Pat White gets ready to head out of the parking lot at the Sabattus Plaza with his dog Roxie, who rides in a special harness and pouch. Dozens of riders met Saturday at Front Porch Bakery in the plaza for breakfast before the annual blessing of the bikes took place. Afterward, several dozen riders rode off to another location, marking the unofficial start of the motorcycle season. The event was sponsored by United Bikers of Maine Androscoggin County. They were also celebrating International Female Riders Day. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Kelly Akerley of North Bridgton is reflected in the mirror of her Harley-Davidson motorcycle Saturday as she and other riders prepare to head out to the next stop on their morning ride sponsored by United Bikers of Maine Androscoggin County. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Several dozen riders gather around “Budda,” a local minister who was offering a blessing of the bikes Saturday in Sabattus. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

The Sabattus Plaza was packed with motorcycles Saturday morning during the annual blessing of the bikes. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Pat White talks with fellow motorcycle riders in the parking lot of the Sabattus Plaza with his dog Roxie, relaxing in the special harness and pouch they use when riding together. Dozens of riders met at Front Porch Bakery in the plaza for breakfast before the annual blessing of the bikes. Afterward, they rode off to another location marking the unofficial start of the motorcycle season. The event was sponsored by United Bikers of Maine Androscoggin County. They were also celebrating International Female Riders Day. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo