Sunday, April 17, 2016

Fiona plays on Snow

Late this Sunday afternoon, it finally stopped snowing so I was able to take Fiona, my '99 Ural Patrol Sidecar Rig with the R80 Beemer engine out for a ride in the snow.

The neighborhood streets remained messy with snow but it was all melting fast and so no problems for Fiona and I as we motored over to the ranching neighborhood to the SE of home.

Alas, we were too late, whomever does their road clearing does a very fast job of it  and all we found was muddy roads.  Nothing very scenic but I did stop for one shot of Fiona at the tree-lined driveway:


Fiona and I motored on home, stopping at the auto parts store to get a headlight but then it started working on the way home.  Hmmmm.  The auxiliary lights quit working though, so there's some checking to be done on the wiring I think.

Got home and asked my loving wife, Martha, to shoot some video while I tried to ride about the cul-de-sac to test the 2WD on Fiona.  There were snow accumulations ranging from a couple of inches to perhaps eight inches of snow mounds, so a good test.

Here's the video, it'll show you how useful 2WD can be.  Assuming you've got it engaged that is.



Must remember to check to make sure the 2WD lever stays engaged, it seems.  The '99 model 2WD engagement level is different from the one on Scarlett, my 2014 URAL Patrol.  

Still, a good test of the 2WD.

Update: found the wiring issue.  A loose ground wire on the assembly connecting the headlight to the wiring harness, fixed.  Also, the ground wire had come off the switched relay for the auxiliary lights, secured.

10 comments:

RichardM said...

First donuts in the cul de sac, what's next wheelies on the freeway?

I ended up switching back to the stock 2WD lever as it locks into place. The Raceway lever doesn't lock in or out of 2WD.

redlegsrides said...

I unintentionally wheelied my 2011 rig once, trying to get out of a tough spot on a really steep trail....that was enough!

Taylor said...

cant believe it can do that, both did a good job

redlegsrides said...

Taylor....thanks....2WD can come in handy as you saw.

SonjaM said...

I bet you were sporting a huge grin on your face while spinning your donuts.

redlegsrides said...

SonjaM, I bet you were right!

Jean said...

Credit to your videographer! Enjoyed the "ride"
Jean DiMarco

redlegsrides said...

Jean DiMarco, my videographer is quite the enabler.... :) Glad you liked it.

Trobairitz said...

Wow, big difference when the 2WD kicks in.

I take it the neighbors are used to your snow shenanigans by now? I didn't see any wagging fingers out their windows while you were testing Fiona.

redlegsrides said...

Yep, my neighbors know.....