Getting home when your bike breaks down - and you're 1,800 miles away!!!

Uncle Phil

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Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
11,213
Age
72
Location
In The Holler West Of Nashville, Tennessee
Bike
4 ST1100(s)
2025 Miles
006132
My ST1100 blew a water pump which took out the timing belt so the motor is toast.
I got it towed to a lot and I am in Stellarton Nova Scotia at the Holiday Inn Express room 426.
Cell phone does not work so this is my only means of communication at this point.
Anybody near by?

**NOTE - I changed the thread title so folks might find it if in a similar situation
 
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Wish I could help Phil..... hope you get what you need, which is likely to be a U-haul or something....
 
Geez I am so sorry to hear of this. Which ST and at what mileage? As much as I hate to say this, it might be more expensive to get it home on a U-Haul trailer than it’s worth (as you’ll need the truck and bike trailer- I had a radiator go bad on my first car when I was 17- in Florida and lived in NJ at the time- retrospectively should have abandoned ship as the car wasn’t worth too much).

Best of luck in either getting it home or just you getting home!
 
No need for a trailer, a couple strong guys, a $19 dollar a day U-hall van, and screw a couple I-bolts in the floor will get you home.
Wish I was closer.
 
My ST1100 blew a water pump which took out the timing belt so the motor is toast.
I got it towed to a lot and I am in Stellarton Nova Scotia at the Holiday Inn Express room 426.
Cell phone does not work so this is my only means of communication at this point.
Anybody near by?
sorry to hear about the engine failure. The best bet is to rent a Uhaul small van or pickup ad haul her home. lots of good parts there.
 
Is there anyone on the Canda RAN list close by we can contact for you?
 
Thats terribly sad news Phil. I dont have any Canadian connections. What are you thinking about doing?
 
tdinova is in Bridgewater NS. He is south near the east coast. He might be able to get your bike to his place? Can you send him a PM, or I could do it.
 
Phil:

The closest person on the RAN list to you is Brent Macleod, who is in Prince Edward Island (not next door, but fairly close by Canadian distance standards). Brent has a trailer. I know him, he's a good guy - I think he is retired. His phone number is on the Canadian RAN list, click here.

Michael
 
The only other guy I know is Todd Mills in Truro NS unfortunately he’s in Manitoba doing EMT in the great white north. Brent is close too it’s a ferry ride to Pictou NS.
 
Phil:

If it turns out that you will be flying home, chances are that you will change planes in Toronto. You are welcome to overnight at my place in Toronto, I can pick you up at the airport and also take you to the airport the next day. My phone numbers are in the Canadian RAN list.

Michael
 
To say that sucks is an understatement
I'm 3 or 4 hours out. but think i could only offer verbal support. Could be there Sunday morning before 12 or so if you want me to call in. Do not need to be at the ferry terminal until evening time.
PM me and I'll send my cell number.
Uhaul not cheap, but is an option. They are the only truck hire from memory that can go over the border.
You can only rent the 10, 15 and 22 foot trucks one-way. To be confirmed. Pick ups and vans are intown only. $15 day for intown. One way rentals far from cheap.
Thinking you may not want to take it home and could have another option for drop off and fly home or rent a car. Or rent a car and load the bits in it.
The 15ft and above have ramps . The 10 has no ramp, but if you can locate a 10 ft. It's cheaper all round, but easier said than done, thinking that it could be loaded at a yard.
If loaded vertically problems in keeping it upright. The 15 ft has wooden side slats that can be used with careful use of straps. They are not that strong. The 10 ft truck has no wooden slats. Have taken out the screws and screwed in tie down rings in the past. Not a hand tool option from memory.
Andrew
 
Brent is 85 km (about 50 miles) by road from you, but a ferry trip is needed, so the transit time to you is about 2.5 hours.

Here's a link to the ferry schedule from Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island to Caribou, Nova Scotia: ferry schedule

Michael
 
Phil, go take a shower, have a good meal, try to have some rest and sleep. Help is on its way, I'm sure.

And we, we should think and propose some solutions, that you could have a look on, tomorrow, and decide what's best to do.
 
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There are two uhauls close by (not open til Monday).
Plan is to rent a truck or van and take her home.
To fly and then return would cost more than renting vehicle - and the bike would not be home.
Problem is no ground transportation to uhaul and no cell phone - though the hotel phone works.
I guess a cab if possible.
 
Sorry to hear, UP.

Fly home, change bikes? Play catch up, for a few days?

John
 
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