From Gust's Friend Sheldon:  Gust is off on his quest for the Holy Grail and won't be back for a fortnight so I'll be posting his e-mail missives here:

April 30, 2009
Mitchell, a bit further than Sioux Falls, but the rain had stopped for an hour or so. A few sprinkles before Austin, not enough to turn the windshield wipers on, (if one had windshield wipers) so was thinking traveling companions Samantha (Sam for short) and Tigre were bringing me better luck than Jerry. Alas it was not to be. Lottsa rain and blustery crosswinds in sw MN, but cleared somewhat, to steady mist upon entering SD - so pushed on to the home of the Corn Palace and historical marker of first ever campsite with Jerry.

Temps 40's and 50's so insured that motel had a working Jacuzzi. Visited grocery, bought potato, onions and carrots in bulk, oh yes garlic too, added all to hot tub and climbed in to soak my cold and weary bones. Hot stew for supper, mmmm good.

Brother in Vermont called to suggest some "must see sights" so will alter travels to include "10 Sleep Canyon". Only concern is now getting into area where mountain passes are listed with elevations and weather channel talks abut feet of snow in Montana Mt. Not quite so high here but eve 1 or 2 feet would be irritating. Will play all by ear (as usual) with head in clouds, feet on ground, etc in attempts to emulate a Albertville.

Not the good and hearty 8 meat, pancakes, waffles, French toast western complementary breakfast encountered at Scotts Bluff last year but trip still young.

High in upper 50s today as continue climbing but little rain predicted.  Continue to be quite happy with new helmet and Stitch stuff. What has broken thus far has only required duct tape, so sayeth no longer shiftless Gust.

TTFN - who do not know if next motel will have net access

April 30, 2009 12:30 p.m.
Hi Sheldon, Ruby Jenson reporting in. Gust just called, he is broken down about 30 miles from Murdo, So. Dakota. Awaiting the wrecker to come bail him out and haul he/rig to Murdo. I will report in later as bulletins arrive via his cell phone. If you want to give him any advice, his cell phone number is 715-###-####. He will see what his options are once he gets to Murdo. Ruby

From Sheldon:  Advice?  I'm not sure he'd want the advice I'd give him...  <evil grin>

April 30, 2009 7:30 p.m.
Well the day began as usual, the sun came up. On the rig 15 minutes later than planned, but who cares, "I'm retired".  Did note what seemed excessive carbon around exhaust ends and wondered about rings, carb settings and other things to look into upon return.  Day nice, high white clouds, sunny but horrendous sudden movements of the atmosphere from where it was to where it wanted to be.  30+ mph head and cross winds.

The first 20 or so miles was taken up by my usual worries.  Until quite warm the low oil light comes on and I always wonder if this time it is a true reading and I really am low.  However slowing to 45 it goes out as the oil sloshes and I remain confident that it will go off when the engine is fully warn - and it does.  Simultaneously note some clutch slippage at speeds above 55.  This also normal with cold engine when trying to accelerate too rapidly and it too eventually disappears, reinforcing my confidence.

Wind absolutely terrible, much worse that our trip, Jerry.  Must be all of them big fans recently built in SW Minnesota.  Anyway ran WOT (Wide-Open-Throttle) for virtually all miles today just to maintain 55 to 65 mph.  MPG whet to heck, fell to 15mpg and the previous worst was 18, mountain driving with Jim, when I had holes in both my diaphragms.

Trim repeatedly adjusted from extreme to extreme and was not unusual to hang off when in cross winds.  Passing 3 or 3 foot tall bridge railings resulted in 2 or 3 foot shift in lane as result of wind blockage.  Quickly learned to anticipate which side of lane to be in and to grip tank firmly with kneed and pucker up to the saddle when approaching such "windbrakes".

Suddenly engine died - quick survey - low gas light not on, did not inadvertently hit kill switch or turn key.  Remembering that last fill of tank fuel was to bottom of gas cap wondered about tank vacuum so flipped reserve switch and started flow from fuel cell - engine restarted immediately.  Felt proud of quick diagnosis and solution.

Really buffeted by winds- newly installed HP horn swiveled on bracket and Loctite® holding left mirror gave way, or so I thought.  Never really realized before, right-laner that I usually am, how blind one becomes w/o a left mirror.  Stopped at gas station for the usual 6.3 gallons @ 100 miles and mirror falls off, but I do manage to grab it.  Base of mirror had collected nuff hidden water to rust almost through and the wind did the rest.  Not the best with ground speed at 60 while air speed was 80 to 90.  Getting gas credit card did not work at pump so had to go inside - what next??  Velcro on ear plug holder did not stand the wind so chased cylinder around station lot before leaving.

Laughing to self about the string of trivial irritations of the last 3 hours and how would write about them - again feeling good about handling whatever the road could throw against me.

Engine died 60 miles down the pike - no fixes - fuel in tank, changed plugs, turns over but not start. Not sure about spark, cannot see spark when plug removed but do feel "tingle" when touching spark tingler.

Middle of SD plains - no one in sight - always wondered about Progressive Roadside Assistance - now know - and THAT IS A STORY IN ITSELF.

7 hours later I am at a motel in Pierre, South Dakota with a rented Chevrolet Cobalt, bright red; rig is at tow/car dealers shop.  We took it to the local Yammie dealer upon getting back in town only to find he was closed yesterday and today - could that be the last straw; have I used up all my bad luck for the year, will an earthquake swallow the motel tonight?

The trip continues, but for once sans motorcycle thus will have nothing of sidecar interest to report in the near future.

May 2, 2009
Gust sent this to the SKUNKtails group this evening:

Well, more or less off the road for a week, other than local sightseeing. Given the lack of 3 wheels (although I did get a couple of pictures of some unusual 3 wheelers today) perhaps this will become somewhat of a random thoughts/trip report with sidecars in the background.

Events that impinged on today's thoughts included: amoral live stock; guilt; snow; it can be lonely out here; 23 degrees at 9800+ feet: mountain passes; Wind River Canyon: bikers: gold toilet flusher; not up to public road specifications, travel at your own risk (what is a SKUNK to do?): PETA and Prolope: a good mountain rig?; $5 / mile to deliver cement; check out Wing and HOG tow coverage, if such is provided for an outsider; 28 basketball courts; other stuff floating around in there which will usually surfaces at the most unusual times.

Now for the hot springs, it 'tis earlier out here y'know.

Tired 0001
_______________________

From Sheldon:  Tonight I talked to Gust on the thing one holds to ear.  He doesn't expect any word on the bike till at the earliest Monday.

Forgot to ask him what a "Prolope" is.  Oh well...

Gust is off to Thermopolis, Wyoming for the next week, learning how to preserve dinosaur bones at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.  He is going to go out on a dig later in next week but for now he is learning to work on bones that have already been dug, cleaning minerals off bones, epoxy to make the bones intact, using dental drills, files and so forth.  He arrived there today, a day early and got to meet the director and got an impromptu tour and tomorrow he starts working in their volunteer program.

Soaked himself in the Thermopolis Hot Springs, mineral springs.  

He seems to be having fun and relaxation in spite of having to drive around in a cage.

May 4, 2009
Up at 6 , breakfast at 6:30 , followed by 20 minutes in hot springs Jacuzzi, during which 3 prolopes came over to see what all the fuss was about.

good way to start the day - this motorcycle touring is TOUGH!!!

Gust, of the Gold Plated bathroom fixtures

From Sheldon:  Also on the 4th we received this transmission from our very own "fringe element" which tries to explain the term "prolope":

May 9, 2009
Super 8 Casino, Deadwood.  Got great deal $69 room (double as no single available) asked for AARP which took it down to 62 and then as Virginia, from Illinois and I traded memory problems she took it down to 54 as long as only 1 bed used

Also got a coupon - if I go next door and give the nice people $10 they will give me $12 worth of stuff and iffen I stay playin' their games for at least an hour I git a free pizza

Kinda neat; I ain't never been in a place like this before ' they shor know how t'a treat a feller right, even git free beer and wine while playin' their silly little games.

Tomorrow evening will set for a spell an see bout writin' some more.

Gust, who has learned to CAREFULLY open soda bottles that were bottled in the low lands when in the high plains
 

May 12, 2009
You can't ride a motorcycle in the of a buffalo herd.  Know this for fact having been stopped for third time yesterday rather than attempt to claim right of way over them.

Bike problem solved with some frustrations and questions to the mechanics amongst us.  Fuel pump went out which was a concern when gave up the 750 for the 1100.  That is, 750 gravity fed, but not nuff power for traveling - 1100 more power but more stuff, such as fuel pump to fail (gravity never fails, according to the good Doctor E.)

Anyway, nice man at shoppe which dx and fixed it taught me that with the 5 gallon fuel cell mounted on high that all I had to do there, lonely, beside a desolate highway, was to connect the fuel cell to the carb feed, bypassing the fuel pump and I could have been back on the road in 3 minutes.  As it was 90 mile tow (only first 12 miles covered and car rental for 11 days.  Ah well learning 'tis never free, if you can read this, thank a teacher.

Question to those who know -- old fuel pump made noises as it should which led the nice man to diagnosis a ruined diaphragm rather than 'lectrical problem.  Given that on Butterfly Rally to NM, with Jim, I continually lost power especially at altitude; a later check revealed punctured carb diaphragms.  I wonder if they may be related (particles in the gas?) with the fuel pump failing later.  It seems, to my fertile imagination, that with the new pump the bike is running stronger than it has for a year or so.  Q:  do/can fuel pumps fail slowly over time?  Seems like they might, since that was experience with carb diaphragms.  2nd question:  since pump replacement I seem to be running rich (fertile imagination, remember) sleight stutter at low rpm and sooty plugs.  Would improved fuel pump/pressure feed more gas/enrich mixture and suggest carb adjustment?

All ideas appreciated.

On another note, surprised to learn how easy it 'tis to fix broken dino bones.  Kinda like years ago with 1st car (50 ford) or more recently the Friendship 1.  Clean rust, dirt, oil off and use bondo/glass

With dino first clean dirt and mud off using water, toothbrush and dental pick.  For harder stuff (rock) use air tools (chisel/hammer) and finally sandblast, using baking soda rather than sand.  A final toothbrush scrubbing, strengthen fragile parts of bone throughout above process and finally epoxy break.

May be relief for all rally attendees to know that if you were (un)fortunate 'nuff to break a leg at the rally I can fix it in above manner.  That is, first using tools available remove all stuff surrounding the bone, once bone reveled pull out the epoxy kit from my repair bag and, viola, your break is fixed.

The High Plains Drifter who specializes in femurs and vertebrae, but is now off to drive every paved (oh where is the Ural) road in Custer and most of them in the Black Hills.

May 13, 2009
Began when bike started with difficulty and then would not keep running at idle.  Thought must be cold and would improve when warmer.  After a mile or so (in town) no improvement and no power, so to road side where found one of the 2 cylinders cold.  Have read about fouled plugs but have never had one - but was concerned about "sooty" plugs (last message) so changed plug and solved problem.  Now, Gust of the sooty plugs wonders if fouled plugs can be cleaned or if I should just buy several extras (in addition to the ones I carry so as to get me hone by changing plugs as may be needed as old thumblefingered is not going to mess with carb adjustment so far from home or at altitude.  First, I might break something, second might have to readjust at lower altitudes.  Anyone know if higher altitude are likely to cause richer running and increase plug fouling?

With happy heart drove north to Custer to take he 8 mile "wildlife loop", where one drives amongst the wildlife.  Did stop to connect electric jacket which was on full blast for the rest of the day as temps ranges from high 30s to low 50s, depending on altitude.

However, power still variable and all the specters, known to bikers, but of which the general public is unaware of, crosses the mind. What is that noise, what does it mean, is the bike going to blow up, melt into a puddle of slag, will movable things stop, will stationery things go? Suddenly remembered forecast was for winds between 40-45 mph and once again was driving directly into headwinds, ones even stronger than before.  Sense of relief as bike running fine, just bucking heave winds (gale force? Jerry)

First encounter on the wildlife loop was with a solitary very, very, very large buffalo who wanted to cross the road in front of me.  Slowed and coasted until this critter of Blue Ox size ambled from the right to the left shoulder and then accelerated slowly to keep engine noise down.  Pulled almost abreast and lane width from this creature when he suddenly turned end for end and charged.  You know how we think "concepts" faster than "words" - in the "CONCERN STRICKEN" one and a half seconds (thank goodness those reaction time tests on the net are reasonably accurate) I went WOT (no time to shift to lower gear, realized that he just might miss my leg but would likely hit the back wheel area, wondered if could remain on the bike if the rear were violently shoved to the right and in the words of Capt. Scully, "Braced for impact".  A half a second later was past, with no contact and can only guess that as was moving away that he gave up the chase as out corner of eye saw him come to a stiff legged abrupt halt.  Gee, only 14 more miles to go on the loop ;-).  A couple of other meetings but none of such concern.  Having been chased by buffalo, twice before in Yellowstone I admit that on these travels I thoroughly dislike being chased.

On to the Iron Mountain Highway with its pig tail curl bridges and turns - many 10, 15 an 20 hair pins and even one 5 mph one.  On straightaways might get up to 35 before the next twist.  Got a view of Mt. Rushmore from high point and the hills behind the presidents looked disturbingly misty.  At Rushmore people were actually having trouble standing and walking. -- and then the mist appeared in the form of snow.  Fine, icy snow, driven by he 40+ mph winds. Chased for the second time today off Rushmore through more snow which as altitude lessened changes to sleet and hail, followed by rain- until that is left the valley to climb the next hill when process repeated.  Had been on rig 5 hours, getting tired so decided to skip Needles Highway (did it yesterday from other direction) , and being a devout and practicing coward also choose not to return via wildlife loop, so did Iron Mountain Hi way with its bridges ant tunnels from the reverse direction.

Away from precipitation and hills into high plains and stronger winds, much or the time cross winds.  For one stretch of 8 miles had trim set to extreme (lean in), hung off to right and kept speed between 25- 30 still being blown into opposing lane upon occasion.  Whenever met oncoming vehicle reduced speed to 20 - 24 mpg and drove half on right shoulder to compensate for wind.

Arms very tired - now fingers very tired - time for hot tub,

More later unhappily chased and happily chaste, 0001
 

May 14, 2009
Wayne said on the Skunktails mailing list:   Tomorrow (5/14) I will leave Sparta, WI at 2 pm and 6 hrs later turn-a-around in Mitchell, SD to return to Sparta before 2 am. 750 miles in less than 12 hrs is a trial for an attempt at 1500 miles in less than 24 hrs later this summer. Some would that is seriously stupid or Dimly Lit.

Gust replied:
Watch out for headwinds (it would be silly to watch in for them).  You may encounter the tail end of the following forecast which helps explain why saw a couple of people literally blown down Rushmore.

NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH... WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 60
MPH... WILL CONTINUE INTO EARLY THIS EVENING.  WINDS WILL QUICKLY
DIMINISH AFTER SUNSET.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS 40 MPH WINDS... OR GUSTS OVER 60 MPH...
ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.

However, once again, in the interest of political correctness (please see previous message suggesting replacing "antelopes" with "prolopes", may I humbly suggest avoiding the pejorative calling of names and replacing "Gusts" with "The Sudden Desire Of Portions Of The Atmosphere To Quickly Be Elsewhere" or " TSDOPOTATQBE" for short.

Gust, who simply do not unnerstand Albertville, BUT thinks Kevin is much smarter than looks and now had a life time supply of spark plugs and will fiddle with carbs upon his return.

Later on May 14, 2009:
Deals Gap IRON MOUNTAIN HIWAY
Length 11 miles 17 miles
Curves 318 314
Switchbacks 0 14
Pigtail Bridges 0 3
Tunnels 0 3
Burros 0 15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGQTIlKFkh4

Plus the added attraction of wonderful scenery and the possibility of running into prolopes and buffalo on the way to and from.

To which Albertville Al replied:
I remember that road well. Many years ago, I covered the length of
it with an Army Corp of Engineers Unit inspecting tunnels and
bridges. There are some really intricate and unique bridge designs.
It took some time to evaluate them because of the complexiy of the
pier heads and truss structures. I seem to recall that there were
several tunnels that framed Mt. Rushmore as you passed through them.
It really is a spectacular piece of roadway.

To which Gust replied:
Yup, the designer planned it so that 3 of the tunnels face Mt Rushmore and frame the presidents faces. That is, traveling in a SW to NE direction. If however you start at the other end of the Hiway and travel from NE to SW all you see is the back of their heads.

And, FWIW, Albertville, you certainly must have made an impression on the burros while you were there, they remember you well, and even have some offspring named after you.

Gust, who wonders who is upstream of the other

 

May 16, 2009 8:41 a.m.
Began yesterday with visit to where hope to find Fluffy when lost him some years ago and also earn my "Junior Paleontologist " rating. http://www.mammothsite.com/default.htm  Met the fellow in charge of casting who will show me what to do after I epoxy your broken leg.  Nice guy despite his background - USN ret. Initially Sad Diego based and you know what them gobs are like.

Then on to daily ride.  In saddle for 5.5 hours, covered 124 miles, 80 of which were at 45 - 65 mph speeds, the remainder on mountain twisties, which may suggest the nature of the roads.  Admittedly did stop for pictures -have over 700 so far and promise not to bring then to Rally :-)s.  Flatlander has to get used to leaving under clear sunny sky and 40 miles later encountering snow.  That is till looked up Hot Springs at 3514 ft above sea level and Rushmore at 5659 ft above.  Amazed at what a difference of a couple of thousand feet make.

Others waiting for lobby terminal so stories of whys and wherefores of another slinkinaway, tail between legs, from a very large buffalo herd, the prolopes, rattle snake and prairie dogs will have to wait for tonight

TTFN 0001

May 16, 2009 3:47 p.m.
Given the following:  Tom starts hearing "rubbing sounds" from the front wheel in Custer and after 40 miles and arriving in Hot Springs the sounds are both louder and more of a metal on metal scraping sound:

John of the only auto parts shoppe open Saturday afternoon says there is no one in town that works on bikes:

Rapid City, with the closest Yamaha shoppe is 60 miles away

Gust wonders if a rig might make it to Rapid City or of a bearing will melt down fuse the wheel/axle and cause significantly more consternation?

and so it goes

Did however, among the many and varied experiences of the day see 2 rare beasties - both a black and a white 3 toed Ural Petrol, first of the 3 toed type seen so far

And Sheldon says:  I don't want to hear any more about undependable Urals when the UJM seems to leave pieces along your route like little kids leaving a trail of bread crumbs in the woods.
(UJM = Universal Japanese Motorcycle)

May 17, 2009
Tom Harper Said:
I believe on this politically correct trip they are referred to as "prolopes" rather than the negative sounding "antelopes".
It probably doesn't matter much what they're called if you hit one with the hack. They looked smaller than deer to me but I'll bet they can still do some damage to the rig.
Good luck with the wheel. Hope you weren't on a tight schedule.
Tom

And Greg Fehr wrote:
I would have expected that, with GPS in hand, Gust would have had his
bearings in complete control.
00juan

Gust responded:
One thing have learned, Tom, is that when traveling no schedule can be tight, there are always unexpected expenses and a reserve of cash/travelers' checks is essential.  As in case of returning from Nova Scotia a few years ago, when "black out" hit east coast and credit cards were useless for 3-4 days.

Nother reason why I always carry stove, sleeping bag n' stuff.

As turns out, a few miles on shoe leather and I found an occupied, but closed for the day import auto shop and arranged to have it fixed Monday.  Given commitment to classes did not want to take time to order parts and do work on own, which thanks to all the good advice, think I would have tried if was not constrained by class schedule and also getting back in time for the social event of the year.

Greg, although bearings may be loose, have not lost any marbles to this point.

This trip somewhat fragmented ;-) so trip report have been inconsistent - will write up a more complete summary upon return.

FWIW, began with good front tire that will now need to be replaced upon return. 2 changed variables - new leading link and mountain roads

Have not heard of tire life reduction with leading link so must figure it was the twisties.

One of these days may find the Wizard, Dorthy 0001

May 18, 2009
Phone call: Jim of Jim'd Auto " Hi Gust, say the bearings are pressed in place and I've got the bearings but not the tools to install them.  Can you take the wheel to the Yamaha Shop in Rapid City so they can install the bearings?"

Gust: "There us no place to rent a car in Hot springs is there?"  Gust knows the answer is "No" having previously checked.

Jim confirms:  "No, no place to rent a car here"

Gust thinks to hisself:  "Well if bike worked could get to Rapid City to get bearings installed or to rent a car so I could return to Hot Springs get the wheel, take it to Hot Springs, get the wheel, take it to Rapid City for installation of bearings, return to Hot Springs, have wheel installed and now have 2 vehicles in Hot Springs, one of which has to be returned to Rapid City, where with luck could catch a south bound buffalo to Hot Springs and get back to bike.

Gust who wonders how to get the chickens across the river without being eaten by the fox

May 19, 2009
This morning the coffee pot in the room broke.
Joe Btslepfeck

Fred said:
Of course someone had to explain to us who Joe Btslepfeck is and Fred stepped in:
It was a sad day for sure when Al Capp hung up his inks.  Have you noticed that the P.C. Nazis have driven ALL the good comic strips out of the newspapers?
The Al Capp site http://www.lil-abner.com/other.html  says the little guy with the personal thunderstorm is called Joe Btfsplk.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

Wayne said:
Will Gust ever make it make home to the loving arms of Ruby? Or will Gust be forever stranded in the badlands of the old west? Forever traveling while looking for replacement parts for his rig. And mechanics to perform the fixes. Is this a time warp? Or somethingy else? Wwill he find more prolopes, antelopes, or even cantaloupe? Will he elope?

May 20, 2009
COFFEE POT FIXED!!!!!
Dudket Doright, Editor, Goodtimes News

Greg Fehr said:
Translation . . . Gust can now again enjoy the "liquid bearings" of the
processed, dried, roasted, and ground coffee "cherry" of the coffee tree.
Or, we can add to the list that he is now . . . berry-ing!
00juan(valdez)
who's burro has never plod thru South Dakota

Jerr said:
Did you see the movie, "Groundhog Day"?

 

May 21, 2009
Well folks, excitement runs rampant here at the Holiday Inn Express tonight in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

110 members of MSNBC and the Weather Channel appeared, the team of "Vortex 2", arrived to chase tornados. They are in process of checking and rechecking the tank-like vehicle they intend to drive into a tornado- it 'tis quite a vehicle.

Gust, who wonders if they know something he do not know.

Sheldon wonders if Gust remembers the last time we saw "Storm Chasers"?  We'd just pulled into Sibley Iowa on our way to visit the Motorvation Sidecar factory http://www.motorvation.com/ when we passed a couple of Storm Chaser vehicles.  We looked at each other with terror on our faces but soldiered on to the factory for our tour.  When we left for home a couple of hours later we hit the worst downpour I'd ever seen in my life and it went on for 150 miles of hydroplaning and white-knuckled driving.  Never saw the tornados but the radio said they were all around us.

May 24, 2009
Well after 720 miles, or so, and 13 and a half hours, or so, have arrived home to be welcomed by loving wife and the Katz. Would have made it quicker but I am old, stopped to smell the roses along the way and encountered some interesting turns (see picture).

Tired and stiff, Gust who 'tis glad to be home

Check out Gust's version of events

Home  | Introduction  |   Adventures  |  Bikes  |  Fun stuff  |  Photo albums  |  Weird stuff