KRATZMC

Record temperatures in Texas and the Mid-West have caused rolling blackouts through out the state. Snow, Ice and cold winds are foiling the  plans of many Texas riders for the Tour of Honor Ride.  I Initially wanted to vie for one of the trophies for being one of the first five finishers in Texas but the weather is delaying my trip for several days, now possibly Friday. The freeze has reached as far south as the Gulf. So, I’m going to abandon any plans for glory, so I am going with my Rally strategy, “Survive, Finish and Have Fun”.

I needed tires before the ride and elected to let the local Honda Dealer deal with it. There was enough tread to do about 1,000 miles but not the 2,000 plus of my route. With the bad weather to consider, I wanted the most tread possible to deal with the unexpected conditions. I normally do my own but working in my unheated shop made saving the $50 bucks in labor seem not worth it.

I made an appointment for 1400 hrs today for the new tires.I opted for a harder compound tire so I ordered Bridgestone’s. Since I will be doing a lot of slab riding I decided not to put on the Metzler Road Tec’s which I normally run. I tend to only average about 6k miles on the Meztler’s although I ma more confident in their wet road handling. Cost for the Bridgestones about $92 for the front tire and $120 for the rear.

I awoke this morning with the alarm clock display flashing, indicating the power had gone off during the night. I checked the temperature and it was a stiff 19 degrees F. I got on my riding gear and heated Aerostich vest. Key on, I fired up the ST1300 and nothing. The battery was dead. I had to pop off the side covers and recharge the battery. I decided the battery was cold and old (2 years) and the cold temps helped to forecast its impending demise. To play it safe I called the Honda store to get a battery ready to go with the tires. I usually do my own batteries and buy mine from Walmart. For example, the OEM battery for my BMW GS is about $174.  I can get a comparable battery at Walmart for about $80. Georgetown Honda had several batteries available from $89 to $170. I picked the $89 one.

Battery recharged, I stopped by the coffee shop and the regulars looked at me like I had just landed from Mars.  In disbelief they made remarks about my intelligence level but I assured them I was comfy with the electrically heated gear. There was only one other motorcycle rider I saw on the road today and that was my friend and fellow IBA Rider Merritt Francies. I wasn’t cold but my fogged up face shield hampered my vision, even with a Balacava and scarf over my mouth.

I have two Gerbing Electric Jacket liners but they are susceptible to shorts if you bend the heating elements by stuffing them in your bags. They are fine if you go from hanger to body and back to the hanger. Thus, my experience has led me to acquire a Aerostich Kanetsu TLTec Wind Blocker Electric Vest.

Everybody has their opinion, this is the electric vest that suits me.

I made my appointment at Georgetown Honda and picked up a sandwich on the way to eat during my wait. Georgetown Honda has two televisions and comfortable chairs on the showroom floor, to help those who have to wait. My friend and rookie IBA rider Glenn Copeland joined me at the Honda Shop, so we could discuss our Tour of Honor ride, route and plans. I began eating my sandwich and watched the SPEED Channel while the Motorcycle Elves got my machine road worthy. After and hour, Jason came out to the showroom to inform me that my rear axle bearings were shot with some of the bearings missing. With 68 k on the odometer, it was not a shock but I realized that I probably would have overlooked checking my bearings, if I had done the work myself.

Georgetown Honda, “Where dreams are realized!”

My machine was ready after another hour and bill with tax and labor was a hair over $500. Despite the total, I was happy camper and had more confidence about my ride and Georgetown Honda’s diligence. I will wear out the tires in a couple of months but the battery and wheels bearings will last for a while and the likelihood these items will fail me on  this ride will be diminished.

If you are in the area, stop by Georgetown Honda. I have confidence in their service and they have always treated me right. They even have my picture on their website! Georgetown Honda also supports the Gold Wing Owners Meet Up Group, a great group of local folks that I enjoy riding with.

Well it looks like the weather will warm up slightly by Thursday night so my Tour of Honor Ride launch time is delayed until Friday. With a route planned, how many days it will take and where we will stay will all be played by ear. With my chances of being stuck along side of the road reduced, I can embark on this great crusade with a little more confidence.

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