Sunday morning and took the scenic ride around the point at Carmel that looks across the bay to Pebble Beach. If you are in the area, be sure to make this ride. Some very pretty houses with beautiful views. By about 10 AM we were fueling up and heading South back down the Pacific Coast Highway to soak up some of that 62 degree weather one last time before heading back to Phoenix. It was another beautiful ride down the coast which is the way that I prefer that provided a stop for one more “Beauty Shot”. This time we stopped at the Julia Pfeiffer state park to take the 1/2 mile hike to the waterfall. A great 15 minute stop. The next stop was Gorda, a place we had never stopped before. I always thought it was just a place for expensive gas, but as it turns out, there is a great restaurant there called the Whale Watcher with a nice view of the ocean and road. I would recommend it.

The rest of the day was just heading South to start our trek home. We retraced our route back with a brief stop at the Strawberry festival in Arroyo Grande for some chocolate covered strawberries and finally made it to Camarillo at around 8 PM for the night. Monday morning we hit the road around 8:30 am and made the 427 mile trip in 5:30 of riding time plus 1:30 for 2 fuel stops and lunch. Culminating 1476 miles of riding for the 4 days. Fortunately the weather was mild and a non event getting through Palm Springs and back home. Wouldn’t want to try it this weekend.

If you haven’t done the Pacific Coast Highway 1 trip yet, I hope this report and the pictures encourage you to put it on your list of things to do. It is a memorable motorcycle trip to say the least.

Click Here for PCH Photos. The best way to view them is to click the “Slideshow” button on the upper right of the gallery, then you can arrow through them full screen. It might take a few seconds to load and get started.

Click Here for Petersen Museum photos.

Click Here for Map.

Tidbits and Updates:

**Chad Freeman and Redline will be performing at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports this Thursday night. They were a big hit the last time they played and had the crowd dancing. If you haven’t seen them yet and would like to enjoy some excellent country music, ride in to see them. 6-9 PM. See restaurant deals below.

Bike Night

Every Thursday, March 28th – June 27th

Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night this Spring being presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports. Bike Night began Thursday night, March 28th with a HUGE crowd and will continue for a total of 14 nights ending on June 27th from 5 pm – 9 pm. This Thursday, you will once again be able to enjoy a party every Thursday night with Live Music, Vendors, Restaurants, parking on Coyote Blvd. next to the fountains and Hundreds of motorcycles to look at as they cruise by. This is the place to be on Thursday nights for sure.

Attractions this week:

Live Music this week with “Chad Freeman and Redline” 6-9 PM.

Grab your riding buddies and stop by to enjoy Live Music, Restaurant specials and other special events along the way. Click Here for Photos from the first night.

Here are the details for the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports:

Where: Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to Jobing.com Arena.

When: Thursday nights beginning March 28th – June 27th

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 Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports:

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.

And to our Associate Sponsor Curly’s Customs

Curly's Customs. Curly's Customs is a full service Custom Paint & Body Shop for the motorcycle enthusiast. 623- 977-0339. Stop by and see them at Bike Night.

Bike Night Restaurant Specials.

I have worked very hard to get the restaurants to come up with some consistent bike night specials. I think they have stepped up very well this year to offer some good deals. There will be restaurant specials all season long that include offers from:

McFadden’s - 10% discount on your bill when you show your M-class license on Bike Night. Plus, bikers can enjoy regular happy hour specials, including $2 Bud/Bud Light Drafts, $3 Wells and $5 Appetizers from 4-7pm.

Calico Jack’s Cantina - $19.99 Bike Night Platters with Nacho chips, mini-chimis, onion rings and jalapeno poppers, plus a pitcher of domestic draft beer. Enjoy 10% off your bill when you show your M-class license on Bike Night.

The Shout! House - $9 Natural Black Angus Burger, Fries, and Beer special ($15 value) and a FREE cover for 2 card to come back on the weekend ($10 value) when you show your M-class license on Bike Night.

Kabuki - Take 15% off when you show your motorcycle license during Westgate Bike Night. Valid only during Westgate Bike Night events. Dine-in only. Valid only at Westgate City Center location. One offer per table per party. Not valid during Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour. Cannot be combined with any other offers or rewards. Excludes alcohol, tax, gratuity and gift card purchases.

Saddle Ranch - 2 chicken tacos for $5.50*. Classic pints of draft beer for only $3*. Plus, bikers can enjoy regular happy hour specials from 4-6:30pm with 50% off all appetizers and drinks. *Valid from 6:30pm to 10:00pm on all Bike Nights, excluding event days when there are concerts, sporting or other events at the Center, Stadium or Arena.

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville - 10% off entire food bill to anyone who presents their M-Class driver's license. Plus, bikers can enjoy happy hour from 4-7pm with 50% off appetizers, $3 well vodka, rum and gin drinks, $4 Landshark 20oz drafts and $5 Who’s to Blame Margaritas.

Mama Gia’s - $.50 cent wings with an order of 24 or more. 1 Topping 16 in pizza and 12 wings for $22.99. Mention our ad on Cyclerides.com and receive happy hour well, wine and Draft drinks.

Next Week

Friday, June 7th

REO Speedwagon Concert at Pepsi Amphitheater in Flagstaff. Looking for a reason for a ride to the pines in Flagstaff? What could be a better one than to take in an REO Speedwagon Concert on Friday night. The Pepsi Amphitheater is located just off of I-17 at exit 337 just South of I-40 at Fort Tuthill Park. The Concert starts at 8PM with Opening performance by Steve Ansel & the Jackson Street Band. Tickets range from $44-$86.75. Click Here for Tickets. More information Click Here.

Saturday, June 8th

4th Annual Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival at the Pepsi Amphitheater. Benefiting Friends of Coconino County Parks.

Tickets $35. Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival, presented by Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, delivers the best culinary talents of the region and finest local and global wine from award-winning vintners. At $35, Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival presents Northern Arizona’s finest culinary artists at an unbeatable ticket value. Pepsi Amphitheater, Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, Ariz. Saturday, June 8, 12pm – 5pm. Click Here for tickets.

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 4200 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!

Check out this video called “The Woman’s Tee”. Very funny. Click Here to View.

This is an amazing Penn and Teller trick called Gold Fish. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week. Oh boy! I think there is a message in here. 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