It’s interesting how entwined our life choices become with the things we love to do. Often it’s only in retrospect, or from a vantage point of change, that we can see how things play out. Your career changes and locations of home affected your life on two wheels — both need and quantity. As you say, similar to my experience.

The Vespa scooter is on a different plane entirely. Your description of how giddy you are with it two years in is exactly how I feel 12 years in. I can only explain it as magic.

In regard to miles — I don’t chase that. I do chase time in the saddle though. They’re different.

Have fun working through your own “stuff”!

The entrance of the Vespa into my life, nearly two years ago to the day, also complicated things. The GTS, like a sweet but wily mistress, seduced me with almost ruthless efficiency. And it’s no one-nighter, either: I’m just about as giddy about the thing as the day I rode it off the lot. Thank the gods Le Wife isn’t jealous.

Nonetheless, I’ve ben pedaling around a bit more on all three of my bicycles lately…not as much as I’d like, but in time. My biggest problem is with the GTS: I’m wanting to put on a good deal more miles, and assorted “stuff” gets in the way. Working on that, though.

Over the years I’ve heard a lot of talk about riding and freedom — as if the act of getting on a machine and going for the ride provides freedom. For me, I’ve come to realize freedom comes from being, as you say, liberated from some expectation or requirement. The ride may help me see how I’m chained, but alone it won’t make me free. Fun and free are different.

The shortening of days are coming on strong ride now. It does make you appreciate them more I think.

As I now have more time too the season’s riding distances have lessened but not so the pleasure derived. The deliciousness of deciding not to ride on a glorious day has been liberating and has enhanced those days I do ride. Thanks Steve

It surprised me how much my job required a ride to detoxify. Pretty nice now to not have to resort to riding as medication!

I agree. The book will fuel some additional riding. And it’s time to start serious work on the book!

I think just being allows us to recharge our batteries.

Glad to help!

I practice every day. It’s great sport!

Thanks for the suggestion. When I was a young photographer I admired his work along with Art Kane, Bert Stern, J. Fredrick Smith, Pete Turner and others who were working with form and color. Watched one of the videos and will watch more. Maisel is great.