Back on the Road, But Not Until Lunchtime

I woke up this morning at 0500 excited to get back on the road. I spent all day yesterday creating new routes and making my next 3 service appointments 🤣. It's a good thing I stayed two nights because a massive storm ripped through here yesterday. It would not have been fun--or probably even possible--to ride in that because the gusts were crazy. The storm blew through and all was calm by the time I went to bed. But I was so happy to be inside and so focused on my routes that I didn't even think to check on the bike after the storm.

About 0530 I took my things out to load up. The first thing I noticed was that my cover wasn't on the bike. I figured the wind must have taken it and started thinking about ordering another one. Then I walked around the other side of the bike and saw the cover shoved in behind my camping gear. I figured someone saved it and thanked them out loud. Then I noticed my handlebars were turned the opposite way. What? Was someone messing with the bike? Huh. Everything was locked and nothing else looked messed with. So, I kept getting ready.

Finally dressed and ready to roll, I checked out of the hotel and went to start the bike. Nothing. Well, a couple of clicks and flashes, but no fuel pump kicking on and no voltage. The bike was dead.

I went back inside, got back my key, and began the arduous process of getting Agero to get me a tow. Yes, Agero. Regardless of what insurance you have, they all use Agero for roadside, even Harley. AAA might be the only one who doesn't. They are an absolute nightmare. Anyway, I started that and waited.

The first provider didn't realize it was a motorcycle and cancelled. Then Agero called me asking if I still wanted them to find me a provider. Well, yes, duh. But, having dealt with them so many times before I doubted that would happen, so I started making my own calls. Or really, call.

The first company I called was Red Top Towing & Recovery and they could come get me around 0800. Cool. I got breakfast after all.

Around 0800, Alex "Al" calls me and says he's only a couple of minutes away and wants to look at the bike. Cool. I meet him and explain how it's completely dead and really needs to be taken to HD. No worries, he says, and goes off to get the rollback. Dude knows what he doing.

In the meantime I go back into the lobby. A woman comes up to me and asks if I'm the one of the white bike. She's Karen from North Carolina and on the Heritage outside. I said yes, the white bike is mine, then she tells me how she and 3 guys picked my bike up off the ground yesterday because the storm blew it over. 😳 Wait. What? She said the wind must've caught the cover and just toppled it. After they picked it up, she took the cover off and turned the handle bars the other direction to make it lean more to the left. Here's the kicker: after the bike tips over, the hazards turn on. They won't turn off until the bike is upright and the key fob is present to trigger the ignition. Since no one told me about the bike, and I failed to check on it, the hazards ran until they killed the battery. 🤦 But thanks so much, Karen for helping my bike out. You're awesome!

Soon after chatting with Karen, Alex came back, hooked me up and took me to HD about 6 miles away from the hotel, where I got a new battery. I rolled out of there about 1130. But I still had two things to do before getting out of town.

First, I wanted bear spray. Parts of Glacier National Park are closed right now because of bear activity. I'm heading to Montana and camping, so I want bear spray. Sport store located and spray bought. Check 👍

Second, Alex was so awesome that I went by they towing company to thank him again. Unfortunately, he had already left for another call, but I met two other employees and fell in love with the company dog. Everyone was so great!!! Check 👍

Two missions accomplished, so it was time to really roll. 80 mph on I-94 to Montana, then 70 on the back roads. It's easy to make a lot of miles in a little time up here.

I was considering stopping to camp at one of my photo locations until I actually stopped the bike to take my photo. I was immediately swarmed by mosquitoes. Bad enough that I had to keep my visor down. Ugh. Not camping.

Now, I'm in a little motel with the bike tucked up under the eaves just in case another storm comes through. It's an evening of scattered showers and I was just about to get drenched when I found this place. Awesome!

I've had a shower, noshed on a few garlic dill cheese curds, and dug out my DEET. I'll sleep well tonight, for sure!

What a way to end the month 🤣!!

Hope to see you on the road! Remember, NO WHINING! ✌️

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https://dunloptires.com/
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https://powderkeghd.com/
https://allamericanharley.com/
https://www.wild-ass.com/

2026 starting odometer: 46667
Starting odometer: 111934
Ending odometer: 112649
Daily mileage: 715
2026 miles total: 65982Læs mere