We are in the Kearney Cutoff rest area, using a trucker's aircard.
We pulled in for a heat break, and hypoid gear oil was pouring from Michael's rear drive!
SAS, we ar chasing the dealer in Omaha. More later!
Todd is at 99,760 ...
Teamboxer Reaches a York in the Road
Well, isn't this a sad state of affairs!
As detailed in the just-previous post, Todd and Michael had pulled into the York rest area in Nebraska, mainly to dehydrate and rehydrate, and soak up their shirts for the rest of the pull across a sweltering Nebraska.
They were making excellent time, at 85 mph, having already covered 400 miles or so.
But as the intrepid team parked, Todd glanced down at Michael's rear drive and saw black fluid pouring down upon the rear tire! At first, it seemed to be brake fluid, but the highly technical "finger in the puddle" revealed the distinctive smell of hypoid gear oil.
Not only that, but a little black worm of seal material suddenly materialized right next to the rear wheel.
So. Todd went to dehydrate and Michael started working the problem. We quickly determined:
A). It was hypoid. It was the seal.
B.) The BMWMOA book showed a dealer in Omaha (100 miles east) and a big sprinkling of MOA anonymous members in the area.
C.) Al the truck driver was a big, big help. A quick check for wifi was a dry hole, but Al had an aircard. Todd posted up fast and then Todd and Michael started working the phones.
D.) The Omaha dealer was closing in 2 hours. They don't transport bikes. They would leave the seal outside the door if we gave them a Visa number.
E.) MOA numbers led us back to ... a tech at the dealer! But getting through to him on work time was problematic.
F.) "Mr. Friendly," Todd, called the dealer back, pushing for some kind of help. De nada. Eventually, the nice tech called back, and told Michael to pull the drain plug. Seems if the seal goes, that usually mean other bad stuff is going on inside. Sure enough, the magnet in the drain plug was covered with the silvery paste of a failing bearing.
G.) A call to local UHaul renters revealed 1) no trucks available, 2) If available — behind the 40 reservations already in the system — it would be $660 to Michigan.
H.) Back to the MOA book, and Bill came from York, with a trailer! Yeah, Bill! He hauled us into York, where this post is coming up from the Super 8.
I.) Michael called the dealer. Yes, they could tackle it tomorrow, if it was transported there. Yes, they had the bearing and the seal. No, they might not have the shims that might be necessary to effect repair. Uh, overnight, Tuesday, mebbe.
J.) Michael called Tammie, who is even now planning to make the haul from Bay City to York, Neb., with a diesel Sprinter van to carry the GS home.
K.) Todd is washed up and resting up for an o-dark-hundred departure.
L.) Do you think Airhead rider Todd is ever going to forget this, even after Alzheimer's kicks in? HA!
So, folks, just a few hundred miles short of Todd's historic 100k day, A GS REAR DRIVE PUKES OUT!
Oh, the irony of it all.
And the worst of it? Besides being broke, 700 miles from home ...
Michael AND Todd JUST RAN OUT OF JACK DANIELS!
Is there a kleenex in the house? Please? Someone?
Reveille and revelation
Today's the day. The 100k day. It will involve anticipation, perspiration, and yes, a little trepidation. Todd will be alone, since Michael's rear drive pooped out.
Rolling through Colorado's Pawnee Prairie on Friday, watching the sun slice through the low scud of clouds. Todd's mental wheels were turning at nearly the same 6,000 rpm as his bike.
He came to a few conclusions, some rules of the road, some ADVRIDER precepts, if you will. Here goes:
It's not the bike.
It's not the patches, or the gear, or the presents, or the whiskey.
It's not the miles.
It's the people you meet, somewhere out there:
It's stretching yourself, reaching out and touching something you'll never own, never keep, never change, never forget:
Ride Reports 
