Post by queenofslow on Apr 30, 2012 22:38:44 GMT -5
I love riding with other RCDR members. I always learn something new and amazing.
Take for example last Saturday. I was riding with Richard and Tim in Osceola and in the middle of nowhere we discovered Richard's tire was flat, really flat. (And men tend to take this sort of thing VERY personal).
But no reason for despair because “Tim’s Motorcycle Shop in the Woods” was within a mile or so.
So what if the facilities are a bit run down? People with flat tires can’t be too picky.
“Are you sure you can do this? “
“Yup, I have done it once or twice before…”
The first step for a mechanic is some good calisthenics. Deep bends help a lot.
Next step is to find a suitable piece of wood to prep up the bike. We cut this one to the proper size by lifting the DRZ and dropping it on a longer board, which broke in the proper spot. (No jokes) Luckily, nobody’s toes were in the way.
Next step is to remove the back wheel. Our expert mechanic is looking for his highly specialized tools.
Remove pins and nuts and other small but essential thingamajiggies that I would lose track off right away. Remember where you put that spindly thing because you will need it again.
Then the wheel comes off
At this point I think Richard is praying.
Old tube out, new tube in. Push the tire back into the rim. (I make it sound easy, but this step did cause some blood loss. )
Inflate the tire, tighten valve stem nut (not too tight, mind you) and rimlock nut (this one real tight… or was it vice versa? Hmmm. Well, it is one or the other. And do not worry. If you get it wrong, you will know soon enough. )
Wheel goes back in. Hopefully you have saved the spindly thing that goes in the middle and all the doo-daaas that hold it in place.
Also, remember to hook up the back brake while you are at it. Highly recommended.
The whole thing is re-combobulated. Try it at low speed first. If the wheel falls off, pick it up and repeat.
Back to business. Where were we?
Kudos to Tim Miller. Simply amazing.
Take for example last Saturday. I was riding with Richard and Tim in Osceola and in the middle of nowhere we discovered Richard's tire was flat, really flat. (And men tend to take this sort of thing VERY personal).
But no reason for despair because “Tim’s Motorcycle Shop in the Woods” was within a mile or so.
So what if the facilities are a bit run down? People with flat tires can’t be too picky.
“Are you sure you can do this? “
“Yup, I have done it once or twice before…”
The first step for a mechanic is some good calisthenics. Deep bends help a lot.
Next step is to find a suitable piece of wood to prep up the bike. We cut this one to the proper size by lifting the DRZ and dropping it on a longer board, which broke in the proper spot. (No jokes) Luckily, nobody’s toes were in the way.
Next step is to remove the back wheel. Our expert mechanic is looking for his highly specialized tools.
Remove pins and nuts and other small but essential thingamajiggies that I would lose track off right away. Remember where you put that spindly thing because you will need it again.
Then the wheel comes off
At this point I think Richard is praying.
Old tube out, new tube in. Push the tire back into the rim. (I make it sound easy, but this step did cause some blood loss. )
Inflate the tire, tighten valve stem nut (not too tight, mind you) and rimlock nut (this one real tight… or was it vice versa? Hmmm. Well, it is one or the other. And do not worry. If you get it wrong, you will know soon enough. )
Wheel goes back in. Hopefully you have saved the spindly thing that goes in the middle and all the doo-daaas that hold it in place.
Also, remember to hook up the back brake while you are at it. Highly recommended.
The whole thing is re-combobulated. Try it at low speed first. If the wheel falls off, pick it up and repeat.
Back to business. Where were we?
Kudos to Tim Miller. Simply amazing.
