Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

I would like to start this week by saying "Thank You" to all that attended the Cyclerides.com Mesa Riverview Bike Night this season. It was very well received and culminated with at least 1500 people attending the Heroes Night on June 17th. This is great venue for a bike night that has a lot of upside. It was also an honor for me to share 60 of my favorite photos in the Cyclerides.com Photo Gallery as well. Thanks for visiting and for the kind words. We are now looking at the possibilities of doing a fall season at Mesa Riverview. Stay tuned for updates. The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night ends this Thursday night for the season as well. Looks like we are going to get a break on the weather for the last night, it is only supposed to be 107 and the nights cool down quickly. We are currently working on the schedule for the Fall season now.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a 4 day 3 night road trip that we took to Hannagan Meadow, Silver City, Bisbee and Kartchner Caverns. I covered the first 2 days in the 6/8/11 Newsletter that took us up the Salt River Canyon to Show Low, Alpine, Hannagan Meadow, down the Coronado Trail to Mogollon, NM and then on in to Silver City.

We awoke in Silver City and hit the road early on Day 3 knowing that we had about 340 miles to our destination of Bisbee with a lot of slow twisties and sight seeing ahead of us. I personally don't consider Silver City a great destination in and of itself, but there is some good riding around there and it is a good place to spend with night with plenty of accommodations. One route in particular that I would recommend is the "Trail of the Mountain Spirits" Scenic Byway (Hwy. 15) to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument located in the Gila National Forest 40 miles North of Silver City.

This 40 miles takes you on a narrow, twisty, sometimes one-lane road through the pines from the 5900 feet elevation in Silver City to as high as 7500 feet before settling back to 5900 at the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The monument is surrounded by the Gila National Forest and lies within the rugged Gila Wilderness, the nation’s first wilderness area. Along the way you will pass through the old historic town of Pinos Altos and see panoramic views of the Gila Wilderness along the way. Once you arrive at the end of the paved road, you pay your $3.00 entry fee that allows you to take a short 1/2 mile walk to the dwellings for a self-guided tour. There is a park ranger on site ready to answer any questions that you might have. I am not an expert on this and have only been to two of them, but the Gila Cliff Dwellings are by far the best Indian cliff dwellings that I have personally seen. This is a very large complex with several rooms that give you an excellent glimpse into the homes and lives of the Mogollon people who lived in this area over 700 years ago. It still amazes me the effort that went into constructing these cliff dwellings. But the view is fantastic.

After touring the cliff dwellings we headed back the same route that we came, and were happy to do that as this is really a great motorcycle road. As with a lot of routes, seeing it in the opposite direction is almost like seeing it for the first time as the views from the saddle are very different. Allow 4 hours for round trip from Silver City that would include a stop at the Visitors Center and a tour of the dwellings. 1.5 hours each way just to make the 40 mile ride. If you wanted to mix it up, you could turn East on Hwy. 35 that would loop you back around to Silver City.

We grabbed a quick lunch at the Adobe Cafe in Silver City and then headed South out of Silver City on Hwy. 90 to I-10 West for our next destination of Chiricahua National Monument. Chiricahua is out in the middle of nowhere in far Southeastern Arizona, so it is one of those places you won't be going by, you have to be going to it. Even though the ride through Chiricahua National monument is short at 8 miles each way, it packs a powerful punch of ride quality and beauty. This absolutely gorgeous and unique 8 mile ride takes you from 5300 feet in elevation at the gate to over 6800 feet at the end of the road at Massai Point where you will get a panorama view of the Hoodoos that are similar to Bryce Canyon. There is a small hiking trail out to a telescope that will give you a good view of some of the named Hoodoos. You can also get up close to Balanced Rock and many other unusual rock formations.

It almost seems crazy to ride that far for such a quick experience, but we have been there twice in the last couple of years and I would not hesitate to go there again. There is just something infectious and completely unique about this place that keeps us coming back. Take a look at the photos and I think you will see what I mean. My suggestion would be that the next time you are in Tombstone or Bisbee, take the loop around the mountain and visit Chiricahua on your way back home. It is a decent ride and would be well worth it.

Directions: Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east from Tucson to the first exit for Wilcox. Travel 3 miles into town to the stoplight and turn right. You will follow Arizona State Highway 186 for 32 miles to the junction of Arizona State Highway 181. Turn left and 4 miles later you will be at the Chiricahua entrance station. It is 72 miles from Bisbee. (The park is currently closed as of 6/29/11 due to nearby fire. Should be open within 2 weeks) I was told that the fire not affect too much of the trees on the 8 mile drive. Check their website for current information.

After dinner and a night at the Copper Queen in Bisbee we were up early on Day 4 to take the 60 mile ride from Bisbee through Miracle Valley to Kartchner Caverns for our 11:30am tour reservations. If you have never been to Kartchner Caverns, or even thought about it, I would put this on your list of things to do this year. We hadn't been there in 6 years and I was more than ready to go back. Originally, when Mrs. C. wanted to go there back in 2005, my thoughtswere, what is the big deal about a few stalagmites growing in a cave? Why walk down into a cave when I have perfectly good roads I could be riding on? I have to admit, I couldn't have been more wrong. It is the combination of the awesome colors and natural beauty that nature has been preparing for us over the last millions of years combined with the diligence of the State Parks to bring to us this phenomenon in such a way that it is a real "life experience". I'm not going to give it away, but the end of the 1.5 hour tour is phenomenal. The last 5 minute production is worth the whole trip, you will be moved by this experience. The visit to Kartchner is still something that I think about often.

There are 3 rooms in Kartchner to visit. We toured what is called the Rotunda Room and the Throne Room. The Big Room is closed from April - October due to bats inhabiting the cave for reproduction. The Throne Room is the home of the tallest and most massive column in Arizona known as "Kubla Khan", standing 58 feet from floor to ceiling where you will learn new words such as "spelothems", "helictites" and "soda straws". Who would have thought that drops of water seeping through limestone to deposit minerals one on top of the other that form stalactites and stalagmites could be so interesting? Not me, but after visiting Kartchner Caverns I have a new appreciation for what lies beneath this earth that we cannot see.

It is highly recommended to make reservations for these tours as they do fill up in advance. You can now do it online. Click Here. The cost is $22.95 per person. You can also call for reservations at 520-586-2283. Kartchner Caverns is located just 9 miles South of Benson, AZ. Take Exit 302 South off of I-10 at Benson, AZ. Click Here for the Kartchner Caverns Park web site.

So if you are looking for a 4 day, 3 night 1200 mile ride, this would be a good route for you that would take you as high as 9300 feet in elevation but keep you in at least the 5000 foot or above range for most of the trip. Since we have taken this ride, there was the Wallow fire in the Alpine area, so you will certainly see some burned area. I have been told that the Coronado Trail from Hannagan Meadow was not affected by the fire, so most of this ride will still be very good. See links below for lodging and things to do along the way.

Tidbits and Updates:

**Believe it or not, Harley-Davidson has released a sneak peak at the new 2012 HD models and colors. Some interesting tidbits on the 2012 touring models are: All eight Harley-Davidson Touring models are powered by a Twin Cam 103 engine with Automatic Compression Release and integrated oil cooler. Producing 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, the Twin Cam 103 provides outstanding performance around town and on the open road. All Touring models also feature the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission, 41.3 mm telescopic front forks, air-adjustable rear shocks and an Isolated Drive System for smooth power delivery. Click Here for full press release.

Bike Nights

Every Thursday

Last Night of the Season! Thanks for all of your support this year.

The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night will finish out the season this Thursday night ending on June 30th. Ride in and enjoy the Live Music with "HardRide" who is back by popular demand.

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:

6:30 - 9:30pm with the "HardRide".

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 Accident Lawyers.

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.

Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports

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.

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.

T.E.A.M Arizona Motorcycle Training - "T.E.A.M. Arizona is the premier motorcycle rider education organization in Arizona. We are dedicated to providing motorcycle education as a life-saving public service. Through our passionate coaches and staff, we strive to deliver a FUN, safe, and consistent motorcycling experience to riders of all backgrounds and skill level. T.E.A.M. Arizona is Your Road To Ride For Life."

I look forward to seeing you all this 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.

This Week

Saturday and Sunday, July 2nd and 3rd

Hacienda Harley-Davidson Huge Last Season's General Merchandise Sidewalk Sale. Last Season's General Merchandise on Sale outside with free BBQ lunch, Bikini Bike Wash and Up to 75% off sidewalk sale. $5 & $10 dollar racks on sale. Get ready for pool parties, buy 1 pair of sandals get the 2nd pair 1/2 off. Bikini bike wash & BBQ both days (Saturday & Sunday). Take off parts bargain bin sale, all designer sunglasses 65% off!!! COOL OFF with our hydration station. 4.99% O.A.C. Finance rates on 60 month term. Hacienda Harley-Davidson is located 15600 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ. www.haciendaharleydavidson.com

Saturday, July 2nd

Chester's Harley-Davidson Party on the Patio. Live Bands every Saturday at the Party on the Patio. We have a lot going on at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. This Saturday July 2nd we have Party on the Patio Independence Day featuring "LoudHouse" with Pete Cummings of KSLX and our charity is Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley. It is also the start of our Hot Rods and Harleys show. AZ BBQ association will have a cook off and it is people’s choice, come vote and lets crown the winner. Bikini Bike Wash and much more. You don’t want to miss this event 11-2pm. There will be Food, Fun, Giveaways and More. FREE each and every Saturday at Chester's. Each week we also help a charity with donations and this week it is Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley. The party is each week 11-2pm and features a different band and charity. Come out for this FREE event and have some fun while giving back. Log on to www.chestershd.com for all the dates, bands and charities. Like our page on Facebook as we add events as they happen.

July 1st: 5-9pm Motorcycles on Main Celebration of Freedom event. Come and be a part of this large party on main street and while you are there stop by Chester’s Harley-Davidson booth and enter to win a 500.00 Gift Certificate. Must be present to win as we draw the name off the stage at 9pm. A event for the whole family. Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.

Next Week

Saturday, July 9th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Summer Bash. It is the time of year for a Summer Bash and Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is about to have a wet one! We'll have a Dunk Tank, Raffles, Adult Big Wheel bike races, Bike Wash with the Harley Girls, Live Music, Free Food while it lasts and lots of fun. Don't miss it! All the fun takes place from 10am - 5pm. While you are there, check out the deals on the remaining 2011 Harley-Davidsons in stock. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, July 9th

Chester's Harley-Davidson Party on the Patio. Live Bands every Saturday at the Party on the Patio from 11-2pm. Click Here to see who is performing each week. We have a lot going on at Chester’s Harley-Davidson. This Saturday July 9th we have Party on the Patio with Dok and Gal all for East Valley Hog Charities. Each Saturday 11-2pm we will show case a great band while helping others. Food, Fun and much more and it’s FREE. Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.

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!

I can never get enough of building implosions and Las Vegas does it better than anybody. Check out this one. Click Here to View.

Stop Sweat Stains on your new hats!
Many of you know that I developed a product called Hat Saver several years ago. You spray Hat Saver on the outside of your ball cap or any kind of hat and it keeps the sweat from coming to the outside of your hat. This keeps the sweat stains off your hat and keeps it looking new. It is an amazing product and one that we certainly can use in our area. This would also be a great product for Firefighters, Police or Military that wear hats all of the time and have to keep them looking new. I am offering a 20% discount for Cyclerides.com newsletter subscribers till July 15th. Just put in the coupon code CR20 in the shopping cart. Click Here for 30 second commercial. Click Here for TV3 spot.
Go to www.hatsaver.com to order.

This is hilarious! A sure way to fail a breathalyzer test. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week: Ok, I hate snakes and this creeps me out like no other. This kid is nuts. 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