"AND THEN THE WHEELS CAME OFF . . ."

Holding Vigil

Well, the wheels did not actually come off--that would have been way better.  A recent quick trip to the Cycle Park turned into a major meltdown in the core.  

Started great:  2 Walkers and a Rex

 

Pretty good team

(Those clouds will play a part before this story ends)

 Found some great hills to climb, and after the recent rain the conditions were perfect!

Even the typically cruddy sand was great.

At this point we will ask for a moment of silence.

Thank you.  

Worked our way over to the step up jumps, which I foolishly choose to participate in, and upon landing, everything locked up.  I knew right away something real bad was upon me.  Not in the mood to take many pics at this point.  Coasted down the hills I could, but was soon in the bottom of the gully in the deep sand.  Wingman Walker earned his name as he rode along side of me and using his left hand on my shoulder pushed my big bike and big bike butt all the way out to the lower parking spot.  (I can't express how impressive of an act this was.  Dude was sore for 3 days after.)

 

Got to the bottom and 2 studs saw we were in a jam.  They offered a ride all the way up to the Sweet Valley.  Saved the day with their ambulance services.

Remember the clouds?  The others, now down a rider, made tracks for home, but got caught in the storm.  I seem to recall some comment about riding in the rain was way better than having to push the Rasta Man out.  Agreed.  

So finally got the bike on the operating table, and started poking about.  

   

SHADOWFAX!!!                       

  

Poor bike bled out right there on the shop floor.

See that chain wrapped around the

timing gear?  It's like Trot, 

"He aint right." 

Appears the nut on the valve adjustment screw came off, the valve screw fell out, got NAILED by the cam lobe, and sent pieces into the timing chain, which got obliterated, and tore up parts underneath.

Then the piston, still being a piston, came up into the open valves, and sentenced them to life in the scrap iron pile.  If you hear a distant noise, it is the register's Carl's cycle adding up my totals.

              Not sure what you know of valves, 

                          but that's not good:

It is not expected he will be out of intensive care for several weeks.

Not sure what you have in mind for upcoming Fast Day but . . .