Some rides are planned. Others are gifts. Like a perfect morning Vespa ride.
Morning Magic
All the essential ingredients were there. On the road early with a cool mist in the air, no traffic, and relaxed in that unique way where absolutely nothing is bothering me. Sure, there’s a lot going on in my life with summer projects, desires, dreams, and concerns. But nothing is really bothering me. I suspect a morning Vespa ride plays its part.
Perfect.
Roam, Ramble, and Range
When I leave the house to ride alone I seldom know where I’m going. At least I have no destination in mind. Maybe just a vague sense of a direction from which to start. Left or right out of the driveway. It’s as simple as that and soon I’m rambling along until something comes to me. On this morning I was watching the fog and mist hoping I would find some pea soup along the ground but no such luck.
Eventually, I ended up watching the fog clear away from Mount Nittany and wondered how often over the years I’ve watched the same event. A lot of riders I’ve met detest traveling the same route twice. How strange I am that I still find magic after the hundredth time. Another gift that makes riding easier and more satisfying.
No Breakfast
As usual, my stomach trumped any desire to ride further. And some projects at home demanded my attention so I rode on to the Pump Station Cafe for breakfast. One of the drawbacks of riding early in the morning is you sometimes arrive at eating establishments before they open. I considered hanging out for an hour but it was easier to ride home and pour myself a bowl of Cheerios.
Despite my disappointment at not being able to have the breakfast I desired, it was a perfect morning Vespa ride.
Waiting for the sun to come up so I can take a morning ride.I have been out about 2 weeks ar the south Texas coast fishing with my teenage grandsons. Lots of fun there too,still missed my machine and flying off to some two wheel serenity. Thanks as always for the beautiful view of your part of the world,happy trails to you.
Two wheel serenity. That is a frequent benefit of riding. And no matter how well things are going otherwise, a ride still can seem to soar.
In this world of care, take some time to stop and stare.
Stop and stare. Yes. Important stuff Robert.
I have to constantly remind myself that pliability is a virtue, that I can change direction mid stream and that though Grackle Coffee isn’t open today that there are somehow, other options. I will survive!
Pliability. One of many good character traits to have.
When I was a whole lot younger, we lived on the water in the Florida panhandle. One of my favorite things was going out to the end of the dock when the Sound was covered in fog. So quiet and peaceful.
Another plus: nobody could find me.
There is something magical about fog and large bodies of water. I always am enthralled in those situations.
Glad you had a nice relaxing ride this morning.
Thank you Karl. I hope you’re finding time for the same.
The Mount Nittany photo make it look like the summer is ending.
Well, it’s not over but I already feel the draw toward autum. Could be the subtle changes in light. Or maybe the quality of the trees and plants. Or maybe even the slow simmer of melancholy I experience in autumn.
I’m a sensitive guy after all!
Love having a ride with at least one stop for refreshments. You live in a pretty part of the country. My area is very urban and takes some planning to get out and away from the city.
During the past 18 months my stops for refreshment have dwindled. Places weren’t open. Or I didn’t feel comfortable indoors. But I’ve managed the changes ok and am surprised by the options available.
Any day you can step through and sit on your Vespa and go for a ride is a good day. Stopping along the way for food or drink is a plus.
It’s the simple life!
Lately I’ve been breaking in my new Chinese scooter which in my world means taking it easy. As in 37 mph or less. Riding at that speed is much more casual than the pace of my 250s or 750 Kawasaki. It allows me to take in the scenery instead of tunnel visioning the road and rear view mirrors. It’s totally different from my usual MO. I’m seeing different roads and points of interest casually cruising the Countryside.
I have a friend who is a photographer that travels the roads of America making pictures. He says it’s impossible to see anything over 35mph. I’ve tested that theory and have found it to be largely true. The slower I travel, the more I see.
Be well as you cruise the countryside on your scooter. Who knows what you’ll see next.