Once again wake to pouring rain and after a quick breakfast make for the border. Am escorted to the I5 by Alan, then southwards. There werent any delays crossing one pannier was checked and then once again welcomed into the US. The rain abated and i stopped for my morning brew things were looking up the sky clearing and i think i had overdressed. Then the heavens opened and it rained steady and hard so i decided to stick to the I5, as fate would have it i am happy i did.
A white ute to us aussies but a pick up here passed by and a waving chap who looked like Fidel Castro flagged me over. I followed and he led me to a Motorcycle shop, where the friendly owner gave me a tube of chain lube and i was invited across the road for a coffee. I am invited to stay in Blaine about 30 miles back towards the Canadian border and i accept. Tommy Ryser the fellow who flagged me down gives me directions to his workshop in Blaine where i should wait for him. He eventually arrives, there is Tommy time and real time apparently and i am led to his fantastic house in woodland in Blaine. He has BMWs everywhere as well as the one he used to do a similar trip to my plans a few years ago. We look over maps and then go to dinner with Tommy's wife Allie and son Nick. He has over the years, helped loads of travellers going through the area. Allie also rides a Transalp both of them are heading off to Alaska in a few weeks. I still am flabbergasted by the amazingly warm welcome i have recieved by the biker community.
We will see what new suprises tomorrow brings.
