The Bike Arrives

The Bike arrived at Carlile Freight on Monday, and Jay and I drove to Tacoma this morning to pick it up. The very friendly and helpful folks at Carlisle brought it right out.

Eventually, we popped the top and there it was. The thinner cardboard partition on the right side held the front wheel.

Becoming ever more bold, we undid the side panels.

After getting Jay's jack from the trunk of his Lexus (a jack which had never been used, because that's why you have AAA), we were able to slide the front wheel on, and get it ready to ride.

At this point, fuel was added, and we tried to start it. No joy. A trip down the ramp to try and compression start it was met with no success, as I was having trouble with 1st gear versus neutral. But the ever helpful people at Carlile had a battery charger, and in just a few minutes, it was sounding like a one cylinder should--thumping right along.

Off we went to Bellevue, stopping and topping off the tank on Highway 99. The only perceived damage is a cracked left mirror. I will find a new one later.

I left the bike in Bellevue to relax and spend time with Meredith for her birthday, and dear friends Jay and Carol on Whidbey Island. The trip starts Monday, and the adventure continues.