2009 Rallies & Events
Arizona Bike Week
Story and Photos by J. Joshua Placa
The 13th annual Arizona Bike Week galloped into Scottsdale and neighboring towns for 10 days from March 27 to April 5. For those riders who think Arizona is nothing but one big burning desert, Bike Week is an eye opener. Springtime temps are near ideal, with the mercury hovering around 90 with little humidity. It felt like I had rolled into a biker paradise.
There is a palpable excitement that rolls into town with a big bike rally. The city is charged with the energy of thousands of bikes rumbling down street and boulevard, looking for the next good time and a kindred spirit. There are plenty to be found at ABW.
The first five days of Bike Week are considered the “Pre-Rally,” a kind of warm-up for fun to come. A number of Harley dealerships and noted biker bars and saloons all around the greater Phoenix area kicked off the party, sponsoring charity rides in the scenic desert and mountain yonder, poker runs, bike washes, breakfast socials, bikini and wet T-shirt contests, barbecues, at least one hot strip-club run, and the Miss Arizona Bike Week Pageant.
The party officially began when Cyclefest opened its doors at Scottsdale’s special event’s facility, WestWorld. Cyclefest is the ABW’s epicenter and host to scores of vendors, factory demo fleets, a custom bike show, and live music from bands such as the Gin Blossoms, Eddie Money, Blackfoot and Cheap Trick, among others.
Biker Friendly:
If you’re going to make the trek to Arizona for Bike Week next year and don’t want to waste time looking for the hot spots, consider some these more popular biker friendly joints in or near town:
The Hideaway (www.hideaway-usa.com); Gavilan Peak Sports Bar & Grill (www.gavilanpeaksportsbar.com); Hardtailz (www.hardtailz.com); Tailgaters (www.tailgatersaz.com); the Dirty Dogg Saloon (www.dirtydoggsaloon.com); the Steel Horse Saloon (www.steelhorsesaloon.com); and the Billet Bar (www.azbilletbar.com).
If you dare to look for adventure beyond the edge of town and somehow find yourself in Jerome like most motorcyclists do sooner or later, check out the Spirit Room (www.spiritroom.com), the coolest biker bar in northern Arizona.
Accommodations:
For more information regarding the Phoenician, call 480-941-8200; visit www.thephoenician.com.
For more about the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, call 480-627-3200; visit www.icmontelucia.com.