People You Meet on the Road
Riders are unique individuals. They may ride the same scooter or motorcycle, or dress according to a code or style, but when you look closely, they’re different in small ways, and big. Thinking about riders I’ve known, I’ve not met two who are the same.
Recently I had the opportunity to ride again with my friend Paul Ruby, and with fellow blogger and Vespa rider, David Masse, who had ridden his scooter from Toronto, Canada to have a closer look at the sticks of Pennsylvania.
There’s a special magic in the mountains and forests of central Pennsylvania that can cause even the most even tempered riders to succomb to a sudden onset of riding madness — that temporary giddiness that results from flying through the world on two wheels. And when it happens, it’s hard to tell where it will lead.
It’s not often that you meet a Canadian lying in the road.
Photo by Paul Ruby
Almost Paris
Our day began at Saint’s Cafe. The air was cool but the clear sky promised a warm day of riding. Some rides start early with focused attention on speed and miles toward a preset goal.
Or so I’ve heard.
My own experience is more mellow — things unfold organically with only a hint of a plan. I knew David wanted to visit Saint’s Cafe having seen it appear so often on my blog. The photograph reminds me of a street cafe in Paris or Munich. The conversation was relaxed and easy in a way that doesn’t happen often. Later, after David returned home, my wife commented on how perfectly relaxed it felt talking to him; as if we’ve known him for a long, long time.
Fire Tower Stop
I was trying to think of interesting roads for someone coming from the relative flatness of Ontario with it’s straight road grids. Our early route wound along wooded creeks, over ridge tops and up onto the Allegheny Plateau where we made a stop to look at the Rattlesnake Fire tower in Moshannon State Forest.
Paul had his serious photographer hat on — revealed by the use of a tripod — while David was busy getting his video gear together.
Vespa Scooters in Moshannon State Forest
Pennsylvania is blessed with thousands of miles of secondary, or perhaps tertiary, roads that snake through the hills and valleys with little traffic and exceptional scenery. Perfect for riders unconcerned with making time on the road.
Our Vespa scooters are perfect for this travel. Additional power and weight serve no purpose other than to complicate stops in the gravel or making quick U-turns more challenging. As I’ve always believed, the real riding challenges occur below 10mph.
One thing I noticed about David — he’s a serious guy. I pushed him later in the day for a smile.
Road with a View
There are two kinds of rides you can make in Pennsylvania — those that lead through a rich collection of human inspired constructions and enterprises; and those who feel desolate and devoid of those elements. I chose the latter for the day’s ride through the sticks.
Riding north through Sproul State Forest is one of the emptiest places to ride in Pennsylvania. No power lines or cell coverage for 25 miles with only an occasional passing car or truck. A few years ago this area was a hotbed of shale gas drilling but most of that work is now complete.
We stopped at a place where David could take in the expansive landscape and the places in the distance that were cut by the Susquehanna River.
David Masse, Vespa Rider and Moto-Blogger
David Masse is the author of the Life on Two Wheels blog. I’ve followed him for years and had the opportunity to meet him four years ago when he and two other moto-bloggers passed through town.
You hear lots of crazy stories of people connecting through the internet. My own experience, with moto-bloggers and photographers, has been across the board positive. I’ve found a supportive and friendly community of people and knowledge and experience that would be impossible to access otherwise.
I feel grateful to be able to call David a friend.
Lunch in Renovo
A quick stop for gas in Renovo from pumps I assumed would mix rust with fuel and then lunch at Yesterday’s Restaurant and Hotel. Since January of this year, David has been making videos for his blog. Video has long been an interest of mine though the work involved has kept it at arm’s length. As we waited for lunch David set up his equipment to do an interview. It was easy to see how the conversation between Paul, David and myself would get in the way of any serious video work.
From the time we headed north toward Renovo, I was thinking it might be nice to ride to Hyner View. It offers a brilliant, sweeping view of this part of Pennsylvania as well as a wonderfully winding road to get there. But our wandering ways ran into the clock as I had an appointment to get to back in State College. If felt wrong to make that decision but the sore butt conversations when we returned home confirmed it as the right choice.
For new riders, remember, it’s not how many miles you go, it’s how many hours the butt is in the saddle…
Hyner View
For those not familiar with Hyner View, this photograph was made during another September rider seven years ago.
Almost Home
The ride home from Renovo took us along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, over ridges and through the Amish area of Penns Valley. The temperature was in the mid 80s when we stopped for this picture not far from Penns Cave. All of us were tired and sated as we neared home.
Video Interview
Late in the evening, after a dinner of take out from Kelly’s Steak & Seafood at my house, and a fine round of conversation, I sat down at Paul’s house for an interview with David Masse. I’ve not seen it yet, but I bet I need a shave and a haircut.
And so ended the trip to the sticks. David would have further adventures on his own as he headed back to Toronto — not the least of which was blowing a head gasket just over the Canadian border. But that’s a story he can tell himself. Check out Requiem for a Vespa.
I suppose it’s my turn now to ride to Canada. That means I’ll have to renew my passport…
I truly must make my way to Pennsylvania one day. Your roads and scenery look perfect for scooting.
That would be nice Bill. Probably too late in the season now for you warm weather riders. I remember many early October snow falls. Those haven’t happened in a few years now but you never know!
Bill, take me with you please. Coffee with Steve is a excellent reason to do a few thousand miles.
Some day I’m going to have to learn to drink coffee! Until then, I remain a tea drinker…
What’s a few thousand miles? That’s just a relaxed ride for you right??
Ken, let’s plan a ride for next year. It should fit well with the planned rides already including a Cannonball (for me at least) and VCdM ride in Spain (Catalonia). What is two more weeks?
Really enjoyed this one Steve, great to see the 3 of you out for a ride. I’ve only ridden through your region in a hurry, that needs to be fixed.
Being in a hurry really causes a sort of landscape blindness. I understand why it happens but try to avoid those circumstances. Still working at it.
Let me know next time you’re passing through.
This past first week of October for me was an eye-opener, of sorts. Steve Williams was good enough to forward a query from one of his blog followers to me. Said follower knew me from some 20 years prior. My name is not that common and said friend had read my comments on Scooter in The Sticks. He then rode vintage motorcycles, now pilots a Suzuki Burgman; again as with any Vespa and many motorcycles way too small to accommodate me.
I contacted my long-lost friend in Waterloo Ontario late this past week and we talked of things various. Seems the rumour mill had noted my passing years ago and yet I continued posting on Scooter in The Sticks!
As ardent followers of this blog know; have hard serious health issues over the last few years; riding most anything motorcycle related would be difficult. My balance on two wheels and walking is poor at best. A cane or four-wheeled walker when outside and handholds (wall holds?) inside are my norm.
And as the person who wanted to initially contact me noted apparently to Steve, I am big, tall, (6’8″ [was 6’9″ until disease and arthritis intruded}
and of massive build. BTW when I did ride always wore full black leather pants , with high boots, full face helmet and a Conspicuity branded reflective vest over my heavy black leather jacket, which I had modified to fit me! One friend then (now deceased, as are many of my friends from years past) noted if I was seen in a dark location at night with little available light in an alley or on a street would scare most people who would turn in the opposite direction.
Sadly the onslaught of disease and now age (over 71) makes riding again unlikely.
Have looked wistfully at a Can-Am Spyder, it would need to be modified for to ride safely
Then too my own 1981 Honda Goldwing Interstate was having its own problems at 350,000 kilometres and many years of hard use in latter years hauling a Hedingham sidecar from the UK.. Also Honda was often unable to source certain parts. My local dealer changed hands, I was advised to not bring my machine in for repair account he new mechanics had neither parts nor expertise to repair a motorcycle older than the new mechanics in years. I should have maybe looked further.
As with David Masse and the unfortunate demise of his Vespa, the transmission on my Goldwing was failing to shift properly no doubt as a result of hauling a heavy sidecar and equally heavy rider. Then too my local shade tree mechanic also a Honda Goldwing rider suggested maybe it was time as repair would be costly in terms of repair time and complexity; sold the machine to a friend who subsequently has used it as a learning tool for his own mechanical skills..
Said shade tree mechanic was able to repair anything wheeled including a certain Rolls Royce belonging to an eccentric friend.
He was an excellent friend to many; sadly he too is dead four years now?
And seeing the hills of Pennsylvania with Steve’s camera now can recall my first road trips there in a friend’s VW Beetle, right front seat removed so I could sit inside.
Viewed the first evidence of strip mining for coal, and now recalling the town of Renovo once a railroad town with the main line Pennsylvania Railroad running very close to abandoned structures on the main street. Innocent days for many of use, and perhaps better days too given the world situation.
Thank You Steve, David and Paul from an older gentleman for your writings and stories.
I’m glad I could help facilitate a reconnection of old friends. If nothing else, I’ve come to realize what a very small world we live in. Seems I’m constantly running into people who know someone from my past, or know someone I know from years ago. I suppose it just means I need to always behave myself!
Pennsylvania has been changing slowly for a long time. Especially here in central Pennsylvania. The once common exposed strip mines left untended in the 60s and 70s have been replaced and restored. And the towns once servicing the railroads have faded a bit. I used to drive my 1970 VW Beetle all through the places I now ride my Vespa. Both experiences were exquisite. I have the wandering gene.
Glad you found something useful in the posts. I still have fun writing them.
Hi Steve;
Thanks for prompting me and some friends to reminisce about Renovo, Pa. We’ve spent several weekends through the years, winding down Route 144 into Renovo. I’ve even had the opportunity to spend the night at the Sportsman’s Inn, where the train stop across the road so the driver and engineer could stop in for a beer mid-trip! You’re absolutely correct about Pennsylvania roads being worth the drive, although, should you venture up to the Great White North, I’m sure we could show you some Ontario roads that are more than “flat, straight road grids”.
And by the way, thanks for facilitating the re-connection. As you can see by the above comment, my old friend Bryce Lee is indeed alive and as spirited as ever.
Cheers,
Jim.
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve ventured into Canada beyond Niagara Falls. Drove north to Sudbury and on northward to Onaping Lake to fish. That was almost 50 years ago. So my assessment of Ontario riding is likely incomplete. I remember the place being flat and wooded. The water in the lake was deep, cold and crystal clear.
Glad I as able to spark some memories of Renovo. Lots of other fine places to see near there — Wellsboro, Cedar Run, Cherry Springs at night, and on and on.
Good to know you and Bryce were able to connect.
best,
steve
Paul’s Piaggio Fly seems to have grown up into a beautiful BMW. I’ll bet it carries more too. It’s not often you see a collection of two wheelers without something Japanese around.
Paul still has the Piaggio Fly though he’s itching to get a Vespa 150 scooter. The BMW is a recent addition. Very nice motorcycle.
The last time I rode with a Japanese motorcycle was when Paul had his Suzuki DR-Z 400 SuperMoto.
Paul should stick with the Fly. Most have Taiwan built Vespa 150 engines in a modern tube frame with Asian built components. The Vespa is a pretty thing with undeniable panache but the Piaggio is a workhorse built for the long run. Not a bad looker either.
The Fly is certainly a reliable machine. But the aesthetics of the Vespa call hard to Paul…
Sure does look like a beautiful day to be out without much traffic. Great first photo. Very nice that you got to see David again too.
I am usually viewing blogs from work and don’t have headphones to listen to the videos most of the time so haven’t been staying in touch with David’s goings on as much as I used to.
Thanks for sharing your adventures from the day.
It was a fine autumn day. We were fortunate that the weather was clear and easy to deal with.
Work?? What’s that??
Classy blog installment. The photos are top notch and the text is well thought out and thoughtful. Rob E from the Motohang franchise sent me note says he loves my Minions scooter tee shirt. So a lot of people must see your blog. I’ve had other people I didn’t know introduce them selves to me. At Wegmans recently someone said to me, “You are famous. I’ve seen you in the Scooter and the Sticks. ” I never saw the guy before.
Paul
Great post Steve, and an adventure second to none.
I’m toiling away on the videos.
I’m afraid my video skills pale compared to your post and photography. I’m hoping efforts will be adequate to give an honest view of the day we shared.
It was fun riding with you. Looking forward to seeing your videos. I’m sure they’ll be great.
So did you get inspired to do some vlogging in the future?
The first pic brought to mind a scene from “The Walking Dead”….
btw: knwoledge
It doesn’t take much to inspire me to think about vlogging. Since David was here I’ve made two short video tests — both frightening. Glad you asked the question — I forgot to delete one from my Youtube channel. Gone now!
There are several challenges to making videos. First, I’m not good on the fly with something to say. It takes me awhile to figure out what I’m thinking or feeling. If I were going to appear on camera I would have to write a script and either memorize, or use a teleprompter. Both options are time consuming.
The video draw is to make narrative videos — stories with pictures and not see me on the screen talking. Those are time consuming to shoot and edit. At the end of the day I’m not sure what I would gain making them.
So I’m interested but not sure why I would do it….
knwoledge — check!
Another timely post Steve. My wife, Shirley and I rode north on 144 early last week and I recognized that overlook in one of your pics. I usually turn left at 879 and use Wykoff Run to 120 on my way home to Ontario. I remember serious fracking activity on 144. With all the activity and vehicles and what they were doing to the road surface I felt one of my fave Central PA thoroughfare was being ruined but this past week the surface was superb. I envy the variety of riding your part of the world possesses. I am generally through that part of PA twice a year, Spring and Fall, and sometimes during Labour Day weekend too. I will be sure to give you a heads up the next time I think I(we) will be rolling through. And I never roll through of late without a visit to Saints for a little octane.
Wykoff Run is a beautiful road. I often head that way when I want to see Marion Brooks Natural Area — just a few miles past the Wykoff Run turnoff. It’s a birch forest standing in the middle of an otherwise oak forest. Beautiful and strange. Sadly, the trees are beginning to die off and the deer eat the new growth so quickly that it’s unlikely to continue.
The entire area has survived the fracking boom. At least visually. Time will tell if there is some other kind of fallout.
Look forward to seeing you at some point in the future.
As I read (and write) this, I, along with Le Wife, just completed two weeks in Vienna – where I’ve seen more Vespas, among other PTWs, than anyplace I’ve ever been. Makes me homesick for my Vespa back in NJ, but otherwise we’re both having fun.
Wish I could’ve made Moto Hang, but weather that day put a serious damper on things. Better luck next year (and a good deal earlier for me, as well). But, I’ll be back in the states come the 24th, and, weather permitting, I”m planning to give Melody a gentle-but-thorough shaking-out after her month-long hiatus, and hope to be coming your way: stay tuned.
Wonderful read from you as usual, but very bummed to hear of David’s GTS doing the self-destruct thingon his way home. He has done loads with that bike (as did the previous owner, it sounds, but it still sounds too soon.
Ahhh, Vienna. Never made it further into Austria than Salzburg. Always wanted to visit Vienna. Wouldn’t mind touring Europe on a Vespa for a few months. Dreams….
There will be more Moto Hangs next season. Let me know if you’re heading this way.
All machines break down. Some sooner than others. I’ve had to change head gaskets on two vehicles — car and truck. The cost ran into the thousands. I know Vespa riders with terrible mechanical nightmares, and others who never have a problem. It’s part of the Vespa life I guess. For me, the advantages far outweigh any disadvantages — real or imagined.
The staged accident cracked me up, Steve. A very iconic meet-up, and (as usual) well written and set in scene.
That picture happened organically. Didn’t realize the accident potential until later. The red by Paul’s head that seems like blood is his cup from his Thermos.
Luck always beats skill when it comes to photos…
I wondered what that red stuff was… luck indeed.
Steve, when Ken and Bill ride up, I’ll ride down, that’s for certain!
A gathering!
I too loved the first photo! And I have also had some great moto-blogger meet-ups this year that confirm we are generally good people, despite our many differences. Great post and photos!
Your comment about “…generally good people..” seems to imply you’ve had some experiences! Details, details…