Jim
May 6th, 2012, 02:20 PM
Moving from road based motorcycle touring to off-road Jeep trail riding presented a bit of a transition for me to get used to. My day-long or weekend bike trips where a whim of my choice. I typically rode alone, left when I wished, chose roads that I wished and made decisions at intersections. That freedom and independence of travel are relished.
Transitioning to off-road trail riding, it was brought to my attention that it was highly recommended to “change my solo way of life”. I should join a group, meet at a pre-set location, at a pre-set time, to ride on a pre-set trail. The primary reason for the group mentality was that if something should happen at that remote off-road location, there would be others at hand to assist.
Yesterday, my assist others and “be independent” role flipped to the one being assisted and dependent upon others.
On the downhill exit from Ironclads, the Jeep’s motor went soft, like it was running out of fuel. It limped along for 40 feet but gas pedal changes did not result in changed motor operation. Then it stopped and would not re-start. A quick radio call that I was not able to move stopped the front of the group while I took stock of the situation.
The motor would crank over as it should but it would not fire up. Gas pedal position made no difference. In the process I removed the gas cap (which was recently changed when the fuel filler lines were replaced so that fuel would not spill when full) – no change. A spark-present test for the #1 cyl was performed – spark was present. If there’s spark, it’s likely that fuel delivery was the issue [motor is multi-port fuel injected]. This is in line with how the motor died – slowly going dead (possible diminishing fuel delivery) vs. an electrical issue which is often ON/OFF with no in-between.
While we were on the downhill to exit Ironclads, Frank, directly ahead, strapped me through areas I could not coast through. He pulled me to the Bunce School entrance at Hwy 7, a possible tow truck location.
Once there, the group gathered around to see if we could get it running. Ray had some fuel hose which allowed me to bypass the external fuel filter – no change. Frank listened to the fuel pump at the tank and was able to hear it running - sometimes. I gave him a rock to whack the tank as I turned the key on – no change. At times the motor would run but not well enough to get anywhere.
Going through my mind were the myriad of options considered to get resolution to the issue. Call family near Denver; call someone near home to get me home? The other issue is getting the Jeep out of the hills to be worked on. I’d prefer to get it home and tend the issue myself, but at this point, I’d gladly settle for a tow truck to a shop. For any of those, I’d still need to get into cell phone range… 15 miles away. All of those “what next” thoughts came to an immediate halt when Barb looked over to me and said “We’ll make sure you make it home”.
That simple comment became resolution. The unknown, which needed to be resolved was now off the mental plate – more help was at hand.
From that point, the decision to leave the Jeep where it was and stay with the group on the next trail section was easily made. I offloaded gear to Rob’s FJ and jumped in with Max. Off to Miller Rock for side spur exploring we went.
Trails explored, gear was relocated to Chris & Barb’s truck and we headed back to the Jeep. With luck it might run. While it did start, un-willingly, and run, oddly – it would not run well enough to move itself. They towed me up and over the ridge and I was able to coast down the St. Vrain canyon at 20-50mph to about 3 miles from Lyons. From there they towed me to a nice parking spot in town.
Cell phone now in range, calls to a towing service arranged the next step for the Jeep. We left it safely sit and they delivered me and the trail gear to home. While their conversation was well enjoyed, I have firm impression of Barb’s first “we’ll get you home” comment and the smooth, quick ride of their truck vs. me walking the shoulder for a few hours.
While I enjoyed those wanderlust solo trips on the motorcycle, I now look at the “pre-set” group ride differently. Our group, coordinated via our web site, has firm resolve from me. While I would graciously accept assistance again, I do hope to be on the giving side of the handshake more often.
Sincerely,
Jim
ps: I’ll let you know what the cause of the issue is, hopefully later this week.
Transitioning to off-road trail riding, it was brought to my attention that it was highly recommended to “change my solo way of life”. I should join a group, meet at a pre-set location, at a pre-set time, to ride on a pre-set trail. The primary reason for the group mentality was that if something should happen at that remote off-road location, there would be others at hand to assist.
Yesterday, my assist others and “be independent” role flipped to the one being assisted and dependent upon others.
On the downhill exit from Ironclads, the Jeep’s motor went soft, like it was running out of fuel. It limped along for 40 feet but gas pedal changes did not result in changed motor operation. Then it stopped and would not re-start. A quick radio call that I was not able to move stopped the front of the group while I took stock of the situation.
The motor would crank over as it should but it would not fire up. Gas pedal position made no difference. In the process I removed the gas cap (which was recently changed when the fuel filler lines were replaced so that fuel would not spill when full) – no change. A spark-present test for the #1 cyl was performed – spark was present. If there’s spark, it’s likely that fuel delivery was the issue [motor is multi-port fuel injected]. This is in line with how the motor died – slowly going dead (possible diminishing fuel delivery) vs. an electrical issue which is often ON/OFF with no in-between.
While we were on the downhill to exit Ironclads, Frank, directly ahead, strapped me through areas I could not coast through. He pulled me to the Bunce School entrance at Hwy 7, a possible tow truck location.
Once there, the group gathered around to see if we could get it running. Ray had some fuel hose which allowed me to bypass the external fuel filter – no change. Frank listened to the fuel pump at the tank and was able to hear it running - sometimes. I gave him a rock to whack the tank as I turned the key on – no change. At times the motor would run but not well enough to get anywhere.
Going through my mind were the myriad of options considered to get resolution to the issue. Call family near Denver; call someone near home to get me home? The other issue is getting the Jeep out of the hills to be worked on. I’d prefer to get it home and tend the issue myself, but at this point, I’d gladly settle for a tow truck to a shop. For any of those, I’d still need to get into cell phone range… 15 miles away. All of those “what next” thoughts came to an immediate halt when Barb looked over to me and said “We’ll make sure you make it home”.
That simple comment became resolution. The unknown, which needed to be resolved was now off the mental plate – more help was at hand.
From that point, the decision to leave the Jeep where it was and stay with the group on the next trail section was easily made. I offloaded gear to Rob’s FJ and jumped in with Max. Off to Miller Rock for side spur exploring we went.
Trails explored, gear was relocated to Chris & Barb’s truck and we headed back to the Jeep. With luck it might run. While it did start, un-willingly, and run, oddly – it would not run well enough to move itself. They towed me up and over the ridge and I was able to coast down the St. Vrain canyon at 20-50mph to about 3 miles from Lyons. From there they towed me to a nice parking spot in town.
Cell phone now in range, calls to a towing service arranged the next step for the Jeep. We left it safely sit and they delivered me and the trail gear to home. While their conversation was well enjoyed, I have firm impression of Barb’s first “we’ll get you home” comment and the smooth, quick ride of their truck vs. me walking the shoulder for a few hours.
While I enjoyed those wanderlust solo trips on the motorcycle, I now look at the “pre-set” group ride differently. Our group, coordinated via our web site, has firm resolve from me. While I would graciously accept assistance again, I do hope to be on the giving side of the handshake more often.
Sincerely,
Jim
ps: I’ll let you know what the cause of the issue is, hopefully later this week.