Urban Riding:

Urban riding in the basin is comprised of two separate culture sets .  Culture number one is comprised of people out to drink and socialize at various venues.  For the most part the venues with the most popularity would be bar/local pubs.  Rating bars in this crazy place is a job unto itself.  Depending on the area in question "the Valley"  which I consider ranges from Apache Junction to Suprise.    Is composed of every conceivable bar mantra a perspective entrepreneur could imagine.  Given the wide scope of available social communes with benefits that are specific to the very College football team a perspective patron could follow.  A large percentage of our society belongs to group set #1.   Culture set two belongs to the individuals who are obsessed with their passion(cycling) and integrate into every day life.  Early symptoms for group set #2 would start with a person dedicated to commuting to work via bike.   After time passes there is a transition period in which weekends are incorporated into biking trips.  At this point even more time money sweat and tears are invested and it's a full blown case of obsession.  I know this all sounds crazy to the general public, but trust me they are out there.  Or maybe I am the only one obsessed and enjoy combining the two aforementioned cultures.  At any rate I will attempt to rate the perspective bars that seem to pull me in much like the Deathstar's Tractor Beam.


1)  Iguana Max http://www.iguanamacks.com/home.php  which lies between Warner and Ray on Almaschool Rd.  Wing night has always been one of my favorites as they offer quality wings for 33cent a piece.  Happy hours runs until 7pm and kicks back in after 10pm - half price drinks - !  Yea deals are good but what about the service a patron is expected to receive.  The bartenders and staff in general are a lively bunch, and they actually remember what type of salad you like etc.

2)  Boulders on Broadway http://bouldersonbroadway.com/ which is located on the corner of Roosevelt and Broadway in Tempe.  This bar is so bike friendly they have a solid pipe inside to hang your ride on.  The beer selection is the real saving grace as they offer a huge selection with a couple of my favorites:  Dog Fish Head and Deschutes.  Depending on how many miles you log in to get here, your appetite will be satisfied with a nice calorie filled menu.  I recommend the nachos and calzones, be careful as these two plates are going to be hard to finish.

3)  Zipps, there are several locations(chandler/south scottsdale) to chose from.  This bar has a slew of young and willing wait staff to help you guzzle those oversized beers down.  Even though this bar belongs to a chain they offer quality food and service.  The jalapeño burger is phenomenal and is available on a daily special.  They offer drink specials daily and the zipperita is a favorite as well.

Unfortunatley, I could go on and on as these are just a few bars within decent riding distance.  If anyone has any recommendations I should know about please list them.

auby out.