I was up at 5:45 to prep for the day's ride; a Poker Run from Honda Of Houston to benefit the Depelchin Children's home in Richmond Texas.
At 7:30 Brenda took the dog outside to "use the facilities" and then called to me to let me know my car had been broken into. Just last night I was reading in the local paper about the vandalism that had gone on the previous Friday night and was a little concerned because I have to park on the driveway (the youngster gets the garage for his sports car) but there isn't much I can do about it.
Brenda told me that she had heard the alarm a little after 1 am ( I sleep like a rock) but when she went to the window she didn't see anything. In speaking to the next door neighbor we discovered that it had happened at 1:20 am and he did see a black Honda CRX heading up the street at a high speed.
Apparently they struck the back window with a baseball bat or sledge hammer, but when the alarm sounded they took off and nothing was taken from the car. There wasn't much in there to take anyhow; a 10 year old stereo and a radar detector would be about it.
The deputy told me that I was the 17th caller that morning about vandalism, and I placed my call at 7:45 am!
The damage done...
After a few hours of cleanup and scouring with the shop-vac...
I was fortunate in that we discovered the problem early enough to get a glass replacement company out there before noon to replace the back window. One hour later and $500 poorer (2 brackets through the glass, two struts that mount to the glass, two holes for the wiper box, and two connections for the defroster) I was set up with a new back window. The technician recommended that I park nose out from now on because these types of vandals tend to return, and front windshields are easier/cheaper to replace than the back glass.
To sooth my emotions I bundled Brenda into the cage and off we went to Cycle Gear to indulge in their 10% off everything and 25% off tires sale. I bought a couple of odds and ends and a new set of Metzeler ME880's in the Gold Wing 1500 size. I have another pair sitting in the garage waiting to be mounted but at 25% off I couldn't afford to pass up the savings.
Walking in, who do we find but Tourmeister (Scott) himself ordering some new tires for the GS. While we were chatting Steve and Rita showed up, fresh from their son's graduation party, and a few minutes later Howard and Jan stroll in the door. If anyone else showed up we would have had to send out for burgers, onion rings, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
So, no ride today, but a chance to meet with friends and chit-chat for a while. I hope all that rode on the Poker Run and today's monthly Pie Run had a safe and enjoyable day.