Help needed In Tucson, down for repairs! AZ
Thursday, June 16th, 2011When the World says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
This is a difficult entry. Difficult because ‘I need’ to ask for help presently in Tucson awaiting major repair and swallow my pride. Financial help. My least favorite subject. Bluntly to the point. Cornered. My 658th entry, closing in on our 5th year, over one million five hundred forty thousand visits, thousands of photos, 250,000 miles on the odometer, this is indeed the major repair. Printed all up on paper these chapters would be a thick Coffee Table book with a few volumes at hand. I cannot fathom the idea this could be the end for the only reason of not being able to cover this major expense. Can you look at it as a Book purchase? A few? A subscription maybe? As my good Friend/Webmaster ‘Brian’ says “as long as it is ‘honest”… and it is “I feel”, as much as I have always been one avoiding any such imposition. We only have a few days ahead. Would you please? You do not need to have “PayPal” to contribute from the button above and the transactions are perfectly safe. Thank you…
Well, today, looks like this is it. For now, unless. On 191, 20 miles north of Chinle a bag of rocks within the engine made it’s music about an hour ago, shaking and rattling, locking the rear wheel and coming to a stop skidding in the middle of the highway. I think the tranny is shot, maybe it is the final drive? Who knows, my mechanical knowledge only goes so far. Just when "Old Faithful" turns a quarter million miles. The weather is great, nice clouds, a nice breeze, food, water, what more can we ask for. Spirit is in the shade. My good Friend Dean is coming from Show Low with his trailer. Seems as he has saved us too many times these past weeks. How can I repay? Do you have Friend that will drive 780 miles in 2 days at a drop of a hat to rescue you?
A giant tractor pulled us half way off the road, the gears are frozen, neutral, clutch in, no go. A road construction crew loaned us a red cone and a local Navajo stopped by to invite us to camp at his corral a mile or so away. But we have it all, we cannot leave this behind, we will wait here, always prepared. Our last ride was on the desolate dirt roads leading to "Recaptured Pocket", breaking down within that space would have been a bit more detrimental. Or Muley Point, or anywhere else for that matter, far from it all as we usually are.
I was getting in the groove of our ride this morning when it all happened. A nice tail wind, beautiful clouds made me stop for photos a few times. Yet, here we are, on the "side" of the road instead. My thoughts were on Lance while riding, they were on my departed best Friend Bill. They were questioning why and how odd it was I could not call them anymore, speak to them, laugh, joke, listen to their non sense as so often they have listen to mine. It was then on an awakening, another reality making it’s way into our day, days.
We are in Tucson now, “Old Faithful” has been stripped from all it’s luggage, all the electrical to the sidecar has been dismantled, her rear wheel is resting on a doily for ease to be moved around by the great crew of “Iron Horse” BMW Motorcycle Dealer. It was not easy to get her on the trailer brought in by Dean. The wheels did fit but the rails where in the way of what we call, the left “jug”, the cylinder head of the engine, the rail was too tall. A truck had stopped also, local Native Navajos, they started helping before we realized the probability of breakage. “Karma” intervened. How many trucks would be carrying a engine hoist that could be put together in a few minutes? A quick ride to bring in 3 old tire rims and “Old Faithful” suddenly took a leap in the air to be placed gently on the trailer clearing the rails. It was quite a sight. Quite a deal. It would have not happened without them.
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![191-17 [original]](http://theoasisofmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/191-17-original.jpg "Hwy # 191") |
At “Iron Horse”, ‘Jim’, the service manager, well, like a precise surgeon, with the help of jacks, doilies and many hands, inch by inch she was pulled back to finally rejoin some of her distant cousins some ready for their rides, some also awaiting to get well. She is in good hands and yet, this is a major break down, this is a serious turning point for her as it is for us. We are in “Green Valley” at our Friend’s house, ‘Mark’, ‘Mark” who kindly opened up his doors when he heard of this new path we have taken, or more like it, this lack of path.
More news soon, we will be taking a drive toward her today, I can only hope they do not want to retire her. The long road mental and physical awaits for us. The valleys and the peaks… that is what Life has always been about.
"I have had a great deal of interest in my photography over the years, for which I am grateful. Their sales are of much importance funding this Journal. Yes, please feel free to purchase one or two… or a few. I have been adding some photos lately, there will be more as I sift through about 100,000 of them. Take a look. Also for merchandise also “Smugmug” stands for quality. For contributions to defer the always rising Internet costs please use the toolbar above. “Zen Gallery” is slowly filling up with new photos. Thank you for your help.”
Ara & Spirit
Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage
June 16th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Ara, Just sent $20 towards a cup of coffee at the Oasis some one of these days. Happy Trails, and I hope you’re back on the road soon. Safe journeys.
June 16th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Sent you a little (sorry it is little) donation. Do not talk of retiring the bike. What’s the worst it could be. The engine is trash, the tranny is trash. Either or both can be replaced and the good people of Iron Horse (a good choice by the way) will have you back on the road in no time. I saw you at the AZbeemer rally in Heber last month but was disappointed that I did not get to talk to you. Take care Ara and see you on the road.
June 16th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Ara,
Just made a small contribution to the cause, hope things work out for you ad Spirit.
Dick
June 16th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
May your journey, your entries and your photos continue. Glad to help.
June 16th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Ara,
I wish I could have given more. Get that beast back on the road and keep up your travels; letting us see the world through your camera lens and perseverance. I never knew I lived in such a beautiful place until I saw your photos, you are an inspiration.
Andy
June 16th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
I just contributed to your cause, with many thanks for the hours of enjoyment you’ve given me in your journals. Hugs to Spirit! (I also bought HIS photo last week!)
Barb
June 17th, 2011 at 5:03 am
Just made my small contribution. Hope to see you and Spirit up and running soon. Always look forward to your photos and videos. Thanks for sharing with us!
Justin
June 17th, 2011 at 6:19 am
Just made a small contribution. May I make a suggestion? Make your contribution button more obvious. I had a heck of a time finding it. I think most people are more comfortable paying through PayPal. I’m glad you made it an option. Hope you’re back on the road again, soon.
June 17th, 2011 at 7:20 am
By obvious, I mean I passed it by quite a few times thinking it was saying “Contribute U Tube Videos”. Maybe just my own stupidity, but just in case there is someone else out there who has the same problem, and who cares about you and Spirit…
Maybe you could link the word “Paypal” to their site.
I just found your blog a day or two ago. You’re not only and incredible photographer, but your story telling ability is on a level not often found. I have a lot of reading to do. Be well. I do hope people will reach out to you just as your words have reached out to them.
I wish my contribution could have been more, but circumstances are restrictive at the moment. BTW, Paypal said you haven’t given them any shipping instructions at this time. I wasn’t sure if you were aware of that.
June 17th, 2011 at 9:35 am
Wish I could take care of the entire bill for you. Sent what I could. Hope you make it back on the road.
June 17th, 2011 at 11:23 am
Glad to be able to help with the repair of “Old Faithful”. No way will your friends let you down. We, as well, need your journals and photos to keep us going! May you and Spirit be back on the road in no time, heading north for the summer! Looking forward to more photos and journalQ
Dee
June 17th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
You are in my spirit city. I lve dogs and motorcycles. I will help you. (as little as I can)
michael
June 17th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
I just sent what I could afford, hoping for a happy ending for you and Spirit in this unexpected bump in the road. God puts angels in unexpected places it seems (the men who stopped with the lift while you were stuck on the side of the road, your friends who have given you so much help lately), and I hope this proves there are many more angels watching over you and Spirit at this time, with even a $1.00 donation as a show of concern, no matter the outcome. I would surely miss seeing you two out on the highway! I’m hoping many more would miss you, too.
June 17th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Ara,
Please accept my donation. I have greatly appreciated your photos, stories and insights over the past five years and I hope your journey continues for you and Spirit.
Bob
June 18th, 2011 at 3:09 am
Ara, just seen this on DSRL. Hope things get sorted – donation sent, pleased to help. Kind regards to you and Spirit
June 18th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Just sent a donation. Please keep us posted. I’m sure we can all come up with more money if needed. I really enjoy following your travels and viewing your photos. I know this is just a bump in the road for you and things will get better.
June 18th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
May your travels continue, soon. I too have a bit of reading to do~
June 19th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Ara, I just sent a small donation to you and Spirit. I hope you get back on the road soon. I enjoy your posts – reading about your life. Perhaps we’ll run into you in Terlingua sometime.
June 19th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Ara, I wish there was more I could do, but hopefully every ‘penny’ helps, I know you and Spirit are anxious to get rollin again on the open roads and trails. I hadn’t had a chance to tell you yet, but I was truly disappointed to miss meeting you in Gold Point, and then in Vegas. I hope to catch you some other time. Good luck with the repairs. Stay healthy, happy and free.
Julie
June 19th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Btw, can I buy a print of this photo: Storm in Ennis, Montana http://photos.theoasisofmysoul.com/index.php?album=Test&image=montana-storm-zen.jpg ?
June 19th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
just sew texas sent a small donation…. free clothes for Spirit, huh? Dang…
Bill’s Wing also has over 230,000 miles…. running on 5 cyls kept us from a great party and shrimp gumbo in Louisiana last weekend! :o(
Never fear, things always work out. Just trust.
Mary
June 21st, 2011 at 6:50 am
You asked “Do you have Friend that will drive 780 miles in 2 days at a drop of a hat to rescue you?”
Actually, yes! He was willing to haul my bike 995 miles, even, from New Denver, British Columbia, to Springville, Utah, last week. Fortunately, he did not need to, but it was very humbling to know I have such a friend.
I think it is obvious that a force beyond coincidence is at work in your behalf. I wish I could be there to help! When payday arrives, I will be, albeit only virtually…
June 22nd, 2011 at 6:08 am
Your story is ispiring, to say the least. I wish I had the financial ability to help you out but I just can’t. I do wish you much luck and “God Speed”.
June 23rd, 2011 at 3:54 am
Hey BoyZ! I just sent you a little, little something, something. Lucky Seven’s isn’t much, but will hopefully open up more to come your way now!
May the Spirit of the wind be with you Ara! Lovin’ PurrZ from me and my clutter of 7 catZ, and 1 big-o dog. ((<3))