Lewiston, ID./ Clarkston WA. - "Juice" & "Texas John"

This morning, I crossed the Snake River, from Lewiston, Idaho into (twin town) Clarkston, Washington. That is because 'Juice's High Performance - Hells Canyon Custom Motorcycle Shop' is located there. My appointment was at 10:30 am. When talking with 'Juice', the previous afternoon; he mentioned a spot, I should try for breakfast (near his shop) - called 'Grumpy's'.

I landed at Grumpy's at 9:15 and had a 'great breakfast' - bacon & eggs, rye toast and coffee. I got to Juice's shop, shortly after 10:00. What a 'great' bike shop. It is co-located, on the same property, as his residence - a large shop, broken into rooms for specific functions i.e. an engine room; a welding room, for repairs & custom work, etc.. As Juice says: "He's never late for work, cause he's always there!"

Juice runs a two (2) man operation - 'Juice' (Owner/Mechanic) and 'Texas John' (Mechanic). They are 'Old School'. Did I say, in an earlier 'Blog Post' that I liked 'Old School'?  I'm sure, I must have. I seek out businesses, like 'Juice's', to spend my money. Businesses, where the 'Owner' is a hands-on expert; who is passionate, about what the business is about. Businesses, like Juice's, add value to the customer experience i.e. I can walk around; see what they're doing; ask questions; pour myself a coffee - and in general, make myself at-home. Very Enjoyable! There are no hidden service charges or add-ons, to surprise you - when the bill arrives. Just the 'meat & potatoes' of what was done/charged - & in layman's terms.

Businesses, I stay clear of are those - with many departments of bureaucracy; buck passing and no accountability. You know, the companies solely interested in - grabbing the cash.
At the outset, 'Juice' explained, what his 'full service package' entailed (and recommended, I have it done). He stated his labour charges, and if there was nothing too strange - how much the job would cost. Both he, and 'Texas John', were more than willing to answer, my many questions. The job entailed getting three (3) oils changed - engine/filter; transmission and primary; installing a new, rear tire/tube. 'Texas John' did most of the work - including adjusting/lubricating the cables; cleaning the air filter (I had done it, a week ago, in Fairbanks, but it was dirty again, from the Yukon dust.) Thanks, 'Juice & Texas John' for fitting me in with such short notice. You guys are '1st Class'!

Before I left, I showed them  'www.wunderlust2012.com'  and  '1 Eye's blog'  and discussed the charities, I was promoting. I also showed them the links, to the various sites - including 'Cole's Journey'. I could see, these rugged guys - were genuinely touched by this! . . . Biker's have 'Big Hearts'! . . . 'Juice', told me of the 'charity runs', he and his buddies have organized & taken part in. Keep up the 'Good Deeds'!
After pictures & hand shakes, I was off, looking for 'reminders' of the Lewiston I knew, forty-one (41) years ago. It wasn't to be!

The situation I found myself in, was similar to Coos Bay. OR.. I asked people; I went to the Library. An interested Librarian, got me a book from the archives - on the recent History of Lewiston. Nothing, was in it about their 'pro baseball club'. The Librarian. also called her neighbor; a real baseball enthusiast - but he wasn't home, She left him my cell# - he hasn't called yet. I then rode downtown, looking for the set-back stores, restaurants - & angle parking, I remembered. It had all changed! I felt like I was in different town - via a time-machine!

Lewiston Broncs were only in the Northwest League - till 1974. I was here in 1971. They had the notoriety of being, the 'smallest town' to have had a pro baseball team. Since, the ball stadium - and any evidence, of my Lewiston baseball experience were gone; I took a picture of a 'little league' park, I passed. I thought - this might dampen, my yearning, for Lewiston baseball memories! ... It didn't! 

Tomorrow, I will leave for the 'Crazy Horse Memorial', Sturgis, SD. & home.

I just heard a motorcycle outside - it's 'Texas John', on his chopper. He lives near my motel & invited me to his house. Group picture ('Texas John', me & 'Juice'), 'Juice's, Hells Canyon Custom Motorcycle Shop' and, a Little league Park ...  Also some pictures at 'Texas John's' place. Several of his friends came by. Thanks for the hospitality!