Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
8/30/17

Greetings Riders,

If you missed the newsletter last week with my article and editorial about the new 2018 line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Click Here to read.

This week I was going to talk about something else, but I really felt that I needed to give attention to something more important and that is the people in Texas and Louisiana who are dealing with the aftermath and continuing devastation of Hurricane Harvey. As I watched the water rise in Houston and saw these people reluctantly leaving their homes, I had to pause for a minute and try to comprehend exactly what the reality of this must be. The pictures I saw of the water half way up garage doors and up to peoples waist as they are being rescued from their homes, it was sobering to even half way understand what they must be going through and what their thoughts must be as they wade through the water that was once their living room.

So I took a moment to look around my house and tried to even come close to imagining what it would be like if I was sitting at my breakfast counter in the kitchen with 3 to 4 feet of water around me. It would be so unbelievable that you would think that it isn't even possible. Take a look around where you are sitting right now and try to imagine that. I'm sure that is exactly what most of those people thought as well. This couldn't and wouldn't happen to me. But it did. And now most of those people have lost everything that they have.

And that is just the beginning of their Harvey nightmare. Many are now out of work, no income, no money and no place to live. I've seen a lot of natural disasters over my years, but wide spread devastation of this one seemed to come through the TV like not many others that I have seen. Katrina was one that echoed a lot of the same devastation, but was confined to a smaller footprint of New Orleans. Harvey knew no ethnic or wealth barrier. It didn't care where you lived or how nice your house was. This storm got everybody over hundreds of square miles.

But once again, we saw the true makeup of America come through as random people, who started the day as they normally would have, quickly became rescuers of their neighbors shortly thereafter, as the boundaries of Republicans, Democrats, blacks and whites were no longer a barrier between life and death or helping your fellow man. It is so sad that it takes devastation like this to remind us that the noise that we hear on a daily basis from the TV Cable News, Radio and Internet is of no real importance when it comes to life and death, and taking care of our families and others in need.

The eternal optimist always hopes that after events like this, things will change. The closest I have seen to that happening was the aftermath of 911, when everyone seemed to stand as one. But when things like that fade to a distant memory, the cable stations and talk radio are quick to gen up the next political controversy of who said this and who did that, because that is how they make their money. But yet, we as a nation, we seem to be naive enough to buy into all this negative propaganda on the side we are on, and make it the most important thing on our agenda.

We should certainly all be a lot smarter than that, but it seems tragedies like this will quickly pass, become a point in time and the cable stations and radio talk shows will be right back to driving a divisive rod into the middle of a nation that not more than 48 hours ago came together to help one another. If we could all somehow take a 40,000 foot view of what is going on in our nation, and see that the radical 5% of each side are pitting the 90% of good people in the middle against each other, it would be obvious that we are being worked by special interests.

I feel that a big part of the problem is the internet and in particular Facebook. Not 2 days into one of the biggest natural disasters that this country has ever seen, Christian haters were already putting out fake news stories and false narratives about the Lakewood Church in Houston saying they had done nothing to help the victims of the flood, were turning people away from the church and that Joel Osteen was just a rich pastor who didn't care about the people of Houston.

So people take that post and share with all of their friends and all of a sudden it becomes fact in a lot of people's minds, even though no one bothered to check to see if the article that they were sharing was even true or not. But the real point is, how is that article helping the guy that is walking waist deep in water pulling all of his belongings behind him in an ice chest? It doesn't. So why would anyone want to write or share an article like that at a time like this? Regardless if it true or not, how does that story change the world or help anyone? Why wasn't the story that was being shared about how the coast guard plucked a mother and her infant daughter that was on a respirator, off the roof and got her to a hospital that saved her life? That is a story that matters and saved a life.

There is no good reason other than this is the negative society that we have become, largely due to social media. We see some headline that seems appalling, and forward it without so much as a thought of validity. Remember, all those people who write those articles get paid to do so. Have you ever read one of those threads that didn't have advertising sprinkled throughout it? Someone is getting paid for every view of that ad, and every time you forward it adds to their salary, regardless whether the content is true or not.

I think the lesson that we should all be learning is to take these polished stories that you see on Facebook and first assume that they are not true. If you really feel the need to share negative stories that run others down, then at least fact check them before you bother your friends with it. But most of all, why even share stories like this that do absolutely no good for anyone, all while becoming a pawn for the 5% of the radicals on either side.

I know this is simplistic, but I was raised by the saying "if you don't have anything good to say about someone, don't say anything at all". That doesn't mean that you can't voice your opinion of something that you don't agree with, but do it in a way that will not just become part of the noise that devours us on a daily basis.

If we could all just tap the brakes on perpetuating the negative and political Facebook posts, and bring it back to a place that we share fun things with our friends, happy times, photos of vacations and worthwhile information, and get away from all of the politics and hate, the world would be a better place and Facebook would certainly be a better place.

May God Bless all of the people who are in the path of Harvey for a quick recovery. God Bless all of those who stepped out to help their neighbors no matter their skin color or political persuasion. And God Bless America to get us back on the track to being Americans that can temper our differences and live peacefully, together as one. We have plenty of other bad guys to worry about outside of our borders.

Barry

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Cyclerides.com Bike Night

Friday, September 8th
Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District. Opening Night for the Fall Season 9/8/17!
Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District will begin our 9th Fall Season with 11 nights total on Friday, September 8th from 5pm - 9pm. Yes, you read that correct, Friday night. Due to interest in Friday nights last time and some conflict with events at the arena, we have decided to do the first 7 Cyclerides.com Bike Nights at Westgate on Friday nights. For those of you putting this in your calendars to keep track, those dates will be Friday nights from September 8th - October 20th.

Here is where it gets a little tricky. Our first idea was to do the last 4 nights on Thursday nights and that is how we were going to proceed. Then Westgate got notified of an event happening at the arena on Thursday, Nov. 9th. So we are switching that one night to Friday, November 10th when we will have a big Veteran's Day celebration at bike night. So the last 4 nights will be on Thursdays, October 26th, November 2nd and November 16th for the last night. November 10th will be on a Friday. It was unfortunate that we couldn't keep all 4 Thursdays in a row, but with all the conflicts either way, this was the best way to do it.

I am excited to get this kicked off for the Fall season and to give us all an excuse to get out on the motorcycle and enjoying some cooler weather especially for evening riding. There was a lot of good feedback on Friday nights last time as a lot of people used it for a date night on the motorcycle and were able to stay out a little longer as for some it isn't a work night.

Live Music for the first month will be:
Friday, September 8th: "Faded Jeans"
Friday, September 15th: "74th Street Band"
Friday, September 22nd: "Backstage Crew"
Friday, September 29th: "Mojo Rats"

Thanks once again to our presenting sponsors: Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Powersports and Indian Motorcycle Peoria, and Indian Motorcycle Chandler. And also to our Associate Sponsor: Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers.

For more information, go to the Cyclerides.com Bike Night Page. Here you will find the bands that will be playing each week and photos posted throughout the season. I look forward to seeing you all again for bike night this fall. Westgate Entertainment District is located at the SE corner of Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. in Glendale, AZ.

This Week

Friday, September 1st
Motorcycles on Main with Desert Wind Harley-Davidson. Meet us at Motorcycles On Main. The first Friday of every month between September and June. Live Music, Beer Gardens, Vendors, Food. 6PM - 10PM. Bike Night in downtown Mesa with #DWHD.

Saturday, September 2nd
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Presents Hooters & Harleys. It's going to be a party at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Saturday, September 2nd from 9am - Noon. Ride in a take advantage of a Bikini Bike Wash with the Harley & Hooters Babes. While you are there, enjoy:
*FREE Hooters Wings
*Live Music
*Raffles.
When you are looking for a destination to ride to, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is the place to go on Saturday, September 2nd. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

September 1st - 3rd
7th Annual Camp N Jam. Rim Country District of Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona proudly present the 7th Annual Camp 'n Jam Fundraiser to support motorcycle rights and safety awareness. Live Music Friday and Saturday by The MODS! Sept 1-3, 2017 at The Double "D" in Tonto Village off Highway 260. Camping, Bike Games, People Games, 50/50, Silent Auction, $1,000 Cash Raffle, Vendors, Wet T-Shirt Contest. $25/Person, $40/Couple Support Motorcycle Rights and have a heck of a great time.

Next Week

Friday, September 8th
Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District. Opening Night for the Fall Season!
I am excited to announce that we will begin our 9th Fall Season with 11 nights total on Friday, September 8th from 5pm - 9pm. Due to interest in Friday nights last time and some conflict with events at the arena, we have decided to do the first 7 Cyclerides.com Bike Nights at Westgate on Friday nights. For those of you putting this in your calendars to keep track, those dates will be Friday nights from September 8th - October 20th. The next 4 nights will be on Thursday nights except for November 10th which will be on a Friday when we will have a Veteran's Day Celebration. Bike Night will end on Thursday, November 16th.

I am excited to get this kicked off for the Fall season and to give us all an excuse to get out on the motorcycle and enjoying some cooler weather especially for evening riding. There was a lot of good feedback on Friday nights last time as a lot of people used it for a date night on the motorcycle and were able to stay out a little longer as for some it isn't a work night.
Live Music by "Faded Jeans"
"74th Street Band" on on 9/15
For more information go to the Cyclerides.com Bike Night Page.

Friday, September 8th
Bike Night at Desert Wind Harley-Davidson. Bike Night is a free, monthly event where riders of all makes and models as well as non-riders gather to show off their bikes! Meet friends, make new friends, enjoy some, live music, and have some fun! Hoodoo Casters will be playing live from 5pm-8pm. Desert Wind Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.

Saturday, September 9th
Desert Wind Harley-Davidson 2018 New Bike Reveal. The 2018 motorcycles are rolling in, and the fully transformed Softail lineup is unlike anything ever built before. Stop in to take a test ride and see where it takes you. Sweet Magnolia Steakhouse will be cooking from 11am- 2pm #DWHD #Milwaukee-Eight #Heritage #Softail #Cruiser. Desert Wind Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.

Upcoming Events

September 15th and 16th
Thunder Valley Rally 2017. Get ready to rock and rumble in Cottonwood, Ariz. for the 2017 Thunder Valley Rally. The Bootlegging capital of Arizona, Cottonwood knows how to throw a party — and Thunder Valley Rally is a big one not to be missed with added venues and concerts by the “Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band” on Friday, Sept. 15, and “Blue Oyster Cult” and “Mogollon” Sat., Sept. 16. (See full music schedule). The 2017 rally will have two venues filled with merriment, music and motorcycles. Thunder Valley Rally Presented by Law Tigers Arizona’s Motorcycle Lawyers will be at The Freedom Bird Entertainment Park and Campground off of North 10th Street with 96 acres of camping, vendors, concerts, beer gardens and events adjacent to Old Town.

In Historic Old Town Cottonwood on North Main Street, which has been “Rockin’ it since 1885” will host three Vendor Villages, two stages, and two beer gardens. Old Town is located on scenic State Route 89A. Don’t miss the epic ride with the “Bootlegger Poker Run” by Cottonwood Motorsports through the Verde Valley’s Wine Country with $2,000 in prize money, and a Miss T.V.R. Pin-up Girl Pageant by Main Stage. Visit www.thundervalleyrallyaz.com for event updates and make your reservations now. Motorcycle-only parking plus entry is $10. Main concert area only is $5. Only cash accepted. There will be camping at the Kickstand at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds. See all of the details at www.thundervalleyrallyaz.com.

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 6500 LIKES! 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!

Alexa gone wild! Watch to the end. Click Here to view.

Video of the Week
Is there methane gas in cow manure? This guy finds out the hard way. Click Here. Click on the Video of the Week graphic to view.

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Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com