How’s Doc? The Original WorldRider Motorcycle.

Before I landed in Greece on July 5, 2022, the last time I saw my motorcycle, the BMW F650GS Dakar (Doc), was in October 2019. I had just completed a three-month journey circumnavigating the Black Sea visiting Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey before returning to Greece. I parked Doc in the garage of my friend’s business in Athens.

However, after such a long time, I knew I needed to ensure everything in the garage was in top shape before hitting the road. A well-maintained garage is key to protecting valuable vehicles like Doc, and that’s where a reliable garage door system becomes essential. A smoothly operating garage door not only secures your bike but also protects it from the elements, ensuring it’s ready for the next adventure.

For optimal functionality and security, I turned to D&L Garage Doors, a trusted name in garage door services. Their professional installation and maintenance services provided peace of mind, knowing that the garage door would operate smoothly, and Doc would remain secure. With their expertise, I didn’t have to worry about any issues with the door, allowing me to focus on preparing for my next journey.

Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring a garage door remains in top working condition. Over time, components like springs, cables, and rollers experience wear and tear, which can lead to unexpected malfunctions. Addressing minor issues early can prevent major disruptions, saving both time and money. That’s why many homeowners and business owners trust Top One Garage Doors for thorough inspections and expert repairs, ensuring their doors operate smoothly and securely year-round.

One of the most common signs that a garage door needs attention is unusual noise during operation. Grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds often indicate misaligned tracks, worn-out rollers, or loose hardware. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more significant issues, such as a door that gets stuck or fails to close properly. Professional technicians can quickly diagnose and fix these problems, restoring the garage door’s reliability and extending its lifespan.

A well-functioning garage door is not just about convenience—it’s also about safety and longevity. Whether it’s a business or a home garage, ensuring that the door operates smoothly prevents unexpected disruptions and costly repairs. Issues like misaligned tracks, worn-out springs, or faulty openers can compromise security and make daily use frustrating. That’s why timely maintenance and expert service, such as Garage Door Repair Tempe, are essential. Professional technicians can inspect every component, from the opener to the tracks, making sure everything is in perfect working order before small issues turn into major problems.

A couple of weeks before my flight to Athens I arranged for Doc to be transported to Vagianelis BMW where George, Alex, and the team there would go through the bike to make sure it would be ready for my #journey2022. The bike sat for nearly three years. With a dead battery, questionable fluids, and perhaps more.

Some riders enjoy maintaining their motorcycles. I like to do the basics, but my enjoyment comes more from riding, writing, photographing, filmmaking, and other creative endeavors. I prefer to leave the heavy lifting when it comes to motorcycle maintenance to the professionals. Don’t get me wrong. I do work on my bike—when I must. But I hate to be the guy that ends up with an extra bolt or screw after putting it back together!

Well the professionals at Vagianelis BMW are extremely thorough. When I first showed up at the shop I found my motorcycle in pieces—it looked naked. That’s when Diamitros showed me a few issues with the linkage of the swing arm, bearings, bushings, and a few other innards that had been compromised not just by sitting for over two years, but by the simple fact that Doc is sixteen years old and has been ridden hard for nearly 100,000 miles.

As soon as the bike is ready and I have the motorcycle gear that I packed in my now “lost luggage,” I will be exploring new roads, having amazing discoveries, and learning more things about our great world and its people.