By Mike Green
 
I'd like to say that I've never needed Gary's services, but that would be a lie. I'd also like to say that it was one of those unavoidable mechanical glitches that sidelines an otherwise dependable bike, but that would also be a lie. This was one of those all too numerous occasions that I like to call "Stupid Mike Tricks".

One fine Sunday, a group of us decided to go for a ride. We were just cruising around enjoying the good weather and the countryside.

At one point in the ride, we passed a small herd of cows that were on one side of the road. Someone at the front of the pack decided to say "Hello" to the cows by blipping their throttle. Somehow, the "Hello" came across as "Cross the road now!" and the cows stampeded right through our pack. There were several close calls, but somehow that herd of cows and our pack of bikes managed to cross paths without as much as a friendly nudge. The lesson learned was to avoid spooking the livestock in the future.

A little further down the road, I realized there was something wrong with my bike. My rear tire was going flat. At least my bike had the good sense to pick a good spot to have a flat. We were approaching a bar and we rolled into their parking lot. More good fortune: someone (else) was prepared and had a spark plug tire pump adapter. I dug out my tool kit, pulled a spark plug and discovered that the kit didn't have the right size insert for my spark plug.

We mulled this over for a bit.

Finally, one of the ladies lost patience with us and pointed out that we had over a dozen other potential tire pumps parked nearby and there was nothing in the instructions that said I could not use another bike to pump up my tires.

So we pulled another bike up and put some air in my tire to see where the leak was. The valve stem was split. Not something we could fix with a tire repair kit. The culprit was an adapter I had threaded on the tire stem to make it easier to add air during a two week trip. That weight hanging off the side of the tire stem had flexed it until it split. I was lucky it hadn't failed during the trip. Fortunately, I had the phone number for Gary's Cycle Rescue with me. A few minutes after a phone call to Gary, my bike was on its way home.

I know what you're wondering: what *is* that number for Gary's Cycle Rescue? I thought you'd never ask:

Gary started in the towing industry in the Houston area in January 1975 and started his own towing company in June of 1976. He has worked for other towing companies also, transporting motorcycles to classic autos. Classic Car Carriers of Houston was started in 1986 by Gary and Gary's Cycle Rescue in 1995. He takes pride in your ride, just as you do and will transport it locally or state wide.

Gary has been riding motorcycles since he got his first one himself at 10 years old and got his license to ride at age 14.

Gary has been a supporter of biker benefits and charities since 1995. Gary strives for the safety of the bikers. Gary assists on escorting the bikers with his truck from point A to point B with the police, helping it to be a safer ride for them since 1995. Gary also is a Road Captain after taking the Riders Edge Safety Course in 2002, so he can help in leading group rides.

Gary is a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group and is in three HOG chapters.

Gary is working for a friend in the towing industry running his truck and Gary also is continuing to take care of his customers too.

You can call Gary at 1-888-839-2776.

He wants to thank everyone for calling on him over the years and will continue using him on escorting rides and transporting services when in need.

Sincerely, Gary