Standing along US 322 in a soft drizzle, admiring the fog drift over Mount Nittany, letting my thoughts flow along without a care in the world when the steady, whining drone of some infernal contraption interrupted the zen moment. Turning my head I caught a glimpse of what had to be a red, BMW K75 with a stocky rider astride the machine. It took me a moment but it occurred to me that it just might be Jack Riepe on some wild, irrational ride in the rain.
In moments I was on the expressway and gaining ground on the BMW just a half mile ahead. The rider exits and sweeps past a green light onto the road into State College that I watch turn red. For a moment I consider running the light as Jessica by the Allman Brothers Band is playing in my head. But I remember I want to take possession of my Honda minivan tonight.
Moving slowly through State College I make a logical search for the man in question and first stop at some of the downtown eateries. Nothing. Mist and smoke.
Not a soul at the local cigar and single malt establishment. Standing in the alley I puzzle my predicament and move to the only other logical place.
After a tour around town and a stop at the only Irish Pub in town I decide I’ve been seeing ghosts, allowing my mind to play ethereal beings across my visor, riding wraiths and spectral devils on unholy machines.
Another day on a Vespa, riding to work, enjoying the road ahead.
Your comment that you were “gaining ground on the BMW” suggests all kinds of things. But if it was raining, chances are that it may not be who you think it was.
Very nice shot of the Vespa with the low clouds.
I love the shot with the Vespa in the clouds. Isn’t it lovely how this scoot enriches every motive?
My Vespa has become an integral part of my life, and I am unhappy if I don’t get my ‘daily fix’.
Steve, probably not Mr Riepe….ghostly and ethereal are not words usually used to describe him. Besides, as you rode along you would have seen evidence of his passing:
well endowed women putting their tops back on….
grey-haired minivan drivers circling the area….
dom
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
RichardM: Well, don’t read too much into the gaining ground comment other than a recognition of the superior speed capabilities of the Vespa over a K bike. Except the 1600 GTL which is in a slightly different category.
It’s been marvelous riding and shooting weather lately. Wish I could get out more.
SonjaM: Not sure if it is the scooter or just riding in general. But everything seems richer on two wheels. More people should try it.
Charlie6: Yeah, maybe I’ve created an image in my head that he won’t be able to live up to when I finally meet him someday.
I see buzzards circling overhead a lot around here. I can easily picture the minivans doing the same thing….
Dear Sir;
This has been a busy weekend at Chez Stiffkins, with two fellow Mac-Pac riders blowing in here from Upstate New York. And I mean the real Upstate, like Lake Placid as opposed to Albany.
I was supposed to ride this Saturday, but gave it the pass owing to conflict of medication. I am riding in the morning though (Sunday) to the Mac-Pac monthly breakfast. Stiffie is coming to take pictures.
I would be delighted to ride with you on a highway, in the event you’d like to see the fuitility of trying to “gain on a red K75.” And I am thrilled you thought it was me. I d itend to ride out to your neighborhood this summer… But I’d give you notice first. And the time will come when I do pass that way — in the company of M. Beattie of Key West.
Richard M. is quite correct in that there are symptoms that I have passed by.Sobbing women is a realiable one.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
(Accept No Substitutes)
Dear Mr. Riepe,
You sound busy and harried. Hope you were able to ride to Kutztown for a hearty breakfast. I planned to arise early and ride to your Mac-Pac breakfast but a late start forced that trip for another day. Rode to Bloomsburg instead to make sure I wouldn’t get lost on my way to the BMW Rally. I took great satisfaction during the registration process to type “Vespa GTS 250ie” as the motorcycle I would be arriving on.
Tomorrow I will purchase new notebooks and pencils so I am ready to transcribe your wisdom on July 22.