Not really sure of what day to use so I'll just call it "Day - 21". It has been a bit over a month since I started this trip on June 17th. I began the day by meeting with the Corvallis Saturday coffee group this morning at Coffee Culture on 9th. Three Saturdays in s row. I'm almost a regular. The forecast was for triple digit temperatures so I was on the road by 10:00. I sort of lost my way looking for the side roads so in Eugene I just went on I-5 as traffic was light. Raceway told me to keep the speed under 55 mph and vary the speed some.
Due to the hills, I was in the slow vehicle lane being passed but surprisingly passed some trucks and RVs. No problem at all from other vehicles. No tailgaters and many waves and thumbs up from just about everyone. By 2:00pm, it passed 100°F but no problem staying comfortable enough. Medford was 104°F and waiting at the signal lights was painfully hot.
I am visiting a couple who I had originally met when we were all students at the University of Alaska in the early 80s. Lots of time has passed…
After eating out at Black Bear Diner (first picture) with most of their family, we went to an open air concert in the new Lithia park in the middle of town. By 8 pm it had cooled down to 90°F and it felt wonderfully cool by comparison.
I think that there may be an exhaust leak causing the popping that I've been hearing as it's more common on deacceleration. After the first couple of hundred miles, the engine felt like it loosened up a bit. No vibrations and it's almost hands free steering. Raceway did a great job with the alignment. I can't say it feels like a new bike but is pretty nice to not have to worry about things falling off.
So glad things seem to be sorted out. So where is the next destination on the travel ticket?
ReplyDeleteJust up to Crater Lake and north to Corbett, OR, by Thursday for a family reunion.
DeleteGood to see you back on the road. Hope the rig won't give you more grief. So far it sounds that Raceway have done their best.
ReplyDeleteI hope so as well. I may look for the exhaust leak tomorrow...
DeleteIt sure heated up quick yesterday and took its time cooling down last night.
ReplyDeleteCrater Lake will be cooler. You might have to keep your helmet on at the stops around Rim Drive as the mosquitos can be quite thick. They were last time we were there.
I was watching the thermometer all day and was pleasantly surprised to see it remain reasonable for most of the trip. It didn't get really warm until south of Grants Pass around 2:00 or so. It was a challenge to stay hydrated.
DeleteSo glad you are back on the road and feeling better about the Ural. It's hard to enjoy the ride when you have to worry about what you're riding. Hopefully you will get to enjoy the rest of the trip ... and always choose vanilla!
ReplyDeleteI'll probably continue to worry about mechanical issues. Like someone said I must enjoy the "issues" or I would've never gotten a Ural.
DeleteDitto for the wish of trouble free riding from now on.
ReplyDeleteThank you...
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