Getting the bike back

Unbelievable. My motorcycle is back under the house. There’s some damage, but it could have been a lot worse.

Ultimately, I have Shannon and Michelle to thank for it. It was Michelle who contacted the TV and news papers. She got me on the 6, 11 and morning news and in two different papers. Then there was all the folks and KLRWorld.com, ADVRider.com and KLR650.net that not only vowed to keep an eye out for it and dole out a little vigilante justice, but I got offers to use peoples garages and body shops. The way the community pulled together behind this was overwhelming to say the least. I owe everyone a huge thank you. Heres a link to story in the Citizen-Times

One my favorite responses came from Po-Sloke:
“Ever heard the one about the guy who they found at the lake bottom with 600 lbs of chains around his neck ? Well , the Coroners cause of death report says ” The fool stole more chains than he could tote or swim with ” . I think this guys needs some swimmin’ lesson too huh ? “

It went down like this: On Friday night I couldn’t sleep and was up looking for another used KLR on the internet when the phone rang. It was the police. They had found my bike! My head about exploded. I’m a bit of an optimist so I grabbed my helmet, keys and jacket and we rushed down to the stock yard about 1/4 mile from the house. The bike had been pushed into a stall – and all things considered, it wasn’t in bad shape. The ignition had been smashed, the bags were gone and the kick stand spring was gone so the stand flopped around.

I was able to get the key down into the debris in the ignition and turn it. The lights came on! I pushed the starter button and it turned over but wouldn’t start. I was so worked up I had forgotten to choke it! Once I choked it it started right up. I rode it about 10 feet and it started to die, then it quit all together. My heart sank. I looked down and realized that the kick stand had fallen down – and if the bikes in gear with the stand down the engine automatically cuts off. I took off my belt and strapped the stand up and was able to ride it home. Thats just amazing to me.

fingerprinting

Saturday morning Officer Mark from CSI Asheville came by to get prints off the bike. He got a clean set so we’re optimistic.

Because of the condition of the bike and where it was left, it looks to me like some kid that lives around here stole it. When I parked it, I had 127 miles on the tank. When I got it back it 134 – They rode it 7 miles. I think they were scared to ride it around. Because of all the coverage in the news he got scared and dumped it where we’d find it.

This isn’t a story about me and my motorcycle, it’s really is a story about the community. They supported me and thats why I have my bike back. I’m a regular guy, a nondescript citizen, and to have this happen for me is more than I know how to process.

Thank you all very much.

Stay tuned and watch me put the bike back together -