August 8th
We had a wonderful time with my son and daughter-in-law in Kansas City. We enjoyed a nice breakfast with them and afterward my son drove the car around the parking lot for a while. He seemed impressed and took lots of pictures. We wish we could stay longer but we have to get going. We'll be heading north into Iowa and have decided to go through Nebraska instead of South Dakota because of the hundreds and hundreds of motorcyclists travelling to Sturgis.
As has been the case so far, the sun is brutal and late afternoon is the worst. We made it to Freemont, Nebraska. In the morning we'll stay in northern Nebraska and decide whether or not to head up to the Black Hills in South Dakota.
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 7th
We made it to the Gateway Arch in St.Louis but were very disappointed that the lines were very long to get into the arch to the elevator. After waiting in line for almost two and a half hours just to get inside the arch we found that we had at least another hour or so wait to go up in the elevator. Standing in line that long, our patience grew thin and we could wait no more, but not before getting several pictures of the arch from ground level. We decided to hit the road and head for Kansas City, MO. My son and his wife live there so we arranged to meet up with them for breakfast the next morning.
We had driven approximately 168 miles from Metropolis to St. Louis and were hoping to make Kansas City (another 250 miles) by dinner time, however heading west was brutal because we had the sun right in our line of vision and finally pulled into Boonville, just one hundred miles from Kansas City.
We've seen hundreds of motorcycles on the road and learned that this coming week (9th - 15th) is the big rally in Sturgis, SD. That may change our plans to see the Black Hills or for that matter, even finding accommodations. It's been very hot and humid most of the way which is sometimes very wearing on us, but the Triumph has been doing very well even in the intense heat.
People along the way continue to be very friendly, waving and cheering us on. Earlier we had a group of young studs rev up past us, holding up a sign which said "show us your ----". My thought was that as they approached us from behind, they saw Russ at the wheel and I was sporting a floppy-rimmed hat to keep the sun off my head and neck. I guess they thought I was a young lady. Boy, were they surprised when they saw it was me and how quickly that sign was withdrawn. It was pretty funny. I told Cindy about it and she said I should have lifted my shirt anyway.
We made it to the Gateway Arch in St.Louis but were very disappointed that the lines were very long to get into the arch to the elevator. After waiting in line for almost two and a half hours just to get inside the arch we found that we had at least another hour or so wait to go up in the elevator. Standing in line that long, our patience grew thin and we could wait no more, but not before getting several pictures of the arch from ground level. We decided to hit the road and head for Kansas City, MO. My son and his wife live there so we arranged to meet up with them for breakfast the next morning.
We had driven approximately 168 miles from Metropolis to St. Louis and were hoping to make Kansas City (another 250 miles) by dinner time, however heading west was brutal because we had the sun right in our line of vision and finally pulled into Boonville, just one hundred miles from Kansas City.
We've seen hundreds of motorcycles on the road and learned that this coming week (9th - 15th) is the big rally in Sturgis, SD. That may change our plans to see the Black Hills or for that matter, even finding accommodations. It's been very hot and humid most of the way which is sometimes very wearing on us, but the Triumph has been doing very well even in the intense heat.
People along the way continue to be very friendly, waving and cheering us on. Earlier we had a group of young studs rev up past us, holding up a sign which said "show us your ----". My thought was that as they approached us from behind, they saw Russ at the wheel and I was sporting a floppy-rimmed hat to keep the sun off my head and neck. I guess they thought I was a young lady. Boy, were they surprised when they saw it was me and how quickly that sign was withdrawn. It was pretty funny. I told Cindy about it and she said I should have lifted my shirt anyway.
August 6th
As Willie Nelson sang, we're "on the road again" this morning, heading northwest toward Kentucky, with hopes of seeing the Mammoth Caves. One hundred Ninety plus miles later and closer to the caves, we missed our exit. We turned into the nearest driveway to change direction and while backing out the left rear wheel went into a ditch; we were stuck. We meandered up to the house at the end of the driveway, and thanks to the very kind gentleman who lived there, were able to call a tow truck to haul us out; we didn't want to damage the undercarriage of the car. As it turns out, the gentleman in the house said it happens all the time since people are always using his driveway to turn around.
The Mammoth Caves were amazing! We're glad we didn't miss it. It's the longest cave system in the world and talk about a geological wonder.
We continued west another hundred ninety miles into Illinois and experienced the strangest "steering problem" in the town of Metropolis. Turning the steering wheel didn't seem to make any difference and it was the darndest thing that when we finally came to a stop we found ourselves in Harrahs Casino parking lot! Just kidding .... the steering was fine, but we told Cindy and Mary that we had a steering problem - that it must have been fate that we found ourselves in the casino parking lot. We did a little gambling and took advantage of a delicious buffet dinner. Wherever you go in Metropolis, Superman is the theme everywhere. Tomorrow we'll head toward St. Louis, MO with hopes of going up into the Gateway Arch.
As Willie Nelson sang, we're "on the road again" this morning, heading northwest toward Kentucky, with hopes of seeing the Mammoth Caves. One hundred Ninety plus miles later and closer to the caves, we missed our exit. We turned into the nearest driveway to change direction and while backing out the left rear wheel went into a ditch; we were stuck. We meandered up to the house at the end of the driveway, and thanks to the very kind gentleman who lived there, were able to call a tow truck to haul us out; we didn't want to damage the undercarriage of the car. As it turns out, the gentleman in the house said it happens all the time since people are always using his driveway to turn around.
The Mammoth Caves were amazing! We're glad we didn't miss it. It's the longest cave system in the world and talk about a geological wonder.
We continued west another hundred ninety miles into Illinois and experienced the strangest "steering problem" in the town of Metropolis. Turning the steering wheel didn't seem to make any difference and it was the darndest thing that when we finally came to a stop we found ourselves in Harrahs Casino parking lot! Just kidding .... the steering was fine, but we told Cindy and Mary that we had a steering problem - that it must have been fate that we found ourselves in the casino parking lot. We did a little gambling and took advantage of a delicious buffet dinner. Wherever you go in Metropolis, Superman is the theme everywhere. Tomorrow we'll head toward St. Louis, MO with hopes of going up into the Gateway Arch.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
August 4th
Mark from BPC Motorworks said he'd call when the car was ready but the call didn't come and by late afternoon we were feeling a bit anxious. In fact, he didn't call until the next afternoon (August 4th) with the bad news that the fuel pump also needed to be replaced but the good news was that the Triumph was ready to go. Russ and I took off for BPC to pick up the car and what a difference in performance! We packed up our gear once again and planned to leave in the wee hours of the morning. We had a leisurely dinner with our lovely ladies, Cindy and Mary, then settled in for a few winks before our departure. We left at 1:30 in the morning on August 5th.
August 5th
Our first stop was Stone Mountain in Georgia, well known not only for its geology but for the enormous bas-relief on its north face. We couldn't miss seeing the three figures of the confederate states of America: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. The TR3A performed great the 282 miles from Hilton Head, SC to Stone Mountain. We continued north another 240+ miles and pulled in for the night in Caryville, TN. No matter where we went, on freeways or back roads, we attracted attention from passersby. People couldn't help but gawk at the two big men in the little red Triumph, waving to us as we passed by. At the motel in Caryville a crowd of curious people congregated around the car, asking questions, admiring the Triumph, wanting their pictures taken next to the car, and wishing us well on our trip ahead. It's a burden, but someone has to do it! (We love every moment)
August 5th
Our first stop was Stone Mountain in Georgia, well known not only for its geology but for the enormous bas-relief on its north face. We couldn't miss seeing the three figures of the confederate states of America: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. The TR3A performed great the 282 miles from Hilton Head, SC to Stone Mountain. We continued north another 240+ miles and pulled in for the night in Caryville, TN. No matter where we went, on freeways or back roads, we attracted attention from passersby. People couldn't help but gawk at the two big men in the little red Triumph, waving to us as we passed by. At the motel in Caryville a crowd of curious people congregated around the car, asking questions, admiring the Triumph, wanting their pictures taken next to the car, and wishing us well on our trip ahead. It's a burden, but someone has to do it! (We love every moment)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day I The Journey Almost Begins
Today the adventure started at 5:00am. Unfortunately things didn't go as planned. Within 3 miles the car started to develop a severe engine miss. The car finally stalled and needed a jump start so we could return home to see what was wrong. After returning with our heads low we expected that the ladies would lecture us and try to talk us out of this trip. As it turned out there were no snigh remarks...everyone was more interested in what was wrong. We found a loose battery ground cable which was promptly tightened. A quick electrical check revealed low charging voltage (less than 13volts) but charging nontheless. We decided to give it another try. We said our farewells and set off again.
This time we managed to get 30 miles before the engine developed a severe miss and the amp gauge went to 30+ amps and stuck in that position. Something had changed...and changed radically. Russ and I decided to head back to Hilton Head to BPC Motorworks where a complete charging system check could be performed. The drive was a test of Russ's patience and driving ability. He was not dismayed and although at times he had to drive on the shoulder (here there was one available) he got us to the shop in Hilton Head. Of course, now we had to call our ladies and tell them once again that we were broken down. Needless to say, this was a difficult phone call to make as now we were 4 hours into our trip and we hadn't gotten out of town. And to make matters worse they had to come and pick us up while we waited for the outcome of the charging system check. As we suspected the alternator was the culprit. Now there was only battery voltage...NO OUTPUT from the alternator. Mark from BPC motors had a heck of a time getting this retro-fit alternator dismounted which involved removing the carburetors and squeezing this 6 inch wide alternator thru a 5 inch opening. He finally got it out so the part and number could be identified. As luck would have it, the local Napa store had one in stock and at this writing was delivering it to the shop. If all goes well, it will be installed this pm and we may have another chance to start this trip again tomorrow. It was a disappointing day of course but Russ and I are glad it happened now than in the middle of the mountains or deserts of this big country. We are still optimistic and our spirits are not dampened.
This time we managed to get 30 miles before the engine developed a severe miss and the amp gauge went to 30+ amps and stuck in that position. Something had changed...and changed radically. Russ and I decided to head back to Hilton Head to BPC Motorworks where a complete charging system check could be performed. The drive was a test of Russ's patience and driving ability. He was not dismayed and although at times he had to drive on the shoulder (here there was one available) he got us to the shop in Hilton Head. Of course, now we had to call our ladies and tell them once again that we were broken down. Needless to say, this was a difficult phone call to make as now we were 4 hours into our trip and we hadn't gotten out of town. And to make matters worse they had to come and pick us up while we waited for the outcome of the charging system check. As we suspected the alternator was the culprit. Now there was only battery voltage...NO OUTPUT from the alternator. Mark from BPC motors had a heck of a time getting this retro-fit alternator dismounted which involved removing the carburetors and squeezing this 6 inch wide alternator thru a 5 inch opening. He finally got it out so the part and number could be identified. As luck would have it, the local Napa store had one in stock and at this writing was delivering it to the shop. If all goes well, it will be installed this pm and we may have another chance to start this trip again tomorrow. It was a disappointing day of course but Russ and I are glad it happened now than in the middle of the mountains or deserts of this big country. We are still optimistic and our spirits are not dampened.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)