I also decided that I would get my bike serviced and given a final safety check, just in case and ended up at EMS
EMS: Essential Motorcycle Services is an independant motorcycle service facility which is unique in that they have female mechanics. They have an excellent reputation who go beyond the call of duty. They treat you like family and explain everything that they do in understandable terms
Here's Michelle, finishing up the synthetic oil change on Nella.
While I was there I mentioned to Ted (Owner of EMS) that perhaps my clutch cable should be lubricated. He pulled the lever a few times and said something was wrong with the freeplay. It turned out to be something that would have caused me to be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
It seemed that the pivot bolt had sheared off and the upper section was just being held in place by gravity. With my luck, somewhere 100 miles from civilization this would have caused me to be stranded. I was lucky that Ted discovered this problem and fabricated a suitable modification to get me back on the road.
They really take care in what they do and have very flexible hours, by prior arrangement you can even get service on a Sunday . Watching people work makes you hungry and we found ourselves on our way to sunny Ladner for a quick bite to eat
We made our way to a riverfront outside patio and enjoyed the warm sunshine as we quenched our hunger pangs
guess who had what ?
Sitting on the wharf, watching the boats and the occasional eagle fly by is a great passtime. Another Wet Coast experience
A great time was had by all
(Nella & Pinkie)
What! No gravy on the fries?
ReplyDeleteI spent much of the day getting our truck ready for our trip to Oregon. Change oil/filter, fuel filter, check all other fluids. Pack camping gear, tools, etc. I'm bringing down a snow machine for a friend that just moved south about a month ago. It took a while figuring out how to fit it into the truck.
I'm really looking forward to the trip...
Dear. Mr. Skoot:
ReplyDeleteWhat an enjoyable post your crafted today. I sincerely hope your Oregon adventure meets with every expectation.
I read the bit about your clutch cable and found myself nodding. If you will recall, the same thing happened to me last year on a run from New York City back home to West Chester. But in my case, the pivot bolt fell out! Only tension on the clutch cable kept the clutch lever from disappearing. And what was so amazing about the whole damn thing, is that the replacement bolt had to be "hammered in." The mechanic had no idea how the bold worked its way out.
Now I carry a spare clutch cable, a spare "drum" that anchors the cable into the lever, and a spare felt ring that keeps crap from getting into the clutch cable sheath. The last two parts are smaller than the head of a thumbtack (combined) and they are taped into my tool kit.
I saw a trick demonstrated by a long-distance BMW rider passing through town. The spare clutch cable was already threaded through the machine and taped in place (secured on both ends against dust and debris) with electrical tape.) if the clutch cable let go, it would only take minutes to connect the spare.
I have not beem riding, writing, or adventuring much these days owing to a few medical developments and the intense heat.
I required a visit t the cardiologist last week, which will soon be the subject of a blog post.
Have a great ride,
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
fabulous day, food, shop, post, just fabulous bob. im glad that they so easily found and fixed that bolt for you bob, amazing how the little things can become hugely problematic if not addressed. have a fabulous time at the upcoming rally!!! im looking forward to reading all about it.
ReplyDeleteps, jack, im sorry to hear of the medical probs. i hope you're ok. update us soon!
ReplyDeleteGlad things are coming together for you. I have to say I really like that photo of the crocs in the foreground and the boat in the background. Nice!
ReplyDeleteI have to send you and e-mail and see what your plans are for Oregon. I want to make sure I get to meet you in person but it might not be at Redmond.
Very impressed with your service agent - it's so clean that you could conduct brain surgery in there!
ReplyDeleteYou and Sonja are making me feel inadequate - my brown Crocs just don't cut the mustard. An appropriate saying given the obsession with food that you both have ;-)
I hate modern keys with bulky, ugly plastic heads. Even worse if they're electronic. Give me rugged, old fashioned keys. Fun colors are acceptable.
ReplyDeleteThe bolt is scary!! I'm glad it was discovered at the shop instead of on the road.
Looks like another lovely lunch stop :)
So when do your crocs start tio look worn in? I look forward to our photographic comparison. Mine are currently collecting West Texas dust.
ReplyDelete