Sturgis, South Dakota - Rest Day
This blog’s main contributor officially took a break from blogging today so you’ve got me, Mary. Today was a rest day with no route maps, check-ins, gas stations or mileage. It’s a day for general maintenance and/or seeing the local sites.
As you may recall from a recent post, our check engine light went on in the truck. Mike and Linda took the truck in and it was an issue with the emissions/DEF system. It could either be a computer reset/refresh or we could need a part which would need to be shipped and could take several days to fix. While we were anxiously waiting for the diagnostic testing, Linda started Plan B by checking into a rental vehicle. Thankfully, it was a minor issue that was resolved in a couple of hours (whew!). We were so happy, Linda and I hugged and joked with Levi, our mechanic, how could we thank him (flowers, chocolate, whiskey, etc.). He laughed and said the last one would be the best but quickly added it’s just his job. We brought him a 12 pack of beer - the standard thank you gift in Sturgis!
Mike, Jerry, Steve and Zach all worked to check and restore of the valves on the bike. They prepped the bike and took it to Competition Distribution to grind out the valves and then came back to put the bike back together again. They are all amazing mechanics and team mates to get all this work done in such short time.
Only one incident: Jerry sliced his finger on the tappers but having a doctor and nurse on staff really helped. It didn’t slow Jerry down one bit.
So many people continue to stop by and ask what is going on with all the old motorcycles. There are many questions and many smiles in learning about the Cannonball and lots of interest.
Zack had issues with his bike’s starter. Unfortunately he has to store his bike with family and drive home in a rental because parts weren’t available.
One funny thing happened in the trailer. We were loading up and Mike patted me on the butt. I don’t know who was more surprised - me or Mike when he realized I wasn’t Linda. Funniest thing ever!
We were very thankful for the catch up day for maintenance and that these things could be fixed rather than potentially break down on the road. We will be turning in early tonight for an early start tomorrow and back on the road for more adventures.
Also see the picture of a bible verse Brianna and I “stumbled upon” which was quite inspiring. Psalm 144:1 - Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
NOTE: I guess I need help from Brianna to load the pictures. I’m being technically challenged. You’ll see these soon.
Update per Brianna:
Zak drove his bike home, I had to find gas stations with a hill to bump start the bike (difficult in South Dakota), or leave it running and hope it was still there after the rest room break.
ReplyDeleteAnother note worth mentioning, Competition Distribution didn’t charge anybody for all the work they did, I was impressed.😳