My eventful trip thru my friend eyes

[E-Fishin-C]

It all started when Charlie bought the bike in January. The bike was in northern Quebec. He spent the next 2 months trying to figure out how to bring it back. Calls to MTO resulted in various mixed messages about what you could and couldn’t do – i.e. some said he needed to have the mechanical done before it could be driven. Couldn’t put the existing plate on the bike as MTO entered it in the computer as unplated when they changed the ownership. This would have meant trailering it 900 kms. The bike was too big for a normal large pickup truck, as it’s 9 feet long. As well it came with a trailer which is 6 feet long…The other part of the issue was where to pay the G.S.T. If paid in Quebec it could be driven, but then you’d also have to pay it in Ontario and wait for a rebate from Quebec. As if…so he paid the tax in Ontario. MTO still insisted it couldn’t be driven until a mechanical fitness was provided. What to do…what to do…

The dithering went back and forth between MTO, friends, OPP officers, everyone with a different take on the situation. Finally a friend on the VentureRider site contacted someone in Quebec who advised that all he needed to do was get a 4 day travel permit in Quebec and then it could be driven home. In the meantime a friend offered to borrow a trailer and chocks from someone else and go pick it up. Remember, it was still March and could still snow here. However, the trailer was gigantic, 22 feet long, and would have cost $800- $1,000 in gas just to get there. Then found out the trailer lights were no good, and electric brakes would not work. Forget that idea. Another friend said perhaps the best option would be to build a raft and float it down the Ottawa River through the Trent Canal and home…LOL!

Anyway in the end Charlie and a friend drove to St. Donat, Quebec. 954 kms. one way. En route they got the 4 day travel permit and got to the bike’s house. Then the problems began. The spot was way up in the Laurentian Mountains – still some snow there, lakes still frozen, air was cold on the bike. Dressed for winter.

1. The battery was dead so the owner boosted it and away they went.

2. The bike needed gas. As soon as it was stopped at the gas station, it wouldn’t start. So Charlie and a guy push started it.

3. Now it was obvious, he couldn’t shut the bike off. So drove back to Ottawa (3 hrs.) Stopped at a bike shop which was open late, and tried to buy a battery. However, it would take 10 hours to charge it. He didn’t buy the battery.

4. Got lost trying to find the place to stay. Drove far out of the way in long-weekend traffic in the dark, but finally found it at 9 p.m. Had been driving since 5 a.m. in Sudbury.

5. Stayed overnight at a B & B. The next day was Good Friday and everything was closed.

6. Asked the B & B owner if he had a battery charger. Yes. Tried to remove seat to take the battery out to charge. The bolts had been replaced and one wouldn’t come off. Didn’t have the right tools. Tear hair out.

7. Also, bike needed more gas.

8. Friday morning, friend drove to 2 gas stations to buy a plastic gas can. It must have been gold plated. $$$ Filled up tank.

9. Worked on the damn bolt some more. Finally a neighbour came over who had more tools. Got the damn bolt off.

10. Tried to boost it with the truck with small booster cables (all he had). Not enough juice to start bike.

11. Same neighbour brought over better cables. The boost worked.

12. On the road now, but can’t shut the bike off.

13. When gas was needed, stopped and filled up the gold plated gas can. Then left gas station and stopped down the road. Filled up the tank with the bike RUNNING!*#*$&!!!

14. Repeated this operation several times.

15. On the way home, temperature in one spot was up to 33 degrees C (80+_) Stripped off clothes. An hour later, temperature was dropping. Put clothes back on.

16. Believe it or not got home all in one piece. Drove into driveway at 5:30 p.m. Good Friday.

17. Shut off the bike. A few minutes later, tried key and it started! However, the battery really was toasted and a replacement has been bought.

Was it worth it? Definitely! Cost of having new bike? Priceless!

[saddlebum]

Okay that was a long tail. Obviously a few minor distractions. What I wanna know is did you have FUNN

[midnite]

Sounds like it fits in here. Went on an adVENTURE. Remember it ain't the destination, it the adventure of getting there:smile5:

[RandyR]

you mean you didn't stop to go fishing anywhere along the route. What a wasted opportunity????

 

 

 

congrats on the new ride.

[DragonRider]

Ok, Charlie, congrats on the new scoot, but you know the rules..........Rule #1......PICS

 

WHERE ARE THEY????????????????

[BEER30]

Ok, Charlie, congrats on the new scoot, but you know the rules..........Rule #1......PICS

 

WHERE ARE THEY????????????????

 

Charley most likely may have dropped the camera in the lake , like he did with the rod and reel I sent him .

 

BEER30

[Aussie Annie]

Thanks for the story Charley

"Lifes an adVenture, get on and ride"

[BEER30]

Thanks for the story Charley

"Lifes an adVenture, get on and ride"

 

 

That's probably all it is .

We haven't seen any pic's yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

BEER30