Diamond Posse at Arizona Bike Week 2011

The Diamond Posse, a veteran outreach program from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is at Arizona Bike Week on a fundraising mission. They hope to raise at least $20,000 in 2011 in order to provide a trained service dog at no cost to a disabled combat veteran.

Members of the Diamond Posse will be at the Team Diva Booth all weekend (March 31 to April 3rd) at WestWorld, where you can also meet this year's celebrity rider, Sturgis Hall of Fame member Betsy "Gypsy" Lister. WestWorld is at 16601 N. Pima Road in Scotsdale, Arizona.

"The women riders in the Diamond Posse have a deep heart-felt gratitude for combat veterans, who have made our freedom possible by way of their sacrifices," said Gypsy.

The public is invited to stop by to say hello to these women, check out their bikes and learn more about the Diamond Posse and the non-profit program, NEARDS that trains service dogs.

The Diamond Posse rode every day to honor veturans during National Armed Forces Week in 2010. They hope to share their passion for riding with everyone, while also raising awareness and support for disabled veterans who have proudly served the United States of America.

Women are also invited to join the Diamond Posse's Ride to this year's 9-11 rally in September in Kansas City. Members of the Diamond Possee will ride from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Park City, Utah; Dallas, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts, arriving in four separate waves on Saturday, September 10th with each group saying Thank You for their privilege to Ride Free. To register to ride, visit www.diamondposse.us/

The Diamond Posse is a non-profit veteran outreach program that consists of Vicki "Spitfire" Sanfelipo, "Diva" Amy Skaling, and Cat Hammes RN, their "One Legged Blonde". The Diamond Posse was formed in 2010 to honor veterans by giving hope and encouragement to veterans who are facing challenges as a result of their service to the United States of America.

NEADS is a non-profit program established in 1976 in Princeton, Mass. to train and provide independence to people who are deaf or physically disabled through the use of canine assistance. These assistance dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners. Details at www.neads.org/

Kimmy Chapman Memorial Sunday at WestWorld

Arizona Bike Week will pay tribute to one of its greatest supporters, Kimmy Chapman at 1pm Sunday, April 3rd at WestWorld. Kimmy died at the scene of a motorcycle crash around 5pm Saturday, March 26th after spending her final day in life helping at a community fundraiser. Her life companion, Mark Tapp is at John C. Lincoln Hospital recovering from serious injuries.
Kimmy helped to establish the rally and was the founding editor of Biker Information Guide -- a business she started in 1997 in Arizona that has expanded to 10 other states. She received the Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Award in 2009 for her years of dedication to the rally.
"We want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers," said Dave Shafer, media director for Biker Information Guide in a statement issued on the company website. "Kimmy had such a wonderful personality and everyone who knew her, loved her. She was someone that would bend over backward to help whenever she could. She was so full of life and it is so sad that we lost her. Her passion was Biker Information Guide and for that reason alone Kelly, Jim and I will continue to do what Kimmy loved doing. I’ve worked with Kimmy for over 12 years and there was never a better friend. I will truly miss her."
Hundreds of rally fans, friends and family are expected to celebrate her life during the memorial service on Sunday. "Due to the amount of people expected to show up, we decided to use the Big Tent at Bike Week for the Celebration of Life event," Shafer said in an update on Tuesday. “Unfortunately due to contractual agreements, a $10 gate charge will apply to get into WestWorld. Please keep in mind that if you bought a week event pass or if you participated in the Logan's Run, then you have already paid the $10 gate charge.”

Barb Heller of the ArmedZilla Angels American Legion posted this updated regarding an ongoing police investigation: I spoke with the Lead Detective Pitts on Kimmy's case, a bike rider himself, who is working on her case and keeping in close touch with Kelly and other family members. He feels he owes Kimmy's family a full and thorough investigation. He called in the state expert on impairment to investigate any signs of impairment of the driver and to provide them with the 'probable cause' needed to issue an order to draw blood. They found none. This state investigator is the same one working on the dump truck case from a year ago, which is still ongoing. He wants everyone to know that this is far from over and the only thing they haven't shown is 'criminal intent'. The police department can ONLY charge the driver with a 'Violation', such as in this case 'Failure To Yield'. Any other charges will come AFTER the investigation is through. Detective Pitts said that once everything is turned over to him to review, then it goes to the 'review unit' and then it is turned over to their Supervisor for Final Review and then passed on to the County Attorney's office. That is where the final charges will be filed if any. We need to stay on top of the County Attorney's office. Detective Pitts also said that he would be willing to come to any organizations meeting to explain the process and answer questions that he can at that time. Please contact Barb Heller at 602-505-8760 or ltlwtduv@cox.net to set this up.

The crash one year ago in Phoenix - on March 25, 2010 - was so horrific that the president of the American Motorcyclist Association made a public statement of condolence to the families of the nine bike riders that were injured or killed when they were struck from behind by a dump truck while they waited for a light to change at an intersection in Phoenix. Read the story.

Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Kimmy Chapman Killed in Crash

Many at Arizona Bike Week are in shock and deeply saddened by the death of Kimmy Chapman in a Right of Way violation crash yesterday in Arizona. She received the Arizona Hero Award in 2009 for her devotion to the rally. She was the founding owner of the Biker Information Guide. Her life companion Mark S Tapp was seriously injured. Kimmy was a passenger on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was traveling eastbound on Bell Road, according to Phoenix investigators. When they entered the intersection at 43rd Avenue the driver of a Nissan Rogue failed to yield and made a left turn in front of them. Tapper is in serious condition. There are plans underway to honor her during one or more events at Arizona Bike Week & WestWorld Cyclefest. - The bike community is also outraged because the 22-year old driver is not expected to be charged in the crash. There is currently only pending legislation (HB2523) that would create a vehicular manslaughter charge in Arizona. Under the current state law, Arizona drivers who cause fatal accidents can only be charged with a misdemeanor crime, even if they're supposed to be off the roadways due to a license suspension.

"Thanks Arizona" $65,000 Charity Bike Giveaway at 15th Arizona Bike Week

The lucky winner of a fully-loaded 2011 Bourget Fat Daddy Chopper - valued at $65,000 - will be revealed on the final day of the 15th Arizona Bike Week, Sunday, April 3rd at The Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek, AZ.





The 1st "Thanks Arizona" Bourget-Bradshaw Charity Bike Raffle was announced during the Hideaway Grill's 12th Anniversary Party in October, 2010.

Brigette Bourget of Bourget's Bike Works and Mark Bradshaw of the World Famous Hideaway Grill - both Arizona natives - wanted to do something over the top for Arizona Bike Week and at the same time show appreciation to the Phoenix Firefighters. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the United Phoenix Firefighters/IAFF Local 493 Charities. "The money from this raffle will go to help the Phoenix Fire Fighters in their efforts to make our community a better, safer place for children of all ages, races, and walks of life!," said Brigette Bourget "These fire fighters risk their lives by running into burning buildings and they are our first responders to traffic accidents, drownings, heart attacks, etc. They help our community 24/7 -365 days a year AND they volunteer on their days off to work in the community and raise money to help those who need it most."

Raffle tickets can be purchased in person during Arizona Bike Week at the Hideaway Grill. Raffle tickets are: 1 for $20 – 3 for $50 – 5 for $85 – 6 for $100. You do not have to be present to win and you can purchase raffle tickets on-line at http://www.bourgets.com/.

Baddest Bagger in AZ Bike Show at 15th Arizona Bike Week

Are you heading to Arizona Bike Week & Westworld Cyclefest?

Then be sure to check out - "The Baddest Bagger in AZ Bike Show," presented by Bagger Nation and American Bagger Magazine. "That’s right. Baggers are finally getting their due!" said Paul Yaffe of Bagger Nation. Don’t miss your chance to have your Bagger featured on the cover of American Bagger Magazine. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be presented on stage in 3 classes: Original (no frame mods) Modified (OEM Frame modified) Ground Up (aftermarket frame)The show is Saturday, April 2nd.


It's the final countdown!! Arizona Bike Week starts one week from today! The forecast is calling for some incredible riding weather and the party is about to begin. Pre-Rally events begin Friday, March 25, 2011.

This year the five-day event pass to $40. That's a $10 discount from last year's pricing and still includes all the concerts and events that Westworld Cyclefest has to offer. Skid Row will be in concert on Wednesday, March 30. Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation presents Warrant on Thursday, March 31. Buddy Stubbs Harley Davidson presents Heart on Friday, April 1.

Chester's Harley Davidson presents Buckcherry on Saturday, April 2. Everyone’s favorite Sunday afternoon Cyclefest band, Mongollon will close on April 3.

In addition to the HandleBar Saloon, two new party tents have been added this year: The ABW Roadhouse and Cyclefest Cantina. Throughout the rally, catch acts by local bands: 74th St. Band, Cell Phone Cowboys, Coverz Inc. Hawg Wild, Hellbound, Jasmine Cain, Men Without Shame, Pat Roberts and The Heymakers, and Sludge’s Build a Band.

All Premium and Gold RV packages are sold out, but a few Silver RV and tent spaces are available, and there are still rooms offered by sponsoring hotels at significant biker discounts for the rally, with no minimum nights required.

Arizona Bike Week is all about riding in the desert, and the 15th Arizona Bike Week has some big rides and a poker tournament starting Sunday, March 27th.

Sunday, March 27: Leather and Luck Poker Tournament at Fort McDowell - Limited to 250 entrants.

Wednesday, March 30: Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson's Riding Kids Run - Shirts/Pins given to the first 725 entrants.

Thursday, March 31: T-Bar Trail Run - Save $5 when you pre-register online.

Friday, April 1: Hamster's Dry Heat Poker Run - Save $5 when you pre-register online.

Saturday, April 2: Chester Harley-Davidson's Torch Ride - Save $5 when you pre-register online.

Sunday, April 3: Logan's Run - Get a free t-shirt when you register online.

If you purchase your Cyclefest event pass online you'll get a $5 coupon for the Arizona Bike Week Official Merchandise booth. Details and tickets: azbikeweek.com

Arizona Governor Unveils Paul Yaffe Copper Chopper, Arizona Centennial Bike Oct. 23rd

The "Copper Chopper" built by Arizona native Paul Yaffe to mark Arizona's 100th anniversary was unveiled by Governor Jan Brewer on Saturday, Oct. 23rd during the  Arizona State Fair. 

The unveiling of the Arizona Centennial Chopper was part of a Safety Day that included a bike show and a Bret Michaels Concert at the fairgrounds in Phoenix, AZ.
                                                                                 The Arizona Centennial Chopper will travel the open road for 17 months, promoting events and projects celebrating Arizona's 100th anniversary: Feb. 14, 2012. See more photos. 

You can  enter to win this one-off bike built by world renowned bike builder Paul Yaffe by purchasing a $5 drawing ticket at any Copper Chopper appearance. Tickets are also available online at: Arizona100.org

Hideaway Grill's 12th Anniversary Party, Oct. 22nd

The 1^st Annual Bourget/Bradshaw “Thanks Arizona” Charity Bike Raffle will be unveiled during The Hideaway’s 12^th Anniversary party, Oct. 22nd at the one and only Hideaway Grill – somewhere in Cave Creek, AZ. 

The fully-loaded 2011 Bourget Fat Daddy Chopper will be unveiled by Brigette Bourget of Bourget's Bike Works and Mark Bradshaw of the World Famous Hideaway Grill. The bike is valued at more than $60,000. Proceeds will benefit United Phoenix Firefighters/IAFF Local 493 Charities.

Bourget and Bradshaw, both Arizona natives, wanted to do something over the top for Arizona Bike Week and at the same time show appreciation to the Phoenix Firefighters.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct 22nd and the bike will be given away on Sunday, April 3^rd during Arizona Bike Week at The Hideaway.  You do not have to be from Arizona and you do not have to be present to win!! 

Purchase your tickets in person, through e-mail or on-line Oct 22-24 and get a special deal - $20.00 ea, 3 for $50 or 5 for $85.  This post will be updated with photos of the Fat Daddy Bourget Chopper when it is unveiled Oct. 22nd at the Hideaway Grill's 12 Anniversary!

Oct 25, 2010 thru April 3, 2011 tickets will be $20.00 ea for the Fat Daddy Bourget Chopper! 

For complete details and more information go to www.bourgets.com, or e-mail Brigitte@bourgets.com.