Vespa Scooter Beneath a Lovely Autumn Sky
The distance from my bed to a cup of tea at Starbucks is just under ten miles as MapQuest would direct me — a short, 13 minute ride on the Nittany Valley Expressway. On Sunday morning traffic is sparse and I can ride as fast or as slow as I chose within the possibilities afforded by the Vespa. Indifferent to route, riding demands focus to remain safe. But focus doesn’t necessarily translate into awareness which, to me, is something bigger and more important. Awareness can be a result of riding but not always. It requires a measure of deliberate choice and focus before I find myself dwelling in the moment — appreciating life and minute, near invisible details that make up the world.
The Vespa leaned right and exited the Expressway to take a different route. Standing, looking, watching the clouds move along the horizon with the sun warming my face in the brisk air I felt the muscles in my face relax into a smile.
I was on the right path.
The Road Less Traveled
It takes longer to get places when you turn off the main road. Narrow gravel paths don’t lend themselves to breathtaking lines of speed. And you never know when some of these tracks will just end, or you’ll find a locked gate. Patience and persistence are useful qualities, neither generally associated with riding scooters or motorcycles. And they remain as elusive and slippery as ever since I seem to naturally gravitate to the path of least resistance — fast, easy, cheap.
Making a different choice is painful whether to ride down this road, push the scooter out of the garage when it’s cold, or pretty much do anything that I’m not programmed to want to do. But I have to say when I do make the painful choice — it’s worth it.
Every time.
Encounters on the Road
I don’t think this cattle guard does much good anymore beyond offering a little test of the shocks on the scooter. Thinking about these little rides I can’t believe how thrilling they are. Not the kind of high speed, exotic lands, soaring rides I see in movies or read about in books. I’m referring to the absolutely normal, everyday, easily accessible journeys I can make when going from point A to B for errands or a commute to work.
I’d like to take some of those other rides but circumstance has me here, in the cold, next to a cow pasture, on my way to Starbucks…
Penn State Angus Cattle
I stood for a long time watching the cattle though I’m not sure even now why. For whatever reason it was satisfying to be there and take in one moment and then another, and another until finally, I made a decision to move on.
And that’s the path I took last Sunday morning. I have no idea what’s on the path tomorrow…
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What a lovely path … there is something completely and utterly relaxing about watching cattle graze in the pasture.
Early morning rides just as the sun comes up and warms the body are the best!
I really like your path Steve…and that cattle guard is past its prime for sure. Those Angus wouldn’t have to slow down as much as you did.
Nice post Steve. So let me ask you this…when you are riding on a narrow trail and you come upon a gate…does your mind invoke the song “Don’t fence me in” as you turn the scoot around? It does with me…..
dom
Don’t Fence Me In
Looks like a much better option than the expressway. I suspect that the cattle guard may still be effective. I’m surprised that the ones painted on the road out west still seem to work. I’m guessing that one encounter with a real one may be enough to discourage cattle. But, what do I know…
Steve, please share what you did to get the cow’s attention for that shot.
If you did nothing, did you have a fleeting thought that the cow’s attention was focused on something behind you?
I am as far from a country boy as one can get. I had never heard of a cattle guard. It’s like a speed bump or rumble strip, right?
Hi Steve ,
What a lovely way to start the day!
The cow pasture photo is wonderfully warm .
Great stuff
Regards LEN
Loves the photos in this post.
Thank you!
Ha! My dog and I were hunting groundhogs around that very cattle gate on Saturday, didn’t see you around when we were there, maybe next time.
VStar Lady: Watching cows is always a joy. Never know what they’ll do.
Canajun: Indeed — nothing like the morning sun.
Coop: Those cows wouldn’t blink at the cattle guard. While I was watching them I saw one push its head through the fence to get to some grass. No juice in the wire. Glad they didn’t decide to push on through!
Charlie6: Usually when I come to a gate I think about how to get around it. Bypassed one last week by dipping into the would for a quick offroad jaunt. You would have been stuck on the URAL.
RichardM: I’ll inquire with our animal scientists about the effectiveness of worn out cattle guards.
David Masse: I used to photograph a lot of cattle at shows and you learn what sounds to make to get their ears up. I still have some of those skills. In this instance all I needed do is utter a few guttural moos…
A cattle guard is sort of like a grate over a storm sewer — an open construction that a cow doesn’t feel comfortable stepping on. The guards allow you to drive over without having to get out to open and close a gate. The one in the picture seems filled with gravel so the cows might just walk over it.
I would only be concerned if there was a dairy bull in the pasture. Beef cattle are generally pretty docile.
Generally.
Len: Thanks for the kind words. I should shoot more cow pix in the future!
Roy Karny: Glad you like the photos. Always see things to photograph when I’m riding.
Anonymous: if you see me just fire a shot across my bow and I’ll stop to say hello!
Beautifully crafted post. Roads in Philly are not nearly as idyllic 😉
A ride through Fairmount Park wouldn’t be bad!