100,000 BMW Prayer Miles

100,000 BMW PRAYER MILES

Written by Timothy Lindstrom

Copyright 2014 Timothy Lindstrom

Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Chapter.1BMW Purchase

Chapter 2 BMW Open House

Chapter 3 Texas with Justin

Chapter 4 BMW Gift

Chapter 5 April's Spring

Chapter 6 Summer Solstice

Chapter 7 Tower and BMW Repair

Chapter 8 Summer Trip Plans

Chapter 9 MoneyCreek Rally

Chapter 10 Riding East

Chapter 11 Surprises

Chapter 12 She Bear

Chapter 13 February Through April

Chapter 14 Salmon Ride

Chapter 15 Group Ride

Chapter 16 Plumbing Detour

Chapter 17 National Parks

Chapter 18 Repair and Ride

Chapter 19 Police Chase

Chapter 20 Never Assume

Chapter 21 Answered Prayer

Chapter 22 Riding South East

Chapter 23 Odometer

Chapter 24 Grindstone Detour

Chapter 25 Wisconsin Bear

Chapter 26 Ladd and Lynne

Chapter 27 Keep Praying

Chapter 28 Warm Winter

Chapter 29 Mom and First Thursday

Chapter 30 California Breakfast

Chapter 31 Jerry's Surprise

Chapter 32 Darrell's Yacht

Chapter 33 Goals Met

I live in

July26th of 2013

The Stories

This book is dedicated to Pastor John Cedar, first a Pastor, then a close friend whose concern for me showed in his actions. He would either seek me out when I was working at Grace Free Church or call me later. Friendship is a 2 way street. I would ride out to the churches he was interning, and would partake of a meal with him. John is a man of prayer and when I was riding, or at home, he would be praying for me! Not only me but several people had their prayers answered due to the close walk of John Cedar with Jesus Christ! The following story is one of Prayer and asking Jesus Christ about an idea of riding 100,000 miles in 5 years with John and several people praying for one lone motorcyclist and a goal.

Forward

Anyone who has even the slightest interest in Motorcycling will enjoy reading this book; a veteran rider who fell in love with cycling and the freedom of the road at a young age, a love, which continues to this day.

In a very entertaining manner, Tim Lindstrom shares a variety of personal experiences which have challenged his riding skills, his mechanical abilities and his strong personal faith in and reliance upon Jesus Christ, to Whom Tim gives all the credit for his achievements.

I am honored to have Tim as a true friend and brother!

John Cedar July 2013

I met John Cedar back in 2005. We were going through a transition from the former Pastor, and Pastor Cedar came in as an interim pastor. He and his wife Dian had just come back to Minnesota from California where he had served at least 2 churches and had founded a school. He didn’t like the idea of seeing a motorcycle parked in the church lot. In fact he had been a chaplain with the Sacramento Police Department and would tell me he saw a lot of motorcyclists' remains taken away in body bags from accident scenes. His concern for me was written all over his face, as he would tell me these stories. Got to a point when I was leaving work that he stopped his car in my path and rolled the passenger window down.

Timothy! His concern bubbled over while shaking his for finger at me, I don’t want you to be killed, to be maimed! Quit riding that motorcycle and find a car! Think about your wife and what happens to her if you died?" The window went up and he drove away.

Of course all the time he would banter me with these comments. I would smile and nod, which I am sure irked him all the more. But that finger pointing finally got me mad!

As maintenance person I had all the keys for removing the garbage from the offices. The next morning I left a small simple note on his desk:

Pastor John,

Thank you for your concern but I have no need of your negative comments to me! There are plenty of cars or cages with people that don’t use turn signals, or are on their cell phones, to keep me busy watching! Leave me alone! You’re NOT going to change my riding style! Please don’t bug me! Sincerely,

Tim Lindstrom

Locked the Pastor’s office and got back to cleaning the rest of the building. However somehow out of curiosity or timing, I was in the church office when John entered. He said, Good morning as he walked by me. I nodded and waited. Unlocked the door of his office and maybe 30 seconds later I heard this roar of laughter from Dr. Cedar.

Tim! John called out, I need to see you now!

John was chuckling over my note. It doesn’t look like I can change you, does it? How about having me pray for you instead?

Yeah that would be good! I replied. I stuck out my right hand and he shook it. And with that we became friends. However each time that I would come back from a trip he would shake his head, What are you thinking? And riding those long days! You know I have been on my knees praying for your safety, and then you tell me how far?

His youngest son Ben came in to the building later and John was showing him around. I came out of the Gym and John introduced me, Ben, this is Tim Lindstrom. John continued, Tim, tell Ben how many miles you rode last year.

I turned to Ben, Glad to meet you, Ben! shaking his hand I said. I rode over 18,000 miles! Now it was Ben’s turn to shake his head, looking at his Dad, That is a lot of riding, Tim!

Then John said this to me, which I hope I will never forget.

Tim, in all my years of being a Pastor I have met lots of people who ride motorcycles, but never have I met anyone that rides like you do!

I am not the highest mileage person! I do ride more than the average motorcycle rider in Minnesota. I do ride to see people and try to ride for Jesus Christ my Savior and LORD.

The following story is about the 3rd BMW K bike that I have purchased. Before starting this mileage ride I had over 250,000 miles on BMW bikes and maybe another 40,000 miles on Honda motorcycles.

I cannot say my riding did the 100,000 miles! No way would have I made it without prayer of my friends who wanted to know, wanted to pray for me! All praise and Worship goes to Jesus Christ! Love of riding hopefully will never rise to the love I have for Jesus!

July 2013

Chapter 1 BMW Purchase

July 25, 2007. Purchasing a motorcycle is always a good event! I had called my cousin Jerry to come around 9 am. We were to go west to Minnetonka and find the home where I was to purchase the BMW. As I was waiting for my ride, the thoughts of the week came again. I had seen the ad in Craigslist for a 1995 K1100RS; price $3600, miles 22,000. Saw the ad and waited. I Prayed about it as well: Lord Jesus, if someone doesn’t buy that bike then I will! The RS series motorcycle from BMW has short handlebars. More for riding on a race track style than the RT or LT bikes with handlebars that at least reach across the gas tank. RS is not as aggressive as the crotch rocket motorcycles from Japan. Price of this BMW was under Kelly Blue Book by 2000 dollars!

BMW has been manufacturing motorcycles since 1923. The airhead or opposed 2 cylinder with a transmission and driveshaft has been the marque of BMW. Simple design and no drive chain to the rear wheel.

I had waited and finally, on Sunday July 22nd, I called the phone number and we agreed on when I could come over and check out the K1100RS. K bikes are a horizontal longitude engine with 4 cylinders.

I went over to see the bike. Rode my BMW K100LT and found the place.We talked about what he had done. The BMW was sitting in a garage with a layer of dust on its tank. The owner had painted it but had run out of black paint and the front fender was still red.

I hopped on this RS. Reaching across the tank felt odd. The bike was on its centerstand, and as I reached across that gas tank I could feel my arms holding me up. I decided it was NOT the kind of riding style for me. I told the owner. Great bike but the forward seating isn’t for me. Thank you for showing me the bike!

Well, if you change your mind just call! We shook hands and he watched me ride away on the 91 Beemer. The owner was out of work. He needed to sell the bike to pay bills. I was looking for a replacement of the LT. These machines will last and last. However, when seeing the 95 RS with low mileage versus replacing the clutch or redoing the wire harness on the 91 LT, it seemed the small voice within my soul was also saying, ‘Buy the bike, Tim. He needs the money! With that impression from The Holy Spirit, it was settled! On Tuesday I called the fellow.

I am interested in buying your bike!

Good, when? And we agreed to do it Wednesday morning.

Have I got a deal for me! I had called my cousin about helping me retrieve the motorcycle. Jerry, at the time, had his summers off. He was employed by a college in Plymouth as an Old Testament Professor.I knew Jerry would like to help, and he quickly agreed to pick me up on his Yamaha V-Star.

I figured if one is to buy a motorcycle then why not get a ride on a motorcycle. I commented.

I will be there in the morning! Around 9 am OK? Jerry said.

Bright skies of July met with my approval. Greens trees and a slight wind met us as we headed north on University to 694 then west and down Hwy 100. I would tap Jerry’s shoulder and either yell the directions or point toward the street. Finally, we pulled in by the curb. The owner walked out to Jerry's V-Star and I introduced Jerry. He shook our hands. I pulled out a check but he didn’t want it! Wanted cash! Ok! We agreed to ride the 2 bikes with him following us to the credit union in Columbia Heights. Paid him $3500 and we took care of the title that day as well. He shook my hand one more time. Hope all will be good for you on this bike! I nodded smiling. Jerry followed me to the garage in the alley.This humble cousin walked around it smiling and nodding. He hopped on his red and black V-Star, waved and called out Shalom!

Thanks Jerry for the ride this morning! Have to treat you to some coffee at Bob’s Java Hut! Yeah that would be good! Jerry started his V Star and rumbled down the alley.

I turned to look at this BMW.

Shiny black paint but it had a red front fender and passenger handrails. The ABS lights on the gauges kept flashing. The battery's amperage was not for this type of motorcycle. I sent an email to Jerry’s sister Marlene and she wrote back about a battery I could purchase from Digi-Key. I agreed to buy it. So instead of having it shipped to my house, I decided to go up to Thief River Falls and get it. Marlene thought of a better plan, meeting her husband at Itasca State Park. Digi-Key is a large private company which is in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Their business is purchasing electronic parts and reselling them. Batteries that they sell are for Computer back up devices. However they also can be used for Motorcycles. Amp hour is about the same as what BMW Motorcycles are engineered for. Prices of small batteries have jumped in the past 15 years from $30 up to and over $100. I ordered the battery from Marlene and agreed to find Phil, her husband. The plan was to meet at the north entrance of the Itasca State Park where the head waters of the Mississippi River starts.

This RS has the 1100 cc's, 16 valve head. Power and fuel mileage are better with the engine due to more valves. Previous K bikes I had were the 1000 cc's 8 valve engines. However the mirrors on this bike buzzed or the images vibrated. I was a little concerned and read on the web sites that the buzzing is normal for this type of engine. Another words, get used to it!.

The age of bias tires on motorcycles was coming to a close in the mid 90's when this bike was produced. Sport bikes had the radial design while the touring bikes still had bias. Tires are a major cost to any motorcycle. Cost of NOT replacing them can be dangerous for rider as well as passenger. Radial tires have been around for about 20 years. The tires use a stickier compound that keeps the bike from sliding thru the curves. However the stickiness also wears out faster. Decided to see how many miles I could get on Radials and purchased a set from Dennis Kirk in Rush City.

I also purchased an item to be used in the gas tank, called a fuel catalyst and made by Fitch. The claim is that you can use a lower grade fuel and the catalyst will change it to a higher grade. I did some research on the item as the price is around $50.00. Fitch makes these items for cars and trucks as well as heating of homes with fuel oil. With the 91 k bike the fuel mileage jumped from 45 to 54mpg and that was with Regular fuel. Then after that, the computer did something and adjusted the fuel mixture down to 45mpg again! The catalyst is good for 250,000 miles. Easy installation just open the fuel tank and drop it in. I have placed it beside the fuel pump. Jerry had purchased for his motorcycles. He claimed the motorcycles started up without using another additive in the fuel in the spring time.

By Tuesday, July 31st, I had the bike ready for the ride up to Itasca State Park. First stop was my sister’s in Cushing, MN. My brother in law Keith thought the bike was a good deal. Becky, my sister, said You be careful on that!

How was the ride? Keith asked.

Not bad, seems I got up here faster than normal! I replied. Columbia Heights to Cushing is around 135 miles.

I started for the rest of the trip on Wednesday, August first. The winds behind me meant warmth but going north on MN Hwy 64 it seemed the gas gauge didn’t move. Rode up to hwy 200 and then along the east side of the State Park that is at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. I finally found the north entrance, but no Phil. No cell phone at this time, but then again the cell phone coverage of northern Minnesota? Filled the gas tank, over 50mpg! A grin played along my face. It then occurred to me that it was the south wind that was pushing me. OK! 91 BMW K100LT would get around 45 mpg with premium fuel, either BP or Mobil. Comparing that to the K 1100RS made me smile.

Phil finally showed up and we shook hands. He rides a Honda 650 cruiser. I’ll treat you to lunch in Bemidji, Tim! We rode to lunch at a small café. Offered him the cash for the battery but he shook his head and gave me back half of it. No, we want to help you this way Tim, Phil smiled. I took the battery from him and stored it in the saddle bag.

After lunch he wanted to show me the roads that he and his brother in law ride when close to Bemidji. I followed around the lakes in the region, Sunlight off the lakes sparkled. The morning ride up there had been overcast and now the Sunshine was a welcome sight. Finally he stopped his bike at an intersection and turned to me.

You could come and stay the night, Tim. We listened to the 2 bikes ticking and cooling off from the quick riding. I shook my head.

Thanks for the offer Phil, need to get back home though. Thanks for the battery! Phil waved as he headed north and I followed the same road but 180 degrees from Phil. Finally found Minnesota Hwy 64 and south to Motley. Hwy 64 is the length of the road or it is 64 miles between Hwy 200 to the north and Hwy 210, which is a branch of hwy 10. Hwy 200 is named for mile marker 200 on hwy 2.

As I followed south on hwy 64, there were 2 straight trucks rumbling along at 50mph. I waited for the oncoming traffic to clear and then opened that Black RS up. 16 valves instead of 8 means more power. If I had passed these 2 trucks with the K100 LT the speed would have been around 80… this bike? 110! Ayyeee

It did seem strange when riding into the metro. No vehicles like a normal Wednesday night. I backed the bike into the garage by the LT. Got it up on its center stand and walked out in the warm air of that August First day.

Did you hear the news? Karen had run out to the garage. 35W Bridge collapsed!Interstate 35 splits just south of the Metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Western leg is 35W and of course 35E goes through St. Paul. Not unlike Texas where I-35 splits with 35W to Fort Worth and 35E to Dallas.

August 1 of 2007 the bridge collapsed and there were many fiery crashes of cars and trucks. We walked into the house and saw the reports on the TV. Stunned news and footage of the bridge and crumpled cars met my gaze. Karen’s Dad, Ken, greeted me, How was your trip? Ken was sitting in his easy chair watching the TV and listening to the reporters. Ken had moved in with us from Iowa back in May.

We talked some while watching the news media. Yeah, That BMW is a lot quicker than the LT! I laughed. I will replace the battery tomorrow, good price on it too.

Jerry called and asked if I wanted to ride with him out west of Litchfield. His brother, Russ, was doing artwork on old cars and motorcycles. Sure!

You can come over and we will go around 10am?

We left the metropolitan area of Minneapolis. There was plenty of sunshine and bright skies as we droned along some of our favorite back roads. Suburbia gave way to fields and farms, from cattle or grain fields with distant woods still green from recent rains. I followed and watched the scenery change. Some motorcyclists waving as we cross paths, small towns meant slowing and stretching our legs at traffic lights.

By Saturday August 4th, or 10 days from purchase, I had put over 1000 miles on this bike. Followed Jerry’s V-Star and parked the bikes, looked at rat rods that are rusted or sanded with a grinder. There were a few cars with the normal paint and chrome bumpers. I shook hands with Russ. He was in the process of adding painted lines or fire to a street rod. Jerry had wanted his brother to do some small painting on his bike. Russ gave him some ideas and both talked of the project when Jerry would come up to Thief River Falls where Russ lives.

We hung around for a few hours. We looked at the rat rods that seemed too low to the ground and agreed that seeing out of them would be hard. And the real problem is getting out of the cars! The rusted metal of these old cars was shining in the bright skies. Time to head for home; we waved to Russ, this time I was leading. I waved to Jerry when he departed for the road to his house. I backed the bike into the darkened garage. The Red LT sat waiting while the RS slowly cooled.

I'm not only into long distant touring but I also have this hobby of Amateur Radio. Ham radio is communication across the world or across the nation or just across the city block. Amateur is the key. We are figuring out antennas or radios. I have done some communications to Europe, but mainly I have this passion of motorcycling Communications with a motorcycle is different.

Back in 1997 I found this group, "Motorcycling Amateur Radio Club http://www.marc-hq.org

MARC uses VHF/UHF radios. Idea is to have a van set up with radio and computers. The ham operators use their radios to talk to each other and the van or the Net control person. The computers also are used. Some of the motorcycles will have a digital radio that emits a signal to a digital repeater which is tied into the internet. The Net control sees a cartoon looking motorcycle on a map. That way the people can know where the last rider or runner is ! The motorcycle is an easy way to escort different charities; either a bicycle race for MS or another disease or maybe a marathon for raising monies to find cures for diseases. Mainly these friends are in California. I had been down to their breakfast back in May for the 15th anniversary. I had ridden the LT.

I have the ICOM 706mkii radio that covers the hf bands, 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 40, 80 and 160 meters these bands are called High Frequency. then also it has 2 meters. VHF or Very High Frequency. I had mounted a screwdriver antenna to the LT. The screwdriver has a motor underneath a coil inside a pipe. As the coil comes out of the pipe it matches whatever band or megahertz that I am trying to tune the radio to. The Screwdriver antenna is about 13 feet high at the longest and maybe 11 feet high when the coil is inside the pipe. It’s a perfect antenna for mobile use.

I had that antenna mounted to the previous K100 LT motorcycle. Then I would put one of the tape adapters into the cassette player and plug the RCA plug into the speaker or earphone on the radio, tuning up the antenna and watching the scanner on the radio to see if the radio could hear the different bands. With this next BMW my mind was stretching with possibilities on how to make hf motorcycle mobile work. The RS has less fairing, meaning more wind noise.

August 7th I ordered an Areoflow windshield for the Beemer. No major fairing to block the wind meant a constant blast on my chest. Ears too would ring after a few 100 miles. I had to put in earplugs as well as a full-face helmet to protect the ears. It took about a week to get the windshield and I Installed it with Velcro. In fact, the instructions said if there is any high winds the windshield could loosen please remove the shield and bungee it to the seat!

I took the cleaning agent and removed the wax or sealer from the front and stuck the Velcro to the body of the fairing, then just pushed the windshield on to those Velcro locks and they clicked in. What