Comments on: Vespa Scooter as Therapy

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:45:27 +0000

What happened to Big Red? As much as I liked my LX150 I liked the GTS more. But someday I suspect I’ll migrate back to the LX150. It’s just so different. But it does keep travel at a slower pace. Bill must have lost his mind. *grin*

I was trying to think of a time when I went for a ride and regretted going out. Surely there has to be one but right now I can’t recall not being grateful to be on the road.

By: Lostboater

Lostboater — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 10:19:29 +0000

I just finished a Oyster Tour with Bill. I was almost forced to take the car due to weather, but at the last minute I was able to ride. The only Vespa in the garage right now is the “million dollar” scooter, a lx 150, and by far my favorite. We had a great ride at a forced slower pace. Often you don’t realize how bad you need a ride until you just do it.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 03:27:22 +0000

In reply to Kofla Olivieri. It's one of those things that has to be experienced. Many move through life thinking motorcycles and scooters are merely devices of death. They don't move past those perceptions. Aside from the things I write on Scooter in the Sticks I don't try to explain anymore why I ride unless specifically asked.

By: Kofla Olivieri

Kofla Olivieri — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 03:16:00 +0000

I’ve tried to explain to friends the therapeutic effect and health benefits motorcycle riding does to me, they simply don’t understand.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 02:46:28 +0000

In reply to David Masse.

I’ve shed all that gear but today wish it were back on. The wind was blowing hard on a cool, damp day. Chilled me to the bone. Power went off but could run a natural gas heating appliance that doesn’t need electric. Otherwise a hot shower would have been in order.

Hope you find warmer weather soon and complaints of heat and sweat!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 02:43:58 +0000

In reply to mykuljay.

Wind therapy. I like that notion. And I absolutely relate to the feeling you describe as you’re clearing your neighborhood. Same with the idea of heading “somewhere.”

Thank you for your kind words of concern and support. Kim and I both appreciate them.

I wish I could find therapy in cleaning the scooter. I do washing dishes but for some reason it’s not the same with the scooter. Or anything else for that matter. Maybe I need to attach the hose to hot water!

By: David Masse

David Masse — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 02:01:21 +0000

I spent an afternoon last Thursday riding downtown and back in the rain at 0C. When I got home I needed a good long soak in a nice hot bath. And it’s mid-April for heaven’s sake. Plus I had the tall windscreen on, the Tucano Urbano Termoscud on, and the heated grips running on high. I think I’m a wimp.

By: mykuljay

mykuljay — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 23:12:50 +0000

Steve – so glad to see you in print again. I was concerned for both you and Kim. I’ve said so often that it must be my personal mantra: Riding is My Wind Therapy. Even the best of us go through the multitude of stresses life tosses our direction. No sooner have I cleared the neighborhood on my Suzuki, I’m smiling inside my helmet and humming a nameless tune. Usually the best itinerary I’m able to offer the spouse is that I’m headed somewhere and I’ll let her know when I’m there. Be safe my friend, be young again in the warmth of Spring.

Oh as a side note, I’m afraid I keep my bike as sparkling clean as possible. Doing so is as much therapy to me, as is riding. Dirty or clean – ride on!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:40:26 +0000

In reply to James Zeiser. Sounds like you have decisions, choices and work ahead James. Hope you find what you need to make decisions on what to keep and what to let go. As Kim often tells me when I am pondering getting rid of something-- "You can always get another."

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:38:50 +0000

In reply to Dave. When I think of riding I am often reminded of the protagonist in James Fennimore Cooper's book The Deerslayer. He finds a connection to God and the spiritual in the natural world in which he lives. Churches and formal religious orders are far away and the book was written before the Evangelical movements we see today. But he often speaks of going home as you have. I like to think that path is available to anyone who desires it. Best to you in your rides and your journey home.