I was relishing in this fact during some of the peak riding weather earlier this summer. I had just booked all of the Wednesdays of August with the Action Riders doing their Meet n Greets at a place called the Dew Bolt In , sort of in my back yard so to speak.
When all of a sudden I was bombarded with the same question.
Aren't you going to Sturgis?
I had been so impressed with the fact that I was booked to play music that I hadn't given Sturgis any thought or consideration .
This would be my Twenty Third year if I were to go out of the past Twenty Five or since 1992.
My O1 Eagle (a.k.a. 2001 Electra-Glide Classic) was needing a few things done to it . I started a check list of what it had to have done to it before I could go. Giving the fact that if it were too much to accomplish or if I couldn't finish the list then I'd have to skip going this year.
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The Four Thief's |
As time went on I took care of the things my "O1 Eagle needed. Including replacing a front brake disk with a new chrome one and adding new front brake pads. Doing a complete servicing along with adding a new tire on the rear wheel.
I had a rear brake light spoiler that had been on the tour pac several years ago. I wanted to add it back on for safety sake if nothing else. Had to borrow my sons drill and made several trips to get it but finally did manage to get the rear brake light spoiler on and got it working.
Next was the music. I had my hands full and wanted two separate nights worth of material set up and ready to go along with the song lyric sheets in the order and completed that task
Last but not least was to have the bike packed and road ready the night before the gig so I could virtually take off on it once I got home.
The original plan was to leave after the second Wednesday on the night of August 9th. I had even planned to have laid down and tried to get some sleep in the early afternoon before the gig but failed at it miserably. I could not sleep a wink. Instead after playing that night and unloading the equipment I was exhausted. Falling to sleep without a second thought.
Waking up early I had my doubts and feared what might happen along the way if the bike broke down. Reluctant but I denied my fears. It was 6:15am when the tires rolled onto the pavement, it was also a bit cooler than normal for a ride in early August.
There were only two things that I really wanted to do if I did decide to go to Sturgis. I would have to make up my mind. One was to ride the Harley Davidson Demo's and get a much better idea of what my next bike might be. I would be planning on asking a lot of questions.
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| The 2017 Road 'Glide "Special" with Stage 1 kit |
The other thing I had wanted to do was to return to the place formerly known as Harney Peak but
recently renamed Black Elk Peak. It is the highest point in the Black Hills and a significant place where Crazy Horse had spent much of his time. It had been more than 20 years since I had hiked it and felt the need to do it again especially because there had been a fire since my last time there.
recently renamed Black Elk Peak. It is the highest point in the Black Hills and a significant place where Crazy Horse had spent much of his time. It had been more than 20 years since I had hiked it and felt the need to do it again especially because there had been a fire since my last time there.
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Along the way of what ended up being a SEVEN MILE hike through a washout gulley of a trail. |
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I had a lot of concerns about taking it to Sturgis this summer, especially during the triple digit days and when the temperatures were 95*f and above, It was then I would hear more upper end rattle. I even thought it might be internal piston slap especially while stopped at a light or stop sign.
Those concerns were wiped away when my mechanic buddy Butch had demonstrated to me with the engine running. By using a hammer pressed the handle against the exhaust pipe which revealed it was nothing more than a broken hose clamp tab. A new hose clamp over the heat shield made for a easy fix.
Once out on the Interstate the O1 Eagle seemed to want to speed up and take off on its own. It was running faster than I was comfortable with. It was my intention to be taking a slower and perhaps longer trip getting to Sturgis because of this but the bike and my schedule both had other plans.
Because of the unusually cooler temps the motor continued to run noticeably quieter and without the excessive rattles. It seemed to be unaffected by its own high mileage wear as well.
I had a lot of concerns about taking it to Sturgis this summer, especially during the triple digit days and when the temperatures were 95*f and above, It was then I would hear more upper end rattle. I even thought it might be internal piston slap especially while stopped at a light or stop sign.
Those concerns were wiped away when my mechanic buddy Butch had demonstrated to me with the engine running. By using a hammer pressed the handle against the exhaust pipe which revealed it was nothing more than a broken hose clamp tab. A new hose clamp over the heat shield made for a easy fix.
Once out on the Interstate the O1 Eagle seemed to want to speed up and take off on its own. It was running faster than I was comfortable with. It was my intention to be taking a slower and perhaps longer trip getting to Sturgis because of this but the bike and my schedule both had other plans.
Because of the unusually cooler temps the motor continued to run noticeably quieter and without the excessive rattles. It seemed to be unaffected by its own high mileage wear as well.
As I travelled I remembered and missed my brother in the wind Butch Clayton. Besides being my mechanic he had also been a riding companion for many years on these trips. He hadn't made it to Sturgis with me for the past three years now. Riding alone you do make better time, however there is something to be said about having someone else with you and all its benefits.
Little by little the O1 kept creeping up its speed and as I listened to it in the cool morning the motor sounded as strong as ever, so I went ahead and let it run its own pace. It was as if it wanted to go faster, as if it wanted to show me or to prove it to being just as strong as it ever had been. Thinking back it had never let me down. It was stronger and could keep going longer than I could.
There were moments along the way when semi-tractor trailer trucks would jump out to pass one another once they seen my headlights in their rear view mirrors. It was about the only thing that really slowed me down any at all but only for that moment. It were as if to let the Harley's motor catch its breath and then whoosh back to its increasing break neck pace.
When I reached the state line of South Dakota it was then that I started noticing I wasn't passing quite as many vehicles as before . But then it accord to me once I seen the speed limit posted at 80mph .
Realizing it could be late before I would be rolling into Sturgis I decided to reach out to Larry the buddy who I would be staying while in Sturgis. Knowing he'd be working the Rally I left him a text message thinking he would respond back before I would have to stop for fuel the next time.
It was a long time between piss breaks awaiting the next gas stop. I finally got a call back from Larry
while refueling in the town of Wasta, South Dakota about an hour from Sturgis.
There was still some daylight as I pulled into town 9:15 pm St. Louis time.
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The next morning. |
It hadn't dawned to me at the time but I had done 983 miles in 15 hours flat. It was the quickest I had ever ridden there before.
The next morning I headed for the Harley Davidson Demo rides and took out a 2017 Road Glide Ultra very similar to the one in the photo below but in Blue. I had gone through the required paper work on the computer and stayed the course on the Demo route but was very discouraged with the radio since it wouldn't lock in on any of the other stations that I wanted it to play.
Once back I called the techs over who still couldn't get it to play correctly.
In the mean time I had spoke with several of the workers there while waiting , telling them of the miles on my O1 and how I was determining what would be my next ride. When one of them said I would be a candidate for a VIP Ride.
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The 2017 Road Glide Ultra water & oil cooled |
I was sent to speak with one of top Harley Davidson Techs and after a short discussion was told I could ride whatever bike I would desire. That they would take me out into the Black Hills and allow me to ride it the way I ride.
The VIP Ride would be about a 100 miles and that they would pick up the tab for dinner, and answer any and all questions I might have. When they mentioned food I knew then I was in.
I hadn't ever ridden a Limited before and had questions about it also since I was keeping an open mind it was my choice for the VIP ride.
I hadn't ever ridden a Limited before and had questions about it also since I was keeping an open mind it was my choice for the VIP ride.
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The 2017 Limited while out on the VIP Ride. |
The VIP Ride was to start about 11am with having to do some additional paper work over the computer. I really didn't have time to go back to Larry's for any additional riding gear other than what I was wearing at the time.
We went down into a section of the Black Hills I had NOT ever ridden and it was one of the very best rides I can ever remember. We had a few slower bikes and even a Trike that slowed our group for a few miles but when the roads cleared we opened them up and the ride was incredible.
We made a pit stop took a few photos and then went right back to riding. It was just started to rain as we got behind a logging truck coming down into Deadwood. We parked the bikes and walked about a block to a casino that had a restaurant upstairs.
We had Steak Tips for an appetizer and each of us ordered the half a rack of BBQ Ribs that virtually fell off the bone. It was very fine and I know it had to be a very expensive meal.
I knew the Limited wasn't for Me. Although similar to what I currently have, there was just not enough of the new of what I wanted . I was more impressed with the Road Glide Special the Tech was riding and our discussion was more of the comparisons between it and the Road Glide Ultra.
We spent about an hour in the restaurant/casino and could see from the lights dimming that it stormed and rained hard for a good while there before the sky lightened up. When we decided to head out it was still raining as we walked back to the parking lot.
Everyone else started putting on their rain gear. Alligators over their shoes, Rain pants and rain suits. All I had was My vest my sleeveless gloves and my modular full face helmet.
What I thought was rather ironic was as soon as we got on the bikes and even before we had left that parking lot it didn't rain another drop from there at Deadwood all the way back to Sturgis.
Still not convinced I returned back to the Harley Davidson Demo rides the next morning. Taking out a Road Glide Special with a stage 1 kit. This time the radio worked just fine and I enjoyed the extra performance feature.
It was Sunday morning when I got up early and rode way deep into the Black Hills to and area called Black Elk Wilderness just inside Custer State Park/ There was a 10 dollar fee to be able enter where I then parked and hiked the trail to Black Elk Peak.
I met up with a guy named Steve Cribbs who was an avid cyclist and hiker who helped me with keeping pace or I don't think I could of made it to the top and or back with him
I took a good fall roughly a mile away from the parking lot on the way back and done some damage to my right wrist left thumb and banged up my right knee. All I know is, I don't think I will be doing this again.
According the GPS that Steve wore it was a total of 7 miles round trip. I have to say it was the worst washed out gulley of a trail I can ever remember being on. Erosion from the fire might of contributed to it but I wouldn't wish this hike on anyone.
It was Monday morning when I started packing up and I said my goodbyes to Larry and left out about 10 am St Louis time. Stopping down town at the Harley Dealership to buy a Quart of Syn 3 and noticed I had snapped off the dip stick. I added about half the quart and started the trek homeward.
It wasn't too far outsided of Sturgis when I hit another milestone ...
We made a pit stop took a few photos and then went right back to riding. It was just started to rain as we got behind a logging truck coming down into Deadwood. We parked the bikes and walked about a block to a casino that had a restaurant upstairs.
We had Steak Tips for an appetizer and each of us ordered the half a rack of BBQ Ribs that virtually fell off the bone. It was very fine and I know it had to be a very expensive meal.
I knew the Limited wasn't for Me. Although similar to what I currently have, there was just not enough of the new of what I wanted . I was more impressed with the Road Glide Special the Tech was riding and our discussion was more of the comparisons between it and the Road Glide Ultra.
We spent about an hour in the restaurant/casino and could see from the lights dimming that it stormed and rained hard for a good while there before the sky lightened up. When we decided to head out it was still raining as we walked back to the parking lot.
Everyone else started putting on their rain gear. Alligators over their shoes, Rain pants and rain suits. All I had was My vest my sleeveless gloves and my modular full face helmet.
What I thought was rather ironic was as soon as we got on the bikes and even before we had left that parking lot it didn't rain another drop from there at Deadwood all the way back to Sturgis.
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Similar to my Dream Machine minus the tour pac |
Still not convinced I returned back to the Harley Davidson Demo rides the next morning. Taking out a Road Glide Special with a stage 1 kit. This time the radio worked just fine and I enjoyed the extra performance feature.
It was Sunday morning when I got up early and rode way deep into the Black Hills to and area called Black Elk Wilderness just inside Custer State Park/ There was a 10 dollar fee to be able enter where I then parked and hiked the trail to Black Elk Peak.
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Up top on the Fire tower look out platform at Black Elk Peak |
I took a good fall roughly a mile away from the parking lot on the way back and done some damage to my right wrist left thumb and banged up my right knee. All I know is, I don't think I will be doing this again.
According the GPS that Steve wore it was a total of 7 miles round trip. I have to say it was the worst washed out gulley of a trail I can ever remember being on. Erosion from the fire might of contributed to it but I wouldn't wish this hike on anyone.
It was Monday morning when I started packing up and I said my goodbyes to Larry and left out about 10 am St Louis time. Stopping down town at the Harley Dealership to buy a Quart of Syn 3 and noticed I had snapped off the dip stick. I added about half the quart and started the trek homeward.
It wasn't too far outsided of Sturgis when I hit another milestone ...
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I refuse to believe its over its always been cheaper to keep her |
It didn't seem to register with me on the way back as I locked the throttle once more at 80mph. I was running it even harder than I had on the way up. Doing the same stops for fuel and being more time conscience.
I had made it into Missouri but was too tired to continue on through the darkness of the night and felt it best to sack out and finish the ride the next morning.
I had made it into Missouri but was too tired to continue on through the darkness of the night and felt it best to sack out and finish the ride the next morning.
When I awoke and got up starting home the bike acted up. It had a miss and wouldn't stay running when at an idle. The oil indicator light had stayed on and the oil pressure was down, so I added the last of the Quart I had bought for it and limped it in on home.
It was a few days later after before I took the O1 Eagle over to my buddy Butch . He had gone to get the tools and had handed Me a cable tool to fish for the broken dipstick and I caught it after only a few try's .
We done a compression test on it. But it only confirmed to us what we already knew. The motor was tired. It would need a major top end overhaul. Butch had several otther bikes to work on ahead of mine and I dreaded having to stop riding this early in the season even though I had another motorcycle a
O6 Night Rod . It just wasn't the same.
There were too many miles and too many memories as well as too many spare parts to be letting the O1 go. But the diagnosis's was depressing to say the least.
I heard talk from others who said and I quote. "Cut your losses and get a new bike"
The more I thought about it the more it made sense to me. It was time and it just hadn't made itself apparent until now.
Having completed the Sturgis trip the O1 had completed its task and it done exceptional. I'm thankful to have made it back but feared this may be a premature ending of an era.
Change is always hard, but easier to accept when you know its change for the better. the O1 let me know it was done, at least for now.
We done a compression test on it. But it only confirmed to us what we already knew. The motor was tired. It would need a major top end overhaul. Butch had several otther bikes to work on ahead of mine and I dreaded having to stop riding this early in the season even though I had another motorcycle a
O6 Night Rod . It just wasn't the same.
There were too many miles and too many memories as well as too many spare parts to be letting the O1 go. But the diagnosis's was depressing to say the least.
I heard talk from others who said and I quote. "Cut your losses and get a new bike"
The more I thought about it the more it made sense to me. It was time and it just hadn't made itself apparent until now.
Having completed the Sturgis trip the O1 had completed its task and it done exceptional. I'm thankful to have made it back but feared this may be a premature ending of an era.
Change is always hard, but easier to accept when you know its change for the better. the O1 let me know it was done, at least for now.
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We are all given choices in life, I truly have been blessed. May you all be at peace with your choices and may the wind blow the cobwebs from any of your troubled minds.
I don't believe this is the end for my O1 Eagle. But there is changes brewing.
Until the next time may the Great Spirit be with you...
I don't believe this is the end for my O1 Eagle. But there is changes brewing.
Until the next time may the Great Spirit be with you...
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The before picture of my DREAM MACHINE changes are still coming.... |
