CRUZTOOLS

I love tools. My mom used to work in a tool factory when I was a kid, and employees back in the days were allowed take home items that didn't make the quality control. Hence, instead of playing with dolls, I had a load of real tools to play with, that was fun. I became very good at dismantling things, alas had my issues to put it back together again (hasn't changed much). Since my bike didn't come with a kit (a common 'consumption' that seem to befall used motorcycles), I shopped around for a packaged metric toolkit, and found one specifically put together for Beemers from CRUZTOOLS. I will make use of it upcoming weekend. The vibrations of the thumper might have loosened up some of the fittings, so I want to make sure all screws, nuts and bolts are as tight as they should be.

Der Sommer ist ausgebrochen

So darf es für die nächsten Monate bleiben...

Preparation is key to safe traveling

It all made sense this morning, I got up early to watch the German soccer team thrashing the Argentinians, met with Bob at Blue Moon Cafe/Flying Swan for breakfast (it must be Saturday...), and afterwards we rode to Essential Motorcycle Services to have oil change, plus fluids and safety check done.

Nella on the 'operating table'.

Michelle working on Nella, patiently answering all my lay(wo)man's questions.

Ted checking on Nella

Nella bleeding black.

No appointment was needed, the mechanics didn't mind us looking over their shoulders, and while we were having a cuppa java, we chatted along and I learned quite a bit about Nella's entrails. Ted did a walk-around, adjusted some screws here and there, and checked the breaks, chain and air pressure. Now I feel confident that the bike is well prepared for our trip to Oregon. EMS did a great job (not to mention the free mechanic lesson) at a very reasonable cost. I can highly recommend their services.

It was well over lunch time, and I asked Bob to surprise me with a nice location for food. He didn't want to tell me where we would go and had me play: follow the leader instead. (Do we really have to go 75km/h in the city...?)

The place however was gorgeous, Sharkey's in Ladner. With a major road trip ahead of us we didn't feel like riding much, and spent the afternoon relaxing on a dock, enjoying the sun and scenery instead.

Look what's getting friendly with each other.

Nella and I are ready now to show my crocs the world (starting with the Northwest of the US of A).