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Serk
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« on: June 14, 2022, 09:39:39 PM » |
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Little update on me and Jr's epic trip - My Goldwing thinks it's a Harley, the clutch has decided to start coming apart 1500+ miles from home.... So change of plans... Instead of the epic ride through Canada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico I'm paying a stupid amount of money to have a shipping company take my bike home, renting a car so we can go to Canada anyway, then back to Billings and flying home....
Still an epic trip, just epic in different ways. Such are the perils of travel, gotta be ready to roll with the punches and make the best of a bad situation. (The sad part is, financially, canceling multiple hotels across the west coast plus buying west coast price gasoline, I think I might actually come out ahead money wise... =\ )
...just happy I'm not riding home this year due to a mechanical issue as opposed to a wrecked bike like last year...
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2022, 02:05:15 AM » |
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Sucks
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pais
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Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2022, 02:52:00 AM » |
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Serk, obviously a bummer and I am sorry to hear about this. As I'm sure you know, you will be making memories with your son in different ways. At the end of the day, it's all about making memories. Be safe and enjoy.
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!  |
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f6john
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Posts: 9335
Christ first and always
Richmond, Kentucky
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« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2022, 04:44:13 AM » |
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Making lemonade! I’m sure more adventure awaits on your travels, hopefully not of the mechanical kind.
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Valkorado
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Posts: 10491
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2022, 04:57:59 AM » |
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Sorry to read this, but...  A+ for attitude. Hope you and Jr. have a blast!  |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16180
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2022, 05:48:44 AM » |
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Regardless of the challenge(s), you're giving your son an epic adventure. More power to ya. Rams |
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« Last Edit: June 15, 2022, 02:54:23 PM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Skinhead
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Posts: 8726
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2022, 07:43:09 AM » |
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And teaching him a valuable lesson in decision making and how to handle problems as they occur.
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0leman
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« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2022, 07:49:40 AM » |
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Sorry to hear about your troubles. Enjoy the trip north of the border and home.
Sucks having to cancel motels, been there and done that.
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2006 Shadow Spirit 1100 gone but not forgotten
1999 Valkryie I/S Green/Silver
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old2soon
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« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2022, 08:40:16 AM » |
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NOT tryin to stir the pot BUT aren't some of the BEST Honda wrenches on the planet in attendance there in Billings?? Well if ya still got that pistol you used to kill a lawn mower?  And as others have stated-THAT SUX!  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Serk
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« Reply #10 on: June 15, 2022, 09:17:04 AM » |
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NOT tryin to stir the pot BUT aren't some of the BEST Honda wrenches on the planet in attendance there in Billings?? Well if ya still got that pistol you used to kill a lawn mower? And as others have stated-THAT SUX! RIDE SAFE. Yup they are, but a clutch replacement on a GL1800 would be a stretch in a hotel parking lot even for the best of the best... (And that's assuming we could even get the parts in time.) |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Oss
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Posts: 12586
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2022, 09:19:25 AM » |
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You are doing the best you can and showing a can do attitude to the serklett
Glad you made it to Billings. I detoured south and down to NC at the Mississippi which means I will not get stuck in Yellowstone or Idaho from the flooding.
As for renting a car, I had to do that to finally arrive in Spearfish And I recall our friend Strider once had to do that when he crashed
Stuff happens, keeping a positive energy and showing your son how you deal with life is what being a father is about And you are a good one from what I see over the years.
Missing the pie auction tonight was about the hardest part of pivoting south for me but I did it and can live easily with it With all this heat I maybe lost 10 lbs or more so far
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« Last Edit: June 15, 2022, 09:23:05 AM by Oss »
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2022, 11:33:14 AM » |
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Sorry for your troubles, but at least you got a great long ride to Billings with the son.
Just make the best of it.
If you weren't going on with your trip, you could've rented a truck or van to haul it home.
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Serk
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« Reply #13 on: June 15, 2022, 01:49:49 PM » |
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If you weren't going on with your trip, you could've rented a truck or van to haul it home.
Looked into that. The smallest U-Haul truck that I MIGHT could have fit the Gold Wing in was $1700 for a one way rental from Billings to Dallas. Plus gas. Lots and lots of gas. The motorcycle shipping company quoted me $890 to ship the bike from the hotel in Billings to my driveway in Rowlett, leaving us free to rent a car to visit Canada and then fly home, all for less money than the U-Haul option would have taken..... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16180
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2022, 02:59:33 PM » |
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Serk,
Did they give you a pickup and delivery date?
Can't tell you how many times I've been asked to go get something because the shipper was late getting there or, the cargo took a round about trip getting to the destination that took weeks to months to actually get it at the destination. Was once asked to retrieve a F350 being delivered from Chicago to New Mexico but the truck was somewhere in PA and headed to FL first. That F350 owner was pissed.
Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Serk
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« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2022, 03:20:40 PM » |
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Serk,
Did they give you a pickup and delivery date?
Just like my social life in high school, I currently remain dateless... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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old2soon
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« Reply #16 on: June 15, 2022, 05:08:07 PM » |
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Monterey still in the cards? Curious minds and likea dat!  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Serk
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« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2022, 05:21:39 PM » |
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Monterey still in the cards? Curious minds and likea dat! RIDE SAFE. Sadly that's a double no. Not only the bike problems, but Kali just came down with COVID on top of it so she's in isolation for a while...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2022, 05:59:40 PM » |
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when it rains, it pours. Sure sounds like you are handling the whole situation as pleasantly as can be.
That is going to be ONE EXPENSIVE clutch repair when all said and done.
I had a clutch give out once on my 1984 honda magna around 1991 or so, but got lucky and was literally 200 yards from home. I pushed it home, but up the hill to parent's house was not fun.
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MotoRod
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Posts: 149
My motto .. Buffalo Theory
Clinton TN
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« Reply #19 on: June 15, 2022, 06:02:46 PM » |
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I had just axk on the MEWE site about clutches. Wood butcher had replied that he had never had to replace on on a valk or a wing...???
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MotoRod  |
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Serk
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« Reply #20 on: June 15, 2022, 06:15:41 PM » |
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I had just axk on the MEWE site about clutches. Wood butcher had replied that he had never had to replace on on a valk or a wing...???
Yup, saw that. My '98 Valk w/ 135k on it is on its' third clutch. First one was one of the faulty rivets on the 97's and early 98's and was replaced under warranty, 2nd replacement was I think in the 60k range. The behavior on the 'Wing is very different though. Riding it if you were deaf and didn't notice the pulsating in neutral just as you pull the clutch lever in you wouldn't know (Yet) that anything was wrong... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #21 on: June 16, 2022, 02:58:38 AM » |
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Monterey still in the cards? Curious minds and likea dat! RIDE SAFE. Sadly that's a double no. Not only the bike problems, but Kali just came down with COVID on top of it so she's in isolation for a while... That poor girl cannot seem to catch a break. :'( Challenges come with life, and are often viewed as character builders, but enough is enough. My heart goes out to her, and her good family. |
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Serk
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« Reply #22 on: June 16, 2022, 01:50:15 PM » |
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Bike keys given to hotel front desk and shipping company acked driver needs call hotel to arrange handoff.
I'll feel better once bike is actually picked up but one step closer.
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10491
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #23 on: June 16, 2022, 04:23:39 PM » |
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Bike keys given to hotel front desk and shipping company acked driver needs call hotel to arrange handoff.
I'll feel better once bike is actually picked up but one step closer.
It you're moving on, I hope the front desk lets you park the bike under their main awning for security purposes. |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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Craig9409
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« Reply #24 on: June 16, 2022, 06:42:36 PM » |
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Well, thats a heart breaking story. Sorry to hear it. Make videos of the rebuild! Maybe we can all learn something from this. Clutch rebuild, Valkyrie.
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Serk
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« Reply #25 on: June 17, 2022, 01:38:52 PM » |
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 Edit to add: Made it back to 'merica, and had to do the traditional Freedom Dance upon my return: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y8eL_DB-xBo(I think Brian Jr. was slightly embarrassed. Good...  ) Got into Canada quick and easy, few usual questions, and Have a nice Day, eh?... (Having Texas as our state of residence on our passports I was fully prepared to be searched to make sure we hadn't brought any Freedom with us, which of course I hadn't because I'm not an idiot.) Leaving was also easy, but the US border patrol asked where we were from, told him Dallas, Texas. Asked how long we'd been in Canada. "About an hour, came in, had lunch now driving back," *Blink Blink* You drove all the way from Dallas just to have lunch and go home? I told him the story of the aborted bike trip and Brian Jr's wish to be the first sibling to set foot outside of the USA, he got it, asked if I had anything to declare ("Yes sir, three bottles of Scotch" (That I was fully prepared to pay the duty on). Thank you for your honesty. (Hands passports back) Welcome home, have a nice day! |
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« Last Edit: June 17, 2022, 09:03:33 PM by Serk »
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Serk
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« Reply #26 on: June 18, 2022, 07:35:22 AM » |
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Oh come on Karma, who did I wrong???
Flight YV5733 from BIL to DFW on Jun 18 at 1:05PM has been canceled. We're working to rebook you and will send an update soon.
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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carolinarider09
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« Reply #27 on: June 18, 2022, 08:45:20 AM » |
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Good Luck on getting a new flight.
Saw on the news today that a thousand flights had been cancelled this weekend (at least I think that was the case).
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old2soon
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« Reply #28 on: June 18, 2022, 09:09:02 AM » |
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Just saw this on the "news". 2000 flights now cancelled! RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Avanti
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« Reply #29 on: June 18, 2022, 01:46:45 PM » |
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Serk, my household is praying you can find a safe and efficient way home.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #30 on: June 18, 2022, 03:17:34 PM » |
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There's always the old school greyhound bus. It's cheaper than airfare and the seats are 10 times better than aircraft coach. Takes awhile to get there though. (Think, the adventure continues....  )   |
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Serk
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« Reply #31 on: June 18, 2022, 03:39:46 PM » |
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Well, thats a heart breaking story. Sorry to hear it. Make videos of the rebuild! Maybe we can all learn something from this. Clutch rebuild, Valkyrie.
It's a Gold Wing not a Valk, but I'm not touching this job with a 10 foot cattle prod, gonna take it to a metric shop near home to hopefully take care of me... Challenges come with life, and are often viewed as character builders, but enough is enough.
My heart goes out to her, and her good family.
At least Kali seems to be feeling better, out of lock down, joined a local swimming league to get back in the water and volunteered at the SPCA loving on the animals today..... It you're moving on, I hope the front desk lets you park the bike under their main awning for security purposes.
I considered asking, but the front awning is very small and always crowded, and without a solid date for the pick up I didn't want to push my luck. The one front desk lady who's boyfriend rides has been very accommodating and had me park the bike (Uncovered) in the employee parking lot, which has cameras and is visible from the front desk, and they've got reason to keep an eye on it, since their own cars are there. She had me feel out a form for leaving a vehicle for an extended time period, and was perfectly fine with me leaving the "Until" date blank. Speaking of which, still waiting on a firm pick up date. It's a VERY strange feeling to be disappointed when you see your bike. That's not a natural reaction. I keep hoping it'll be gone and on its' way back home but alas... Good Luck on getting a new flight.
Saw on the news today that a thousand flights had been cancelled this weekend (at least I think that was the case).
Booked for a 7:25 AM departure tomorrow morning non-stop to Dallas.... We'll see if it happens but I'm checking out of here and will be at the airport and let American find a place for me if I'm staying another day.... Inzane GZ hotel is very nice, the staff have been wonderful, but it's strange still being here, I believe the last "Valk Person" (As staff call us) here... THEY can handle my mostly well behaved, but rather energetic recently turned 11 year old entertaining everyone in the terminal until they put us on a plane.....  Serk, my household is praying you can find a safe and efficient way home.
Thank you, sincerely. It means a lot. The first few days of this trip were incredible, the camaraderie during Inzane even with an iffy bike made for a still awesome time, but now with everyone else gone, I'm just ready to get home and move on..... There's always the old school greyhound bus.
I think I'd rather hitchhike than take a bus.... But just for S&G I checked.... For a measly $328 per seat (Need two of 'em) could be on a bus at 5AM Sunday morning in Billings and THIRTY FIVE FREAKING HOURS LATER arrive in Dallas..... Yeowch! Oh and two bus transfers, numerous stops, and who knows what other hell.... Yeah, not that desperate.... not yet at least... I decided today would be more making lemonade... (Well, lemonade for the recently turned 11 year old)  Nothing as crazy as driving 700 miles round trip to Canada, but went up on the Rimrocks at least:   There is something oddly poetic about a Chuck E Cheese next door to an actual casino.  Made Serk Jr. happy so we spent some time, money and patience points at Chuck E Cheese's.....  And now one last night (Hopefully) at Inzane 22's ground zero hotel and hopefully a flight home in the morning..... .....I'll be sure to shut the lights off on my way out... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #32 on: June 18, 2022, 05:15:21 PM » |
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It's hard to remember (with past pics of the triplets), but didn't he used to have more hair?
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Serk
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« Reply #33 on: June 18, 2022, 05:23:02 PM » |
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It's hard to remember (with past pics of the triplets), but didn't he used to have more hair?
Yup, and his brother (And sister) still do. Blake has really long hair now. Brian Jr. asked for a buzz cut right before the trip so he wouldn't have to deal with loose hairs flying in his face from under his helmet.... Just a few weeks ago his hair was....um.... out of regulation...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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old2soon
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« Reply #34 on: June 18, 2022, 05:51:31 PM » |
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AND buses have an aroma that has to be experienced to be belived! Blew up a truck shortly after 9/11. The company in their infinite cheapness put me on a bus to a terminal to pick up another truck. And Professional Drivers ARE P ss poor passengers! RIDE SAFE, |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Sweet Cheeks
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« Reply #35 on: June 19, 2022, 06:12:28 AM » |
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And teaching him a valuable lesson in decision making and how to handle problems as they occur.
Amen to that! It was great seeing you and Brian Jr again. Safe travels and good luck! Janice |
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I am pretty sure my last words will be ... “Well crap! That didn’t work!”
2004 VTX 1300 (sold)
1998 Tourer
2003 Standard
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Serk
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« Reply #36 on: June 19, 2022, 12:09:27 PM » |
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While it wasn't quite the adventure I had planned, it was still an adventure and we had a mostly good time... Will try to o a full report later once my brain has re-congealed, but we're now home. Serk Jr. quite enjoyed his first airplane flight!  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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carolinarider09
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« Reply #37 on: June 19, 2022, 01:09:59 PM » |
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Glad you are home safe and sound.
Relax......
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Avanti
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« Reply #38 on: June 19, 2022, 01:35:20 PM » |
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Good, prayers answered. All is well.
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ridingron
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« Reply #39 on: June 19, 2022, 05:07:27 PM » |
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Glad to hear you 2 made it home safe and sound! With Dad's wallet a little flatter.
If I remember back to the start, he's the first to go out of country?
Is he the first to fly?
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