The World is My Oyster
There are times on the road, alone and on the way home, that everything feels completely familiar. It’s my own world. Scooter country. As good as that feels, it can lead to a comfortable disregard of everything and end not seeing anything.
Pulling off the road, turning off the Vespa and walking around for a few minutes brings things back into focus. Such is an end of the week ride home.
Sunny Day Ride
The weather has been exceptional this week. Even with the rain. Combining that with the already perfect machine I’m lucky enough to own and I’m just whistling through life. I’ve been riding the GTS since 2007 and have ridden almost 32 thousand miles. Spend that much time with something and still love it, that’s special.
I wonder if every rider feels the same way about their machine?
Vespa in Normal Life
Everything feels normal, plain, unexceptional. That’s comfort. A quick phone call for take out and a short ride into town and I’m picking up dinner. The scooter makes it all easy. And fun. Chores and errands seem like little adventures on two wheels. No moto-manufacturer will ever advertise the power their vehicles have over the mundane tasks of living but that’s one of the best parts for me.
Things I must do rendered enjoyable. Life is good on a Vespa.
Good Morn’,
It will be interesting to follow your path from here as far as your choice of mounts and impressions of them/it. It seems your thoughts of the recent week hint at a tour aboard, I’m guessing a Triumph, ( although you’ll need to chose bags to satisfy the carrying capacity need) and that may spoil the esthete that is part of the attraction). But often pragmatism becomes the draw ; Hence the popularity of the GS and it’s “erector set” esthetic. You’ve mused that a few longer form tomes may be emanating from your keyboard as you consider leaving your present work life. ‘Can’t wait. Go,do, be.
Hard to say what the path looks like from here. Lot’s of ideas and dreams, but oh where is the time?
One step at a time…
While I was repairing the scooter I was playing what will my next bike be. Now that it is on the road I am playing where will I ride next. I am in love all over again.
Riding really is special. Not many activities that engender that kind of love…
“Chores and errands seem like little adventures on two wheels.” Agreed. Running around town to do errands is much more fun n two wheels. :^)
It definitely is more fun. Now I have to find some errands in the Adirondacks or along the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Great to hear your have as much fun as possible Steve. Whenever I have that same joyous feeling when riding I let out a big Yeeehaw! It feels great. I’m on vacation at a rental cottage on Lake Huron and it is great. Life is good, riding my scooter makes it better!
I hate to confess but I often let out a hoot when riding — just a joyous call acknowledging that at that moment — all is right with the world.
A cottage on Lake Huron sounds wonderful. Even without a scooter!
Your remark about “chores and errands” seeming like mini adventures when done on the scoot really struck a chord with me. I have tried, often in vain, to convey this notion to SO many people — I’m used to the polite, blank stare responses.
I think a strong love of riding, regardless the journey, underlies that love or chores and errands when riding. Any chance to be on the road. For some, I suspect there is a lot more required for a fulfilling ride — destination, other riders, fair weather, etc.
We’re cheap riders — any excuse to hit the road!
I certainly feel the bond with my machines. I have always felt that the reason I have had such “luck” with my Chinese equipment is that I can feel the engines. It’s kept me from stressing the mechanicals and extended their lives beyond most people’s expectations. Even though the 250 only has 15,000 miles I expect to ride it long and for years to come. It’s good to hear yours continues to delight you.
I wish I had that engine feel. I’ve so distanced myself from the mechanical operations that I’ve lost it. Maybe in retirement I’ll make a more serious effort to pick up the wrench and regain that feel.
When I was still a big-city lad, running errands on two (pedal-powered) wheels certainly made said tasks more bearable at the very least, and frequently enjoyable. Now that my life’s been recast in semi-suburbia, the bicycle still factors in, but less so than in Gotham; the Vespa takes its place for speed and efficiency, but we both know this bike is about one hell of a lot more than these…there’s a vivacity that’s different from pedaling about, and mysteriously removed from the el serioso big-moto experience. The Vespa is practically telegraphing you the message: “take the riding experience seriously, but yourself, not so much.” Even after today’s experiences (let’s just say I had an unfortunate encounter with about a dozen pieces of sheetrock I was attempting to shove across a room), just thinking about hopping on Melody brings a smile.
Sheetrock. Ugh. I hope I never have to wrestle those again. A Vespa would be a proper antidote.
I think riding in general, regardless of what you ride, telegraphs messages. The challenge is being open and able to decode them!