Starting out at the base of Reddington. We stop for "physiological" needs Dave, dressed in warm wx gear. Come on up here Dave, it's much warmer This little climb is usually dry and definately snow free. Just to the right of this shot there is a small creek. Not much water in it most of the year. The amount should have been a hint of things to come. Here we are at the lowest point of the ride. What we lovingly call "Lower Chiva". The water there to the left is normally not there and you ride through some sand to get to a little boulder field. But today we had to improvise and take a little path through some rocks to the right of the water. Dave squeezing between some rocks. ...to get to these rocks. More squeezing required. The big rock there on Daves left is the one I usually go around on the left side and take the little boulder field but today we both stayed to the right. Ahh, success. Next the little water crossing that I turned tail on last summer in the "Cathy's Dumb Solo Ride" story Now I don't know why, but this little crossing got me to thinking of turning tail again and riding out the way we came. But Dave had a lot more confidence than I did and jumped in. ...and he made it thrugh no problem. Sheesh, easy peasy. Come on Cathy, the waters fine! So after much fretting I finally jumped in. Man that was scary, for me. I do scare easily though. My bike quit just as I popped up on the bank. I wonder if it ran out of air briefly. Who knows I'm just glad to have made it across. The tracks. Looking back at where we had came across. I am so happy to be on this side of the water. One more big climb then the rest is relatively easy. a nice 60 mile day ride. Of course every ride needs a little drama. Today it was the sprocket gremlins rearing their ugly head again. A couple weeks ago it was Allyn who lost his nuts, today it was poor Dave. Man, I'm glad I'm not a guy. Two were still on loosely and we were able to tighten them, one was still on but we couldn't get it tight. So with two snugged up and one rattling Dave limped out of there and came to our garage before heading home. We staggered the three remaining sprocket bolts and tightened them all up good and sent him on his merry way. Off to Green Vally with the sun long gone and a cool chill in the air. The End
Since I have alot of time on my hands I decided to go out and check mine (sprocket nuts), all good! Nice RR Cathy, I'd like to ride that some day soon.
I have a theory about loose nuts...seriously I do......... Make sure you torque from the nut side, rather than the allen head side. And loctite is your friend.
Nice write up Cathy. Looks nice and warm back there. All the water here in Vermont is a different color than what you guys rode through...it's white. Russ
I better check my sprocket bolts. I destroyed a hub a couple years ago and had to call a friend for a rescue. That was after I barely made it to cell phone coverage. The bailing wire and 2 remaining bolts lasted for about 18 miles.
Loctite is the answer for every bolt on every motorcycle. You guys are riding some great trials. I need to make a trip west one of these winters.
