KMG_365 Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 Well it started off wonderfully. We left SD around 14:30 hours to miss the worst of the desert heat. The plan was to get through Vegas to Mesquite, then to Boulder, CO and the northern route to Virginia, stopping by D.C. to visit "_D_" for a few days. We were Sock Monkey sitting for Laney who couldn't make it to the UnRally--and I think that's where our trouble began . . . . He looked so innocent sitting there on Leslie's bike, but I should've known better! When we weren't looking, he must've gotten down and messed with Maynard's final drive! About 300 miles from home while travelling at warp speed up the I-15 between Halloran Summit and Nipton it feels like I ran something over and it's stuck to my wheel: "thump-thump-thump-thump . . . . " I radio Leslie and we both pull over on the long upgrade going towards Nipton with the trucks flying by in fairly close proximity. After a little examination I notice that the rear brake rotor is contacting the caliper and that means that the bearing is gone--at least. Fortunately, Leslie had just signed-up for the KOA RV roadside assistance plan last Tuesday and they sent a tow from Halloran Summit in about 20 minutes. We loaded up Maynard and the KOA plan covered the entire $500.00 tow bill! We got a room at the Silverton Lodge and Casino for the night about 6 miles from BMW of Las Vegas, and Socko got us into trouble again. When we weren't looking, he grabbed one of the $4.00 bottles of water and stole the key to the wet bar! The next morning we thought we'd nurse Maynard the 5 miles to BMW Las Vegas, but a few blocks from the hotel, I realized that wasn't an option--it felt like the rear wheel was going to fall off! We called BMW of Las Vegas, but they weren't open yet and I left a message with Randy Moon, the Service Manager. We camped out a bit in the Shell station waiting for 09:00 and I called back a bit early and got a hold of him. He didn't have anybody in the shop yet and suggested I try BMW Roadside Assistance to get me the rest of the way to them--DUH!! I don't know why I didn't think of that! I called BMW Roadside and talked to a very nice lady who got a tow truck en route and said the automated system would contact me with an ETA. I called Randy back to tell him that I was taken care of and not to bother, but he said he had someone to come get me who would be there soon. Great! Thanks! So I called BMW Roadside back to cancel the tow. I got the automated system and cancelled the tow which at that point gave me an ETA of 50 minutes. About 10 minutes later the towing company showed up anyway! The towing company driver was VERY nice (AA Action towing) and when I told him that I had cancelled the order and had someone coming from BMW of Las Vegas, and that he was too quick, he just laughed and said they aim to please, and he would wait a bit and catch up on paperwork in case I had any problems with the other arrangement so if I had to call him back later, we wouldn't have to wait. Just a few minutes later Raoul from BMW of Las Vegas showed up with one of those little enclosed Euro-van-looking things (made by Freightliner, actually ), and we got loaded up and over to the dealer. I didn't notice Socko hitching a ride, but caught him before he could jump down! I met Randy and he got Murray to come and get me checked in and diagnosed. I swear, I've got to keep and eye on that monkey every minute! I turned around just in time to catch him trying to steal another bike! He told me that when he saw the dual "BMWRT.com" stickers on the back of the bags he figured as the owner was family, that he wouldn't mind! Bad, MONKEY!! You're gonna get a spanking if we ever find out who the "Nevada Parrothead" is who owns that blue R1100RT! Randy Moon and everyone else we've dealt with have been very friendly and helpful and let us camp out in their AC'd lounge while we waited for the prognosis. Here's Randy: While we were waiting, we got to spread some more of that BMWSportTouring.com love to a soon-to-be-newlywed couple who had just ridden their RT in from Iowa to get hitched in Vegas! How cool is that! Jordan had just bought the RT in October and Dee Dee was a trooper on the stock pillion all the way from Iowa despite a knee that was really giving her some pain. There was a little added challenge of misjudging the travel time across Colorado (they were on the road until midnight the night before), and while they were waiting for their oil-change we all chatted about bikes, etc. I offered to swap out Maynard's lowered pillion pegs for their ride home to give Dee Dee's knees a break from the tuck position. We swapped out the pegs and packed their stockers away in case they needed to change back, dialed in their suspension a bit so they wouldn't drag so many hard parts in the mountains on the way home, and off they went to find a Wedding Chapel! Socko tried to get to their bike too, but Dee Dee caught him in the act. Does he look like he's choking?? I hope they'll join up here and post a Ride Tale. They were a very nice couple and will make an excellent addition to the "cORN fUSED hOOn cREW"! hANNAbONE and Sir Rodney, et al, keep an eye out for them in your neck of the woods! We wiled away a few hours while we waited in BMW-LV's new showroom looking at stuff we couldn't live without. Remind me to stop showing cool stuff to Leslie! They also have a very comfortable lounge for riders, with a computer and another Broadband I'net connection, so Leslie and I have not been too bored while we wait! Leslie found a reservation through www.vegas.com that was for the same place again for $30.00 less than we paid last night. Okay, honey, you just earned that cool boxer motor keychain fob! The latest Dx on Maynard is that he needs a new Final Drive and a few associated parts. BeemerCycles will cover everything and I'll happily pay the $145.00 overnight shipping charges to get a new FD, rear brake caliper and rotor (both got a bit chewed up when the bearings went that grenaded the FD. The parts should be here tomorrow between 09:00 and noon and after a few more hours of labor installing everything and bleeding the rear wheel circuit, we should be back on the road! Overall, I can't say enough nice things about BMW of Las Vegas for the kind way they've treated us in our time of need. I know others have had mixed experiences with many dealers, but I firmly believe we should be as free with our praise when things go well as we are with our scorn when things are not handled properly. They've only been open since last Fall and are thankfully filling the void left buy the unfortunate (?) demise of the last Vegas dealer. I believe I heard that they are owned by the same guy who owns BMW of Salt Lake, which I've also heard many positive things about, so that bodes well for them. We'll post again later when we get back on the road and we'll see some of you in Virginia!!
AdventurePoser Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 Hi guys, This is what I love about the both of ya...you can take a major breakdown and turn it into a fun ride tale! Ride safe the rest of the way! Steve
Mike O Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 I hope this means you're still gonna stop in the Peoples Republic of Boulder on the way. There's pasta waiting...! Regards, Mike O
Greg Poole Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 Last Thursday when the Mile-High Crew from the Denver area met Jamie & Leslie at the Cortez Colorado Flea-Bag Hilton, there they were: firmly ensconced in their room moderating and posting on BMWST. I think they planned this whole debacle just to check out the new BMW-LV dealer and surf the internet. And sock monkey gets the blame. Around here in the People's Republic of Boulder that's called animal abuse... Hope y'all are back on the road soon!
steve.foote Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 Man, what an adventure. Sucks about the FD, but glad to hear that things worked out. Be safe on your way East and we'll see you at the Un. BTW, don't let Sock Monkey get ahold of the TV remote in your motel room. There are rumor's of a potential, uh, shall we say 'adult entertainment' affliction.
StretchMark Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 Glad to see you are still in good spirits. Keep us posted on your progress! See you at the Un....and for crying out loud..take it easy on my bike would ya
Joel Posted May 31, 2005 Posted May 31, 2005 Oooooh, sorry 'bout that setback. Darn monkey. Not to horn in on any plans, but if you find yourselves in or around Boulder with time to break bread or visit, PM me.
Kathy R Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 You two are such a treat! I'm sorry to hear the bad news about the bike, but glad to read it's being remedied nicely. As for the Monkey? Have you considered pulling a dirty sock over his head?
Gleno Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 Sorry for your troubles guys. Wish I could've been more help. Hope you're back on the road soon.
SageRider Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 Sorry for your troubles. Glad the failure came at a time and place that allows for repair without completely ruining your trip. Kudos to BMW Vegas. Hope the rest of your journey goes smoother. See you at the un (I hope!!!)
Tasker Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 This is what I love about the both of ya...you can take a major breakdown and turn it into a fun ride tale! NO KIDDING!!! Wow, I'm not sure this situation could be handled with much more grace and humor! Hopefully, Indy will still be "on your way", even if you're a day late! I'll wait for ya!
Ralph Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 Great Report there. And pictures to boot. BTW, I am glad to hear thet the KOA plan came through. I got the plan for the wife & myself a few months ago.
TNT Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 After this I hope you three have a good trip on to the Unrally! Yes, do keep Sock Monkey away from the TV remote in your motel rooms!
MikesToy Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 That entire group at BMW-Las Vegas is great. I would be still on a cruiser if they hadn't been willing to talk to me and let me take a 1150RT out for a hour long test ride. Glad you had the same experience with them as I have. Have a great trip and keep the Monkey watching where you've been! Mike
ian408 Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 Is there anything you guys need (aside from a chain for the monkey )? Nice place to be stuck in I guess Ian
pdegnan Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 Great post, you two! Sorry about the bike, and who are these Beemercycles guys anyway - sounds like I need to get the LT covered!! Have a great trip the rest of the way, no more mishaps!
KMG_365 Posted June 1, 2005 Author Posted June 1, 2005 BTW, don't let Sock Monkey get ahold of the TV remote in your motel room. There are rumor's of a potential, uh, shall we say 'adult entertainment' affliction. Man, I had no idea "those" sorts of movies were that expensive! "BAD, Monkey!! You're definitely getting a spanking, now!" (Here's hoping Leslie buys this story! ) We're going to hit the road Wednesday afternoon and shoot for around Salina, UT for the night. We'll be in the Boulder Republic on Thursday night at Fenno's to change the FD fluid and crash for the night. The rest of the "Mile-High Town" Crew will be meeting us to walk down to dinner at Pasta Jay's downtown. PM me or Fenno for more details if you're in the area and can join us! The folks on this DB are completely AWESOME! We've had more offers of assistance, lodging, advice, etc. than we could've hoped for! You all are the best and we're damn proud to know you all--even if it's only through the web! Perhaps our paths will cross someday and we can thank all of you properly in person! We hope to meet even more of y'all in Staunton, Virginia!! WooHoo!!!!!!!!
stanf Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 hey you two, It's really special how you "share" the experience and keep the bright side up..kudos have a great, safe rest of the trip
BrianT Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 BAD, Monkey!! You're definitely getting a spanking, now! You sure he thinks thats a bad thing? Sorry to hear about the problems. Just out of curiosity, how many miles did it take to kill that final drive? Nice to see you've got such a good attitude about it. Good luck the rest of the way and if you need anything, you've got a few thousand friends here willing to help.
Francois_Dumas Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 1) glad you only have material damage ! 2) awesome story 3) great pictures 4) funny monkey !! 5) fantastic spirit 6) great dealers, good to hear there still exists 'service' in this world 4) ummm... I think I covered that already.... oh alright... funny monkey ! I wish you a great trip from here and a safe home coming !
Mark Menard (Vita Rara) Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 Jamie and Leslie, You folks have such an awesome sense of adventure and attitude! I'm really looking forward to seeing you at the Un. I'm glad this was just a bump in the road. Ride safe. Have fun. And try and keep that monkey under control! (I know it's a futile effort. ) Mark
KMG_365 Posted June 1, 2005 Author Posted June 1, 2005 I was wondering if there were any other Beavis and Butthead fans out there! Just out of curiosity, how many miles did it take to kill that final drive? A mere 86,600 miles. The bummer was that I had planned to do a preventative maintenance rebuild on all the wheel bearings, tranny, and splines when we got back from this trip! I guess I pushed my luck. Of course the extended warranty paid for the reapir, but I'd rather eat the cost of bearings and have reliable transportation than spend that money on extra hotel lodging in BFE and have to miss a gathering--especailly an UnRally! Now to keep that danged monkey away from Leslie's bike! Oh, and we paid a premium to have an Elvis impersonator sent to our room! Uhhh, Thank you! Thankyouverymuch!
Tasker Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 I was wondering if there were any other Beavis and Butthead fans out there! Uhhuhhuhhuhhhhhhhh... Heee sssaid BUTT...
_D_ Posted June 1, 2005 Posted June 1, 2005 This is what I love about the both of ya...you can take a major breakdown and turn it into a fun ride tale! How true...Jamie has an utterly horrible problem happen, loses two days of his vacation, has to spend extra money...and his email to me letting me know they'd be late was basically an apology for messing up my schedule! No anger or self-pity, just concern for how being late would impact my plans. I just consider myself lucky for having met the two of them in the first place! Derek
Laney Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 I must start by saying that SOCK MONKEY IS ADOPTED. I did not raise him from newborn, and obviously the time he spent with his wild parents taught him some, uh, bad habits. Oh, how I've tried diligently to bring the Monkey up right, and teach him to be a responsible member of the Sport Touring community. It's apparent that my always exemplary behavior has not taught him much. I talked to him over and over about stealing from the wetbars – Tequila, dude, not WATER! Geez. What a dope. And trying to steal an RT? When there likely was a brand new K1200S on the showroom floor? What’s up with that Monkey?!?!? I thought I'd taught him to always grab the quickest bike he could get his paws on! I’m glad your adventure is turning out well, in spite of the hitch. It reminds me of the two days Kathy and I got to spend with Paul Mihalka at Bob’s BMW in Maryland when my RT’s clutch and transmission seals went south. Not in the plans, but we had a great time anyway. Mostly. Which reminds me, I’ve got to work on the “Which Bikes to Steal” lesson when the Monkey comes back from the Un. No RTs! Happy travels on the rest of your journey. May all the rest of your events be free of tow trucks and wrenches!
Tasker Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 I thought I'd taught him to always grab the quickest bike he could get his paws on! Hmmm... Do monkeys have paws?
KMG_365 Posted June 2, 2005 Author Posted June 2, 2005 Laney, We had a little visit from the Department of Simian Protective Services. Just a head's up, I gave them your contact info and you should be getting a call in a few days! Everyone, Thank you all for the well wishes, positive thoughts and far too kind compliments. We finally made it to Salina, UT about 22:00 hours MDT. We didn't get out of Vegas until after 16:00 hours PST. We came in through a thunderstorm that we must've been chasing for the last 70-80 miles, but the good news was we didn't see ONE deer the whole way! Funny thing, it was over 110*F getting through Las Vegas and since we got out of there so late, we got caught in the rush hour traffic mess and were sitting in stop and go traffic for 20 miles in 110*F heat! We had to pull over to let the bikes cool down when they got to 8 bars on the RID. Five hours later we're riding in the rain and it's 57*F! Our clothing was still soaked with sweat and now we're chilled.
ShovelStrokeEd Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 GO TEAM EDMONDS.....GO Ditto from this end of the country. Actually I'm up in the middle in Topeka, KS. Please inform Socko that his niece is doing quite well. She should be out of rehab soon and the kleptomania in re cookies is well under control. She is currently guarding my GS against dastardly mechanics. When I return from Riding Smart I'll take her on a little spin as a reward. Jamie and Leslie, when are you likely to return home? There is a bottle of Sicilian Shiraz for you guys and a bag of home made cookies for Maggie sitting at my house.
DouglasR Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 Funny thing, it was over 110*F getting through Las Vegas and since we got out of there so late, we got caught in the rush hour traffic mess and were sitting in stop and go traffic for 20 miles in 110*F heat! We had to pull over to let the bikes cool down when they got to 8 bars on the RID. Five hours later we're riding in the rain and it's 57*F! Our clothing was still soaked with sweat and now we're chilled. Jamie and Leslie, sorry to hear about your troubles but glad you're back on the road again! I had a stuffed bear that was a bad actor like that Monkey, always trying to ride other people's bikes and getting into the beer and pretzels. She was adopted, too, musta been the genes! Couldn't have had anything to do with opportunity, now, could it?!? Speaking of weather, I had to travel over Togwotee Pass yesterday June 1, 2005, between Lander, WY and Jackson Hole (Yellowstone, Grand Teton NPs). The snowplows were out trying to keep ahead of the slush. I am not kidding, heavy snow for the past week in the high country, four inches of new slush on the pass, heavy rain down lower. I passed some evil-looking guy dressed in black on a Suzuki GSXR1000 pulled over in the snow, I thought it was Gleno! Turns out it was a guy from southern Arizona, he was a little spooked but OK. I told him he'd be at the summit in a mile and dry roads again a mile beyond that, he said that was the best news he'd ever heard. He said the Gixxer just plain sucks in the snow. I got some great photos but just haven't figured out how to post them here yet , sorry. It's Springtime in the Rockies! Stunning heat in the south, heavy snow about 500 miles to the North, sounds normal to me! Ride safe and have fun!
hANNAbONE Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 oKAY...oKAY..are you clowns coming by Des Moan?? Man - give me a call will you..!! Ping me at hannabone@msn.com and I'll shoot cha the number. Man - when y'all travel it's ALWAYS an new episode - huh?? Broken this, spank da monkey, Elvis, Booze with a water chaser....I mean "high livin'" -- wow, I wanna be like you.!! Hope you stop n say "hey" whilst going thru -- if not -- next time. Blessings, you amazing duo, you.!! Now - MOTO..!! (where were the newlyweds from - what city, town??) get a number or names etc.??
Bill_Walker Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 I thought I'd taught him to always grab the quickest bike he could get his paws on! Hmmm... Do monkeys have paws? What, you never heard the classic scary campfire story, "The Monkey's Paw?"
Scarecrow Posted June 2, 2005 Posted June 2, 2005 Great story! Fortunately, Leslie had just signed-up for the KOA RV roadside assistance plan last Tuesday and they sent a tow from Halloran Summit in about 20 minutes. We loaded up Maynard and the KOA plan covered the entire $500.00 tow bill! I just signed up for the KOA plan as part of my prep for Torrey. I'm glad I didn't have to use it, and glad to hear that it works as advertised. But didn't they tow you all the way to the dealer? Sounds like they stopped 5 miles short. Was that so you could keep the bike with you at the motel?
DouglasR Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 No hijack intended, but what is this "KOA Plan"? Do you have a link? I've got the BMWMOA Gold Plan and as part of my membership I get all kinds of towing and roadside assistance, additional insurance that my regular carrier doesn't provide, covers up to three bikes, etc., but I've never had to use it (knock on woodenhead). Is the KOA Plan something a rider should be aware of in addition to that? I'm really really curious because my son and I are planning a ride to the Canadian Rockies in about six weeks and I get nervous hearing stories like Jamie's.... Thanks for your input!
Laura Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 You guys have the best attitude. In the middle of everything you have the mindset get that monkey in the pictures and have fun anyway. Good for you!!!
Joel Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 J & L: Team Schnauzer wishes you the best for a safe journey. Heidi and I were so pleased to meet you in person last night, and enjoy an evening with the Mile High Town Crew. I hope you two rolling ambassadors are well-rested for the next leg. I imagine Socko is too tired this a.m. to make much trouble.
randys Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 www.rvroadhelp.com . It is offered through KOA and Allstate. They will tow you as far as you need to go, including multiple tows, at no charge. As I understand the BMW plan, and most others, after a certain mileage you have to pay. as an example, a friend last year had his final drive eat itself at the Dragon, using the BMW towing plan, it cost him 300$ of his own money to get towed to Greenville bmw dealer. He wasnt happy with that! Someone else told me how they broke down, called rvroadhelp, they sent a tow truck out, hauled him 60 miles north to his hotel for the night, and the next day sent a second tow truck to tow him ANOTHER 60 miles further north to a dealer. All at no charge. I just signed up, it was 79$ for the first year, and covers any vehicle you are riding own. Probably even if you dont own it, lol.
SNC 1923 Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 J & L, Just to repeat, ad infinidum, you guys rock! How you turn a huge bummer into an entertaining and uplifting ride tale is truly instpirational and a good lesson for me, who tends to let things get to him. Speaking from years of experience, go ahead and spank that monkey. You'll feel a lot better.
BeanCounter Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 Jamie and Leslie it was an honor having you both in Boulder, Colorado. Great wine, great pasta, and great company!!! It was also somewhat nice meeting sock monkey. Next time your are in Boulder you will have to crash at my house. Enjoy the rest of the trip. Beancounter
Couchrocket Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 This is what I love about the both of ya...you can take a major breakdown and turn it into a fun ride tale! Second the notion. I've always said that figuring if the glass is half full, or half empty, depends on whether you're pouring, or drinkin'! You guys are definitely pouring -- good stuff into the lives of others! Cheers!
fenno Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 Update: Unstoppable road warriors left Boulder at 07:55 MDT headed for Colby KS (12:45CDT) and Kansas City (17:45 CDT) via I-70 in partly cloudy, 70's with light breeze behind. Sock Monkey happy to escape two aroused and confused Pugs who tried to establish said Monkey's orientation without success. It's Kansas all day , , , ... a long hard ride no matter which way you take it, but Maynard's motor is running and his rear end is freshly lubed and ready for every inch of that massive state. Kansas has issues.
ShovelStrokeEd Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 I-70 is gonna be a horrible run today. Massive system over the central part of the state and heading East. Its still raining lightly here in Manhattan and I expect a bit heavier on the way over. I'm leaving here in about an hour and heading to Topeka to pick up the S. Will meet the folks at Ken and Donna's place tonight or tomorrow morning if I wuss out this afternoon.
Ken H. Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 Ed, Yeah I feel for you and J & L both heading this way. I've been watching it on radar all day. It sucks. We've got a lull here at the movement but it isn't going to last.
ESokoloff Posted June 3, 2005 Posted June 3, 2005 Les & Jamie, I hope the rest of the trip is smooth for you guys with out any MONKEY business
Ken H. Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 Well Sock Monkey is fed up with this whole cushy RT thing, and upon arrival in KC is contemplating taking his little self over to the dirty side. Way to go monkey! Oh, and Jamie and Leslie arrived too. (The monkey says they don't count for much though other than a free ride. BAD monkey!)
brinkjm Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 Well Sock Monkey is fed up with this whole cushy RT thing, and upon arrival in KC is contemplating taking his little self over to the dirty side. Dirty, dirty Monkey. I knew he was a turncoat when he swapped an R-bike for the vicious K-Brick. Now it seems he's once again longing for the thump of the big twin. Monkey see...
Mike O Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 Oh, and Jamie and Leslie arrived too... Good deal...!! Hopefully dry now The Mile High Crew had a wonderful time together with them in Boulder and that silly monkey.(thanks Fenno) Regards, Mike O
Ken H. Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 After waiting out a heck of a morning storm, including one tornado in the area, Sock Monkey begrudgingly got back on a plain old RT and told Jamie and Leslie to quit being such wusses and get their arz's in gear. So they're out'a'here! Next stop, Indianapolis with John R. & Co. Ride well!
ittech Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I may have passed you guys by as I was in KS the same time... Riding in the crappy wind and the crappy rain and the crappy Colorado Patrol officer who popped me for my headlight modulator and a 7mph over in a 75. Then later it got dark and I was in Salina KS so I stopped. There were some people in the Hotel lobby watching TV and they were rather surprised to see a motorcycle come up in the pouring rain.
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