Comments on: Latin Lessons, Breakfast and Other Riding Pleasures

By: Theophilus Emmanuel

Theophilus Emmanuel — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 19:54:46 +0000

Perhaps the only thing more beautiful than your writing are your lovely photographs! I just found your website not up to an hour ago, but already, I feel like we've been friends for decades!

Keep on writing, shooting, and keep on keeping safe!

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 05:47:07 +0000

You have to inspect the menu closely to make sure you aren’t missing something good. Then you order pancakes and bacon. The only problem with following you with the big BMW is when you go off roading to take a photo. But I’m getting better at that too. Gravel and dirt, steep grades and wet graass, no where to turn around. The trick is to have a back up plan. Even if the back up plan is to let it fall up hill instead of down hill into the creek. That’s a plan isn’t it?

By: Bryce Lee

Bryce Lee — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 03:32:15 +0000

Williams Billiards?

Explain yourself your Steve, please...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:32:08 +0000

Charlie6 (Dom): I had to go back and look at the Doll's Eyes and tried to see them with fresh eyes. I guess they are sort of weird, almost alive and I could see some freakish plot from a Stephen King novel where they would be up to no good. You're probably sensitive that way.

As far as machines needing to match closely I think it falls into two categories:

1. Physical ride requirements. If you are pushing the envelop -- speed, terrain, weather -- then maybe you need to keep the bikes close in ability.

2. Cultural requirements. Clubs and Gangs whether Harleys or scooters -- sometimes you have to have the right machine if you want to get along..

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:27:29 +0000

David: I'm such a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast that I only scan the menu to look for the item number -- Give me a number 3, scrambled, homefries, wheat toast and crispy bacon....

Paul definitely is a unique individual and the stories are many...

I've put a thousand miles or so on five different BMWs and I can certainly appreciate the mighty differences between them and the Vespa in terms of function and performance. And I also recognize the pros and cons related to size and weight. Trade offs for each and ultimately ends up a personal decision on how a rider wants to characterize their experience.

For me, right now, the Vespa remains the machine of choice. All others are novelties. Someday it might change when my riding needs do.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:20:03 +0000

RichardM: The Doll’s Eyes are strange. Plenty of others from Indian Pipes to glow in the dark fungus about. And a fair number of poison plants to look out for — Ivy and Giant Hogweed perhaps the most common. And then we have Kudzu invading in the southern part of the state. Mile a minute weed they call it. Don’t leave your bike in one place too long lest it disappears!

We have good diners everywhere. Any direction you go there is a good place to eat. No wonder my midsection is growing…

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:17:18 +0000

bob skoot: I definitely feel fortunate to find myself where I do when it comes to riding. So many interesting paths and people when you get off the main road. I too feel bad that I didn't have the chance to show you some of the magic of the area when you were here. Amish buggies are easy to find.

Ride safe!

By: Charlie6

Charlie6 — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:44:48 +0000

Unlike Bobskoot, I found the Dolls Eyes a bit freaky....some previously unknown flaw in my character I am sure.

I've ridden a couple of times with Martha, her on scooter Stewie and me on Brigitta, the R80 Beemer...the pace was sedate and enjoyable.

Your posting makes an excellent point, the machines don't have to match for a ride to be enjoyable.

By: David Masse

David Masse — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 11:54:34 +0000

Steve, Paul is a treat, simple as that.

Looks like we share ordering breakfast somewhat in common, Richard too.

I usually order the same thing too, but only after reading the whole menu carefully. When I stray, as I did yesterday, I am often disappointed, and imagine how tasty the 'usual' would have been.

The Vespa is no match for the Beemer, but complements nicely. Can't rocket to the horizon; doesn't exude precision German engineering; does better in heavy traffic; might be more comfortable; definitely does more to improve any landscape.

Scuterium italiensis itineratus .

By: Richard M

Richard M — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 03:22:13 +0000

Hmmm, that plant looks like it's from another world. Pretty strange.

I find that I always carefully look through the menu even if I always end up ordering the same thing. Nice that you have such a choice of diners. We only have a few places worth "riding to eat".