Well, you know what they say about good plans...yep, it happened to me. I slept in, had a hardy breakfast in Cody, and headed out for a great ride to Rapid City, and Mount Rushmore. Had a great ride on US14 through the Big Horn National Park, up to 9600 feet through a great series of twisties. Then, after being "gaga" over the view at 9600 ', started an amazing 11 milel down hill (8%) ride through another series of twisties, beautiful vistas, and great weather. About 6 miles into the 11 mile run, my engine quit...just said "Yep, I am done". So I coasted the remaining 5 or 6 miles down, and stopped. Actually, coasting down was almost as much fun as a powered descent.
I was perplexed but had an idea of the problem,. I was sitting there, on the side of the road with my helmet off, when the first of a series of wonderful people stopped to help. They were motorcycle riders, part of a Gold Wing Riders group from Chicago. Waited while I got the bike started again and followed me into Dayton, a tiny town, with more friendly people. they invited me to join them for lunch, which I did.
We parted company, and rode off separately. About 25 miles later, again in the high desert, I broke down again. Again, good samaritans began to swarm. First a rider from British Columbia on a US cross country trip. We diagnosed the problem together and agreed on a solution. He had to go...but up comes another couple on a bike like mine and bingo...he is a bike mechanic and temporarily rigs a fix, to get me going. But not before a Wyoming Highway patrolman stopped by and chatted with us. He was great...another motorcycle rider. He waited until a tow truck came....was not sure of the temporary fix, and insurance paid for the ride.
Off to the Honda (yep Honda, and I have a BMW) shop in Sheridan. The mechanic drops what he is doing and fixes me up in 30 minutes. All fantastic guys. Great people.
So hear I am in Gillette, Wyoming, feeling grateful for all of the nice people around, everywhere, just waiting to help others. Oh, did I tell you? Someone donated $1000 today through my site to the PBTF. How about that? Amazing generosity. There are good people everywhere, just looking for an opportunity to help others. I can't be any more grateful.
Well, time to put these buns to bed and get up early tomorrow. I get to see Mt. Rushmore, and an Underground Missile museum. How's that for a combination? Oh, and my first time in South Dakota.
More later.
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