At the end of every riding season the Hudson Valley Biker Network (HVBN) holds a sponsor appreciation ride. Usually it entails a group visiting all the dealers and sponsors shops to thank them for their contributions. This year the ride was instead a benefit for a local youth named Kyle who is suffering from bone cancer. The change to a benefit ride came about fairly quickly and the organizers were pleased to have ninety-two bikes and one hundred and fifteen riders and passengers attend the event.
The ride itself started out from the Stone Pony Delicatessen in Saugerties, NY and traveled through the Catskill Mountains around Windham Mountain and back to the starting point. I opted to take the CF Moto scooter since it's the most comfortable of the three bikes and the ride was slated to be one hundred miles in length. Except for a few moments when the scooter was short on acceleration in comparison to the much larger American V-Twins it worked out well. It was best on the ride over to the start when the temperatures dipped into the lower forty degree mark. It has excellent wind protection and cuts down on wind chill as you move along.
Overall it was a most enjoyable day especially at the end.of the ride. There was a generous selection of food in a glass enclosed pavilion to relax in and discuss the ride while eating the well prepared feast. The trip home in fading sunlight was even as enjoyable as the group ride. Coming over the Rhinecliff Bridge the view of the colorful leaves on both banks of the Hudson River highlighted the best parts of the day.
The ride organizers were truly grateful and overwhelmed with the response. It made the day special for all concerned. I've had an outstanding riding season, using all three of the bikes at least once on an organized ride. It was some of the best riding in years for me. I can't wait until Spring to start riding again.