Knock, Knock...

[DDT (12)]

Knock, Knock…

You've all read before where I've made the comment that some boo-boo or other is all part of the life I've chosen, etc. Well, we've just had another thing come up that should fit neatly into that same category... It all began with a knock upon our motel room door about 11:00pm last night.

Hot tub and I looked at each other with that ‘WTF’ look on our faces. Lot lizard lost or something? Dominos looking for some hungry night owls? I went to investigate, and it turned out to be the motel owner. I've stayed here before, so we've become rather friendly over time... He didn't say anything, he just pointed in the direction of our girl...

I didn't know what to say either. I uncharacteristically grabbed my phone/camera and went to investigate with HT hot on my heels.



Another motel guest joined us, then HT took charge, gave instructions to all of us, and the next thing we knew, ALI was resting comfortably on her kickstand once again. I rolled up the cover and took it to the room! HT relocated both of our bikes to the breezeway of the motel...



I inspected our girl to see what might have happened to her. First, simply cranking her and riding her to a new spot had confirmed that she was undamaged in that regard, especially since there had been no evidence of any fluid loss.

The right side spotlight housing on the Cobra light bar had been smashed, though, and I'll be taping it up later.



There was also some scuffing on the right saddlebag that probably won't buff out, and a bit on the saddlebag guard that will probably be OK with a little buffing. Nothing else that I could see in the poor lighting...



Another motel guest came up and told us that she'd seen the bike go over and got the motel owner out. She said a strong gust of wind had filled the bike cover like a sail and pulled our girl right over. Nothing gradual or graceful about it, though, just poof and plop!

Any Monday morning quarterback worth his salt will jump at the chance to advise me we shouldn't have used the cover last night... Whoda thunk it? We've been through some pretty good blows over the years, but nothing like this has ever happened... Oh well, live and learn, I reckon... I’ll tell ya more if I learn anything new when we get to Hattiesburg…

DDT

[Serk]

You shouldn't have used the cover last night.

 

Glad it appears to just be a few minor cosmetic issues, and glad to hear it appears to have been innocent and not a malicious tip over.....

See ya'll soon!

[Rams]

I'm just happy/glad you weren't riding Ali when that happened.
Yep, Mariah was blowing like crazy here last night, already picked up some limbs the trees no longer needed attached. 
See you Friday. 

Rams

[scooperhsd]

At least it wasn't malicious action that tipped Ali over...

[hubcapsc]

I don't ever use covers... only once has the foam in my seat gotten wet
enough to make my britches wet, and I think it was because I was
riding on I81 in Pennsylvania in a deluge... Way back during the Cheaha-era I
saw a cover take a Valkyrie over in the wind...

Glad your Cobra light bar is OK - a new lamp is easy to get  ...

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

When I entered USAF at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery AL, I had to park my CB750 in the Q parking lot on the flight line (huge flat open space, like most runways).  The tall sissy bar made the cover a big sail, and the thing went over several times.  

Sometimes it blows so hard, it sucks.

I had to run a light rope around the bike, over the cover, like a candy cane, to pull it in tight, to alleviate the sailboat effect.

Also, sometimes the wind gets under the cover and blows it up like a balloon and acts to lift it up, and then over.

[thedon]

Dang Bruce, well I guess Ali can be fixed and alls well.

[John Schmidt]

I've also seen it happen with covers. If the weather suggests it, I'll usually use some of the bungees I carry and will place them over the top of the cover/bike in such a way as to prevent ballooning. Strange though...I have yet to have the trike tipped over like that.   

[Valkorado]

I'm sure seeing ALI on her side made your stomach drop!  It's noble that she took this blow for the team, and going down sans mount is better than the other way around.

I have the same half cover, I'll be keeping this under consideration when the winds are high.

Have fun flinging around in Mississippi, but beware Rams' wicked ways.  I've heard he's not to be trusted, or left unattended for long.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dang ! That must have been one heck of a gust. But I suppose in over 700,000 of miles all over this continent one/off things are bound to happen. (It’s hard to be a Monday morning quarterback on a Thursday)


You aren’t going to change her name to the Santa Maria or the Nina are you ? 

[DarkSideR]

I have a spare headlight housing I can send to you. Let me know an address and I can get it on its way.

[DDT (12)]

I have a spare headlight housing I can send to you. Let me know an address and I can get it on its way.

Josh,

Headlight bucket and light are just fine. It was the right-side spotlight housing on the Cobra lightbar that got smashed (Funny, that light actually still works! It's just pointed in a peculiar direction!). I truly appreciate the offer, my friend, but no need at this time. Your original gift just keeps on giving!!!

Had a great ride today and everything is working as it should... well, that one spotlight pointing in the wrong direction being the sole exception (put on some tape to hold the lens in place). Still living large and loving life! HTJ is still with me, so I reckon I'm going to go ahead and anoint him 'road ready' and pronounce him a great travel companion!

Everybody else: Solid suggestions, and I thank you for them. I will definitely be making more thoughtful choices in the future! Yeah, as many of you already pointed out, it was indeed better for something like this to happen when I wasn't aboard! Our girl seems none the worse for wear, and in our little chat on the way to our next stop she forgave me. Life is still good, and we're still sharing it with each other!!!

DDT

[Jersey mike]

That must have been one heck of a wind, sorry to hear about it.

[Beardo]

Sorry to see that Bruce. All things considered, could have been worse.

The knock on the hotel door late at night…reminds me of the time I was in Vegas at a work conference. Had spent the night on the old strip with my manager and he was generous with the drinks. Got back to the Monte Carlo late and more than a little tipsy. Crawl into bed and start to doze off…there’s a knock at the door. I walk to the door in my underwear…look out the peephole, see 2 young ladies. Very attractive young ladies. They keep knocking. They had obviously been out partying too. Then they started kissing and groping each other while I tried not to make a sound while observing through the peephole. A hotel worker comes down the hallway, I hear them tell him this is their friends room, can he let them in. He knocks on the door. I realize this isn’t going away so I open the door. He asks if they can come in. I said I’d love them to but I don’t think my wife would appreciate it. They had the wrong floor.

Anyway….glad ALI is ok 

[Jess from VA]

Knock knock stories:

I served as a university dormitory resident advisor for three years.  I discovered that any crazy thing you could possibly imagine, would sooner or later actually happen.

One Sunday morning I had a young freshman knock on my door and said he really needed my help.

I have this girl in my room, and she took all her clothes off and threw them out the window (5th floor).

I'm like, OK.... uh, what exactly do you need help with?

Well I want her to leave, and she won't.

I was speechless (and that's pretty rare).   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Remember the Cheaha Mountain Valkyrie Rally ? Several times on that hill motorcycles that had covers on them was laying on the ground in the morning.The wind here has been relentless fires in Wears Valley are burning homes nonstop my daughter has a rental cabin there so far it's missed her place.

[f6john]

I got a cover when I got my Wing and brought it along. I put it in the trunk last night.

[DarkSideR]

I have a spare headlight housing I can send to you. Let me know an address and I can get it on its way.

Josh,

Headlight bucket and light are just fine. It was the right-side spotlight housing on the Cobra lightbar that got smashed (Funny, that light actually still works! It's just pointed in a peculiar direction!). I truly appreciate the offer, my friend, but no need at this time. Your original gift just keeps on giving!!!


DDT

I should have clarified that it's the spot housing I have and can send. Let me know.

[DDT (12)]

Josh,

WOW! You are the man! I'll take you up on that offer, but I'll have to let you know the particulars a bit later. Holy cow, I can't express my thanks enough! HTJ asked what would I do if I couldn't find that part...? I told him something will turn up sooner or later. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy reveling in the new 'duelers' scar!!!

Can't be a true veteran without some tall tales to share of boo-boos and mishaps, plus evidence to the vagaries of Mother Nature... Our girl and I are getting there! Have I ever mentioned that I do love my life? Gawd, and I do love all my friends... Most newbies have no concept how comforting and how confidence building it is knowing so many wonderful folks have our backs when we venture out into the great unknowns!!! Yep, and I'm proud to be here, too!

DDT

[da prez]

  Bruce , send me an address and I will send you a Valkyrie viagra.  A lot of Valk owners have them. If you do not know what it is , A S K.

                                                            da prez

[Fazer]

Now the bike at least LOOKS like it might have 750,000 miles on it.  Glad it wasn't any worse.

[scooperhsd]

Knock knock stories:

I served as a university dormitory resident advisor for three years.  I discovered that any crazy thing you could possibly imagine, would sooner or later actually happen.

One Sunday morning I had a young freshman knock on my door and said he really needed my help.

I have this girl in my room, and she took all her clothes off and threw them out the window (5th floor).

I'm like, OK.... uh, what exactly do you need help with?

Well I want her to leave, and she won't.

I was speechless (and that's pretty rare).   

"Interesting" problem to have....

[vanavyman]

Sorry to hear that Bruce.

  We have covered our bikes for years with no issues.  I always keep an eye on the weather and if it will act up I'll connect the ties under the cover.  Sounds like you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.  But we're glad to hear you can keep on riding without a pitstop for a fix.

Dan & Trish

[t-man403]

Crap man! 
Next time it’s windy like that, maybe just gently lay her down yourself! 

[Bret SD]

Well Bruce, at least you can blame mother nature for yours. Mine went over a few days ago while I was on it, it was top-heavy and loaded both trunk and side bags with groceries and such along with a box full on the passenger seat.

I stopped to talk to my neighbor and had to move for a car coming up the access driveway to our place. I slowly inched forward and caught a ridge in the concrete swale. The Darkside tire on the back was not kind to me, it was going over to the left in slow motion and there was no stopping it, I got my left foot down and she went over fairly gently due to my resisting.
Luckily my neighbor was there, I probably would have done something to my lower back if I tried to hoist it up myself with all that extra weight on it. The left side of the lower back is still sore but seems no worse for the wear. The only damage was a little bit of scratching on the engine guard. Leather saddlebags do have their uses

[Jess from VA]

I've let down my bike that way a few times.  No drop, but an assisted easy letdown.

And I've been able to stop it a few times too.  Interstates are more top heavy.

I've got pretty good strength, but my 5'9" doesn't give much leverage against that fat bastard at the tip point.

The key is to know at what point you aren't going to save it, so you don't rip up muscles, knee, back or shoulder.  So OK, it's going down, don't let it hit hard.  And when it is set down easy, it's higher on the guards and easier to lift up than when it drops.  Not by much, but every bit helps.

When it begins to go over with you on it, you've only got half your body to work with.  

Once it's down and you get off, you can use your whole body to lift it.  

It went over last year in my drive (let down easy) (first time in years), and it was the hardest lift I've ever done.  I'm pretty sure it didn't get any heavier.  I got older.  

So, I've decided I'm too old to let it go over anymore.     So far so good.

[cookiedough]

my I/S  tipped over most of the way with front fairing resting alongside garage rightside wall and was unable to get on the right side to lift it up very well no room.    What a chore that was.  luckily ONLY a 2 inch cracked fairing hairline crack popped back in place hardly noticeable unless you look closely.  centerstands are best but do not have one on either valk, only my 2 scooters.

[Bret SD]

I've let down my bike that way a few times.  No drop, but an assisted easy letdown.

And I've been able to stop it a few times too.  Interstates are more top heavy.

I've got pretty good strength, but my 5'9" doesn't give much leverage against that fat bastard at the tip point.

The key is to know at what point you aren't going to save it, so you don't rip up muscles, knee, back or shoulder.  So OK, it's going down, don't let it hit hard.  And when it is set down easy, it's higher on the guards and easier to lift up than when it drops.  Not by much, but every bit helps.

When it begins to go over with you on it, you've only got half your body to work with. 

Once it's down and you get off, you can use your whole body to lift it. 

It went over last year in my drive (let down easy) (first time in years), and it was the hardest lift I've ever done.  I'm pretty sure it didn't get any heavier.  I got older.   

So, I've decided I'm too old to let it go over anymore.      So far so good.

Good plan Jess!  hahaha

[Bret SD]

my I/S  tipped over most of the way with front fairing resting alongside garage rightside wall and was unable to get on the right side to lift it up very well no room.    What a chore that was.  luckily ONLY a 2 inch cracked fairing hairline crack popped back in place hardly noticeable unless you look closely.  centerstands are best but do not have one on either valk, only my 2 scooters.

That happened with my GL1100 against a ladder, the top heavy SOB was hard to get lifted when I had nowhere to stand.. that's what happens when you move a bike with the kickstand down, if it drags backward far enough you're screwed. luckily I didn't get pinned between the ladder and bike.

[..]

A ding dong instead of a knock, knock.

DING DONG.
I sit bolt upright, heart pounding.
Bleary eyes focus on the bedside clock.
1.45 in the morning.
Who the hell is Ding Donging my doorbell at this time.
I sit up with legs hanging from edge of bed.
I take my defense of last resort from the nightstand.
I can see to my kitchen window from my bed.
Outside motion sensor lights haven't come on.
I sit waiting for a follow up Ding Dong or a Knock Knock.
Nothing.
If I can see the kitchen window anyone outside can see if I switch a light on.
There are 3 external doors and I can't remember which has the doorbell. I've only been moved in for 2 weeks and no one has rung the bell in that time.
Phone ringer is off. I need to look at my phone to see if anyone tried to call me.  Maybe someone tried to call me and I didn't answer resulting in the Ding Dong.
Not wanting anyone to see my phone light up I take 3 steps into my walk in closet.
No one has called.
Turn phone screen off and step back to bed.
There are 3 external doors to my house. Where I'm sitting on the bed would force any interloper to come to me and my friends Smith &Wesson.
It's been 10 or so minutes since the Ding Dong.
I step cautiously to the bedroom door trying to miss the creaky, squeaky floorboards.
Do I call the police? For what reason? The door bell rang?
I slowly walk to the kitchen door and peer through the edge of the glass panel insert.
I can't see any shadowy figures outside.
I slowly walk to the second external door and there's no shadowy figures visible here either.
Returning to the bed I sit and think.
Maybe the Ding Dong was a feeler, a test to ascertain if anyone was home.
Have I done the wrong thing by not turning any lights on?
I don't want to give away my position in the house by turning a light on.
I'll sit and wait to see what happens.
30 minutes tick by.
Surely if anyone was going to do something they would do it by now.
I lay back down on my bed. My friends returned to their drawer but drawer left open.
Sleep eventually washes over me.
Morning.
I open the kitchen door. Hmm no doorbell.
I open the front door. Hmmm no doorbell.
I'm pleased my house is shielded from view by trees.
I'm pleased no one could see me bent over red faced nor hear me laughing like a howler monkey as I see the second front door also has NO DOORBELL.
A Google search reveals that sleep Ding Dongs are a fairly common occurrence.