Sturgis News/Photos 1

Photos

Hello Everyone,

Well my Sturgis trip didn't start out like I planned.  I had a bit of a glitch, however it worked out so well I should have purchased a lottery ticket.  Four travellers, Marv, Brad, Sonny and myself accompanied by Phil Ferrone and Gary Hobson took off at 6:30am on Friday to begin our journey.  We stopped in Cottage Grove for breakfast after which Phil and Gary headed home.  The Sturgis four then continued on up through Portland and out the Columbia Gorge.  When we turned onto Interstate 84 I thought my steering felt stange, but attributed it to the poor roadway surface.  An hour later we stopped in Hood River for gas and a quick inspection seemed to indicate it was my  imagination.  Was I wrong.  On we went and the temperatures started to climb.  By the time we got to Biggs Junction where we stopped for lunch I knew something was not right. (beside the 100 degree heat) I checked again and saw the dust cover on my front wheel bearing had moved out from where it was supposed to be.  I pushed it back into place and we headed off to Kenniwick where there was  a Harley dealer.  I didn't get 10 miles in the hundred degree heat when I pulled over and asked Marv to ride the bike.  He also concluded something was big time wrong.    A closer inspection showed the bearings were definitely bad.  We limped back into Biggs Junction.  After an hour of phone calls I learned that the three closest dealers didn't have the parts to repair my bike.  Latus HD in Gladstone, outside Portland said they would overnight the parts but since it was Friday afternoon it was too late to get them until Tuesday.  I resigned myself that Sturgis was not to be this year. 

I told the guys to get going that I would call my HOG Roadside Assistance from Road America.  I got ahold of them and told them the nearest dealer that would fix the bike was in Portland.  The representative checked my account and authorized the 110 mile tow.  At no cost to me.  (Was I ever thankful I purchased the upgraded coverage for $19.95 per year.) 

In the time promised the driver was on scene and loading me up.  On the way to Latus HD I asked the driver what this tow would have cost me if I didn't have the extended coverage or HOG insurance.  He said $475.00.  Ouch. 

Anyway, we arrived at the dealer a little after 6pm and they close at 7Pm.  The service writer got the paper work together and since it was a warranty item it wasn't going to cost anything.   A couple of the mechanics came over and checked out the bearing and sure enough about half of the ball bearings were missing.  They had one bearing but not the ABS bearing.  They called another Portland dealer, Paradise HD and found that they had the bearing.  They decided that since I was travelling and on my way to Sturgis they would stay as late as it took to get me on the road.  One of the guys drove over to Paradise in commute traffic almost an hour and returned with the part.  A short time later I was ready to roll at 8PM an hour after closing.  if that isn't going above and beyond I don't know what is.  I got the guys some six packs and off I went to a hotel that is right next door.  When I told them I was just at Latus they took $30.00 off the cost of the room.  WOW. 

Phil had also gone above and beyond and drove up to Portland to get me as I thought I would have to leave the bike until Wednesday.  So I apoligized profusely to Phil and bought him dinner.  I can't thank him enough.  If he actually reads this email and replys with what size T shirt he wears I will make sure he is taken care of with Sturgis regalia. 

Of course the story isn't over now.  I couldn't sleep well and woke up at 2:30am on Saturday and decided to head out and try to catch up with the boys.  I went from Portland to Bozeman Montana today in about 14 1/2 hours. (755 miles, got to love that ultra classic seat)  Got a room in the Holiday Inn and called Marv.  He said they got tired and stopped in Belgrade Montana which is about 10 miles behind me.  How do you like that.  So in the morning we will hook up for breakfast and head to Sturgis.  Stay Tuned.  Click on slideshow.

Mike