Day 9 - Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Hobbs, NM to home (Tucson, AZ)
Google Maps (as planned route): No plan here - just hit 'home' on the GPS!
GPS Distance: ~570 miles
Travel time: too long!
States Claimed: That's done!
The ride home wasn’t planned. I hit the button to add ‘home’ onto today’s route, and it tacked on the mileage needed to get home. Okay, another sub-1000 mile day, but one that I could do in 17 hours or so.
8:02 AM MST Hobbs, NM (note: times taken from AZ time)
The GPS has been set to ‘fastest’, so the routing it gives me is from Hobbs to El Paso, TX, by way of Carlsbad, NM. The Hobbs to Carlsbad stretch was more of what I’ve ridden thru - the New Mexico side of the oil patch. Seventy-odd miles later, and passing thru the town, I see the signs for a place called White’s City, which is a small community adjacent to the entrance of the tourist money maker in this region, Carlsbad Caverns Nat’l Park.
Approaching Whites City, NM (pop 7), a sign proclaimed “last gas for 140 miles!”
Approaching Whites City, NM (pop 7), a sign proclaimed “last gas for 140 miles!”
10:01 AM MST Whites City, NM
Never pass an opportunity to get gas, so I zoomed in and filled up. At the time, I noted that a work crew was busily working on the industrial-sized water/ice machine that was being installed next to the small convenience store.
I fill up, pull a u-turn in their rutted parking lot, and headed back to the highway.
For the next half hour, things were normal. Again, needing something to stimulate the brain, the tunes came back on as I rode across the border, back into Texas.
I fill up, pull a u-turn in their rutted parking lot, and headed back to the highway.
For the next half hour, things were normal. Again, needing something to stimulate the brain, the tunes came back on as I rode across the border, back into Texas.
10:31 AM MST near Pine Springs TX
A short, twisty section near the eastern edge of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. As I dipped into a turn, there was a small oscillation from the front bike. It didn’t seem like much, and the turns stopped, and again, straight highway for another 90 miles or so. I really didn’t think anything about it at the time, as I thought it was the heavy ‘tar snakes’ that section of road had.
Entering the El Paso metro area, a few stop lights, and eventually, TX-375, the road that takes you over the Franklin Mountains on the north end of town.
12:01 PM MST approach El Paso TX
As soon as I hit that first turn, the oscillation returned - made me scrub a lot of speed off. Once I hit the crest, and started down “...I gotta check this out…but not here!” as there was a lot of traffic.
A driver in a pick-up comes rolling up, and yelled out his passenger window, “Hey, you gotta flat!”
I gave him a thumb-up and really rolled off the throttle. A few short miles away, and across the Interstate was a convenience store. My gas choice is up the road in New Mexico - but I gotta sort this problem out now.
I’m not going to go into the philosophical discussion on pro or con on the use of automotive tires on big, heavy motorcycles such as mine. I’ll just tell you what happened; you can make up your own mind.
A driver in a pick-up comes rolling up, and yelled out his passenger window, “Hey, you gotta flat!”
I gave him a thumb-up and really rolled off the throttle. A few short miles away, and across the Interstate was a convenience store. My gas choice is up the road in New Mexico - but I gotta sort this problem out now.
I’m not going to go into the philosophical discussion on pro or con on the use of automotive tires on big, heavy motorcycles such as mine. I’ll just tell you what happened; you can make up your own mind.
12:11 PM MST Arrive El Paso TX
I pull into the parking lot - the tire and wheel were exceptionally hot. I need to give it time to cool, so I go in and get a bite to eat. I call my wife, and let her know that I’ve got issues, but should be able to resolve them.
The handy-dandy tire gauge that I carry around had been used twice on this whole journey. At the end of day two, as I cleaned the thick layer of bugs off the windshield, I’d taken the opportunity of a quick pressure check, both front and back, no issues. Three days later, another couple of minutes in New Hampshire to clean up (the rain had helped…), and again, a quick pressure check told me things were fine.
In lieu of using weights, I use ceramic beads that dynamically balance the tire while it’s moving. In 100,000 miles of using them, I’d never had a problem. Since my wheels also use a 90° valve stem, the filtered valve cores, intended to be used with the beads won’t fit. Could it be a simple as that?
Once things had cooled a bit, I really took my time and examined the tire tread, and I couldn’t find anything in the tire. My tool bag not only has a valve core tool, but also a spare valve core. I pulled out the one in the tire...well, lookie there!
The handy-dandy tire gauge that I carry around had been used twice on this whole journey. At the end of day two, as I cleaned the thick layer of bugs off the windshield, I’d taken the opportunity of a quick pressure check, both front and back, no issues. Three days later, another couple of minutes in New Hampshire to clean up (the rain had helped…), and again, a quick pressure check told me things were fine.
In lieu of using weights, I use ceramic beads that dynamically balance the tire while it’s moving. In 100,000 miles of using them, I’d never had a problem. Since my wheels also use a 90° valve stem, the filtered valve cores, intended to be used with the beads won’t fit. Could it be a simple as that?
Once things had cooled a bit, I really took my time and examined the tire tread, and I couldn’t find anything in the tire. My tool bag not only has a valve core tool, but also a spare valve core. I pulled out the one in the tire...well, lookie there!
A little over an hour spent doing this repair. I’m thinking I’m still good to make it home in a reasonable amount of time. When I made the approach to the convenience store, just a bit further there was a tire shop.
I had them confirm pressures (since I wasn’t getting a good reading with my gauge…), all was good. Now, I’m thinking I’ve dodged a bullet, time for the journey home to continue.
I had them confirm pressures (since I wasn’t getting a good reading with my gauge…), all was good. Now, I’m thinking I’ve dodged a bullet, time for the journey home to continue.
13:21 MST Depart El Paso TX
13:54 MST Arrive Las Cruces, NM
My typical gas stop in Las Cruces, New Mexico was another quick stop. I needed something else to drink, more Gatorade and I’m still feeling good.
I get back on the bike, still a bit apprehensive about my repair, so I maintained the speed limit for quite a while.
Returning to podcast listening, I’m droning along; the road surface begins to get rougher than it had been. Entering a turn, while in one of these rough stretches, the feeling in the handlebars returned - damn, it’s a real issue!
As I sort out my “what to do?”, the eastern Lordsburg, NM exit approaches. I pull into one of the truck stops there, and recognize I have to fix this myself. My recent decade plus of motorcycle riding (over 140,000 miles worth…) and this is my first real puncture. Another reason why I have the tool bag - and the know-how to use the tools that’s in the bag.
I get back on the bike, still a bit apprehensive about my repair, so I maintained the speed limit for quite a while.
Returning to podcast listening, I’m droning along; the road surface begins to get rougher than it had been. Entering a turn, while in one of these rough stretches, the feeling in the handlebars returned - damn, it’s a real issue!
As I sort out my “what to do?”, the eastern Lordsburg, NM exit approaches. I pull into one of the truck stops there, and recognize I have to fix this myself. My recent decade plus of motorcycle riding (over 140,000 miles worth…) and this is my first real puncture. Another reason why I have the tool bag - and the know-how to use the tools that’s in the bag.
15:40 MST arrive Lordsburg, NM
I note there are no air nozzles at the auto fuel islands, so I next roll over to the truck fuel islands..
Hey - hoses! What?! - They’re just laying there and not hooked to anything. So, I ride the bike into a slender no parking zone, next to the sidewalk. Now, I have to fix this! How long has this tire been flat? 50 miles? 200 miles? I don’t know. Bike has TPMS, but the rear rim I’m using does not have a sensor, thus the TPMS system has been disabled. Problem can be fixed, but it’s a few $$$ to do. I’m adding up the costs - but I’m now concerned with resolving my acute problem - why this tire isn’t holding air.
I can’t get the bike up on the center stand (At the time, I’m not thinking that the angle has changed, since the tire is flat. Had I had a small, thin board, it would have helped.), so imagine laying down, examining about 20% of the tire circumference, getting up, rolling the bike forward, and repeating.
Eventually, I find what’s left of the object that caused this issue.
Hey - hoses! What?! - They’re just laying there and not hooked to anything. So, I ride the bike into a slender no parking zone, next to the sidewalk. Now, I have to fix this! How long has this tire been flat? 50 miles? 200 miles? I don’t know. Bike has TPMS, but the rear rim I’m using does not have a sensor, thus the TPMS system has been disabled. Problem can be fixed, but it’s a few $$$ to do. I’m adding up the costs - but I’m now concerned with resolving my acute problem - why this tire isn’t holding air.
I can’t get the bike up on the center stand (At the time, I’m not thinking that the angle has changed, since the tire is flat. Had I had a small, thin board, it would have helped.), so imagine laying down, examining about 20% of the tire circumference, getting up, rolling the bike forward, and repeating.
Eventually, I find what’s left of the object that caused this issue.
So, from the time I pulled in, until I left with a tire holding 32 psi and a sticky rope plug, it took about 90 minutes. Once I feel confident that it’s really the problem, I continue my trek home.
17:00 MST depart Lordsburg, NM
17:41 MST arrive Bowie, AZ
That relieved feeling lasted less than an hour. Upon approach to Bowie, AZ, a huge thunderstorm complex with intense lightning was crossing the freeway and barreling down onto the next community to the west (and last gas stop before home) of Willcox, AZ up.
Just hang out here and watch the storm. - What could be seen with the eye…
...couldn’t see all of it - wow, what a monster!
A second radar view convinced me - chill out a bit longer.
I waited around an hour, then moved the five miles to the west end of Bowie and waited there another fifteen minutes, watching the storm change. I could see what was happening by looking at weather radar, but the storm was changing rapidly. Thus, it was easier to monitor the progress as long as I had light.
18:51 MST depart Bowie AZ
19:21 MST arrive Willcox, AZ
I thought I saw a break, I took it and for 25 miles, I was getting drenched. At this point, I’m thinking what’d I do? I’m this close to home, and am having this kind of difficulty - like I’m being tested quite severely by the motorcycling deities. No major issues, yes a few delays, but nothing like this! I thanked those deities once more that it didn't happen earlier in the week.
I pull up to my normal gas stop; exterior lights are out. Eventually (in the rain) I cross the freeway and go to a different gas stop. At this location, not one but two Arizona highway troopers also pull up as I did.
I wander over, after giving the two of them a few moments to chat…
“Excuse me, but wonder if either one of the two of you came from the west.”
Nope, both were in the area I just came thru to the east - why do you ask?
“The Chiricahua Mountains and Texas Canyon get some pretty intense thunderstorm cells to hang over them - just wondering if that was true with this storm.”
Sorry we can’t help.
There’s one final gas stop at the east end of town I can watch and see how bad it is.
I wander over to that spot - no heavy rain, but by now, any natural light has disappeared behind this storm.
I get ‘dinner’, and a few more texts with my wife.
I see the storm by using the lightning bolts that illuminate the night sky. It seems to be a bit lighter toward the north, and it seems the storm moves south.
From this point, I have around 90 miles to get home. I’ve been on the road for ten solid days, and over 8400 miles ridden. There’s a warm shower and a bed with my name on it three mountain ranges to the west.
I pull up to my normal gas stop; exterior lights are out. Eventually (in the rain) I cross the freeway and go to a different gas stop. At this location, not one but two Arizona highway troopers also pull up as I did.
I wander over, after giving the two of them a few moments to chat…
“Excuse me, but wonder if either one of the two of you came from the west.”
Nope, both were in the area I just came thru to the east - why do you ask?
“The Chiricahua Mountains and Texas Canyon get some pretty intense thunderstorm cells to hang over them - just wondering if that was true with this storm.”
Sorry we can’t help.
There’s one final gas stop at the east end of town I can watch and see how bad it is.
I wander over to that spot - no heavy rain, but by now, any natural light has disappeared behind this storm.
I get ‘dinner’, and a few more texts with my wife.
I see the storm by using the lightning bolts that illuminate the night sky. It seems to be a bit lighter toward the north, and it seems the storm moves south.
From this point, I have around 90 miles to get home. I’ve been on the road for ten solid days, and over 8400 miles ridden. There’s a warm shower and a bed with my name on it three mountain ranges to the west.
20:01 Depart Willcox, AZ
Texas Canyon was pretty intense, but as I got to the bottom, and approaching Benson, it cleared up. So, back up to speed, thinking “If that’s all there is….”
Nooooo!
Mescal, AZ - BOOM! When I left the last gas station in Willcox, again my phone was stowed. I’m not actively tracking.
This one snuck up on me; I just didn’t get a good look and again, the rain was pretty dramatic.
How do you ride in this situation? I hug the white ‘fog’ line and keep it in sight. As long as I can see that line and the traffic around me I’m good. More than once, however, someone tried to ‘help’ by sitting on my left rear, as if they’re shining their headlights RIGHT INTO MY MIRROR! It’s obviously easier to follow than to lead; more than once I had to motion the driver to get around me!
That lasted until we reached the Davidson Canyon area, and once again, as a rider, you can feel the heat of the city as you begin to get closer. It’d appeared that much of Tucson hadn’t been fortunate to enjoy the sound and light show I did.
Passing the area around DMAFB, I could see a rain shaft near the Kino complex “Is it near the freeway??”
Yup. Didn’t last long, and I was nearly dry as I made the turn into the driveway and into the garage. Three and a half hours later than I’d expected. Another 18+ hour day.
Nooooo!
Mescal, AZ - BOOM! When I left the last gas station in Willcox, again my phone was stowed. I’m not actively tracking.
This one snuck up on me; I just didn’t get a good look and again, the rain was pretty dramatic.
How do you ride in this situation? I hug the white ‘fog’ line and keep it in sight. As long as I can see that line and the traffic around me I’m good. More than once, however, someone tried to ‘help’ by sitting on my left rear, as if they’re shining their headlights RIGHT INTO MY MIRROR! It’s obviously easier to follow than to lead; more than once I had to motion the driver to get around me!
That lasted until we reached the Davidson Canyon area, and once again, as a rider, you can feel the heat of the city as you begin to get closer. It’d appeared that much of Tucson hadn’t been fortunate to enjoy the sound and light show I did.
Passing the area around DMAFB, I could see a rain shaft near the Kino complex “Is it near the freeway??”
Yup. Didn’t last long, and I was nearly dry as I made the turn into the driveway and into the garage. Three and a half hours later than I’d expected. Another 18+ hour day.
21:15 Arrive home
8797 odometer miles 8497 GPS miles from July 30 until August 8.
After Action Report
- I do need to procure a TPMS system.
- I do need to replace my rear tire; I can't be certain if delamination has started...only a few thousand miles left on this one.
- The IBA AoW will be treated as gospel from now on.
- My next get-away with my wife will happen soon in the comfort of my SUV.
For those that have made it to this point - thanks for reading along!
THE LAST CHAPTER - CLICK HERE!
What a trying final day! I have enjoyed the ride. Thanks for inviting me along!
ReplyDeleteWFM
Roswell, GA
PS I'm sick of dealing with dealing with heavy thunderstorms and blinding rain. And I'm on four wheels!
Just back from a road trip through West Virginia that featured areas of heavy thunderstorms with downbursts that obscured almost all visibility for short periods. At times even the road's edge striping was hard to see. The blinding WV rain was like the rain we encountered along I-65 in Lower Alabama earlier in August and what you probably encountered on those last few miles of you 48/10. I've had enough of thunderstorms for a while!
It has been an active monsoon here in the southwest this season, but I truly can't really complain at all about the weather on my route.
DeleteUpdate to my After Action Report...
ReplyDelete- TPMS system installed (Fobo Bike 2); works great.
- Rear tire has not been replaced. This will happen after my upcoming ride...tire still has a bit of life in it; the plug is holding well.
- My wife and I did have a quick get-away in the SUV, but 2019's motorcycle trip options are being weighed.