Autumn is my favorite riding season. It’s quietly exciting visually as the forest changes from green to gold and then bares it’s naked bones. The falling temperatures push the body just enough to keep you awake and the frequent gray gloom overhead allows the mind to imagine a challenging world.
At least that’s how the road unfolded as I moved along Tussey Ridge. And for a brief time I thought about politics and the world in which I ride. They (whoever they are) say all politics are local and after some consideration I think I can agree. The issue, regardless of what it is, always has a local aspect, even if it’s a world leader considering their personal legacy as they negotiate an international treaty.
When I consider politics I find myself always on the outside looking in. Even when I could be inside. Years ago I saw a lot of how the sausage was made while working on a congressional campaign as a photographer. I remember the day I was asked to photograph the opponent looking bored or “stupid”. At a press conference the assembled photographers would fire their motor-drives at critical moments of gesticulation.
My camera would be silent, at least until a nose was wiped or a head was scratched. The shutter echoed across the hall and the other photographers would turn my way. After two or three shots the opponent’s campaign manager was on to me. The politics were local. And dishonest. When the campaign ended I retired from politics and took up what would become a more honest path as an observer.
Looking at the tree in the field standing by itself, quiet, unconcerned, waiting for something to happen I couldn’t help but think of how much of my life unfolds the same way. Just waiting and watching.
That may explain the lure photography has had for me all these years.
I’m not an activist or advocate — even about riding. The recent Poisonous Tradition post was a natural off shoot of the storytelling I do on Scooter in the Sticks — sharing what I see, feel and experience while riding.
The temperature hovered at 50F while I tracked along a reasonably well mannered gravel road. The high point of flaming foliage is behind us now but a slash of color still dazzled the otherwise monochromatic landscape. And my back was pleasantly cooperative as well.
Considering my aversion to politics it’s surprising I recently joined the American Motorcyclist Association, a group that supports a number of positions that I find perplexing but I was really just interested in the roadside coverage.
While stopped to make a few pictures I met Ace, a fellow who owns a little farm along the creek.
Ace walked up to the road to see what I was doing and check if I needed help. We talked awhile about cows and trout and the change in ownership of farms along the Cedar Run branch of Spring Creek. Ace spotted the Vespa right off but was surprised it actually was a Vespa thinking they quit selling them in the United States decades ago. After a quick inspection the conversation moved to Fords, and eventually to a shared experience in wrenching on a 1962 Ford Falcon. He and I both had experience rebuilding the three speed transmission (without synchromesh for first gear) several times. Turns out he’s a master mechanic.
I thought about asking him a few political questions; his thoughts on the health risks associated with woodsmoke, whether loud pipes actually save lives, or whether our freedom was at risk from a growing nanny state.
The observer in me was curious but none of it mattered at the moment. Ace’s brother came looking for him and I had lunch on my mind.
It doesn’t take much to dissuade me from political discussions. And even less from religious ones.
Just a little shake of my head and like an Etch-a-Sketch I’m ready for another ride…
I thought that the last post would hit a couple of nerves. It is a really polarizing topic around here as well. I also joined AMA just for the road side assistance after verifying that it would actually be worth anything around here and in Canada. I can’t agree with a lot of their views.
It really hasn’t created a stink (no pun intended) but it’s why I don’t post anything political in the sense of elections. I had some plans in place for some riding that I wanted to make sure I had some coverage hence the AMA membership.
Another thought provoking post. Thanks.
Thanks John.
Politics be damned. Political posts, from either side of the aisle I automatically bypass or hide in FB.
Yeah, I’m pretty much with you. It just generates stress. When I was in cardiac rehab they would not allow CNN or the other cable news channels to play on the TVs — causes too much stress!
Steve;
You are wise to avoid political commentary in your blog. I once read a comment made on another blog after the blogger included in his blog a disparaging remark directed at a national political figure. The comment asked the rhetorical question as to why would anyone insert something in their blog that was guaranteed to alienate at least half their readership?
Steel
I’m not a political sort so there won’t be much here save for the argument about which color Vespa is the fastest or something like that…
Love your posts Steve. Keep em up Buddy!
Brent
Thanks Brent. I’ll keep writing as long as something occurs to me that I can write about.
What fascinating insight from the workings of a campaign, Steve, especially as the other photographers and the manager knew exactly what you were up to.
It sounds like your encounter with Ace was a pleasure for you both–an encounter that likely would not have happened if you’d been travelling by cage: Would you have stopped? Would you have been on that road in the first place? Oh, and your photo of Ace appears to have been a great capture–what facial character. Likely it reflects well his personality, his daily contemplation, his worries…
As for wood smoke: Here in Salt Lake City, due to our unique geography, we tend to experience severe winter inversions (when colder air near the surface basically puts a cap on our valley, trapping in all pollutants). Needless to say, the act of burning wood or coal during the cold months has become a real political issue over the last few winter seasons (I won’t divulge which side of the argument I’m on).
And as for religion: Here in Salt Lake City, due to our unique dominant culture… Well, my family has been here for generations, from Salt Lake’s beginnings, and… Let’s just say that it’s best for me–for familial and occupational harmony–to keep my opinions about religion to myself.
Indeed, polite conversation should not include talk of politics or religion.
Had I been driving a car I would not have stopped even though I do drive that road from time to time. It’s so easy to get lazy in a car. And isolated.
You must be a politician — you’ve effectively dodged being pinned down on your position on wood burning and religion!
“You must be a politician…”
Ooo–thems are fightin’ words, Steve. 😀
Oops. Sorry.
How sad that here in America it has become so politically incorrect to discuss politics. Granted, anyone who does so is usually bound to encounter opposing viewpoints, However, that has never dissuaded me from being politically incorrect — and I am certainly open to hearing opposing viewpoints. I am sure that the members our federal political machine, and their owners, controllers and handlers, are quite happy to NOT have us mere useless eaters discuss such matters — that way they can continue their ongoing assault and destruction of our Constitution and our Bill of Rights unabated.
Politics can be mesmerizing to watch but in practice, at least on a personal level, not always productive. And certainly for Scooter in the Sticks my goals run far afield from politics and controversy but rather a place to think about ideas that point toward a quieter place…