Last things first... our Bike Month "Wrap Up Party" is Thursday May 31st starting at 7:00pm at the Bird Cage Saloon on Historic Whiskey Row.

Why, you might ask, would an aspiring and virtuous non-profit organization, like Prescott Alternative Transportation, want to be associated with a place like that?

Let me tell you why: I am Bike Month committee chairman, it was my call, and I could not think of a better place... and they agreed to do it with no begging involved!

The Bird Cage Saloon is a Prescott icon. There is history in the antique "back bar", and the preserved wildlife on it's walls. There is the bar's history in Prescott, owned and operated by the Stamm family since the sixties; there are few older businesses in town, and few older bars in the state.

Bird Cage patriarch Bill Stamm pledged " A good drink for a fair price" ... a promise that holds true today, and the reason it is a popular watering hole for "locals". These days the Bird Cage is also popular with the Harley crowd... but it has never been a true  "biker bar", ("club colors"  have never been permitted attire). This popularity is probably due to the fact that, back in the day, they never discriminated against bikers the way so many other businesses in town did. In fact, in my 30+ year association with the establishment, I have never known anyone to be treated anything but fairly at the Bird Cage. If you can live by their admonition "Be nice or leave" you are welcome

Some may still be intimidated by the Bird Cage's personna, but let me assure you the environment is clean and smoke free, and home to some of the best music that ever comes through Prescott (if you don't know about Sunday afternoons, you are missing out). The Bird Cage is also a community player; I am proud to have been to more than a few memorial services for local characters  that would not have happened without their kindness. The Bird Cage was an early supporter of Prescott Alternative Transportation, and their generosity has been greatly appreciated.

If Prescott had bike messengers, the Bird Cage would undoubtedly be their hangout too. It is  a great place to grow bike culture in Prescott, and it won't take too many of us to "take over" the joint this Thursday... and the bonus is... if you show up in lycra (or even a bike helmet) it will be like an impromptu costume party... and it will be fun!

The party starts at 7pm... come on time to socialize, we will be holding the raffle drawing for the Gary Fisher Wahoo bike ( and other prizes) before the band starts... then it will be time to let it all hang out!

First things last:
Wednesday @7:00pm Moonlight Ride
This social ride begins at Watson Lake Park before the sun sets, goes through the riparian area south of the Lake, then joins the Peavine Trail on the east side of the Lake.  We'll return by the same route after the sun sets.   The moon will rise about an hour before the sun sets, so it won't get too dark.  Lights on your bike or on your helmet are recommended.  Helmets are required.  Mosquito repellent may be needed.  Bring water, too.  The trail is suitable for all ages and abilities, riding mountain or commuter bikes.

Where is the start?  From the roundabout on Highway 89, turn east toward Watson Lake Park.  Just before the pay station, turn left and park in the dirt lot at the edge of the campground.  If this lot is closed, someone will direct you to an alternate parking lot.

When: Arrive by 7pm Wednesday, May 30.  We'll get organized and start riding by 7:15.  After riding 30-45 minutes we should be among the dramatic cliffs of Granite Dells, glowing in the moonlight.  We'll retrace the route back to the start, probably returning by 8:45 pm.

For more information, call Jim Warrick at 925-4760 (cell) or email me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .


... If you have not attended a bike month activity yet... Try one of these!

Ride on,
Jim