Strange Reminder of a Vespa Meditation
I saw this Buddha statue in the hollow of a tree toward the end of a ride. It highlighted what I was experiencing on the scooter — a deliberate and ongoing rumination of thoughts and questions that cloud my mind along with a more and more focused recognition of the world as experienced as a scooter rider.
Sometimes it’s nice to let body and mind free for a few moments to seek some natural balance.
Winding Along the Road
It was still cool, low sixties, when I rode over Bald Eagle Mountain on a wonderfully twisting road complete with a hairpin turn. The challenge was to let go of plan and expectation so I could be present for whatever presented itself rather than be completely locked in my head.
I saw a half dozen deer in the middle of the road during the ride included a couple of clumsy fawns.
Off-road Vespa
Could pass up an opportunity to check out the view from a newly cut woodlot. A short ride off-road on the scooter reminding me of how versatile the Vespa actually is. While not a dirt bike the scooter can easily handle most of what a casual rider would encounter off-road.
Making Photographs
I try and make photographs that reflect what I saw and felt on the road. They serve as snippets of memory recording the stories made up by the details discovered during a ride. That’s not dependent on riding a Vespa or connected to any particular camera.
When I first stopped at the limestone plant I lined up the scooter in the picture but something was missing — the old railroad tracks. They were part of what I felt about the place.
Didn’t go far on the ride, less than 50 miles, but I’ve learned that I can get my head focused in a way to see and experience more. It’s not just fun, it’s a Vespa meditation.
As someone who meditates, I can say that riding a scooter is the next best thing. Meditation is about being present and you have no choice but to be when riding a scooter. Yes, you can get temporarily lost in thoughts, but something will quickly happen to bring you back to the moment.
Your comments reflect my experience riding the scooter. Riding does keep you focused.
Tyson, I had similar thoughts. What’s easier about riding a scooter is that you’re forced to get your awareness back quickly if it roams much. Actual meditation takes a bit more discipline.
I’m fairly new to your blog but really enjoy reading your posts, as they so accurately reflect how I feel when I’m on my Vespa. I’ve been riding for a year now and when I describe my experience to friends, I always say it feels like I’m meditating. There’s me, my scoot, the road, the traffic, pedestrians (I live in Sydney and commute on the Vespa) yet a sense of calm prevails. Worries seem to fall away as the mind quietens, and awareness expands to take in everything, yet becomes sharply focused. I treasure every moment on my bike 🙂
Your description of riding your Vespa echoes my own experience. I find it difficult to explain to non-riders in a short conversation. Especially if they’re already focused on the “they’re so dangerous” aspect of riding. It may be one of those things you just need to experience. And like you, I treasure the rides. They’re a gift.
Thanks for commenting here Claire. I appreciate (and I’m certain others do as well) the insights riders offer on their experience and suggestions.
Ride safe!