Subject: Tales from the road - long
Author: Greg Bender
Date: Jun 1, 2005, 7:32 PM
Post ID: 1718959249
A few tales from my trip up to West Virginia and back home to Tampa...
1. If you recall, I had added an oil pressure gauge before I left. I had
test-ridden the bike several times to ensure that everything didn't
leak. It wasn't until I was 250 miles into my trip, just north of the
Okefenokee Swamp along US-84 in south Georgia, that my pressure dropped
by half and I noticed my boot was covered in oil. I backed way off and
coasted into a gas station about a half mile down the road. Shut the
engine down and stared - bewildered - at the enormous puddle of oil
already under the engine. Not to mention the trail of oil that marked my
path back down the highway. I learned that the store was closing in 5
minutes, so I hastily purchased some oil and pulled out the tools. After
refilling the crankcase with 2 quarts, I ran the engine and quickly
discovered that my metric to 1/8" NPT adapter was leaking oil right at
the crankcase. I had relied on the rubber o-ring that came with the
adapter - I should have replaced it with an aluminum crush washer. I
quickly removed all of the piping and secured the stock pressure switch
back in place. The next 500 miles were punctuated with nervous moments
during which any minor creak or rattle was surely my bottom end coming
apart. Do not underestimate the residual mess that two quarts of oil can
leave.
2. This was my first time riding in SC, NC, VA, WV, and OH. I was very
impressed by the hills, curves, and views - simply spectacular. I really
enjoyed taking my time on the two-lanes on my way up to the rally.
Traffic was light and it was a wonderful experience. It was enough time
alone for me to think and pray and ponder and dream and plan - a big
escape from normal busy-day life and a break I really needed.
3. The rally was great and it was a privilege to meet so many of the
loop-listers there. We all parked our bikes in the same general area and
kind of held center stage for the weekend. At the very least, it was
center stage for us loopers :>
4. I knew I had to beat a path to get back home to Tampa by Sunday
night. And, I figured that it was the perfect opportunity to pull my
first iron butt run of 1,050 miles door-to-door in less than 24 hours. I
spent a few minutes chatting with both Stephen Brenton and Ken Hand
about tips and techniques that they used and to get their opinion of my
plan. Among other things, both of them emphasized bringing along
something to eat when you get tired (baby carrots or red hots or
whatever). That tip really worked well for me and would perk me up when
the groggies started taking hold. I ran interstate the entire route
except for a few miles on US-301 in Florida. I never went more than 10
miles over the speed limit and usually kept the bike to about 5 miles
over. For the first 2 or 3 hours, I ran intermittent rain and fog...both
of which slowed me down considerably - sometimes down to 45 MPH for 5 or
10 miles. At every stop, I would fill up the tank, empty my tank, and
check my engine oil. I did take one 45 minute nap at a well-lit rest
stop in NC. I just stopped the bike and laid down on a covered picnic
table (helmet still on :>) and went right to sleep. The complimentary
cup of coffee that was being served at the rest stop when I woke up has
got to be the best tasting I've ever had. All-in-all, it was a long and
tiring 19:20 ride - but quite satisfying when complete.
All in all, a great trip with lot's of wonderful memories.
Regards,
Greg Bender
1971 Ambassador
2000 Quota
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender
Florida MGNOC website
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/fl_mgnoc
Minnesota MGNOC website
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mn_mgnoc