Escape from Heat, Escape from Everything
It’s obvious now why I post so little during the summer. I’ve grown intolerant of the heat.
Riding into town the other day with the temperature just above 90F, grumbling at the hot air pouring through my mesh riding jacket, visor up to let the wind blast away the hot air from heat-stressed lungs with little success, I was just miserable.
And as much as I love riding, there’s something sinister about midday heat that leaves me cold.
So imagine my thrill in the morning when I see the sun hidden by fog and a chance to escape the relentless heat with a little ride.
Standing at the end of the driveway it was apparent that any respite would require a gain in altitude if I wanted to get lost in a mysterious world. And that would mean riding up into Rothrock State Forest and gravel roads. Vespa riding on gravel brings it’s own special challenges.
Wandering in the Mist
There was just enough mist in the air to provide a pleasant transition from the bright sun on the valley floor to a cooler, and more visually compelling environment in the forest. Perhaps the most startling revelation of the entire ride was the fact that I did not see another vehicle or person for almost 2o miles of gravel road wandering. Even though I always knew exactly where I was and how close civilization loomed — that isolation provides a welcome escape from all things that chew on the soul.
It also reminded me that it might be time to consider a Spot Tracker. Riding alone as I do, often without letting anyone know where I’m going and sometimes without cell coverage, it may be a prudent investment just in case a deer bumps me off the road or my heart decides to fail.
Snakes and Other Questions
As usual, I have no idea where I’m going and just follow the gravel trails without much thought. From time to time I ask myself where I’m going. There’s seldom an answer. Instead, I look around, walk around, shoot a few pictures and kick at the gravel with my boot bemoaning my neglect to bring any food along.
At one point I see a big Black Snake stretched across the road far enough to bring the Vespa to a halt so I can motivate him (or her) to be on their way. And handful of gravel tossed at the snake brings zero response.
“Huh. Must be dead.”
So I climb back on the scooter and ride pass the head of the poor dead guy. Only he’s not dead and suddenly rears up.
I don’t like snakes. That’s high adventure for me.
Vespa Riding and the Challenge of Gravel
The Vespa scooter isn’t great with gravel. Especially not with normal street tires. I can manage 40mph in this stuff when pushed but the scooter feels pretty squirrelly at times, especially when you encounter a particularly thick spot and the tires seem to swim. Much lower speeds are far more comfortable but you’re still throwing stones up to chip away at the paint and the suspension takes a pounding that it was really never intended to endure.
A motorcycle with bigger wheels and more aggressive tires would provide a far more luxurious ride. But I’m still hammering away with the scooter.
Take Me Home Little Scooter
One thing I’ll say after miles and miles of gravel travel on the Vespa — when you get on the pavement the scooter feels like it suddenly leaps into life and provides one of the smoothest, quickest feelings on two wheels I’ve ever experienced. Thinking about all the motorcycles I’ve ridden, few feel like the Vespa.
So off I go, heading toward breakfast and journal and happen to feel the wind cut through my riding jacket and provide even more release from the growing heat and humidity.
Snake… snake? Snake!! SNAKE!!! SNAKE!?!?!!
I do not like snakes, not one bit.
I’m wary of snakes. My imagination gives them more power than they deserve…
Hahahaha… Just remember that you may fear snakes, but not nearly as much as that poor snake fears you! Just ride around him and you’ll both be much happier in the end.
Yeah, I didn’t want to end up riding over him if he moved at the last second. That’s why I tried to shoo him off. I don’t fiddle with snakes. Live and let live is my motto.
“A motorcycle with bigger wheels and more aggressive tires would provide a far more luxurious ride. ” There it is. That little tick in the back of your mind saying “buy one, buy one”. It might be more luxurious, but without the little challenge, would it as much fun or interesting?
Great thought Ken. I need to think about that. Part of the reason so many small rides are fulfilling on the Vespa is the fact that they are little adventures due to the relatively lack of power, weight, features, etc.
Wow! You started out sounding like a grumpy old retired guy and then transitioned into another thoughtful post.really like your photos.Peace and safety.
I’m not grumpy yet!
Stay safe John.
Yes to the Spot whenever off exploring. Mine moves from bike to bike on occasion but spends most of it’s time secure in the tank bag map window on my DR650. I like like that and she likes it too ?
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a Spot Tracker. Just makes sense on so many levels for me.
This summers heat and humidity as cut into my riding but not as much as life it self.
Life always gets in the way of living doesn’t it!
I wish there was a “like” button next to each of your photos, although I’d certainly overuse it.
I came across my first snake on the roadway last week in Sproul State Forest: a big (aren’t they all?) rattler curled up sunning itself.
Thanks Andy. I enjoy documenting the stuff I see. Sometimes I tell myself I should use a better camera to have bigger final files but I keep reaching for the little Canon G15…
Lot’s of snakes out there. Glad I don’t run into them often.
Check out the Kymco People 300 as a large wheel scooter option.
I’ve looked at the People 300. Alas, I’m a committed Vespa rider. Purely a choice of visual style coupled with a more or less good ability to do most things on the road.
Snakes….sneaky things…they lie still on the road till you’re close and THEN start moving…usually towards you!
Your fog pics are the best.
Snakes have a programmed dislike of URAL rigs right?
I shoot fog. You shoot sunsets. We work with what we have.
Heat and humidity are the ban of us older folk. Your tolerance or lack of tolerance probably changed once you heart problem appeared. And do’t forget Steve your office when you were employed was probably air conditioned to some extent. Your body tends to acclimatize to what is offered.
When I rode it was not with mesh jacket rather full leathers perforated. As I aged realized as with you, the body is not willing to be comfortable. And also when I rode, giant sized non-leather riding gear was not available, at least here in Canada.
I do miss wearing my leather however miss riding even more. Until my vertical balance improves riding for me is not part of the equation.
As to your black snake, if he is stretched out on the road, warming hisself, cross his boundary quickly, two quick bursts of rubber tire on his back; he’ll not repeat said exercise again.
It’s those large diameter snakes that will eat anything that can bother me…
Mind they do not enjoy cold northern winters, either, most snakes would really rather not be bothered by outsiders… Still would have flattened the snake in the middle…
and if not you than some other vehicle, much larger would have squished the snake.
As to better tires on the Vespa, methinks you’ll change if and when you feel change is required. Then too Steve, it is earlier days of your retirement, you have many more days to enjoy; don’t rush the process.
BTW returned the new Sony bridge camera to my dealer, far too complicated for my brain to figure. Need to rethink why as much as how.
Any struggle with heat has been temporarily put on hold. Awoke today to clear air and 55F. Perfect riding weather. If it weren’t for the dogs demanding some action I would already be on the road. Instead some canine play and a leisurely breakfast. I’ll be donning the winter jacket today sans liner.
I’ve never worn leather. Seems so heavy and hot. Looks cool though. Someday maybe.
Poor snake. Like turtles crossing a road, I always try to move them on. Snakes will more care. Down south, one of those big Pythons might eat the Vespa…
As to tires, I think the next change will be to the Maxxis M6024 Dual-Purpose Front/Rear scooter tires. They’ll have a good mix of street and off road capabilities. I have to say, the current Heidenau tires are wearing like iron. Almost four thousand miles on the rear and it almost looks new. Most others I’ve tried would be shot my now.
The digital cameras seem to get more and more complicated all the time. Endless buttons and menus. I always try to isolate the things I need to use and ignore the rest.
When I am out a see and black snake, I may be a bit startled, but I am always relieved. In North America at least, black snakes are never venomous. I leave them alone, like I do most all of nature’s creatures.
I’m with you. I leave almost all critters alone unless they’re in the house!
Agreed about riding the Vespa on gravel — it will do it, but not happily, not quickly and not comfortably. But I am also starting to feel the need for a heavier, faster machine with bigger wheels, since my new commute requires half an hour at 65MPH — and the Vespa, with its windshield and topbox, feels kind of jittery and wind blown much above 55MPH. I feel sort of treasonous as I write this, because I have loved that bike, and bought it largely on the strength of your blog — and I’ve never regretted it. But is it possible to outgrow a bike? Especially a bike as awesome as the Vespa? Advice is clearly needed! Thanks!
I think it’s absolutely possible to outgrow a Vespa. It’s all dependent on your needs. A 65mph commute on a daily basis is a grind, even in a car. While the Vespa can do it, like you say it’s more demanding physically than a bigger motorcycle. And most commutes can be a bore and you’re left asking “Do I really want to endure this on the Vespa?”
You really left with only three options — continue to endure on the Vespa (ugh), get a motorcycle and endure with a bit more comfort, or just commute in a car. I’d like to say I would choose the first option but I probably wouldn’t. And I’m not sure I would feel any more positive about a freeway commute on a motorcycle. I would likely end up commuting with the Vespa and listening to podcasts in the luxury of my Honda van…
Not a fan of heat myself… never have been. As long as I keep moving, its tolerable. Last year at Memphis was gruesome, mostly when sitting in the sun waiting to get moving.
The year before, in Indy, got a good vicarious lesson when an elderly friend nearly passes out from the heat. Older folks (I thin that means us), can dehydrate without knowing it. So if I’ve got to be out on it, its hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Hydration! Absolutely. Riding or sitting in the sun can drain you fast. The last rally I attended — the BMW Annual one — the temperature was over 100F. Brutal. I hydrated constantly and during the ride home dumped water on my body at every opportunity just to keep things bearable.
It’s 55F this morning!
great post Steve….really enjoyed it and all the follow up comments.
Brent
Thanks Brent. I always enjoy reading what others think of the topics I post. Lots of experience and insight to consider.
I’m new to your blog Steve and relatively new to the Vespa experience. Both, are proving to be thoroughly enjoyable.
In my 50 plus years of riding, I have scooted most everything , with a particular affection for twins and singles that are… well… somewhat agricultural in nature. I include BMW boxers, Harley Sportsters, KTM singles and a few KLR 650s in that description.
Of all the bikes that have passed through the garage, nothing has produced the level of pure, unadulterated joy that I’m experiencing on my new GTS 300 Super.
It is the closest I’ve come to the riding experience distilled down to it’s most simple, approachable and enjoyable essence.
Nice place you’ve got here.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello Terry. I’m glad you took the time to post a comment about your two-wheeled journey.
Your description of your experience on the GTS 300 mirror my feelings closely. I tend to describe the Vespa riding experience as flying as opposed to operating a machine which is what I feel on motorcycles. Within the operating range of the Vespa it is pure joy. The only times I can say it wasn’t so great was in extreme cold or on a very fast and heavy traffic interstate highway.
Keep stopping by and let us know how things are going on your Vespa.
That fog looked really great, and cool! The heat has kept me off the bike lately too. I just can’t stand it anymore. Ditto for snakes! Glad you’ve gotten some cooler weather…we have too in Georgia, along with a ton of rain.
We’ve had some pretty mild to cool days of late. The heat keeps me off the scooter too.
I haven’t seen any snakes lately but a foray off the road into the weeds for some pictures introduced me to some chiggers… ugh. The itchiness!!!