On my way to Sturgis...

[Firefly]

Well.... Vertigo is gone so I'm on my way to Sturgis with 4 HD buddies. Having a good time so far--- taking 3 1/2 days to get there--- going up thru the UP then over to Fargo......

We're staying near the Mackinac Bridge tonight--- then up to Lake Superior tomorrow......

Gonna meet up with Len on Monday--- just gonna look for the guy on the Chopper.......:roflblack:

Spyder is running great--- new EBC brakes working-- back is still making some noise from rubbing--- but they're working great otherwise--- not heating up like they first were.

Gonna be a long 10 days away from work and home-- but should be worth it!

Anyone else going???

[G-Man]

Ride safe and have fun. We'll be looking for you guys to update us with some "remote posts" during your trip. :doorag:

[Mo Lee]

Ride safe and have fun, I checked the street Cams last night and there is a lot of bikes there already.

[rnet]

Ride safe and have fun, I checked the street Cams last night and there is a lot of bikes there already.Can you link that site.

[Trickie Dick]

have great fun. sounds like a great route. Looking forward to some pics.:clap::clap:

[groundeffect]

Safe Ryding.

[musicarcade]

Have a great time and be safe!
Watch out for the idiots on the road!

[Mo Lee]

I'm sure if you if you Google Sturgis webcams there are many, however this is the one I've had bookmarked for a couple of years.
http://www.wwolf.net/webcam/sturgis.htm

[canam9]

:doorag: :ani29:

[pitbull]

Firefly! I will also be on a spyder too......come on there very near to my heart to lol..... t if it helps the chopper with the flames and skulls:roflblack:! Looking very forward to the ryde down....Doing a film shoot and story on spyders to sturgis, so my chopper will be on the trailer and i will be on an RT switching back and forth with the owner of Full throttle magazine....Going to be front page it will be pretty cool to see a Spyder on the front of a hard core biker mag!!!! See ya in stugis and we will defintly keep all informed pic's along the way!!! looking forward to seeing you there Dan!

[LDFIREWORKS]

Be safe you lucky devil:congrats: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

[SpyderWolf]

Firefly! I will also be on a spyder too......come on there very near to my heart to lol..... t if it helps the chopper with the flames and skulls:roflblack:! Looking very forward to the ryde down....Doing a film shoot and story on spyders to sturgis, so my chopper will be on the trailer and i will be on an RT switching back and forth with the owner of Full throttle magazine....Going to be front page it will be pretty cool to see a Spyder on the front of a hard core biker mag!!!! See ya in stugis and we will defintly keep all informed pic's along the way!!! looking forward to seeing you there Dan!

Now that sounds very cool!

I hope all of you have a safe, and very enjoyable, trip.

[SpyderSteve]

Ryde safe and have fun Dan, see you in Sept. :clap:

[Dudley]

Being there last year seems like a far-away dream. Ride safe and enjoy every minute.

[hawkiii]

Firefly, have a good time man. We rode through Sturgis on our way out of Rapid City, SD. The town doesn't show much sign of life if the rally isn't happening. Then again, I am not sure I would want to deal with the crowds during the rally. Have a great time and let us know how it goes.
Tom

[Firefly]

Thanks for the well wishes..... things have gone okay--- a few problems .....

We're in Fargo ND now---- Spyder has been running good with the exception of two problems:

1. Steering acted up a few times-- nothing big--- just a few times it was 'sticky' at around 25 mph. Put it thru the paces and seemed fine afterwards--- will keep an eye on it and get it checked before SITS.

2. Really strange. Stopped for gas. Filled up. Went inside store. Spyder sat for maybe 15 minutes and then we went to leave. Spyder wouldn't start! Everything would light up and the console was normal--- until I hit the START button. I heard a CLICK from the lower righthand side and then the entire power shut down. Nothing on the console at all. No power to anything.

Turn key off and on again--- try to start--- same thing. Tried 3-4 more times--- same thing-- CLICK and then dead power.

Re-seated the front relays. Went to start and it started--- BUT the idle was around 7,000 RPMS----:shocked:. Checked and made sure my throttle lock wasn't set--- reved the throttle a bit and it still was idling aroung 7,000.

Did the 3 key turn on and off--- then it started normal and all has been fine since.

IT was a bit hot out--- but other than that--- no idea what was up. Has run fine since.

1,100 miles into the trip.....:thumbup:

--------------------------------

[Firefly]

Other random things on the trip...

Stopped at Fitgers brewpub in Duluth--- pretty good beer!

The team pretty much likes me to lead--- go figure! I must give Garmin most the credit for that.....

BUT!

We have one guy in our group that does some of the leading---- GREAT guy--- but ....well..... not a good trail boss so to speak.

He uses his Droid as a GPS--- and either he's goofy or the Droid is. Maybe both....:roflblack:. Other minor annoyances -- he doesn't allow enough passing space for all 5 of us--- doesn't check his back to see what the rest of us are doing.

When I couldn't start at the station--- they pulled out without me. He didn't wait for all of us to be 'ready' to leave.....:gaah:. So 10 minutes later they pull back in the station just as I'm pulling out.....:gaah:

Good guys-- but have not apparently done much group riding.....

When I lead we seem to get there faster too------:D

End of rant.

[BumbleBee]

Ryde safe :2thumbs:

Keep us posted along with some pictures :clap:

[RubyRed]

:agree:

[SpyderWolf]

I hope your steering issue was just a minor hiccup, and everything will be alright from here on out. Very interesting on the no start deal as well. Glad the 3 key turns seems to have sorted it out though. I have a feeling that trick is going to become very popular. :thumbup:

Continue to ryde safe, and best of luck with your road mates as well. :D

[Firefly]

Now we are in mobridge sd. Hot riding today 93. But spyder stayed at 3-4 bars while moving. Have a check engine light that won't go away..... So I checked and I still have an engine so all is good. I think it's the oil sensor....which I have an extra if need to replace.

Have only seen 2 spyders in 1400 miles:

First was a single rider on a yellow gs/rs near remer Minnesota.

Second was a blue RT with a couple on it near Horace and Fargo ND.

Also met a guy who is making a new spyder trailer to haul them on. They're a pretty well known trailer company for atv's. Got a brochure and told him about this site.... Pretty sure they will be a sponsor. Nice trailer setup.... Will post more info and pics later.

Had a run in with a herd of cow while I was videoing with iPhone.....

More later.... Off to casino in mobridge now. Heading to sturgis in the morning.

[SpyderSteve]

Have FUN :clap:

[SpyderWolf]

You were probably lucky to avoid the cows, did the same luck continue in the casino?

[bjt]

... Have a check engine light that won't go away..... So I checked and I still have an engine so all is good. I think it's the oil sensor....which I have an extra if need to replace. ...

My check engine light was / is an O2 sensor fault. It's intermittent and it will go away if I turn off the Spyder and then restart it. It only appears to come on when it's hot, under hard acceleration. I still haven't taken it to the dealer to have them look at it.

[Lamonster]

Sounds like a great adventure. Now post some videos and pics. :2thumbs:

[retired1]

Dan;
It sounds like a good time, other than the heat. Can't wait for the videos. By the way, who rides point, BRP or HD ? Have fun!!

[SethO]

Now we are in mobridge sd. Hot riding today 93. But spyder stayed at 3-4 bars while moving. Have a check engine light that won't go away..... So I checked and I still have an engine so all is good. I think it's the oil sensor....which I have an extra if need to replace.

Have only seen 2 spyders in 1400 miles:

First was a single rider on a yellow gs/rs near remer Minnesota.

Second was a blue RT with a couple on it near Horace and Fargo ND.

Also met a guy who is making a new spyder trailer to haul them on. They're a pretty well known trailer company for atv's. Got a brochure and told him about this site.... Pretty sure they will be a sponsor. Nice trailer setup.... Will post more info and pics later.

Had a run in with a herd of cow while I was videoing with iPhone.....

More later.... Off to casino in mobridge now. Heading to sturgis in the morning.


BUDDY you should have called me, remer is on 60 miles from dirt town, walker is only 34 where you went akeley, park rapids and fargo. **** I just saw this. Have a good trip, hit me up on here to text me so I got your #, show the harey danielson guys whats up.

[BajaRon]

Thanks for the well wishes..... things have gone okay--- a few problems .....

We're in Fargo ND now---- Spyder has been running good with the exception of two problems:

1. Steering acted up a few times-- nothing big--- just a few times it was 'sticky' at around 25 mph. Put it thru the paces and seemed fine afterwards--- will keep an eye on it and get it checked before SITS.



Try this. At slow speed turn your handlebars lock to lock several times. Do this on 2 or 3 fuel stops when you pull in and then again when you pull out.

[BajaRon]

Have a great time and be safe!
Watch out for the idiots on the road!

Unfortunatly, that doesn't really narrow it down much.... :gaah:

[Firefly]

Well--- what a day today---- sorry for no pics or video yet--- it will happen-- but maybe not till I get back. I would post more but I have to respect my roomies wishes when it's lights out!

Problem isn't 02 sensor as I don't have one... lol

Today a different set of problems-------:gaah:

1. Lost a Kury widow peg--- my righthand regular footrest--- so had to just have my heel on the stub.... couldn't find the peg so had to ride without for the day. Tracked down Kury at Sturgis and Matt was able to install a new one.:thumbup:

2. I no longer have the check engine light.:thumbup:

3. I now have a Brake Failure light.:gaah: got the warning just as I was leading the group to our hotel--- through the mountains in the dark--- greaaaat. I tested them plenty hard and they're just fine. The code in the computer is C 1282. More of an annoyance than anything-- and somewhat embarassing to have happen and have my HD buddies wonder what the deal with my bike is...

The gang LOVES my lights--- from the rear I've got ESI saddlebag lights, mud flap lights and brake lights---oh and blinkers---- they say they can see me way far away and there's no question what I'm doing. Works good for leading the team.

Sturgis is just a crazy place--- like tons of bikes-- OMG!

People have been really nice---- and the Spyder gets plenty of attention-- my HD buddies are a bit jealous. Lots of questions and thumbs up.:thumbup:

Saw about a dozen spyders here and there. found the BRP demo setup but nobody there-- all bikes parked for the night at 5:00. Didn't get to hook up with Len... bummer.

That was our only day going into Sturgis--- rest of the days are riding!:thumbup:. 1,600 miles so far. Should easily hit my 25,000 mark on the way home as this trip should be close to 4,000 miles.

Good times--- good friends---- good food--- good beer--- good riding. Doesn't get much better.:thumbup:

oh-- and NO RAIN!

Also found a nice stretch to open her up--- did 110 for a good 10 miles :2thumbs:

More later---- I'm beat.

[NancysToy]

Glad you are enjoying yourself, despite the Spyder issues. The C1282 code is Brake Failure (Low Pressure Detected). Could be in relationship to your brake job, or could be a leak. Keep a close eye on your brake reservoir level. I'd get it on BUDS ASAP, and check brake pressure and go throught the bleeding sequence. We want you home in one piece, so be careful!

Godspeed!

[Wheeler~]

Well--- what a day today---- sorry for no pics or video yet--- it will happen-- but maybe not till I get back. I would post more but I have to respect my roomies wishes when it's lights out!

Problem isn't 02 sensor as I don't have one... lol

Today a different set of problems-------:gaah:

1. Lost a Kury widow peg--- my righthand regular footrest--- so had to just have my heel on the stub.... couldn't find the peg so had to ride without for the day. Tracked down Kury at Sturgis and Matt was able to install a new one.:thumbup:

2. I no longer have the check engine light.:thumbup:

3. I now have a Brake Failure light.:gaah: got the warning just as I was leading the group to our hotel--- through the mountains in the dark--- greaaaat. I tested them plenty hard and they're just fine. The code in the computer is C 1282. More of an annoyance than anything-- and somewhat embarassing to have happen and have my HD buddies wonder what the deal with my bike is...

The gang LOVES my lights--- from the rear I've got ESI saddlebag lights, mud flap lights and brake lights---oh and blinkers---- they say they can see me way far away and there's no question what I'm doing. Works good for leading the team.

Sturgis is just a crazy place--- like tons of bikes-- OMG!

People have been really nice---- and the Spyder gets plenty of attention-- my HD buddies are a bit jealous. Lots of questions and thumbs up.:thumbup:

Saw about a dozen spyders here and there. found the BRP demo setup but nobody there-- all bikes parked for the night at 5:00. Didn't get to hook up with Len... bummer.

That was our only day going into Sturgis--- rest of the days are riding!:thumbup:. 1,600 miles so far. Should easily hit my 25,000 mark on the way home as this trip should be close to 4,000 miles.

Good times--- good friends---- good food--- good beer--- good riding. Doesn't get much better.:thumbup:

oh-- and NO RAIN!

Also found a nice stretch to open her up--- did 110 for a good 10 miles :2thumbs:

More later---- I'm beat.

Both the check engine and brake failure lights will probably go out when buds get hooked up.

[SpyderWolf]

I sure hope things are still going well for you.

[Firefly]

Spyder is running great-- still have brake failure message after checking everything out. Will hook up to buds when I can. Brakes are working just fine--- even when they've fired on their own doing some twisties near mount rushmore....:D

busy day today. Mt. rushmore was great to see-- well worth the 10 bucks. Crazy horse--- well-- not so much--- wouldn't waste your time with it.

Great rides today--- had to stop for buffalo crossing--- had some within 5 feet of spyder.....:yikes:. got some video. They are not afraid of humans much at all. We saw 2 coyotes doing a pass around a herd of buffalo--- got some of it on video--- seems they have an agreement not to mess with each other. Prarie dogs were in full alarm mode while coyotes were around.... funny sounds indeed!

Happened to run into Len from Cowtown at a gas station--- was nice to see him on his chopper. only had a few minutes to chat---

plenty of attention on Spyder again today-- and another Spyderlover is staying just 2 doors down from me....bondgirl or bondlady??? Nice gal-- phantom spyder with transformers logo on front.......

I would highly recommend coming to this area for some GREAT scenic rides--- but I would NOT do it during Sturgis week.nojoke

Other than annoying brake message--- spyder is just fine.


---------------------


Sorry I missed you Seth----:gaah:
I thought of giving you a call bro--- but with 4 HD guys here--- I'm the minority--- and they wanted to push some miles.....

We will hook up some time for some rides in your area!:2thumbs:

[Some Guy]

I've never been out that way, but have seen pics of the great sights. I guess I'll have to plan a trip...but not during the Sturgis mob-time! :thumbup:

Have a great trip. I'll talk with you when you get home.

[McGone]

What rides have you done?
I did Devils Tower, Iron mountain, Needles highway, Custer State park, Spearfish Canyon, Vanocker Canyon last week before they were so busy.
Try the Bubba burger at the Sugar Shack. The Stone House saloon between Belle Fourche and Devels Tower is a nice stop also.

[Firefly]

What rides have you done?
I did Devils Tower, Iron mountain, Needles highway, Custer State park, Spearfish Canyon, Vanocker Canyon last week before they were so busy.
Try the Bubba burger at the Sugar Shack. The Stone House saloon between Belle Fourche and Devels Tower is a nice stop also.

Did most of what you mentioned--- great rides-- but BUSY.

Saw plenty of Spyders here and there on the various rides. Met two nice ladies from Billings I think that have RTS's they both got about 2 months ago. Gave them some info on SL.... I'm sure they'll come by and say hi.

Too tired to type much more tonight--- hit 2,200 miles into the trip today.... and it was HOT!

Did have one of our guys learn a lesson today about not being so picky about where you get gas----- fill up when you CAN!

[Firefly]

Well--- made it back home----- 3,600 miles later.....

I'm totally beat!

Spyder has suffered a bit:

DPS is basically nonfunctional.

Front of Hindle blew open and leaks lime crazy now--- a few rivets popped off.

Brake failure light still on---- but bike stops great. I think it's related to parking brake.

Spyder ran great even with the above problems.

One of our group had a rear bearing go out on his HD and it ruined his rear wheel. Glad he caught it before the wobble got too bad and caused a crash. I gave him a ryde to Chicago as the HD dealer in lacrosse WI can't get parts and fix until Tuesday.


Everyone made it home safe---- two took the ferry home.... One went off on his own and thru Chicago to get home... And then I dropped off another near Chicago on my way to Indiana to see Tina.

More later with pics---- but overall a great trip! No rain at all!

[Big Arm]

:congrats: Glad you had a good time and got home safely :clap:
There have been a lot of bikes passing thru here the last two days.

[SpyderWolf]

Glad to hear you made it back home safely, along with the others. I hope you are able to resolve the issues with your Spyder as well.

Your trip has actually made me consider changing my plans. I was invited to participate in a Bun Burner 1500, 1500 miles in under 36 hours, on September 17. I have been seriously considering taking up the challenge. However, your experience has me thinking it may not be the best idea to do something like that the weekend before we need to head up for Spyders in the Smokies. If something goes wrong on the Bun Burner, chances are there would be no way for me to make it to Gatlinburg. So, with that in mind, I will probably sit this one out.

[Wheeler~]

Well done! Glad you made it home safely!

[musicarcade]

Glad you made it back safely! Hoping to see you at SitS!:doorag:

[SpyderSteve]

:congrats: Glad you made it back safe, see you soon Steve:2thumbs:

[pitbull]

DAn Im really sorry we didn't get took hook up longer then the 4 minutes it was great to see you! My gosh there were so many bikes....i switched back and forth between my chopper and both spyders even took a liitle kaw, i rode for a couple of hours for a joke! I had no idea that it was all so big! We did so much with fullthrottle mag that i didn't have time to much else! We did get the bottle of wine to brp in the spyder safely! will put the whole story together this week. Wow what a trip!!!

[mxz600]

Glad you made it home in one piece Dan. It sounds like you had a great time. Hope everything is OK with the Spyder. Looking forward to some pics & video.:2thumbs:

[docdoru]

It's good to see you back home safe :thumbup:

[dragonheart]

We're headed that way ourselves (husband and I) on the 20th (Friday) for two weeks. Intentionally meant to miss Sturgis while ongoing. Great tips on the Mt. Rushmore/Crazy Horse sites.

[Firefly]

We're headed that way ourselves (husband and I) on the 20th (Friday) for two weeks. Intentionally meant to miss Sturgis while ongoing. Great tips on the Mt. Rushmore/Crazy Horse sites.

For Crazy Horse just pull off the road near it and look-- ain't much more to see than that.

Rushmore is worth the $10 parking fee in my opinion.

Always have plenty of water on hand--- and sunblock---- and lip baum so yer lips don't get burnt-- ask me how I know---- ;)

Oh--- and fill up yer tank whenever you get down to around a 1/4 tank--- couple times I was on fumes-- and one of our guys really ran low and wouldn't have made it to the next station the Garmin mentioned--- but we found an old 1-pump station that worked after they let it cool down.

Don't be fussy about what gas you're running out there--- you can't afford to be -- -sometimes gotta take what you can get.

Make sure and hit the Needles highway ride--- really nice!

[Lamonster]

For Crazy Horse just pull off the road near it and look-- ain't much more to see than that.

I strongly disagree with you on Crazy Horse Bro. To me that was much better than Rushmore and it is way bigger than Rushmore and not a dime of government money has been spent on it. If you watched the movie it really gives you an appreciation for this man's vision and how it was carried out. I've been there when they set off some dynomite too and that's something you won't see at Rushmore.

http://www.m109riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69593&highlight=crazy+horse

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/4970/1CIMG1054.JPG

[pitbull]

I strongly disagree with you on Crazy Horse Bro. To me that was much better than Rushmore and it is way bigger than Rushmore and not a dime of government money has been spent on it. If you watched the movie it really gives you an appreciation for this man's vision and how it was carried out. I've been there when they set off some dynomite too and that's something you won't see at Rushmore.

http://www.m109riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69593&highlight=crazy+horse

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/4970/1CIMG1054.JPG
I agree, its pretty cool how big it actually is compared to mount, and the store behind it is really cool! but im with Dan on the needles! beyond cool you never get tired of itand the bridge that spirals down the mountain AWESOME!!!

[Lamonster]

I agree, its pretty cool how big it actually is compared to mount, and the store behind it is really cool! but im with Dan on the needles! beyond cool you never get tired of itand the bridge that spirals down the mountain AWESOME!!!
You can put all of Rushmore in just the head of Crazy Horse. nojoke
I liked the Needles highway but I seemed to always get stuck behind some slowpoke. I do like watching the buses go through those cutouts in the mountain. :shocked:

I love the Badlands too, I like that better than Needles.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/1trip6.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/1trip7.jpg

[pitbull]

Thats awesome lamont, I just liked all the twist and turns of the needles....o and the singal one lane road parts WAY COOL!!! the bad were kind of mind blowing vast nothingness but extreme jaged rocks....would be cool to fly low over in a chopper......the kind with flys :2thumbs:

[pitbull]

hey looks like its been % years since you wetre there! When your ready to go back let me know I want to go again!!!:2thumbs:

[dragonheart]

Always have plenty of water on hand--- and sunblock---- and lip baum so yer lips don't get burnt-- ask me how I know---- ;)

Oh--- and fill up yer tank whenever you get down to around a 1/4 tank--- couple times I was on fumes-- and one of our guys really ran low and wouldn't have made it to the next station the Garmin mentioned--- but we found an old 1-pump station that worked after they let it cool down.

Don't be fussy about what gas you're running out there--- you can't afford to be -- -sometimes gotta take what you can get.

Make sure and hit the Needles highway ride--- really nice!

Thanks for the tips, Firefly.

[Firefly]

I strongly disagree with you on Crazy Horse Bro. To me that was much better than Rushmore and it is way bigger than Rushmore and not a dime of government money has been spent on it. If you watched the movie it really gives you an appreciation for this man's vision and how it was carried out. I've been there when they set off some dynomite too and that's something you won't see at Rushmore.

http://www.m109riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69593&highlight=crazy+horse

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/4970/1CIMG1054.JPG

I guess it was just that my expectations were far greater for it. I honestly didn't know that it wasn't completed! Then I get there and find out that it won't be completed in any of our lifetimes... ugggg.

I really was clueless about it--still am.

We didn't watch the movie..probably should have.

I have been MIA and not posted pics yet as we've had massive computer crashes at work--- been working on them all week....:gaah:

[pitbull]

I guess it was just that my expectations were far greater for it. I honestly didn't know that it wasn't completed! Then I get there and find out that it won't be completed in any of our lifetimes... ugggg.

I really was clueless about it--still am.

We didn't watch the movie..probably should have.

I have been MIA and not posted pics yet as we've had massive computer crashes at work--- been working on them all week....:gaah:
Its all good there was so much going on its like what to do where to go youmean were ryding all the way out there.....still yhink it was crazy cool that out of almost a million people we saw each other....or lol you found me your awesome....must have been my clear discription i gave you:roflblack::roflblack: still pretty cool trip we took man!!!! you cooler than cool Dan!!!

[Firefly]

Finally done being Amish for the week (computers back up and running).

Here's just a few pics--- still gotta sort through the rest....

[SpyderWolf]

I see clear evidence of your Huligan ways in those pics. :D