Desert Rose Chili Run
      Desert Rose Chili Run
      February 8, 2003



      Report From the Web Wench

      Go figure...rain. We waited until just before 11am to make the decision to ride out to Arlington for our (CycleQuest.com) third anniversary and a great Annual Chili Run. The sun was coming out and the rest of the day was perfect. Many riders that missed the morning ride out seemed to ride out on their own when the weather cleared up. Between noon and 4pm riders kept filtering in. There were at least 150+ in attendance so it was definitely an 'all you could eat' chili day.

      There was a breakdown before the event started and we're not talking about somebody's bike. Hell no! Word has it that while setting up, one of the tables holding 10 crock pots of chili went tumbling down. It made a horrible racket we hear but they were  able to salvage enough from each pot so that it could still be judged. Can you just picture that mess? Some of the entries looked at their bent pots with no longer any lid or ceramic crock and sighed. These things happen we suppose, but there was still plenty of chili, cornbread, onion and cheese toppings to go around. Bottles of ice water were free and cold beverages were available which was a must if you tasted the wild and hot chili. There are always three categories, mild, wild and hot. After all had indulged in some of the strangest concoctions of chili they had ever seen, awards were presented to the winners. Cyclequest.com was also given an award this year, much to our surprise. We were presented with a 'Certificate of Appreciation' for our support of this event over the last 3 years. Thanks to Terrye Bean and all of you of T.M.F. for the honor.

      There was live music by the usual band 'Dave and The Soundwaves'. They are always a lot of fun and great entertainment for all ages. Also, for the first time ever at this run there were vendors, and quite the assortment at them.  It was real fun for all especially the locals in the area that don't get to see to much of the biker traffic. You should have seen the things they were buying!

      This year this event supported a local charity. It benefited the 'New Life Shelter' for domestic violence victims. What a worthy cause this is. It is nice to finally see runs benefiting causes in the far west valley. Great Run, T.M.F.! Look forward to next year's run already. This event will do nothing but continue to grow and what a beautiful ride in the country it is. Ever see an Egret in AZ? They're out there.

      Special Note: A friend of ours and contest entry who was one of the proud owners of a bouncing crock pot received a call from the event promoters the following day and was told that they would be replacing all the broken crock pots. Although is was an accident and no fault of the promoters, it was nice to see them step up and make it right.