A fascinating narrative; yet . . . one subject to abrupt and immediate revision!!!!!
First, I'm grateful to the incident for adding the phrase, "
crowd funding," to my lexicon!
It's not, begging/panhandling from strangers, but . . . CROWD FUNDING!
I may point out this technique to the next individual I observe standing on the median at the intersection, holding a "Will work for food" sign!
About the editing/revision; earlier, the . . . well, the guy who's asking for money, previously said Kawasaki Motor Company USA performed "key engine upgrades" on his replacement KLR650, SPECIFICALLY, regarding the
doohickey! Amazing; Kawasaki's factory-trained dedicated technicians at its USA headquarters in Irvine, CA, performed this service, unique for someone whose uninsured bike burned up.
In the current version of the "update," however, the reference to the doohickey has been excised. I imagine the Kawasaki benefactors suggested this editorial change, because, to say the least--mention of the doohickey might draw unwanted attention to that part. If Kawasaki replaces his doohickey as a "key engine upgrade," might not others request the same consideration?
Another editorial change noticed: A previous edition of the "update" declared, somehow a motorcycle journey to Tierra del Fuego would disclose a source of FREE ENERGY (author's designation) for Latin American border crossings; such data to be presented to the Canadian government, resulting in the universal benefit of REDUCED TAXES.
Well, references to this "free energy" aspect have been redacted from the current version. I'd imagine FundMeNow influenced this revision, because--the preposterous characterization of the purpose and result of the trip might raise questions in would-be contributors' minds, regarding the CREDIBILITY of the mission. FundMeNow gets paid only if viewers contribute, and--the website's interests are served by encouraging maximum contributions.
"Free energy" has been an elusive goal of many; don't know how a motorcycle trip southward might solve the complex technical problems involved. Yet, free energy might be easier to achieve than lower taxes; the latter about as probable as discovering evidence of cold fusion outside the state of Utah, I should think.
This skepticism aside, blessed are those who support this rider's quest. Somehow, no used KLR650s were available in southern California, thus the rider had to "gyroscope" back to Victoria, British Columbia and return to San Diego with his replacement bike. The contributions received doubtless were put to good use in funding his transportation for re-mounting.
I've already declared myself an unlikely contributor; however--I'd be more inclined to chip in to someone's kitty who said, "I failed to insure my bike and it burned up; I need some dough to get another one and continue on my trip," than to someone promising concurrently to discover a source of free energy to power international border crossings . . .
YMMV!