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Catching Up, Falling Behind, and Playing with BMWs

June 11, 2010 by Scooter in the Sticks 16 Comments


Sometimes it’s useful to stop and take a look in the mirror. Even if it’s only a reflection in a bank window. While my wife says I look like a space alien I see something different. Making the picture serves as an way point in the week, a chance to figure out what I’m doing and where I’m going. Work, riding, photography, the dog, Kim, the garden, all things I love . The more I do the more I seem to want to do. And that’s ok.

I have punctuation marks in my blog post title. That’s a bad sign. I’ve worked in academia a long time.

The dearth of blog posts here lately are direct result of the following excuses:

1. I didn’t have anything to ride. My Vespa was in the shop for service — valve adjustment, belt and roller change, fluid and filter changes, sparkplug, that sort of stuff.

2. I was riding too much that I didn’t have any time to write. I still haven’t posted my reviews of the BMW RT1200 or the BMW F800 GS.

3. My dog ate my writing time. Junior is going through a growth spurt and demands more attention. Just when I sit down to the computer he needs to chase a tennis ball.

4. I’ve been doing other stuff. Like watching DVDs with Kim of Project Runway, True Blood, and The Sopranos.

So just a quick update of what’s going on and some promises to post a few items soon.

Picking the Vespa up today at Kissell Motorsports I saw the BMW truck full of demo bikes in their parking lot and couldn’t pass up the big, bright graphics for a picture. If you have some time on Friday or Saturday and want to take a BMW for a ride now’s your chance.

I feel a little guilty that I haven’t posted my review of the BMW RT1200. Just a little though. Things improve with age. It’s been three weeks since I put it through its paces in the sticks. I’m working on it though and will post it soon.

I’ve been riding the BMW F800 GS. Another review to write. And I have so many pictures of the motorcycle. What started out as little blog posts are fast becoming motorcycle manifestos. I need to edit.

Anyways, that’s how things stand right now. The Vespa is still out in the driveway as the midnight hour approaches and part of me just wants to go for a ride.



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Filed Under: BMW, Vespa

Comments

  1. Richard Machida says

    June 11, 2010 at 4:27 am

    That work thing sure seems to get in the way sometimes. It sounds like you are way too busy. I look forward to all your posts for the excellent photography and writing and can’t wait for the 800GS review. (not that I’m looking to replace my old bike.)

    Thank you

    Reply
  2. SonjaM says

    June 11, 2010 at 4:48 am

    Yes, yes, blame it on the poor dog 😉
    I love your shot with the beemer in the woods.

    Reply
  3. Bryce says

    June 11, 2010 at 4:56 am

    Steve:
    Having been in a similar situation
    at this time of year in academia, everything seems to have be completed, yesterday, or earlier.
    So I “well” understand your time constraints. And you’re now a magazine editor which also must take time, deadlines are the bane of editors.
    And then there is Junior!

    Am interested in the F650 review if and when, an alien machine in the traditional opposed piston line up of BMW.

    One of these days I shall return to Pennsylvania, and stop at
    a certain place which manufactures proper ice cream!
    Maybe ask Steve Williams and Junior to join me. Does Junior enjoy ice cream?

    Reply
  4. Mike says

    June 11, 2010 at 5:00 am

    Maybe blogging is like cheese or wine… it gets better with age, although your posts and photos are always great!

    Reply
  5. Pvino says

    June 12, 2010 at 3:42 am

    Steve,

    Take your time, a lot on the plate, no rush, just relax and take it all in.

    Phil

    Reply
  6. Jack Riepe says

    June 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Dear Steve:

    Sometimes, there is noting better for the soul than to write a really good manifesto. If one of your pieces starts with, “Sell everything (including your children) to get this bike…” then you probably had a good ride.

    Putting my bike in the shop today for a coolant change, brake fluid change, and transmission fluid change.

    It was due.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad
    Twisted Roads

    Reply
  7. Big Baber says

    June 17, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  8. Sojourner rides says

    June 18, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    Glad to see that you’ve poked your head in…missed you. But I feel a tad less guilty that I too have been MIA. I’m looking forward to hearing your words on the BMWF800GS vs F650GS. The former puts me on my tip toes the later I flat foot and feel more confident riding. Still, I’d love to test the F800GS.

    Reply
  9. irondad says

    June 24, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    Sounds like we are all living life and not taking time to write about it. That can be a good thing, though.

    By the way, there’s a word for people who take photos of themselves in storefront windows. Starts out something like “nar…”

    Reply
  10. Steve Williams says

    June 28, 2010 at 2:58 am

    Richard: Work is much on my mind of late with Penn State Ag Science Magazine close to the production deadline. So many details to tie up before going to press.

    I feel so guilty about the BMW reviews. First the BMW RT1200 and then the F800 GS.

    SonjaM: I can’t really blame the dog. He is a gift though sometimes I don’t want to see it.

    The F800 is a pretty motorcycle.

    Reply
  11. Steve Williams says

    June 28, 2010 at 3:01 am

    No small to mid size boxer engines in the BMW line right now. I did have the RT1200 for a few days and will write that up soon.

    Junior is very food motivated and really does love ice cream. He’s not sampled Penn State Creamery ice cream yet but I am certain he would love it!

    Reply
  12. Steve Williams says

    June 28, 2010 at 3:01 am

    Mike: Thanks. I’ll keep telling myself that I am aging the posts for increased quality!

    Reply
  13. Steve Williams says

    June 28, 2010 at 3:03 am

    Pvino: There is something cathartic about writing in this blog. When I am too long without any action I get antsy. It’s like too much crap gets piled up in my head….

    Reply
  14. Steve Williams says

    June 28, 2010 at 3:06 am

    Jack Riepe: I’ve not managed any manifestos yet but I can see the wisdom you describe. You are all about passion aren’t you?

    Big Baber: All I do is indicate I own the copyright for all content and reserve the rights to it. I have not pursued the creative commons to indicate acceptable uses.

    I am a slacker in that regard.

    Reply
  15. Steve Williams says

    June 28, 2010 at 3:12 am

    Sojourner rides: The F800 is a nice bike. And it is tall, even for me. That review should appear in a week or so….

    irondad: I like that—living life and not taking time to write about it. Good way to rationalize my sloth.

    As far as the nar word. I have interest in myself but not much admiration. I find it curious to see how I am aging, home much of my hair is vanishing, the bulges that appear overnight and the general decline in appearance.

    I figure I will be making these kinds of pictures right up to the end…

    Reply
  16. kymcopartsonline says

    August 4, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Kymco Scooter Parts, ATVs Scooter Parts, Performance Scooter Parts- KymcoPartsOnline

    Reply

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