Yes she has no choice in the matter. The motorcycle has to have ground clearance.

Selfishly, I hope I can someday write the same as you are now — that I’m in my seventh decade and still riding and assessing my skills and energy. As you say, part of making those seventh-decade assessments will be an honest appraisal of the size and weight of the motorcycle or scooter. I hope I remain open and flexible enough to make changes in what I ride without my ego getting in the way.

I’ve not dropped the scooter in about 5 years now (I think). It fell over on the center stand while I was taking pictures. Soft ground can still trip me up.

It’s nice having the K75 and the Vespa to ride. Different experiences. Different capabilities. But as you say, whatever I might ride, staying in the game is the goal for me too!

I have enjoyed big displacement thumpers for many years but moving forward I think the smaller bike would be a better choice for me. Most likely a slower more contemplative vibe which should suit today’s much smaller world. The lighter weight too will benefit my seventh decade skill set, energy levels and require less effort to pick up. Picking up does happens every so often. I will have my bigger platform for more ambitious aspirations. Good to stay in the game and keep the juices flowing eh. 👍

The Vespa may be your gateway machine to something different that would allow you to adventure a little with your brother. One never knows what tomorrow might bring.

We have a good time Dom. That’s what matters. And you have some amazing adventures yourself with Yagi. The recent trip to Engineers Pass looks stunning.

Walter Muma’s ride is perhaps the most stunning to me. He was out there before cell phones and GPS, before the Yukon and Alaska grew a bit more civilized in terms of services, and he was on a machine that just goes slow. I can’t imagine it.

I enjoy riding on gravel and dirt and there are plenty of opportunities around here. I’ve been a bit more hesitant now as the Vespa is getting older and I fear it will come apart. I keep my eye open for a third machine to play with. I continually see Kawasaki 650 KLRs but I want something smaller. Like the XT225, TW200 or a Honda like my friend Paul rides. I haven’t broached the subject with Kim yet…

The magic of editing. Makes it seem like all she does is fall over.

A low center of gravity does make things more stable. But doesn’t help much when you need a tall bike with lots of clearance!

I can only dream about an 8-week trip. Of any kind. Maybe someday…