Funny, badmother! Long story short....got talked into riding through the state park near my house 8 miles away to the Mexican restaurant. Serious downpour delayed our departure from the margaritas, er, I meant restaurant. Ended up riding in the dark over 2-8 inches of pooled water all along the path. Though the park gate is seldom closed and locked when dark, the storms were torrential enough to down some large tree limbs so the state closed the gate on us.
FYI: So the rear tire needed replacing prior to the fencehopping. It didn't need to be true'd though prior...
I had the shop do a 2nd "get it ride-able" estimate, so when I get the bike home, I'll post pics.
Thanks for all the xcellent posts! I'm likely to buy a new fridge next, and wait on a new bike.