One thing that’s sure to extend the time it takes to get to work is fog. Not because traffic slows (it doesn’t) but because I choose longer routes and stop more often to take pictures. And the longer trips means I have to get up earlier and that’s only possible if I pay attention the night before to the weather forecast.
Friday morning I was up early to compare the dawn to the forecast. Outside the bedroom window I saw our spruce trees shrouded in fog. It was denser than I thought which meant I couldn’t stop along the shoulderless roads like I could on clear day for fear that someone would run me, the Vespa, or both down as they rushed to work.
I pulled over along the main route into town from the north to clean my visor and take a picture. If I stayed on this road I would be at work in a few minutes. Time for a detour.
The area has many small and winding secondary roads that are ideal for the non-rushed rider. Even more intriguing are the farm lanes that disappear off into fields and woods. Most see little traffic save for those times of year when farm machinery move on them. The one I took is an exception and sees heavy use in the fall when Penn State football fans use it to access some of the sprawling parking areas that surround Beaver Stadium.
Portable lights used when the games are at night dot the landscape and in the fog look more like something out of the X-Files than related to football. I’ve been on this road many times before in rain, snow, and fog and each time it looks different.
After photographing the small group of trees it was time to ride to work. The fog was so wet that the visor stayed up and my glasses dripped with water. About a half mile from my office the fog ended abruptly as the Vespa and I rode into bright sun under a clear blue sky.
As much as possible I try to the rides to and from work from being a boring commute. As short as it is I know that I can make it a miserable chore. Riding makes the commute better than it was driving and much of the success I have is a direct result of the landscape in which I live. I suspect the right frame of mind is even more important.
Steve,
Great shots, and a nice shot in the arm to start the day with.
The combination of an active choice, taking time, great surroundings and the right frame of mind…yes!
Tim
Wow Steve….an awesome post here.
The pics are fantastic and pull me in (I suddenly realized I was litterally leaning into the screen – my nose nearly touching it).
You and Little Billy are starting to light a fire in me to ride to work more often.
I haven’t been to your blog in a long time. I believe it’s time to become a regular. (Geez, you’ve even got me thinking about the possibility of parking a scooter next to my Nomad in the garage).
Being retired (& loving it), I no longer go to w**k or have a j*b. nevertheless, given the choice, I prefer the secondary, county or township roads. I have better thing to do than ‘make time’ down the road … unless it is to get to some place that has secondary roads I’ve not yet traveled. I sgree with Dan Myers; it’s the journey,not the destination.
The fog that you have taken pictures of was absolutely awesome the other morning. Fog like that never ceases to amaze me.
On another note – I have been riding my bicycle on the weekends doing little 25 to 30 mile rides. Yesterday I went down through Oak Hall into Centre Hall – and have seen many of the trees and places you have been taking pictures of. Even the Burma Shave ads! My old Elementary School has been ripped down and replaced with something much larger and much more modern looking. I saw the house where I had been babysat as a little girl, where I used to go swimming, and where I used to hang out with my friends. We rode the whole way to Spring Mills and saw many many things that I haven’t seen in years. In a way, though I wasn’t on a scooter, I felt like I was taking one of your trips. 🙂
Tim: the right frame of mind can transform just about anything!
sarch: Thanks for the kind words. I enjoy riding to work. It is a nice way to start and finish the work day. Allows me to gear up and down in a really relaxing way.
eldercattus: I’m not sure I know who Dan Myers is. Can you enlighten us?
hrw115: I used to ride those trips on a bicycle but I have lost the desire and conditioning but I remember well how intense the memories could be.
Hey, I was looking for pictures and info on lx 150 and found your blog. Nice contents!
Cheers
Joao (Portugal)
Steve,
I believe the reference is to Daniel Meyers. He wrote a book called “Life is a Road; the Soul is a Motorcycle”. I believe that he also wrote the piece about the squirrel attacking the rider and then the patrol car.
Gary had mentioned that piece and I put the story out on a blog post.
joao: Thanks for the kind words. Portugal is a long way from here! Hope you find enough information to get yourself an LX150. They are a solid performing scooter.
irondad: I’ll have to put the Daniel Myer book on my reading list. I never knew there were so many motorcycle books out there.