July 25th & 26th, 2010

Leslie's rear old brake pads-16500km

Sunday and Monday were days to be with family and do maintenance on the bikes.  Sunday Cheryl and I watched a video that a great guy from the F800 forum I belong to made for us on changing brake pads.  As always, Cheryl is a quick study and before you know it both bikes had new Galfer rear pads installed.  Had brake pads shipped to my parent’s house from a neat company Happy Trails ahead of us.  Why?  The Galfer pads were a lot cheaper to buy online than to find in Canada and bring them along the way. Gave the bikes a wash and let them relax.  

Cheryl's rear brake pads 17200 km

Family all came over for a great New York Pizza dinner and good conversation.  My sisters and their kids, My Aunt Catherine and Uncle Richie also came by.  Nice to see everyone and they all insisted we ship our bikes back and fly home so we could stay longer on Long Island.  We politely decline the invite as we both are looking back to getting on the road.

Monday we found a motorcycle shop/parts store and service center located in Smithtown, NY.  About 10 mins from my parent’s house.  We initially drove to the shop to buy oil filters and oil etc....but when the owner Dave said he would change our oil for $25 labour we said what the hell....drove back to the house and got on our bikes and headed back to ISLAND MOTORCYCLE PARTS located at 401 Middle Country Rd., Smithtown, NY 11787 ph: 631-880-7966.  I am highlighting this shop because of their friendly attitude, ability to fit us in while we waited for the oil change, they allowed us in the back of the shop to learn and watch, very helpful tech named John who pointed out my chain was too tight and adjusted it.  Although all this maintenance stuff may seem easy to do it was great to watch a pro do it right so we can start maintaining our bikes like this to save money and time.  We went to semi synthetic oil and a K&N oil filter model 164.  Again the shop is BMW friendly and more than accommodating for travellers.  We were a walk in and no issues getting us set up and serviced.

My cousin Michelle stopped over with her two girls, Kasey & Sarah  in the afternoon and as always with Michelle lots of stories and laughter  Great to see Michelle looking so good.

Dad BBQ steaks and we had corn on the cob, bake potatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, salad....and just a good well round meal. My Aunt Kay stopped by as well my some of my nieces and nephew who could not make it on Sunday.  Great to see everyone and had lots of laughs.

Cape Cod is our next stop either we leave Tueday or Wednesday not sure.....but will say good bye to NY for now and thanks to my parents for being such great hosts!