Made this picture of my Vespa GTS 250ie on the way home from work. Fortune provides myriad paths to ride from the superslab to grass footpaths. A favorite is the gravel roads leading across Penn State’s east side farmlands that wind through field and dell as the sun sinks low in the sky. On top of the lovely scenery is a chance to practice riding in the loose stuff, gravel that changes from packed hardness to loose mounds of limestone that make the Vespa float and stumble like a Saturday night drunk. Years and miles of practice have done much to boost my confidence in riding a Vespa on gravel.
More than a few have asked me about it raising concerns ranging from dropping the scooter to grit and dust being sucked into the engine. While it’s certainly possible to dump the scooter in the gravel (I have some friends that have done it with their motorcycles) I’ve not yet done it myself. I’ll credit a careful, chicken-like approach, to all things new related to riding. I go slow, sometimes stopping to assess the situation, ponder approaches, and then get back on the scooter to slowly engage. I can remember the first times I rode on gravel and thinking it was absolutely the worst decision because of how uncomfortable it felt. Keeping at it, practicing, exploring gradual increases in speed and technique, led to a comfortable existence on gravel.
The same approach was employed for the motorcycles I’ve ridden in similar environs though bigger tires and wheels have a marked advantage over the little tires on the scooter. I know motorcycle riders like to think there’s a hierarchy of skill that has a motorcycle higher up the evolutionary scale but when it comes to gravel and any kind of off-road riding, the scooter is at the top of the pyramid. It’s just harder to manage.
Every ride to work is an opportunity to practice something. One day it might be letting go of some nasty thinking, another how to squeeze a little more speed out of a gravel road ride…
Years ago when I raced dirt bikes sand was the enemy. The only way to get through sand was Wide Freaking Open and stand back on the pegs. Any time I’ve encountered uncertain surfaces on the scooter I tried the same approach but it didn’t feel as secure. Scooters have massive unsprung weight, the engine much further back and smaller wheels. Generally. singing “Nearer My God To Thee” works best.
Since I’m not riding “WFO” I’m probably not feeling security issues often….*grin*. I have ridden in a standing position from time to time but you’re right, it’s not the same as on a motorcycle.
Once you stop worrying about the bike dancing around and not having a “death grip” on the bars, gravel starts to be fun. The larger wheels of a motorcycle really only help surmounting transitions or obstacles and may smooth out the ride. There is probably some additional stability from the heavier wheel spinning but that is only significant at higher speeds. I think the biggest downside is limited riding positions. As the first commenter mentions, it’s awkward to stand on a scooter.
Then again with a sidecar…
Gravel does become fun or at least tolerable once enough of it has passed beneath the machine without the rider holding the death grip. The bigger wheels definitely make a difference from the little scooter tires even at low speed.
I always felt the Vespa had more riding positions than a motorcycle. I can move all over the scooter. And I do stand from time to time, mostly when taking a bump or curb. But the scooter doesn’t have all the nice fork travel of some motorcycles.
With a side car you just get bored….
The experiences you share are universal. Although I learned to ride (farm bikes) on shingle roads, I’ve never been particularly confident with the scoot in gravel. Our new location has many roads to explore that are gravel and like Richard, loosening the “death grip” has made riding more enjoyable on the back-roads.
Another vote for lessening the death grip!
Gravel… what can anyone say about the stuff that makes manley-men and warrior-women fear at the thought? I ride on a long, very long, downhill road of gravel, larger crushed rock with a mix of red Georgia clay. I do it because I must if I want to go anywhere without trailering my scooter out. I hold the handlebars like I would gently hold into a bird. It lets me feel the roadway better. Lets the scooter make a few choices as to where it wants to set its wheels on the roadway. I don’t know if my approach is best or even good but it has worked for me for two years without fault. Do I like doing it? Not a single second. I breath easier once I’m on solid ground or paved roadways again. Even so, the risk of not doing it is measured only by the dreaded thought of being completely home bound if I don’t do it. Oh! Did I mention that this gravel roadway is ~ completely downhill?! I know, the things we do to live on two wheels…wiser men would only shutter at the thought. I posted photos of my gravel roadway on Flickr, CameraGirlUSA. After posting them everyone said to be very careful…I try and keep a finger crossed.
Everyone, ride safe and may ALL paths and roadways be kind to you always!