2018-06-28<\/p>\n
Last minute work on the bike almost cancelled the trip.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I was doing some last minute stuff, such as changing coolant, brake pads etc. I was rolling the bike out of the garage, without the side bags or plastic parts on. I lost control of it and it fell away from me. Landed on a downward hill, so the tank was lower than the wheels. Normally I would grab the front wheel and drag the bike around until it was at a more favorable angle but the radiator was sitting on a concrete slab, right on the corner. It did not get damaged, and only pushed a little out of place, but dragging the bike would likely have permanently damaged it. Without the bags, at that angle, there was no way I was going to raise the bike. SO I put a jack under it, and raised it far enough to muscle it the rest of the way. If my bags were on it, I could have easily raised it, even at that weird angle. I am glad I did not break anything, because there is no time to get parts if a major repair is necessary.<\/p>\n
When I was replacing the rear brake pads, there is a small plug that needs to be unscrewed. Sure enough, it was jammed and had to be drilled out. Yet another thing that would be tough to do on the road. I cannot get the part, but can do without it or jury rig something.<\/p>\n
I ordered parts over a month ago. Some were for spares, some were for general maintenance. I had given up on the last of the parts coming in. I got a call on Thursday, the rest of my parts came in today. Even the front fender, which is needed to replace my cracked one.<\/p>\n
Scary doing last minute work. Even a minor problem can become a big issue just before a trip. I have a solid time limit, since I have to leave Monday morning for Canada<\/p>\n
As for plans, I only have the first two nights in Germany planned. My current thinking is to spend a few weeks moving slowly through Germany, then start heading towards Scandinavia later in July. I still have not decided whether to bring a tent or to buy one there. Scandinavia is best done with a fair amount of camping, but I really don’t want to camp more than necessary, and I do not want to bring a lot of gear that I won’t use much right away.<\/p>\n
Bob L<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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