We left Crestview, me on the Valk, Judy in the Explorer (she had to come home early) thursday the 3rd of March and it was a perfect day. Got up to speed on I-10 and made it to the gas stop (first mistake) I should have waited ten more miles for the "usual" stop, but too much coffee at breakfast changed my mind. After getting back on the highway the strong headwinds were affecting my fuel mileage more than I could imagine and at 118 miles she goes on reserve. Now, I usually get close to 150 miles (maybe 135 at superslab speeds) so this was shocking. OK, I know I have 10-15 miles on reserve with the pingle so Im seeking the closest gas. in 6 miles I see a sign that says gas,gas,gas,gas (all the flavors) 9 miles man thats cutting it close with this headwind. next exit says "gas exit" but Im certain its a ghost town station....and it is, but its on Hwy90 which has gas everywhere. So I decide to head west (with the wind) at 40mph and pray gas is in range.
First bend, no gas......up a long hill, next bend no gas.........this continues and Im getting nervous. Judy turns around and leaves me!!!!!!! she had to find a ladies room and thought her chances were better on the freeway....
Then the worst sound in the world.......sputter sputter sputter when you are on reserve already and no gas station in sight, however I did make the peak of a slight hill before turning the key off just before it crapped out. Make the hill coast down and around one more bend and THANK YOU LORD a gas station is 300yrds or so up there, I coast maybe 200yds. So its a 100yd push on flat ground, didnt even break a sweat but, they were out of gas........but the good news is the gas truck pulled in right when I did, so even though its supposedly not good to get gas that soon after the tanks are filled I do it anyway and go meet up with Judy.
The rest of the trip was uneventful and safe, perfect riding there and on the way home yesterday, a couple rain sessions while we were there and strong off shore winds, the bike was messy, salty and needed a bath.
I just finished restoring her to her previous glory and now its time for a test ride.
Because pictures are always a good thing.....the "RAT"S HOLE" rat bike contest is on the same street our church is on....the winner came in to show off his "loot" Cool bike
