In the Mirror
After weeks of not riding and grumbling over a some back it’s time to step back and appraise the view. Introspection isn’t always pleasant but does provide some clues for the journey ahead. I made a first entry in my journal in a month this morning. What was once a near daily event has faded, much like the frequent flying on the scooter.
A morning portrait at the Pump Station suggests something other than a happy camper. Or perhaps the chronic reminder that I have a spine is wearisome.
Morning Vespa
I gingerly pushed the Vespa on and off the center stand this morning in the driveway before making a final decision to ride into town. Still can’t make any long trips but it’s nice to ride a few miles. Remarkably, even that short distance managed to brighten a sullen riding spirit. I wonder why I’m so irritated at not being able to ride?
Another pleasant surprise was the quiet morning. A surprise because all the students have returned to Penn State. I guess their first Saturday night wore them all out.
Boot Repairs
Walking to Saint’s brings me past the shoe repair shop that keeps my riding boots alive. The soles are getting worn down again so I suspect I’ll be paying a visit soon. Don’t see many shoe repair places anymore.
Stella Artois
Despite not seeing anyone on the street there was amble evidence of activity from the night before. The fragrance of stale beer floated on the morning air; broken bottles littered a section of the street.
Digital Oscillioscope
At Saint’s Cafe, my friend Paul was showing off a new digital oscillioscope he built from a kit that will allow him the ability to test old electronic gear.
Introspection by Vespa
I think when I ride. About the road. About other things. Often it’s the other things that matter most. Riding on the Vespa keeps me open to new ideas. I’ve been a bit miserable not being able to be on the road. Wasn’t sure it would help to go for a short ride but turns out it’s just pretty much magic. Blue sky, fine view, scooter ready to take me where I want to go.
I’m just glad the destination isn’t Crazytown…
Was going to ask, were you at work while your back was in spams? Your back gets messed and it affects everything! Everything! I have normally not had serious back problems despite my tall height and physical size. My chiropractor keeps me in line as best he can.
However with the recent diagnosis of spinal stenosis have had to learn some self-help techniques, mostly just learn to stop, stand against a vertical wall or lie flat on my back on the floor or on a bed until the pain and related hurt dissipates. Sometimes it is over in a few moments, sometimes it takes longer, much much longer. Like sixty minutes or longer.
So can very much sympathize. And tell your friend Paul I built such an electronic device as well, good fun. Unlike the start of the madness one week before the hordes descend.
Did you notice? A year and a bit past your heart atack and succesful recovery and now your back and its supporting structures are causing vexation; your physical body is aging
my son. Sad isn’t it!
PS: nice small Canon point & shoot, you should have placed it in the blog flipped 180 degrees, to confuse your viewers..
No serious spasms at work. Mostly. Have a standing desk to keep my time in a chair to a minimum. That’s where things go wrong.
The chiropractor really helps. And I do the same stand and lie positions you mention. They help too.
Aside from the heart, I’ve neglected the physical stuff for a long time. I’m confident I can recover some physical conditioning that will keep my back in line!
As far as the photo goes — I never want to confuse anyone….;)
Glad you were able to get back on the Vespa, albeit briefly.
Thanks Tyson. One mile at a time…
I feel your psin. Last year I lost a good chunk of the riding season to a detached retina. This year it’s rotator cuff surgery. Getting old is the pits.
Those are two challenging conditions Mark. Hope things are going well and old age is taking a nap.
It’s rare Steve, when riding my rigs, for the introspective mood to take precedence in my thoughts. More time is spent doing navigation, wondering if that’s a new and possibly bad noise coming from the rig, looking at my mirrors for clueless cagers who might not realize I’m not going the speed limit while breaking in the Bural rig; listening to music on occasion or if I am lucky, just enjoying the ride.
For me, introspection comes while enjoying a break on some unexplored mountain road…..
I understand Dom — piloting a URAL demands constant attention — I always think it must be like guiding an old steam paddlewheel up the Mississippi.
You’re right about breaks opening time for introspection. I need to stop more often to think. Not just make photos.
The oscilloscope really looks good in color photos. I’m looking at a function generator kit next. Surprisingly there aren’t many ‘kit’ manufactures and the options are limited. I go to Fishers Harness shop for boot repair.
BTW, I like the oscilloscope kit. Do you have a link for that?
I’ve opted for ease of service with the shoe repair shop in State College.
I was trying to remember what I think about while riding and can’t remember anything specific. Just the normal stuff of watching for other traffic and moose. Today it was just a fox running down the middle of the road. Maybe just wondering how long it’ll be until the next engine overhaul…
Sometimes the thoughts that go through my head remind me of being a kid — just lazy random brain firings…
I can sympathize. Yesterday I managed an early Sunday morning ride before the Florida rains hit. It wasn’t long but was just what the doctor ordered. Me on two wheels, few cars and just turning here and there wherever I pleased. My scoot’ is an elixir for whatever ails me.
Yep. Riding a scooter, or a motorcycle, is an elixir…
If we were Buddhists we could all return as invertebrates but then that might preclude returning to Vespa riding…damn, why didn’t I think of that!
Hmmmmmm….
I’ve been traveling, out of touch. Sorry to hear about the back problem. Hope it becomes a “back” problem and I see you at Moto Hang.
Me too Robert. Plan to get to the Moto Hang this week. I’ve missed a few this summer.
Happy to hear you’re getting closer to riding more again. Wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing the type of Canon camera you’re using in this post.
Another week and I”ll be riding more.
All the pictures in this post were made with a Canon G15. Great camera. It’s been replaced by the Canon G16. Almost identical. The G16 has WIFI capabilities. My wife has one and loves it.