Embracing the Last Warm Days of Autumn.
A scene from three weeks ago as my friend Paul and I made the most of one of the last warm days of autumn. Riding a Vespa scooter on a sunny day remains one of the fine, simple pleasures of my life. Looking at the picture I’m reminded of how grateful I am to have a fast friend who pushed me into riding. Life would be dimmer had I never climbed aboard a Vespa.
Scooter or Motorcycle?
I suspect I’ll always ride a scooter. At least until I can’t. They are simple, elegant machines that afford an experience so mesmerizing that I still struggle to describe. And now that I own a BMW K75 motorcycle I’m privy to a different experience. There are great similarities between the two machines but there are substantial differences. One that I’m fully aware of is that I’ll be surrendering the keys to the motorcycle before those of the scooter.
For now, I’m happy to be able to ride my Vespa scooter on a sunny day.
Another Visit to the Inglebean Coffee House.
Paul and I often take short rides. Excuses to get something to eat really. Not the grand adventures often cited in moto-magazines, but more humble expressions of time and circumstances of our lives. I’m grateful to find contentment and satisfaction that doesn’t require thousands of miles to achieve.
I’m happy to report that life is good when you can ride a Vespa scooter on a sunny day. Little more is required.
The Circle of Riding
Ride, stop to take a picture, ride some more, stop for lunch, ride some more and arrive back home. A simple formula that consumes a few hour’s time and provides exceptional returns in the form of calm and contentment.
There’s a pattern to much of my riding. Tiny meditations. How powerful it is the ride a Vespa scooter on a sunny day.
“One that I’m fully aware of is that I’ll be surrendering the keys to the motorcycle before those of the scooter.”
My late Father rode his 750 Kawasaki until he was 90 years old and stopped when it became obvious he shouldn’t be driving either. I, like you, have resolved that I will probably be riding a scooter last. Present issues from a previous craniotomy have left me slightly weaker on one side so that may inhibit riding something big. Although my 250 Nighthawk is a lot easier to deal with than the 750cc. I may be swinging my leg over a bike longer than I expect.
That age, 90, isn’t a common number in my family. I would like to think I would still be able to ride at that age but I won’t hold my breath. Instead, I’ll try and enjoy the days as they come and leave the future alone.
Like you, the scooter will likely be the last stop on the two-wheeled journey. And swinging the leg over the motorcycle — someday that could be a problem!
Well, your writters block seems to have disappeared. And with that said I am off to meet Bill in middle FLA to creat a rding story of our own.
It’s half gone. Still find my writing brain misfiring. Hope you have a fine time adventuring with Bill!
“Ride, stop to take a picture, ride some more”
Exactly this. The fact that these scooters are small and nimble makes it so easy to make frequent, quick stops for taking pictures. I can’t see myself doing that as frequently on a heavy motorcycle.
Last Sunday we had a sunny, cloud free autumn day here as well. Perfect to get lost in the splendid light and colors of the season. Left home a bit late though, and before I knew it was late in the afternoon… Had to ride through dusk to get home but how great was the light with the sun just set and the moon rising as a giant in the distance.
As this being my first autumn on a scooter I will never forget those impressions. Calm and contentment indeed.
Already I’ve found the motorcycle problematic in a number of ways regarding photography. All the little scenes and details that I might photograph on the scooter are often too difficult to maneuver into position with the motorcycle. So I don’t stop. And additionally, I’ve found the motorcycle is conducive to riding. Moving. Eating up miles on the road. None of this is bad. Just different than my Vespa experience.
Your Sunday ride sounds wonderful. It’s the kind of ride I look forward to. And never have enough of.
Be safe on the road with your scooter and have fun. The memories will just continue to grow.
I confess I miss my Burgman 400 scooter. I’m enjoying my new-to-me 1300VTX but they serve different purposes. When on the Burgy’ I did as you. Ride, stop, shoot,ride, eat,ride home. Simple bliss. On the VTX I have to double check the fuel and as might be guessed, stopping frequently is far more cumbersome.
I’ve no doubt that when I surrender the VTX and tell my wife “no more riding” – I’ll look for a scooter. I just won’t tell her right away.
A big cruiser like the VTX would be a dramatic change from something like the Burgman 400. I can absolutely understand how much more cumbersome it is to stop for anything. They’re made to keep moving.
Maybe you need to adjust your conversation with your wife when the day comes to something like, “You know, I think I’m going to get ride of the motorcycle and get something a little smaller, safer and more economical. Like a scooter.” She’ll like that plan!
Thank you for your thoughtful and loving words about us. It’s rare to see things like that. I’m sure other men sometimes feel these things but it’s not often spoken about. I sure like poking around in the countryside in the sun and the simplicity with you. It’s an opportunity for my mental loads/concerns to left at home and it’s revitalizing. I’m always looking for new Vespa on ebay. I like the feel of those in backroads. Quiet and smooth and light and fun. Paul