Baby Steps... A Side Step...

[DDT (12)]

I’m happy to report there were no Mockingbirds killed or harmed that day (the Audubon Society already has me on their ‘Menace Watch List’) . That’s due in no small part, I’m sure, to the fact none were seen… and that has several possible explanations. One, I just may not have noticed any, even though there may have been some out that day. Or, maybe they simply had more sense than this wandering trekker, and they were snuggly holed up someplace away from the bracing wind chilling everything exposed… especially this wandering trekker! Whatever, the indisputable fact is… not a single one… that I know of…

I was already fantasizing about bonfires, cozy fireplaces and Gerbings with a higher setting than what mine had, when we found ourselves cruising into Monroeville, AL.  A quaint little community of about 6500 residents in south-central Alabama, designated by the state legislature as ‘The Literary Capitol of Alabama’, and at one time home to half a dozen famous authors, including Truman Capote, and Nelle Harper Lee… It was she who’d penned that Pulitzer Prize winning novel, ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’. I wasn’t on a literary pilgrimage, however…

Nope, I’d missed a turn, or made a wrong turn, somewhere earlier, and we’d just wound-up there… Ah, then I’d spotted a Huddle House restaurant, and my thoughts had immediately flipped to country ham, grits, eggs, coffee… you know… I was eager to get my frigid hands around a hot cup of coffee, as I engaged in that delightful pastime of culinary foreplay while eagerly anticipating what would soon be before me! Breakfast for this eclectic diner is an ‘anytime meal’… but, this time it would be lunch. It was mighty good, too!!!

Life always appears more positive when our tummies are full, and our cores are warmed. It looked plumb rosy, as I exited that respite from the cold, dreary day and contemplated our next course… and necessary course correction… “How did we end up there anyhow? Didn’t matter… we are there now, so where to next…?” We’d departed Troudude’s motorcycle maintenance Mecca, and we’d headed towards our usual default destination… home.

The certain knowledge that that choice would lead to more atrophy in that danged ol’ recliner made that alternative hold little appeal, but time constraints had me hemmed in… trapped… locked in to a very limited range both time-wise and distance-wise… Part of the reason we’d found ourselves in Monroeville in the first place was because I’d hit the split between I-10, the more direct route home, and I-65, a more round-about route home; then, I had made the predictable, impulsive turn…

Oh woe is me… Couldn’t dwell on such thoughts, though, as the warm fuzzy feeling I had would be in great jeopardy should I continue… Hey, I could delay the inevitable rendezvous with that recalcitrant, unrepentant recliner by wandering back to Nohead City… I called Nick… “Come on, man!” Besides, he knew just how to tip the scales for this huge fan of his impressive skillet skills, and he deftly played the ultimate trump card… “I was thinking of making a big ol’ pot of my special salivary-gland-exciting chili!” No indecision or hesitancy possible after a statement like that…

What a journey so far! I’d left home last month bound for Nashville, TN, and some doctor doings. Only, in order to make this a more interesting trip, I’d chosen to enjoy the company of ALI instead of my car. Well, rain all along our route for both days in the forecast had made that appear to be a fool-hardy decision… unless… We got really lucky, left on the spur of the moment a day earlier than originally planned… and went several hundred miles out of the way. You can guess what I chose; and, if I have to explain that choice… you probably shouldn’t be visiting a website like this one!

Well, as you already know, about forty miles or so from the motel in Nashville, we were stranded in a Rest Area along I-40. A tow truck deposited us in Nashville, and Uber saw to it I made my appointments, etc. Then, Lucky-13 and HJ rescued us and took us to Clinton, TN, and… some preemptive repairs and replacements of suspect parts… We’d then rode off headed for… home… Only, yet another breakdown!

Again, HJ came to our rescue, and we found ourselves on the lift at Lucky-13’s clinic once again… No dice… That super mechanic and good bud of mine was unable to diagnose and/or resolve the elusive ailment now afflicting us, as it seemed almost certain to be the clutch or within the transmission itself, so a specialist would have to be called in…

Troutdude couldn’t turn loose for a while and make the trek to Clinton, though, so… “If the mountain can’t come to Mohammed, then Mohammed must come to the mountain…” HJ, once again, came to our aid… He and Lance escorted us all the way to Mandeville, LA. More than just a noble gesture towards a fellow rider, however, this generous effort was filled with the promise of a big adventure to be had! It did not disappoint…

The problem was finally isolated and resolved… and ALI and I were free once again to roam and romp around the highways and back roads to the full extent time and distance would allow… We departed determined to do exactly that! I’d approached the split pondering on possible routes and stuff… I’d been thinking at first, that we’d just retrace our route of several weeks ago when we’d blitzed over to Marianna, FL, then taken back roads on to Ocala the following day.

Well, as that highway split came closer, a not unfamiliar twitch developed in my wrist, and a sudden impulsive urge to veer off the anticipated course seemed to over-power my not-so-firm decision made only a short time before… Heck, we’d just take another day before finding our way to that danged ol’… Who knows, maybe even an extra couple of days…?

A two-day ride to the house soon become a four-day ride to the House of Harmony in Nohead City, NC, and… nothing ordinary or usual in route selection and ‘planning’ other than to the extent non-ordinary choices are quite ordinary… or, at least, ordinarily… I’d thought I’d be home already, but now that could be a week or more off… I do love it so!!!

With the holiday season upon us, no news or updates on my medical prospects, as one would not be surprised to learn or even to expect… baring something urgent or pressing, of course. As for a report on our girl’s recent ailments, I have some disturbing news to share… and, as a practicing American, it truly pains me to say this, but… I’m not at liberty to divulge any technical details… under threat of possible legal consequences. Nope, I’ve been threatened with an ‘interview’ by the FBI if I tell, and… Well, I surely don’t want to risk going to jail if they manage to trip me up during questioning!

You see, Russian collusion and interference is strongly suspected! Yep, indications are some of Putin’s sinister pals had a hand in all of this, and… well… It now appears they’ve dispatched a rogue band of mercenary mechanical saboteurs that have been spreading insidious stealth problems throughout the riding community in an effort to distract potential voters and influence the elections in our country. They don’t know at this point if President Trump or his team is involved.

Danged devious stuff, if you ask me, but my hands are tied… Maybe a couple of congressional committees and a special prosecutor will be put on this, and they can swiftly get to the bottom of it all… like they always do… In the meantime, you might want to consider all of this before venturing off on your own scooters… As for ALI and her rider, we’re in Nohead City pondering all of this, and wondering if I’m going to need to change my drivers license and voter registration… Has the unimaginable befallen me? Has my beloved gypsy-hood come to a premature end…? Or, will truth and justice come for this victim of… truth and justice?

DDT

[..]

Sheesh Bruce.

What was the ALI problem?????

[Rams]

Sheesh Bruce.

What was the ALI problem?????

Very happy to learn you're back in the saddle but, what he asked.......   

Rams

[Thunderbolt]

Britman I suspect it was the whatchamacallit that dropped out of the idler gear.  If it were anyone else I might suspect operator error but not for a guy with probably a million miles or so on 2 wheeled conveyances.

[DDT (12)]

A hint: It wasn't the radiator bearing...

DDT

[Rams]

A hint: It wasn't the radiator bearing...

DDT

It has been my experience that radiator bearings rarely fail but, I guess there's always a first time......

Blinker fluid though, does have a shelf life......

Rams

[trout dude]

Well it looks like y'all want the Paul Harvey (the rest of the story) so here goes  Bruce and ALI came to me for a tire change like normal when i pulled her apart the drive shaft and pinion cup was bad so i went digging for a set   When i found them i was so happy and went right to work reinstalling them in my hurry up mode did not realize the spring was not on the shaft when i put her back together. So now i will eat crow for my big mishap.
Yes i myself screw up i'm not happy about it but learned from my mistake and will move on and continue to wrench on my valks and anyone else who will let me at a slower pace and with more caution.  I was able to make good on my mishap and get ALI going strong again with Lance's help and did some other things while she was apart   
 We thought we was going to have to change the motor  But was able put ALI back together with all her own parts







Bruce was going to take one last ride with ail girls old Hart




We was able to give the old girl a few stints and bring her back to life
I want to Thank Lance and HJ Honda Joe for getting them here and for all the Help Thanks Again Guys
Now y'all Know the rest of the Story

[DirtyDan]

 

Dan

[Bighead]

Damn Ali is naked.....Bruce put a tarp over her at least

[NewValker]

The Valkyrie world is right again...
Craig

[Beardo]

If not for the detours, the breakdowns, the rescues by friends or strangers, injuries, storms or unbearable heat, those great curves and amazing straight roads to the horizon wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable and our stories wouldn’t be near as interesting.   And once again, your stories always are. 

[LUCKY13]

Let us share all of the rest of the story. That same driveshaft set on my workbench for 2 or 3 days while I waited on two new double roller bearings to install with no spring. I installed the two new bearings and a brand stinking new ujoint, greased the damn driveshaft (with no spring), and reassembled the bike. Next day, I took her on a test run. Ran her through her paces, had DDT circle the block, give me a thumbs up, and away he drove. He made it just west of Chattanooga and broke again. Thank goodness for H Joe taking her to Dennis to finally resolve that missing damn spring.

[The emperor has no clothes]

All’s well that ends well 

[..]

crap happens 

[DDT (12)]

Let us share all of the rest of the story. That same driveshaft set on my workbench for 2 or 3 days while I waited on two new double roller bearings to install with no spring. I installed the two new bearings and a brand stinking new ujoint, greased the damn driveshaft (with no spring), and reassembled the bike. Next day, I took her on a test run. Ran her through her paces, had DDT circle the block, give me a thumbs up, and away he drove. He made it just west of Chattanooga and broke again. Thank goodness for H Joe taking her to Dennis to finally resolve that missing damn spring.

More,

It ain't like I haven't seen more than my share of driveshafts either! I was present at all of the above events, and I missed it too... Mia culpa!!! Dang, I wasn't going to tell that story, but... Talk about a silver lining, though...

I got to witness a huge amount of abundant, genuine generosity, most impressive displays of skill, and sincere good-faith effort to keep our girl and her simple, unskilled rider in the wind! I am, quite simply, overwhelmed by the activities and attitudes of my dear friends on our behalf!

Even dealing with the frustrations and disappointments of this unfolding drama was such a rewarding experience... How can you not love, appreciate, and admire the participants, efforts, learning and lessons, and the freely flowing friendship and goodness all around?!!! Incredible!!!

Yes, there is goodness and good will in our modern world, and it is most definitely alive and well in our community! The best friends I've ever had came to our rescue yet again, and they made everything right again. Funny, once all of that is behind us, we truly do appreciate the 'good times' even more, because we have a base from which to evaluate things in a proper light, because they were previously not present to provide the contrast.

And, there is even more... Just being around and hanging out with the characters involved with this... experience... Good humor, wit, mannerisms, and cheerful handling of challenges all contribute to a most interesting and pleasant overall experience. That those busy folks would devote the time and physical effort to remedy what ails us and help us return to the journey... well, it is beyond humbling and debt building, it simply leaves one in utter awe...

DDT

P.S. ALI is running like a brand new girl! She has a new lease of life, and now I have to face the fact I'm even less able now to keep up with her!!! I will do my best, however...

[Thunderbolt]

Ah........so it was the whatchamacallit after all.  All's well that ends well.  I worked with a guy that had a saying,"nobody died and nobody got hurt so what's all the fuss about?"  And if I'm not mistaken that is the first time I have ever seen Lucky 13 post on the board.  I know it was a humbling experience as has been said for all participants but the results were positive in the end.
edit I forgot there is a counter, wheelie guy has posted 8 times.

[Oss]

Dont you hate it when after you put something together there are extra parts ?

Glad all is right in the world again

[Hook#3287]

Bruce, you are truly blessed with the mechanical friends you have. (and the non-mechanicals ones also)

Ali has got to be the most worked on motorcycle in the world and she still looks awesome.

You should become a breakfast restaurant reviewer for AAA , help pay for the parts you run through.

Keep going and posting.

[Valkorado]

Mechanics.  It ain't what ya know, it's who ya know.

Roll on, Bruce.

[JimmyG]

Happy to hear you are back on the road Bruce.   Dennis is a good one for sure. He has given me a tip or two on fixing my scooter.  Be safe and keep rolling my friend

[3fan4life]

Let us share all of the rest of the story. That same driveshaft set on my workbench for 2 or 3 days while I waited on two new double roller bearings to install with no spring. I installed the two new bearings and a brand stinking new ujoint, greased the damn driveshaft (with no spring), and reassembled the bike. Next day, I took her on a test run. Ran her through her paces, had DDT circle the block, give me a thumbs up, and away he drove. He made it just west of Chattanooga and broke again. Thank goodness for H Joe taking her to Dennis to finally resolve that missing damn spring.

Well it looks like y'all want the Paul Harvey (the rest of the story) so here goes  Bruce and ALI came to me for a tire change like normal when i pulled her apart the drive shaft and pinion cup was bad so i went digging for a set   When i found them i was so happy and went right to work reinstalling them in my hurry up mode did not realize the spring was not on the shaft when i put her back together. So now i will eat crow for my big mishap.
Yes i myself screw up i'm not happy about it but learned from my mistake and will move on and continue to wrench on my valks and anyone else who will let me at a slower pace and with more caution.  I was able to make good on my mishap and get ALI going strong again with Lance's help and did some other things while she was apart   
 We thought we was going to have to change the motor  But was able put ALI back together with all her own parts







Bruce was going to take one last ride with ail girls old Hart




We was able to give the old girl a few stints and bring her back to life
I want to Thank Lance and HJ Honda Joe for getting them here and for all the Help Thanks Again Guys
Now y'all Know the rest of the Story

Both of you are some of the finest wrenches that I have ever seen.

It truly amazes me to watch either of you work.

If I lived closer to you guys I would gladly hang around and play gopher just to watch and learn.

So don't beat yourselves up about it.

Sometimes you just gotta write things off into the caca happens category.


One day it'll be a funny story told over a few beers.

[Daniel Meyer]

LOL! I'd LOVE to say I've never done something similar...but well...after the 1st dozen times I quit trying to hide it...on my old XS I discovered when you put the motor back together it's MANY less steps if you actually install the new cam-chain tensioner pads that you took it apart to do in the first place...(got motor completely installed, saw said tensioner pads sitting on workbench, did entire job over again).

Later that week I proved beyond a doubt that it will run great but won't move under it's own power AT ALL if ya don't install the drive-shaft.

...and now...you should do a write-up with step-by-step and pics about how ya gotta pull the engine to change the shaft spring

Yanno...for posterity

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Let us share all of the rest of the story. That same driveshaft set on my workbench for 2 or 3 days while I waited on two new double roller bearings to install with no spring. I installed the two new bearings and a brand stinking new ujoint, greased the damn driveshaft (with no spring), and reassembled the bike. Next day, I took her on a test run. Ran her through her paces, had DDT circle the block, give me a thumbs up, and away he drove. He made it just west of Chattanooga and broke again. Thank goodness for H Joe taking her to Dennis to finally resolve that missing damn spring.

Been a VRCC member for years with this post it makes 8 total you have done. I had to look twice to make sure it was you.


Ride on my friend 

[t-man403]

 Ah,  country ham, grits, eggs, coffee… you know… TABASCO!!!

DDT

 

[t-man403]

.
Yes i myself screw up

I said that to myself once ........ but then I denied it!! 

[Bigwolf]

I think this is the best story ever posted here!  Ali is running strong again, Bruce is on he road and in the wind again as he loves to be and should be, some very good folks have admitted to being human enough to have made mistakes like humans so often do, other folks have basically said “so what, no big deal”, and the genuine care, concern, effort, and time invested by members of this group to find the problem and make it go away have once again come into obvious play.  Everything is right in the Valkyrie world again!

What a wonderful and inspiring story for everyone!  There are many great lessons to be learned here that apply to everything in life.  What a great group of folks!

Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

Everybody,

Reading replies is... such a curious collage of so many things. I smile a lot as I focus on each one, feel deep gratitude all of the time, enjoy the wit and observations of so many in all parts of the continent, learn from comments and advice... and, I relive special moments from references to past experiences: Tabasco on grits, as but one vivid example!

It has been amazing just getting to this point in my life... It is deeply humbling and profoundly gratifying to learn how so many have willingly and cheerfully played such an integral part in making all of that even possible. It's been said that there really are no 'self-made people'... Perhaps, but obviously I'm not one of those, even if there are! Thanks my dear friends, for all you do!!!

Tis the holiday season... a time for celebration, joy, gift exchanges, thoughtful reflection on past events, and thoughts of gratitude for the many blessings we so often take for granted. A time for realizing just how interdependent and interconnected we all are, and how barren our lives would be without each other... Makes me want to hit the road and do another road trip!

I do have a another wee window... Yeah, the holidays also impact work schedules and workloads of those who take care of us in other ways, as well... I talked to my doctor and he confirmed what I'd already sort of deduced from the posted online results of my tests. "There is no evidence of cancer having spread beyond the prostate, so the treatment option of surgical removal of the gland is definitely available to us!"

Well, with the holidays upon us and all, he went on to suggest there was no need for any emergency or even urgent action, so after the holidays, his staff will contact me and we'll set up the details of what comes next. That was an enormous relief, as you can imagine, and... it basically gives me another week or two to... you know...

It's raining here now... and, it's supposed to do more of that for the rest of the day... I'm struggling to control myself... I know I need to tear myself away from the TV and nap chair (yep, Nick has those too!)… I don't know if I can muster the strength and courage to pull this off, but... I'm hoping to get ALI back in the wind in a day or two (I say this with my tongue firmly in my cheek!)... Nick wants me to hang around here longer, but... well, you know how it is... right?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Everybody,

Reading replies is... such a curious collage of so many things. I smile a lot as I focus on each one, feel deep gratitude all of the time, enjoy the wit and observations of so many in all parts of the continent, learn from comments and advice... and, I relive special moments from references to past experiences: Tabasco on grits, as but one vivid example!

It has been amazing just getting to this point in my life... It is deeply humbling and profoundly gratifying to learn how so many have willingly and cheerfully played such an integral part in making all of that even possible. It's been said that there really are no 'self-made people'... Perhaps, but obviously I'm not one of those, even if there are! Thanks my dear friends, for all you do!!!

Tis the holiday season... a time for celebration, joy, gift exchanges, thoughtful reflection on past events, and thoughts of gratitude for the many blessings we so often take for granted. A time for realizing just how interdependent and interconnected we all are, and how barren our lives would be without each other... Makes me want to hit the road and do another road trip!

I do have a another wee window... Yeah, the holidays also impact work schedules and workloads of those who take care of us in other ways, as well... I talked to my doctor and he confirmed what I'd already sort of deduced from the posted online results of my tests. "There is no evidence of cancer having spread beyond the prostate, so the treatment option of surgical removal of the gland is definitely available to us!"

Well, with the holidays upon us and all, he went on to suggest there was no need for any emergency or even urgent action, so after the holidays, his staff will contact me and we'll set up the details of what comes next. That was an enormous relief, as you can imagine, and... it basically gives me another week or two to... you know...

It's raining here now... and, it's supposed to do more of that for the rest of the day... I'm struggling to control myself... I know I need to tear myself away from the TV and nap chair (yep, Nick has those too!)… I don't know if I can muster the strength and courage to pull this off, but... I'm hoping to get ALI back in the wind in a day or two (I say this with my tongue firmly in my cheek!)... Nick wants me to hang around here longer, but... well, you know how it is... right?

DDT

I am very heartened to hear it has not spread. I am equally heartened to hear it’s not so pressing as to need immediate action. Merry Christmas Bruce  Looking forward to the next meetup. 

[Daniel Meyer]

Everybody,
... I talked to my doctor and he confirmed what I'd already sort of deduced from the posted online results of my tests. "There is no evidence of cancer having spread beyond the prostate, so the treatment option of surgical removal of the gland is definitely available to us!"
...

That's fantastic news! Woot!!!

[threevalks]

Let us share all of the rest of the story. That same driveshaft set on my workbench for 2 or 3 days while I waited on two new double roller bearings to install with no spring. I installed the two new bearings and a brand stinking new ujoint, greased the damn driveshaft (with no spring), and reassembled the bike. Next day, I took her on a test run. Ran her through her paces, had DDT circle the block, give me a thumbs up, and away he drove. He made it just west of Chattanooga and broke again. Thank goodness for H Joe taking her to Dennis to finally resolve that missing damn spring.

Been a VRCC member for years with this post it makes 8 total you have done. I had to look twice to make sure it was you.


Ride on my friend 

      If he keeps hanging around with Bruce he'll soon be writing trip reports.

[Bigwolf]

Everybody,
... I talked to my doctor and he confirmed what I'd already sort of deduced from the posted online results of my tests. "There is no evidence of cancer having spread beyond the prostate, so the treatment option of surgical removal of the gland is definitely available to us!"
...

That's fantastic news! Woot!!!

Ditto!

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

About the best possible news you (and we) could have got!

May your Christmas be a bit brighter now. 

[Valkorado]

  Woo-hoo!  Merry Christmas and many more (s)miles Bruce!

[Charlie McCready]

Bruce, glad Ali's well again and soon you'll be well too.  Keep on keeping on and be safe.

Merry Christmas !!

[Oss]

How sweet it is 

Have a Merry Christmas

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

It's raining here now... and, it's supposed to do more of that for the rest of the day... I'm struggling to control myself... I know I need to tear myself away from the TV and nap chair (yep, Nick has those too!)… I don't know if I can muster the strength and courage to pull this off, but... I'm hoping to get ALI back in the wind in a day or two (I say this with my tongue firmly in my cheek!)... Nick wants me to hang around here longer, but... well, you know how it is... right?

DDT

First off great news on the medical issue . Weather pending some of the members of The Wild Bunch will be hitting the road " sometime " after Christmas . We've talked about Dahlonega , Georgia or Seneca , South Carolina for a night then make a good ride toward Cleveland, Tennessee the next night and hopefully hook up with T-Bird for supper ( he is taking care of his Mother so that may or may not happen ). Just thought if you passed close and the stars line up you could stop by if things work out that way. Merry Christmas Bruce... Ride On 

If I remember correctly Ali was at 535,000 when I took this picture.

[Farside]

  Ali is all set and you will be too very soon. That is great news knowing you do not need to rush to action.  
  Sure nice Bruce to have your line of friends to offer up such valuable assistance.   A person can be measured by his friends with such thoughtfulness. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ so God Bless you and all your friends.    Also, just so you know I'll not share that picture of your girl undressed like that!  

[Thunderbolt]

Bruce it seems that with the conditions that exist at this time for ALI and yourself the outcome is way better than it could have been for both of you.  Merry Christmas.

[Skinhead]

Let us share all of the rest of the story. That same driveshaft set on my workbench for 2 or 3 days while I waited on two new double roller bearings to install with no spring. I installed the two new bearings and a brand stinking new ujoint, greased the damn driveshaft (with no spring), and reassembled the bike. Next day, I took her on a test run. Ran her through her paces, had DDT circle the block, give me a thumbs up, and away he drove. He made it just west of Chattanooga and broke again. Thank goodness for H Joe taking her to Dennis to finally resolve that missing damn spring.

Been a VRCC member for years with this post it makes 8 total you have done. I had to look twice to make sure it was you.


Ride on my friend  

      If he keeps hanging around with Bruce he'll soon be writing trip reports.

THAT I'd like to see.

I am very glad to hear that both Ali and Bruce are or will soon be back in good shape mechanically.  Bruce, just make sure when you have your procedure, that the surgeon puts all the parts back in that are supposed to go back in before he closes things up.

I also must commend all those who helped get Ali straightened out for their tenacity in sticking with a problem to it's resolution, and their forthrightness in sharing the cause and resolution of the problem.  It is good to learn from mistakes, and even better to share your experiences (good and bad) so that others may avoid a similar mistake.

I do have one question though, what happened to the original spring?  Was it left off when servicing the splines, or did it self destruct?  If the answer is known, sharing it may prevent a future occurrence.

Well done all.

[trout dude]

Skinhead The old shaft was shot along with the pinion cup and moved to the trash pile and the shaft i used came out my stash of parts that I just picked up and it did not have a spring on it and i DID NOT REALIZE IT AT THE TIME   and installed the shaft with out the spring   CLEAR ENOUGH NOW
Thanks Dennis