Comments on: Out Standing in the Field

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:06:36 +0000

Christine: Welcome to Scooter in the Sticks. The Piaggio MP3 is rugged and capable in dirt and gravel but there are some issues that give pause about riding it into South America.

Technically speaking, the MP3 (and my Vespa) come up short for this kind of adventure because of their limitations in making water crossings. If the water is much more than 6-8 inches deep you risk sucking liquid into the engine through the low air intake. That can cause catastrophic problems with the engine. I suspect a rig could be developed to seal it and run the intake higher but something to keep in mind.

The real issue with the MP3 is service. Riders complain in US about the scarcity of mechanics here who understand the MP3. In South America it could be worse. Add to that the challenge of getting parts and you are taking a risk of sitting around for a long time waiting for things to get fixed if something happens.

There's a reason why a lot of adventure riders use BMWs, Hondas, Kawasakis and Yamahas -- parts are easy to come by and lots of mechanics can work on them.

Check out Lois on the Loose ( http://www.loisontheloose.com/ ). She rode from Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego by herself on a Yamaha 225 Serow. She describes the experience well in her book.

Good luck and let us know how things develop.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:58:43 +0000

Bryce: My hunger to clear my soul just keeps increasing along with the miles on the odometer…

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:57:51 +0000

Dar: You've shared a response to riding that I think a lot of riders understand but perhaps can't articulate. As a practice for focusing the mind it's pretty amazing.

And thanks for the kind words about the pictures.

By: Christine

Christine — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:10:54 +0000

Hi Steve, I stumbled across your post as I am looking for people who have driven their scooters in gravel and dirt roads. I am thinking about buying a Piaggio MP3 and driving down to south america. What would you suggest? thanks for the posts!

Christine

By: Bryce

Bryce — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 21:41:12 +0000

Life father , like daughter..
Since you like riding behind a clear barn door, maybe your daughter’s new scooter would appreciate the same kind of barn door?

By: Dar

Dar — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:56:01 +0000

Steve - your pictures are beautiful! I completely understand your sentiments about scootering being like yoga.

Scootering and motorcycling has changed my life, I know that sounds dramatic, but it truly has impacted my entire being.

I never ever thought it would have such an impact on my life from the very moment I chose to ride the little 50cc Vino and then move onto getting my motorcycle endorsement. It gives me zen and time to unwind after a tough day. It truly is time to myself that I find I ponder things. I now travel with a camera and stop to notice what is going on around me and how in tune with nature you are, from the sights and smells to the whir of the engine. It truly is moto yoga for the mind and has brought me great joy.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 03:24:58 +0000

Bryce: Your assessment of the Vespa’s curative powers is correct. I won’t deconstruct the actual mechanism of healing but will attest to it’s power to make a person feel better. Nothing like a good ride to clear the soul.

Thanks for your comments — I appreciate them!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 03:22:01 +0000

David Masse: I have to admit to a chuckling at the time I made the photo because the blog title popped into my head. Working in agriculture the "out standing in the field" is a recurring theme.

Thank you for your words of support. I'll keep at the blogging and hope people keep reading.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 03:18:52 +0000

emceedee: Long time no see. Hope things are going well with you!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 03:17:36 +0000

Looby UK: Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate them. I have more than a few friends that comment on some of my photos sans Vespa: "What, no Vespa?"

I'm becoming a cliche...