Rain for the Moto Hang
Rain throughout the day made me wonder whether the first Moto Hang of the 2016 season would be cancelled. To make matters worse I was walking to the event in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania because I didn’t have time to pick up my scooter from the dealer — repairs are complete and it’s ready to roll.
A few good motorcycles
Unlike the normal crowd of machines seen at a Moto Hang the turn out was light this evening. It was some of the Aerostich and Klim crowd making their way in the rain to Ken Hull’s “shack”. The shiny pipes on a Suzuki Boulevard was the only cruiser to appear.
Clearing skies over the Moto Hang
By 6:30pm the skies cleared a bit providing a glimpse of sunshine — momentary relief from scattered mist and drizzle. Not the sort of weather for a lot of shiny machines. The two motorcycles on the left belong to Ken. By the end of the evening four riders made their way to Boalsburg.
Moto Hangers of the past
On the wall of the shack is a portrait of Moto Hang members from the past. This was before my time. There were a lot more women in attendance in the old days…
Vespa art
Also on the wall was a representation of my Vespa experience. I guess I’m always at the shack in spirit.
Moto Hang storytelling
Craig Kissell of Kissell Motorsports shares a story of riding through a hurricane with 100mph winds and blinding rain. Actually I think he’s talking about one of the new electric ZERO motorcycles he has in the shop. I’ll have to check those out.
Riding characters
John arrived on his Yamaha Tenere 1200 — a machine you expect to scoff at rain.
Ken Hull, founder of the Moto Hang.
Despite the “Alan” label, this is Paul Ruby. He arrived by truck this evening. During a discussion of a Moto Hang presence in the upcoming Memorial Day parade it was determined Paul should lead the group in his 3-wheeled Cushman Police vehicle.
Dennis, another sometimes character at the Moto Hang. He arrived without his Harley (still in pieces) and his Honda Magna at home.
First Moto Hang group photo for 2016. Happy campers. I should have adjusted the mirror on the Suzuki so I could be in the picture.
Always some storytelling going on at the Moto Hang. I almost bought one of those bright Aerostich Darien jackets.
Paul always has something unusual going on in his life. He just shared a picture of his latest purchase — some sort of street sweeper he found at an auction. The discussion of how it might fit in the parade was underway.
As things wound down people started to leave. The departure of the KTM signaled my own trip toward Duffy’s Tavern where I picked up a cheeseburger for my wife. Seemed the least I could do since I was walking by on my way home.
For a more typical look at what goes on at these events have a look at a past Moto Hang.
Bryce Lee says
I have to keep in mind Pennsylvania is a mountain state; not as notable as say
West Virginia, however deep valleys and rolling hills. And the weather from one
valley to the next can change, sometimes dramatically.
Then too your weather comes from the southwest direction, unlike ours
which come down (mostly) from the northwest.
Bottom line you walked to the Moto-Hang, it was damp and you enjoyed yourself, more or less
Steve Williams says
We definitely have dramatically different weather from place to place do to the mountains. Microclimates I think they call it. It’s why we can have vineyards in certain places that would otherwise seem too cold for the vines.
It was a nice break from everything to visit the Moto Hang. I’m grateful have the opportunity to be there.
charlie6 says
Looks like quite the friendly gathering of ride-minded individuals. Don’t know how you’d incorporate a street sweeper machine into a parade…unless its got horses then of course at the end!
Steve Williams says
There are some draft horses pulling wagons. Usually. Not sure Paul will want to clean out road apples though!
Poppawhellie says
THANKS FOR THE PICTURES! I’m still at home taking 12 pills a day and with a tube sticking out of my body. A new low to quality of life.
RichardM says
That’s exactly what I was thinking for a street sweeper. And in PA, there are always horses… everywhere.
Looks like a good event. There should be a Vespa Christmas tree hauling photo on the wall. And I’m looking forward to the Zero review!
RichardM says
Hmmm, my comment refuses to post. Maybe I’m considered SPAM…
“That’s exactly what I was thinking for a street sweeper. And in PA, there are always horses… everywhere.
Looks like a good event. There should be a Vespa Christmas tree hauling photo on the wall. And I’m looking forward to the Zero review!”
Steve Williams says
Seems to have posted without me having to approve it. Maybe there’s some lag in the system.
I’ll have to ask Paul about the sweeper. He’s already on the hook to lead the Moto Hang group with his 3-wheeled police traffic unit. I’ve never posted any pictures on the board. Now that I have a good printer maybe I will. The Christmas tree shot is an obvious candidate. Or something in the snow!
Kind of rainy. Not sure I want to ride an electric bike in the rain…
BWB (amateriat) says
Yep, very Seattle-ish weather we’ve had of late. Sorry to hear it dampened things a bit.
Somehow, I’ll need to to try and make it to one of these.
Steve Williams says
Or perhaps even better — there has to be something similar where you are. I can’t believe the Moto Hang is unique in the moto world???
Ry Austin says
On foot to a Moto Hang?!… Steve, you give a whole new meaning to the walk of shame. 😉
Steve Williams says
Hah. That’s funny. But there is no shaming at the Moto Hang. Young or old, new rider or life long rider, all are valued and respected. Whether you show up on a Harley Road King or a Honda Mini Trail — you’ll find a smile and a handshake.
Walk of shame… I’ll have to think more about that.