Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
4/25/18

Greetings Riders,

If you missed the newsletter last week with the wrap up of Arizona Bike Week/Phoenix Bikefest with photos and video, Click Here to View.

Last week I mentioned that we were going to take a ride to the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park near Yarnell and do the hike to the see the memorial plaques and the fatality site. It has been on my bucket list since I discovered the park last Fall, and we got it done last Saturday.

I'm sure most everyone has heard about the terrible tragedy that happened almost 5 years ago when lightning sparked a fire near the town of Yarnell on June 28th, 2013. Two days later winds shifted and trapped 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shot firefighters from Prescott in a brush-choked canyon where they perished as a group together on June 30th, 2013. The final report stated the following: "This tragedy occurred when the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew was traveling through an unburned area toward a safety zone when a rapidly advancing fire of great intensity overtook them," the report reads. "The fire's extreme speed of 10 to 12 miles per hour eliminated any opportunity for the crew to reach the safety zone or return up to the canyon rim. The crew had less than two minutes to improve a shelter deployment site by using chain saws and burning out. The crew was deploying their fire shelters close together in a small area when the fire overtook them."

It was one of those events that I can remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. Which for me, would be right up there with when I heard the news that Elvis, John Lennon and even President Kennedy had died. It was such a tragedy and close to home, that it truly had an impact on me. So I was very anxious to go do the 7 mile hike and pay my respects to the 19 brave young men that died that day.

We left the house around 8am for the 60 mile ride to park located just South of Yarnell, AZ that was dedicated by Governor Ducey on November 29, 2016 as the only memorial state park in the state. By the time we got there, changed into our hiking clothes, talked with the park rangers and viewed the new bronze statue, we hit the trail at around 10am. The weather was perfect in the 60's when we started and rose to 78 by the time we finished around 2pm.

There are actually 2 named trails. The Hotshots Trail and the Journey Trail. (See Map) When you start the initial part of the hike you will walk up some metal stairs that will get you to the path for the 2.85 mile Hotshots Trail hike through the Weaver Mountains. The trail includes a challenging 1,200 ft. elevation gain with a 5-8% grade. As you make your way, you will encounter 200+ stairs that were carved from the surrounding rock. At 600 foot intervals, 19 memorial granite plaques shares a story and photo of each Hotshot. On additional interpretive signage along the trail, you will learn about the history of wildland firefighting and the events of the Yarnell Hill Fire. At 5,460 feet above sea level, the Hotshot Trail ends at the Observation Deck looking down to the Fatality Site.

From the Observation Deck, you can see the Fatality Site 400 feet below and the Town of Yarnell to the east. Additional interpretive signage outlines the tragic events of the Yarnell Hill Fire. A Tribute Wall is available to leave stickers, patches and other mementos in honor of the sacrifice the Granite Mountain Hotshots made to protect these communities.

Once at the observation deck, the 3/4-mile Journey Trail allows you to follow the last steps of the Hotshots down to the Fatality Site where they made their last stand. Encircling the site are 19 gabions (metal cages filled with rocks), one for each Hotshot, united by chains representing their eternal team. Inside, 19 steel crosses show the position of where each Hotshot was found, lying together as a team. A path, benches and a memorial flagpole surrounds the gabions. Seeing these crosses positioned randomly just as these men were laying when they perished, makes this tragedy even more real. It is almost as if you can see the face of each man still saying, "We got this!", as you read their name on the horizontal bar of the cross, below the letters RIP 6-30.

I want to share with you one of the things that I learned from the Mike Rowe video, Honoring The Brave, that I found incredibly honorable, and exemplifies the brotherhood that these firefighters have. Allen, who was in incident commander training and Darrell Willis, who was the division Chief over the Granite Mountain Hotshots, hiked for miles that night through unspeakable circumstances, not to save these 19 firefighters, because it was too late for that, but to simply be with them. They spent the night with them where they perished, and removed their remains the next morning. Because that's what their brothers would have done for them. God Bless these guys for doing that.

As you read the markers on your way up the Hotshots Trail, you learn that these men were all very young, most in their 20's, all loved life, all loved their families, loved each other, and all loved what they were doing. A lot of them left behind young or even unborn children. And we can't forget that their parents lost children as well. The fact that they died giving it their best to save a small town in Central Arizona, while doing what they absolutely loved to do, is inspiring and uplifting, as much as it is very sad. The 3.5 mile walk back to our bikes gave me a lot of time to reflect on these men and made be very thankful that we have people in our lives that are willing to put it all on the line to save total strangers.

It was an absolute honor to hike this trail to the last stand of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and to spend 4 hours learning more about these men who perished trying to save a town. God Speed to them all and blessings to their families who are still mourning their loss. Please visit this park, even if it is just a stop at the beginning to pay your respects.

Thanks to all of the Firefighters, Police, First Responders and Military who go to battle every day, willing to take the ultimate sacrifice to keep people they will never know, as safe as possible. It takes a very special person to do these jobs. As you take this hike at the Granite Mountain Hot Shots Memorial State Park, you will have a new found admiration for these people.

Tips and Highlights of the Hike:
*This is an extremely rewarding experience that I am really glad I did and would highly recommend, but only if you are able to do it. It is a 7 mile roundtrip hike that will take a least 4 hours if you keep up a good pace. I would call it a difficult hike at least for the first 3/4 of it until you reach the ridge. The hike back from the fatality site to the observation deck is also difficult. From the observation deck back to the parking lot is fairly moderate and only took us 1 hour.
*There are only 13 parking spots at the park. There is room for about 6 motorcycles if you double stack. If parking is full, you can take the shuttle from Arrowhead Bar & Grill. It is the last stop on the right in Congress headed to Yarnell. This is also a great place to eat lunch when you are done. Very good food.
*Be sure to see the recent addition of the Bronze Statue at the park.
*Take PLENTY of water and snacks in a backpack. You WILL need it.
*Located just South of Yarnell, AZ on Hwy. 89. Coming through Wickenburg you will need to go past the park and take the turn around road and come back to it. Click Here for maps.
*Be sure to watch the movie, "Only the Brave" before you go. An excellent way to prepare for the hike.
*HIGHLY recommend you watch Mike Rowe's 20 minute special called Honoring the Brave about the Yarnell 19. Excellent!
*DRIVING FROM PHOENIX:
Take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (74) (west)
Head west on US 60 to Wickenburg (north)
Take Highway 93 towards Congress (north)
Take Highway 89 (White Spar Hwy.) to Yarnell

*Go to the web site of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park for more informationa.

Photos and Video:
I took 150 Photos of the hike. So for those who will not be able to take the hike, you can see what it is like. The best way to view the photos is to "click on the photo on the right after you go into the page, then click on the play button in the lower left to view full screen". There are some excellent photos in here. Click Here to View.

I also have a video of walking around the gabions at the fatality site that shows you the placement of the crosses and the items that were left in the gabions. Click Here to View.

Here is a video of flying over the trail and the city of Yarnell. Click Here to View.

Watch for updates and "Like" the Cyclerides.com Facebook Page. Also see recent posts, photos and video from Bike Night on the FB page.

Please Ride Safe!
Barry

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Cyclerides.com Bike Night at
Westgate Entertainment District Moves to Friday's April 6th - June 1st!

The Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District from 5-9pm. Put this on your calendar, forward this email to your riding buddies, and come join us for Live Music, Vendors, Food, Fun and lots of Motorcycles. There are many new restaurants that have opened at Westgate in the last few months, so there are plenty of choices of places to eat and drink. Bike Night specials are posted below.

As usual there will be plenty of vendors for you to browse including Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Powersports, Indian Motorcycle of Peoria, Law Tigers, Phoenix Motor Leathers, Affordable Powder Coating, Discount Biker Supply, The Clip Man, AzzKikr Customs.

Please take advantage of the great weather and help us make our 10th Season of the Cyclerides.com Bike Night at Westgate Entertainment District the best yet. Westgate is located at the Loop 101 & Glendale Ave. in Glendale, AZ. Gates open 5pm and Live Music this week with "Broken Toys" begins at 6pm - 9pm. Come early, get your parking spot and enjoy some good food, drink and Live Music.

Great food and drink specials this season are:
Good Bad Ugly Brewing Co. (located inside Tavern+Bowl) - $1 GBU Beers All Night Long
Whiskey Rose – 25% off regular-priced menu items. Plus, enjoy happy hour from 3-7pm.
Salt - $3 Bud Light, Ultra, & Estrella bottles, $5 Jack Daniels & 20% off regular menu items.
McFadden's Restaurant & Saloon - Burger & a beer for $10, ½ off all appetizers and $3 drafts from 4-10pm.
Calico Jack's - $3 Bud Light & Michelob Ultra bottles & 1/2 off appetizers
Saddle Ranch – Enjoy 2 chicken tacos for $6.75 and classic drafts for only $3.75. Additionally, happy hour specials from 4-6:30pm with 50% off all appetizers and drinks.
Kabuki – 10% off total bill. Visit kabukirestaurants.com/westgate for restrictions.
Popbar – Free unlimited dippings & toppings with any pop purchase.
Opa Life Greek Café - 20% off total bill.
Dave & Buster’s – Free $20 game card with the purchase of a $20 game card.
Mama Gina’s – 10% off total bill.

Where: Westgate Entertainment District, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to Gila River Arena.
When: Friday nights beginning April 6th – June 1st
Time: Gates open at 5 PM -– 9 PM
What: Bike Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style Cruising down Coyote Blvd.
Click Here for Flyer.

Special Thanks to our presenting Sponsors, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Powersports and Indian Motorcycle Peoria. And to our Associate Sponsor Law Tigers.

LIKE the Cyclerides.com Facebook for weekly updates about
upcoming events at the Cyclerides.com Bike Night.

This Week

Thursday, April 26th
Jason Lyman Celebration of Life. To celebrate Jason's birthday and life we would like to invite everyone to come out and ride. We will meet at EagleRider, 1000 N. McClintock at 10am. The ride will end at 12pm for the chapel service at Green Acres Funeral Home at 401 N. Hayden. Reception to follow at EagleRider where we will have an open BBQ where Jason's favorite Bud Light will flow.

Saturday, April 28th

Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson for Hogs & Dogs!They’ll have free burgers, dogs, drinks and more as they host a great open house on Saturday from 11am till 2pm! Take advantage of the Harley-Davidson 101 Intro to Motorcycling while you are there. If you are ready to get started learning how to ride, this class is for you. Remember that Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is your home of the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty! You’re covered when you shop Buddy Stubbs H-D so check out their inventory today. Hop on your bike, grab some friends and roll over to Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson for all this and more. For more information go to www.buddystubbshd.com.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, May 12th
Law Tigers Arizona Mile Flat Track Races. Don't forget to get your tickets to the Law Tigers Arizona Mile Flat Track Races on Saturday, May 12th. This is a great time with some of the most exciting professional Flat Track racing you will see. American Flat Track Pro Racing Championship Event, Bike Show, Mini Bike Races, Throwback Party, Live Music, Vendors and More! Opening Ceremonies will begin at 1:30 pm, National Anthem at 2pm and the first races rolling off the line right after. Click Here to buy your tickets now!

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to www.facebook.com/cycleridescom. Over 6900 LIKES! 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!

This guy made a real bad choice of a place to rob. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week
This would be a thrilling way to beat the traffic. Click Here. Click on the Video of the Week graphic to view.

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