19 May 2013

AZ Bike Week


We picked up and moved across the country, some say to a place where even though there are an average of 335 days of sunshine a year, one still can't enjoy 3 months of that year due to the heat. Yep, we moved to the southwest desert area named Phoenix.

Is this bikers heaven with all the sun shine, open straight roads with speed limits that are well maybe just a suggestion in the outer lying areas? Even with the triple digit heat, and we've seen some so far it is different for different people.

Like I've told people many times, every place has it's positives and negatives. Phoenix is no different in that respect.

One of the first things done on the bike was venture to Arizona Bike Week. It seems more and more places are trying to cash in on the biker community spending money at week long rallies. This was a pretty good one, not too small and not too big. They really had events going for 1.5 weeks, the main location being a western spread in the northeast corner of the valley (Phoenix metro area). The site was laid out with a main tent in the middle, local bar setup shop inside the tent on one end and a stage on the other for concerts. On each side of the tent were vendor areas (can't have a biker event without them for financial support). One side had an area sectioned off where dirt bike riders did jumping exhibitions, the x game style of jumping, they were pretty good considering their limited space to work in. On the other end there were the food vendors and another demonstration area for a few different things, the day I was there had safety and a stunt show.

Through out the bike week there were 2-3 concerts per day, many poker rides and other events at outlying sites (like the Harley dealerships). Let's say that being a biker in Phoenix during these two weeks you will not be left with nothing to do, like me having my bike washed by some young lovelies in bikini's.

I was pretty amazed at the amount of people that were drawn in by a ride with two actors from the Sons of Anarchy show, Jackson didn't show but Bobby and Opie did, they also had 2 long ass lines (200+ each) of fans waiting in hot sunshine for an autograph.

It isn't anywhere near as big as Sturgis or Daytona but it is big enough to have a good time, the bands were good and the food was, well fair food which is good just not good for ya. :-)

If you get a chance I would suggest spending some time in Phoenix during the Arizona bike week, less it gets too big then the crowds might be hard to fight and make for a frustrating time. If that happens get on your bike and go for a ride.

Take it easy.

KG

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