[cheesy]

Mrs. C loved the trip. We did 116.2 miles per the recalibrated Trail Tech. Her only gripe is that the only view to her left is a camo colored motorcycle. She says the seat in the tub is very comfortable. She brought along a wool blanket to keep warm and it worked well. There is a 12v socket in the sidecar that can be used for heated gear if we go that route. With a 50A Denso alternator, it shouldn't be an issue.

Gas mileage left a bit to be desired, I hit reserve at 75 miles, but I didn't have a full tank when I did the reset. Then again, the Ural weighs in at 736 empty. Throw me and Mrs. C in there, plus gear and apples and we are probably pushing close to 1200 lbs. Add the bricklike aerodynamics and I wouldn't be surprised that we'd be doing gallons per mile. Still, around 21 mpg.

I did try the 2wd today. We were trying to back out where we parked at the orchard and it was loose gravel. The pusher just dug in. I engaged the 2wd and walked right out. And it doesn't steer worth a damn in 2wd. As soon as I was out and pointed home, I put it back in 1wd.

While doing the brakes yesterday I found the the u-joints for the sidecar axle are not long for this earth. I found a Ural cross-reference chart and the Precision 134/Spicer 111 is a perfect fit. $13.46 each from Rock Auto. Ordered two. The new tires howl a bit.

Changing out all the fluids tomorrow after work, followed by a complete tune up on Friday morning. I should have all the PO fingerprints off of it by then.