The parts for my bike came in early and PJ’s had the repairs finished by late afternoon. Van, the service writer, came and picked me up at my hotel and took me to the shop.

Here’s a picture of the place I’ve been staying the last three nights.

I rode the bike to the hotel and parked it near the office where the night clerk can keep an eye on it.

On the way back I noticed a brew pub not far from my hotel. I ate dinner in my room and then went for a beer. The place is relatively new and it was packed. I was told it’s graduation weekend. There were private parties on the upstairs patios.

I had a State Pen Porter – it was very good. Sorry Pennsylvania friends – it was way much better than Penn State – way much. (Go Illini!)

I shared a table with Bob and Jamie. Bob grew up on the south side of Chicago, so we had a few things in common as I worked on the South Side after college. Bob went to college in New Mexico. Bob and Jamie have lived in New Mexico a long time.

I mentioned earlier that I had dinner at Rudy’s BBQ my first night here. Here’s a picture. If any of you is in the area and like BBQ, put this on your list of must-dos.

Rick fell and hurt his arm at his daughter’s He didn’t break any bones, but he has to rest it for several days. He’s going to ship his bike home and fly back mid-week. I’m going to head home starting tomorrow and see some friends along the way.