Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update
10/23/13
Greetings Riders,
I hope everyone has had a chance to enjoy some of this Chamber of Commerce
riding weather we are having in Arizona right now. It doesn’t get
any better than this. By the looks of the attendance to the events this weekend,
there were a lot of bikes that rolled out of the garage to provide some two
wheel therapy for their owners. I know it worked for us.
Thursday night, head over to the
Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night for
some Live Music with “Legend City”,
some food, drink and fun! The
ride home will be fantastic. Live Music from 6-9 PM. Only 4 nights left to the
season. This week we will be in the normal place on Coyote Blvd. Next week, one
street to the North due to a Coyote game. See you there! Only 4 Nights Left This
Season!
As I was riding back from Cave Creek last Saturday, enjoying the ride,
I was thinking about other short rides I could do around the valley
that have an impact and more interesting than most. What popped into my head was
the ride up to the top of South Mountain. This is one that I haven’t done for a
while, but is really worth the while. Not only do you get a great view of the
Valley at the top, but you can also just go pull up a rock, decompress and day
dream about your next ride. I did a pretty detailed article on this ride several
years ago and thought this would be the perfect time to bring it to your
attention again.
As most of you know from reading the newsletter in the
past, and from looking at the Day Rides section of Cyclerides.com, I am always looking for that next destination that
I can point the nose of the Road Glide to and then report back to you my latest
finding. I was talking to a friend of mine one day (Mack) and he said he was
going to take a ride up South Mountain. I knew South Mountain was there, I see
the towers all the time, but had never taken the time to ride up to the top. For
some reason I had always been under the impression that it was just a couple
mile ride straight up to the top and it was no big deal. I WAS WRONG!
About 3 weeks ago I found myself with a little extra time
on a beautiful Friday afternoon. I needed to add a few more miles for the 10,000 mile
service and was itching to take a ride. So I pointed the nose of the Road Glide
South and headed for the mountain with the towers on it. As I was riding down
there I found it amazing that I have lived here for 25 years and have never been
up South Mountain. In fact, never been to the bottom of it. I had to look it up
on the map just to know for sure how to get there. I guess it is one of those
things that when you are that close to it, you just don't find an urgency to go
do it. Kind of like living in Arizona and never having gone to the Grand Canyon,
but others will fly half way around the world to see it.
While South Mountain Park doesn't compare to the Grand
Canyon in awesome beauty, it does have a pretty cool distinction of its'
own. At nearly 17,000 acres, South Mountain Park is the largest Municipal Park in
the world. When
you think of a "Park" you might imagine open grassy fields, playgrounds, soccer
fields and lakes. You won't find those here. This would probably be more aptly
described as a desert mountain preserve. While picnics, 58 miles of hiking on 10
different trails, mountain biking and trail rides are popular activities here,
it was the ride that will have me coming back.
South Mountain Park is easy to reach from anywhere in the
Valley as it is located just
West of I-10 at 10919 S. Central Ave. and South of I-17. Park hours are 5:30am -
11pm. You can take Baseline W. off of I-10 or 7th ave. exit off of I-17 to get
to Central Ave. As you are heading South on Central you will see a sign telling you that you have reached the
park followed by a tight right turn that will begin your journey. I would
suggest taking a bottle of water or two with you especially as the temperatures
get warmer because there is NOTHING at the top for refreshments. If you forget,
you can make a quick stop at the Ponderosa Stables next
to Scorpion Gulch to
see the horsesand the 2 headed turkey, you can get a bottled water out of the vending
machine.
As soon as you go past the Park Ranger station you
will see a sign that says "Winding Park Roads 15 M.P.H. On
Curves". This couldn't be more true. Although it is only a 5.5 mile ride to Dobbin's
Lookout, it will take you about 15-20 minutes to get there, especially if you
are unlucky enough to get behind one of the sightseeing SUV's that
are plentiful on this road. You will think it is a short ride, but by the time
you Dobbin's Lookout, Buena Vista and the Tower Rd. among others, it will be
about a 20 mile roundtrip full of twists and turns.
My first stop was to be Dobbin's Lookout. At 2330 foot in elevation, it is the highest accessible point in the park. As I
zig zagged my way up the side of the mountain I could see the view and the panorama of the Valley area
to the North start to expand. Trying to take a peek as I was riding but also
keeping an eye on this twisty road, I had to stop a couple of times to take it all in. The higher you go, the more of the Valley comes
into view and the more awestruck you become. By the time you reach Dobbin's
Lookout you have an awesome 210 degree view of the Valley from the Estrella Mountains to the Superstitions
and everything in between as far as your eyes can see. As you park and walk onto
the point you will see a brass plaque located on the top of a round concrete
structure that will show you all of the points of interest across your view. There is an old stone building you
can stand in to get out of the sun or you can set on one of the several benches to
take in this incredible sight.
After we left Dobbin's we took the road back
and headed South to Buena Vista Lookout and then to the TV Towers. Yes, these are the same TV Towers that
you see from almost anywhere in the valley. After seeing these for the last 25
years from afar, it was really neat to them up close and see what is around
them. From the Tower Lookout point you can see all of Ahwatukee and
as far South and you can see. The day that Mrs. C. and I were there we met up
with some other riders that
were taking advantage of this great ride. We were also entertained by paragliders who
were strapping a parachute to their backs and jumping off of
the back side of the mountain. Click Here for the video. I've done a lot of things including bungee and
skydiving, but this just seems like a little too much left to chance on this
activity. One little gust of wind at the wrong time and you could be doing a
face plant into the side of a hill. But it did look thrilling, and it wouldn't
surprise me if I were soon doing a story on paragliding. After watching the
paragliders and taking a few photos we were ready to start our trip back down
the hill.
If you are
ever in a situation where you have some extra time and want to go for a short
ride without leaving the valley area, this would be a good
one. It would really be a good place to go to just sit on a bench and
relax, maybe eat a sandwich, watch the city and the planes take off at Sky
Harbor or watch the sun set and the city lights come to life. I enjoyed this
ride so much that I took Mrs. C. back
with me last weekend. And I'm sure I will be back again at dusk to see the
valley lights. You will need to be very careful as you ride these narrow roads.
There is loose gravel around a few of the corners and there are hardly any
guardrails. Some of the corners are very tight and you don't want to miss one
like somebody did here. On weekends there are a lot of bicyclists that
you will have to avoid as well.
Other than that, go enjoy yourself and make this an excuse
to get out and take a ride. I will be adding this to the Day Rides section on
the site and I am giving it 4 spokes out of 5 for a
good, short in town ride destination.
Click Here For
Photos
Bike Nights
Every
Thursday, Sept. 12th – Nov. 14th – Only 4 Nights Left This
Season!
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 on Coyote Blvd. with “Legend City”
6-9 PM.
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 September 12th – Nov. 14th
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
What: Bike Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style
Cruising down Coyote Blvd.
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and
Ridenow Powersports:
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.
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 Sponsors
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
October 25-27
Indian
Motorcycle of Chandler Demo Days. You’ve heard all about the brand new
Indian Motorcycles for 2014
that have been completely redesigned
and are now being produced by the multi-billion dollar Polaris Corporation. Now
is your chance to ride one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
Indian of Chandler is having 3 big Demo Days that will put you in the saddle of
a 2014 Indian to let you see the difference. 9 AM – 5 PM Friday, Saturday and
Sunday, Oct. 25-27. Also join us for Oktoberfest! There will be Live Music
(Saturday only), Raffles and Giveaways, Oktoberfest Girls and Free Food. Indian
of Chandler is located at 1701 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler, AZ. 480-899-9113.
www.indianmotorcycleofchandler.com .
Saturday, October 26th
Chester’s
Harley-Davidson Party on the Patio. Stop by Chester's Harley-Davidson
Saturday, October 26th from 11AM-2PM for our monthly party on the patio! FREE
event
to you, and benefiting Friends for Life Animal Rescue!
Getting ready for this year's Halloween but feel in the giving spirit of the
holidays? Stop by Chester's Harley-Davidson Saturday, October 26th from 11AM-2PM
for a scary good time! FREE FOOD provided by Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
restaurant, LIVE MUSIC by local band Unknown Associates, BIKE WASH by the Dirty
Dogg Girls, plus FREE ENTRY for a chance to win a Vegas Vacation! (one entry per
person, winner drawn at 2PM, must be present to win) ALL MONEY raised will go
directly to Friends for Life Animal Rescue. Friends for Life will be collecting
supplies that they are in dire need of, which include: Dog & cat food (wet
& dry), cat litter (clay only), paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning
supplies, and copy paper. **Friends for life is a non-profit, volunteer based
organization enriching the lives of hundreds of local animals** What more could
you ask for on a Saturday afternoon? We'll see you there! Chester’s HD is
located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ.
Saturday, October 26th
Buddy
Stubbs Harley-Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Arizona
Harley-Davidson
on Saturday, October 26th from 11am – 3pm 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? We’ll also
cover the available Boom! products for your bike. RSVP today @
boomworkshop.eventbrite.com. Buddy Stubbs H-D will also have free food and
drinks (while supplies last), bikini bike wash and museum tours with all
donations going to HOG 2376 charities. For more information go to www.buddystubbshd.com or call
(602)971-3400. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave
Creek Road.
Next Week
Saturday, November 2nd
Ride to Rescue for Homeless
Animals. The Ride to Rescue for Homeless Animals starting at Joeta's
Leather
- 433 West Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85021. Gear up for
Paw Placement's First Annual Ride to Rescue for Homeless Animals. Silent
Auction: Items include trips, resort packages, garage services and much more.
Raffle: Awesome prizes! GIVEAWAYS GALORE! All Riders receive an Event T-Shirt.
Every mile is a life-saver for homeless cats and dogs in Arizona. Ride a scenic
route for a good cause. What a great reason to hit the road! The Ride starts
with Breakfast at Joeta's Leather in Mesa. Riders will take the Bee Line Highway
(87) up to Fountain Hills, stopping at the Saddle Bronc Grille before cruising
Palisades Boulevard, past the fountain and through the hills to Harley-Davidson
of Scottsdale. After a lunch on the patio, riders will take scenic back roads
through desert terrain to The Roadrunner Bar & Grill in New River. Have a
refreshing beverage before heading the The Hideaway in Cave Creek. The ride is
over but the party begins! Paw Placement Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3)
not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to reduce euthanasia of cats and
dogs through rescue, adoption and education about responsible pet guardianship.
For more information 480-773-8547 or visit www.pawplacement.org/Ride2013
Saturday, November 2nd
Christ’s
Community Church Motorcycle Charity Ride. This will be a Poker Run with
Grand Prize & Prizes
Benefitting Street Light USA. Ride begins
at CCC located at 4530 W. Thunderbird Rd. in Glendale, AZ. Check in &
Breakfast at 8 AM. Kickstands up at 9 AM. Ride concludes at CCC Community Picnic
at Sahuaro Ranch Park, 11 AM – 2 PM. More information contact Yvonne at
ymartinez@cccaz.org.
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!
Video of the Week.
For those of you that live in the Phoenix area, this is a reminder
why we live here. Some funny clips here. 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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