A ritual — the Vespa sits in the driveway waiting for a turn of the key, a depression of the starter button, a push off the center stand and rolling on towards town. Each Sunday morning, or nearly every occurrence not shrouded in snow, ice or personal sloth.
In the miles that follow a refinement of thought and purpose usually overcomes any concern related to yesterday or tomorrow. For this time on the road I’m clear.
An emptiness permeates State College, Pennsylvania on a Sunday morning. One reality among many, each rider or person bring their own interpretation. By the time the Vespa rolls up Calder Alley I imagine my brain pumping serotonin into my system, blood vessels dialating causing vision and hearing to sharpen. I see everything, miss nothing as if I’m reaping the benefits of some deep meditation.
The Sunday morning Vespa ride.
The world is reduced to a few simple elements of experience and the weight of concern and experience melt as if by magic. In a few miles. I’ve learned to get to this place quickly, feel the release, sense the smile spread out from within until I’m sure I’m glowing.
And all before that cup of tea. How fortunate to find such a practice.
Riding.
**smiles** I attended Penn State for a while (in the mid 80’s) and remember getting up early on a Sunday for my own ritual of hiking about the woods. Even in my 20’s I appreciated the silence.
Fortunate indeed! Repetition is not a recipe for boredom. Ride on.
Robert Wilson: It’s a beautiful place to hike though at times the rocky nature of the Mid State Trail can be a bit overwhelming to negotiate with a big pack strapped to your back. But beautiful and quiet indeed.
Stay clear of the hurricane!
C: Repetition is something I for which I have great respect. Without it there can be no hope for mastery or understanding. So I keep practicing…
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lovely. the images and words. makes me want to jump on my S150 and take a night ride 🙂