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I had every intention of going on the sunrise Balloon Fiesta Ride, which commenced at 5:00am this morning. I awoke on time (actually at 2:30 then tossed and turned for an hour and fifteen minutes). I made coffee, drank a cup, poured the rest—mixed with two cups of instant hot chocolate—in our large Aladdin Thermos, packed water and a camera.
The Letta starts fine, and I ride to the gate. As I dismount the idling Letta to try to get the gate to close, I notice that the taillight is not working. I try the brake pedal. Nada. Did you notice that it is moonless now? I start up the Letta and drive back up the driveway to the garage. I find the trouble with the brake light first: It appears as though a cable connector box was a tad corroded. As my mechanic-mentor Walter Alter says "It don't take much." Although the switch is out of adjustment (it comes on as one presses the brake pedal but goes off again as it is depressed fully), I reckon it will pass muster if the taillight is on. The taillight trouble eludes me, however. I remove the clock to get access to the switch. A quick perusal of the manual gives me guidance I need to get the ignition switch off so I can access the terminals. I loosen and retighten each of them. Still no taillight.
I check the bulb—duh! It is fine. Then, I notice that the post to which the taillight wire—and importantly not the brake light post—is completely corroded over. I try in vain to get the tiny set-screw that clamps down on the wire out of the post to no avail. I (and the scooter) appear to be stuck. While replacing the clock I short out the switch, causing the 8 amp fuse to blow. The trip is aborted.
Posted by Underblog at October 8, 2005 8:02 AM
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even small points must be reckoned.
Posted by: Roomie at October 8, 2005 9:46 AM
Dammit! Well, at least you won't have to worry much about corrosion in New Mexico.
Posted by: RT at October 8, 2005 11:25 AM