Day 1

After a restless night I got up and finished the packing and feeding details. (dove,goats,cats,chickens)  I took the dogs to the kennel (Taz & J'Cub). Went home and loaded the Harley (2007 Street Glide {FLHX hence the name})  I had to stop by the HD dealership to pick up some screws for my wind deflectors.  Fueled up and I was on the road by 12:30pm.  I headed south on Hwy 97.  The weather was just the perfect temperature.  I started to get a bit sleepy after the first hour.  I stopped in Chemult for food and hydration.  Had Subway and water.  As I returned to my Bike I noticed two older couples admiring my ride.  The wives were commenting on Bear.  Bear is my Beanie Bear riding compainion for the past few years.  When I walked up behind them they asked me if it was my bike.  I said 'No, I just like to dress this way.' Pointing to my bandana,jacket and boots. We all got a good laugh. The men inquired about the bike.  The women asked where I was headed.  I shared I was on my way to Colorado.  I could see the spark in their eyes.  There is frequently a spark of rememberance or what if.  I got back on the road in good spirits and continued south on Hwy 97.  I arrived at Running Y resort at Klamath Falls about 4:30pm.  Just as I pulled into the entrance I heard a quiet 'rubbing' noise.  I got to the chalet Ron (husband) was staying in while working in the area.  I unloaded the bike of all the luggage and items in saddle bags.  I road down the hill and then coasted with engine off down the hill.  The noise was still there.  About to embark on a 3000 mile trip I could not afford to ignore this new developement.  I phoned Ron for directions to the local bike shop he had found.  I asked him to call ahead and I was going directly there (almost 5pm).  Off to Outlaw bike shop, took the wrong Hwy and got off track but managed to get to the right area.  I pulled up to the top of the drive.  I looked down and saw what the word "Biker" bring to mind.  I thought well, they look like bikers there must be a bike shop.  So I went down the gravel drive hoping not to fall.  I pulled up and there were about 5 guys and 4 women with a few kids around.  Here I am with my new blue bike, sparklies on my helmet, scarf blowing out the back of my helmet, and fingernail polish that matches my bike. Please god don't let them be Hells Angels. A heavy set man with a long gray beard came up as did a 6+ foot man.  The tall man asked 'what do you want?'  I asked are you the bike shop and are you open?  He just answered yes.  So I told him my bike needed attention.  He stood there in his intimidating stance.  He asked what was wrong.  I looked at him and told him not to laugh but my bike goes and in a whisper I went 'swishh swishh swishh..'  By now a couple other guys come over to investigate what issue was going on with this girl's bike.  Repeated the swishh noise again and explained all I had done to try to identify the cause. I was asked several technical questions about my bike and I answered.  And when I evidently passed his interpertation of a biker he laughed and said my ol' man called him and he had been expecting me.  Lance was his name.  He asked when I needed the bike by.  I replied by 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.  He explained he had a bike with out wheels on the stand.  I asked when could he get it off and get my bike up there.  He had an amazed look as I was confident he was going to get right on the job.  He started to give another excuse, but I countered with I was leaving on a 3000 mile trip tomorrow and I needed the bike to keep on schedule and I was not going to give up easy.  I inquired about options.  By this time Ron arrived.  Lance told us to go to dinner and he would get guys to put the other bike together and get my bike up there.  We did and he did and at 7pm we found the rear brake rotor was warped.  I had called Cascade HD my dealership in Bend and they gave me a 800 number that was closed for the evening.  So we made the plan that Ron and I would drive to Pheonix, Oregon 90 miles away and get a replacement rotor. (miles ~ 150)

swish swish went the bike