Monday morning we started out with a quick detour to a Harley shop in San Antonio to pick up a voltage regulator for Richard, who was in Ft. Davis and having electrical problems with his bike. Beth packed it away in her side case.

After the quick pickup we found I-10 West and headed for Ft. Stockton. West of Kerrville, the speed limit increases to 80 mph. We set the cruise controls and motored on through the high desert. At a gas stop Beth fixed a picnic lunch.

After lunch the temperature rose to about 90 deg. and on the way south to Alpine, TX it was 94 deg.

As we approached Alpine, Beth said to me, “I’m stuck in 5th gear!” Her hydraulic clutch was not working properly. As the speed limit decreased in town, she was able to down-shift without the clutch, and finally jerked to a stop at the blinking light in the middle of town. Two Border Patrol officers pulled up behind us and helped her push the bike around the corner to a parking spot. We called Richard and John to give us a hand. They and Tom arrived in just a few minutes. We decide to take the bike to the local motorcycle shop. The guys there bled the line. That may have helped, but the line got better as it cooled.

Meanwhile, Beth delivered the regulator to Richard.

The guys at the bike shop didn’t charge anything and sent us on our way. We were able to ride to our hotel in Ft. Davis. Beth then rode on the back of my bike back to Alpine where we had dinner with the gang.

Following dinner we returned to Ft. Davis and enjoyed the scenery.

Unfortunately the voltage regulator didn’t fix the charging problem on Richard’s bike. He and Donna were out at the curb attempting to get the rotor and stator out of the primary. They were sanding down the case when the sheriff and his deputy showed up to see what was going on and to offer their help. The sheriff went back to the fire house for a rasp, which helped finish the job.

Tuesday morning Beth and I set out for the Harley dealer in Odessa, TX, about 150 miles away. The bike is currently in the shop. We assume they will be able to fix it. We got a report that Richard is headed for Las Cruces, NM to pick up a stator. Stay tuned for the outcomes.

Tonight we go to the McDonald Observatory for the star show.