For this year's TTD, we decided to purchase an Aluma motorcycle trailer for the trip down from. We have driven down that way previously 5 times, but, at 71 years of age we decided to trailer the bike this time. We left at 8:30 PM from rural NH to the event. I prefer to drive at night to avoid heavy traffic through MA, CT, etc. It was a smart choice as we made great time with minimal traffic.
Renee and I picked up Deb Armstrong in VA with her GS 1250, we stayed overnight and headed out for Robbinsville in the AM. After about 3 hours while doing 70 mph plus, the tire blew on the passenger side of the trailer. What happened was the weld let go on the fender allowing it to flex over and slice the tire to pieces. Ok, so we installed the spare and went about 100 miles or so when the spare tire disintegrated. It looked like a recap tire de-laminating. Chunks of tire were flying all over the place. It wasn't a recap, just assume the sun may have cooked it not sure on that one. We limped along the highway with the flashers on until we found ourselves in the parking lot of a Tractor Supply. I purchased the last two 14" tires they had. How about $370.00 for a couple of really cheap tires?
Up and running, made it to the event about 4:00 PM, luckily two kind big fellows were quick to unload our bikes for us. Big thanks to Doug and Gerret, great guys.
So, we rode with the Scenic Group on Thursday with no incidents at all. It was not to last though. Renee and I rode with Deb all day Friday. Deb, by the way, is a very accomplished rider on her K1600B or her 1250 GS. Well, we took a wrong turn that ended up in a dead end. We were in a spirited mood so when I locked up the brakes Renee slid right into me pushing my butt right up onto the tank. Not a problem except with a 27" inseam I was a mile away from the ground. So, the bike fell over on its right side. I have a noticeable scratch on the right pannier, mirror and a few other small areas. I was beyond pissed off as I knew from past experience that seat would be trouble.
Friday evening the three of us decided to hit the hard stuff and try to relax and unwind. Our room was up at Big Bear which is quite high and surrounded with rocks. We had a light rain, as we had on most days when I descended down the rock stairway. My feet slid out and pointed to the sky. I landed with a resounding thud as I hit my elbows and low back area. Still suffering knee and back pain and walk with a limp.
Deb decided to ride her GS home while we loaded up on Saturday. Big Doug loaded my wounded GTL onto the trailer for me as I was having difficulty walking with my left knee and low back after that fall.
I decided to drive the 20 plus hours straight home as I didn't want the chance of my injuries getting stiff and more painful overnight than they already were.
SIDE NOTES:
My Day Long Sportsman seat has the leather quilted design which has proven to be very slippery causing Renee to bump into me on even the slightest amount of braking.
Aluma trailer: We noticed the other fender on our trailer had cracks in the welds, so big Gerrett saw fit to rip it away from the frame. I walked around looking at the welds on other Aluma trailers guys had and I noticed 3 or 4 had hairline cracks in them too.
Next Year has to be better!
RayG
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Renee and I picked up Deb Armstrong in VA with her GS 1250, we stayed overnight and headed out for Robbinsville in the AM. After about 3 hours while doing 70 mph plus, the tire blew on the passenger side of the trailer. What happened was the weld let go on the fender allowing it to flex over and slice the tire to pieces. Ok, so we installed the spare and went about 100 miles or so when the spare tire disintegrated. It looked like a recap tire de-laminating. Chunks of tire were flying all over the place. It wasn't a recap, just assume the sun may have cooked it not sure on that one. We limped along the highway with the flashers on until we found ourselves in the parking lot of a Tractor Supply. I purchased the last two 14" tires they had. How about $370.00 for a couple of really cheap tires?
Up and running, made it to the event about 4:00 PM, luckily two kind big fellows were quick to unload our bikes for us. Big thanks to Doug and Gerret, great guys.
So, we rode with the Scenic Group on Thursday with no incidents at all. It was not to last though. Renee and I rode with Deb all day Friday. Deb, by the way, is a very accomplished rider on her K1600B or her 1250 GS. Well, we took a wrong turn that ended up in a dead end. We were in a spirited mood so when I locked up the brakes Renee slid right into me pushing my butt right up onto the tank. Not a problem except with a 27" inseam I was a mile away from the ground. So, the bike fell over on its right side. I have a noticeable scratch on the right pannier, mirror and a few other small areas. I was beyond pissed off as I knew from past experience that seat would be trouble.
Friday evening the three of us decided to hit the hard stuff and try to relax and unwind. Our room was up at Big Bear which is quite high and surrounded with rocks. We had a light rain, as we had on most days when I descended down the rock stairway. My feet slid out and pointed to the sky. I landed with a resounding thud as I hit my elbows and low back area. Still suffering knee and back pain and walk with a limp.
Deb decided to ride her GS home while we loaded up on Saturday. Big Doug loaded my wounded GTL onto the trailer for me as I was having difficulty walking with my left knee and low back after that fall.
I decided to drive the 20 plus hours straight home as I didn't want the chance of my injuries getting stiff and more painful overnight than they already were.
SIDE NOTES:
My Day Long Sportsman seat has the leather quilted design which has proven to be very slippery causing Renee to bump into me on even the slightest amount of braking.
Aluma trailer: We noticed the other fender on our trailer had cracks in the welds, so big Gerrett saw fit to rip it away from the frame. I walked around looking at the welds on other Aluma trailers guys had and I noticed 3 or 4 had hairline cracks in them too.
Next Year has to be better!
RayG
