Day 4: We've diagnosed the bike, and it's really bad news. Last night we determined that an exhaust valve is not sealing in the engine. This means an engine rebuild of the head including valves is necessary. John (the mechanic) was VERY nice and we loaded the bike into the bed of his pickup, and his wife Janet drove it into the dealer in Scottsdale, who ordered the parts overnight. THEN, they offered to let me stay at their house instead of a motel.

I'm really considering myself lucky -- better to happen where it did, than 100 miles back down the highway, or far worse -- in a remote part of Mexico... Really lucky...

As an aside, their daughter, who is my age and also named Michelle, is getting married on Saturday -- so they're in the midst of wedding planning.