First off, GENTLEMEN (and I use that term with concrete FORCE, because I FIRMLY believe that underneath the scruffy beards, windblown hair, tattoos, and beer breath, WE ARE ALL GENTLEMEN) lets not bicker over stuff like this. I've had a chance to throttle back. I'm calm now, so lets proceed like the GENTLEMEN we are. KEWL? GR8.
I'm not sure how we're going to execute just yet. Still regrouping. It is a matter of Logistics. You'd think that someone who is halfway through a Master of Science in Management with dual concentrations in Integrated Logistics Support and Supply Chain Management could figure this out on the fly. It ain't that simple. Renea has to work Monday, and though she is off on Tuesday, that is the day she takes Stef to physical therapy. You guys remember Stef's hip challenges. Wednesday and Thursday are out because we both have to work those days. Friday is shot because we're headed to Talladega and will be there through next Sunday........with Monday as a rain day if the NCTS and/or NNCS race(s) get(s) postponed for rain. I can develop several scenarios from this situation. But right now, here's the deal:
Dennis called my cell phone when I was OFO in the garage. The phone was back here in my study, so there was no way I could hear it from that far away. He left a message and said things aren't as bad as he thought. This morning the engine bent the second set of pushrods. That's when he called me the first time. I tried to call back, but got no answer..........so, I'm at an impasse until I can get in touch with Dennis................and knowing he is more frustrated than any of us right now, I'm not about to call him at home. I imagine he is very anxious to get Thumper out of his shop; probably moreso than I, and the last thing I want or need is to piss him off. So, I'll give him all the space he needs. He'll let me know when Thumper's ready, and I'll make a decision then. Hell, Don, you remember suggesting I ride the bus down? It may come to that!!!!!

And when it is all said and done, and I hop on that Girl and head north, all this "poopie" will be erased from my memory. The build is awesome, and the builder is one of the VERY best in this Great Nation. It'll get fixed right. I have no doubt.
I'd like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your support. Terry, Chip, guys, thanks for the bike offers. If we get to crunch time, I'll let you know. Probably more logistically sound to get the "V" from Terry if need be since he and Diva are going Talladega with Renea and me next weekend. Like he said, I can bring the trailer down with us, load up the "V" and leave her that way until we get to MV. At least we'll be riding instead of following you guys all over the BRM in a diesel ton truck. Anyway, thanks for the awesome support. Really glad and fortunate to have you guys as friends.
After posting my flustrations, I began wringing my hands.......looking for something to do to occupy my mind.....other than study. You remember that Pepsi Machine I "rustored" a couple weeks back? Well, this week the "Harley #1" decal we all know and love arrived. So I pulled the lit face of the machine apart, had a piece of glass cut to fit the frame, painted the backside white, and it is drying now. Once dry, I'll mount it and apply the decal. The machine is already a very aged red/white/blue, so it will be era authentic. Look for pictures later this evening in the "What sits in your garage next to your Harley" thread. Anyway, the Girls were bummed, probably as much as I was, so I HAD to stop feeling sorry for myself and DO SOMETHING to ease their disappointment. So, I decided that tonight, we're gonna have my soon to be famous Hickory Smoked T-Bone Steaks. Went to Star Market and had 3 each 1.5" T-Bones fresh cut. They're in the fridge all rubbed down and ready to go. Stef wanted to go see some friends, so we made that happen. Then I sent Renea to Linens-N-Things, since she really likes that place. I'm thinking our house is fixin' to get it's annual fall treatment, which Renea ALWAYS does so well. BTW, I never dove for the beer until I sat down to write this post. Sure is good............there's 109 left in the machine: All three varieties of Yuengling, Bass Ale, Miller Lite and Michelob..........plus there are some Negra Modelos up top in the cooling tray, since they won't fit the vending mechanisms due to their weird shape. Stop by and have a cold one anytime.
Thanks again..............GENTLEMEN!!!!!

Henry