I needed to be out in the world, riding, or making photographs, I’m not sure which. The mist cum rain shrouded the mountains in a dark gloom. Seven miles from home, the gray ribbon of limestone and mud flows through stands of White Pine and hemlock, oak and ash trees creating a sensual canvas of sight and smell that I can’t resist. Triggering those senses serves to reset a mind and body drawn thin from a week of work.
My first visit to this part of Rothrock State Forest came over 40 years ago when I drove a Volkswagen Beetle along the roads I continue to prowl on the Vespa. Thinking about the vehicles I have owned during my life I see a trend of spartan power and performance right up to the Honda Fit sitting in the driveway now.
The rain was light, just enough moisture to keep the camera wet and continually wiping the helmet visor with my glove. When I traverse these kinds of roads, especially when wet, I find myself wishing I had more aggressive tires. Too early for the Heidenau winter tires and too late to change out the summer ones. Even so, I can safely manage the scooter from 25 to 40mph depending on the amount of loose gravel, washboard sections, mud or crown height. Riding a scooter on wet gravel roads is a different piece of business from riding a motorcycle.
I suppose it’s part of the mental attraction to a ride serving now purpose beyond hitting the reset switch in my brain and perhaps tease the lizard brain.
Central Pennsylvania is a beautiful place in the fall. Riding through the woods I expected to see a black bear or two loping along the road or crossing in front of me. I’ve seen it before on foot or in the car.
But nothing this evening, just a few deer and the odd squirrel. It’s cold enough now I don’t worry about rattlesnakes as I tromp through the weeds and brush. The deer tick is the only evil worth paying attention to at the moment.
The Vespa can go just about anywhere a motorcycle can. Perhaps not as fast or with the same mechanical prowess, but it is a capable little machine. At least until you encounter water.
I expected to see pools of water but hoped to avoid any flooded areas which I did. But the low air intake on the scooter makes it a poor candidate for any sort of foolishness involving water or deep mud encounters. Doesn’t take much liquid or debris being sucked into the engine to cut a ride short.
Possibly permanently.
I make sure to avoid water where possible and to absolutely know how deep a murky flow is before attempting any riding heroics.
My hope for drama in the sky with fog in the valley were dashed as I looked east towards Detweiler Natural Area and the Seven Mountains beyond. Not even an eagle soaring overhead or a screech owl to serenade me before turning towards home.
As the day began to fade my eyes adjusted for darting deer and the black bear I still hoped to see. I’m amazed at how well a ride continues to demonstrate a unique power to transform my attitude and outlook on life.
Sitting at home now thinking of other rides and what the next will bring. Until then a cup of tea and thoughts of dinner will transform the world again…
Sounds like the ride caused a reboot of one’s attitude….good stuff.
Charlie6: I need a lot of attitude adjustments for a lot of different things. Right now I’m trying to get in the mood to consider draining the hot water tank and removing the scale that has accumulated above the lower heating element.
I hate hard water….
…and after a long and very taxing week – mentally exhausted and physically tired – your blog once again helped to rejuvenate my mind.
You see, Steve, apparently one does not have to ride oneself all the time to feel mentally renewed. Sometimes it is enough to just read your essays and the fog clears… Thanks. I mean it.
Schnarpsel: Thank you for the kind words. It’s nice to know that they resonate with someone.
Taxing weeks seem to more and more be the rule. What happened to slow and easy….?
Honda Fit? So which vehicle did you sacrifice and trade?
For the size the Fit has an amazing amount of interior space, and fold down the rear seats and Junior would be most happy to ride there.
Even little old me who dwarfs most two and four wheeled vehicles can sit behind the wheel. Mind my butt is so very close to terra firma however…
Steve:
I tried to solve a problem while riding but I couldn’t concentrate enough . . . I had to devote attention to actually riding, not thinking. My mind goes blank and all I can think of is watching the scenery go by. I like to mix riding with photography. Because I don’t have anyone to ride with I like to choose a destination and then I photograph something when I get there.
as you age you get to a point where you start thinking about the past, like how many cars you had . . .
hope you snap out of it
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Steve, I’ve been a subscriber to your blog for some time. And as much as I enjoy your philosophical ruminations on the joys and brain clearing benefits of riding, I really do think that Vespa USA would love to have access to your photos for their marketing purposes – I think they are that good. You should contact them. Just my 2 cents.
Bryce Lee: We let the VW Jetta go for a nice new Honda Fit. It’s kind of amazing how big the interior of that car is compared to the small size outside!
bob skoot: I suppose for me aging is a matter of awareness and acceptance. I guess I’m just surprised still at the speed at which the years have passed…
Kitty: Maybe I will reach out to Vespa again and see if there is some kind of project we could collaborate on together. I’m certainly a committed Vespa spokesperson!
I think I short-circuited my keyboard by drooling on it when I read about riding amidst white pines and hemlocks. I’m getting into this two-wheel motorized thing in the spring; already have the motorcycle safety course booked and paid for. Just can’t decide which scoot is the best for my use. I also like riding slow, stopping frequently to inhale the sights and also taking pics. I really like how Vespas look, but I’m not sure how reliable an Italian machine can be and how easy is to get replacement parts. Hopefully Piaggio is not following Fiat and Ferrari as to reliability. Also, I’d prefer ABS brakes, but there’s really no smaller scooter with them in Canada. I don’t fit Forza unfortunately (long legs). Anyway, you have it really sweet with the quick access to real nature. I have to drive 40 km just to get out of the urban area (Toronto). Happy put-putting. Michael
Great Pictures. I really enjoy the fall colors and the little used back roads. Thansk for sharing with us.