Monday Evening, June 22

I sat in Dunkin Donuts for 3 hours waiting for the rain to let up. Started talking to people in there to find someplace I could stay. While I was asking, this rough looking guy came up and introduced himself as a Biker. He asked how I was doing and I told him my dilemma. He said that he worked at the "Sticks Tavern" and they had some rooms and that he would have to do some cleaning first but that I could stay there. I said "super" and off we went. While we were getting my stuff moved in one of the "regulars" came over and started talking. He asked if I had changed the oil yet in the bike. I told him no, but I was trying to. I just hadn't found a place to do it, but that I had brought the synthetic oil with me to do it. He said, "Follow me. I have a shop down the road 1/8 of a mile." So I followed him and I got my oil changed.

The guy who got me the room took me out to eat dinner at another tavern where they serve food, and where the local Bikers hang out. He said they would love to hear my story about what I was doing. Brian, the guy helping me, got me a T-shirt for a souvenir that says, "Sticks Tavern - 2nd Annual Poker Run & Pig Roast." It will be one of my favorite mementos of this trip!

I had a diet Pepsi and a Buffalo Burger for dinner and met a bunch of guys who ride motorcycles, some who were part of the Hell's Angels, and all who have been dreaming of doing what I am doing. They asked a lot of questions and I got their addresses to write to when I get home. They thought I was OK for a religious guy. They all tried to locate a full face helmet for me, but none to be found. They don't have helmet laws here, and as one guy said, "Only guys from Oregon wear helmets." Well, I am going to bed and praying that it doesn't rain tomorrow. Love you all. Dee