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Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
6/5/13
 
Greetings Riders,
 
If you missed the newsletter last week with the report on our ride up and down the Pacific Coast Highway #1 and the visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum, Click Here to Read. There are also over 100 excellent photos of the ride that you will want to see as well as photos from the museum. There was a once in a lifetime photo that I captured while taking a shot at Nepenthe Restaurant with my cell phone that is really cool. Click Here to View.
 
This is that time of year where I feel the need to remind everyone of a very serious illness that we are all susceptible to, particularly this time of year. Dehydration. For those of you that have experienced this, you know that it is a serious situation and not to be ignored. This happened to me a few years ago while riding back into the valley from the North, and every year I feel compelled to tell my story. If I only help one person with this report, it would be worth it. Please read below.

Dehydration
How to Avoid and Treat.

Well, we knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Temperatures in the Phoenix area are now getting to over 110 degrees. This is no big surprise, we do live in the desert and it has done it every year for the last 30 years that I have been here. But we do have to live in it, ride in it and survive in it. The last one is the most important and there is one very nasty silent enemy that you have to pay attention to, especially if you are going to ride in it, and that is dehydration. Every year I draw attention to this very serious condition, and every year I get a note of thanks from someone who benefited by this article. So whether we have lived here for 30 years or new to the valley, it is good to be reminded that we need to be aware that it can happen quickly.
 
The following article was done about 7 years ago recounting MY personal experience with dehydration and it needs to be repeated, especially with the forecasted heat. I thought I was a tough guy and this dehydration thing couldn't happen to me, but I was wrong. It is very real and can be very scary, especially if you are riding either as a rider or passenger. Please read the following, follow the suggestions and be very careful as we reach the extreme temperatures over the next couple of weeks.
 
One thing that we all have to pay attention to and be extremely careful about this time of year is dehydration. Dehydration is a loss of water and important blood salts like potassium and sodium which can be very serious, especially when riding a motorcycle. It occurs when the amount of water in the body falls below normal, which, in turn, disrupts the balance of sugars and salts (electrolytes) in the body. A lot of us, especially those that are new to the area, don't really know that much about dehydration in general, and certainly not as it applies to riding. I didn't know that much about it either until about 5 years ago when Mr. Dehydration introduced himself to me as I was riding South down I-17 just North of Rock Springs. He made a believer out of me. It is one of those days that I won't soon forget, and it taught me a big lesson about not getting into that situation again. I, like a lot of other riders, had underestimated the impact of dehydration on my body.
 
I was heading back to the Valley in the late afternoon heading into temperatures of about 109 degrees, which was of course much hotter on the Interstate. About 20 miles North of Rock Springs I started noticing that I had cotton mouth so bad that I couldn't have mustered up a spit for a $100 bill. A few miles later I noticed that my sweat glands were no longer producing any sweat. My arms and face were completely dry. Shortly after that I remember that I starting having blurred vision, almost like I was seeing stars followed by a dizzy feeling and weakness in my muscles, like I really wasn't in complete control. Not being an expert in dehydration, or for that matter ever experiencing it before, I didn't know clinically what was going on, but I had a pretty good idea that was what was happening.
 
My immediate problem was, I didn't have any water with me, and I was still about 15 miles from Rock Springs where I could get some. The closer I got to water the worse my symptoms were getting. More blurred vision, getting more unsteady and weaker by the mile. It was like when I started going downhill physically, it was a rapid decent and every mile I rode doing 75 mph in 107 degree temps with no windshield just seemed to be sapping every ounce of moisture out of my body. I was almost to the point that I couldn't even swallow and considered stopping and letting my riding buddy go get me some water. I wasn't sure that I was actually going to be able to make it. But I decided to focus while counting down each mile in hopes that I would soon get to water.
 
We finally made it to the gas station next to the Rock Springs Cafe. For me, that old place had never looked so good. It was truly an oasis in the desert. I promptly threw down the kick stand and headed to the cooler to make my claim on the biggest bottle of water I could find and downed it in two gulps. I followed that with a big bottle of Gatorade. It wasn't long until I was starting to regain some of my faculties while getting back to normal vision and able to think straight. Needless to say, this put a little scare in me and I learned my lesson without it turning ugly on me. Now when I am riding in the heat I pay attention to maintaining hydration in my body.
 
Now, what should you do to avoid what happened to me?
Here are some tips to keep yourself in good hydration all the time and while riding.
 
1.  Keep the direct sun off of your skin. Wear a light colored long sleeve shirt over your arms and a helmet or a bandanna on your head. Exposing your skin to sun and wind is a double whammy that only increases fluid loss from your body. Wear generous sunscreen on exposed areas. Your brain is about 75 percent water, so anything you can do to keep your head covered is a good thing. A helmet can go a long way in preserving fluids in your body when it is extremely hot.
 
2. Pour water over your shirt. A good way to create a natural evap cooler for your body is to pour water over you arms, neck and the front of your shirt. While you are riding this provides a cooling sensation for your body. You could also use a cooling vest that holds water in.
 
3. Drink LOTS of water. You should be drinking at least 8 ounces of water every hour when riding and probably more. Sports drinks like Gatorade are also good as they replenish needed electrolytes as well as fluid. Caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and soda pop, as well as alcoholic drinks, should not be considered as alternatives for hydration. In fact, caffeine and alcohol can actually contribute to dehydration.
 
4. Drink water BEFORE you are thirsty. Once you have gotten to the point that your mouth is bone dry, you are on your way to dehydration. It is best to drink a bottle of water before you take off for a ride.
 
5. Take in more fluid than you are losing. If you are not making a trip to bathroom regularly, or your urine is a dark color, this means you are not getting enough liquids in your body. This is something to pay attention to daily, not just when riding.
 
6. A good idea for keeping you hydrated while you are riding is a CamelBak Hydration System. This is a 70 ounce pack that fits on your back with a tube that comes around for you to drink water while you are riding. Another good idea are the cooling vests that you soak with water before you ride.
 
7. Symptoms of dehydration: Thirst, Dry Mouth, Dry Tongue, Fatigue, Dark Colored Urine, Infrequent Urination, Dry Skin, Rapid Pulse, Dizziness, Blurred Vision. Here is a good link for Preventing Dehydration.
 
Other useful links:
http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/article.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561
 

 
Tidbits and Updates:
 
**Only 4 nights left at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports. Ends June 27th. Ride in and enjoy the fun and Live Music Thursday night with the Backstage Crew. See you there!
 
**See photos from our trip up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. Click Slideshow in the upper right and let them stream full screen for best viewing. Click Here to View PCH photos. Click Here for Petersen Museum photos.
 
**Emissions testing for motorcycles update. The following was taken from the ADEQ Website.
 
Phoenix Motorcycles
In 2008, the Arizona Legislature passed House Bill 2280 authorizing the exemption of motorcycles from emissions testing requirements in the Phoenix area. The exemption required the approval of the U.S. EPA by July 2014 (as authorized by House Bill 2033  in April 2010 and extended by House Bill 2073  in 2012).) A request for approval of the exemption was submitted to the U.S. EPA on November 10, 2009. An addendum was submitted on January 12, 2011. Copies of the submittals are available upon request by calling the SIP Unit at (602) 771-2373. The U.S. EPA's approval becomes effective on June 21, 2013 (78 FR 30209; May 22, 2013). After June 21, 2013, motorcycles in the metro Phoenix area will no longer be required to be tested.
 

 
Bike Night
Every Thursday, March 28th – June 27th
ONLY 4 NIGHTS LEFT!
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 “Backstage Crew” 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.
 
This 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. Save $10 per ticket by using the code “Sun” when purchasing tickets. 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.
 
Sunday, June 9th
2nd Annual Bike & Bombers. If you are going through California this weekend, particularly Santa Ana, a friend of mine is putting on the Bikes & Bombers event at the Lyon Air Museum. Looks like a cool event. You’re invited to the 2nd Annual Bikes and Bombers event, Sunday, June 9th 2013, 10am to 2 pm. Exclusive motorcycle parking, complimentary coffee & donuts provided by co-sponsor Triumph/Ducati of Newport Beach, live entertainment featuring The Mark Wood Band, People’s Choice Bike Show sponsored by Danny Gray Hand Crafted motorcycle seats (winner gets to have their photo taken at the controls of the Museum’s B-17 and a gift certificate from Danny Gray), “meet and greet” WWII pilots, food and merchandise vendors. All motorcycle riders attending this event may enter Lyon Air Museum at the discounted rate of $8.
 
 
Next Week
 
Saturday, June 15th
Buddy Stubbs Anthem Hogs and Dogs. Gear up for Father’s Day with Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson! Join the Buddy Stubbs crew on Saturday, June 15th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for their monthly Hogs & Dogs and receive a FREE hat with the purchase of a dealer tee shirt and a pair of jeans for Dad. In addition to this great deal, a free gift will be handed out to ALL Dads in attendance. Don’t miss out on the FREE food and drinks that will be served and take advantage of the bikini bike wash to get your H-D® shining in the summer sun! Be part of this great salute to Dads with Buddy Stubbs Anthem H-D. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem, AZ 85086. Visit them on the web at www.anthemhd.com. For more details regarding this event call (623) 465-1122 or e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com.
 
Saturday & Sunday,
June 15-16
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson “Celebrate Dad” for Father’s Day. Celebrate Father’s Day at Arrowhead HD with 15% OFF Men’s Licensed H-D Merchandise. PLUS on Saturday Only – FREE FOOD from 11am – 1pm, Raffles, Live Music Free Bikini Bike Wash 11am – 3pm and a Used Parts Swap Meet from 7am – 12pm. Bring Dad in to buy a new or used Sportster or Big Twin and he gets a $200 Gift Card. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. www.arrowheadharley.com
 
Saturday, June 15th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Lucky 13 Anniversary Event. Join Chandler Harley-Davidson in celebrating their 13th Anniversary. Stop by to enjoy a Fashion Show featuring the Bellezza Models starting at 1pm. FREE Food catered by Rudy’s, Music, 13% OFF Licensed H-D Merchandise. We have great gifts for Dad. Raffles throughout the day. There will also be a Patio Bike Show. Must register by 11am on 6/15. Trophies to be awarded after the fashion show for Top Custom, Bagger, Softail, Best Paint, and People’s Choice. $200 Gift Card on any new H-D Motorcycle purchase between 6/14-6/16/13. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ 480-496-6800. www.chandlerharley.com
 
Sunday, June 16th
Chandler Harley-Davidson “Celebrate Dad” for Father’s Day. Celebrate Father’s Day at Chandler HD on Sunday June 16th with 15% OFF Men’s Licensed H-D Merchandise. Bring Dad in to buy any new HD Motorcycle and he gets a $200 Gift Card. Chandler HD is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ 480-496-6800. www.chandlerharley.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 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!

Here is one for you motorheads. See this GT 500 blow up a Dyno. Click Here to View.

Have you ever wondered what a drone can see from 17,500 feet. This is eye opening. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week. This is a crazy video. See what happens when a bus hits a deer. 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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