The trip got off to probably the best possible start. We got upgraded to Business Class and the flight was uneventful, depite having to detour around a thunder storm over Detroit.

We had a great indoor barbeque at Doug Kenyon's 'shop' in Owosso, and were reunited with his nephew, Rich, with whom we had riden during the 2001 Mother Road Rally. While Doug's two pugs, Maggie and Chesty, examined our obviously foreign luggage, we got our first real look at his beloved Valkyrie - a very large bike indeed!

The following morning, we repacked our luggage into the bike's panniers, and discovered (inevitably) that we had more than we could carry.

While John took the bike for a (rather wobbly) spin round the block, Doug and I distracted ourselves by packing up the surplus clothing for mailing home. I am not quite sure which of us was more nervous: the bike's owner, or the potential pillion passenger!

Having said that, if Doug was concerned, he was gracious enough not to let it show.

After a few more 'circles and bumps' (old RAF term for practicing landing), it was time to leave for Chicago. Despite apparently foolproof directions out of town, we managed to get lost within the first couple of blocks! Then it started to rain ...

We hit two humungous traffic jams, got very wet, and eventually arrived with Fred Beyer at around 7pm. In honour of the infamous 'Maytag Pizza Party' of 2001, Fred invited Joe Miroballi, and Mark & Gina Atilano to join us for pizza.

We spent Friday shopping in Orland Park, before meeting up with the rest of the Rally participants at Del Rhea's Chicken Basket. We also cleaned Doug's bike, which, thanks to yesterday's rain, was now looking somewhat less than pristine.