Boo-Boo In Boscobel... UPDATE!

[DDT (12)]

Boo-Boo In Boscobel…

Why is it that we so frequently seem to take for granted the things we love the most? We neglect them, assume they’ll always be there for us, fail to show them proper respect, and… well, we many times just don’t do right by them the way they deserve. Yet again, I’ve proven just how ‘human’ this often inattentive sometimes downright careless rider can be.

We were barely still in Iowa just gliding along US 18 east towards Prairie Du Chien, WI, on our way to another smallish town north of Madison. We had the ‘Yooper Ride’ nearly a week from then in our sites, and things just looked absolutely fabulous for us to lollygag, zig and zag, lay over a night or two here and there…

We were figuring to just take our sweet time ambling along, doing a much needed and overdue oil & filter change when the opportunity seemed perfect. I was also on the lookout for something to inspire me to draft a little story… I got a doozy!

We approached the bridge over the Mississippi River and rounding a modest curve and topping a slight rise, we spotted the monster line backed up in our direction! Holy cow! I scanned the mental atlas between my ears, but no alternative seemed readily available! We could back track and go several miles one way or the other to another river crossing, but that would take much time and require some map study… We could also just play this hand and see what happened. That being the path of least resistance, you just know what choice was made…

Funny, the lengthy line seemed to actually be moving… Slow, of course, so we crept along in first gear, pausing now and then to allow a small gap to develop so we could keep from riding the clutch at such slow speed. Shortly I saw why things seemed so slow… There was another exceedingly long line of vehicles coming from the south merging with our line…

The bridge itself had been choked down to only one lane with a traffic light stopping us periodically to allow eastbound traffic to use the solitary lane. Some sort of construction activity was in progress, although no work was going on at the time. That was on a Sunday around midday… I thought to myself how glad I was not to be attempting this on a weekday!

I was very impressed with the way each vehicle in both lines in turn allowed one from the merging traffic to enter our lane. Both lines alternating one vehicle at a time… It couldn’t have been done any better if General Patton himself had been directing things! So many drivers all doing right by each other… voluntarily and without any government intervention either!

We finally crept our way down the bridge and to a stop sign where we made a right turn… Ah, after nearly an hour, it was time to at long last shift up into second gear! Only… she wouldn’t go into second!!! Nope, first gear and neutral were no problem finding, but she simply would not go any higher!

Had I really done it this time? Had that lazy choice to not make that important oil & filter change more timely come back to haunt me? Was my baby broke for good? Feelings of remorse engulfed this confused but guilt-ridden rider, as we coasted into a turn lane for a stop to shut down and allow some cooling off and to allow the vehicles behind us to go ahead. Then, another twinge of guilt…

Recently I’d posted a rather unflattering tale about ‘real bikes’ and ‘real riders’… We’d only been stopped a couple of minutes when a very nice guy on a Harley cruised alongside and asked if we were OK.  I think so, just need to cool down a bit, I’d replied, we should be OK… Thanks for stopping, though! Dang! I surely didn’t deserve that, but it seemed very much in keeping with the general friendly, helpful way of the midwestern folks with whom I come into contact everywhere we go…

After what seemed much longer than it actually was, we gave her another try… No joy! We rode a mile or two trying in vain to jam her into second gear… then for no reason at all, the shifter did find its way upward! Hallelujah! We then rode on at around 3K RPMs for about 40 miles… We’d just gone on reserve and my bladder was about to pop, so we pulled into a most convenient convenience store, topped off the tank and unloaded my internal storage container. We both took a nice long break…

I felt much better about things, and I was optimistic the worst was now behind us… I made a mental note to do that oil & filter change that very evening, no matter what! We headed out for our original destination with thoughts of what all needed to be done… but she wouldn’t go into second gear again! Double dang!!!

Less than a mile through town, I gave up and pulled into another convenience store… parked in the shade and deployed the ol’ nap chair. I then did what I usually do in times like this, and I called Troutdude. I also talked with MitchO, and they both mentioned I should check the oil level and maybe add some… I did, and I added some because she was indeed low! About an hour later we headed for a motel the clerk inside had told me of… We never got into second gear on the way over, either… Then, no vacancy!

The motel guy told me the next town north or south about thirty miles or so would have motels, and he seemed to favor north. That was the way I’d sort of favored, too, so that became the plan… provided she would shift up! If not, I’d have to call a wrecker… Before we got to the first place I’d stopped, she did shift up, so we took-off for Boscobel, WI, to see if we could find a room… We did!

Mitch is coming to rescue us… He’ll do a little diagnostic work when he gets here, then either make her well, or transport us to his place in Tennessee. I won’t know until then if we’ll make it to the Yooper Ride or not, or if some sort of major work on our girl may be looming large on the horizon. All we do know right now is that this rider has no mechanical skill whatsoever, but  someone who does have considerable skill is on his way! I’ll let y’all know more when I know it…

DDT

[da prez]

Hang in there Bruce. Help is on the way.  It's been quite a few years since I was in Boscobell Wi. There used to be a museum (?) antique store in town.  People were friendly (about a hundred years ago.)

                                     da prez

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dang, that sucks ! Hopefully it’s something MitchO can fix up easily. Take care 

[JimC]

Bruce,
If I can be of any assistance let me know. You are only about 1.5 hours from me, and I have a trailer.
Jim Callaghan
2six2441Othree three three

[..]

 

I hope it was just overheated.

[Beardo]

Sorry to hear that Bruce. Hope it’s an easy fix.

And yeah, people properly executing a zipper merge is a thing of beauty. 

[John Schmidt]

Just wondering if your shifter has slipped a cog or two, that would make it near impossible to kick it up far enough to hit 2nd.

[Avanti]

Looks like you have help but if you need more help. Stoughton Wisconsin text @ 608 three three 4 six five 2 five.

Did the sifter seal swell not allowing it to go back to its steady state or some other External interference. You probably already checked for this type of interference.

[rocketray]

seems mine did something like that many years ago..the screw was loose that tightend the shifter onto the shaft..

[Thunderbolt]

I'm with John on this Bruce.  Get out your allen wrench and tighten that screw.  It's probably loose and hitting the valve cover before it can turn that shaft. 

[Valkorado]

I'm with John on this Bruce.  Get out your allen wrench and tighten that screw.  It's probably loose and hitting the valve cover before it can turn that shaft. 

You guys really think that after 670,000+ miles that screw might have backed out a bit?  I sure hope it's that easy Bruce.

[DDT (12)]

Everybody,

There is much joy in Hooterville tonight! Mitch and I are rejoicing his having arrived, discovered the biggest problem, and got us ready to ride tomorrow towards the Yooper Ride... It's still on for us after all!!!

Mitch had driven up from his place in Tennessee and brought a trailer. The plan was to try a couple of things to see if we might get lucky, but to drag our girl south for some serious work if necessary. We tried the less complicated items right on the motel parking lot, and... In little over an hour we were down at the bowling alley sharing a couple of brews and cheeseburgers.. and joyously celebrating!

Those who guessed it might be the shifter itself were spot-on... He replaced the old shifter from a Honda Blackbird that we'd been running for more than half a million miles... We'd gone that route because of the Cobra floorboards I'd added, which then meant I'd need to use either a heel-toe shifter or this one... I chose the latter. That shifter is made from a soft aluminum, however, so over time it has lost much of its 'hold'... and it was banging up against the valve cover when I tried to up-shift...

Mitch put an OEM shifter on that he'd brought with him, and that seemed to do the trick. Of course, now getting my boot toe under the shifter with the Cobra in place... Well, he'd also brought a peg with him, so now we have a port side peg with OEM shifter, but a starboard side Cobra floorboard, no effect on the brake pedal.

There are other faint little weird sounds and quirky little things going with our aging gal, and sooner or later some serious stuff will inevitably become necessary. For now, though, Mitch has bought us some more good days, and all is well... for the near term anyway. We plan to go KSA in the morning and continue our ride to Yooperland and beyond... My fingers are crossed, but I feel so blessed to have the good friends I do who are willing to put their own priorities on hold and come rescue us...

More to the story, of course, and more info to come, but I did want to let y'all know the latest good news! I'm very much looking forward to mounting our girl again so soon and... continuing doing what we do. Yep, I'll be looking upward plenty tomorrow and giving many thanks for a simple solution to what had appeared at first to be a major deal... I'm not sure if I might be more blessed or just more lucky, but whichever, I'm sure proud to be me doing what I do!!!

DDT

P.S. In case you're wondering, Mitch was already among those listed on my 'Heroes List'... I did, however, add another gold star beside his name!

[The emperor has no clothes]

It’s good to have great friends. 

[Avanti]

Oh boy, more riding fun!

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, like I told my daughter once when she was surprised at something I had done; I figured I was half smart so used the smart half of my brain to it...referring to the project just completed.

Are you possibly coming past Green Bay on I-41?  I'm only a couple minutes off that road if you have the time for a stop. PM me and I'll shoot you my phone #

[Rams]

P.S. In case you're wondering, Mitch was already among those listed on my 'Heroes List'... I did, however, add another gold star beside his name!

There was never any doubt.   Glad you're back on the road.

Rams

[msb]

Good to hear it was such a simple fix, and it was that darn Blackbird shift lever...sheesh...you would think our Valkyrie shift levers should hold out for at least 700,000 miles!

FYI Bruce, I've been running the Cobra floorboards as well for many years. When I first put them on I had the same issues as you...finding enough room in that reduced space to comfortably fit the toe of my big clodhopper in order to shift properly. After monkeying around with extensions and different riding boots, I finally broke down and invested in a good set of Alpenstar riding boots. The much slimmer profile and the sole design along with a one notch adjustment of the shift lever allowed me to easly slide the front of my foot into that space to comfortably shift all day long. An added bonus was that these boots were so darn comfortable I could walk in them all day long, which meant I needn't bring another pair of tennis shoes or whatever on my longer rides. An Extra added bonus was when I purchased Lisa a pair as well...she loved them so much she decided she didn't need those other 3 pairs of shoes she always crammed into our limited packing space on our long multi-week rides. That bumped me up to a full half saddle bag out of the two plus the trunk for my stuff and a few tools



Yes, you are lucky (deserve?) to have such good friends like Mitch who are willing to come to your aid at the drop of a hat. Quick story about Mitch...when he made his way up from Taos Inzane all the way to Merritt BC a couple of years ago to join this humble group of Canucks and NW US'ers at our Valhalla rally, there was a rider who tagged along with one of our Western WA brothers taken to the hospital after a fairly serious crash. Rather than join the two groups headed out to ride some of BC's finest roads and take in the sights, Mitch opted to stay behind with the small group who went to the hospital with the fallen rider to see what assistance could be rendered and to await word from his family. So, not surprised at all that he would hit the road running after a call from an old buddy to help get him back on the road

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

I knew Mitch had made the ride up there for your thing... Heck, that was one of the several I'd thought about making, too. Anyway, I did not know about the crash and his staying behind to look after that fallen brother. It does not surprise me at all, however, as I do know of some other similar situations where he has done that same thing.

He is a keeper for sure and for certain! One of the finest people I know... An incredible mechanic and an excellent rider to boot! On top of all of that, I've travelled with him on some long road trips, and he is one of the best travel companions one could ask for... He's just tops in every category that I can think of... and he is also my friend and sometimes rescuer... Any wonder I consider myself to be the most fortunate dude I've ever known of?

I may have to go the boot route you've chosen... Gotta do something, as I really like those floorboards and don't want to give them up for good... Thanks for the suggestion!!! Also, thanks for the always good messages included in your replies... I appreciate you too, dude!

DDT

P.S. Mitch has already left this morning headed back south... Now time for me to do the three 'Ss' and hit the road myself... Rather excited about being aboard our girl instead of seeing her on a trailer!!!

[Bigwolf]

I have to say that the title of this story set my mind in worry mode!  I do love the happy ending though!

[GiG]

Bruce:

Its a good thing you got a transmission out to Mitch and he was able to shift you out of your Boscobel boo-boo!
Are you bringing him with you to Yooperville? We've got a cofeffee pot on for you my friend!

CHEERS

[DDT (12)]

Another Update...

Mitch has already departed headed back south, and as I was setting my mind towards moving on myself, I had a conversation with Troutdude... "Did you change that oil & filter while you were hanging around," he asked? Nope, I sheepishly responded... "Well..." He was right, ya know...

So, I'm keeping the room for one more night so I can make all concerned happy... I have a feeling our girl will appreciate that too... Besides, in my current euphoric state, I can't be sure it would actually be safe for me to be on the road right now! A day to do a small chore, take my time lollygagging, ponder all the goodness that's happened... and maybe let my body calm down a mite just could be a wise move... Bottom line is I'm delaying gratification one more day...

I still plan to show-up in Newberry Friday... if we don't just get lost or anything and wind-up someplace else. Oh well, my mind is in a curious but joyous place at the moment... Maybe I'll have another cup 'o Joe and contemplate some more...

DDT

P.S. Gig! Man, that coffee pot thing sure sounds good! Mitch is returning to Tennessee as I write this, but he, Laura, and Bambi do plan to still attend the Yooper thingy in Newberry! I'm sure glad he didn't have to give that up on my account, but he was as always willing to give something up for a friend... Gonna hang around Boscobel one more evening, but that ain't bad... The folks around here have been absolutely wonderful, and I'm rather enjoying lots of midwestern hospitality!!! See ya Friday! Probably...

[mrtlc]

Hi DDT.  Your 65 miles south of Elroy .  Come on up and spend the night. We can give a hand with the oil change and any other needed maintenance. Put some good food on the grill and enjoy a evening watching the cranes off the deck. I'll bet your little buddy Doc might even find you a cold Doctor Pepper :-)  Give us a call Terry and Josh Cilley. 608-350-7773.

[DDT (12)]

Hi DDT.  Your 65 miles south of Elroy .  Come on up and spend the night. We can give a hand with the oil change and any other needed maintenance. Put some good food on the grill and enjoy a evening watching the cranes off the deck. I'll bet your little buddy Doc might even find you a cold Doctor Pepper :-)  Give us a call Terry and Josh Cilley. 608-350-7773.

Terry,

Man, this story just keeps on getting better and better! Thanks so much for the invite!!! Per our phone conversation, I'll see ya a little later today! I can tell ya that reading your reply and then chatting with you on the phone has given me another huge lift! I'm so giddy right now, I just hope I can safely ride!!!

Yet another example of how things can go bad and look so tragically bleak, only to have a silver lining appear when we least expect it... I'm really looking forward to hanging with you and 'Doc' again... WOW! What an amazing reversal of feelings from the low the other day when the problem first appeared, to having a dear friend drive over 700 miles one way to remedy the problem, to now loading up our girl and visiting with other good friends!!! I sure hope nobody pinches me... If I am dreaming, I certainly don't want to wake up yet!!!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Bruce, like I told my daughter once when she was surprised at something I had done; I figured I was half smart so used the smart half of my brain to it...referring to the project just completed.

Are you possibly coming past Green Bay on I-41?  I'm only a couple minutes off that road if you have the time for a stop. PM me and I'll shoot you my phone #

John,

I hadn't planned to go that way, but it would be good to see you again... Since my last update, things have changed yet again, so I'll be over near Elroy tonight, then up to Rhinelander tomorrow. Are you coming to the Yooper Ride? I still figure to be there, and I have a room with two beds reserved with no roomie... Wanna join us, if you haven't already planned to be there? We'd all love to see ya... Ah, come on... you know you wanna!

DDT

[Sweet Cheeks]

You are definitely one blessed man!  Like Bigwolf, when I read the title I was afraid you were hurt.  I was happy to read that you weren’t and that MitchO was able to assist you so quickly.  Ride on my friend.  Be safe out there.

[DDT (12)]

You are definitely one blessed man!  Like Bigwolf, when I read the title I was afraid you were hurt.  I was happy to read that you weren’t and that MitchO was able to assist you so quickly.  Ride on my friend.  Be safe out there.

Janice,

Thanks, my good friend! Yeah, things just keep unfolding in amazing ways and... Oh yeah, I am indeed one blessed dude! I was going to call you and invite you to the Yooper thing, but I had a reversal of plans when I saw how hot it was in Montana and North Dakota!!! Only one of a few ways things could be even better if you and maybe Josh showed up too... Thanks for the reply... We still have a rendezvous or two in our future, ya know... Majorly looking forward to that, too!!!

DDT

[Skinhead]

Bruce,

You my friend lead a charmed life!  I can't add anything that hasn't been said about Mitch, a real credit to our club and humanity in general.  I'm looking forward to seeing yinz guys in the yoop, and it would be cool if John decides to join you.  I made the beans yesterday and Binky arrives today.  We'll see you on Friday, it'll be a large time.

Mitch,

Well done!

[DDT (12)]

Joe,

Thanks! Looking forward to it... All this and beans too! WOW! It just continues to get better and better!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Bruce,
If I can be of any assistance let me know. You are only about 1.5 hours from me, and I have a trailer.
Jim Callaghan
2six2441Othree three three

Jim,

Thanks, my friend! I sincerely appreciate the offer of help... As you've probably already read, things are taken care of and/or underway, so I won't need to impose upon you. I do appreciate ya, however, and it is more comforting than most can realize to know just how many good friends, folks just like you, who are out there should we find ourselves in a pickle... Thanks again! Will we be crossing paths anytime soon?

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, like I told my daughter once when she was surprised at something I had done; I figured I was half smart so used the smart half of my brain to it...referring to the project just completed.

Are you possibly coming past Green Bay on I-41?  I'm only a couple minutes off that road if you have the time for a stop. PM me and I'll shoot you my phone #

John,

I hadn't planned to go that way, but it would be good to see you again... Since my last update, things have changed yet again, so I'll be over near Elroy tonight, then up to Rhinelander tomorrow. Are you coming to the Yooper Ride? I still figure to be there, and I have a room with two beds reserved with no roomie... Wanna join us, if you haven't already planned to be there? We'd all love to see ya... Ah, come on... you know you wanna!

DDT

Yeah, I'd love to do this but bad timing. I'm looking at several hundred $$ for insurance premiums due next month(Aug.) and have already signed up for the Quad State gathering the next weekend. Don't think I could do it without dipping into the cookie jar, don't like to use the "card" if possible. Found out long ago that retirement doesn't pay overtime. 

[old2soon]

         Dang it ta heck there Bruce. You Sir could fall in tha proverbial kaka river and come up with a bar of Life Bouy and some undr arm douche juice!  Talk to Terry when you git to Elroy cuz daprez Is at his place outside Rhinelander. And being as Terry has done work for Ross he Knows exactly Where daprez's cabin is. He also Kows a dang Good resturant in Rhinelander. Fer a travelin man you don't do too awful bad duz ya?  You git with Terry I wanna make sure the number I have for you is still good. Fair winds and following seas My Friend.  RIDE SAFE.

[Wizzard]

Man what a great ending. I am soo looking forward to seeing you this weekend.