Brent: Came across it on Twitter. It was tagged with the #Vespa hashtag for some reason. Regardless, I watched it and was sort of speechless for a moment.
RichardM: I think they (TC Bank) in hopes that people would look at the story favorably and think, “If TC Bank thinks along these lines, then they are the people I want to deal with.”
Considering the ages of the guys I ride with, this could be us now!
In the last year, one moto-friend died of cancer… One had two heart attacks… One is going deaf… One starts cancer treatment on Monday… And I am as gimpy as a bag of shit.
My point is simple: There are times when the ride, however momentary, is everything. And Hunter S. Thompson once said, “It is better to get fired out of a cannon than to get squeezed from a tube.”
If I never got a motorcycle, I never would have met any of you. And if I had never gotten a BMW, some of you guys may have had the chance to ride in front of me.
Steve, In 1969 my dad got me a summer job in Hawaii. He had previously said that I could have a motorcycle when I was of legal age and living elsewhere. The room I rented was more than 5 miles from work and no bus routes would be practical so my boss (who worked for my dad) said “why not get a motorcycle?” Then he took me to a dealer a few blocks from the warehouse and offered to front the $150 to buy a used Yamaha 100 twin. My dad was not happy but, a deal is a deal, and I was living 2,000 miles from home and in Hawaii the legal age was 20 so he was stuck. When I came home I left the bike and the signed pink slip with my boss and he sold it and sent me the money left after the cost of advertising it. I think I got $120. I always wanted another one but there was always a multitude of reasons to wait. Three kids and a wife who secretly detested motorcycles almost permanently ended my dreams of owning another motorcycle. Six years ago there was open warfare on the subject and I gave up the fight for the sake of my then 12 year old daughter and the need to give her a peaceful home. Well, she graduated from high school last year and in September, while my wife was out of town I bought a 2005 BMW G650GS. If my wife lives another 100 years she will never get over that I’m sure. Within 24 hours I crashed it on downhill decreasing radius turn and scratched the paint in a few places, broke the aftermarket windshield, bent the bracket for the side cases and bent the right case and foot brake. My Olympia Jacket, gloves, helmet and the side case saved me from injury except for a bruised shoulder and ego. I’ve put 1,500 miles on it since without incident (except for tipping it over a few times). More ego damage. So after 41 years in cages, care to take a guess how I felt watching the video? One of the bikes even looked like my first one. Thanks for posting the link. Regards, Ford
Ford: Thank you for sharing your response to the video. I think your experience (in general) are mirrored by riders who find themselves far removed from riding. It continues to amaze me how riding can ignite dreams and desire.
emmceedee: Let us know what people in the retirement community think about this. Parts of it echoes themes that appeared years ago in the movie Coccoon.
Jim: I think the video can strike a chord for most of us if we stop and think about it.
This video sells the idea of riding, even though it’s a commercial for a bank. The powersports industry in the U.S. needs to sell the idea of riding. Especially in light of the half-century drumbeat of the “safety” establishment, telling people motorcycles are EVIL!!! and that YOU WILL DIE IF YOU RIDE A MOTORCYCLE!!!!!
Steve, that is just an incredible little film, even if it is actually a commercial. Thank you for finding this.
Very nice. I initially thought that it was a commercial for something but couldn’t figure out what they were trying to sell (still don’t know).
I’m afraid that that time is coming sooner than we like to think…
Thanks,
Richard
I effing LOVED this video, Steve – thank you for posting it. Definitely going to save it to my HDD.
A very nicely made film Steve, thank you for showing it to us.
Thoughts that came to mind:
1. One hell of a fitting way to say their goodbyes to their departed friends and loved ones.
2. You can make lifelong friends by motorcycling.
3. You’re never too old to ride if you really want to bad enough.
4. Riding can, temporarily, relieve you of life’s worries and pains; so you can get a better grip on them after the ride.
I need to go for a ride….
dom
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Redleg’s Rides
Steve, hope you don’t mind, I posted about this video and pointed folks to yours….
dom
That is wonderful! Do what you can when you can for the day may well come when you can’t.
Brent: Came across it on Twitter. It was tagged with the #Vespa hashtag for some reason. Regardless, I watched it and was sort of speechless for a moment.
RichardM: I think they (TC Bank) in hopes that people would look at the story favorably and think, “If TC Bank thinks along these lines, then they are the people I want to deal with.”
Afterall, a bank is a bank is a bank…
Masala: It’s definitely one of the few videos I will return to for second, third and fourth viewings.
Dom: Feel free to post, repost, or use whatever you want from Scooter in the Sticks. Just share whatever outrageous profits you make!
Your thoughts on the video are excellent and something to think about as the days pass by.
Too dark for me to ride now but in the morning I am going to ride!
Dear Scooter In The Sticks (Steve):
Considering the ages of the guys I ride with, this could be us now!
In the last year, one moto-friend died of cancer… One had two heart attacks… One is going deaf… One starts cancer treatment on Monday… And I am as gimpy as a bag of shit.
My point is simple: There are times when the ride, however momentary, is everything. And Hunter S. Thompson once said, “It is better to get fired out of a cannon than to get squeezed from a tube.”
If I never got a motorcycle, I never would have met any of you. And if I had never gotten a BMW, some of you guys may have had the chance to ride in front of me.
Thanks for posting this little video.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Bryce: Exactly right. Nice to have such potent reminders now and again. Hard to believe it is a commercial for a bank.
Mr. Riepe: I thought of the MacPac when I saw this. You guys have a fine group.
I feel the same way about the Vespa. If I hadn’t got it then BMW riders wouldn’t have ever talked to me.
Steve,
In 1969 my dad got me a summer job in Hawaii. He had previously said that I could have a motorcycle when I was of legal age and living elsewhere. The room I rented was more than 5 miles from work and no bus routes would be practical so my boss (who worked for my dad) said “why not get a motorcycle?” Then he took me to a dealer a few blocks from the warehouse and offered to front the $150 to buy a used Yamaha 100 twin. My dad was not happy but, a deal is a deal, and I was living 2,000 miles from home and in Hawaii the legal age was 20 so he was stuck.
When I came home I left the bike and the signed pink slip with my boss and he sold it and sent me the money left after the cost of advertising it. I think I got $120.
I always wanted another one but there was always a multitude of reasons to wait. Three kids and a wife who secretly detested motorcycles almost permanently ended my dreams of owning another motorcycle. Six years ago there was open warfare on the subject and I gave up the fight for the sake of my then 12 year old daughter and the need to give her a peaceful home.
Well, she graduated from high school last year and in September, while my wife was out of town I bought a 2005 BMW G650GS. If my wife lives another 100 years she will never get over that I’m sure.
Within 24 hours I crashed it on downhill decreasing radius turn and scratched the paint in a few places, broke the aftermarket windshield, bent the bracket for the side cases and bent the right case and foot brake. My Olympia Jacket, gloves, helmet and the side case saved me from injury except for a bruised shoulder and ego.
I’ve put 1,500 miles on it since without incident (except for tipping it over a few times). More ego damage.
So after 41 years in cages, care to take a guess how I felt watching the video? One of the bikes even looked like my first one.
Thanks for posting the link.
Regards,
Ford
If a commercial has never spawned a film, then this MUST be the one. I was with the guys all the way. Better to burn out than fade away? You bet!!
Loved this Steve. Cannot thank you enough for posting. What a great way to start my saturday.
Dang. I was hoping it was a trailer for a feature film—I wanted to spend more time with these characters.
Steve, my hubbie and I live in a retirement center. This video will make the rounds! A million thanks.
That was marvelous, Steve. I think i canrelate to the people with heart disease. Thanks for posting.
Jim
Ford: Thank you for sharing your response to the video. I think your experience (in general) are mirrored by riders who find themselves far removed from riding. It continues to amaze me how riding can ignite dreams and desire.
bikerted: I hope you’re right about a movie!
scott: Glad the video offered some good energy. Have a great weekend!
Gordon: Two questions—first, when are you going to get a motorcycle or scooter?
And second, why aren’t you in the darkroom???
emmceedee: Let us know what people in the retirement community think about this. Parts of it echoes themes that appeared years ago in the movie Coccoon.
Jim: I think the video can strike a chord for most of us if we stop and think about it.
This video sells the idea of riding, even though it’s a commercial for a bank. The powersports industry in the U.S. needs to sell the idea of riding. Especially in light of the half-century drumbeat of the “safety” establishment, telling people motorcycles are EVIL!!! and that YOU WILL DIE IF YOU RIDE A MOTORCYCLE!!!!!
We’re all gonna die of something, right?
__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool
Great video, makes me want to leave the office and go ride right now!
Thanks for sharing it. I found the link from the Modern Vespa page.