Shakedown Ride #1

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Anticipating the up and coming winter riding season, it’s always prudent to put several hundred miles on the odometer. The upcoming trip to Anza Borrego, CA. and the ADV Rally will be true testing grounds for myself and ZED.

One of my favorite backyard rides is north, into the Rio Grande Gorge National Monument, NM.

The view during the ride up to the West Mesa never disappoints.

Then of course, there’s the always popular tourist destination on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. If you traveling this road always keep an eye out for our friendly neighbors, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

Ride Safe

If so inclined, peruse my No Rules Adventure Images.

Stripped Valve Cover Bolt

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When winter adventure riding the Desert Southwest a handful of problems can arise. Anything from broken bones to engine breakdown. Luckily there were no bone fractures.

Baboquivari Peak Wilderness is a 2,065-acre wilderness area in the U.S. state of Arizona

While doing the morning inspection of ZED (1992 R100GS) it was noticed that the right side center valve cover bolt was protruding out more than it should. Reaching down, I easily pulled it all the way out. My initial reaction was despair. Now what?

Luckily I had cell service a quickly logged into Adventure Rider (see post here) and got a quick reply. The upshot of what followed was “no worries”.

Here’s the center stud with the stripped threads of the aluminum head.

Luckily this is a thru-hole, a tent stake demonstrates that fact.

First you must have the proper tools for inserting a Helicoil.

Then enlarge the hole to accept the tap for cutting new threads. For me this was the scary part. The enlarged hole must be straight and is best done on a drill press.

Tapping the threads.

Inserting the Helicoil.

And so the problem is solved and it’s back to riding.

Thanks for clicking in.

If you’re so inclined visit Britt Runyon Images and peruse.

No Rules Digital Images