Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

A Riding Life

The Honda Trail 125 Magic

by 3 Comments

Two Honda Trail 125 motorcycles on a forest road at sunrise.
Perfect motorcycles for adventures in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania.

A Special Little Motorcycle

I’ve reached a point in my life that I could buy and ride any two-wheeled machine I desire. The only limitation is space to store them. Acquistion is carefully curated to make sure whatever I ride meets my aesthetic requirements, is able and comfortable to ride in the environments I choose, and possesses a level of magic that adds to the inherent thrill riding delivers.

The Honda Trail 125 meets my requirements and goes an extra mile by enabling me to ride in places I would hesitate to explore on anything else in the garage. At least now at my age and with the wisdom I’ve accumulated from experience.

Combine the magic with a fellow CT125 rider and it’s no wonder I’m excited to get on the little motorcycle and wander into the mountains near home. We were on the road just after sunrise. It was a chilly 42F but with the promise of quickly rising temperatures as the sun climbed higher in the sky. I was grateful to have an extra layer under my Aerostich jacket and my hands warm inside my Gerbing battery powered gloves.

Continue Reading

Aging and the Inevitable Gate at the End of the Road

by 22 Comments

Man hooked up to a 12-lead for an electrocardiogram.
The adventure of cardiac testing.

Focus on the Ride or on the Gate?

Let me begin by saying I’m fine.

A recent event coupled with a history of heart attack precipitated my cardiologist to have a closer look at the internal mechanics. Laying on a bed with a 12-lead monitor attached I was ready for the treadmill after an initial ultrasound examination of valves, arteries, and a check for any evidence of a familial aortic aneurysm.

Lying there I wished I had ridden to the appointment. An inquiry the night before with ChatGPT had it stress the stupidity of riding after the test. It listed the possible side effects which could affect my ability to ride safely. It agreed with my wife.

Each of us has an expiration date. As I get older I am more aware of that fact. Many don’t like to think about the topic but I have found an open and honest approach to the realities of life allow me to experience everything more fully. Thinking about aging and the inevitable Gate at the end of the road is a lovely riding metaphor for the predicament that every one of us is in even though we may often be blissfully unaware of the road we’re on. Or worse, in good old denial.

I focus on the ride. And as a result all the good and bad along the way is lighter and easier to accept, deal with, or just let go.

Continue Reading

The Idiot Rider

by 14 Comments

A damaged AirMoto portable air pump on the driveway.
The AirMoto pump has endured two stupid moves now.

Time For a Little Personal Evaluation

Before each ride I go through a mental checklist to ensure the safe operation of whatever machine I decide on for the day. An oil level check, chain tension where appropriate, turn signals, brake lights, make sure the battery is fully charged, and tire pressure. And a superstitious twist of one specific bolt on the Himalayan that once wiggled out. And twice now I have failed to successfully complete the tire pressure check without damaging something. Thankfully, my mishaps have happened in the driveway or within a hundred feet. Both lapses of memory, or perhaps merely the sloppy approach to hurrying to get on the road. Such is the sad story of the slow battering of my AirMoto air pump.

Distracted by the desire to get on the road sooner I walked away to gather some gear while the AirMoto was pumping air into the front tire. And when I started up the road I heard a strange, rhythmic banging which was the pump being spun around and beaten onto the pavement. I forgot it was still attached. Thankfully all this occurred away from the front fender and I didn’t damage anything. Or pull the valve stem from the wheel.

Continue Reading

Exploring the Autumn Landscape on a Vespa Scooter

by 14 Comments

An old, gnarled tree on a pasture in autumn.
I believe trees contain magic.

The Autumn Landscape

This tree knows things. Old, withered, but still alive and serving as sentinel across the valley encompassing Farmers Mills, Pennsylvania. The tree whispers of autumn and the winter not far off. Stopping along the road on a ride to breakfast with my friend Paul I’m reminded of the power a landscape can have if I take the time to look, and how my Vespa scooter has supported these discoveries for years now.

Continue Reading

Photography, Writing, and the Idling of YouTube

by 26 Comments

A screenshot of the Scooter in the Sticks YouTube channel.
Still standing by for a video if needed.

The Burden of YouTube

Toward the end of February was the last time I published a video on YouTube. The silence since is a marked departure from the normal three videos created every month. Since then there have been many inquiries asking when I will start posting videos on YouTube again. I don’t want to say never but it does feel that way. I started making videos thinking it might be fun. And I stopped when it wasn’t.

Making videos, even with the simple approach I employed, takes time to create. It meant having an idea of something to say before the ride, a rough plan for the footage needed, some mental practice regarding what I would say while riding, and then editing it into something tolerable to watch.

An unexpected audience built around the videos. Larger than twenty years of publishing blog posts. A friend asked if the audience size mattered, if the monthly check from YouTube mattered, if I was enjoying myself? And the answers were “No.”

I create things for myself. To unravel chaotic thoughts and situations, to explore the questions that rattle in my head. If others find enjoyment or utility in them that’s gravy, but not the goal

So for now I’ve put YouTube on hiatus.

Continue Reading

Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

Skip to content ↓