Cyclerides.com
Weekly Update
11/3/10
Greetings Riders,
Well, here we are at the first of
November. The elections are finally over, triple digit temperatures are finally
gone and now we can enjoy the peace and quiet of normal programming on TV and
Radio while we enjoy this great riding weather. I don't know if
anyone agrees with me, but the constant negative advertising from the political
candidates was really starting to get annoying. It was to the point that I
didn't want to vote for any of them. But at least the bleeding in Washington has
been stopped and now we can look forward to gridlock for the next couple of
years, which beats out of control spending and intrusive government regulations.
Just another good reason to get on the bike and take a nice long ride.
As most of you know, I am always
looking for new activities to do to share with those who like to get
out and ride with a destination in mind. We visited one
last week that is fairly obvious, in fact, literally right under our feet, but
one that we just don't necessarily think about doing. Kind of like living in
Arizona for 20 years and not going to the Grand Canyon. You know it is there,
and that it is only 200 miles away, but for some reason, we
will travel 600 miles to California to drive through a Redwood tree
instead. Go figure. Not only do we have one of the greatest geological
wonders of the world with the Grand Canyon in our State, we also have one
of the greatest man made achievements with the Hoover Dam. Well, technically
half of it I guess. The other half is in Nevada.
We all know about and have
seen Hoover Dam, probably
ridden over it several times going to Las Vegas, but have you ever taken the
tour and spent some time learning about the importance of this structure?
This year marks the 75th Anniversary of
the completion of the Hoover Dam. Construction of Hoover Dam began in 1931, and
the last concrete was poured in 1935. Even with some of the harshest working
conditions, the dam was completed almost 2 years ahead of schedule. Hoover Dam
was without precedent, the greatest dam of its day, is still a world-renowned
structure and National Historic Landmark. In 1999, it was named the
number 5 construction achievement of the 20th century.
Built in the height of the
depression, workers came to Boulder City from all over the U.S. for the
opportunity to work and have a steady job for 50 cents to as high
as $1.25 per hour. (See
picture of the pay scale) There would be as many as 10,000
employees that would work 12 hours per day, 7 days per week, around the
clock with only 2 days off, Christmas and July 4th. Over 700 people
died on this project with most of them due to getting hit on the head with
falling rocks early on. 96 was the official count of deaths on site, the others
died off site as a result of injuries. To dispel rumors you might have heard,
the only creature buried in the dam was a black lab that became the project
mascot and was beloved by all the workers. The dog was killed in a truck
accident, and more men wept that day than through all the other tough times
during construction. The dog was buried in the dam as a tribute.
One of the factoids that I found most
interesting was how they poured the concrete in the dam. Workers
built the dam as a series of concrete boxes, dumping the mix from huge
buckets. To keep the mix cool, workers ran 582 miles of cooling
pipes through the forms. At first they carried river water and later ice water
from a nearby plant. Otherwise it would have taken 125 years for the concrete to
cure. Sixteen people died of heat exposure at the site in just one month in
the summer of 1931. The average high was 120 degrees. The last concrete in
the dam was poured on May 29, 1935.
There are so many interesting facts
and history of this historic structure that I couldn't even begin to get to them
in this letter. But what I can say is that I would encourage anyone
to take the time and effort to go to Hoover Dam and take the tour. I would
suggest reading some history of it before you go to get a head start on what you
will be seeing and better understand it. There are 2 tours available. The Power
Plant Tour for $11 per person which will take you down the elevator 15 stories
to the Power Plant to see the generators and massive pipes that take the water
to them. You will also walk through some tunnels along the way. The other tour
is the Dam Tour that costs $30 per person that will take you through some
tunnels deeper inside the dam. We just did the Power Plant tour that was
recommended by one of the workers on site which was very good.
When you come up from the Power Plant
at the end of the tour it will drop you off at the Exhibit Gallery which was
fascinating. Be sure and spend some time here. They have displays
and video from the actual construction
of the dam that will give you an insight to what these people went through to
construct the dam in the early 1930's. There are also displays to show you the
importance of Hoover Dam to the Southwest and displays to show you how
electricity works. Hoover Dam is definitely an important and fascinating part of
our American History that I think anyone would enjoy.
There is also another new attraction
to see while you are there. For the last 5 years, those
of us in Arizona have been hearing about and even watching the construction
of the new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, aka The Mike O'Callaghan - Pat
Tillman Memorial Bridge. (Photo)
After 3 years of planning, preparation and blasting through rock, official
construction of the bridge structure began on Valentines Day in 2005. Over 5
years and $114 million dollars later, the bridge was dedicated on October 14th,
2010, just 2 weeks after the 75th anniversary of the dam's opening
ceremony.
Not only will this
bridge save everyone as much as an hour or more on a roundtrip to Las
Vegas, but it has also set some records of its own. Some
interesting facts about the bridge is that it is the highest and longest arched concrete bridge in the
Western Hemisphere. The bridge stands 890 feet above the Colorado
River, is 1900 feet long with a 1060 foot long arch, the longest of its
kind in North America. It is also the second-highest bridge of any kind in the
United States and 14th in the world as well as the world's tallest concrete
columns of their kind. Quite and engineering marvel itself towering 200 feet
over one of the greatest engineering marvels of all time.
Due to a strategically placed 5 foot
concrete wall, you will not be able to see Hoover Dam when riding across the
bridge. What you have to do is take the first exit after crossing
the bridge on the Nevada side and follow the signs to Hoover Dam. About a mile
down the hill you will see a sign for the bridge parking lot. Park there and
take about 70 steps up and follow the sidewalk to the bridge. On the dam side of
the bridge there is a walkway
that enters on the Nevada side and dead ends on the Arizona side. Here you have
a perfect
view of the dam and the Colorado River 890 feet below. After seeing
the bridge you can follow the old road 93 down to the Hoover Dam parking
structure where they do have motorcycle parking. Of course, the tourist bug
did bite me, check out this picture of me holding up the bridge. Click
Here.
From I-17 and the Loop 101 it is 250
miles to Hoover Dam. So if you are looking for a good overnight
ride or a long day ride, this would be a very rewarding and historically
interesting one to take. You can no longer take Hwy. 93 directly to the
dam. That is blocked off and diverts you around onto the new part of
the highway. The only way to reach the dam now is to go across the bridge
and take the first exit to connect with the old road to Hoover Dam. The
roads from Phoenix to the Dam are very good and fairly straight. So you can
easily make the trip to Hoover Dam in around 4 hours from I-17 and the
101.
We have made this trip several times
before on the bikes, but hadn't done the dam tour for about 10
years. This time I was looking for a road trip in the Cessna. It was about a 1
hour and 45 minute flight. I have some great photos from the air and the ground
including a cool video from above.
Directions:
Take I-17 North to Hwy. 74 to
Hwy. 93 to Hwy. 40 to Hwy. 93 to Hoover Dam. 250 Miles.
(Click Slideshow in
upper right of page for best viewing Full Screen)
Click Here for Video. (Running time 1:25) This is over the dam and bridge with
music. Great view of area. Enjoy.
Tidbits and Updates:
Cyclerides.com Toy's To Kids. I have been
getting questions about the Cyclerides.com Toy Ride for this year. Had to change the date to December 11th because the kids could not come
on the 4th. It will be at Westgate on Saturday, December 11th.
We will be bussing in 100 kids as we have done before. Will have
entertainment, music and Saddle Ranch will be serving breakfast that morning
starting at 9am. The program for the kids will start at 11am. As always, the
kids will be able to pick any 3 gifts from the toys that you bring while they
are there. I look forward once again to make this a very special day for these
kids. There is also going to be a big car show and a farmers market at Westgate
at the same time, so there will be plenty to do before and after the toy event.
More information and flyer next week.
The last Cyclerides.com/Westgate
Bike Night of the year will be Thursday, November 11th. The
Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper will be making a special appearance at Bike
Night and will be displayed from 5-10pm. Be sure to stop by and take a look at
this beautiful motorcycle. Take a picture of yourself at bike night and
email it to me to be displayed in the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike
Night gallery for the last night. See information below.
Photos: If you need some content to
entertain yourself at the computer, take a look at all of the
Cyclerides.com Photos and Videos on our Smugmug photo page. Go to
http://cyclerides.smugmug.com/. Bookmark this page.
Bike Nights
Every Friday and Saturday
Night
Chilly Bombers is your place for
Motorsports.
Friday Night: Ride by Chilly Bombers every Friday night for the Chilly Bombers Cruisin Car Show.
See at least 100 classic and muscle cars displayed in the parking lot. Bike
parking available. Starts at 5pm. 2 winners every week. Food and drink specials,
vendors, DJ and Fun.
Enjoy $5.00 1/2 pound
Hamburgers, $2.50 Longnecks, 1/2 priced appetizers and $4 Jack Daniels.
There will be a Bikini Bike
Wash and Bike Show with awards for 4 categories. Nov. 13th proceeds
will benefit the Choir Boys.
Tuesday Night: Showing Sons
of Anarchy at 7pm.
Chilly Bombers is located at the SE Corner of
51st Ave. and Bell Rd. 602-298-0843
This Week
November 4th - 7th
10th
Annual Rocky Point Rally. Yes, it is on and
Mogollon is going to be the featured musical entertainment on
Saturday night at Las Palomas on Sandy Beach. This should be a great
concert. It is hard to believe, but this is the 10th anniversary of the
Rally. I know that some are hesitant to go to Mexico right now with all of the
bad press down there, but Rocky Point has seemed to avoid most of the issues
that you hear about in the press. Do your own research about issues in Rocky
Point, don't let the broad brush of the press decide for you. Then see
if you want to go or not. One thing we do know, this is always a good time.
Here is the Agenda. If you are looking
to make a reservation for lodging, Click Here. If you want a good snapshot
of the Rocky Point Rally, check out this
video from a couple of years ago. Take
advantage of the Pirate Boat Ride special. The first 100 persons with their $10
donation wristband will be allowed to ride for FREE. Click Here for
flyer and other Activities going on for the
weekend.
Las
Palomas Condo Special for the Rocky Point Rally. Need a place to stay
for the Rocky Point Rally?
Las Palomas has a condo special that has
a lot of extras. Stay on Sandy Beach in one of the newest condo's at the site of
the Mogollon concert that will take place on Saturday, November 6th. Here is
what you can get:
Choose from 1-4 Bedroom condos for $45 per person per night.
Minimum 4 people in 2 br condo.
This includes:
2 Continental Breakfasts - 2 Welcome Drinks - $25 Welcome
Bucks - $20 credit in food & beverage - 2 for 1 domestic drinks from 5-7pm.
Rates are good from Nov. 4th - 7th.
Friday, November 5th
Motorcycles On
Main St. in Mesa Sponsored by Chester's Harley-Davidson. Motorcycles on Main
in Mesa is back in full swing. Riders have been asking for something to do on a
Friday night for a long time and now it is here
at least once per
month. This event regularly brings in over 1000 riders for a fun time.
Ride to downtown Mesa the first Friday of every month for the Downtown Mesa
"Motorcycles On Main St." Cruise Main St. and enjoy Sturgis Style parking on the
inside lanes. Park and show off your bike. The night will feature 4 Beer Gardens
located throughout the 2 blocks and 4 Live Band Stages. Be sure and check
it out this month on Friday, October 1st to join in on the
motorcycle fun in Downtown Mesa from 6pm - 10pm. Downtown Mesa is located Just
East of Country Club Dr. on Main St. Ride in with Chester's HD. Meet at the
dealership at 6:30pm located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. Ride leaves at
6:30pm and ends at the Chester's Booth on Main St. Reserved Motorcycle
Parking on the Main St.
Saturday, November 6th
Bike Show: Bike show registration
starts at 11am and trophies will be awarded at 2pm. All bike welcome. Arrowhead
HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ.
623-247-5542.
Saturday, November 6th
3rd Annual
Easton's Run. Easton’s Run is a charity to raise money and awareness for
child abuse.
The run will start at Babe's Sports Bar on Higley
& Baseline and will end at Chuys Mesquite Broiler on Gilbert and McKellips
in Mesa with live bands, tasty food, and great people! We are fencing off the
Chuys parking lot, putting the bands outside, and raffling off some great
prizes. Sign in 9-11am at Babe's. We would love to see you, your family and
friends at the event! Even if you don’t ride, you are more than welcome to come
to the end event at Chuys. Proceeds to benefit West Valley Child Crisis
Center. We need your help with donations of any kind to make this event as
successful as it can possibly be. We’ll gladly accept cash, gift certificates,
raffle items, etc. This is 100% non-profit and all proceeds will be
donated in Easton’s name to local child abuse centers in need of financial
help.
Fireup
Freedom. Return With Honor.
Event takes place at Sanderson
Ford 51st Ave. & Maryland-Glendale. 9am Colors-Program. 10am March Of Heroes
-From Sanderson Ford to Veterans National Cemetery Cave Creek, Arizona. Two
lines will form - The Medal Of Honor Recipients will pass the American Flag and
The POW’s will pass the POW/MIA Flag. When the two flags get to the end of the
line those last two people will start walking the 28.6 miles to the Veterans
National Cemetery in Cave Creek, Arizona. Along the route they will keep passing
the Flags. Where they will then be posted until Wednesday November 10th. 3:45 21
Gun & Taps, 4pm Police & Military Escort to Veterans Concert Celebration
(Waddell’s Longhorn in Buckeye) 6pm Phoenix JC's to bring in the colors on
Horseback at Waddells Celebration until 10pm.
Saturday, November 6th
Help Support Returning Heroes.
Double Fund Raiser for
American Cancer Society and our returning Vet Heroes. From 11 AM til ? at the
Fraternal Order of Eagles - 3600 W Rose Garden Lane in Phoenix (South of Deer
Valley Road and West of 35th Avenue). Food-Games-Arts & Crafts - Drinks
Raffles. 5 Bands and Music All Day Long. For more information: uwishtoo@q.com
Next Week
Thursday, November 11th
The
Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night will present the Last Night of
the Fall Bike Night season on November 11th. If you didn't make it to the
first two, don't miss this one. The last one will be a Veteran themed
event with a special display of the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper. Event time is 5-10pm. There will be Live Music with
the very popular Urban Roots Band bringing back classic R&B,
Motown and Blues. There will be more 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. Plan to join us on Thursday,
November 11th 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.
Special
Attraction: The Arizona Centennial Copper
Chopper will be on display from 5pm - 10pm. Stop by and see this
incredible motorcycle work of art designed and built by Paul Yaffe Originals. If
you haven't seen this in person, don't miss this opportunity.
Plan to join us on Thursday, October
14th 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.
Please take a look at and visit
our sponsors below:
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 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.
RideSmart Motorcycle Training
- Celebrating ten years of being the
highest quality, lowest priced rider training school in the Phoenix Metro
area! Motorcycle Safety Foundation based curricula and highly qualified,
personable Rider Coaches. Courses for beginners and experienced
motorcyclists. MVD testing is an integral part of the curricula.
Fun, low threat training environment. Ninety-seven percent student success
rate. Not the biggest school, simply the best!
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."
RockBlock Charity
Concert - Don't miss the charity concert
featuring Nightranger, Skid Row, Firehouse, and others on Saturday, Nov.
13th. Charity concert benefiting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and
ChildHelp. $25 includes dinner from Oreganos. Buy a raffle ticket for the
motorcycle giveaway at Westgate Bike Night on November 11th.
Saturday, November
13th
'Rock Block' Returns to
Phoenix. Rock Block returns to Phoenix
Sat., Nov. 13, 5pm, bringing a high energy lineup of 80s classic rock favorites
Night Ranger, SkidRow and FireHouse, along with a repeat Rock Block performance
by The Chad Hollister Band. The Pearce Warehouse, downtown Phoenix,
Lincoln & Fourth Street, debuts as a cool urban venue for the 80s classic
rock conclave, presented by Phoenix-based BillingTree and Oregano's. Plus,
fans will get satisfaction knowing that 100% of ALL ticket monies (i.e., the
entire $25 and $100 ticket amounts) goes to powerhouse charities Childhelp® and
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). "This is the second Rock
Block," said Dan Willis of Phoenix-based BillingTree's Board of Directors. "The
concert is a rousing event, and this year we couldn't be happier to have these
hot groups whose music still resonates as a great time for all.
BillingTree has its home in Arizona and we are fortunate we can offer an
enjoyable evening and, at the same time, donate all ticket monies to create a
windfall for JDRF and Childhelp." BIG TICKET VALUES. Rock Block
tickets are on sale at http://www.MyBillingTree.com/RockBlock or call 1.866.977.6849. General admission is $25 and includes
dinner by Oregano's. The $100 VIP ticket is a complete package that
includes seat adjacent to the stage, VIP preferred parking, dinner by Oregano's
and drinks. Doors open at 5pm. ALL ticket monies go to
charity.
2010
Rock Block Valley Rally Charity Ride. Ride to benefit your local
Biker Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Ride begins at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson
located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. Sign in at 9am. Last bike out by
Noon. $25 Registration includes Rock Block Concert ticket. Free poker hand
included in registration. Door prizes at three stops ending at Rock Block
Charity Concert featuring NightRanger, Skid Row, Firehouse and more. Free group
tours at Buddy Stubbs Motorcycle Museum at 9am, 9:45 and 10:30. Questions to John@mybillingtree.com .
Saturday, November 13th
3rd Annual
ZooRide "Go Wild for the Orangutans". All proceeds for ZooRide 2010 will
benefit the Phoenix Zoo's Bornean orangutans.
Route will begin at
the Phoenix Zoo and end at Chandler Harley-Davidson. Private Train Ride Tours of
the Zoo beginning at 7am, last ride at 9am for registered riders. Each train
will have limited seating, so the earlier you get there the better. The first
250 people to pre-register will receive a ZooRide 2010 T-Shirt and collectors
pin. $25 for Rider and $15 Passenger. Ride starts at the Zoo and ends at
Chandler Harley-Davidson. Ride is a Free Poker Run that will take you on a
scenic ride through the Tonto National Forest. Ride will include an optional
"Wild Card" stop. Poker drawing will be held at Chandler Harley-Davidson. All
motorcycles welcome. For more information email info@zooride.org. Click Here to
register online.
Saturday, November 13th
9th Annual
Vietnam Veterans Chili Cook Off & Poker Run. Chili Cook Off will be held
at American Legion Riders
Pat Tillman Post #117 located at 13623 N.
32nd St. in Phoenix. Registration of chili cooks at 9am. Tasting and voting for
People's Choice Chili at 11am - 3pm. Prizes awarded at 4pm. Entertainment by Jon
Scott Trio starting at 12:30pm. Poker Run sign in at Gino's Restaurant from
8-9am. $15 per rider, $5 passenger. Click Here for more
information.
Sunday, November 14th
"Big Ride For Littles"
Poker Run. Ride to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson.
Join us for an awesome time riding through Tucson in the beautiful
November weather! Riders receive a custom event shirt and poker card.
Pre-registered riders also receive a custom ride pin - limited quantities
available, so sign up early! Individual - Ride Only $20, Couple -
Ride Only $35. Ride start times: First Bike out 8:00am, Last Bike out
10:00am. Ride start location: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson, 160 E. Alameda
Street. Same-day registration: 160 E. Alameda Street from
9:00am-11:00am. Click
Here for more information.
Extras
Mid Week Updates will be made
on the Cyclerides.com Facebook.
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!
Rocky Point Insurance Special - Get the best affordable Motorcycle,
Car or Truck Insurance for your vehicle while in Mexico. We offer two
policies, basic and platinum.
Even with the basic policy you
will have, should you need it, Legal assist/bail bond, road assistance and
medical evacuation. You will also receive a plane ticket home (if scooter is
stolen on not drivable). With the platinum policy you will have vandalism
protection. Price it, pay online and print it, you are done!
CLICK HERE TO GET
STARTED. If you have any questions, please call
Kirk at 602 363-5386 or email kirk@phoenixbikers.com.
Have you ever felt like you were on the wrong
side of the wall from your boss? Another creative commercial. Click Here
to View.
This is a funny
one. See the surprise of these people as the get off the elevator. Some classic
looks. Click
Here to View.
Video of the Week: Oh my gosh!! I've
seen a lot of stupid people in video on the internet, but this guy has to rank
near the top. 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.
All
information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2010 BDC Products,
LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
All rights
reserved.
