Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

9/18/13

Greetings Riders,

I want to start this week by thanking all of those that came out for Firefighter Appreciation Night on the opening night of the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports. There was a HUGE crowd assembled at 7:30 PM to watch the Bagpipers and Honor Guard parade down Coyote Blvd. to assemble at center court for presentation of the colors and 2 songs by the Bagpipers that included moving renditions of “America The Beautiful” and “Amazing Grace”. This was followed by a parade of Wind & Fire Motorcycle riders and a Fire Truck to honor all Firefighters. I would like to personally thank Peoria Deputy Chief Rick Picard for being instrumental in putting together this event as well as speaking on behalf of the all firefighters. It was a great night to bring recognition for a great group of people that are there to help us at a moments notice. My thanks to all for your support. Click Here for Photos that I had taken throughout the night. And here are some photos shot by Rusty Childress of Main Event Imaging as only he can do it. Click Here to View.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we were just back from our 10 day trip to Nashville, TN that included 7 days of riding through the Appalachian Mountains touching 6 states in our 1750 mile journey through a beautiful area of the United States that we had never been. We shipped the bikes to Franklin, TN, to our old friend Rich Gargano who is the GM at Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs. We took an early morning flight to Nashville on Friday, August 23rd, Rich had us picked up from the airport and taken to HD Cool Springs where our bikes were waiting for us, fully loaded and ready to go.

I will go into detail with plenty of photos and maps over the next few weeks about this great trip that included touring the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, riding the Tail of the Dragon, visiting the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC, touring the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, NC, visiting the Andy Griffith Museum in Mt. Airy, NC, seeing picturesque Mabry Mill in Virginia, visiting the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY and of course, riding over 250 miles on the beautiful Blue Ridge Pkwy, a fantastic motorcycle road that more than lives up to the hype.

This week I will cover the first 2 days in Nashville. We are both big country music fans, so we spent the first couple of nights staying in downtown Nashville, just being tourists and enjoying the Nashville night life. This town WAY exceeded what my impressions of Nashville would be. I thought it was going to be kind of an old Hayseed place with a few bars and with some country music playing. Boy was I wrong! City Management has done a great job of turning Nashville, aka “Music City” into a well rounded entertainment center with lots of things to do and see. The way the downtown is laid out being right on the river, it creates a really cool feel. Not only do they have the infamous Broadway Rd. with all of the infamous bars, they also have the Tennessee Titans stadium just across the river accessed by a walking bridge, the Bridgestone Arena, the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame all within a couple blocks of each other.

To say that I was impressed with Nashville is an understatement. We stayed in a hotel downtown and walked to virtually everything, with the exception being the Antique Archaeology shop of the hit TV show “American Pickers”. For those of you that are fans of the Pickers, it was a hoot to see all of the things that they had picked displayed in the shop. They said that they are now the 2nd most visited place in Nashville. All from a little cable show. A fun place to stop. You will recognize the old Marathon Automobiles from the photos.

The Country Music Hall of Fame was interesting and the Opryland Hotel was amazing to see, but the real excitement in Nashville is the nightlife downtown. The crowded sidewalks, the sounds of live music from all directions and the smell of leather flowing to the streets from the many boot shops mixed in with the neon lights beckoning you in make for an exciting place to spend a few hours. We had never experienced so many options for live music all in a matter of a few blocks. You literally walk down the sidewalks on either side and have live music emanating from every other bar including the famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge, the Legend and many more with their walls covered with memorabilia from the last 60 years of country music. Some even have bands in the front and the back of the building and one is 3 stories tall with a band on each level.

I asked the doorman at Tootsies why that place was so famous and he said that back in the 50’s and 60’s the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and others used to perform at the Ryman, they would slip out the side door, walk across the ally to the back door of Tootsies, get drunk and perform on their stages for another 2 or 3 hours. Apparently that is still happening as the door man also said that Kid Rock did the same thing recently after doing a show at the Bridgestone Arena. He came across the street and performed for another 2 hours on the back bar stage. And when you take a minute to think that most of the big country stars that we hear on the radio today, were standing on those same stages just a few years ago to get their start. Nashville is the most fun city I have been to for nightlife and absolutely the bachelorette party capital of Tennessee. Never seen so many young girls out partying in all my life. You will see some in the photos.

Not only is the nightlife amazing in downtown Nashville, but a day time walking tour away from the glare of the neon lights, to enjoy the Architecture and the history of the area is also enjoyable. A walk down Broadway toward the River and then a left on 2nd Ave. up to the City Hall and really anywhere within 4 city blocks is full of old churches, buildings and hotels. Given that the Nashville area was the site of one of the biggest battles in the Civil War, you will see many references and signs that show how certain buildings and churches played a roll during that time.

Overall, Nashville is a very fascinating and interesting city that has captured the old spirit of Country Music while integrating sports and entertainment of today’s world that are embraced by many from all around the world. My advice would be to carve out at least 3 full days for seeing the downtown Nashville area. We only had a day and a half, and that wasn’t nearly enough to do it justice.

I would certainly recommend either making Nashville your first major stop on your ride, or do what we did there is a time restriction, and start your ride by either shipping your bikes to, or renting in the area, but as you will see over the next few newsletters, this is definitely an area to be considered for your next big ride.

Next week I will cover the ride to Lynchburg, TN for the Jack Daniels Distillery tour and more.

Click Here for Photos.

Tidbits and Updates:

**Live Music this week with crowd favorite Chad Freeman & Redline 6-9 PM at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports. Featured restaurants this week. The brand new Whiskey Rose Bar & Grill. Check it out! Next to Hell’s Half Acre. Take 10% off your bill with M class license. Deal of the night at the Shout House: Black Angus Burger or Foot-Long Hot Dog, plus Fries and a Beer for only $9.00. More details below.

**Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) has teamed up with Team Arizona to give away a Motorcycle Training Course each month. AMSAF's goal is to help reduce Motorcycle accidents and fatalities in Arizona. Taking a Motorcycle Training Course is a step to help in that. You can go to www.amsaf.org and click on the NEWS tab. You can only fill one application per month but you can apply every month. AMSAF is also looking for other Sponsors to help us give away more Motorcycle classes each month. Together we can reduce Motorcycle accidents which are on the climb.

Bike Nights

New Fall Season!

Every Thursday, Sept. 12th – Nov. 14th

Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night this Fall being presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports. Bike Night began Thursday night, September 12th with a HUGE crowd and will continue for a total of 10 nights ending on November 14th 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 & 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.

Scottsdale Victory and Indian Motorcycles. Scottsdale, Arizona NOW has it's own INDIAN & VICTORY Motorcycle Dealership! The New 2014 Indian Motorcycles revealed at Sturgis on August 3rd are NOW AVAILABLE for PRE-ORDERING! Be the First to OWN a NEW INDIAN MOTORCYCLE that will revolutionize the Motorcycle Industry! Stop by and See us 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 domestic 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 $3.75 when showing M class on license. 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.

Mama Gia’s – Enjoy $3 domestic beer and $.50 cent wings with an order of 24 or more when showing M class on license.

Shane’s Rib Shack – Free 10 piece traditional chicken wings with the purchase of 20 traditional chicken wings when you show your M class license. Plus, domestic beer for $2 per bottle.

Whiskey Rose Bar & Grill. Take 10% off your bill when you show your M class on license. Excludes Alcohol.

This Week

Friday – Sunday

September 20-22

Thunder Valley Rally 2013. Thunder Valley Rally 2013 in Old Town Cottonwood, AZ. This rally is under new management and promises to be a real party this year! The Bootlegger capital of Arizona knows how to throw a party with FREE concerts by “Jackyl” and “Leon Russell”. Sturgis style parking on Main, Huge Beer Garden, Top Builders, Vendors, Outrageous Poker Run through the Verde Valley Wine Country $2,000 in prize money, Bike Show with $1,000 in prize money and prizes and a Miss TVR Pageant are just the start of a smokin’ good time in Old Town. Visit www.thundervalleyrallyaz.com for event updates and make your reservations now. A 4-Coyotes Production & City of Cottonwood. Sponsored by: Tequila Penasco, Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson, Law Tigers, Nation Wide Vision, Hensley, Beverage Co Budweiser, D&K Cycles & Service, Cottonwood Motorsports. Make your plans to ride to Cottonwood and join party!!

Friday and Saturday

September 20th and 21st

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale Thunder Valley Rides. Planning on going up to the Thunder Valley Rally? Ride up to Cottonwood with Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.

Friday: “Shelly’s Sun Down Ride”

5-6 PM Registration at HDOS

6:30 PM Kickstands Up riding to Thunder Valley Rally 2013 with Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.

9:00 PM enjoy the FREE Jackyl Concert.

Saturday: “Janeen’s Sunrise Ride”

7-8 AM Registration at HDOS

8 AM Kickstands Up

Ride with HDOS for the poker run through wine country followed by a full day of entertainment including free concert by the Legendary Leon Russell.

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ.

Saturday, September 21st

Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson on Saturday, September 21st from 11am – 2pm for Hogs & Dogs as well as a brand new Boom! Audio workshop. Are you ready to learn about all the new updates and changes to the audio and infotainment system that Harley-Davidson has introduced on the new Rushmore Touring bikes? RSVP today at boomworkshop.eventbrite.com. Anthem H-D will also have free food and drinks while supplies last with all donations going to HOG 2376 charities. For more information go to www.anthemhd.com or call (623) 465-1122. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem AZ 85086.

Next Week

Saturday, September 28th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Bikes and Bikinis. Join Arrowhead Harley-Davidson for a day full of fun.

Don’t miss this always popular event at Arrowhead HD. Clean out the garage, make some money for new chrome.

SWAP MEET: 6 AM – 1 PM. Bring those old parts sitting around the garage and sell enough of them to buy some new chrome! Used parts only. No competitive items or bike sales. Space is limited so call 623-247-5542 or email ahdebay@ridenow.com to reserve your spot.

FREE Lunch: Hot Dogs served 11 AM – 1 PM. While supplies last.

FREE Bikini Bike Wash by the Arrowhead HD Girls from 11 AM – 3 PM.

Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ.

Saturday & Sunday

September 28th & 29th

Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Join the crew at Buddy Stubbs AZ H-D for FREE lunch (while supplies last), a bikini bike wash, museum tours and much more on Saturday September 28th from 11am-2pm. The weather is beginning to break and riding weather will only get better! Better yet, you’ve seen the new 2014 Harley-Davidson lineup and you are ready to test ride? Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is hosting FREE Factory Demo Rides September 28th from 9am to 5pm and September 29th from 10am to 4pm. Bring your gear or borrow some from us and see what the most technologically advanced Harley® ever built is like! Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85022. Or catch us on the web at www.buddystubbs.com.

Saturday, September 28th

Gatekeepers Points Ride. Benefiting the Arizona Burn Center Pediatric Trauma Unit. Check-In at HD of Scottsdale from 9AM – 11AM located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. 4 Stops include Cocomo Joe’s, Greasewood Flat, Rio Verde Fire District and Hooter’s of Scottsdale for a Wing Lunch. Last bike in at Hooter’s 2PM. Games at each location for points. Goodie Bags, Drawings & More. Live Music by Whiskey Dogz. $20 per person or $35 per pair. Double Points Day. Receive double points on all purchases at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 4400 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!

Talk about strange bedfellows. Take a look at this pair. Click Here to View.

Looking for an intense sport? This would qualify. Even tethered this would be scary. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week. This is funny. A real life car chase in California set to the Benny Hill theme song. 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