Getting Home Tuesday 62017

I'm sorry for not keeping up with the blog for the last couple of days. I have been doing a lot of boring driving on Interstate highways from Columbia, Missouri.

I drove 621 miles to Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday, 618 and then 303 miles yesterday, 619 arriving home at about 1:30 pm.

The drive on Sunday was fought with traffic, rain and accidents. A bit stressful but I made it safely to Birmingham. I was routed off of I-24 north of Nashville, Tennessee, due to an accident and that added about an hour to my long day driving. No pictures due to the rain and not much interesting. I did pass another couple of accidents along the road.

One thing I did notice is that the worst roads were in the major cities. The roads were very bumpy, uneven and just plain horrible. It seems that the builders cannot figure our how to make the joints or the repairs consistent in being flush with the existing roadway. Once I got away from the cities, the roads improved and the ride was almost enjoyable.

Also, it seemed that when I neared a large city, the rain would increase and add to the stress of driving. At least the bike didn't get wet and I was dry and cool in the air conditioned truck. The only thing missing cruise control to give my legs a break. I guess you cannot have it all.

I was able to collect my held mail at the post office, pick up some food and get my home opened up.
Things seem to be OK but the yard needs mowing but according to my neighbor, it has rained everyday since I left so I guess I will have get that going also.

Today, I dropped the bike off at Florida Motorsports for evaluation of the failure and the then returned the rental truck. My friend Will McFarlin picked my up at the rental place and we had lunch and he provided taxi service to Casa Mike. The rain has been on and all again today but everything is nice and green but a bit tall in need of a cutting.

I received some pictures from Matt, the service manager at the bike shop and it seems that the front universal joint failed on the drive shaft. Here are a few of pictures of the broken part.

  I have not talked to Matt as yet to find out what the time frame is to get the part and date of repair. I am also concerned about the rear universal joint as it is the same age and I am thinking that it should be replaced also but until I talk to him, that is up in the air. This conversation will take place tomorrow.

Done for today. I am not going to continue with additional blog entries since the ride is essentially over for me.

LeRoy was stopping at a friend of his in Arkansas and then continue east on secondary roads to Sylva, North Carolina.

Thanks to all of .you for you interest and comments. Maybe Alaska Next Year.

Mike