ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

 Written by Joe Lopez, Vice President

The temperature is cool this morning, but Barbara and I are trying to beat the rain and the traffic in New York City on our way to Rutland, Vermont.  We’re looking forward to putting the finishing touches on the Gold Classic Rally.  Furthermore, we’re extending the trip to meet up with our friends in Massachusetts for the Memorial Day Weekender.  Hammer down through Suffolk and Nassau Counties, heavy traffic up ahead at the New York City line.  Now we’re bumper to bumper, downshifting to first gear, up shifting to second gear and pops out back to neutral.  Do that several times and I knew there was a problem.  Something is wrong with the transmission.  Called Motow and they can’t be there for a least two hours.  The same with AAA.  Nursed the bike back to the dealer of purchase in first gear.  Arrived there in 45 minutes and the diagnosis is there’s an internal problem whereas the entire transmission must be replaced.  It’s all covered under warranty.  Left luggage at dealer, hopped on the back of Barbara’s trike (embarrassing), went home to pick up our auto, drove back and picked up our luggage and proceeded to Vermont.  We took care of rally business and took off for Massachusetts.  Great turn out with old friends and new members from Connecticut attending.  My congratulations to Bob Dombrowski and Bob Comeau, as well as their supporting cast, for putting together a great weekender.  The food was unbelievable.  Rain was in the forecast so Barbara and I decided to take the ferry to Orient Point, Long Island.  A very nice trip back home.  The following weekend the Tennessee Freedom Wings Picnic was to be held and I wanted very much to attend.  My bike was NOT going to be ready (BMW says there isn’t a transmission to be found anywhere in the US or Germany) so Barbara allowed me to use her Trike.  Prepared it for the trip and off I go.  It ran like a top until I reached Ashville, NC and the alternator went out.  Towed to the Nearest Honda dealer and in four hours I was ready to go.  Decided to stay the night and go the rest of the way the next morning.  Did so and in six hours I was there.  Met up with the Tennessee Chapter “A” group and they led me to the picnic.  What a picnic.  More than enough to eat, prizes galore, met a bunch of people from all over, 86 in all.  My congratulations to Marion & Don Oller and their Freedom Wings staff for putting together a wonderful picnic.  I would also like to thank Bill Young for his generosity and the rest of the TN Chapter “A” gang for taking care of me.  Barbara appreciates it also.  Left early the next morning and arrived safely home without any mishaps.  Although  I did have some problems in these two weeks….ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL!!!