Mr Information

It's with a sad heart to hear the news that my friend Larry Vissia from Sturgis, SD has passed away Thursday March 30th, 2023.

 Larry made an impact not only on me but with everyone who knew him.

 A schoolteacher while in Newell, SD Larry generosity could only be matched by his hospitality. 

It is because of Larry I was able to afford to go to the Sturgis Rally for many years. Saving on the cost and the aggravation of camping in what sometimes would be rather server weather known to take place during the Rally. 

Larry would often work during the Sturgis Rally and for several years was in charge of running a crew doing security for vendors in a large section downtown. He would stay and sack out in a small camper in that area during the rally while Butch and I and sometimes others would keep an eye on and would have the run of the place in his Trailer home in Newell. Often taking Larry and his crew out, treating them to dinner in Deadwood for our stay.

Several years ago, when Larry sold his place in Newell, he moved into a apartment in Sturgis. During the Rally we changed from Security and went to work at Sturgis Headquarter at their Information desk.  I teased him as being Mr. Information. He was really  in his element. 

Larry and I shared many conversations, He was very impressed with the stories I had written and published and was a hell of a cook when it came to breakfast.

Although we were on opposite sides of some issues like Football and politics those never seem to come up 

Larry was no biker, but I did have him ride with me once years back.

 

I can never say enough about someone who touched and was a part of so many lives, and I know he will be missed.  I am fortunate to have been able to call him My Friend

God bless Larry See you in the next life.

It Could Happen To You

 Sometimes you think your invincible. I know bikers are of a different breed. We take chances out there in the real world every day we ride. There is always that chance that ride might be your last. A realization that's not that far off. It's called living.

 

I know I have been blessed and have gotten to ride many miles. But there is always a cost.  You hear the sayings. Its not "IF", you are ever in an accident,  it's when.

I've had all kinds of accidents,  Dumped my '85 on a backwards  S turn on  Antire Road near Crazy Horse Ranch back in '93. It left me with a herniated disc, that I am still having some difficulty in dealing with.

Later I would go on to rebuild that same motorcycle. Riding it nearly 75,000 miles before finally trading it in on my first New Harley-Davidson. 

Since back then I continued my summer vacations riding to Sturgis, South Dakota every year for 20 years straight. Have done several more since.

Took weeks of training on becoming a MSF (Missouri Safety Foundation) and a week of additional training as a Harley-Davidson Riders Edge to be a Safety Instructor.  .

There were Two, yes two times that I have had collusions with Deer.  And in both cases had kept the bike up in both instances.  My O1 Harley has been totaled  at least twice but as I have said many times before its cheaper to keep her.

Oh I know many would say I was lucky, But the fact is, as I said before, I am Blessed.

As I look to my future and wonder what it may be like, I am considering rethinking my choices and perhaps a "Do Over" for my next Road Glide.

All I am saying is,  regardless of all my riding experience, The hundreds of thousands miles I've ridden and all the training I've had including additional training I've taken with Metro.  There is always a fluke a chance that something can go wrong.  

We may not have another tomorrow. Every time you go for a ride, you may not be coming home. And just as a reminder... Be prepared to meet your Maker.

It's not been determined yet ,which route I will go. If I fix the damage or let it go, I keep all the options open.  But its times like now that I have to reflect.  

There are still those out there that need to be reminded.  Signal your intent, WE the ones on two wheels are not mind readers.  

LOOK before you make a turn and keep your eyes open.

Stay off your Cell phones 

and for God Sakes QUIT TEXTING while you drive.

For those of you on TWO WHEELS be prepared for those that don't see you.

Just saying from experience...

The Annual First Ride

(by Stix Douglas)

I could see my breath as I took my first few steps outside, heading towards the polebarn. At least the wind was calm were my thoughts, as I took a firm grasp of the hand-grips.  I squeezed the front brake lever and threw my leg over to mount the old Harley. Slowly bending down to turning on the petcock and pulled on the choke before reaching to flip the switch on the ignition. Pausing for a moment before touching the starter button.

It is at that very instant, that very moment that I was caught in a deja' vu'.

I had been doing this for so many years now and yet there were so few others that would even know today's importance and even fewer to be following in my footsteps.

This was more than just a tradition. The anticipation and anxieties had been building for months as I had waited savoring the moment to take this first all-important ride. It wasn't just another trip down to the local grocery store. Nope, it was something more, much more significant.
Today would be that special day when I would take my motorcycle out for its annual non-sanctioned event known as the First Ride of the Year.

Why would that be so special? You might ask? What is it that makes experienced and traditional bikers solemn and refer to it as the most important ride of the year with such a reverence? It’s because they know the importance of it and know it’s a ritual.

Just then my thumb pressed the starter button. The engine roars to life. Thunder echoed inside the metal building. But it was like music to my ears as I sat there enjoying the sound for a moment. Quickly giving the throttle another twist, my mind lost all consciences of any problems as my mind cleared of other thoughts.

After carefully backing the bike out of the building and waiting a few minutes I pushed the choke back in allowing the engine to idled down into its putting mode. The low RPM lobbing was pleasant. It was the sound that once you heard it you knew it was the work of a finely tuned machine.


Releasing the grips, I pulled my sunglasses out of  my leather coat, and put them on. The skies were clear and it was bright and sunny, making for a beautiful day for this years first ride..

Pulling out from my gravel drive onto the highway.  I enjoyed twisting the throttle a little further to feel the acceleration.  The power and wind thrust me backwards into the seat. I couldn't help it as my face nearly froze with a smile.  I enjoyed running the bike through its gears, taking full advantage of it.

Braving the elements for a ride is very refreshing and exhilarating. I even find it very rewarding at times. Plus it does wonders for my outlook as well as for my own mental sanity, and well-being.

Nowadays organized rides like Polar Bear Runs seem to have taken precedence from some of the impact and previous years popularity by confusing many. But those events have different reasons for their existence then the underlying principle for this annual ride.

I have always participated in the traditions that I have grown up with especially those concerning "old school and riding".   I am reminded why so many motorcyclists are out riding so early in the year usually without the best of riding conditions.


Many years ago I vaguely remember a event that took place on a very cold and snowing day, long before I had even started riding. I overheard a wise crack made from a non-riding store clerk to a biker who had just come in from riding in the freezing cold. Sarcastically he asked him how he enjoyed his ride. The biker upstaged him by his response as he paused for a moment, gathered his composure, and very calmly answered:” Well… I didn't have to take out my tool kit so I guess that’s a good thing.”  The Biker then cracked a crooked smile, having said all that needed to be.

Moments like that were what got me to want to ride. You would just have had to of been there to have understood the impact and what it meant. That kind of passion for riding any day, whether it was cold or not was better than to not have rode any at all.

The majority of new two wheeled riding enthusiasts won’t have any idea what this ride is, or what it is all about. Many of them will never experienced it. Instead they continue to keep their bikes in storage, hibernating. But not me, I enjoy an occasional winter ride even if it’s only for a few miles.

Rolling on down the highway as I was making my way to the store I began thinking of all the others who would NOT be so lucky. Those that wait miss out on the thrill.

Those who are serious about motorcycling as I am know that it’s NOT about what brand or whatever make or model you have. It’s NOT the distance you ride that day or how cold it is, or even if you ride by yourself or with a group of others.
It is that first ride of the year that gives everyone the opportunity to start their bikes up and at least check off some of their maintenance concerns.
What it IS about is the connection between you and your bike. Its  the time to take notes and to arrange what it might need.  It is the time to plan ahead . Perhaps order parts and to take care of what may have been overlooked or that's been put off to have worked on.

Leaving the store after putting the groceries in the saddlebag I began thinking to myself…. Its not superstition to know your machine well enough to feel you are one with it. Your life and others depend on it. It’s a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly.

I enjoyed leaning into the turns but I was also saddened as I slowly pulled back into my driveway. I might have to wait a long time before there would be any decent warmer weather for a longer ride.

Pulling the motorcycle carefully back into it's resting place, I flipped out its side-stand, while quickly running through its shutdown procedure before stepping off it. After removing the groceries from the saddlebags I assessed the ride.

The first ride after the New Year is always magical if not memorable. The satisfaction of getting out there riding this early in the year made me feel as if there is a lot of hope and optimism for an even longer riding season.

“I had really enjoyed my ride and I knew I will have a tremendous year ahead of me.” I can’t remember when that it had gone any better. I was elated by the facts, my riding skills were still intact, and I was feeling even more confident, looking forward to the challenges of the New Year. .But more importantly, I will not have to worry about getting out a tool bag when the "Prime Riding Season"  comes, because my motorcycle will be ready to ride.

Best of luck to all of you on your, “Years First Ride”. According to mine, I’ll be out on the road trouble free this year, will you?

Letting GO

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I have always been one having issues with letting go. 

 Too determined or too stubborn or too stupid to cut my losses and back away.

My dad once said I was like a dog with a bone.  Cause once I sunk my teeth into whatever it was 

 I wouldn't let it go.  I believe there was more than a little truth to that.

There are places in my life that I have been to and returned from time to time.  Seeming as if I never left or that it was another life, I had lived in a world away. Sturgis is one of those places. 

Returning often feels like I never left it. Of course, it was the mecca the thing that I pursued, and if I would go again, it would be my Twenty Fifth Rally.

There are some mornings and some days that start out like any other. With it being summertime the thoughts of riding to Sturgis had been on my mind. Especially since it had been a couple years.

 I'd missed the 80th Rally because of all the covid bullshit. Instead, I decided to take off and went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the Harley Davidson Museum. But that's another story complete with photos.

The following year there was the death of my youngest brother Paul. That kept me from wanting to go anywhere.

My 'O1 Harley had continued to develop several issues over the years and a few more during that time.

  I felt these issues really needed to be addressed before I would take off. Its road worthiness was becoming questionable.

The tranny had been a problem with it constantly popping out of first gear for more than a decade.  It had made it difficult when parading.  It was also difficult when pulling out from a complete stop like at a traffic light and up there, it would continue to be a problem.

Yeah, I think it's time for a tire

I had tried to make arrangements in getting it taken care of with a complete transmission replacement prior to leaving but it never materialized.

 It would be like spending money you would never get back. I had already spent more than I care to admit for repairs to keep it going. I had always been riding on the cheap for as long as I could. Including when it came to tires.

Wasn't sure if I really wanted to go to Sturgis this year and was hesitant about doing it solo.  It took a while and I had given it a lot of thought.  I finally caved in, calls and arrangements were made. 

As I prepared for what was to be My Twenty-Fifth ride to the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota,    

I was troubled and had been worrying about if this might be my last time. But more importantly I was having to consider what to do and if I would be having to retire my O1 Harley.  Little did I know then that it would not be returning.

It had just clicked a quarter of a million milestone only a few weeks before I finally decided to go to Sturgis.

It never occurred to me what might happen while there. 

Hell, I had ridden the O1 for more than two decades. So there has been a "history" of sorts.   Traveled in and rode through all the lower 48 states, 5 Canadian Provence's (a couple several times) and been in Mexico. 

The O1 had been my Road Warrior. 

It had served me well.  While on it I had hit two deer and kept it up both times; It had also been totaled twice. I had kept spare body parts.  Had even bought a spare front and rear wheel. 

That helped in keeping tire changing to a minimum amount of down time. 

The frame had to be welded at one point just under its cross bar

It was a real Battle Axe of a motorcycle.

Of course, there had been some hard times. I was often asked when posting my mileage if it had ever had any engine work done on it.

I don't know about the rest of you, but you don't get this kind of hard miles on a Harley without having some serious engine work done at some point.

 Coming from the old school of what I call the Blue-Collar bikers I started off with the AMF Shovel head Harleys. Back in those days, they joked that you had to have two bikes.  One you worked on while you rode the other.

All I remember was I think I worked on my Shovelheads about the same amount of time that I actually got to ride them.

The O1 Twin Cam of mine. has had a long history of rebuilds and repairs. It had broken down and had to be rebuilt at 70K while I was on vacation in Peterborough, Ontario Canada. The Twin Cam Chain Tensioners went out and the decision was made to convert it over to a gear drive. 

At 140K the main bearing went out and I had it bumped up from 88cu in to a 95cu in with new bigger cylinders. Kept the stock heads and used all Genuine Harley Davidson OEM parts

Then. it was at 217K when it stuck a rear jug exhaust valve on the way home from Sturgis in 2017. 

 The motor was completely rebuilt with new flywheels rods and pistons. 

They went through to be sure it was done well enough to not only make it to that Quarter Million mark but would be able to go beyond that.

Harley wasn't making it easy for me either. I came home one evening after having all that engine work done to find it had puked. 

There was this puddle of oil on the floor. Not just a little oil, and it wasn't there to be marking its territory either.

 I had added the Premium Oil Cooler for the Twin Cam way back when they were putting them on their Screaming Eagle models. Was told then that I wouldn't need an oil cooler. But

I wasn't going to be drag racing with it and they weren't going to be around when I had a couple hundred thousand miles on it either. 

Nearly two decades later the O1's Premium Oil Cooler sprung a leak and would need to be replaced.  Problem was Harley no longer done repairs it would only replace parts. 

The other shock came when I found out that Harley Davidson had already obsoleted it. The Premium Oil Cooler was an "Accessory" an add on

 I couldn't believe it. But this is when I found out that Harley was obsoleting their accessory parts once they were ten years old. In my case the dealership had to fabricate another type of oil cooler to get it to work to replace mine.

Puking from oil cooler that was obsoleted

Parts for the Twin Cam O1 were becoming a search and find at swap meets. 

Hell, I just remembered I went through a total of Three different rear swing arms over the years. But I was fortunate enough to find replacements at swap meets.

I forget what the mileage was after it spit out a spark plug. The best way to fix it would require a complete front head change, but you get the idea. I would have to locate one first.  No longer available through Harley Davidsons Dealerships OEM parts.

This is what happens when you forget that when using a steel spark plug you need to use anti-sez before screwing it into an aluminum head.

 Yes, I would have to admit that the O1 had been ridden hard and put away wet.  Although it was more than beginning to really show its wear and tear.

Spit Sparkplug out 

You can't ride that many miles without it taken its toll. Perhaps I was a bit abusive, but I rode it like I stole it. 

The question on my mind turned to...Should I go on seeking the possibility of making it to 300,000? The O1 Harley had already served more than its share of service. 

I had been procrastinating about even wanting to take the trip to Sturgis again. But reluctantly I went ahead stuck to the original plan. 

It's always exciting to leave for a road trip. 

It was my intention to be going early on Thursday which was also my birthday and would be there early for the start of the Rally. Which would be an added Bonus. 

  

To do it meant riding the whole trip, nearly a thousand miles, in one sitting.   The O1 and I had done it numerous times, but it had been many years before. (Forgetting that I was also much younger then.)

 Stopping only for Fuel and piss breaks. This would be my 25th Run to Sturgis, but it would be even more special since it would be my 64th trip around the sun.

 It felt as if it would be a fitting way for myself to celebrate the best way I knew how, doing what I enjoy, and being out on the road getting plenty of wind therapy. But I would also be doing this solo. Not really thinking or realizing the negatives in doing it.

I had been keeping a close eye on the weather. Rain was expected to pass through during the night prior to me leaving. Otherwise, the weather would be smooth sailing for the rest of the Rally.

It was a little difficult, but I had packed for a little longer than a week stay. expecting to do a couple days prior to the rally, being there early before it started.

Unlike previous years I actually started collecting and packing my gear more than few days earlier then my departure. 

The night before I was to leave, I had the O1 packed, loaded and ready to roll. It had been a bit more difficult as time has not been kind to my memory. 

 Looking to find the things and where they got put had made it more like a treasure or scavenger hunt.

It looked like I packed everything but the kitchen sink

I had been watching the weather closely the night before and kept checking the Doppler radar.  In the morning the cold front was forecast to blow through by 3am. My plan was to be out the door around 4am, or so I thought. 

The Rain continued long after forecasted. What made it worse was it would redevelop and continue to rain even more.

  I lost my patience and was reluctant to put on any rain gear. No one wants to start a ride that way. It really puts a damper on the mood to ride.

  Instead, I sat there tired of waiting for the rain to stop I reluctantly headed out, putting the rain gear on. But now it was 6:30 Little did I know it would be the last bit of rain I would have to deal with for the entire week. But it also would change my arrival time in South Dakota by 2 hours.

The rain was moving south, and it wasn't much more than a drizzle after the first fifty miles. The roads remained wet and the sky's remained cloudy until well after the first fill up with fuel. 

The clouds finally broke to mostly sunny once beyond Kansas City as I headed north.

It wasn't until heading west on I-90 just after Sioux Falls, That I noticed that the pavement surface had changed. It was a rather red tinted asphalt that had some of the worst sections of Highway buckling I had ever remembered riding over.

The concrete under the pavement had buckled, which gave the Interstate a washboard effect. Every couple hundred feet was like hitting a bump that would rattle your bones.

Of course, the lack of a working air suspension on the O1 Electra Glide Classic only amplified the problem and made the situation worse. 

Although I had replaced the rear shocks about a year or so ago, I had not been successful in finding either leak in the air lines in the front or rear shocks. It had been taking its toll on my body the more or longer I rode.

It was a long haul across South Dakota, and it was made more difficult to see while heading due west into the sun.  It didn't help when the sun finally went down and became dark either.

 I had forgotten about the passing lamps not working.  I just hadn't been out after dark on the O1 in a very long time, so I never gave it another thought, until now remembering I wanted to fix that.

Basically, when the bike sat parked in my pole barn for nearly two years, awaiting repair work, a mouse had made itself at home. Nesting with wall insulation up inside the inner Fairing. In the process had evidently eaten wiring keeping the passing lamps for working.

This is what got me to wondering and 

 started the thoughts of what should I do? I really didn't want the O1 to just sit. I didn't need another Harley sitting rotting and collecting dust. Besides, I had too many memories and spare parts to just give up on it.

I hadn't really considered what would happen to the O1. It had been one of the things that had been hanging over my head for a few years.

 It had played on my mind though every time I walked into the pole barn and would see it sitting there broke down, it bothered me.

The O1 had been a battle axe. Rode as a Daily rider and served me well as my Touring Weapon. I didn't want to just replace it with another. But I would have to take a long look at all the possibilities and models Harley had and I would have to do a lot of research.

On the way to Sturgis in 2019

But what was I going to do with it?  I had always thought that it needed to make it to that Quarter of a million-mile mark. It was costly but I bit the bullet with its two hundred thousand, seventeen hundred miles at the time and called the dealership to have it picked up and had them work it over.

 It took a little persuading to get the bike worked on to find out it had stuck a rear exhaust valve. More than several thousand dollars and just a bit over 1,000 miles later it happened again in 2019 while on the way to Sturgis. But that is another story.  My dealership made good on that repair bill.

After fixing it I had just put it out of my mind. Kind of like putting it on a back burner.

 I think I just had bought myself some time. It wasn't as important to be in a hurry to accomplish that milestone anymore.  The more I thought about it the more I was beginning to realize I was already throwing good money after bad.  It already had more than enough accessories then I realized

kept the Tapered Chrome Axle Nut Covers 

Even though I had been updating it with accessories I wasn't able to keep them all when it came time.  Not realizing the expense and just considering it the cost of my sanity

Was unable to locate the problem with the passing lamps, before I left. But it was just one more thing on a longer list of items that were piling up. My mind kept asking the questions of "What if ?"

I had even gone so far as to considered changing "Brands" Took a Road Master Indian for a test ride. I was seriously impressed with it. The thought of changing midstream really troubled me. They say that variety is the spice of life but who am I kidding?  It was another possibility, I wasn't done with my research yet, but it was tempting.

Although it wasn't till, I made it back from Sturgis in 2017 and after I heard about Harley Davidson was coming out with its Milwaukee Eight motor. 

I went to work on finding out the statistics and read up on the information and other reviews. 

But it was after reading up on its research about the Milwaukee Eight motor that I knew I would stay with Harley. There would be no changing "Brands" for this guy.

What if I totally replaced the O1? It would have some mighty big shoes to fill. I would have to dig deep and do a lot more research before that would happen. I was seriously considering all my options.

To be thorough I checked out the new "Liberty" model and took it out on a VIP ride, along with a few other riders. The Ride included a Harley Davidson executive. who took us deep into the Black Hills. Another couple and I were then whined and dinned once we made it into Deadwood. 

The Harley Exec was very informed and was able to give us more insight of the H-D company as well as the differences and changes of the current models available. The more I thought about it the more I kept thinking about it, The O1 and I had done so much that kept clouding my mind.

I had been preoccupied and overlooking all the faults as they were increasingly being harder to ignore.

Up until the rear exhaust valve stuck. I really had not considered buying another new Harley.  Partially because there wasn't anything I was impressed with from Harley. Oh, sure they had some pretty bikes.

Road Glide CVO 

I had rushed off to my Dealership to have a look when they brought the new models in. Even took out a CVO for a Demo ride.
 

Had done some seriously and some careful investigating before I would be making such an important choice.

I wanted one that would be the next bike to take me into the next 200k or into the next level.

It wasn't until Harley Davidson brought out their new models for 2018 which was AFTER Sturgis when I went ahead and decided to pull the trigger. 

Although I like the looks and performance of the Road Glide CVO It had a head jerking throttle that was way too much power for my liking, after taking it out on a group Demo ride

 I also couldn't see parting with 35K with it still not having a Tour pac, or luggage rack, backrest, highway pegs or engine and saddle bag guards. All those items I would have to add to make it practical enough for me to use.

 

Instead, I bought a Road Glide Special, since I did not want a water-cooled Harley. 

 I customized it with what I wanted to making my own CVO. I was not impressed with the water-cooling version and liked the lower height lighter weight and look of the Road Glide Special.

But I really needed to keep my face and my sanity in the wind.  Besides that, all this time it had been cheaper to keep her.  (Meaning the O1) Although I had spent a fortune to keep it operational. It also meant that if I really wanted to ride sometimes it would have to be on an alternative. Generally, till the O1 would be fixed.

It also left me with the Old School idea once again, that you needed at least two Harleys. One you could ride while you worked on the other.

This was my other bike a '06 Night Rod that I had wanted to transform with adding a frame mounted fairing to make it a Road Rod, but never made it that far. 

Perhaps if I had changed the pipes on it. I think I would have been a lot happier, and would have kept it longer rather than trade it in.

It was fast.  Fast enough to kill you. Quickest throttle response of any two wheels I ever owned.

The pipes kept it from being able to add hard saddle bags to it. It just wasn't practical enough for my needs. Wasn't into having a Water-cooled Harley either. What were they thinking?

Oh, sure I went ahead and committed myself to buy another Harley. But it wasn't to replace the O1 but rather be the extension of an alternate ride. More of a convertible bar to bar bike. That perhaps could take over the Touring Duties later on if need be. 

SOLD 

Buying the Road Glide Special 

gave me some pause and I had more than enough time to ponder what I felt I needed to do with the O1. 

I went from one extreme to another. Upset with Harley who stopped making a Air & Oil Cooled Road Glide and would only make them Water & Oil cooled. Again, going against my grain.

I would have to make and or design and create my own CVO or sorts. Adding Thousands of dollars of Chrome and other accessories but doing it all at once. 

You deserve it I kept hearing.  Yeah, if I were to do it again I would of done it different. Especially the exhausts.

It turned out to be a very pretty Road Princess with all the Chrome on a Dark Road Glide Special.

Although it too as gone through some changes since I bought it.  You cannot believe the difference a two into one Freedom Performance Exhaust can do for your mental state of mind. 

Its purpose has become clearer as being the Radical Ride that still needs a few more custom touches but is getting there. I am much happier with it being my "other" ride.

My thoughts were always what would I do after the O1 makes it to the Quarter million, what then?  Would I have to retire it?  Or should I try to go on to make it to 300,000? It haunted me.

Maybe just use it as around town as a Daily rider? But even that didn't make sense to me. That's what the new Dream Machine was to do. But that was back home and now the sun was going down.

It wasn't till the sun started setting that I began having more trouble seeing, since I was still heading due west and now two hours short on the map of where I would have been, had I left on time.

Lucky for me there hadn't been much traffic on the Interstate which was a blessing. Having left later meant having more distance to ride in the darkness. But once it had finally got dark the bright lights coming up from behind me with my mirrors only complicated my vision. It made it more difficult and at times I was unable to see anything in front of me including the road. That and being without working passing lamps didn't really help either.  

Once I had stopped for fuel, I called ahead to let my buddy Larry know it would be late by the time I would get there.  He said he'd leave the door unlocked for me.

It had been a grueling ride about 17 & 1/2 hours in the saddle from the time I had left Missouri until I had pulled in onto Larrys Apartment parking lot. 

 All the lights were off in the apartment and rather than wake anyone I just crashed on the floor. Tired and mentally exhausted, there was no doubt about it, I was whipped.

Because of a non-working suspension, I had taken a beating on that bike, and couldn't believe how sore I was.   It was so bad it took the following day to recover.

Was a good thing though I had left to go to Sturgis early. For years my other buddy Butch and I would leave heading to the rally during the middle of it and then catch the last couple days of the rally. 

There had only been one other time of ever catching the rally early, but figured I wanted to see if there really was much of a difference.  I always heard the bikers would go early to beat the crowd. 

After spending much of the day Friday recovering, I felt better and decided to start having some fun and ventured out to see what all was going on in town of Sturgis.

 I walked in from the back side of one of the events called Rumble On.  They had nearly a hundred Indian Motorcycles. 

They were offering them without the added expenses that Harley Davidson Dealerships tack on when you buy one of theirs.

Rumble On made a game of it offering a polishing cloth or shot glass or other gifts for playing along. 

Rumble On was actually dealt with helping riders understand the added expenses during the trade in process.  

It never occurred to me that I would be in that situation myself in a day or two.

I just wanted a photo with these two.

Rumble On was actually dealing with helping riders interested in trading in or selling their bikes.

It was rather cool that morning and Bear Butte had some slow rising fog as I rode by heading to the HOG hospitality near Full Throttle Saloon. 

The overcast skies keep it rather cool too finding a place close to park and then headed to warm up with more coffee.

While out at the HOG hospitably picking up my Sturgis patch. While there a new Road Glide CVO caught my eye.  They explained to me later that they were doing Demo rides at more than several locations while at the Rally.  

I just happened to be at this spot where they had a CVO that really did interest me.

One thing led to another, and I asked one of the Demo guys about its front wheel. The guy was excited to tell me that it was an all-new thing a wired rim that allowed for a tubeless tire.

Of course, I had to ask if he would take my picture by it.  So, the guy says why don't you sit on it. And then once you have sat down, it's like they got you and you know you will have to take it out for a spin.

\Of course, you got to go through the long process of paperwork. They want to know everything about you.  The girl helping me filling all this out was insistent about it, so besides a copy of my license I had to give her my name address and phone number.  I should have got hers, but I insisted on getting my picture taken with her before the Ride instead.

She was tickled pink. I think I might have made her day.

On My Dream Machine (the 2017 Road Glide Special) has traps or vent doors built into the fairing that prevents air to circulate. I don't normally open them till its 85*f.  When I took this CVO out for the demo ride, there were NO trap doors what's so ever.

When I got it out on the highway 95 heading north, I didn't baby it. Instead, I twisted the throttle as I went through the gears of that 117cu in CVO and just before I hit 6th gear, I had to shut it down.

The temperature blast that came through in the low 60's at those speeds cut like a knife. I felt like I had instantly been riding through an Artic Blast.  There was a historical marker off the side of the road that had a place to turn around. 

When I got back the crew at the Demo were in shock that I was back so soon. I had to explain this old guy wasn't used to open vents and about froze. So much for the Demo ride.

I was interested in finding out what I could about rear fender tips and what I would need for the " Dream Machine" back home.  

  

While in town I spoke with a number of other bikers. Like minded and took in some shopping.

There were all kinds of bikes that had the cut outs for dual exhaust.  Those I wasn't really interested in. Why be like all the others?

The ones that didn't have the cut outs was more of what I wanted to see and find out more about. 

\

This one was really impressive but would not work with a stock fender and was a bit more extreme for my taste's length wise anyway. It was too bad they couldn't come up with a slightly shorter version of this. But what do I know?

While talking with a young couple in Sturgis they informed me that the company that sold stretched bags that I was looking for would be down at Rapid City at Black Hills Harley Davidson. So, after finished with the Demo ride, I made plans to head for what was to become a rather lengthy afternoon.

When I pulled into the parking lot at Black Hills Harley Davidson, I was fortunate to park up close to the far left on the parking lot near the edge of the activities. 

Might have been a no parking zone or for those handicapped.  But it was not far to walk to all the different vendors.

I had met up with a guy from  Advanblack and got a card from him. Eddie Byrd was his name and told him of my situation of wanting to keep with the stock rear fender and that I had already gotten a two into one Freedom Performance exhaust, so I was NOT INTERESTED in the cuts for a set of dropped or stretched saddle bags. 

Eddie took me over to his display wall to show me the extension and although there was the cut-out section on it assured me, he had one I would want for a blocked-out rear.

 

They also sold all kinds of different lighting set ups and extended rear whole fenders to go with the saddle bags and with factory paint.

It was nice and I was feeling pretty good since there was so much going on around me.  I decided to take a look at some of the used and or slightly used Harleys they had under their Giant Tent.  Hundreds of motorcycles there may have been a Thousand Harleys. there for sale.

As I stood there looking over the shiny polished and clean machines, this good-looking tall blonde with big breast said hello.  She was from Texas as she walked up holding onto a clipboard and asked Me what I was interested in. I told her I was just looking but was wondering what some of the older bikes were being sold for cost wise.

She said she could help me with that.  We struck up a conversation as we strolled down between the two rows of Harleys. She had been hired for the Rally as a salesperson. 

Both rows of Harleys faced the center walkway. The price of each bike was on a small sticker on the headlight.

 She told me to let her know if I would see anything that interested me.  As we strolled down the long rows, I would ask about this one or that and she would turn the key and would tell Me the mileage and occasionally would bend down to look at the VIN # and would tell me the year of the bike. We worked our way down the center of two long rows of Harleys facing one another.

 When we got to the end of the row, I thanked her for her time and excused myself as I headed off to the Johnny on the spot, they had lined up just beyond the picnic table area.

 The tent with all the motorcycles opened up an area that had an overhead pavilion with all kinds of tables. People were sitting in the shade on the picnic tables enjoying food from the dozens of food vendors.

Hungry I approached a couple of the bikers sitting eating and talking amongst themselves to ask what it was they were having and which one of the food vendors I'd need to go to.

Being a diabetic I wanted to stay away from anything that would have too many carbs and settled on a taco salad. It and a bottled water was like 17 bucks. Of course, a hot dog was like 7 bucks. 

 I walked back to the picnic table area that was filled. That's when I happened to notice an older biker looking gal sitting alone away from many of the others and asked if it was okay if she would mind if I could sit and join her.

She nodded and said pull up a bench and take a load off in a slight southern accent.  I sat down across from her on the end.

  The taco salad was pretty filling and I enjoyed it and the conversation while talking to her. She was old school and had been riding and touring cross country for years. We exchanged some experience we both had been to when she explained that she was there working the food section and was on her lunch break. 

I was impressed with her knowledge and experiences of riding. Her travels and was surprised she was there working. We had spent a good while talking and it ended when she said she needed to return to her station on the food truck. Which ended our conversation when she had to get back. 

If I had thought about it at the time, I would have given her a card if she would be interested in continuing our discussion. But I chalked it up to just another missed opportunity but found it comforting others had similar experiences while riding.

It was warming up a bit and just inside the big tent were giant fans blowing to keep the air circulating. 

 Standing by one for just a little allowed me to cool down and then I noticed that there were even more motorcycles, I hadn't seen on the way down in another double row.

Casually walking back, I seen a gal using a stapler and putting on a large number printed on a 8 x10 paper.  The wall was filled with numbers across it. She was adding onto a third row. 341 I believe I seen her staple the last sheet and when she finished, I asked her what were all the numbers for?

She explained that since the first of the month which was only a few days before the Rally had started, they had sold that many Harley Davidson Motorcycles.  I was a little take back by the speed and the sheer number that  they would have had to of handled  on an average day.

It was at the next moment that when I turned around and looked and could hardly believe my eyes.

Was this my Harley?

I was shocked at first thinking:  Why did they move my bike up here?  Was it because I parked it where I shouldn't have? Then I had to do a double take.

It had headlight trim bezels although they were different than mine. 

There were other similarities as well It was rather Ironic.

Otherwise, it looked identical to my bike. Could it be a twin of my O1?  I had only seen one other, but it had a fuel injection where mine has a carburetor .

 It had the windshield bags similar to mine, 

it was Also carbureted.

I couldn't believe the similarities.  Only this was so new looking. It evidently had been well cared for and hadn't had too much wear or tear on it.

So clean and so shiny too.

Oh, sure there were differences, but it was something I wasn't expecting.  To see what looked like a brand new 2001. And it wasn't till much later that I found it wasn't a O1 but rather it was a very new looking O2. The Luxury Blue paint was only available for O1 and O2 models.

At first, I didn't know what to do. I really hadn't planned on trading the O1 in. Could this be what I didn't know was supposed to happen?

Turning around I started looking for the sales gal that had walked me down the aisle looking at all the bikes from earlier.  But to no avail. I kept an eye out but she was nowhere to be seen. 

People were walking by many would stop to look checking out the bikes. Including my bikes twin.  Potential buyers, seriously walking these isles. I quickly sat down on it if nothing else to deflect others that this one was taken.

Then remembered what the gal had done earlier, so I turned the ignition on to have a look at the mileage.

It was amazed to see that this Twin to mine only had a bit over 61 thousand miles. Roughly 190,000 less than what I had rode in on.

Looking around I wasn't about to leave or go too far away.  I was seriously interested now. There had been several salespeople talking with other prospective buyers earlier. All of them were holding their Clipboards, but they weren't any salesmen to be found now.  Within a few moments there wasn't anyone, everyone was gone. I assumed they all had taken off to another section in the process of purchasing their new rides.

As I sat there on the bike still looking for that Sales gal. I heard this loud voice asking: This one?  It came directly from behind me. I turned around and looked.

The salesman was a rather tall older looking guy who was talking to another perspective buying couple. About the Harley directly behind where I had been sitting.

Waiting till they were finished talking before I interrupted to ask: Do you guys do Trade Ins? That's all it took.  I got up to walk back a little closer to the salesman.  The wheels of progress had started turning. Why yes what bike are you interested in? I pointed and said: This one, as he walked over.

The salesman wrote down my name and bent over the bike to get the VIN # Flipping the ignition and took down the mileage then quickly asked: Is your bike here?

I told him: Yes, it's on the parking lot up close. He thought for a moment and said: "Wait here I will get my golf cart; I will take you down and will have you bring it up so we can have a look at it."

He left and my mind started running thoughts. So much had begun happening, it was so sudden, almost spontaneous. I would never have dreamed of this.

I was stunned and in a dazed shock. Was this seriously going to happen?   Was I serious about going through with it?

 I couldn't believe what I was contemplating. 

There was no way that I had any concept of doing any of this on the way or had even considered it at all. Yet here I was.

It wasn't an emotional decision, or at least not at that moment. 

Even if It's hard to Let Go.  

There are those that I have heard from claiming it's too hard that there is some sentimental value as to why they would: never " Get rid of their Harley"

Still others that have asked why would you do that?  And I had given it a lot of thought. 

I had considered all kinds of possibility's, just never really imagined it would be like this.

The salesman wasnt gone long before he walked back and had me follow him out from under the tent and climbed into his golf cart. 

People were walking all over, and he weaved through in no time as I pointed where my bike was. He said follow close behind me and I will run interference on the way back.

Once back up near the tent he had me pull the O1 up into what felt like was a stable. a fenced in area in the sun where the trade-ins could be evaluated.

I remember after getting off the O1 the salesmen asking if there was anything in particular, I wanted off my O1.  I hadn't really thought about it at the time. I pointed to the seat's backrest the Kuryaki Switch blade footrest and the rear brake light spoiler, but he said that would holes in the lid.

He continued writing on his clipboard and told me to wait while he would see what he could do on the price difference.

I knew they wouldn't be offering much for my O1 with all its miles. 

This wasn't my first time to the Harley Davidson Dealer Rodeo, the only other Ace up my sleeve was my Chrome Goodies. I just didn't remember all of the stuff I had added over the years.

Litte did I really think about all of the extras I had been adding to the O1 till I had to start marking them down to be changed or swapped over onto the O2 from the O1 I really hated letting go of the Chrome lower fork legs the Custom brake rotors and the chrome wheel spacers   There is no doubt in my mind that the O1 was decorated with lots of extra chrome.

it never really dawned on me just how bad that the O1 might of been suffering as well.

Little. did I know that the O1 could or would be dissected and sold off in parts. But thinking about it has put my mind at rest. Believing about those that pass on and leave their organs to those needing them to extend their lives. 

 The O1 would finish its usefulness giving life and perhaps more miles of memories to others. Seemed a fitting way to be thought of in its passing.

The last mileage reading of O1

I really think it was meant to be...

Since it's been a while, I have had time to digest and to reflect and to think more about it. It's not like I have really let it go. Sure, the O1 is gone and is no more. Even though the O2 will never really be what the O1 was. it wasn't my intention for it to be. 

But now having the O2 in its place reminds me of those memories I had with it and keeps me in the same mind set. It just doesn't seem like its missing. I still have its memories with me 

It's like a reset of sorts, living with the memory and making new ones