Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
9/15/10

 

Greetings Riders,
 
Well, I'm going to go out on a limb right now and guess that pretty much everyone is getting tired of seeing the numbers 105 on their thermometers as they are driving home every day. I know I am. The 100 degree mark on the way down works just like it does on the way up in reverse. Every day I pull up the extended forecast like a kid waiting at the mailbox for my free toy ordered from the back of a Kellogg's cereal box, hoping to see the temp that starts with a 9. It is amazing what that can do to give you a better attitude going out the door. The good news is that night temps are at least getting into the high 70's, so it does make evening  and early morning riding pretty nice which is just in time for the Fall session of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night that starts this Thursday night from 5-10pm. Don't let the 104 that day scare you away, it will be great when the sun sets at 6:30pm. Hope to see you there. Live Music, Vendors and lots of fun! 
 
The only good news about the weather being so hot here is that it is still perfect riding weather in the high country. Still plenty of time to plan a trip to the North Rim or even do the Coronado Trail like we did a couple of weeks ago. If you missed last week's letter about the Coronado Trail, Click Here. It should be great in that area, and coming home won't be that bad.

Oregon Ride Day 3 - Cascade Lakes Byway and Bend, OR

 
This week I am going to continue with the report of our 2010 Oregon Ride with Day 3. If you missed the reports of the first two days, click here for Day 1 and Day 2. The theme of this entire 9 day ride was to stay on as many National Scenic Byways as possible. With Oregon, that is not too tough to do as there are 10 of them to choose from. Today we were leaving from Oakridge, OR and plan to do about 300 miles while enjoying 2 more scenic byways. The first one on the GPS was the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. So we headed Southeast on Hwy. 58 to find our turn to the North onto the byway. But the great thing about Oregon is that there are many surprises along the way and this day was no different. Just a few miles before our turn we saw a sign for the Salt Creek Falls. I had not heard about it at all, but what the heck, it was worth a peek. Wow! We were glad we didn't miss this one. A beautiful large waterfall just 1/2 mile off the main road. Like I said, you never know what you are going to see in Oregon. Click Here for a short video of the falls.
 
Shortly after that we were headed North on Cascade Lakes Hwy. that would take us on a beautiful 70 mile ride to Bend, OR. This is a great 2 lane road that takes you through the pines on some nice sweeping curves while taking you past several lakes. I will have to admit, after going through what seemed to be 500 hairpin curves the day before, I was ready to open it up a bit and just enjoy the ride. This road was just what the doctor ordered. About 35 miles into the ride you got your first look at one of the snow capped Sisters mountains perched behind Elk Lake. What a beautiful sight. I now have this as my Windows desktop background. If you are ever on this road, be sure and stop at Elk Lake Resort. It is a great place to just take a break or eat lunch with a view of the Mt. Bachelor and the Sisters Mountains. A great stop.
 
From there it was on to Bend, OR. Mrs. C. and I were both impressed with this city. It was so clean, well planned and had a fantastic area called the Old Mill District right next to the river. If you ever go through Bend, make sure and see this area. City planners all around the U.S. should take a trip to Bend and get some ideas. From Bend we rode straight South on Hwy. 97 for about 75 miles to do a portion of our next road called the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. This is Hwy. 138 that would take us 100 miles through various waterfalls and pines to our stop for the night at Roseburg, OR at the Best Western Garden Villa Inn. As usual, this road is a joy to ride and offers many stops to see waterfalls along the way.
 
One of favorite stops on this road was Clearwater Falls. This was an absolutely beautiful setting back in the trees. Hard to photograph, but great to see. It was so wet back in there from the spray of the water that there was tree moss on almost everything around it. After a short hike to the top of the falls you will see a small lake reflecting the forest that literally surrounds it. What a beautiful sight. Almost surreal, except for the mosquitoes. That made it real. On down Hwy. 138 to the West another good stop is Watson Falls. This requires about a 1/2 mile hike on a narrow trail to see this majestic waterfall that plunges 270 feet over the edge of a basalt lava flow. It is definitely worth the hike to this one as most of the trees are covered with the moss. Pretty cool for us desert rats to see this type of thing.
 
From there it was getting late in the day, so we made our way on into Roseburg for the night having ridden almost 300 miles for the day, enjoying 2 more scenic byways and quickly becoming big fans of riding in Oregon. As you know, I am a big fan of barn pictures. View this one just outside of Roseburg, OR. See more beautiful pictures and a map of the day below.
 
Click Here for 99 Photos
Click Here for Google Map
 
Useful Links:
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
National Scenic Byway Site
 


Tidbits and Updates:
 
10th Annual Rocky Point Rally. I have had many inquiries about the Rocky Point Rally this year. The dates for this event are Nov. 4th - 7th. Welcome parties on Nov. 4th from 4pm - 8pm at Penasco del Sol Hotel swimming pool and at Manny's Beach Club at 8pm till close. More information to follow next week. 

Here is some good news
!
This just in from the Motorcycle Industry Council. Despite the rising number of motorcycle miles traveled, fatalities decreased 16 percent
and injuries declined 6.3 percent last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Among all types of motorists, motorcyclists had the second-largest reduction in fatalities, behind large-truck occupants, and the largest drop in alcohol-impaired fatalities – also a 16 percent reduction. The reduction came while motorcycle miles traveled increased approximately 5 percent last year, some 1.3 billion more miles than in 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2009 Motorcycle Owner Survey. Also, 11 million motorcycles were in use last year, an increase of some 500,000 compared with 2008. Both the MIC and the MSF strongly urge riders to get trained and licensed and obey traffic laws, wear all the protective gear all the time, never drink and ride, always ride within their own limits, and become lifelong learners. Click Here for entire article.
 
Update:
I mentioned last week that Buddy Stubbs was riding a 1913 Excelsior in the Coast to Coast 3300 mile
Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run consisting of all pre-1916 motorcycles. He is still in the race after Stage 3 and has dropped back to 20th place due to a flat tire. Click Here for a YouTube video of Buddy riding the bike. Click above link for race results at bottom of page. The route will be coming through Flagstaff on Thursday, September 23rd on the way to Santa Monica. If you would like to see the bikes and the riders, Click Here for the tour stops. Click Here for the daily route and mileages.

This Week 

NEW!!
Thursday, September 16th
The Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night is going to start up again on September 16th. If you didn't make it to one of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Nights last spring, don't miss it now. The Fall season is going to be a little different. We are just going to do 3 Thursday nights for the Fall. So mark you calendars for September 16th, October 14th and November 11th which will be a Veteran themed event. Event time is 5-10pm. I will end the season with the Cyclerides.com Toy Event at Westgate on Saturday, December 4th.
 
This year we will have Live Music every month starting with Velvet Tiger playing Classic Rock and Blues. There will be Vendors, Restaurant Specials, Videos on the giant LED, performances from the 6 million dollar dancing water fountains and of course plenty of motorcycle parking on Coyote Blvd. and beyond. Urban Roots will play from 6-9 pm.
 
There are 10 restaurant specials this night. But a couple of them stand out and they are good for the evening: The Shout House: $6 Burger/Fries/Domestic Draft. Make sure to walk over and check out the great food at The New Tuscan Oven: Sausage & Pepper Hero Sandwich, Fries, and a domestic bottle of beer for $10. Margaritaville: $10 Burger meal and 14 az beer, $4 House Margs, $4 20 oz beer. Click Here for all the specials.
 
Plan to kick it off with us on Thursday, September 16th from 5-10pm at Westgate City Center located next to the Cardinals Stadium and Jobing.com Arena at Loop 101 and W. Glendale Ave. Click Here for Details.

Sponsored by:
Arrowhead HD
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. 623-247-5542

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.  

Allstate Insurance - Steve Wingenfield Agent.

Stop by Steve Wingenfeld's Allstate tent on Bike Night and check out Allstate's NEW Lower rates on All Harley's and all cruiser bikes. Now you can save over 40% with multi-line discounts. You can stop in at our Westgate office on Coyote's Blvd(suite 1056) or call us at 623.581.0374. Check out our Motorcycle website at http://www.allstategarage.com/, Just input zip code 85305 to get to my web page.
 
If you would like to be a vendor or a sponsor on any of these 3 nights, please contact Barry at info@cyclerides.com
See photos from last season. 

Thursday, September 16th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Garage Party. Do you know a woman who says, "I would love to learn to ride a motorcycle, but...? Tell her now is the time to get over that "but" and shift into first gear. She can learn more about motorcycling at our Women Only Garage Party. This is a FREE event that offers fun, beginner information for women with limited or even no background with motorcycle. Tell your female friends to join us for one night of fun, workshops and festive activities during this event geared toward women who dream of riding but just aren't sure how to get started on their motorcycle journey. Event Time is 5:30pm - 8:30pm. You must RSVP for this event to Deb Lotardo at 480-496-6800. or email: mpeebler@ridenow.com . Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ. 

Saturday, September 18th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Model Premier Open House. It is that time of year! The new 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycles are now at the dealership waiting for you to come take a look. You can do that this Saturday, September 18th from 10am to 4pm. While you are browsing the new models we will treat you to FREE FOOD: Hot dogs & hamburgers while supplies last. Music and a beer garden next door! Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. 

Saturday and Sunday, September 18th-19th
10th Annual Thunder Valley Rally at the Cliff Castle Casino. Plan to ride up North to Camp Verde, AZ for the 10th Annual Thunder Valley Rally featuring $100,000 in cash, prizes and charitable donations. September 18th Poker Run with over $10,000 in prizes. Bike Show with over $8,000 in prizes for 13 classes. Live Music performances "Battle of the Bands". Special Guests include San Francisco based "Unauthorized Rolling Stones" and Los Angeles based "Led Zepagain". Raffles include over $4,000 in Cash and Prizes each day. Also giving away 2 Victory Cross Roads motorcycles valued at $32,000. Ride registration on Saturday from 7-10am. The 10th Annual TVR Event will be a $30 Event Package entry fee in which guests will receive a Commemorative t-shirt, ride pin, and Bandana and a raffle ticket into the Victory Motorcycle giveaways and the free Poker Run leaves at 9am. Guests can participate in the Free Poker Run without purchase of the $30 Event Entry Package. CLICK HERE for all details. 800-381-SLOT. Location: I-17 North to Exit 289. 555 Middle Verde Rd., Camp Verde, AZ. 

Next Week 

Saturday, September 25th
4th Annual Toy Drive and Ride for Andrea's Closet. Ride starts at Arrowhead Harley Davidson at 8:00am for registration toy drop off and  leaves at 9:30am. New toys only please. 1 toy equals 3 raffle tickets. The more you bring, the more chances to win and the more smiles for kids. Tons of great raffle prizes and a silent auction. All bikes and cars welcome. Free Water and Donuts. Escorted ride. Ride ends at St. Joseph's Hospital, 350 W. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix. Starts at Arrowhead HD located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountains Ctr. Dr. in Peoria. http://www.andreascloset.org/ 

Saturday and Sunday,
September 25th & 26th.

Tucson Harley-Davidson Demo Days. You might have seen the new 2011 Harley-Davidson's by now, but there is nothing like actually getting on one and taking it for a ride. This is your chance! The Harley-Davidson Demo Truck will be at Tucson HD on Saturday and Sunday to give you an opportunity to see what all the fuss is about with the new 2011 models. Pick the one you want to ride and take a spin on it from 9am - 4pm both days. You must have a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21 years old. There will be Free Food, Raffle Prizes and More! Don't miss this opportunity to test ride your favorite Harley-Davidson. Tucson HD is located at 7355 N. I-10 EB Frontage Rd. in Tucson, AZ. 520-751-3380. 

Upcoming Rides 

October 8-10, 2010
Thunder Mountain Ride. PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
There are rides or events that come along every now and then that really get me excited and that includes the upcoming Thunder Mountain Ride Motorcycle Rally in Payson, AZ. Not only is Payson Arizona a beautiful place to have a motorcycle event, it is also the perfect time of year for it. But they are really making it huge by giving away 13 motorcycles to those who attend. Not to mention live music daily including high profile acts like Mogollon and rides through and around the rim.  I will be talking more about this event over the next several weeks. But for now I would like to direct you to the excellent video that they have done for this ride that will definitely get you excited about it. Event is sponsored by Native Air, City of Payson, North Country HealthCare, Outback Steakhouse and Budweiser. This video is really good and will get you excited to participate. Click Here to View Video.  
Stay tuned for weekly updates for this event. Click Here for Schedule of Events. 

Best Deal Entry Fee: For $120 you receive drawing tickets for all 13 motorcycles, and a free T-Shirt.
For $60 you receive drawing tickets for 5 motorcycles. For $20 participate and be entered to win one specific motorcycle. Click Here to see ALL 13 Motorcyces and how to win them.
Click Here to Register Now! 

Extras 

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook.

New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 2600 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 still don't see how this girl got up after this little mishap. She is one tough cookie. Watch the slow mo.  Click Here to View. 

These are 3 funny commercials that are telling you not to judge too quickly. Click Here to View. 

Video of the Week: If you like High Technology and police work with canine's, you are going to love watching the police catch these bad guys through a FLIR system in a helicopter. 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
info@cyclerides.com
 

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