WHATCHATHINKIN'

Backroads Motorcycle, Travel and Adventure – that pretty much says it all. We take our motorcycles on the backroads while we travel and find adventure. This particular year saw much of this, as we are always on the move to bring you, our wonderful readers, places to go and things to see. So, while Brian and I very much enjoy being on motorcycles, whether ours or test bikes, we have a certain other member of the team who takes great exception to our being away for long periods of time.

Spenser T. Cat, CFO of Backroads Inc., has been with the company for somewhere between 11-14 years. He has donated to our retirement plan with the occasional little rodent (usually alive), is covered under our health care, and provides endless entertainment at office parties while batting his toys back and forth. At this point, he is the sole CFO and relies on our dexterity to open his food, clean his ‘facilities’ and constantly open and close the door for him. So, while we are away, he is left to his own devices and becomes more than a touch miffed.

Very fortunately, Laura – our most excellent ‘replacement CFO servant’ – will tend to his needs and desires daily, but when we return, he lets us know that, while he does love Laura, she is not there 24/7 (particularly between 4-5am to open the first can of food for the day).

We have found that over the years Spenser has developed a very acute sense of when we are simply going out for a little ride or taking off for a longer periods. I’m sure those of you who have pets are quite aware of this phenomenon as well. He, of course, knows that if we leave him outdoors when heading out it is safe to assume we will return shortly. If he sees any form of luggage, be it a bag liner or OGIO bag, he will immediately jump inside and try to secret himself into the most hidden corner, thinking that we can’t possibly see him as we are packing and, thus, will be taken with. We have tried hiding the luggage or simply packing while he is either sleeping or otherwise occupied. He must be somewhat psychic, as there is always that angry look which tells us he is displeased with our actions.

The ultimate resignation and act of defeat is taking up his position atop the back of the couch. This perch enables him to keep an eye on all entries into the house as well as any access to the driveway to know the SECOND we return. He takes on an air of indifference so we don’t see his impending disappointment.

Spenser will wander into the motorcycle barn, tail in air, to check on our doings, the presence of mice (or the random snake) and that we are not up to anything nefarious. His newest trick is jumping up on the saddle, usually my Honda or V-Strom, and rubbing his scent all over it. When Brian was on his Pan America trip, while I was out prepping my bike to go meet him in West Virginia, Spenser came in, jumped on the bike and proceeded to crawl into my tank bag. I’m pretty sure he would have snuck into the saddlebags had they been open.

It has crossed our minds to get him a furry companion, but in all honesty, there will never be another cat like Spenser. He found Brian at the perfect time in both their lives. His behavior is more dog than catlike, following us through the woods, taking on the role of my personal watcher and defender from bears, and enjoying, with that small bit of indifference, being around our friends. Perhaps a bit selfishly, investing 10-15 years to a newcomer is not appealing, and Spenser would probably not want to share us with another anyway. It’s best to quit while ahead and go out with the best there’s been.

We’ll keep waking up at all hours to satisfy his hunger, keep the revolving door in motion and always check to make sure the cat is not in the bag.