OH & IN, Day 3
Rain Delay and Mechanical Woes
Rain delayed my sendoff from my host's house, turning what should have been a simple, 3-hour ride to Indianapolis into a test of patience and resilience. Yesterday’s mechanical issues only worsened with about 100 miles left to ride. 🏍️🌧️
The first 100 miles went seamlessly, but the sputtering returned during the second leg of the day. I pulled over into a firehouse parking lot, inspected the bike, and called R Falcone Motorsports (the local BMW dealer in Indy) to let them know I was coming in. The bike rode much better on the way to the dealership, but I wasn't taking any chances. 🔧🏠
Fixing the Issue
Falcone Motorsports quickly determined and corrected the issue: throttle control bodies that were out of sync. The bike rode perfectly from the dealer to my friend’s house, and I was back in business. 🛠️👌
A Night to Remember
With half the day spent legless, I decided to spend an extra night at my friend's house. That evening, we saw Soundgarden play at an outdoor arena in downtown Indianapolis. Sadly, this turned out to be one of the band's final shows, as their tour abruptly ended with the tragic death of lead singer and guitarist Chris Cornell. The loss of one of rock's greatest songwriters and musicians was a somber reminder of how fleeting life can be, juxtaposed with the jubilation of having seen the band in person. 🎸🌆
Lessons Learned
Initially, I had planned to stay in Indy for only one night. However, motorcycle problems forced me to extend my stay. This extra time allowed me to see Soundgarden, turning a frustrating situation into an unforgettable experience. By seizing the moment, staying patient, and accepting the situation for what it was, I got to see one of my favorite bands before it was too late. This lesson in patience and flexibility rewarded me with unforeseen opportunities, a lesson I won't soon forget. ⏳
