Comments on: More Solitude in the Sticks

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:13:21 +0000

irondad: I think a mixed experience is probably best. Too much solitude may drain it of its power. We are social creatures after all. But a good ride alone is great for restoring balance.

I shot the picture at the underpass with a 17mm lens. It was a full frame digital camera. On one of the 3/4 digital cameras like a Nikon D40 or Canon Rebel XT that would be about a 12mm lens. Pretty wide. With a 55mm lens I would not have seen anything but scooter and green.

By: irondad

irondad — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:43:48 +0000

I love solitude. I tend to seek it out when I ride. I'd actually like to live a more solitary life. Yet, I can't find fulfillment without being around a lot of people. Like teaching riders. It's very rewarding but impossible without a lot of human interaction. So I do my thing, find fulfillment, then go ride alone to find peace and retore the balance.

I've always wanted to be one of those benthic invertabrate things but I have a back bone and don't care to live in pond sediment.

What lense did you use for the photo of the overpasses and the scooter? It looks something like 55 to 75 mm but I'm a rank beginner to that particular game.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:35:58 +0000

Cindy: Your description of early morning rides sounds perfect. Makes me want to walk out to the garage and go.

I hope someday Kim will have a scooter of her own and that the two of us can ride through the countryside together.

Joe: Solitary riding works for us but certainly not for everyone. I suppose we miss something riding alone and those riding in groups miss something as well by not being alone.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:17:54 +0000

"...pig roasts and poker runs and the socialization that follows."

I'll always be a solitary scooterer. If my friends bought scooters and joined me I'd ride in a group, but to join a club and make contrived friendships for the sake of riding together? Probably not.

- Joe at Scootin' da Valley

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:09:22 +0000

I love days when my husband and I can ride together on our Scooters. But I have to say there is so much peace in the lone ride. My favorite is the ride I take to the yoga studio where I teach. Early in the morning, quiet neighborhood, large trees that canopy the street equals pure Zen bliss.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:43:12 +0000

Anonymous: Los Gatos would be a fine starting point for a lot of rides. I've only ever been through that area in a car but on a scooter or motorcycle it would be great. Hope you have a fine time at Amerivespa.

What sort of Vespa are you riding?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:39:55 +0000

Jack Riepe: "insight and profundity will visit me in a field..."

I think both have already visited and left you brimming with perspective and wisdom. They're evident in your posts and what makes them so enjoyable and engaging.

As far as getting lost there are plenty of places north of here where I still get lost. On foot you can really get lost.

Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway would be cool and I look forward to reading about your dream rides.

Conchscooter: You caught that did you? My next challenge is to work a French philosoper, peanut butter and Harley's into a post....

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:33:12 +0000

Bryce: Coffee is a taste I've never acquired. I relish the aroma of fresh ground beans but the taste has always left me cold. Water, tea, milk, juice -- those are my drinks of choice when on the road with water the clear front runner.

The D90 would be a fine digital camera stable and along with the F100 you have the digital and film worlds covered.

In case you have not already found this I would suggest the Ken Rockwell site for information on cameras. His reviews are first rate and he goes into a lot of user detail that is helpful in finding better ways to set up and use digital cameras. The link below is for the D90.

Ken Rockwell's Nikon D90 review.

So.... Bryce, when are you going to start a blog? You certainly have plenty of experience and perspective that others would be interested in.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:24:00 +0000

jbrenner: Thank you for your kind words of support. I try to do the best I can in reflecting my experience on the road.

I hope you find your own scooter find on the road soon!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:30:02 +0000

Lovely, thought-provoking post, Steve. I’ve been focusing a lot on riding with groups or friends recently, as my local group has grown. I think after the big group ridefest of Amerivespa, I’ll be ready to spend some time taking off on my own, heading into the mountains and doing some exploring.