Clear Morning Ride
Off early with friend Paul Ruby for a ride on to breakfast. The night before I curled up with my tattered DeLorme Pennsylvania Atlas & Gazetteer pondering routes to various eating establishments. Usually I know where I want to go. Other times I have to explore maps until something surfaces as a destination.
By the time I met Paul this morning I had decided on a little ride to The Dream in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The last time I was there was in the 1970s when it was then known as Dave’s Dream.
At 8am the weather was perfect and the Vespa running as well as ever.
Ducati and Vespa
There are many routes to Hollidaysburg. I was hungry, the roads relatively empty so I chose one where we could cruise at 55mph or faster. Paul’s Ducati Hypermotard was up to it so I figured, “What the heck”.
An intentional effort to not stop for photographs quickened the trip to breakfast. Moving across three counties in a cool morning is a pleasure.
The Dream Restaurant
The Dream is fancier that my usual breakfast haunts. The food was fine but it lacked the rustic character I enjoy in smaller, out of the way establishments. I don’t suspect it’s a biker hangout or destination for long distance riders.
A Vespa Connection
Paul got my father-in-law Bob involved in scooter riding when he sold him his Vespa ET4. It was a creampuff then and is now under Bob’s watchful eye.
Ride and Wait
It’s no secret I prefer riding alone. Mostly because I want to stop and look around, make photos and live without calling or rule. That’s easier alone.
Paul waits a lot for me and his Ducati could obviously travel much caster. Still he waits as I scramble up direct roads for one more picture.
Man that Ducati is compact. I’ve seen Vespa 250s in the flesh and they are fairly small in stature. The comparison between the two in photos is striking. The Duke appears to be the size of an early 250cc motorcycle.
The Vespa and Ducati are similar in size but the Duke is slightly longer. You can see it better in this Ducati vs. Vespa post. The Duke is heavier. And I think faster!
I know that spot, in your last picture. You’re scrambling up for a valley view to the east, right?
We were at the crest of the mountain between Bellwood and Skelp. I only went up the dirt lane far enough for a picture. Not sure if there was a view. Do you know Robert?
Riding alone is best as you know, you’re not “harshing anyone’s mellow” with your many stops or explorations….
Yep. My thoughts exactly.