Fist let me give you the day’s weather history. The morning started chilly and sunny. I left about 7:10 a.m. after a nice house tour and breakfast with Nancy and Gary. I stopped for gas and then about 8:45 the rain started and I rode for a straight two hours in the rain. After that is was merely cold and damp. After lunch the sun came out. By 4:00 p.m. it actually felt warm. Around 7:00 there was a shower and lightning. The rest of the trip was no rain with damp streets. I got to my hotel around 8:00 p.m.
At the 4 o’clock rest stop I noticed the rear fix point of the right saddlebag was broken and the bag was resting on the pipe. I got out my bungee cords and net and tied up the bag so it wouldn’t fall off.

For the next 120 miles I had time to think about engineering a repair. I decided on a mending strap, epoxy, and screws. I had the screws and epoxy in my bag, but I needed the mending strap. I got the strap and some drill bits at Wal-Mart.

I did a test fit to the bike tonight and it looks good. I’ll let the glue dry tonight and put the bag on in the morning.

The man at the customs booth said there is a big storm heading this way from Escanaba. Some tornadoes were reported. I’ll be safe in my room here for this storm. Tomorrow may bring scattered showers.

Ottawa, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, MI – 513 miles

Today’s Photo Album

Morning gas stop before the rain.

Plenty of traffic going to work.

Gas stop after the rain.

Attempted gas stop in the afternoon. The station was closed.

Another afternoon view.

Late afternoon, When it was actually warm. I discovered the broken saddlebag and bugied it on.

The break at the mounting point.

Broken part ready for repair.

Broken part ready for repair.

The repair parts and tools.

and epoxy

The finished repair. Let's hope it works. Tomorrow will tell.

The Map.