We pulled out of the KOA about 10. One mile down the road we saw Joel pulled over on the side. We pulled off to see if he needed help. He'd left about 20 minutes before us. His bike had started sounding nasty and screechy. Not good. He was calling his roadside service. We waited with him while he figured out which tow truck was coming all the way to Ouray. It was cool to find out he was a Christian too. Great to pray together standing on the side of the road thanking God for this trail and eager to see how He was going to work through it. Right after that, an old truck pulled over and we thought he was offering help. His truck didn't sound any better than Joel's bike. He opened the hood and Karl went to talk to him. Turns out Doug is from Phoenix and was in town with his two boys who were back at the hotel. He thought the battery was gone. So...since we were waiting with Joel, Karl shed his gear from his bike and took Doug into town for a new battery. Doug was a brave soul to get on since he'd only had bad experiences with motorcycles in the past. My pink butterfly helmet didn't fit him, so Joel lent him his manly half helmet. While they were gone, Joel and I explored the river next to the road and chatted a bit. We was also trying to reach his relatives in Albuquerque who he was on his way to see.
Doug and Karl got back and Doug installed the new battery while Karl rode back to the garage to pick up his top case he left there when they had to strap the battery to the back of the bike. Karl returned just as Doug got the truck running. Joel had reached his relatives who offered to come get him with a trailer and take him back to NM where he could get the bike fixed. He canceled the tow truck. We used all of our straps and made a makeshift tow strap and Doug very carefully towed Joel back to the KOA where he will stay tonight waiting for his family to come tomorrow.
We parted ways and became facebook friends with Joel and Doug. Karl and I decided to stop in Ouray and have lunch before we hit the road. Guess who walks in? Doug and his boys to have lunch. It was fun to tell the story again o them.
As we pulled out of Ouray we realized we still had a "piece" from Joel's bike that had fallen off. We turned around and went back to the KOA to give it to him.
Four hours later after we left in the morning, we pulled out of the KOA again. What an adventure. God's timing and plan are hysterical. We couldn't have planned to have all met there on the side of the road and every one be able to help the other. Plus now we have new friends! We'll be following Joel and Doug on Facebook to see what happens with the bike and the truck and the rest of their trips. Will Joel get all the way to California? Will Doug and the boys get to Yellowstone? Idaho? Spokane? Will that old truck make it? More adventures ahead I'm sure.
We relished every cool breeze, every view with green and water, and every rolling turn. I had to make a quick stop in Silverton to buy another doily. I had only gotten one the other day and decided I needed two if I'm going to put one in each saddlebag. The lady in the shop was shocked I came in for another one and just gave it to me. Sweet. I rode the rest of the way to Durango with a doily in my pocket and a smile on my face.
Dinner at KBDillons. Karl had a hankerin for a steak. Me too. Great green chili soup too.
As we finish out this trip, I'm so thankful for Karl who loves me as I am, our kids who we really do miss, Marcie and my folks- for being me while we're away and hauling the kids everywhere.... for my bike T"Kahr who is a dream come true.... and I'm thankful that God continues to bless our socks off with incredible opportunities like we've had the last 6 days to meet people and experience His creation. Every day on this earth is an epic adventure.
Glad you had a great time and are soaking every bit of it in.
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