blacklightning
Well-known member
Had an awesome time Saturday (9/7) riding with a group of 3 wheelers from the Raleigh, NC area to the BRP. We started out with 7 Spyders and 2 Slingshots. About 40 miles into the ride, and 2 miles from our last meeting point, one of the Spyders had a flat. We stopped and were going to see if it was something we could fix. But as we went to pump the tire up, we saw about a 2" dia. hole in the sidewall of the rear tire. It was a total tire failure on his barely ridden 2021 Sea to Sky. After contacting AAA and having them on the way, one of the Slingshot guys waited with him and we continued on. Picked up the other 2 Spyder riders and made our way toward the mountains. About 60 miles from the BRP, we stopped for breakfast. As we got ready to leave, one of the 2019 RTL bikes parking brake would not release. We had to try twice, but we were able to disengage and disconnect that and carry on. With no parking brake, we carried along a parking rock, which still worked out pretty good. Once we got on the BRP at the 421 Intersection, it was beautiful as always. Temps were from the low 60's to the low 70's. Lots of hikers and bicycles out, but at least no leafers yet, as there were no changes. We were below 4000' most of the time, so we didn't expect much. Got off the BRP and rode the diamondback loop (226A). That is where I told them we might get a little separated, but don't worry, we would all end up at the same place. Told them to line up according to their ability and ride their own ride. Me and my normal 2 road partners were up front (me on my wife's 2016 F3L Special Series and them on their matching 2020 RTL. Just as we passed the store, this sport model Mercedes pulled out in front of me and let it rip. Unknown to him, I was ready and gave chase. Stayed right with him for about 4 miles and he finally waved me past. I refused and told him he was fine. But at the church a ways down, he pulled over and gave me the thumbs up. My partners were hanging in right with me. When we got down to the stop sign, we took helmets and jackets off and waited for the remaining crew. They showed up about 4 minutes later and were all smiles, but a little surprised that we had been there a while. Then we chugged our way back to 221 and then I-40 before heading home. We fueled up before getting on 40 and I was determined to see what type of gas milage I could get. That one tank took me the approx. 250 miles home. When I filled up, the bike held 6.987 gallons. According to the manual, it has a capacity of 7.1 gallons. Yes, the light was on, and the bars had all disappeared. Before the tech guys give the speech about that being bad for the pump and sucking up sludge, I already know. But at the last fuel stop I got some bad gas, so I wanted to get as much as possible out without draining the tank. I think I did that. And now the tank is full of premium and running like a top.
