One of the best motel experiences I had was in Washington back in 1980, just days after the St. Helens eruption. Riding through areas near the volcano I encountered some pretty thick pockets of airborne ash. After a while there were audible indications that the abrasive ash was damaging my chain and sprocket. I also worried that it could get into the engine.

I checked in to a motel in Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. While unpacking my bike the owner came out with a bucket, rags, and a hose to help me wash the ash off my bike. He also directed me to a gas station that would let me change my oil and blow out my air filter. My old Suzuki GS1000 made it through that 5,000 mile trip, in part due to that helpful motel owner.