Pat and Blaze Make New Friends

Blaze and I finally became more intimately acquainted this weekend as the temperatures rose above freezing and the sun’s rays warm enough to make things tolerable for both of us. For our first excursion we concentrated more on getting familiar with how we felt to each another. I am impressed so far. Blaze is responsive and yielding to my touch and goes where I want her to go. We even found a few sand free parking lots so I could put her through the paces, weaving between lot lines, with imaginary cones, accelerating and testing the brakes with hard or “panic” stops. She dipped and weaved nicely without any hint that what I was asking her to do was out of the ordinary.

We ended our Saturday, slipping and sliding through the muck back to the house. Even here, she was manageable as I encouraged her onward. We made it back to the “barn” without becoming bogged down, although her undersides are showing signs of the trip in and out of the property. Once home, I realized we were ready for a more prolonged jaunt and Andy and I agreed to meet up with the Amherst Motorcycle Club the next day.

The members of the Amherst Motorcycle Club are a friendly laid back group. We arrived at the start early, and a modest crew did show for at least coffee. I made their acquaintance and introduced Blaze. We admired her amenities and lines, which is her due. Then we set off with three of the members for a Sunday ride. Though not long in miles, it was enough for the first day out. The temperatures began to drop and soon it became quite chilly. We arrived home just before flakes of snow appeared.

It is always a great day when you meet new friends. Blaze and I will meet up with the Amherst crowd again. Before then however, I am anxious to show her off to the old crowd too. That day is coming soon, and by then, Blaze and I will be a comfortable team, ready for longer days on the road.

From 2009 season

From 2009 season

From 2009 season