The Path Less Traveled
Welcome to my blog! I'm committing this space to my adventures with motorcycles and activities related with them. This will include all sorts of stories about repairing them, going on trips, learning different riding techniques, meeting other riders, etc. In other words, a general dumping ground for whatever strikes me. Hope you enjoy the read.
Eating My Words
It finally happened. The weather took a turn for the worse and, as part of the benefits package that comes with managing my store, I have the use of the company truck. I decided to park the bike and drive the truck until the weather warms again. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'll still ride here and there when the weather is good, but my riding season is pretty much drawing to a close.
Having said all that, the sun made a showing today. I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and change the oil in the bike. Of course, once the oil was changed, I just had to go for a spin. I decided to run up the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass and back. At the end of the pavement at the Pass, instead of turning around, I turned and headed toward Darrington. As soon as I hit the gravel road, I was reminded of a comment I made to Koorbloh about this section of the Loop:
Funny what one remembers, huh?
About four miles in, I came around a corner and ran right through a HUGE pothole. I hit that thing like a ton. BANG! went the front forks. It was all I could do to get up on the pegs before the seat drove my spine up through the top of my helmet. Next thing I knew, my keys and plastic triple tree cover went flying into my lap and disappeared.
What the hell!!!
I quickly brought the bike to a stop before I got too far down the road from my keys. I found neutral and leaned the bike over on the kickstand. I made it all the way back to the killer pothole but no keys. Crap! I thought to myself. I have to find those keys. I wandered back to the bike scanning the road again. I came back to the bike just as the engine sputters out. I hit the kill switch to see if it would shut the headlight off. Peering around the front I see the light was out. Great. At least it won't run the battery down. And then I see the tail light was still on. I flipped the kill switch again. Made no difference. On closer inspection, I realized how hard I hit that pothole...
Yep, a huge crack ran right through the headlight. It was all fogged up from the gas escaping. Not going to Darrington, I guess. And still no keys. I make another trip down the road and there, laying next to the shoulder, were my keys. I decided to keep them in my pocket until I got off the gravel road.
Dirt don't hurt? Yeah, never thought I'd eat those words.
Having said all that, the sun made a showing today. I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and change the oil in the bike. Of course, once the oil was changed, I just had to go for a spin. I decided to run up the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass and back. At the end of the pavement at the Pass, instead of turning around, I turned and headed toward Darrington. As soon as I hit the gravel road, I was reminded of a comment I made to Koorbloh about this section of the Loop:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamuru 
Dirt don't hurt. 
About four miles in, I came around a corner and ran right through a HUGE pothole. I hit that thing like a ton. BANG! went the front forks. It was all I could do to get up on the pegs before the seat drove my spine up through the top of my helmet. Next thing I knew, my keys and plastic triple tree cover went flying into my lap and disappeared.
What the hell!!!
I quickly brought the bike to a stop before I got too far down the road from my keys. I found neutral and leaned the bike over on the kickstand. I made it all the way back to the killer pothole but no keys. Crap! I thought to myself. I have to find those keys. I wandered back to the bike scanning the road again. I came back to the bike just as the engine sputters out. I hit the kill switch to see if it would shut the headlight off. Peering around the front I see the light was out. Great. At least it won't run the battery down. And then I see the tail light was still on. I flipped the kill switch again. Made no difference. On closer inspection, I realized how hard I hit that pothole...
Yep, a huge crack ran right through the headlight. It was all fogged up from the gas escaping. Not going to Darrington, I guess. And still no keys. I make another trip down the road and there, laying next to the shoulder, were my keys. I decided to keep them in my pocket until I got off the gravel road.
Dirt don't hurt? Yeah, never thought I'd eat those words.
Total Comments 8
Comments
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So I guess a ride tomorrow is out of the question?Posted 10-03-2009 at 07:54 PM by jdpesz
- Perhaps not. April brought home a spiffy new headlamp. A screwdriver and some elbow grease and she'll be good as new.
Whatcha got in mind?Posted 10-03-2009 at 08:27 PM by Gamuru 
- Oh I dunno, I just want to ride. Not too far, but a good 3-4 hours worth. Some place I haven't been yet, which is getting harder to find around here. After church, of course. Any ideas?Posted 10-03-2009 at 08:32 PM by jdpesz
- Up around Lake Cavanaugh?Posted 10-03-2009 at 09:16 PM by Gamuru
- Sounds like a place to start. Sending PM.Posted 10-04-2009 at 05:57 AM by jdpesz
- When I changed the bulb I discovered the beauty ring that holds the bulb in was broken at a weld joint. On loosening it the bulb crumbled to pieces.
Man, I guess I did hit hard!Posted 10-04-2009 at 06:58 PM by Gamuru - Wow, interestingly aggressive pothole.
There is a tape (we airline guys) call F4 tape. it is a thick reddish orange rubber tape without adhesive, but it sticks to itself incredibly well. I would think there are alternatives out there, if you can't stop by Vanhootville for some from me. But if the light circumference is wrapped in this stuff it will not usually break again. This is how we keep the lights on the nose gear from busting due to vibration.
Let me know if I can help.Posted 10-05-2009 at 06:59 AM by Gusgus - Good to know. If I find myself down that way, I'll look you up.Posted 10-06-2009 at 01:50 PM by Gamuru
