Found out today that the bike will need major repairs to the transmission, and this dealer can't get to it for months. So, we traded in our Toyota Corolla, for a full size Dodge pick-up. Loaded our bike trailer on the back of the truck. Arranged to have the bike shipped to Tampa, and we're finally ready to start the 800 mile drive home.
As frustrating and stressful as this has been, we have been blessed with kind, generous people everywhere we turn. AAA said they would probably charge me $3 per mile to haul the trailer to Memphis, in addition to the additional money I had to pay for going over the free 100 miles. This would have meant the towing alone would have about $500. However, the two truck driver told me he'd haul the trailer for $50.
The motorcycle shop got our bike in immediately, and spent many hours trying to figure out what was wrong. I expected a $1000 bill. They charged me a little over $200. Said they knew we were stranded and didn't want to take advantage of us.
Enterprise Car Rental, gave us the truck for the same rate as the Toyota, and didn't charge us mileage. They too bent over backwards to help us.
My final problem was getting the bike shipped back to Tampa. An internet search led me to Bike Haulers, a trucking company that only hauls motorcycles. Charge, $845. I called my dealer in Tampa, the GM told me to hang on while he called a trucker they use to ship bikes. The guy will be going through Memphis next week, and agreed to haul the bike for under $500.
We have been blessed at every turn. While this has been stressful, I am so grateful to all the wonderful people we've met who have done their best to help us.
We hope to be home by late Sat.
Cheers,
m&s
Oh, our hearts go out to you guys. We've been there, done it and experienced all that you are now experiencing. No, it's nor fun, but you learn a lot and appreciate more. Yes, it's amazing, how out of nowhere, people pop up and truly want to help you. We had that happen, when we broke down in our brand new Truck and brand new 5th Wheel RV, first trip out west. We came out of the Visitors Center in Jackson Hole, WY and went about five feet and BAN, broke down. Fortunately, we are members of the Good Sam RV Club and took out Roadside Service Policy, before traveling. They came and towed our 5th Wheel to a Campground, which they made all the arrangements and got us set up. Afterwards, they towed our truck to Cowboy Ford Dealer for repair. It seemed like people popped up and wanted to help. One couple knew we had no transportation to and they invited us to take a quick tour of the town and have lunch out with them. We were so appreciative and joined them. Finally, some fun was had! We were stuck in Jackson Hole for five days. The Ford Dealership GAVE us a rental car, upon my insistents, beings our truck was brand new and under warranty. We did enjoy our stay and returned another year to revisit. A great place! All we can say is, hang in there, everything will work out. Stay positive and drive safely home. You're in our prayers. Love Ya!!!
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