I thought this picture of my friend Paul might represent the unaware beginnings of Scooter in the SticksReceiving congratulations for winning the 2007 Riders Choice Award for Best Motorcycle or Scooter blog reminded me that a lot of people played a role in this story.
I made my first three-sentence post giving birth to Scooter in the Sticks on October 2, 2005. What led to that post and what has happened since is a bit more complicated. A full year earlier I was in an art class taught by New Media artist Carlos Rosas on net art and publishing. It was there I began to seriously consider the Web as an alternative method of sharing work rather than the more traditional gallery exhibitions that are expensive and provide limited exposure. The Web promised a less expensive venue with a potentially larger audience.
During this same time period my long dormant desire (30 years) to ride again rekindled as I watched my friend Paul Ruby alternating rides between his Harley-Davidson Fatboy and Vespa ET4. Occasional discussions about motorcycles and riding with my wife Kim eventually led to serious consideration of a new Triumph Bonneville T100. Paul suggested I take his Vespa for the weekend before investing a lot of money in something I might not find as enjoyable as I remembered. Ten minutes on the scooter was enough to bring back all the memories of riding. It also erased any thought of a Triumph and placed me squarely on a Vespa.
The summer of 2005 offered time for riding, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginning Rider course, and the rapid development of a riding sensibility as I put more and more miles on the scooter. The fine people who make up the Modern Vespa forum answered many early questions about gear, riding, and the Vespa LX150 I bought. Through the kind and thoughtful responses and the riding I was doing I slowly began to piece together the information and experience that would eventually appear on Scooter in the Sticks.
At work I was trying to estimate how much time it would take to produce meaningful content on a regular basis for use on a blog designed to share information about our organization. Having no experience in this area I decided to experiment a little by creating a blog and post short stories and pictures about riding a Vespa. Once I was familiar with the time and commitment necessary we could make some decisions about next steps.
As simple as blogging seems now I stumbled from the very beginning. Struggling with a title my wife Kim rescued me with Scooter in the Sticks. I liked it the moment she uttered it and the sound of it has continued to make me smile. Early posts weren’t intended for anyone. I was just generating content. Journal entries. During this period I looked at other blogs for ideas and techniques but it wasn’t until I saw a post on the Modern Vespa forum linking to a story done by WCCO TV in Minneapolis about a former Marine named Gary Charpentier who was riding his Baron scooter back and forth to work through the winter.
Man Scoots And Commutes 25 Miles
I was already riding in cold weather by this point but Gary’s adventures solidified my resolve to ride all winter as long as the roads were clear. With a little sleuthing I was able to track down his Baron in Winter blog and make first contact with someone who I feel has been a guide and mentor in riding and blogging. Gary’s approach to writing about his personal experience had a strong influence on my own work from that point on through to his new blog Rush Hour Rambling.
Contact with Gary opened other doors like being added to the Ride to Work commuter blog list where in turn I came into contact with master instructor, teacher, and rider Dan Bateman. I have probably learned more about riding, technique, and managing risk from Dan’s writing on Musings of an Intrepid Commuter than any other source.
Like Gary, he has been a continual source of information, expertise and support and has influenced what I write for Scooter in the Sticks.
As more connections developed more traffic and comments appeared. Somewhere I discovered the free StatCounter application that would allow me to track visitors and traffic and see just how people were finding me. As I checked out the sites visiting me I found Doug Klassen.
Now Doug probably doesn’t know he had a role to play with Scooter in the Sticks but his was perhaps the critical one that made the award possible. I found my way to Motorcycle Bloggers International via his blog Forty Years on Two Wheels.
In addition to finding MBI I was struck by something Doug wrote in his very first post that continues to resonate with me today—“ This combination of riding and photography, especially since I’ve slowed the bike down, has become a very satisfying part of my life…” It’s nice to find yourself reflected in the fine work of others.
As my view widened I saw a diverse approach to writing in the landscape of motorcycle and scooter blogs. I was able to solidify my focus that is decidedly personal at times and generally focused on the experience of riding. Winning the Riders Choice Star Award was the result of a winding journey that took me across the path of many people. Without them it wouldn’t have happened.
Photo by Paul Ruby. One of many pictures he has made of me that I haven’t posted…There are so many other riders, bloggers, and visitors who have helped make Scooter in the Sticks a success that I can’t thank all of you. The links on my blog are just a few and all worth a look. Sites like 2StrokeBuzz and The ScooterScoop to CombatCommuter and Little Billy’s Scooter Tales. And many more. Know that I appreciate the time and comments you make here and the things you offer on your own sites if you have them. I’m not sure what the future holds for Scooter in the Sticks. Definitely a continuation of riding, writing, and photography. I am trying to develop a riding and photography project too. I would also like to take some longer trips to see what that’s like. I’ve toyed with the idea of producing videos but to be honest I can’t quite figure out how to make them unique or relevant here without me yakking away on the screen. Time will tell.
Again, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts and comments. I look forward to hearing from you in the coming weeks and months.
Hi Steve. Nice comprehensive posting today. Good that you mentioned all those persons that have helped you make your blog into what it is. Your narration is often ‘deep’ and your photos are way above ordinary and the combination sets the bar high. No wonder your blog is so popular. I’m glad you got recognition. That’s always a nice feeling. Would you mind if I download the photo of me jumping behind your scooter from last week? I want to put it on my website.
Paul
Regarding Ruby in fetal position photo… Gaaawd that’s a funny photo. I don’t remember if we took a black and white with my camera. I originally wanted one in the weeds like in the Wynn Bullock. – Paul “The Weeds” Ruby
Steve, Thanks for your kind words. I’m honored to have played even a little part in helping you move forward with your blog. I can’t read all the blogs out there anymore but your’s is on my “never miss” list of about five or so blogs that I do have the time to follow.
Congrats again on winning the Best Blog Award. Try to remember all us little people when you’ve grown rich and famous from blogging. 😉
I hope we get a chance to ride together someday.
Doug K.
I like the fact that you give credit to people who have helped and inspired you along your journey. You in turn, have inspired me along my new blogging journey. I’m finding that blogs touch a lot of people in different ways, most of them positive. From useful info to relective state of mind, to just plain humerous. It really is an interesting world, this blogging world! And, it’s always makes things easier when you get some help! So, thank you!
Steve,
I’m blushing, already! There’s a poster above my desk that says,
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated every day”. I’ve watched you tweak your blogs graphics and template, watched the photos get better and better, and observed as you found your groove. You have this talent for touching people on the level of the humanity we all share.
What’s really interesting is that I don’t think you’re writing a certain way as in an adopted “style”. You seem to be sharing your own true self on your blog. We’re intrigued because we see ourselves as we read about you. I’ve never quite been able to get to that same level. I’ve accepted the fact that I always come across as an authoritative leader and go with it. When I try anything else I look silly, not more human.
You called me the Master, but when it comes to this blogging thing, I bow to you, Sir!!
Dan
Hi Steve, as an old biker, but novice blogger, I admire your style and appreciate the effort you put into your work. Your blog is one of several that I turn to for inspiration. Another example of how the motorcycle community bonds together no matter what you ride. Great work! -Crusty
Steve, its great to see your appreciation for the people who inspired you. You took what they gave and blended it into your own mold. You’ve got your own way of doing things and it touches alot of readers. Including me. I started my own little blog because of you just as many others have. For what you’ve done and the inspiration you sparked in me, thank you Steve.
Roadbum
I hope you don’t venture into video. I have observed the energy scooter scoop puts into his videos and they add nothing to the blog.
I cannot imagine your written blog remaining as thoughtful anmd gentle were it translated into the short-attention-span hyper-activity world of video.
You have a good thing going, a great thing perhaps and we could all stand to see more of this calm, measured reflection.
Michael
Key West
This post confirms why you so richly deserve the award. Your blog and Doug’s are the finest out there among many great blog sites. But Scooter and 40 on 2 alone have inspired me to get back into photography and carry a camera on the bike almost every time.
Sorry I’m late to your party here, Steve. I’ve been down with the Flu all weekend.
We have built up a pretty comprehensive moto-blog community, haven’t we? Many of the same folks you mention are my inspirations as well.
I have to wonder whether we would all try so hard if it weren’t for the efforts of our contemporaries. I know that I feel pressure about every three or four days, especially after reading some of these other blogs, to post a new entry on my own.
Thanks for the mention here, and keep up the great work.
Ride well,
=gc=
Steve, congratulations on the award. I have been reading your blog for a little while–a couple of months, and recently joined MBI with my web site, SojournChronicles.com. I started riding more than 40 years ago on a beat-up Lambretta. That scooter got me started in motorcycling, and I have often thought of buying a more modern scooter for the stable. Congrats also on recognizing that no one comes to the forefront without walking in the footsteps of others. It is how we learn, and gives recognition to the teachers of our life experiences.–DBrent
Paul: That picture is classic Ruby!
doug: When I get the chance to ride west for a long trip I will make sure to look you up. Thanks again for the inspiration you’ve provided.
cody: I’ve learned over the years that while an individual may receive accolades there are usually a who lot of people who are involved. The blog award is no different.
How are things going with your fancy scooter? I would be afraid I would make a mess of it, especially those tires!
Dan: All I can do is say thank you. Because of the things I read on your blog I feel comfortable riding like I do. Monday in heavy fog, about to leave now in gloom and rain. And those rides are part of the attraction I think to my blog. All your fault, and Gary…*grin*
crusty: Thanks for the kind words. You are right about the motorcycle community not really caring about what a person rides. I have found only a few occassions where someone was actively hostile to what I was riding.
Roadbum: Thanks! Keep riding and writing!
Michael: No videos, at least not on a regular basis. If the spirit moves me in some manner perhaps but I think I will stick to words and pictures.
Paul: Riding just provides an excellent platform for photography. the perfect fit in my mind.
Gary: I feel the pressure sometimes, especially when I see so many other great posts. I am trying to find the right balance though…
It’s a hoot to blog though! I could be doing this at a local tavern telling stories to three guys at the bar….
DBrent: Thanks for your kind words. I read your post about being denied membership in MBI and you almost had me!
Like you pointed out here I think there are many lessons to be learned from the experience of others and blogging is no different. I just need to keep paying attention.
There were three of you in our neighborhood when I moved in, and I watched and paid attention to your styles and presentation before I set up shop with my own little site. As our neighborhood grows and changes, I still look to you guys for the same reasons as when I started.
Thanks Steve.
Have fun,
Bill
It’s kinda’ neat to see how “way leads to way” and know how a blog came about. Great post!
John
My “fancy scooter” has been doing just fine thank you very much:)
Of course I clean it alot, but I’ve alway gotton enjoyment out of keeping things I like nice and purty! Though I’ll admit the chrome wheels and the white walls are a major PITA, but well worth it from the attention they garnish!
I’m a little late, but congratulations and well deserved. I may not comment all the time, but you are one of the few riding blogs that I keep in my feed reader. Keep up the great work and keep that shutter going.
Hi nice photos.. this summer with some frinds we intend to make a trip from Portugal to Rome..we expected to take some photos like those.. congratulations.. vespa´s lovers