September 6- Thursday

Not much to report as we are in the midst of waiting for people to arrive and do the whole check-in process.  Let me update you in the happenings of the past 48 hours.

After we got our well wishes from the friendly Pennsylvanian police officer, we found a delightful place to eat lunch in Phelps, NY.  The restaurant took us about 6 miles off the toll-way but it was much better than the services offered in the oasis.  We went to the Blue Ribbon Smokehouse and Bakery.  How can you go to a smokehouse without trying the meat?!  Let me just say they also have a local sauerkraut festival so the thought of the Blue Ribbon Ruben crossed my mind.  Both Kevin and I chose the pulled pork sandwich but with the intent to leave room for dessert (remember it's also a bakery!).  We were not disappointed in the sandwich but the dessert exceeded our expectations!  It was a homemade lemon Italian wedding cake with strawberries on the side!  Delicious!  Our waitress was Malene and her wholehearted recommendations were just what we needed :)  Once again, a place where the locals went and there was great familiarity amoungst them and the staff.

There was some confusion when Mark checked in but with Kevin in the passager seat at the time, it was readily taken care of.   We proceeded without incident and arrived at the hotel about 9:30 pm.  The night ended with meeting new people and old friends from the last ride.

On Wednesday, September 5, it was pretty much just getting caught up with folks and getting the bike out to double check everything was still okay. 

We did venture out of the hotel and got brunch/lunch in the arts district of Portland.  We went to Dutch's, a breakfast and bakery/sandwich place.  If you can find a parking place, the next hardest thing is to narrow down what to order!  There are so many good items to choose from!  Mark chose the ABLT-avacado blt, Kevin a spicy chicken sandwich and myself the biscuit and sausage gravy.  I know the boys both ate their entire sandwiches so I figure they approved of the taste!  Myself, I was totally satisfied with my selection!  The biscuit was a rectangular melt-in-your-mouth biscuit with gravy that while delicious, could have used a bit more sausage.  Fried eggs and some light and crunchy hashbrowns were served on the side. 

Back to the bike and re-acquinting with the previous years riders and support people.  We were visited by our friends Spike and Marcia Spilker.  We were also joined by our last support crew member, Jay who flew in from Romania!  It was a pleasant evening to be outside but after the long flight for Jay, we all went in for either bed or food.

The hotel had a special on the lobser roll which Kevin tried and I got the haddock taco.  We are ready to try the lobster out along the wharf somewhere! 

This morning, Thursday, we all got registered in, complete with personal names tags for each of us!  Kevin sailed through the technical inspection of Patience.  She does have a small oil leak but evidently not a huge concern.  An afternoon rainstorm had us under the awning for a bit.  Still overcast at this time but no rain.  We plan to use the Uber to go out and get some lobster or other seafood tonight.  Don't worry, I'll be sure to let you know where and how it was!

Jay and Kevin

Patience ready to go!

Jay, the Little Dutch Boy with his finger in the hole!  

His first job, holding the hole of the oil leak.