Nailed

Friday started out with a bit of a concern, I had noticed the day before that I seem to having a problem with the rear tire on the bike. I checked the pressure before getting on the road and the pressure was down very notably, so I aired it up with idea of keeping a careful eye on it as we continued on.

One of my desires was to stop at the Harley dealer in Fargo, ND to say "hello" to the owner Del Hofer. I had the tremendous privilege to meet Del at a number of the Harley Owners Group training seminars given by Harley Davidson. Del is a true "guru" of our sport, his insight into the enjoyment of riding and the huge joy of the fellowship of our fellow Harley riders is second to none. We had spent the night at Alexandria, MN, about 100 miles from Fargo. We made it to Fargo without any problems, including a stop for breakfast. Yes, the food ingredient in our travels arise again. Upon arrival at the Fargo HD store, I quickly checked the rear tire, sure enough the pressure had dropped again. I now know that I have a real problem. I quickly went to the service department and explained my predicament. They were right on it and checked it out. A nail. There is no repair for a nail in a motorcycle tire other than a new tire. So, a new tire it is. With that in process, I set about to find Del and see if we could have a little bit of his time.

What a gracious and accommodating host. He did recall our having met, in particular the time in Billings, MT when Barb and I were hobbling around the National HOG Rally on crutches due to a couple of broken legs. Not only did he share his time with us, he gave us the tour of his store and then took us to a separate building where he kept his personal collection of older motorcycles.

Del has 47 different Harleys in his collection, several one of a kind, and many that are certainly rare in number. Each one has a special connection to the former or original owner of which Del knows or has some knowledge of. Each one is a special story.

Here I am standing next to a 1919 model equipped with skis.

Dave is surveying a number of the bikes in the collection.

Here Del is pictured with the very first motorcycle he ever owned. The story of how he came to own it as a youngster, having sold it and then how it returned to him many many years later is totally amazing.

The time we had with Del was fabulous, he shared so much, and was so hospitable. He is definitely one of the most incredible people that one could ever meet. We were so honored to have this time with him. Meanwhile, a new tire was installed on my bike and we were ready to continue our travels. We bid him a farewell, shook hands, got the bike with the new tire, and of course with a few new shirts as well, and got back on the road.