Day 2, NO PROBLEM!

This morning I had to ride over 100 miles just to get to the next gas stop in Vale, OR, so I topped off and went for it.  The temps were a lot cooler and I went 119 miles with no problem whatsoever.  I was gaining some confidence that whatever the problem was I may be able to get around it by keeping the tank level high and riding in cooler temps.  Then I rode another 100 miles or so past Boise to the turnoff for hwy 20 to my overnight here in Arco, ID.  This included some stretch of Interstate 84 with a 75 mph speed limit.  I tried to stay in the right hand lane, but the trucks had a slower limit so I had to pass them, hoping the bike wouldn't take a burp while I was out in the fast lane.  By the time I started on my last 175 miles I was relaxed and confident the bike was going to run OK.  I don't know what the problem was yesterday.......maybe I got some bad gas in Maupin, OR.  It was a pretty dinky little station and I noticed the pump said the gas contained no ethanol.  Where do you get gas like that nowadays?  All the major brands have ethanol, so maybe I got some home-brew that was too volatile in high temps.  Still, I'm a little concerned about the fuel pump.  When I went to the Kawasaki website to get a part number, I discovered that the part has been superseded by another one.  That often means that there was a problem with the original and they went to an improved version.  Of course, it can also mean they found a cheaper supplier.  At any rate, tomorrow I may order one from an online source to be sent to my brother's in St. Louis where I can change it out.  It would be over $250 in parts and shipping, so it better be the right choice.

Once I relaxed I had a good ride today.  I saw a huge amount of sparsely occupied country in Southern Idaho and the roads were pretty straight.  I even got my Ipod out and connected it to my helmet intercom.  The sound quality is amazing given I have ear plugs in and wind noise to deal with.  The ear plugs cancel out the wind noise but allow the music at high volume to get through.  I quickly learned that I can't rock-out while riding down the highway because my gyrations cause steering inputs that get me all over the highway.

Some pics from the day:

You know you're a redneck when.....

Your rifle is worth more than your pickup.

This is the cute little motel I am staying in in Arco.  Away from the highway, clean, and cheap.  I can tell the walls are thin, though.

This is what I found next to the motel.  I don't know what a submarine conning tower is doing in the middle of Idaho, but there it is.  You can see my motel sign in the background.

A little local humor in the sub memorial parking area: