Totally frustrated with my inability to connect to the Internet with the University of Alaska at Fairbanks (U.A.F.) directions and password that was provided at check in so I could continue to update the 2014 Alaskan Adventure blog, I went down to the front desk for an assist. The staff also could not connect with the Internet. They suggested that I kill two birds with one stone and go to the nearby College Coffee Shop for breakfast and to connect using their free, high-speed Internet connection. I engaged a bright-eyed bagel worker there named Laura in lively conversation. Laura, seeing my garb, peppered me with questions about my trip. When she learned of my BMW ride and rear shock issues, she placed an X on my Fairbanks map and insisted that I immediately go to the Fairbanks Harley/BMW dealership and consult with Justin, her boyfriend and general manager there!
Very concerned about the unsafe condition of my motorcycle's blown rear shock seal, I headed to the Fairbanks Harley/BMW dealer. Justin was as helpful as Laura said he would be. He discussed my situation in detail and the complications of 1) limited value of the 21-year old motorcycle based on Kelly Blue Book printouts that he provided to me 2) the need to either sell in Anchorage or leave the bike for sale in Alaska before flying back to Philadelphia in only one week's time 3) its present damaged condition with work required on the back shock 4) the end of the motorcycle selling season. He also checked to see what a new shock would cost- $459 before shipping (one week to get it to Alaska) and installation! Yikes!
The total $600 cost was not viable- my hopes for a quick, new seal installation on the shock presently on the bike were wildly optimistic and unrealistic in my present set of circumstances- in other words, I'm in deep doo-doo. Justin's help was much appreciated and after many thanks I went back out to mount my machine and leave. Justin came outside to grab me before leaving with a final idea- a fellow named Bob had just come into the dealership. Bob was the President of the BMW Airhead Motorcycle group of Alaska and had many connections, and perhaps he could help me locate a used shock from one of his club's members. I took off my helmet and came back inside the dealership and met with Bob. He escorted me to the shacky, woodsy, and cluttered home of George, who for many years ran the only BMW Motorcycle dealership in the entire state of Alaska. George had a hodge-podge of motorcycle parts and he managed to locate a brand new, high-tech, self-leveling Nivomat shock in his stash, perfect for my K 75 S, but unfortunately George needed $400 for the high-end factory shock. The price was totally fair and reasonable but just too much to pay for repairs to a bike to be sold imminently and with limited value. I thanked him and said good bye.
The total $600 cost was not viable- my hopes for a quick, new seal installation on the shock presently on the bike were wildly optimistic and unrealistic in my present set of circumstances- in other words, I'm in deep doo-doo. Justin's help was much appreciated and after many thanks I went back out to mount my machine and leave. Justin came outside to grab me before leaving with a final idea- a fellow named Bob had just come into the dealership. Bob was the President of the BMW Airhead Motorcycle group of Alaska and had many connections, and perhaps he could help me locate a used shock from one of his club's members. I took off my helmet and came back inside the dealership and met with Bob. He escorted me to the shacky, woodsy, and cluttered home of George, who for many years ran the only BMW Motorcycle dealership in the entire state of Alaska. George had a hodge-podge of motorcycle parts and he managed to locate a brand new, high-tech, self-leveling Nivomat shock in his stash, perfect for my K 75 S, but unfortunately George needed $400 for the high-end factory shock. The price was totally fair and reasonable but just too much to pay for repairs to a bike to be sold imminently and with limited value. I thanked him and said good bye.
I visited the Museum of the North, located right on the grounds of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, enjoying the art work created by native artists and the exhibits of the life style, history, and abundant wildlife of Alaska. Dancing around with Justin, Bob, and George was a necessary use of my limited time in Fairbanks to try to resolve the shock situation, but it robbed me of time I had hoped to use to explore the high points of Fairbanks and I had to leave to head to Denali National Park area by 3 P.M. I traveled the 125 miles to the Denali R.V. Park and Motel and checked into my room on the outskirts of the National Park entrance. I bought a new reversable hooded fleece jacket in the park office to keep me warm and fashionable for the final 10 days of the trip with The Bev.
Howard,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your trip assidulously since you left. I know we kid around a lot, but I am sincerely impressed with your ability to write and describe the incredibly beautiful scenery. I recall visiting the University when we were in Fairbanks on the summer solstice some years ago and remember the huge flowers and the sun which did not set until 2:00 in the morning. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with us. Looking forward to hearing more about it when you arrive home. Best regards to Beverly.
Don Spitzer