A Tail Tale...

[DDT (12)]

A Tail Tale...

 
It seems things are never simple or straightforward anymore whenever our girl needs any attention at all... Old, high mileage Valks are sort of like their old, high mileage riders with their own 'routine' check-up/tune-up issues, too. I stopped by Jerry's place simply to have him check the 'tail' of our girl over thoroughly and ensure all was in order before heading out west. That was done, of course, but then the 'gift' just kept on giving!

 
The rear end and pinion cup themselves actually looked good as did the universal joint and drive shaft... the point of the visit. However... all three sets of brake pads were well worn and in need of replacement, the universal 'boot' had a crack in it, as did a place down in the tread in the rubber of the rear tire (cord was just starting to show)! That's not all... both sets of rear wheel bearings were also about to enter the 'collapse zone'. As long as we were at it, Jerry went ahead and replaced the already cracked rear shock bushings, too.  

 
Yeah, an ounce of precaution by simply having the tail end checked before the big ride wound-up saving us a ton of inconvenience later... possibly even saving my own tail! Trust me here, folks, being stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere is not a grand experience! Granted, while those things can ultimately turn into most memorable events, at the time they begin to unfold... Nah!!!

 
Parts were mooched off MitchO, who generously rode over and delivered them himself. While here, Mitch joined Jerry in further evaluation of our girl’s condition. Replacement parts were ordered along with those necessary items 'our emergency source' didn't happen to have on hand. Everything but the 'boot' could be taken care of right away, but that pesky little item had to be 'expedited' shipped, because it was holding up much of the other work to finish the project. So, the impatient vigil for the delivery person in a brown work outfit began...

 
That wait was not all idle, wasted time by any means, however. Nope, Big Wolf and the old bug slayer were accompanied by Crazy Bitch for a downright tasty dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse in Cookeville... I had a most satisfying ribeye steak cooked just the way I wish I could cook one myself! <Sigh> Now it's my turn yet again to be envious of the cooking skills of others...

 
The following morning, though, the first meal even topped that bonanza the evening before! Jerry made some truly palate pleasing, taste bud tantalizing, seriously mouthwatering, absolutely awesome bacon the delightful taste of which actually made my eyeballs roll back in my head! No kidding, if the Good Lord ever made any better bacon, He probably kept it for Himself!  

 
My toes were tapping, and my free hand was 'happy tapping' on the tabletop, while I was nearly out of control... I couldn't see for myself, of course, but I'm supremely confident there had to have been a big ol' goober grin plastered all over my jubilant face!!! Heck, I was even all squinty-eyed and babbling in 'tongues' there for a while.

 
At times just like that, I always pause for a moment to give special thanks to the Almighty for allowing this unworthy sinner to have been born into a gentil family! I am indeed plenty partial to pig parts!!! Those savory strips of digestible gold that morning were a perfect example of what has turned this ordinary Hillbilly into such an absolutely ardent swine devotee...  

 
After loosening my belt a couple of notches and settling back to get comfortable for the sure to follow nap... I felt myself peacefully drifting off wondering if the next 'in flight' movie might include any scenes featuring bacon... I didn't recall any afterward, so it must not have...
 

During the day, I received an e-mail advising the 'expedited' part (the boot) would arrive the next morning or midday... OK, then our girl can be made ready, and we can look for a weather window to make a confident but hasty departure for the blitz north to get above the next round of rain in the forecast...  

 
Wonder where we might wander...? Umm, while passing the time today, I did scan some online Airbnb offerings in Idaho... and a particular one caught my eye and struck my fancy... Hmmm... Biscuits 'n gravy practice time again...? Could be... At least our tails have been rescued yet again from the perils of driver error and neglect making a road trip to Idaho a legitimate achievable option.

 
DDT

[Sweet Cheeks]

Awesome write up Bruce.  Not that I am surprised by any means. Aren’t friends wonderful?  This particular family is so full of folks who will help out at a moments notice.  It makes my heart smile!  I am glad that Ali has been serviced and you will soon be on your next coddiewomple.

We all anxiously await hearing where Ali leads you.

Stay safe my friend.

Janice

[The emperor has no clothes]

“Heck, I was even all squinty-eyed and babbling in 'tongues' there for a while.”


Be careful my friend ! I’m told in some States that’s still illegal. 

Glad they are hookin you up. 

[Thunderbolt]

Sure is nice to have friends scattered around this good 'ol USA like you do Bruce.  Hope your travels take you to places you've not visited in the past.  We arrived home on Tuesday from a short trip to N.C.  Temperatures were not pleasant at all except the trip on the BRP that we took on Saturday afternoon.  Went to the highest point and then down to 215 to exit toward Canton where we were staying at a small RV park.  Temps kept declining as the altitude increased and at 4:30 it was a pleasant 67 degrees.  I have said it many times but it is worth repeating.  During my career if I could have had a job that would have allowed me to ride the BRP to and from work it would have made my day, each day.

[Rams]

Some good folks there in TN.   Gotta love and appreciate them.   Ride on my friend, Ride ON!!

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Janice,

You always grasp the essence of what I'm experiencing and/or attempting to describe. Yes, I too find my heart smiling often regarding all my good friends in our community! A truly incredible and wonderful part of my life's experience these past two decades plus!!! Jerry has as always fixed us up, and good times lie just ahead... again. Mitch also joined in all the goodness and played a pivotal role in the happy outcome, as he often does! Thanks for the compliments!!!

DDT



Rob,

You are right again! Yep, I've long suspected some of my antics might still be illegal in several states, so I do try to be discrete when getting carried away. Yep, my friends have indeed hooked us up, and our prospects do appear bright to be sure! Glad things are progressing in the far north, and that no casualties have occurred! Looking forward to hearing more about all that...

DDT



Terry,

Yep, I agree with whomever came up with that 'Nature's Air Conditioning' description of the BRP! Among the many reasons I fell in love with that ride... back in 1980. Yep, I'd taken a week off from work thinking I'd just go get that out of my system... I haven't missed a year since!!! Not surprised at all you and Iris share my sentiment, and that you'd have loved a daily commute to work that included a stretch of that route!!! Looking forward to the next time we can kick some tires together!!!

DDT



Ron,

Yes, there most certainly are! My fellow Hillbillies have always been great to hang with, and too many times to mention they're rescued this amateur adventurer. I seriously need friends like that... In fact, our girl and her rider would both have been sidelined long ago were it not for my friends! Heck, I'm no mechanic, so I am totally dependent upon that generosity in our community that's become so legendary. Heck, I really have no choice. I mean, if it's taken me twenty years to learn to make biscuits & gravy, how long do you suppose it might take for me to become a halfway competent Valk wrench...?

DDT

[Valkorado]

Heck, I really have no choice. I mean, if it's taken me twenty years to learn to make biscuits & gravy, how long do you suppose it might take for me to become a Valk wrench...?

DDT

Bruce it doesn't take long at all to become a poor Valk wrench!  It does take some time going back to redo what ya did wrong, and waiting on ordered parts that you break.   

[DDT (12)]

Seth,

I dunno, my friend... There are several folks who are convinced I could break an anvil with a tack hammer! Example... In Lucky13's and Trout Dude's (Gordon's & Dennis') garages, I'm required to keep my hands in my pockets if I'm within ten feet of actual work being performed! And, under no circumstances am I allowed to ever pick up even a single tool... You, on the other hand, well... you seem to have a knack...

DDT

[Ice]

Bruce,

Ideeeeeehooooo????
Let us know when your close and what area you intend on staying at. Hopefully we can coordinate a get together and reminisce of old times.
Don't forget, the door is always open for our traveling friend.
You have the number, just ring.
Beverages are cold, grill is hot.
Just an FYI the weather is a bit toasty at the moment, however a little cooler temps look to be in the forecast.
Ride safe my friend.
 

[..]

Make sure your rain suit wont leak 

Not just Vegas in the link.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11061959/Flash-floods-tear-Las-Vegas-strip-leaving-casinos-gamblers-soaked-storms-batter-city.html

[DDT (12)]

Yuri & Petra,

I will, my friends! Naturally I don't know when or where we might wander, so... I do like to ride in your direction, however, because... well, you know all the reasons. Anyway, at the moment I'm thinking Elk River, ID, but who knows! We had a wee set-back here yesterday, so I may have to wait a couple of more days for the next weather window for departure... After that, we'll just have to wait and see. It is about time for me to come see Petra ride some more!!! This just could be the time...

DDT



Paul,

I don't recall ever having a rainsuit that didn't leak or at least that I couldn't get closed up sufficiently to stop all moisture intrusion! Still, your warning is noted, and I thank you for that. Our best course has always been to just hunker down, under shelter where possible, and let rain pass, and that's what we'll continue to do. When we do occasionally get caught in it anyway... We'll just struggle through the best we can... like we've always done... and of course, dry off later... As for Vegas... no thanks! While having many, many virtues, our girl has no amphibious qualities at all... None! In the case you're pointing out, I'd definitely 'Turn around, don't drown!!!'

DDT

[Oss]

You have a great pit crew no doubt

I sure  wanted to get to elk city this year but it was not in the cards this time

Who knows  when it will happen but it will someday lord willing

Just keep enjoying the good life my friend

[DDT (12)]

Evan,

Sorry things worked out that way for you... Heck, I used to have all the same sorts of stuff limiting me too back when I was a responsible adult. I gave that 'regular-ness' up, though, but it still didn't present me with perfect outcomes every time. We do what we have to, what we can, when we can, and... Shoot, you know what you need to do, and you'll do the right thing... just like you always do. Good luck to ya, my friend... I'll keep an eye out for ya one of these days... I appreciate your always encouraging responses and remarks!

DDT

P.S. As for the pit crew... I surely wish I had the words to describe those legendary wrenches... Even more inadequate is my ability to even approach expressing my gratitude for all they've done over the years to keep our girl on the road. Mine truly has been a good life, and those faithful friends of mine have made all of that possible!!!