we got off at noon after packing and installing new mud flaps and caulking the truck cap in case of rain. which is pretty good considering our track record of leaving at a certain time. after 2 1/2 hours we stopped for lunch and to switch drivers. kari remembers thinking at the lunch stop "damn, those are some nice looking bikes!" (see photo)
minutes later we pulled across the street into the gas station. in the driveway both bikes suddenly fell over on their sides!!! the center tie down ring had failed and the straps let loose.
luckily we were standing still and out of traffic. but it was a sad sight. we didn't even take a picture. it was too ugly. all we could picture were totally crushed gas tanks and engine cases as they lay on their sides, draped over the smashed out trailer lights. after several minutes of standing, not being able to move them an iota ourselves, kari demanded that Spirit send us some help! instantly several big strong angels came from all sides to help. it turns out the bikes had only minor scratches and only the trailer light lenses needed replaced.
we went to o'reilly's auto parts for new trailer light lenses, and the guy there found us someone to repair the trailer. (see photo) we only had to travel a couple of miles and spend 3 1/2 hrs and $60 to get back on the road, better than new! they put 2 huge eye bolts in through the frame underneath. it turns out our trailer had been modified by the last owner, who, we realize now, never tested his modification.
we drove til 230am to get to our scheduled stop at the flying j. in warrenton, MO. amid the track trailer generators and bright parking lights, we passed out in our sleeping bags in the bed of the truck.
our curtains worked perfectly. our mattresses were comfy and we slept like logs til 8am.
now we're ready for the next day. :)
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