Pure Thoughts and Clean Living...

[DDT (12)]

Pure Thoughts and Clean Living…

Often I’ve heard that from Napper, a dear friend of mine in Montgomery, AL, as she seemed to always attribute good fortune and happy outcomes to those virtues… Once again that must have been at work, as I found myself at the miracle-works, bike-salvation center next to the home of our magnanimous friend and real-life super wrench, Troutdude… and our girl and I had just dodged yet another bullet or two!!!

I’d gone there for a routine rear tire replacement and to have a couple of super-dooper LED lights installed… Naturally, part of that process always includes an inspection of the drive line and especially the pinion cup and drive shaft splines… An automatic looksee each time she wanders in, as failures of those parts had proven in years past to be her ‘Achilles Heel’. The motorcycle maestro himself had finally diagnosed and fixed that source of frequent anxiety, though… more or less permanently… However…

I say, ‘more or less permanently’, because nothing in the world of machinery can ever be completely permanent… Age, friction, normal wear & tear, operator error, yadda, yadda, over time will always produce new issues to ponder and generate repetitive head-scratching … And so it was on this occasion…

The first indication of ‘boo-boo, aw-shucks, dang!’ was that fine, rust-red colored dust puffing out from behind the shaft seal at the rear pumpkin when effort was expended to pull the shaft out. Oh no! I’ve seen that awful, dread-producing ‘puffing’ before, and it was never followed by good news!!!

Once removed, the shaft was inspected and noticeable wear among the splines was clearly evident both on the shaft itself and in the pinion cup… virtually no grease remained there where it had been liberally applied on the last inspection, perhaps 18K miles or so before!

The rear tire was also replaced, and the old tire closely inspected… then, more aw shucks!!! Cracks, not previously detected through routine eye-ball inspections while inflated and mounted, were clearly evident and abundant down in the tread! There was still ‘meat’ on that round, rubber, compressed air receptacle, as amazing mileage had been obtained on our girl over the last couple of years since switching to that particular tire… Michelin Commander II…

The least miles we’ve gotten out of one of those rear tires has been 30K on the first one. The most was 35K on this last one… We’ve never noticed any cracking before, even after removal, but this time… alarm bells sounded loud and clear! Timing for this replacement may have avoided an absolute calamity a short time later!

After the removed tire had been cleaned off a bit for closer inspection:

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Dennis made me take an oath never to run a bike tire that far ever again! From now on, 30K tops, with 15K close inspections at regular rear-end servicing… and to religiously maintain air pressure above 40psi. About that rear-end… The left rear wheel bearing had gone out earlier this year, and Dennis had replaced that following our rescue from Russellville, AL. He’d also inspected the shaft and pinion cup splines and applied new grease…

This most recent inspection had come about 18K miles since that last lube job, which had been applied at the time of the bearing failure episode… The splines had been OK then, but continued wear was observed, as it had been on all previous inspections. We continued to use this shaft anyway to see just how long it would last.

Because we couldn’t be certain the fix a couple of years ago was the ultimate remedy, Dennis had installed a used drive shaft at the time… one that already had about 120K miles on it. Our thinking at the time had been, if the swing-arm replacement did turn out to be the long-illusive fix, then we could address the aging shaft issue, if and when needed, down the road at the next or some future inspection. If that wasn’t the solution, then we hadn’t wasted a new part due to our experimentation. That well-used shaft had served us quite nicely, but it was, alas, not indestructible…

This near failure was occurring following a total of more than 250K miles on that shaft! Inspection and re-greasing at rear tire changes had been sufficient right up until this last time; although, increasing wear on the splines had been noted. In the end, however, overall wear on that part had eventually taken its toll, and the inevitable failure was rapidly approaching… The shaft and cup were both replaced… and another oath taken to come by at 15K intervals for inspection and re-lubing in the future!

After wiping down for better visibility…





Dennis had found the swing-arm ‘vent-hole’ plugging issue on ALI back then, because he’d kept asking the question, “Why?” He wouldn’t rest until he knew not only what was wrong, but why that had happened, what was causing it, and, more importantly, what could be done to avoid, or delay, future recurrences.

The drive shaft and pinion cup had been toasted… but why? The grease had boiled out… Not because of improper prior greasing, as was previously suspected, but because water was getting to the cup via condensation inside the swing-arm, originally. How? From what source? What could be done about that? His dogged perseverance had paid huge dividends for our girl and her riding partner!!!

In this case, the ‘vent’ holes were free and clear, so we’re speculating that heat generated just from the severely and increasingly worn splines had been sufficient to boil the grease out without any water having intruded… Although not unanticipated, we hadn’t thought a failure would occur quite this soon…

I appreciate all he does for us, and for all who ride Valks… Part of his success in problem-solving and happy outcomes stems from his bulldog tenacity, level-headed thinking, patient, even temperament, and vast experience in dealing with mechanical issues, and those of aging machinery in particular… None of which attributes I possess, by the way! I’ve seen him, MitchO, and Lucky-13 delve into other challenging problems like this with the same approach, as well…

Once, an electrical issue on our girl had reared its ugly head while visiting Lucky-13. Dennis and MitchO were also there… The three of them traced the glitch back to the headlight bucket, and they replaced the deteriorating connector and solved that problem.

They then went on to replace most of the other connectors in there, as well, but not because they were faulty at the time. Nope, because they were the same type, the same age, similar in appearance and condition, and they were almost certain to fail in time, the same way the offending connector just had…

Simply diagnosing and solving ‘immediate, obvious problems only’ on aging machinery is a recipe for future failures and headaches… Everything that prudently can be identified and addressed in advance should be addressed… All good wrenches do this routinely anyway, of course… these guys, though, just seem to take that to an even higher level.

Believe this very experienced rider, that being stranded along the side of a highway someplace is not much fun! And, that the ‘fun’ deteriorates in direct proportion to the remoteness of the breakdown site!!! The more we ride as our Valks continue to age, the more widely this ‘truism’ will become known firsthand!!!

I spent nearly my entire working life in the telephone business… Throughout those decades I found one, and only one, true ‘shortcut’… Do it right the first time, every time, all the time! We can never keep redoing things and save time in the long run… Expressions like: close enough, that’ll do, this is OK, are words I grew to absolutely hate hearing, because they’re simply not true.

If we truly want to save time, aggravation, and expense, then we must do the right thing at the first and all subsequent opportunities… not a bad principle to apply to all things in life, actually… Vintage Valks deserve no less, and that, I believe, will be one of the keys to keeping them on the road for a long, long time to come… Of course, pure thoughts and clean living won’t hurt, either… just saying…

DDT

[Beardo]

There’s a potential breakdown and potential accident avoided. 

Glad you have someone upstairs (and Troutdude) looking out for you.

[DDT (12)]

Jason,

Thanks for your astute comments! Yep, I'm so inept at those sorts of things, it can only be because of Divine intervention and the generosity of talented friends, that ALI and I have managed to get this far!!! If Murphy's Law doesn't get us beforehand, I'm optimistic we have much more to see and do... If not, we're both way ahead of projections already anyway... You planning on going to IZ next June?

DDT

[Beardo]

I’d love to but unfortunately, I won’t be making this one.  My wife and I take off on the bike for a week or 2 every July(her work doesn’t allow for time off during the school year) and I’m hoping to make it to the Valhalla rally as well. It may be tight though as my daughter is graduating from high school this year the end of June as well.

So many roads, so little time.  .

I hit 25 years with my company (also a phone company...we also have that in common!) in 2020, so I get my 6th week of vacation. More time then for the road 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Pure thoughts and clean living indeed ! I'm glad Dennis caught everything before you were stranded somewhere.  Good dudes helping good dudes. 

[JimmyG]

If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when do you find the time to do it again the second time?
 

[Thunderbolt]

You are indeed fortunate that Dennis has "taken a shine" to you Bruce.  Those splines were certainly some of the nastier ones that I have seen.  But then again they also have been spinning for a few miles.  Also nice that he is so well stocked with replacement parts and pieces.

[Farside]

  Wow Bruce, you do have a few  Guradian Angles tagging along. Good thing you ended up in Troutdude's HQ to look over your Girl and get her back in tip-top shape. Scary seeing that tire with those cracks in the tread.  I agree on that 15k inspection, tire police 

Enjoy your Holidays. 

[Bigwolf]

Bruce, my friend, you were cutting it kinda close on a couple of things there.     I am real happy that you got by with that this time but I am going to side with Dennis in saying that more attention to shorter pm intervals is needed.

Sooo....about those super-dooper led lights.  How did that work out and how do you like them?  What kind?  Inquiring minds like to know.

My daddy often said, “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, how are you going to find the time to do it over?” 

Keep traveling and sharing your journeys with the thoughts and photos so many of us look forward to.

See you again somewhere down the road.

Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

I’d love to but unfortunately, I won’t be making this one.  My wife and I take off on the bike for a week or 2 every July(her work doesn’t allow for time off during the school year) and I’m hoping to make it to the Valhalla rally as well. It may be tight though as my daughter is graduating from high school this year the end of June as well.

So many roads, so little time.  .

I hit 25 years with my company (also a phone company...we also have that in common!) in 2020, so I get my 6th week of vacation. More time then for the road 

Jason,

Yeah, I hear ya! Work kept getting in the way of my riding to the point, I just had to retire early!!! Hope that sixth week doesn't end up being another 'honey-do' opportunity, and that you do indeed get to hit the road more... It will change your life!!! Best of luck to ya, my friend!

DDT

Pure thoughts and clean living indeed ! I'm glad Dennis caught everything before you were stranded somewhere.  Good dudes helping good dudes. 

Rob,

Yep, he's a good dude, all right! One of the best, and he has made a major impact on the journey our girl and I have been on for... next month will be twenty years!!! Dang, I reckon I'd better start thinking about a story/tribute to her now... huh...? Anyway, Dennis has turned out to be a genuine hero to us, and... well... I guess everybody should know that by now... Love him like a brother!!! Thanks for the reply, my friend!

DDT

If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when do you find the time to do it again the second time?
 

Jimmy,

Yeah... nobody has ever been able to satisfactorily answer that puzzlement for me, either!!! You keeping warm lately? Cold enough down here for this thin-blooded boy anyway... I'll be up in your neck of the woods in a few days... doctor-doings and such... I'd sure rather be aboard our girl heading southwest, though, but... whatcha-gonna-do?

DDT

You are indeed fortunate that Dennis has "taken a shine" to you Bruce.  Those splines were certainly some of the nastier ones that I have seen.  But then again they also have been spinning for a few miles.  Also nice that he is so well stocked with replacement parts and pieces.

Terry,

Yeah, I'm quite fortunate on that score!!! Can't be my magnetic personality and winning charm, though, so it must be that he just enjoys a ginormous challenge, huh...? Well, he's been up to everything thrown his way so far, and his skills/results have given me more confidence in ALI than I've had before he came along...

Those splines, BTW, weren't the worst I'd ever seen... the worst also came off our girl, but following an actual break-down. Oh well, life on the road will give us more than just pleasant memories... Oh, and yes... he does have a most impressive parts inventory... and, it continues to grow as we speak!

DDT

Wow Bruce, you do have a few  Guradian Angles tagging along. Good thing you ended up in Troutdude's HQ to look over your Girl and get her back in tip-top shape. Scary seeing that tire with those cracks in the tread.  I agree on that 15k inspection, tire police 

Enjoy your Holidays. 

Keith,

For sure! I'm reasonably certain my guardian angel would rather have Jillian Michaels for a trainor than me for a protectee, but...



Thanks for the reply and holiday wishes... same to ya, amigo!!!

DDT

Bruce, my friend, you were cutting it kinda close on a couple of things there.     I am real happy that you got by with that this time but I am going to side with Dennis in saying that more attention to shorter pm intervals is needed.

Sooo....about those super-dooper led lights.  How did that work out and how do you like them?  What kind?  Inquiring minds like to know.

My daddy often said, “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, how are you going to find the time to do it over?” 

Keep traveling and sharing your journeys with the thoughts and photos so many of us look forward to.

See you again somewhere down the road.

Bigwolf

Jerry,

As you no doubt already know, I don't have a clue as to brand name or size, power strength or any of that technical stuff regarding those lights. And, I didn't think to take any pictures of them either... I'm so bad... I do like them, and I'm sure they improve our visability! Best I can do is state that Dennis installed a new, very bright LED tail-light, two LED spot lights replacing the regular ones in my Cobra lightbar (yeah, one of which you helped me replace once upon a time!), and he also replaced the two rear turn signal light bulbs with two LEDs he got at AutoZone... He also got two for the front, but when they were installed, BOTH front turn signal lights would flash when either signal was given... Rather than further tax his already over worked thinker muscle late the last evening I was there, I just had him change the  front ones back to regular...

Cutting it close ain't the best way to go, of course, but it is better than having to call for help!!! He's rescued me a couple of times, and I've even rented a U-Haul to get ALI and me halfway across the country and back to his repair clinic before... Good PM and sensible forethought can minimize that for sure, but... HEY! We're talking about the obsessive non-planner here! I am going to try to do better, though...

DDT

[MarkT]

HEY Bruce -

Enjoying your missives as always!

That problem with your turn signals turning into 4-ways with LEDs is the fault of the signal light circuit design. It uses the opposite side turn signal bulb to ground the indicator light that is supposed to flash.  Works OK with tungsten bulbs but not LEDs as they require so little current to light up.  Ea side indicator bulb needs a separate ground rather than going through the opposite side turn signal to fix that.  There's a kit to address that or an electric dude can wire one up.  I fixed that on both of my riders.  I actually replaced the indicator bulb with an LED for ea side.  That's also much brighter than the OEM bulb in there - and mine's red.

[old2soon]

             Preventive maintenance are the key!  Tween Dad and the U S Navy THAT particular mantra has been driven into this thick skull!  Workin by myself how ever Long it takes me is okey dokey cuz it's My donkey in the saddle at triple digit speeds or high double digit speeds! AND ask Ross-da prez-when I git the chance I Really tend to twist her tail-A LOT! Luckily my break downs have been within 100 miles of my casa of my Brothers casa.  Far as yer round rubber air capsule goes-DAMN!  Bruce-WHY haven't you gone D/S with the sheer amount of miles you tend to wad up? Said it before and I'll say it again-you would play a dozen different kinds of hades gittin me back on a M/S specific rear tire!  Happy that P-cup spline issue wuz caught when it was!  RIDE SAFE.

[MarkT]

             Preventive maintenance are the key!  Tween Dad and the U S Navy THAT particular mantra has been driven into this thick skull!  Workin by myself how ever Long it takes me is okey dokey cuz it's My donkey in the saddle at triple digit speeds or high double digit speeds! AND ask Ross-da prez-when I git the chance I Really tend to twist her tail-A LOT! Luckily my break downs have been within 100 miles of my casa of my Brothers casa.  Far as yer round rubber air capsule goes-DAMN!  Bruce-WHY haven't you gone D/S with the sheer amount of miles you tend to wad up? Said it before and I'll say it again-you would play a dozen different kinds of hades gittin me back on a M/S specific rear tire!  Happy that P-cup spline issue wuz caught when it was!  RIDE SAFE.

I would second one remark here - but no doubt Bruce has his reasons.  I think an Austone would fit his needs well. I'm really happy with that tire for both long distance slab riding and in the twisties. But it's none of my business...

[DDT (12)]

Mark,

Thanks for the information. All of that sounds familiar, as Dennis did try to explain much of that to me... Unfortunately, once one ventures even a little beyond flipping the switch one way or the other, my eyes glaze-over and my mind goes numb!

The ones in the rear do flash independently, but they now 'quick flash' instead of the more rhythmic slower flash of the regular bulbs. Oh well... It'll all work out down the road someplace... it always does... Most important thing I was concerned with was being better seen, and that has certainly been accomplished!

Now, please keep an eye on your smoker this winter... don't want it to freeze-up and suffer any damage before I have a chance to try your brisket!!!

DDT

             Preventive maintenance are the key!  Tween Dad and the U S Navy THAT particular mantra has been driven into this thick skull!  Workin by myself how ever Long it takes me is okey dokey cuz it's My donkey in the saddle at triple digit speeds or high double digit speeds! AND ask Ross-da prez-when I git the chance I Really tend to twist her tail-A LOT! Luckily my break downs have been within 100 miles of my casa of my Brothers casa.  Far as yer round rubber air capsule goes-DAMN!  Bruce-WHY haven't you gone D/S with the sheer amount of miles you tend to wad up? Said it before and I'll say it again-you would play a dozen different kinds of hades gittin me back on a M/S specific rear tire!  Happy that P-cup spline issue wuz caught when it was!  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,

Your dad was right, of course, and who could argue with the Navy?! Yeah, I get it, and I should do much better than I do, but... Living on the road, I couldn't carry all the necessary stuff to do most of the work, even if I'd known how, so for most of my time out yonder, I was at the mercy of local shops around the continent... Same goes for tires...

Most dealers don't want to fool with D/S, and I've bought tires all over the US and several places in Canada... Thanks for your input, and I acknowledge your logic is sound as... I started to say 'a dollar', but how about Troutdude's reputation instead...?!! That is a lot more sound and reliable than the dollar!!! Anyway, thanks for chiming-in and offering sincere advice... I appreciate ya, dude!

DDT


I would second one remark here - but no doubt Bruce has his reasons.  I think an Austone would fit his needs well. I'm really happy with that tire for both long distance slab riding and in the twisties. But it's none of my business...


Mark,

I've heard the praises of the Austone from several different dark-side folks, and if I were going to go that way, that's the one I think I'd start with... unless, of course, Troutdude suggested something else! At this stage, I'd follow his advice on just about anything... I'm glad you're keeping an eye on the board and joining in my threads... You have much creditability with this humble non-techy guy, and I read with great interest anything you have to say! Thanks!!!

DDT

[3fan4life]

Those cracks in the tread are concerning.

I'll have to keep an eye on the one that I mounted after you "talked" me into it.

If I get 20K out of the one that I'm running I'll be ecstatic.

[Valkorado]

    Wow, scary stuff, glad you got 'er fixed up for more aimless bug killing!  +1 on the Austone car tar, with the caveat of some beefy 13" shocks.  Your a tall feller so you could still plant your feet squarely on the terra firma.

[DDT (12)]

Those cracks in the tread are concerning.

I'll have to keep an eye on the one that I mounted after you "talked" me into it.

If I get 20K out of the one that I'm running I'll be ecstatic.

Mark,

Yeah! Sphincter-tightening concerning!!! Hard to believe those ominous boogers were there! I've had remarkable service and mileage out of those tires, and I was comfortable with the idea of just using them every time the need arose. Another reason I've never gone D/S, is once I lucked onto these, I just never saw the advantage or need to justify the disadvantages...

We don't have a theory yet on what might have caused them... We did carefully inspect the new one installed, though, and at least we're starting out with one with no cracks of indications of a crack... Close attention will be paid, you can be sure, over the course of this tire's life... We'll see...

I can't imagine that you would get less than 20K out of your tire! At 20K, mine have always appeared 'nearly new'! Please favor us with a report on your experience... One caution I would add... be thoughtful when stopping on slick surfaces! Twice I've had one break loose on me while aggressively stopping. Once just after installation (less than fifty miles) on newly damp road and hard breaking for a stop light. Once on 'tar snakes', again, stopping aggressively for a stop light...

These tires must be a bit 'harder' than others in order to produce the high mileage... With that firmness naturally must come a wee bit less traction/gripping power... I hesitate to blame the tire itself, because of the unusual circumstances those events occurred in... but... Be careful, my friend... I know you're a most skillful rider, but... outcomes ain't always in our hands!!!

DDT

    Wow, scary stuff, glad you got 'er fixed up for more aimless bug killing!  +1 on the Austone car tar, with the caveat of some beefy 13" shocks.  Your a tall feller so you could still plant your feet squarely on the terra firma.

Seth,

Lots of thoughts rolled through my mind as Dennis pointed those out to me!!! I've never had a 'blow-out', but I have had them go flat on me while riding... Talk about a 'sinking' feeling! No fun at all, and inconvenient as heck, but... that's just part of the experience, too.

Yeah, I've heard an adjustment or two are in order when changing over to D/S... hadn't heard about the shock replacement, though... at least I don't recall that. Higher seat height isn't a big deal for this happy rider with an 'adequate' inseam...

However, the new to me Russel Day Long saddle has a quirk or two that tend to offset that! Even with OEM shocks, I now have to slide forward a bit when stopping in order to 'flat-foot' our girl at a complete stop! Oh well, soon enough that has become automatic, and I don't even notice it now... With higher shocks, I'm sure a minor tweek and we'd do just fine. Thanks for your comments! Hope to see ya this summer, good Lord willing and body fully recovered!

DDT

[Valkorado]

hadn't heard about the shock replacement, though... at least I don't recall that.

It might not affect you being a solo vagabond, but anything less than 13" shocks in good shape probably shouldn't be tested with the Austone.  I've read stories of the rear wiring being ripped clean out after bottoming hard.  I heard Hotglue can tell such a tale.  BTW, I've got A Russell seat, sans backrest.  My boney butt loves it, my ol, bone spurred back doesn't.  

Summer?  What is this you speak of?  

[DDT (12)]

Seth,

Longer shocks make sense, if all that stuff becomes an issue! Never seriously looked into those D/S tires and the implications of switching to them, so... I just didn't recall... That's good to know, though... you know, just in case I ever change my mind!

Yeah, I've got wandering on my mind, and when the mercury begins to climb down here, my thoughts always begin to turn to further north and higher up locales! Most likely, but never certain, I'll wander through there again this year... Besides, MarkT has offered me some of his brisket!!! Might even be a route I wind-up taking to IZ... assuming I do go this year...

Yeah, that Russell works out fine for this gypsy, too... my boney butt also likes it! My back also likes the backrest, but... it doesn't have any issues complicating that...

DDT

[hubcapsc]

I now have to slide forward a bit when stopping in order to 'flat-foot'

That's because of those darned "ears" on Russell seats... but the
ears are a big part of why the Russell seats are so comfy...

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

I now have to slide forward a bit when stopping in order to 'flat-foot'

That's because of those darned "ears" on Russell seats... but the
ears are a big part of why the Russell seats are so comfy...

-Mike

Mike,

Yep, has to do with weight distribution... Ain't purdy, fer sure, but then again... when they're doing their best work, you don't even see them... Sort of like me, can't see mine either... cause I'm wearing a helmet! You staying dry over there?

DDT

[shortleg]

 I know that most times every 15 K should be fine for inspection, but with age comes weakness.
Two things I have found true , one is the farther from home the more noises you will her.
   The other was told me by a gentleman that I first worked with at the phone company and that was do a job like you are going to be the next guy.
 Meaning do it right so the next guy has it easier than you, because you my be the next guy.

[DDT (12)]

I know that most times every 15 K should be fine for inspection, but with age comes weakness.
Two things I have found true , one is the farther from home the more noises you will her.
   The other was told me by a gentleman that I first worked with at the phone company and that was do a job like you are going to be the next guy.
 Meaning do it right so the next guy has it easier than you, because you my be the next guy.

SL,

Some good stuff right there! I agree, frequent inspections on aging equipment (and ourselves!) is mighty important. I also have found that 'new noises' stuff about the further from home one wanders the more we hear/notice!!!   

That line from your former colleague, though, is the best one... We humans are something, aren't we? The path of least resistance, minimum effort for maximum reward, etc., etc. 'Following' oneself does produce some sobering realizations! Especially after we've followed 'others' and been critical. Oh well... hasn't changed since the beginning of time, ain't likely to any time soon... Thanks for the insights...    

DDT

[hubcapsc]

You staying dry over there?

Only if I stay in the house  ...

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

I hear ya, man! Been more'n a bit moist down in 'sunny' Florida, too... I'll be writing another tale of... stuff... and rain figured prominently in that one... like it so often does... Oh well, can't ride with it, can't live without it... whatchagonnado?

DDT

[..]

You staying dry over there?

Only if I stay in the house  ...

-Mike

 

[old2soon]

          60ish and a bit blustery yesterday day during my Ride BUT today colder windier cloudier-too damn many ers.  Course bein as it are now December decent ridin days are further and fewer between!  I also seem-well at this point in time anywho-ta be getting a bit better at choosing the correct amount of clothing for the conditions presented while in da wind!  And Bruce-we all here KNOW bout dat itch what needs scratchin or in most of our cases-Valkyrie generated therapeutic wind.  RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

You staying dry over there?

Only if I stay in the house  ...

-Mike

 

    

Enough with the perpetual rain-forest weather.  (39 inch annual average, and passed 60 inches before Dec)

I'd almost rather have some snow (and frozen ground).... almost.

My back yard is a mud-hole.  I can't go back there to clean up the leaves because I may disappear in the quicksand mud. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Yet another great read my friend. 
I read all you post 

[shortleg]

   As far as the tire goes what date code is on that sucker?
 The only time I was unlucky enough to have that happen to me was from a  6 year old tire
I got on a used bike.

[DDT (12)]

          60ish and a bit blustery yesterday day during my Ride BUT today colder windier cloudier-too damn many ers.  Course bein as it are now December decent ridin days are further and fewer between!  I also seem-well at this point in time anywho-ta be getting a bit better at choosing the correct amount of clothing for the conditions presented while in da wind!  And Bruce-we all here KNOW bout dat itch what needs scratchin or in most of our cases-Valkyrie generated therapeutic wind.  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,

Yeah, we all are very familiar with that need! Glad to continue reading of your two-wheeled forays... looking forward to many more!  I'm stranded again, but not for long... rescue is on the way, and all bases are covered... or so it appears at this moment... We'll see! The fat lady still hasn't sung her final stanza in this musical, however, so... I'll let y'all know the outcome when I know it!

DDT

Yet another great read my friend. 
I read all you post 

Joe,

Thanks for your comments... You are one of the ones I post so much stuff for... I enjoy composing them, and it makes me feel mighty good to think they are appreciated. Hope your boss has lightened up on you some... Gordon told me he (and I think Wimp) rode the 'new' part of the Foothills Parkway today... Hope you're able to get some riding in, too... If I need to come by and have a word with your boss, just let me know!    

DDT

   As far as the tire goes what date code is on that sucker?
 The only time I was unlucky enough to have that happen to me was from a  6 year old tire
I got on a used bike.

S-L,

Naturally, I didn't think to check that... Last time I saw that tire, it was still at Troutdudes… Maybe he'll see this and check that for us... Important, that! When I bought the tire he just installed to replace the cracked one, I actually ordered two! My 'next' tire is sitting in his shop right now! Reckon we'd better check the dates on that sucker, as well...!!! I will check the one on there now, but it'll be a day or two for that. Thanks for the nudge... Obviously I need all the help I can get!!!    

DDT