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Al
V's new Ride:
Dec 28 & 29 2004
Chapter
2 : Ready to Roll!
Okay, so now, we are on the trail about 100 yards south of the Zen
Shack across the 131 from the Bistro. This trail leads to the Ritz
Carleton of St-Zenon, and then to the Glaciere Motel.
You can see the trail quality. Granted, this photo was taken a week
ago, but even today, after some milder weather on New Years day, the
trail looks much the same. If anything, the base is even thicker now
(Jan 5, 2005). Our groomers have done a fine job.
We arrive at the Glaciere, and we see some early morning activity.
I try to capture the beauty of the cherry red in the early morning
'spot lite' sunshine, but somehow, it always turns out brassy looking.
At this point Al has about 30 miles on the clock, and has to maintain
a max of 600 rpm only, (is that right?) Anyways, for the first one
hundred miles, he must stay below a certain RPM. He wants to floor
it and see what she will do.
The trail is 8 out of 10. To someone who has never been up here, the
trail is better than perfect. The sunshine feels warm, and I am very
comfortable on my 550 fan cooled two up rental. It goes pretty darn
good! I am getting used to the ride.. These Rev's are different all
right.
We are en-route to Real Masse's for a delicious breakfast, and I am
getting hungry. All I had was a cup of coffee and an anti-inflammatory
for breakfast! Here, Al V tests the Yamaha ride control. It goes from
soft to hard in an instant.
I try to get the ultimate sled portrait of Al V. The sled is like
a cheetah, it wants to go, but Al is holding back. He's going crazy.
Real Masse's dining room is in the background. I can taste the hot
steaming coffee already.
Inside, Real's sweetheart daughter, (my secret love) is pouring out
the fresh coffee for this rag tag bunch from PA. My lens fogs up.
It's difficult for Real to keep the riff-raff out of the restaurant.
(Hey Bob!!)
Outside our window, the sleds start to arrive for breakfast. I am
relaxed, and enjoying a great meal. There are no Zen fans thronging
to get my autograph, just that group from PA staring at me in admiration.
I can hear them whispering in the background... "Isn't that
Zenwaiter, the famous Internet star?" (yeah right).
Back on the trail, Al gives me the A-OK sign. Nice suit. He tells
me that it is very light, warm and comfortable.
