My experience is similar to yours. Most motorcycles have been more stable in crosswinds. But even they are banged around at times. I was riding a Triumph America and had so much trouble in crosswinds that I had to turn off the main road to get to something I could travel a lot slower and had more protection from the wind. Thankfully, I don’t often have to deal with winds like that.

I remember reading that Mike Hermens on his Vespa ride across the country and back, had to wait in a motel a few days in Nevada before he could venture out on the highway because the wind was so bad.

The one of you at the picnic table is “strongly serene.” I have plenty of pictures. Choosing is the challenge I’m working through right now.

I’ll talk to you about the trail near Philipsburg. It’s a good trail.

It’s rained a bunch here too though the past couple days have seen only a sprinkle of rain. I can judge the amount of rainfall by the intensity of the green everywhere and the height of the grass in the neighborhood.

This is the season for trips on the scooter. Even though I may ride more in the cold weather, I take longer trips when it’s warm. the Pine Barrens sounds like a fine trip.

Let me know if you’re ever riding this way. We can meet somewhere on the road — Vespa to Vespa!

I’m good to go!

Alas, Melody has spent the better part of two weeks idled by weather…I swear, I haven’t seen this much rain, nearly nonstop, in quite some time. But your post was something of a tonic to me, so I’m hoping to make a little trip trips week someplace I haven’t traveled just yet – I think it’ll be the Pine Barrens this time, finally. At some point, I’ll be in your neck o’ the woods, with advance notice, of course.

Steve: Yes, was about to say…it sounds like you have recovered a good deal to be able to cover the better part of 300 miles in a day! All the better to hear about.

Just looked at their submission requirements — they’re looking for previously unpublished pieces. I suspect because the story appeared online that would preclude it. I would have to rewrite another version. I’ll inquire about those rules.

Thanks for the kind words Kitty. I’ll have to look into that. Never considered submitting things to a magazine.