Many riding choices are simple — obvious and mechanical; apply the brakes now, activate the turn signal, avoid the car door opening ahead.
Some choices involve more experience to properly evaluate like making decisions to ride when the weather isn’t ideal or determining how many miles a backside can actually endure before discomfort interferes with technique. And then there are the grand choices that affect lives and relationships, the riding choices that directly influence how much time you a rider lives on two wheels.
A phone call led me to the Pump Station Cafe to see my daughter and granddaughter. Coincidentally members of the Boalsburg Moto Hang were gathered for a weekend ride to member Brian Moroni’s place – H&H Cycle Shop in Osceola Mills. I’m told he has all kinds of vintage dirt bikes and there’s always an interesting collection of vintage riders who hang out and tell stories of the glory days of central Pennsylvania motocross. Brian is a talented fabricator and would probably have a few of his works on display. I could go on that ride or I could see my granddaughter.
Emma, if someday in the future you’re reading this — make note I chose to hang out with you even though you drool and don’t say too much. But you are pretty damn precious. And if at some point you become a rider you’ll appreciate the painful process to balance riding with everything else.
Everything else. I wish I could say I have it under control, all figured out but I’m no closer now than I was scribbling complaints in my journal at 17. I’ve wondered if I’m genetically programmed to warm to disorganization and chaos.
Regardless, choices must be made and for most part I’m comfortable with the ones I’ve made. And I’m excited about the ones that lie ahead. Whatever they may be.
Perhaps Emma will provide some clues — she seems pretty thoughtful.
The Boalsburg Moto Hang gang were making plans for the morning ride and discussing group riding rules and stuff. No scooter riders were represented save for those harboring a secret desire to abandon their motorcycles for the bliss of twist and go.
Off they went. Hannah took an increasingly sleepy Emma home for a nap and I got on the Vespa to engage in some dog walking business with Junior and Lily. Everyone has a task, everyone has a choice.
As far as riding choices go, right now I find myself dividing them into three simple categories; when, how and how long. Simple is good.
“How” suggests multiple 2-wheel conveyances. I think that I would have made the same choice. Do you ever go on their group rides?
I’ve not yet gone on any the the Moto Hang group rides. I tend to shy away from crowds in general and riding crowds is especially troublesome for my simple mind. But sometime I hope to ride along despite by misgivings…
What an eclectic collection of motorcycles! It would be worth riding with all of them just to enjoy the variety. Even in 60 degrees.
I really enjoy the varied machines that show up at the moto hang. There are a couple I would really like to have. As far as 60F goes, and I know that is well below your desired temperature range, around here that’s just getting into the comfort zone, especially after a hot summer.
After another brutally hot and humid Upper Midwest summer where I am sweating badly from just putting gear on in the garage, the bite of the cold wind through my mesh jacket on a 45° F morning commute for the first time in over 6 months felt really refreshing.
Vintage rides and “vintage riders” (nice touch, Steve): Surely there are some replacement parts there…
Of course, I’m talking about the bikes. 😉
Thanks Ry. I could use a few replacement parts myself!