Two day trip with a buddy around the Cascade Loop. Fantastic weather and light early week traffic helped make it an excellent little road trip.
The only challenge happened on the way to Hart's Pass outside of Mazama. The "road" is about 10 miles of almost one lane gravel then dirt and probably not the best place to ride a K but after reading Gwen's posts I figure that anyplace a GS can go ... :)
5 miles into the ride we had to dive for cover as we met a pickup truck mid corner and as I stopped the bike died. My buddy Will trundled on unaware that I wasn't immediately following. Trying to restart I noticed that the fuel pump did not sound happy at all. Definitely wasn't looking forward to walking it back down the nasty road then another 2 miles to the nearest possible phone to call for a tow.
I maneuvered the bike as far to the side as I could without tipping into the ditch allowing more room to think and not get mashed by the next passing truck (surprised at how many were coming down). Check the ignition a few more times and the same sickly, strained sound coming from the tank. Crap. Well, things are rather hot so maybe pressure build up? Popped the gas cap and there was definitely a lot of pressure. Ignition. Sounds less constipated but still no fire.
About this time Will makes his way back and after relaying the situation we decide to at least get the bike pointed down hill while we think about it a bit more. Once that was done I gave it another try. The fuel pump didn't sound especially happy but it was better. The too old battery and starter were doing a fine job spinning things but no spark. Ah! Side stand switch failure! Now we had something to go after and I did have bypass plug stashed. Now, where to plug it in? After fussing around by the switch I finally wised up and traced the wire to the right side where I should have known the connector would be hiding. (Lesson for the wise, experiment with this stuff *before* leaving the comfort of your garage.) Connector attached, ignition, K fired right up. Yeah! Geared back up and headed back down the hill. Still want to ride to the top some day but think I'll take a different mount next time.
Hi-tailed it into Winthrop and had a much needed frosty beverage then swung around to Alta Lake where we camped.
Next day after breakfast we swung down to Chelan for coffee and some email work. Chelan is such a tourist hole. Many people seem to like the place but don't even think of going there for peace and quiet.
Met my daughter and her fiance in Leavenworth for brats at Munchen Haus. Pretty sure this is the only reason to actually go into the town (another tourist hole). Brats and hiking, otherwise move along.
Finished up the trip with a coffee and snack stop at the Sultan Bakery. All in all a great little ride.
A few shots inline and more
here.
Not a bad burger. I'll give it a solid 7 on the Brick-o-meter.
Will opted for halibut and sweet potato fries.
Yes, I'm an idiot ...
Nice mount. Unfortunately I haven't figured out how/where to attach in order to minimize vibration enough to get usable shots.
