What I learned - Have a Partner and know your ride

This past weekend (Sept 30 - Oct 3) Moose and I rode to Las Vegas and took part in BikeFest 2010. The event was really good and approximately 30,000 attended.

Moose and I got up Friday AM and went to the Sahara to register for the event and that day's poker run. All was great, but when we came out, it was lightly raining. At the light, we discussed the riding conditions and our fear that some of the "weekend warriors" might have a tough time with the light rain and slick roads. We decided to go back to the hotel, change gear and see how the weather worked out. As we turned left from the main road into the parking lot of our hotel, we both experienced our tires breaking free a bit. We made our way down thru the valet and toward the parking garage with me in the lead. As I went to turn into the garage, I saw a car coming out so I applied the breaks lightly. Turns out, not lightly enough. The back end of the bike went out and down I went. In the blink of an eye I went from moved from that group of riders that WILL go down to the group that HAVE gone down. Luckily I was not traveling very fast so the damage to myself and my bike was minimal.

It is times like that you are glad you have a riding buddy. He was right there asking the right questions and keeping things moving. We got the bike up and safely in the garage then assessed the damage. Bike needed some "adjustments" (translated - couple of things needed to be pulled and pounded back in place) and I had injured my shoulder and my pride.

The rest of the day was spent in the jacuzzi and steam room then out to Bikefest to see the vendors and custom bikes. Was glad to have a trusted partner with me - he listened to me talk it thru (countless times) - kept me from "getting back on the horse" too soon and assured me tomorrow we will definitely ride.

Sure enough, after a LONG, HOT shower the next morning, we did get out there again... and the adventure continued... Heading down the Blue Diamond Highway on our way to Red Rock Canyon, for the first time my temp warning light came one. Once again VERY glad I was not riding alone. Luckily I stopped in the parking lot of a Target and I had a riding partner that could run and get "essential fluids".

After checking things out we headed back out, but a mile or so ahead the light came back on, then went off, then came back on again. Now this was odd. As I pulled over again, Moose and I started talking about it and finally came across the fact we had not heard my fan all morning (water cooled Honda). Grabbed the "MOM", found the fuse box and got it handled.

Again, it would have been much more difficult and stressful without a sound partner at my side and a good deal of familiarity with my bike.

I almost took this trip solo. Next time I consider that, I will remember this experience and hopefully make the choice to not go it alone. Thank your riding partners... if you haven't needed them... you will!