Monday, July 20, 2009

fals start


July 16, 2009. odometer 75075.

I got the bike all packed, and ready to go on a 30 day ride across the country. I headed north from my home in Ventura CA through the California desert, it was 115 f on the road at 1pm in Mojave. I was getting low on gas but thought I could make it to the next town. I didn't want to stop because it was so hot (i was sweating doing 75 mp). I got 4 miles from the next town and (shit) out of gas (not a good start). Good thing a had a spare gallon can strapped to the back. Just as I was finishing up and throwing a leg over a 2 up HD slows down, I give him the thumbs up (all is good sign) and follow him in to the first gas station. They are on their way to crater lake, I say I'm thinking Lake Tahoe.

(whats that weird vibration?)

I stopped in Lone pine for some lunch (chili and beans & a nice cold one), got ready to head off and noticed about a quart a oil on the ground by my back tire (humph). It looked like it was coming from the rear drive of my 2001 BMW GS 1150 (not good). The auto mechanic in Lone pine said he couldn't work on it but offered me a spot in the shop if I wanted to do it my self (real nice guy) I call Garry and RPM cycles in Ventura and tell him the situation and he tells me it sounds like the barrings and a seal in the rear drive went. I ask him if I can fix it on the fly and he flat said no way, (I would need a special press), there goes that idea. So I thank the mechanic for the offer and head over to the auto supply store to look for some thick gear oil thinking I can limp in to Sparks NV (250 miles) to get it fixed. Made it to Bishop CA (about 40 miles) before it sounded like the rear tire was coming off (scratch Sparks).

I called AAA told them the situation and the said they could tow my bike up to 100 miles then it would be about $5.00 per mile after that. Since I was about 250 miles from the nearest BMW shop, = $750.00 out of pocket I decided to call home and say WASUP, and see if any one could bring my truck up to Bishop and pick me up. My wife Virginia was all scheduled up on Friday with appointments (she said she would reschedule them if I needed, I told her thank you and I would let her know. My dad had a class scheduled and couldn't come till Saturday. My daughter Kyli and her boyfriend Nate jumped at the chance for a impromptu road trip. The jumped in my truck after working all day, drove all night and woke me up at 5am Friday from a deep sleep in my camp site in Bishop. We loaded up the bike and I drove the 270 miles home with my kids sleeping on each others shoulders. THANKS YOU TO!

I took the bike over to Garry at RPM ordered the barrings and seal and a few other parts that's needed to be replaced, and if all goes well I will be back on the road Friday the 24th.

3 comments:

  1. longest day of my life!!!!! But it was fun drving the truck up there:D

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  3. Sounds like fun......maybe next time listen to what's going on around you, or to the voices in your head.....Somebody may not want you to leave....

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