Hey Steve!

I think the wheel bearings being worn out had more to do with me not being careful with the hose and occasional pressure washer. I have ridden in a whole lot of rain. I've also ridden in a lot of calcium chloride slush. ( I hear the X corroding when it's real quiet��). A few thousand miles of off road. Bad bumps. None of this helped the wheel bearings.

My best guess is the after adventure deep cleaning that involved water under pressure contributed the most. During those times often the bike would be layed down on each side. But I really don't know the cause for sure.

Also note that the traditional check of side to side play and spinning the wheel to listen gave no indication of a problem. It was only the gas mileage drop that started me on the hunt for a problem. I just posted a photo in my original post of the rusty bearings.