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The one that had the main issue was a bit loose when I got to Knoxville but took the one bolt out and installed another lock washer then covered the threads with lots of thread lock and it held the for the balance of the ride. The tape you used to hold the spacer in place was still there and it held it in place while doing the repair. Will be making a change to the light bar mounting hole size and adding longer spacers in a few weeks so it stays in place from now on. Thanks for the assist in the heat and humidity.

Hey Big Lenny, Sorry you had to head out from the International so soon but it was great meeting you and hope we can meet up again soon. I'm still working on trying to make it there for BB&B and understand your situation so no worries. I would be staying in or around the Springdale area and if it works out maybe I can swing by and at least say hi while there. Not sure yet if I will be able to make it but trying to get the boss to go as well so...maybe? Thanks!

Hey Doug, Great meeting you at the WVR as well. Canada was one of my thoughts and would love to head up your way and across to the islands as well. Will see how things work out.

Well I made it back home late Friday evening Aug-14 and had a great time on my entire ride. I rode through 20 states for a total of 7086 miles over 30 days. Started out from home and went to the International in St. Charles, MO. Met a lot of great people and look forward we can get together again soon. From St Chuck I headed to Knoxville, TN where I joined up with a buddy then we rode up to Sturgis, MN. to meet with 2 other friends. The four of us headed to Sturgis, SD for the 75th rally. Spent 1 day at the rally and 2 days riding all around. Went to Mt Rushmore and all the other great must-see stuff there. We had our fill of Sturgis so we headed to Cody, WY and from there rode the Chief Joseph Hwy, across the 212-Bear Tooth Hwy into Red Lodge, MT. After riding back over Bear Tooth again we were forced to spend 2 nights in Cooke City, MT due to thunderstorms. When the weather cleared two of us decided we wanted to take time riding in Yellowstone, the Tetons, and Jackson Hole WY to see as much nature as we could. The other 2 decided they wanted to ride to Washington state so they could click them off their ride maps, we had a better ride for sure. We all met up again in Evanston WY where my three friends headed east and I headed west toward home. I wish I had more time to ride further north but maybe I'll take a ride there next month. Pictures will follow once I get them downloaded and organized.

Thanks Puc, we'll be pulling into Sturgis sometime Monday afternoon but not sure what time. Wil ltry to get across town and stop by the Yamaha dealer and catch up. Would like to meet you and and the others. Ride Safe...!

Had a great time meeting and riding with everyone at the International Rally. My first venture with the VentureRider group and except for the over abundance of HEAT getting across Kansas the ride there and around the St Chuck area was good. Thanks to the Eykamp's for getting the rides moving and to everyone that made the event fun. Looking forward to next years event. Now in Knoxville TN until Friday then heading north to Wisconsin then across to Sturgis and up to Red Lodge and beyond. Should be home around the 12th of August or there abouts. Will post pictures when I get home. Ride Safe Y'ALL!

Just heard the news as I have been on the road for the past 2 weeks and without checking in. Sorry to hear about Melanie. Prayers up and our thoughts with her as she recovers.

I will be getting in sometime Sunday early afternoon and will be at the Comfort Inn hotel for the week. Will catch up with you somewhere around there. Thanks.

Thanks BigLenny, We have a friend that lives in Springdale and I took her for a little riding up to Eureka Springs and around last year. Was a great ride but didn't get to see much since the weather wasn't cooperating so would like to se more. Was thinking about maybe going to see a cousin in Cushing Oklahoma again this year and could drop down out of Missouri around the Branson area then into Springdale then across. If there a better riding and more interesting roads to travel I'm open for anything you would suggest? Let me know your favorites. Thanks Much,

Depending on how long you plan to be in the Snellville area if you have time and like good Chinese food, I have close friends (more like family) in Lithia Springs off I-20 and Thornton road that own a nice place to get some good food. They are just past the Walmart on the left and if you go there tell Ke and Tracy Eddie sent you. If you can while at the Dragon and Deals Gap you have to ride the Cherohala Skyway as well. Have fun and Ride Safe!

Thanks Condor...Will get with you when I get back to help get 7 of 9 back on the road.

Clean underwear packed, trailer loaded, maintenance checks are done, and I'm ready to head east for the International Rally. Leaving the Sacramento area Wednesday morning. Planning to take my time so I can see some of the sights along the way but will still do around 450 or so miles per day. Not sure if I'm taking I-80 across then Hwy 50 back or visa-versa. Might even head to Knoxville TN then maybe up to Sturgis after the rally. Will know which way I'm going when I get there. All I know for sure is...I'm going to enjoy this trip and looking forward to meeting everyone. Ride Safe Y'all !

Flynfool is right about the ratio of trailer to bike weight restrictions and tongue weight limitations. If the trailer weighs more than 400lbs empty you are already right near the max limits for safety. Once you load anything into the trailer, and it doesn't take much to add another 150lbs , it is going to be too heavy for safely towing and it will be much more difficult when slowing and stopping. Stopping is a big factor to always think about when towing. If you have to stop fast that extra 400 or 500lbs behind you will continue to push the bike and it easily takes 20 to 25% more stopping distance to stop when towing. The rule of thumb of 10% tongue to overall trailer weight rule is right and it may not seem like the difference between 40 or 50lbs is a lot to worry about compared to when you have a rider behind you but you have to take into consideration the weight and length you are towing. Add a passenger along with a trailer and you have even more weight and distribution to consider. Not having enough tongue weight is very dangerous! This can cause the trailer to start whipping around and can make you lose control. The trailer has to be properly loaded and balanced and cannot be over loaded, the tongue weight ratio has to be right, and you have to change the way you ride when towing by allowing more space for stopping, cornering, turning into driveways, etc. Like XV100SE also stated, air pressure in the shock will need to be adjusted to get a good ride but you also have to check and recheck the shock and your tire pressure daily and make sure to never let them get below MFG spec's. I suggest taking the trailer to another certified scale to get a real picture of its true empty weight then go from there but whatever you decide to do please...Ride Safe!.

L.A.M.O. Y'all.

Way to go NAPA! Class Act.

If you have to put that much thought into it...... And I thought only the Harley riders didn't like to wave at Yamaha riders. You know it's all about personal choice so don't sweat it.

Good to know it wasn't to serious and you were able to walk away. The bike can be fixed. Heal Quickly.

Glad you made it hone Ok and had a great ride. Nice meeting you and hope we can get together up your way some day soon or at a minimum the next VW. Ride Safe!

How cool is that! Wonder if we can get any pattern we want or maybe the VR logo in the lights. Thanks for sharing.

Song #2 is "In a Daydream" by Freddy Jones Band from the "Waiting for the Night" album. Song #3 is "Seven Story Mountain" by Railroad Earth from "The Black Bear Sessions" (a little tie in there) Hope we can get together long before next years ride. Maybe we can make a trip to Tahoe or?? Thanks Again to you and Barbara..

Sorry to hear about the findings Puc. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Get Better Quickly.

Thanks Dale, Great meeting you and Doug as well. Enjoyed the conversations and rides. You and Doug ride safe and let us all know when you make it home.

I bet Victor would vote for this one and so do I. Seems we were an eating club with a motorcycle disorder at VW The artist is Cryil May from the Travelin' On album. The song title is "The Bikers"

Waite until you see the newest bling I'm adding next week. Will post a few more pictures once the new stuff gets installed

Great meeting you SilvrT. 17 hours in the saddle makes for a long ride. Glad you made it back to BC safely. The black Vic belongs to a friend of Nancy. He road in with the guy on the Honda and had dinner with her that night.