Comments on: Vespa in the Fog

By: Ирина

Ирина — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 20:40:28 +0000

From a friend cheese maker who herself rides a vespa, Whatever you do, don’t wear lip gloss! Remember the movie Dumb Dumber ? Enough said.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 04:11:44 +0000

In reply to Barrett.

Sounds like you have a complete and satisfying grasp of riding in all situations — fog or otherwise. The riding sensation is special…

By: Barrett

Barrett — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 23:24:02 +0000

Fog has always been just as much a sensation as a sight, made more acute when not walled-off via sheet metal and glass. I’ve always enjoyed cycling in fog (provided it wasn’t accompanied by rain), and have also enjoyed a bit of it so far on the Vespa. The world feels a bit more enclosed, but by a gentle veil instead of a cloak of darkness. There’s also an enhanced quietude, similar to just after a heavy snowfall, but an atmosphere you can travel more safely in (traction-wise at least…keep those lights on!).

Riding desire? Sometimes to feel that foggy air…or intense sun. Almost always for that peculiar sensation of movement, of weaving and bending and yes, that little kick when giving it a bit of throttle, or more. The quality of pavement – or lack thereof.And the things I see between where I was and where I think I’m going. The voyage, then the arrival.

It’s all such a thing!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 02:38:43 +0000

In reply to Tyson.

Fog isn’t so much about seeing less as it is seeing something different. It’s like being out at night — you see a lot of things you wouldn’t during the day. It’s just a different experience.

You’re right about confidence being a double-edged sword. Many riders have embraced disaster through over confidence and behavior reflective of that confidence. Be careful.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 02:32:58 +0000

In reply to Stew Koontz.

That’s pretty bad fog. I’ve only been in fog twice that had me thinking I should get off the road but even then it wasn’t as thick as you describe. Waiting is often the answer.

By: Tyson

Tyson — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 14:34:07 +0000

Steve, so far the ride for me is all about what I can see. You really see so much more on a scooter going 30 mph than in a car going the same speed. I’ve only logged 500 miles so far, but I’m still amazed at the difference. So to me fog would be anathema to my experience.

On a different note, about 75 miles ago I hit the point where the scooter and I were no longer two, but one. Buddhists would be jealous. The lack of separation between the scooter and me has given me more confidence. I’m sure more confidence is a double-edged sword on these machines.

Thanks for your blog. Always a great read.

By: Stew Koontz

Stew Koontz — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 14:08:58 +0000

The fog on the Blue Ridge was so thick we just about walked our bikes along the white side line into the parking lot of one of the restaurants along the way. We had to follow someone to even get to the restaurant. Then the fog got even heavier and we actually couldn’t find our bikes. So we had to wait an hour or so for it to fade away…

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 00:46:18 +0000

In reply to Stew Koontz.

I’ve heard people describe fog in those places. I don’t think we get things that dense here do you think?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 00:45:20 +0000

In reply to RichardM.

The only way it could be more of an adventure would be to ride on a 50cc Honda Ruckus!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 00:44:39 +0000

In reply to Trobairitz.

Walking along a foggy coast is best. Kim and I used to spend hours and hours in the fog in Maine. Miss those walks…