Frank, Eddy and a running Wing
It was a serious problem which caused Frank and Maggie McArdle to stop their GoldWing in North Wales on their way back from Italy to N. Ireland – all the electrics had gone with no power at all. Frank tried one or two tips he had been given to try and resolve the issue but on the side of the A55 at Northop Hall was not the place to be stripping down a 1500 Wing complete with full trailer and Mrs in tow. Eventually a call to a local GWEF member Carl Lewis, through the GWEF help-guide brought some action to try and recover the Wing.
Luckily Carl made contact with Paul Johnson, who realised that the location given by Frank McArdle was almost outside the front door of our web-master, Nigel.
Eddy at work
A quick call to Nigel and a check by Nigel showed that there was a broken down Wing within pushing distance from his house (with help from a few healthy strong males!).
Frank’s Wing was pushed down the lane to Nigel’s garage and the problem appeared to be a blown alternator, a common fault on 1500 Wings ( I have experience of this issue, having had 2 alternators blow on my 1500).
Nigel and Joanna offer accommodation to Frank and Maggie if they are stuck overnight before they can continue, but as it happens, Frank has relatives just outside Chester where he and Maggie could go for food and lodgings if necessary, so they are called to come and collect them.
Sunday, North Wales, Blown alternator, Ferry to catch to get back to N. Ireland – what are the chances of anything happening before Tuesday at the earliest? Very good actually!
Old one off - new one in
Nigel recalled that one of GoldWings North Wales’ honorary members, Eddy, had a spare fully-refurbished 1500 alternator. One phone call later – Eddy is in Yorkshire at a show, but he promises to call after leaving the show and getting home at tea-time and see if he can help.
6.30 pm – Nigel’s garage – Ed has tested old alternator – completely u/s – taken spare working alternator, fitted it and tested it and is waiting for Frank to phone up so that he can collect the Wing and carry on his journey.
The phone goes and Frank cannot believe the news, the Wing is working and ready for collection.
Frank is pleased with Eddy's work
Shortly afterwards, Frank arrived and is very happy to see his wing working once again. Eddy is only too pleased to have been able to assist a fellow biker in trouble.
Frank is able to continue his journey once he collects Maggie from the relatives and all is well with the world again.
wow, how fortunate was that. I will have to try that one. Break down just outside Nigel’s house and get the bike fixed, plus accommodation and world class cuisine thrown in. Talk about the luck of the Irish, wouldn’t have got better service if he’d broken down alongside an AA van.
Well done chaps, just what its all about.
Comment by Bob Summers — July 9, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
We might think it just TOO much of a coincidence if you too break down on the A55 now, Bob!
We were glad to help a fellow Winger in trouble. We haven’t heard anything from Frank and Maggie since they left here, but I hope they got home OK in the end.
Comment by Big Wing — July 12, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
It’s really nice to see all Wingers working together to get Frank & Maggie back on the road..
Well done Carl, Paul, Nigel, Joanna and Eddy (and I am sure Dave helped in disposing of Joanna’s cake)
Stevie C-D
Comment by Stevie C-D — July 13, 2009 @ 10:47 am
Aye -up Stevie, What cake? I obviously was kept away from the action in this respect!
Comment by DaveT — July 13, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
hi all, and best wishes to all in north wales area….. yes folks we made it home ,thanks to the sterling efforts of the G.N.W.. special thanks go to Carl who was my first contact …Nigel , who was on the scene in minutes and took us under his wing ,with garage and offers of food and accomodation , Eddie ,who responded to our SOS and repaired the bike expertly…and lastly Dave (Chairman) who reflected the atmosphere of helpfullness and good will that we experienced through this whole event When we reflect where we had travelled…through France…Switzerland…(Zurich)…Italy (Lake Como and Tuscany) and back to UK…to break down outside Nigel’s door just has to be a miracle UNBELIEVABLE but by far the greatest bonus for us is to have met and made such wonderfull friends who reflect the true spirit of motorcycling…Many Many thanks to all…..God Bless…Keep safe…
Comment by Frank + Margaret Mc Ardle — July 13, 2009 @ 5:19 pm