There’s a level of forced utility with just about every vehicle. We’re lucky we can make choices that others can’t.

Thanks for the kind words about the picture. There are days I feel as if I’m in a movie scene…

Well, I’ve seen scads of photos and video clips of people around the world traversing roads – and I do use the term roads advisedly in some of these cases – on all manner of Vespa, old to fairly contemporary, with a fair deal of aplomb. It also has to be remembered that the Vespa came to be in a fairly devastated, post-WWII Italy, where the term “nice, paved road” was rarely more than a fervent wet dream. Were/are they the first thing I’d think of for riding craggy-rocky terrain? probably not – but in my nearly fifty years of being a cyclist, I’ve owned exactly one genuine mountain bike. One. For all of one year.

(Oh…your “Vespa in the Grass” photo is breathtaking…almost an Out of Africa moment.)

Despite a lack of keyboard action for the past couple weeks I’ve not abandoned it. Just took a forced vacation because of work and life.

Thanks for the kind words about the pictures. Love making photos during a ride.

David,

Like is good. Really is.
thanks for your comments. There is much to be said for reflection and thought. And the blogging process helps.

Take care.

steve

I’ve done a lot of regrettable jumping that I wish I did a bit more thinking. So I may be jaded.

I see those trees like grave markers for a long dead culture.

Maestro,

I’m sort of a half-baked mechanic and my maintenance behavior is suspect so I’m not sure I’m the best one to publish any sort of definitive info on the subjects you raise. I’ve found the ModernVespa.com forum to be a excellent source of information like that. Very active and full of experienced people. I’ve posted pictures of a part failure from the road and within minutes have an answer or a phone number for consultation.

My own scooter has 33K miles on it but I’ve not had to replace any major parts aside from the muffler and the fuel pump. And the muffler would have gone on far long if I weren’t riding in the winter and getting it eaten up by salt.

I’ve read about enough people on the MV forum to know I can probably get another 50K miles before things get serious.

The Vespa is a beast!

Thank you Lorenzo.

I might get to the freeze-proof faucet this weekend. Maybe. Kim would appreciate some water out back.

I’ve never ridden any larger wheeled scooters. I love the looks of the Vespa so much I think I might secretly fearing I’ll like the bigger wheels and have to choose to make a move. The BV series scooters look nice though and I’ve heard good things about the Kymco.

Retired 20 years. I just don’t know what to do. Work is still a challenge, demanding and enjoyable. I look forward to it. Seems crazy to cash in for the unexpected. Who knows.

Take care Karl. And thanks for sharing.

The small wheels do hamper things. When I get frustrated I always think of a Kawasaki KLR. Or maybe something smaller — a 250 dirt bike of some sort. Who knows.

My current secret motorcycle cravings are (in no particular order) 80s vintage BMW K75. 70s vintage BMW airhead, R80 or 90 maybe. Triumph Street Twin or maybe the Scrambler. Suzuki VSTROM 650. And side cases for all.