January 3 - Cruise In Country Diner, Hillsboro

What could be better than riding in the sun on dry roads, enjoying a great meal, AND getting new bike parts at a steal? Today was such an unexpected pleasure. I woke up intending to clean house while it rained outside. But when I saw the sun, I knew I would be making other plans. I hopped on the bike and took off for Cruise in Country diner, one of my go-to places when I want a good meal not too far away. The 50-60’s diner, located on the back roads of Hillsboro, uses natural and organic local food and has a great selection of juicy burgers, not to mention a fun and interesting décor. I’m including pictures of two of my favorite signs from inside the restaurant. I usually get the Cadillac burger with blue cheese and bacon. But today I was in the mood for grilled onions and got the Super Charger Burger, convertible style (lettuce wrapped). They were super friendly, got my food ready right away, and had a little table to eat at outside under a patio cover. I took River Road to get there and enjoyed the farmlands and orchards along the way. On the way home I stopped by Paradise Harley and got an excellent set of Custom Dynamics LED turn signal lights and taillights for 75% off, using a coupon my older son had given me for Christmas. I decided it would be a present to both me and my children to have lights that make me more visible and safer on the road. The most exciting news of the day was that I already have a $400 LED headlamp! I’m not sure if the 2018 softail slim just comes with a great headlight or if the first owner upgraded. Thank goodness Jeff at the parts department went out to look at my bike before I purchased anything. I had intended to buy the headlamp too and was very grateful not to need to do that. They were out of the light covers at Paradise, so I headed to Latus, again taking back roads, this time on Stafford road through Wilsonville. I got the covers there at 40% off since I had points with them. Then I headed over to Leo Guzman Fernandez’s house. He graciously offered to set up the lights for me. I had a great time talking with him and his wife, Carmen, while he got everything plugged in. The difference in the lights is amazing (see photo with the new light on the left and the old one on the right). I already feel safer! I managed to get home without getting rained on once today. Next on my to-do list? Installing new yellow fog lights on the front of the bike, another great recommendation from Leo.