I just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel filmed during the recent ride shared in the last post. I’m uncertain as to how, or if, to share the videos here. They seem so different that the essays I write about rides and riding. Perhaps I’ve not given enough time or thought to the making of videos. At this point in time, they are frustrating projects as I struggle with hardware, editing software, and finding a voice. Oh, and on top of that some sort of content that’s worth watching.
Still, it’s an interesting creative puzzle and I plan to continue for a while.
If you like the video or are interested in having me make more, please subscribe on YouTube.
That will give me some indication if anyone is interested in me further developing videos about riding scooters and motorcycles and all that entails.
So without any further conjecture, here’s the video on winter Vespa riding…
Really enjoyed your video, scenery, roads and weather very similar to here in Scotland. The advice of experience is appreciated as is the effort to make the video. Thanks very much.
Scotland. My wife and I would both love to experience those landscapes and people someday. I’m glad you found some use in my riding conversation!
Sure nice to go for a ride Steve … Can’t wait for the Drone POV’s 😉
It was nice. A ride to nowhere to do nothing other than make me smile. Even struggling with the video cameras and straining to say some, the ride was still enjoyable.
If I find myself as enamored with making videos as I have been in writing blog posts, I can definitely see myself buying a drone. I ride in so many wonderful landscapes that I would love to see an aerial perspective. I wrote down some time ago the words, “Mavic Air 2 drone.” It’s been in my head. But it would require some convincing on my part that I would really use it before spending a thousand dollars or more. And then having to go through the FAA process to operate the thing. Unless I get the Mini. Then it’s half the price and far less red tape!
I used to shoot video for a living and 9 times out of ten it was one camera. Tis indeed a ton of work and that’s before you get to post. I really did appreciate the ride and the work involved. I know that I often don’t stop for photo ops because I’m so involved in the ride I cannot bear the thought of interrupting the pleasure. Kudos and charge ahead, I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated.
The whole thing is confusing at this point. Especially with two cameras running that you can’t see the composition. Just sort of point and hope for the best. And the GoPro cameras are anything but simple. So many settings. So many options. So many opportunities to screw up.
You’re right about interrupting the flow of a ride. It wouldn’t be so bad for an all-day ride but for the short rides of a couple of hours, it is pretty intrusive. I suppose it will become more seamless once I have practiced a bit more.
Hi Steve. The video was fine, and I am sure regular readers will enjoy almost anything you put out. Short thoughts (aka unsolicited advice): don’t overthink this. You’ll eventually find your voice over time by making more videos. If you’re not using a MacBook Pro and iMovie, I would recommend both. Your photos are evocative because they always tell a story that goes along with your post, so follow that into making videos – tell a story. This one was a story about a winter ride, with tips on how to ride in winter. Storytelling, occasionally combined with instructional content (e.g. the story of how I changed my oil), usually make good content. I look forward to more.
Thank you Tom for your advice and critique. I really do appreciate it.
I agree with the notion that time and practice will uncover “my voice.” Whether that’s of interest to anyone only the work will reveal.
Technically, I’m editing with Final Cut Pro X. I had the software left from years ago for work projects. Strangely, Apple continues to update it. For previous videos, I used iMovie but as easy as it was to use, it was also pretty constraining. After a little learning time with Final Cut I found it very smooth.
You’re right about the importance of storytelling. Writing about rides and pictures after the fact allows me to sort out the story in my own good time. With video, especially narrating live, that’s a much different storytelling process. I’ll really need to practice to end up with something interesting. But I’m excited by the challenge.
I’ll share more video soon. I will always value your criticism. Keep in mind, I’m very thick skinned from many beatings in Art School!!
That was fun to watch and hear your comments. I guess I’ve heard those things from you in person but this time it was presented as one classroom workshop and I was able to listen and remember better. You sounded calm as the scooter went through ice spots. I’d be half inclined to come to a near stop (if there was enough time and distance before the ice). I suppose if you ride over ice often enough you relax more about it and there’s less chance of drama.
It feels unnatural at this point talking while I’m riding. With practice, I probably will be more comfortable. And if I have something to talk about!
I’m used to riding the scooter through icy spots. Like anything else, you get accustomed to it over time. And you know I’m a slow rider…
I really enjoyed your video because now I know what the countryside between your “stills” looks like. I grew up riding in Wisconsin and now live in Minnesota so all your icy road tips are spot on whether you are on two wheels…, or four. As a fellow still photographer I also grapple with the complexity, time and steep learning curve to make interesting videos. It appears that your comments were recorded in real-time so wondering if you can share how you managed that while wearing a full coverage helmet?
I recorded the audio by using a Rode lavalier microphone. It is taped inside my helmet just to the right of my mouth. The microphone has a little dead cat on it and the wire runs out to the GoPro camera. The cameras have no microphone input. So I had to buy a Media Mod box. The camera is inserted into that and there is a mike jack in the back of the Media mod box. I wish the jack was on the side. So far, the setup remains cumbersome and I’ll have to work on it. The sound is sorted and can’t be much quieter unless I buy a helmet that’s quieter.
So, looks like a successful route recon! Now the Himalaya’s turn? Does it come with a center stand like the Vespa, allowing you to park in those narrow shoulders?
I took the Himalayan out today. Different route. More salty mess but not as much ice. So that was good.
The Himalayan does have a center stand but it is not nearly as stable as the Vespa. The scooter has one wide foot that gives some added stability. The Himalayan has two smaller footprint points. Stable I suppose but I’ve not tested it except for in the garage and driveway. I did put a kickstand foot extension. It’s nice and wide. No sinking into mud or soft dirt.
I found myself tensing up as you negotiated some of that snow and ice. I also came off my Vespa once, Also on my LX150. In the rain, not on ice. It happens in a split second. Very brave, very confident, you are. Nice work on the video too.
When it does happen, it happens suddenly. I don’t worry much about loss of traction anymore. I do sort of obsess about deer though. They seem particularly difficult subjects for which to manage risk. Slowing down helps but man they seem to just appear out of nowhere.
The video is still cumbersome and uncomfortable. You know what it’s like. But I suppose with practice it will get better and I can focus more energy on the story rather than the technology.
My only fall on the street was on black ice. A nice, slow get off that did minimal damage to the bike. As I watched you pass through some of the snow on the road I was getting up on the pegs in my mind. Like deep sand, snow can get the back end squirrelly so moving up and back settles the bike down. I would be looking for snow to ride through instead of the ice. Slow!y, of course. The Himalayan will handle that stuff easily.
There really wasn’t any snow on the road. Mostly it was packed snow that turned to ice now with a touch of slush on top. Really slippery stuff. Best to avoid it. Having ridden in snow exclusively on the scooter, there was no peg standing. I found it much more useful to easily flat foot the machine and duck walk through some of the more challenging stretches. Not on this ride but on rides in the past.
I don’t think I’ll take the Himalayan out in the snow and ice. Being a hundred pounds heavier than the Vespa and slightly taller it would be more difficult to safely manage things.
My ears got cold with out my helmet on. I enjoyed the ride anyhow. Good Stuff Steve.
You used to be impervious to the cold Mike. It’s hell to get old!