This past weekend I was on the road, a winding trail through the world and my head.
Sitting in the garden writing this blog post I see a young couple walking down the road. I can see them talking, their gait is relaxed, their bodies close, and I wonder about them. Why are they together? Why are they walking past now? Why do they seem so happy? Someone once told me that these sorts of why questions are God questions — complicated, difficult and ultimately beyond our feeble human mind’s ability to adequately answer.
For the past few days I’ve been occupied by why questions, especially as they relate to riding and life.
Why am I on the road?
I’ve thought about this question many times. I know exactly where the road leads and I’ve been on it before. And yet I’ve never really been on it and have no idea what’s ahead. My riding is filled with paths and trails through field and forest — literally and figuratively.
The sun rises swiftly and for a short time there is a cosmic quality to the world — a reminder that we are members of a collection of planets spinning around a star and causing me to ask, “Why am I here?”
It’s easy to dismiss the silent conversation as the bored noise of someone with too little to really worry about. Or worse.
Paul Ruby is a master at finding odd places and things. Part of me was intrigued by this eating establishment and a larger part was grateful it was closed.
I’ve know Paul for twenty years having first met him at a large format photography workshop he was teaching. Since then he has led me through a wide range of ideas and places. He, among others, influenced my return to graduate school in art and my purchase of a Vespa. He is responsible for some of the turns in my life.
Why did our paths cross?
On a promontory with the world swept before me it’s tempting to try to contain my reaction to the visual narrative — lovely sky, pretty valley, magnificent Vespa scooter. But a persistent whisper of a thought keeps hinting I should be taking more notice.
Why can’t you see?
I climb to a higher point in the rocks to make another photograph of the view from Jacks Mountain and think of breakfast.
Paul and I have a late breakfast at the Northside Restaurant in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. It’s a quaint local establishment with predictable cuisine. We met two couples on motorcycles who were wandering much like Paul and I were and we shared a few words. When we emerged after breakfast they were preparing to leave. I almost never photograph other riders, especially strangers but this time something compelled me to ask.
Why did I make this photograph?
I never planned to love a Vespa. It just happened. When I began riding in 2005 by sights were firmly fixed on a Triumph when fate intervened in the way of a test ride on a Vespa ET4 and my fate was sealed. Since drinking the scooter Kool-Aid
I’ve piled up thousands of miles on motorcycles — eight BMWs, six Triumphs, two Ducatis, 2 Piaggio MP3s and one URAL rig. Certainly enough time and experience to decide what motorcycle I should be riding.
And still I dream the Vespa dream.
Why has the Vespa taken up residence in my life?
Other than sleeping, riding is the most relaxing thing I do. It works on the mind, the body and a restless spirit. It delivers much and costs little. I’ve wanted to ride a motorcycle since I was a kid and aside from time on other people’s machines I suffered from the “you’ll shoot your eye out” defense from mother and father.
Traveling home from breakfast along the Old Alexandria Pike I had to stop one more time at Pulpit Rocks. The place has mystery though I’m not sure why. An extended visit may provide answers somewhere in the future. Riding reveals things just when I start to believe there’s nothing left.
Why does riding resonate so loudly?
The road is endless but not my ride. I recognize it when I’m on the scooter and when I think about my path in the world.
I’ve been traveling for six decades and question how little I’ve learned or done. Decisions made but without action, or oaths taken without change. Riding strips away much of the selfishly indulged denial and doubt that can wreck dreams and leave a person face-to-face with decisions at the forks in the road.
Why am I afraid to choose?
Another ride and I find more questions than answers. Perhaps best just to let them go…
Though God questions can be troubling, it bothers me more that there are folks that apparently aren’t compelled to ask them. I simply can’t understand that.
While I can’t control the questions that enter my head I do have some control over whether I pursue them. I suppose my point is that finding answers is futile and that I should just move on…
You knocked that one right out of the park sir.
Thanks Tom. Just more ramblings from the road. I mean the sticks.
See Steve, you’re thinking is on a much higher philosophical plane than what passes for thoughts while I ride…..
I’m more: “Why is that idiot driving like such a dirtbag” or “yep, there’s an accident waiting to happen, I hope he didn’t get a chance to breed already” …..stuff like that.
I must strive to elevate my thinking.
I have those same thoughts Dom. More often than I like though I never thought of the “hope he didn’t get a chance to breed already..”. That’s a good one. But when I am alone on the road without any traffic a rhythm develops that lets some of those “bigger” questions percolate. But more and more those big questions are suspect.
Questions of ‘why’ have been around since our ancestors first stood upright and looked at the stars. I’m sitting beside a lake with the early morning sun glistening on the water. The reflection creates a flickering light on my living room walls. The air is delightfully cool, and I can hear Loons in the distance. It’s a perfect moment. Billions of years of cosmic and biological evolution has led to this instant. Why? Don’t distract me, I’m focused on the moment.
Maybe its a good time for a Vespa ride.
Charles,
This instant… what a potent image. Thanks for sharing your ideas. It is a good time for a Vespa ride!
To quote the late Walt kelly’s Pogo,
“You is what you is.” and variants on the theme.
This is your current existence.
You have dodged one bullet; that alone changes your perspective
on many things. Be thanful for small mercies and adequate
health care coverage.
Ever the pragmatist Bryce. My current existence has me melting into a reclining chair and wishing I had a glass of ice water. That’s perfection as opposed to the small mercy of good health care coverage…
Hey Steve, I think much more about the things that have happened rather than why … as I believe the answers are all there. You just have to remember and listen and learn. Life and the ability to recall are remarkable. It’s like a movie script with pages turning in your mind. Enjoy the many trips in your life. Brent.
Thanks Brent. The more I think about this kind of stuff the more I think I’m wasting my time trying to figure things out. As best I can I let the questions wash over me and tend to the task in front of me. And I cherish memories. And pictures…
Hi Steve
There’s something about two wheels that brings about these god feelings especially riding through the countryside as you do so often. Though I understand “dom’s” pragmatism I am sure he has his “Griswold” moments as he travels open and winding roads.
The Vespa, why?
It has a cult-like following and has not allowed itself to become aggressive, proud or gaudy. All the better for keeping in touch with nature and humanity.
Great article & photos matched with some thoughtful comments.
So many competing thoughts and ideas come into my head until I’m wondering why I have to deal with all the noise…
Thanks for the kind words about the post and pix. I appreciate them.
The why questions lead us to further understanding, just as the road leads us to vistas previously unseen. When we ask why, we leave complacency and enter a world where seekers surely and inevitably “find”. Even if your queries only serve to provide objective contentment for your reader through commentary and pictures you succeed.
Sometimes the why questions just lead me to frustration. Or a hopeless feeling that nothing matters. Understanding is at times in short supply. Regardless, it’s probably good to exercise the mind and spirit and then practice letting go of expectations and results. Or just get on the Vespa and leave all of it in the rear view mirror.
This morning my lovely wife passed away from a two year bout with cancer. Before the fight she rode a Rebel and loved it. I ride to feel the wind, I ride to feel the energy between me and creation like a Jedi Knight. You know what? I don’t ask why. I ride. I enjoy life because someday I won’t be able to. Why ask why?
I’m sorry for your loss Jim. There are no words for what you’re experiencing. And you’re right — there really is no profit in asking why…
Be safe.
steve
I understand the feelings of “why” and the God aspect that comes alng with riding and life. I am very spiritual and see beauty, mystery and magic in everyday life, sometimes I even see miracles. I have stopped wondering why and realize that there is a force bigger than me which has a path for me to follow, I may deviate from time to time, but its a pretty steady course. As for scootering & motorcycling its not so much about the machine, but more about the intuitive awareness and oneness with my environment that it gives me.
Stopping the questioning and asking why is a big step. It’s different than a researcher asking why something reacts the way it does. More the cosmic why questions that can be so troubling.
I feel a bigger force at work but don’t try to figure it out or ask why. I’ve just come to accept it as it is. Makes life easier…
SFW: Thank you for your kinds and thoughtful words. I try to ride alone to get to that meditative or reflective state of calm but I do it better with you. Mostly because to me it seems that is the purpose when we go out. Well the main purpose – we are also taking photos, having genera l fun on the scooters and eating good grub. I let you do that work up front figuring out when a turn, turkey or pheasant are coming up. Have you noticed I pretty much just go where ever you take us? I don’t really care were we go (unless I have it in my mind I want a big Mammy’s breakfast). When I’m following you all I have to do it stay on the road and not rear end you when you suddenly stop for a photo.
There have only been a couple times Paul that I thought you might plow into me. I try and give you plenty of warning before I stop for a picture!
You do such a good job blending words and images on your blog. “God questions” is a great term. I, too, tend to think deep thoughts while riding. I think of not-so-deep stuff, too. It’s hard not to let your mind wander when you’re visually hyper-focused on the road ahead, behind, to the sides, and underneath of you though. People who haven’t ridden won’t ever understand that. How focusing so intently on the actual ride really does free your mind. Isn’t it nice knowing there are folks out here who really do understand?
being still, listening. smells, sights and sounds… unveiling our beautiful existence…
searching for perfect moments, living within them
scooter in the sticks
thank you steve
Thanks for commenting Vince. I like the idea of living within perfect moments…