Dreamy Draw Park Grand Re-Opening!

 

Click on the image to embiggen...

August 20 - Chompie's

 

As it looks like Sunday might be a bit cooler than it has been, I thought maybe we could take a run up the Dreamy Draw and hit Chompie's after a loop through Paradise Valley. 

As it happens, Richard, Steve and the 4's are planning on Chompie's as well. I guess great minds think alike. 

That is, if the hurricane allows us to ride. I see the price of gas has spiked, since SoCal will have to be shutting down refineries in advance of the storm. Joy.

Rock on...

August 13 - Scott's Generations

 

Again we have a forecast of 107 degrees for Sunday, so the nearly circular loops will continue. Though I am running out of restaurants near the park. This week, it's Scott's Generations at 7th St and Glendale. Someday it's gonna cool off. 

Richard and the 4's will be westward-bound for The Cracked Egg at 35th Ave and also Glendale. 

Robbie Robertson passed away today, here is a song from Martin Scorsese's film "The Last Waltz", a combination concert film/documentary of The Band's last performance on 11/25/76 at The Winterland in San Francisco. Shine on you crazy diamond, Robbie...

August 6 - Scramble

 

Holy crap, another 116 degree day coming up Sunday. So, again, a somewhat shortened ride, stopping at Scramble on 7th St and Mountain View, so it will be a short dash home for everyone. Richard, Steve and the 4's will be heading south to Whatsaburger on McDowell. 

Rock on...

July 30 - Breakfast Club

 

Ok, until this heat abates at least a little bit, I'm going to stick to restaurants close to the park. So this week, it's the Breakfast Club at the Biltmore. 

Richard, Steve and the 4's are off to the International House of Pancakes, so be sure to bring your passport. 

Rock on...

July 23 - Zookz

 

It's going to be another scorcher on Sunday, so let's stick with the plan of a short ride and stop at Zookz, so everyone's ride home is a bit shorter. 

Richard, Steve and the 4's will be heading to Joe's Diner. 

Here's a cheezy 80's video from Bananarama. Yes, it truly is a Cruel Summer. Rock on..

July 16 - Luci's at the Orchard

 

OK, so it's hot. I see 117 for Sunday, so let's go about this a little different. How about a nice longer ride around Arcadia and end up close to Granada at Luci's. At least the ride home after breakfast will be short in the oppressive heat. Sound like a plan? 

Richard, Steve and the 4's will be visiting Country Boys in North Phoenix, most likely via the Dreamy Draw, I would assume. 

Rock on...

July 9 - First Watch

 

I have returned from the Land of Cheese and Ice Cream (and also Brandy Old-Fashions!). It was a great 4th, sitting on our friends deck 30 yards from Lake Michigan, and watching the fireworks in Manitowoc. A nice break from work, and I'm trying to finish the week that way, but I see the tickets piling up in my queue. 

This week, let's head up to First Watch in Scottsdale on the Dreamy Draw. Yeah, it's gonna be hot, but at least the ride home is mostly level then back down the Draw. While the 4's will be off to Moon Valley Cafe.

This came up on shuffle on my phone whilst sitting in a Southwest torture chair from Milwaukee to Phoenix yesterday, so I thought I'd post it. When D.Boon of the Minutemen was killed in an accident on I-10 in west Arizona returning to California after a gig, the other members founded this band, fIREHOSE. Rock on...

July 2 - Need a leader

 

I will be unavailable to lead this Sunday, and Dennis may or may not be there to substitute for me. So if you show up, you may end up tagging along with Steve, Richard and the 4's to Panera Bread Co. at Metrocenter.  I should be back to lead the 3's for the July 9 ride.

A song for everyone with birthdays in July. Rock on...

June 25 - Kiss The Cook

 

We haven't been to the West side in awhile, so let's head over to Kiss The Cook in Glendale this Sunday. The 4's group will be visiting Scramble on North 7th St. 

Rock on...

June 18 - Chompie's

 

It's Father's Day this Sunday, but I'm willing to bet the average dad wants nothing more than to sleep in. So maybe the restaurants won't be horribly busy early.

Richard and the 4's are cycling off to Whataburger, and since Regina should be back with us we're gonna show her the new Dreamy Draw and end up at Chompie's. It's gonna be a hot one, bring plenty of water. 

Rock on...

June 11 - Breakfast Club

 

Richard and the 4's will be taking in Mi Pueblo at Metrocenter this Sunday. Since I missed out on the Easter ride (when I was sick for a week), lets leave the Dreamy Draw behind this week and head back to Breakfast Club Sunday. 

Classic 60's song. Rock on...

June 4 - The Henry

 

Richard for the 4's will be exploring the new Dreamy Draw bike path up to Oink. Mike and the 3's are headed to The Henry via the Dreamy Draw and 54th St. over Mummy Mountain, so bring your good climbing legs with you.

Rock on...

May 28 - New York Bagels & Bialys

 

Richard and the 4's are venturing to Panera Bread on Central this Sunday, and while you may have gotten your fill of the Dreamy Draw last week, I have not! So let's head up the hill again and ride over to New York Bagels & Bialys. 

Sorry this is posting so late, but I didn't fly back into town until this morning- and boy are my arms tired.

One of the greatest songs ever written. Rock on...

May 21 - Matt's Big Breakfast

 

As the Dreamy Draw is to open Friday, you can count on us going up that way to the North Scottsdale location of Matt's Big Breakfast. Richard and the 4's are planning on The Cracked Egg. 

Here's another tune from one of my favorite bands, Fountains of Wayne. One of New Jersey's best. Rock on...

May 14 - Luci's at the Grove

 

Don't know about you all, but I am counting the days until the Dreamy Draw bike path reopens on Friday May 19. But... I have one more trip down Cave Creek to make this Sunday. 

Richard and the 4's are cycling to Whataburger, while Mike and the 3's will be heading up to Luci's at the Grove. Be aware I could be a few minutes late to the park, as Saturday night is the annual corporate party (which was last held in the spring of 2019). I intend to make it an early night, but once the dancing starts, who knows? 

Rock on...

May 7 - Biscuits Cafe

 

Richard and the 4's will be riding to Randy's, the 3's destination last week. I can attest that they are still the quickest breakfast in town, but remember it's CASH ONLY. The 3's will be heading north up to Biscuits Cafe, another nice day to enjoy breakfast al fresco. 

EDIT: The Phoenix Water department's weekly email says that the Dreamy Draw bike path will open the morning of May 19th! 

Rock on...

April 30 - Randy's

 

April 2nd was the last time I saw you all, really missing the Sunday rides. Perhaps that's why I am posting this already on Monday, thinking about where to go all day today. Per a suggestion, let's try Randy's in Scottsdale- remember, BRING CASH they don't take cards of any kind. 

Last week's Phoenix Dreamy Draw photos showed a long stretch of finished concrete pathway. So it's getting close, though not likely for this weekend. I assume they'll announce some kind of official ribbon cutting before the sweaty masses (us)  take it over. 

Richard  and the 4's are planning on visiting the Ranch House Grille, always tasty. 

Rock on...

April 22/23 - PMBC Meeting / Need a Leader

 

Both myself and Gary are otherwise engaged this weekend, but I wanted to point out that on Saturday, PMBC will be holding the quarterly membership breakfast at Philly's Sports Grill, which has agreed to open early. Richard will be leading a ride from Granada Park, leaving at 7:30 to the restaurant. Here's a link to the PMBC website regarding the breakfast, remember that it's FREE for club members (but bring a few bucks for a tip). I wish I was going, but I have a previous commitment. 

So on Sunday, you'll be on your own. I promise to be back on the 30th. Rock on...

April 16 - Riders Choice

 

I am still recovering from the illness that started last Sunday and caused me to miss the ride. I am on the mend, but I'm not up to strength yet. So I'll leave it up to whomever shows up, and perhaps take in one of the places Esther texted me of possible destinations. 

I wouldn't mind a text Sunday telling me where you might be going, as I would like to join you for a nosh. But riding up Cave Creek is NOT in any sort of recovery plan! 

This song is from the same 1972 record as last weeks annoying video. "Something/Anything" - Todd Rundgren recorded by himself, all instruments, all vocals (except for the live in studio recordings on side 4). I've been a fan for 50 years, yes Todd is God.

Rock on...

April 9 - Breakfast Club

 

Finally, spring is here! It looks to be a beautiful WARM morning Sunday. Richard, Steve and the 4's are off to The Burg this Sunday, and Mike and the 3's are heading to Breakfast Club in Scottsdale. 

Rock on...

April 2 - Cracked Egg

 

Today is the day- our start time moves up to 6:30 summer hours today. First up is The Cracked Egg in Glendale. I have not seen Richard and Steve's schedule for the month, but will post it as soon as I get it. 

Here's a group that was popular in the midwest back in the 80's. You may not remember it, but this is what the song was referring to. Rock on... 

Mayhem on the Freeway

 

Check this out, apparently the lug nuts sheared off this truck, and launched an SUV into the heavens. 

This is also why you don't dawdle when passing someone- get past them as soon as you can, as you never know who is actually maintaining their vehicle, and who's just driving it until the wheels fall off (literally!). 

March 26 - Scramble

 

This Sunday will be the very LAST 7:30 AM start. In April, we move to the summertime hours with a  6:30 start. So enjoy sleeping in this last time. 

Richard and the 4's are hitting the IHOP on Central, so be sure to bring your passports. Mike and the 3's are going to Scramble in Scottsdale this week. 

Here's one of my favorite bands, you rarely run into a group where all five members are great songwriters too. This is a tune that should resonate with all of us these days. Rock on...

Tour de Cure 2023

 

Richard just sent me this photo after finishing TdC Saturday. Click on the photo to embiggen...

March 19 - Zookz

 

Saturday, a few of us will be out riding (and volunteering! Thanks Richard!) the Tour de Cure out in the Southwest Valley. So Sunday, we'll be keeping the ride flat and as short as the loudest complainer allows (and that whiney baby is liable to be me), ending up at Zookz for a tasty breakfast sammich. 

The 4's meanwhile will be heading to Panera Bread at Metro Center. 

My favorite road song, imported from Canada. Rock on...

March 12 - Biscuits Cafe

 

Is winter finally over? I see 80 degrees in the forecast! The 4's will be cycling over to Irma's Kitchen this Sunday, while Mike and the rest of the 3's will be taking in Biscuits Cafe on the north side. 

Rock on...

March 5 - US Egg Redux

I woke up to rain today, and went back to bed. I'm sure the rest of you did too, as cold and wet is no way to start a morning. 

March is here, the month that the city of Phoenix has promised the Dreamy Draw bike path to be complete. I can say that I will not miss riding up and down Cave Creek Road. Also, this is the final month of "winter hours"- in April we return to a 6:30 AM start. 

The 10-day forecast sez that next Sunday should be nice, so I'm already posting our destination, it's off to US Egg.  Richard and the 4's are of the same mind, and trying yet again to get to Chompie's.

And to ruin everyone's day, work on the Dreamy Draw bike path has been extended due to weather and materials delays; completion is expected LATER THIS SPRING. 

Rock on...

February 26 - US Egg

 

Richard, Steve and the 4's are heading to Chompie's this week, while the 3's are cycling east mostly, to US Egg in Scottsdale. Though at this point the weather weasels are predicting morning showers and a chilly day. So we'll see it if actually comes off. 

This is a video from a popular group in Ukraine. Click the [CC] button to see the lyrics in English.  Rock on...

February 19 - Morning Squeeze

 

Richard and crew are heading to Over Easy on 24th St. this week, and since I missed out on our last venture to Morning Squeeze downtown, I thought we could try another visit. The events clogging up downtown are gone, and the baseball fans haven't quite invaded, so perhaps we can get in without too much of a wait. 

On his last record "American IV", Johnny Cash covered this Trent Reznor song. Rock on...

Dreamy Draw photos

 

I took the long way home this morning detouring down to the Dreamy Draw to check out progress, and take some photos. As always, click the photo to embiggen.

First, we have a beautiful yard on N. 26th St., I hope the desert looks half this good this spring. 

Next is two pics from the North side of the 51, where the bore pit is waiting for another shaft extention- which looks like all 15,000 lbs. of it just arrived.

Last, we have the South side, same deal, the bore pit also waiting for more shaft extensions. This sits directly in the middle of the old bike path, and judging from the grading going on to the left in the photo, I imagine the path will go around this. 

And yes, in case you are wondering, I am obsessed with this. The first Sunday its open, don't be surprised if I make you ride up and down it three times. 

February 12 - Scramble

 

The 4's will be riding west to Mi Pueblo at Metrocenter this Super Sunday, and I suspect everywhere will be busy nonstop all this weekend with all the visitors here. So the 3's will be going to stop at the Scramble at the Biltmore, as I have never seen it crowded, ever. 

The weather promises to be beautiful this weekend, thus encouraging more of the above-mentioned visitors to soon become residents. 

This is from a Carpenters tribute compilation CD, featuring a lot of good artists. Rock on...

February 5 - Kiss The Cook

 

Richard and the 4's are journeying to Oink this Sunday, and the 3's will be heading west to Kiss The Cook in Glendale. Right now, it looks like it will be significantly warmer than last week, so that's gonna be a welcome change. 

I got to see 10,000 Maniacs (yes, all 10,000 of them!) open for R.E.M. years and years ago. Natalie Merchant has a charming voice. Rock on...

January 29 - Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

 

Richard and the 4's are ambling off to Glendale for a visit to The Cracked Egg, while Mike and the 3's will be stopping by Snooze at the Town & Country shopping center. Have I put together a route yet? No, no I have not, work has been busy this week. But by Sunday I should have something figured out. 

Rock on...

January 22 - Scott's Generations redux

 

This week, Richard, Steve and the gang of 4's will be heading to Moon Valley Cafe, while the 3's will attempt to make good on last week's promise of Scott's Generations. Hope to see you all at Granada, dress warmly- right now, it looks like a low of 36 degrees come Sunday morning, but at least the rain is gone for a little while, and we should see the sun!

Rock on...

January 15 - Scott's Generations

 

Richard, Steve and the 4's are riding to Mi Pueblo in the Metrocenter area, and the 3's will be stopping by Scott's Generations- been a long time since we've been there. 

Of course, we may not get there. Yet another wave of the Pineapple Express is set to hit here Sunday. The forecasts I've seen suggest it might peter out on us and go north. So, if its raining, or looks like it on the radar (you should have the app MyRadar, you really should), the trip down Cave Creek is too scary in the dark with any amount of rain. 

I'm running out of rain songs, but I like this one. Rock on...

 

January 9 - Wildflower redux

 

Steve will be leading the 4's to The Henry this Sunday, while the 3's will make good on last weeks schedule and visit Wildflower Bread in Scottsdale. It looks like it will be a nice weekend. 

Here's a great cover of a great 70's song. Rock on...