Chiara and Bruce are humbled and want to graciously thank all those that came out last night to celebrate with us.  We also want to apologize for being woefully under prepared for such a large turnout and appreciate everyone's willingness to adapt and have fun despite being short of all everything from plates to food and drink...in fact about the only things in plentiful supply were the smiling faces and good cheer of our fabulous friends and their children.  And having said that please allow us to make a special shout-out to Joey and his family for supplying the hit of the party...the Kiddie Pool!
Our only true regrets being that the wonderful outpouring of love from our friends was hard to repay.  We were regretfully unable to make the rounds and spend as much time with each of you as we would have liked.  We can only hope that you all understand how much we love you all and appreciate your friendship.  We can't wait to see you all again when we get back from our adventure when we will again eat, drink and share our tales.

It has been a sweltering couple of days in old PDX and Bruce has been feeling slightly under the weather.  Despite the adversity we joined a couple thousand of our closest friends on the World Naked Bike Ride pdxwnbr.org last night!  Great, creative and fun loving people as always...Thanks for keeping it weird Portland!

Naked people as far as the eye can see...

Today was time to get serious...

kinda. 

 We were able to pull together long enough to get out for a little training ride.  We are easing into long days in the saddle again by pedaling our little 2-wheeled iron horses to a local Lavender Festival.

The happy couple and their trusty steeds.

Feeling confident that our small folding wonders will be ready for anything that the remotest parts of Asia can throw at us











A few more 100 degree long mileage days and SE Asia may start feeling more like home than Oregon does right now?!