Alaska Day 3

Ever get the feeling that something is telling you not to do something, but you not quite sure what it is?

I'm starting to have that feeling big time. Got up this morning in North Platte, NE and saw John and Dick off. They left the motel around 6:00 am. I hung around the motel until 8:00 am. The dealer doesn't open until 9:00 am, so I planned to grab some breakfast.

There was a little diner car place near the dealership so I had a fairly decent breakfast. I arrived at BUDKEPOWERSPORTS, yes they put all the words together, at about 8:45. They were just opening the doors, and I was the first in line.

I explained my situation to the service manager, and he quickly wrote up a ticket and took the bike back to the service area. Now all I had to do was sit and wait for the news. This dealership is a combination Harley and Honda. The waiting area had over stuffed couches and recliners. Waiting here was not going to be a problem.

About 45 minutes later the service manager came out and told me the news. Good news it was. The SM told me that they hooked the bike up to the computer and he showed a fault in the temperature sensor. This does effect the running of the bike, and all it means is my temperature gauge will be acting crazy for the rest of the trip. They did check the fluid flow, and for signs of any leaks, where everything checked out. They told me to have a good time and get the sensor replaced when I return home. Just for those that don't know, to replace this little sensor is a major major job. It would require leaving the bike at the dealership for several days.

It was 10:30 am when I pulled out of the parking lot after having to hook up my trailer and put on my boots and such. I planned to continue on US 83 north to Murdo, SD where I would catch I-90 and then head west towards Rapid City.

This is a scenic road and the ride was very enjoyable. That is until I was passing through White River, SD. Believe it or not I busted a U-Joint on the bike. For those reading this thats not mechanically included. That is part of the drive shaft that connects the transmission to the rear drive. In other words it what turns the wheels. If it's broke you ain't moving..

As luck would have it, I was just in front of a small store, so I coasted into the parking lot. I knew I would need a tow, and since I am a member of GWRRA, I had also signed up for the Rescue Plus roadside service. I pulled out my phone, and crap, no service. I went into the store, and found out there is not a single pay phone in town. Crap what to do now? I explained my situation the young lady behind the counter, and showing her I was calling a 1-800 number she allowed me to use the store phone.

To make the story short, Rescue Plus came through and I had a truck and trailer arrive about two hours later to pick up the bike and take it to a shop in Pierre, SD. We arrive at the shop around 5:30 pm. It was a 78 mile tow from where I broke down to the shop. The nice thing is the first 100 miles of the tow are part of the package, meaning I don't have to pay.

I was able to briefly speak to the owner of the shop while we were unloading the bike, and he impressed me by telling me they will look at the bike first thing in the morning. The thing that really impressed me is when he pulled out a set of keys to a car, and told me to go find a motel. This shop gave me a loaner car to drive while my bike is in the shop. It's an old car, but who cares, it runs and and has air conditioning.

To replace the U-Joint is not a big job. Matter of fact its a simple job and won't take long, the problem is getting a u-joint. Most dealers don't carry them in stock, and if we are not able to get one today (Saturday) it will be Monday and maybe even Tuesday before we can get one shipped in.

Again its a waiting game. With some luck and if the local dealer has the u-joint I can be back on the road this afternoon. If not I will be visiting Pierre. Not much of a town, but what can you do?

If I can get back on the road today, I will continue on the trip and meet up with the guys in Canada. If I have to hang around several days, then I think I will take the scenic route home through Colorado or something. Time will tell.