Hurtling is not a word one would associate with a Vespa. It implies speed and energy resevered for more massive and powerful machines. This morning I was walking the dog in a park along US Route 322 when a Harley Davidson Ultraglide went by. This road is four lanes but not limited access and the speed limit is 45MPH. I looked over when I head the motorcycle coming—a green machine with a white haired rider, no helmet, short pants, and leaning back in a comfortable cruising postion with feet up on high cruising pegs. He was in the left lane and closing fast on a line of cars in the right lane. The cars were moving at around the speed limit. The Harley was easily traveling 20 to 30 MPH faster than the cars as he roared by.
I stood there watching and wondered what he would do if one of those cars decided to pass and pulled in front of him. What were his options? And I thought about how I ride. I endeavor to ride defensively and manage the risks that I identify on the road. Passing a line of cars is always a risk I assume responsibility for and plan an “out”.
I’m amazed at how much faith some riders have in the behavior of others on the road. I don’t trust anyone. I won’t say I ride with by backside clenched to the seat but I am wary of what could happen next. The performance nature of the Vespa LX150 won’t allow for the range of situations that a motorcycle can get into but it has sufficient power to find trouble. And I guess this points to the fundamental question I ask myself today—am I over doing things?
I’ve been thinking of the accident that claimed the life of motorcycle safety expert Larry Grodsky and am reminded of how many things are outside of our control that we at least should do what we can about those that are.
I ride defensively always, even on isolated country roads. As the weather has warmed I am still wearing armored clothes when the rest of the riders I see are in jeans or less. Before I purchased my Tourmaster Overpants I rode with jeans. Now the thought of nothing between my legs and the pavement but a bit of denim is unacceptable. Now, everytime I get on the scooter I have on leather boots, jeans, Tourmaster armored overpants, shirt, Mountain Hardwear Windproof jacket, Triumph Armored Mesh Jacket, gloves, earplugs, and full helmet. More if its cold or raining. A lot of stuff to put on for a run to the grocery store. But I have made it a habit, a ritual, and I am confortable.
A motorcycle rider asked me recently why I had so much on for just a scooter. I thought about it for a second and said “because when I hit the pavement it doesn’t care whether I have high-sided from a Vespa or a Ducati.”
I had a nice ride this morning. Dark clouds threatening rain but just beautiful. The roads were largely empty and passed several other riders enjoying the day. Rode about 50 miles around the local area through such notable communities as Centennial, Stormstown, Loveville, Half Moon and Scotia. Central Pennsylvania is just a motorcycle heaven…
“Look Mommy… POWER RANGER!”
On a scooter? Funny story: I was heading to a trackday on my Ducati 900SS, about ten years ago now.
Fully kitted out in red and white race leathers with knee pucks and roadrace boots, I must have looked a sight.
Pulling into a gas station, I filled my tank and then walked in to pay. Sure enough, a little boy walking out of the place with his mom pointed at me, all wide-eyed, and said exactly that.
She gave me a hard, disapproving stare that all married men know as “the look”. I struck a kung-fu pose and probably made that little boy’s day.
Besides the safety factor, all that gear makes a great conversation starter.
Ride well,
=gc=
gary –
I think that is quite possibly the best comment I have read yet. 🙂
—
Hannah
Gary,
I guess I do sort of look like some sort of Power Ranger in the picture. I’ll have to keep it in mind next time kids come up to look at the scooter.
steve