That winding road is one of the many little backroads in central Pennsylvania. A lot of riders miss it as they tear along the boring US 6 or other main arteries. I tend to look for the roads that you find it hard to maintain 40mph…

I too enjoy trip planning, and anticipation. So much so that, after even the most fabulous of adventures, I always feel let down somehow. Not because the trip wasn’t as awesome as I imagined it would be, but because I miss the anticipation, the daydreams, that having something specific to look forward to.

I need to start planning this year’s vacation. Only then will it become real.

Back when I used to bicycle I never found the experience anything like riding on the Vespa. It was always a physical slog for me focused on the route and getting back home. I’m sure I saw things along the way but all my bike riding memories orbit the physical ordeal. Perhaps bicycle riding wasn’t for me.

Like you, the Vespa has expanded opportunities across the board.

Cold this morning. I have my gear laid out. Trying to decide if I want to brave the 9F air and roads that look like winter. No snow but the one going past the front of the house looks like it should be slippery. Looks are deceiving. Testing the road surface earlier and it appears to be dry and has adequate traction. We’ll see.

For me it’s been day trips on the bicycle – 40 miles, 70 miles, sometimes (rarely) 100 miles. These trips tended to be fairly strict in terms of the planned route, since I was the engine and as such subject to occasional issues on account of thirst/hunger/muscle fatigue. The wanderlust aspect wasn’t all that prominent as a result, at least compared to shorter (usually urban) jaunts, which I’ve been doing since I was ten years old. Now that the Vespa has entered my life, I’m pondering this much broader canvas presented me teasing out the wheres and hows. And wanting to get hold of a few “real” maps to read and ponder, the way I did as a kid.

Your planned trip sounds quite good. Yes, you’ll want to hold off a bit till things warm up. I rode out earlier this evening (22º F), and while I dressed pretty well for it, I knew I’d only be able to stand about 20 minutes of it at speed. Good rolling to you!

Freedom — a big concept. And whether the truth sets us free or we experience freedom on the road, it seems we’re all on a journey of discovery in one way or another.

Not sure how that ride will come about and whether I’ll ride alone. I’ll let you know.

Thanks Dom.

Thanks Steve for keeping the spark alive. Truly the best things in life are free!

Not too long ago I heard someone say that nothing in life is free. As a Christian I knew that was not true. I remember Jesus saying: If you continue in my Word you will know the truth and the truth will set you FREE!

Can’t wait for it to warm up a bit so I can enjoy riding my Vespa again and experience the FREEDOM of the open road.

Stay warm and safe. Thanks for your posts. Enjoy reading them.