Every long road trip has a moment when the plan falls apart. For @scottyfairno, who has been riding a motorbike across America, it came on a hot stretch of road just outside one of the most famous national parks in the country. What happened next turned a breakdown into a story worth telling, and it started with a stranger on a Harley.
@scottyfairno
Things Were Going Well Until They Were Not
He begins by saying he has been riding his motorbike across America, and things were going pretty well until they were not. That evening he did not make it all the way to Zion, because it was going to get too dark. He stopped for the night in a town nearby, with a simple plan for the next day: ride through Zion National Park and then probably head on to Vegas.
Then, as he puts it, the bike had other plans. The gear selector broke two miles out of the park. He was stuck on the side of the road in scorching heat with a bike that would not shift.
For any rider, that is a sinking feeling. The gear selector is the linkage that lets you change gears with your foot. When it fails, you may be stuck in one gear, or in neutral, or unable to move the bike safely at all. On a desert road in the heat, the situation can go from annoying to serious quickly.
Thirty Seconds Later
Luckily, he says, within 30 seconds of breaking down a lovely fellow pulled up on his Harley. His name is Richard. Richard offered him his workshop to figure out the problem, and he even let him stay with his family until he could be picked up.
That is the kind of help that restores your faith in strangers. A rider saw another rider in trouble and stopped. Motorcyclists have a long tradition of looking out for one another on the road, and this story is a fine example.
A Collection Of Cars
It turns out Richard has an insane collection of cars, in the words of the rider. And Richard was not going to let his guest visit the area and miss the sights. They went out in his absolutely mint Super Bee, headed to the national park, and then stopped by a buddy’s museum nearby.
The Super Bee is a Dodge muscle car that was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s on the Coronet platform as a budget friendly performer. A mint one, in good shape and original, is a rare thing, and riding in one is a treat for any car fan. So the rider who started out stuck on a roadside ended up cruising to a national park in a classic muscle car, with a local host showing the way.
Eventually his savior arrived. He calls him Adam, and says Adam came to the rescue to pick him up. He is now back in Idaho with the bike.
Looking On The Bright Side
He does not sound bitter about the whole thing. He says it is a shame what happened, but if the bike had not broken down, there are so many amazing people he would not have met. He plans to fix the bike. And his next adventure is the Gambler 500 in Oregon, which he says is next weekend.
The Gambler 500 is a well known event where people take cheap, beat up vehicles on rough roads and trails, usually with a bit of silliness mixed in. It fits the spirit of a rider who sees a breakdown as another chapter rather than the end of a trip.
Tips For Riders Who Break Down
This story ended well, but it is wise to be ready when things go wrong. Here are some ideas for riders crossing long distances.
Carry a basic tool kit. A set of sockets and wrenches that fit your bike, spare fuses, zip ties, duct tape, a tire plug kit and a small pump can fix many common problems on the roadside. Learn how to use them before you go.
Know where you are. Keep a charged phone and a paper map or offline map. In remote areas, cell service can drop out, and knowing your exact position will help if you need to call for help. Share your route with a friend or family member, as this rider seems to have a friend ready to pick him up.
Consider roadside assistance made for motorcycles. Many standard plans do not cover bikes or the trailers needed to move them, so check the fine print before you leave.
Pack for heat. Water is the most important item. Wear gear that breathes, bring a hat or a cooling cloth for stops, and drink before you feel thirsty. A breakdown in desert heat can lead to dehydration much faster than people expect.
Stay visible and safe. Pull as far off the road as you can, turn on hazard lights if your bike has them, and stand away from traffic. If you are stuck, a bright jacket or a reflective vest makes you easier to spot.
Be a Richard. If you see a rider on the shoulder, slow down and ask if they need help. A few minutes of your time can change someone’s whole trip.
Why The Story Sticks
Plenty of travel stories are about places. This one is about people. The rider did not see Zion the way he planned, and he did not ride through the park on two wheels. Instead he got a tour in a classic car, a visit to a museum, and time with a welcoming family, all thanks to a stranger who stopped in the heat.
If you are planning a cross country ride, expect the unexpected. Often the best memories come from the parts of the trip you never put on the schedule. Pack the tools, bring the water, and keep an open mind. You never know who will pull up in thirty seconds.