Women and their Motorcycles

by Sandy Bird The Frozen Canuck www.thefrozencanuck.ca

You could say that Pat New was practically born into motorcycling. It started in her birth country of Germany where she recalls fond memories as a young child. She was snuggled up to her older brother as her Dad motored throughout Europe with them in tow.

Photo courtesy of Pat New

When her parents immigrated to Canada, Pat got a mini bike. She continued to ride off and on but as a passenger. Like a lot of women, getting her motorcycle license would come a little later in her life. When Pat turned 32, she took the plunge and became a licensed rider, exchanging the backseat for full control in the rider’s seat.

It is not surprising that it was her first motorcycle, a Suzuki 750 Intruder, stole her heart. In those early years she rode with the Christian Riders and enjoyed participating in their many charity rides. Her favorite group ride was the Ride for Site because of the large crowds it drew and the close-knit community feeling it projected.“I love the big crowds, and the motorcycle family. The feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself. It really was and still is a wonderful feeling.”

As life intervened, Pat was forced to sell her beloved motorcycle and left the motorcycling scene for a time but the thrill of the open road was forever ingrained in her. Now at 63 years young, Pat is still putting on the miles every chance she gets and is a testament to the saying “age is just a number”. She explains that she encounters many younger people that are quite surprised to learn that she is a motorcyclist at her age. “I guess many don’t expect someone my age to be riding.”

Now Pat’s ride is a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard C50T, one that she claims has a tendency to have a spirited temperament and doesn’t always behave. Originally her Suzuki was silver but Pat got a little ribbing that it looked like a police bike. To remedy the situation and add a customized touch to her ride she repainted her bike in her favorite colour of Purple with a ghost flame running throughout it. In memory of her late brother a silhouetted dragonfly was added to the tank. When her bikes transformation was complete Pat bestowed a fitting name to it - “Purple Sass”.

Pat holding the Medallion at the Women Riders World Relay

Photo courtesy of Pat New

Living in the Kawartha Lakes area Pat enjoys leisurely cruising the picturesque countryside. Recently she participated in the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR)

and had the honor of handing off the medallion to Quebec. Next on Pat’s bike-it list is a trip that she had originally planned 25 years ago with her brother. This long over-due journey has finally come to fruition this summer and has her riding to PEI and Nova Scotia with friends and her brother’s spirit. Connect with Pat: https://www.facebook.com/PatNew https://www.instagram.com/petranew/