Solitude isn’t found in a city. Urban riding is more combat than pleasure. A motorcycle is the last thing I’d want on the pavement in Cleveland.
I was wrong.
Standing on a transit platform in the middle of Euclid Avenue I could feel the draw of the pavement. Walking in the city revealed endless pathways for exploration. Even in the heaviest traffic I could less streets less traveled.
Too bad my Vespa was far away. For now I’ll make myself content watching other riders on the streets of Cleveland.
— Posted from my iPhone
Steve:
it depends which side of the fence you are on. I like to get away from the city. Too much traffic, too many people, too many aggressive drivers. It’s just that it takes about an hour and a half to get to an open road. Because of our mountains there is only one road north and a couple going east. To go west you need to take a ferry. Then there’s the border lineup problem because of our nearly equal dollar.
I can see how enamoured you would be with fresh eyes, new roads and smells of the city. Like a youngster looking into a candy store through the window at night
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
I guess there’s always the option of renting a scooter for a couple of days if for no other reason then getting it out of your system. While on business a couple of years ago, I rented one for the day in Arizona. Lots of interesting roads and only a couple of hills.
I ride in very heavy Chicago traffic, where the cabbies really do seem to play pac man with everyone in motion. I also live in the suburbs about half the week. One learns to co-exist in their environment. There is nothing like riding down Michigan Avenue, particularly along the “Magnificent Mile.” Urban riding has sharpened my visual, technical and mental skills. Still, the smell of manure and the sight of silos, less than five minutes from suburban home, comfort me in a different way that I also welcome. I think most of us just like two wheel travel no matter where we happen to be.
bobskoot: I think you have characterized correctly how I think I would respond to riding in the city, at least initially — a kid in a candy store.
Richard: I’ll have to check into renting in Cleveland. I wonder if Vespa Cleveland rents scooters??
Sojourner rides: I think you’re right — riders like to ride no matter where.