On the Road — Often and Always
When I started riding, it was all about the exhilaration of flight over the road. The pure physical stimulation of piloting the scooter was intoxicating to the point that nothing much else matter. Over time, riding infected thought and deed. My brain was always scheming and looking for an excuse to ride. Didn’t matter if it was hot outside or if there was snow on the ground. The Vespa scooter and I found our way into the world. In that obsession an appreciation of modest riding developed.
Miles and Miles
I watched the odometer roll over 37000 miles today. Most of those miles were comprised of modest rides and errands. Most less than 25 miles. Some even less than that. A quick trip to Schlow Library with it’s handy motorcycle parking is typical riding fare. Even in winter. Once in the modest riding flow, it becomes easier and easier to get on the machine and ride. Even in sub-freezing temperatures. Or rain. And often those modest rides have a way of growing a bit longer as I rationalize a little more time to explore or choose a longer route.
Fueling Dreams
Just as the Vespa requires fuel, so do I. Fuel for dreams. Ideas spawned from modest rides simmering with delight, marvel and joy. As I near 64 years old I’m thrilled to find myself so energized. And grateful for the experience.
All a result of riding a little Vespa scooter. Who would have thought…
Wonderful post today Steve. I’ve often thought your blog would be good reading for someone who’s been wondering why we ride. 37K is amazing to me and inspiring as my scoot sleeps and the snow continues to fall outside.
Doug
Thanks Doug for your kind words about today’s post. A lot of people wonder, the majority in fact, why we take the risk of riding. It’s a complicated subject that’s loaded with facts, lies, myths and fear. Hard to argue the point. Not unlike many issues in the world.
While my Vespa isn’t sleeping, I sure am ready for warmer weather for a whole host of activities.
Hi Steve;
Modest riding poses a challenge. Like some of us who have slid unwillingly past the 70 year mark, my deteriorating body constantly reminds me to be more conservative in my riding style. I’ve had some mishaps over the years that have resulted in broken bones, etc. (all of them attributed to inattentive car and truck drivers, I might add), so I now ride with the full understanding that the next one might end my riding career altogether.
However, ‘modest riding’ poses a problem. Like some of us, I still get an irreplaceable rush from riding through corners at speeds that, even with my limited skill set, might be considered by some to be risky. So I pick my battles by limiting them to good weather, on certain stretches of road and with riding companions whom I am most familiar. Modest riding is still very pleasant, but without that rush, that heady sensation of speed, the overall experience would be sadly diminished.
Your comments made me realize how narrow my view of riding can be. Obviously, I’m writing about my own experience but I’m not sure I’ve ever really addressed my own innate discomfort with speed. Good topic for a single blog post rather than writing about it here in the comments. Thanks for the ideas. I’ll explore further the heady sensation of speed.
So far I’ve avoided any physical mishaps on a scooter or motorcycle. I’ve thought about it and wonder as you have whether it might end my riding career. Career–interesting way to describe riding.
Thanks again for the idea and look for something about it in the near future once I wrap my head around it.
Modest riding seems to come as a result of accepting your scooter as transportation and not recreation. Hopping on the bike is just how you get groceries no matter what the weather or temperature. No mental preparation, no special riding clothes. Just throw on the appropriate gear and go. And enjoy your transportation choice but it isn’t the reason that you’re on the road.
Sometimes I try to imagine a life without a car. Would definitely bring a taxi or Uber into my life as it would be difficult to get the dogs to the vet and other broader transport choices. For now though I’m content with things the way they are. I do appreciate the luxury of having a car.
Great post. I’m a young 62 and ride like I’m 18.
Hah. I’m a young 63. And I ride like I’m 62!
I am 84 and still ride.
Bill; gig Harbor WA
That’s what I want to hear — the possibility of riding in my 80s. Have no crystal ball but I can hope.
Hadn’t heard of Gig Harbor so I looked at it in Google maps. Beautiful area of the country. So much water. Kim and I hope to make it to the Pacific Northwest someday.
Do come visit Greater Pugetopolis! We have gorgeous scenery and a fun and welcoming scooter community here (and yes, I know you are by choice a lone rider), also many coffee shops and great local ciders & microbrews. I rolled over 31K last month; like you, mostly short rides. No car, just me and my 2004 ET4.
Pugetopolis…. what a great way to describe the area.
I probably give the wrong idea about participation in a community. Our local motohang group is great and I enjoy getting together with them for conversation, support and ideas. But you’re right, I generally ride alone.
The area you live in has always had an attraction to Kim and I. And from looking at maps I can see how you could chalk up 31K miles. My father-in-law rides a 2004 ET4 but only has about 15K miles. After his 80th birthday his riding has slowed but he still gets out. It’s a great scooter.
Thanks for stopping by to comment on Greater Pugetopolis. I appreciate it.
I am convinced my addiction to the 2 wheeled freedom feelings began on a bicycle as a kid. I have been fortunate during my life to ride most forms of motorcycle activity…observed trials, enduros, MX, roadracing, XC, TT, scrambles, touring and trail riding.
My addiction still rages. And now it has come full circle…back to a bicycle…with an electric assist. Magic! Again!
My riding is far more limited that yours but the addiction rages for me as well. The craving to be on the road, if only for a few miles, is strong. A friend is trying to get me back on a bicycle. He’s succeeded in having me drag it up to the garage. Next step will be to put air in the tires. My body, and my cardiologist, will probably appreciate a few bicycle rides in the mix. Not much cardio exercise riding a Vespa…
Hello Steve,
ce n’est pas le nombre de miles qui fait que la balade est belle.
Ce qui compte c’est d’avoir envie de rouler et rien d’autre…
Hello Steve,
it is not the number of miles that makes the ride is beautiful.
What matters is to want to ride and nothing else …
Laurent
Oui, je veux monter la Vespa!
I put 11,000 miles on my Vespa 150 commuting this past year. I realized I am feeling confined as it is really too slow to cope with mainland South Florida traffic so tomorrow I’m off to pick up Burgman 200 lightly used to give me a chance to go back to taking longer rides while keeping my older Vespa 150 for my pleasure. I chose a Suzuki 200 over the 400 to stay within my preferred parameters of small and easy for local riding and commuting but enough oomph to get me on the freeway.
Now facing an 800 mile circuitous route home across Florida this weekend to see if the Suzuki Burgman 200 lives up to its billing as versatile and fun!
Hope your adventure home on the Burgman is everything you hope for. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Burgman 400. Hopefully those kudos reach through the 200 as well. The extra power from those 50ccs should allow you to be more competitive with the traffic and not feel like you’re about to be swamped from behind.
Best wishes for a storm free, fire free and quiet spring and summer!
while at the library one day, see if they have the book entitled, “Light and Color in the Outdoors” by Marcel Minnaert
somewhat technical, i do believe you will find it interesting.
Thanks for the head’s up on the Minnaert book. I’ll see if I can track it down.
Lovely to read this, and I’m glad you are feeling energetic!
I read the comments, and I really look forward to your thoughts on aversion to speed. In many cases, I find I am feeling that more and more lately.
My energy seems to ebb and flow with the temperature, the light or a combination of the two. Spring can’t come fast enough. Still working on a piece about speed. Soon.
Lol, no rush.
Hi Steve!
Would you be interested in a ride near Montreal on May 26th? Vespas only.
As much as I would enjoy venturing north for a ride in Canada, I won’t be able to do that. Your invitation did remind me though that I should get my passport renewed!