The Magnetic Attraction of Vespa Scooters
If I were adept at mathematics I might create an equation that describes the phenomenon of attraction between these metal machines. Newton, or Einstein might be able to illuminate it. I merely marvel at the scene of suggesting Vespa riders gather.
Like a soft force in the Universe.
Grateful for Friends
Those who know me well understand, or at least recognize, my tendency to shy away from or entirely forego opportunities to socialize. Parties, events, and gatherings, in general, are not my first, second, or even third choice in regard to socializing. Some people find such activities energizing, and exciting, and look forward to the next opportunity. As an introvert, being around other people, while enjoyable, drains energy from me.
So I tend to shy from group rides and events in favor of more quiet gatherings of one or two other people. Like breakfast this morning with my friends Andy and Paul.
As the photograph suggests, they’re not all that quiet.
After a fine meal at Breakfast on Boal Avenue, we planned a short ride to celebrate the return of Andy’s GTS300 after being sidelined from repairs for most of the summer. He just got it back the day before and was looking forward to a little adventure.
It’s what happens when Vespa riders gather.
No. No. Not Again
I stopped for gas and Andy told Paul that his oil light came on. Something new. I’m certain Andy’s heart must have sunk seeing that red oil can illuminate. When your trust in the reliability of a machine is already precarious, even a little thing like a warning light can conjure dark thoughts.
So the scooter was rolled down to a level spot for the group to attempt to diagnose the problem. It’s what happens when Vespa riders gather.
The oil level was fine. So that would suggest an issue with oil pressure. Or more likely, a faulty oil pressure sensor or wire. After a few more miles more data emerged. The oil light only illuminates at a slow idle. Perhaps the idle is too slow. Or the sensor is bad. No evidence of an increase in engine temperature. And no unusual engine sounds.
So the ride continued with Andy keeping an eye on things.
Acknowledging the View
For me, part of the joy in riding is what I see. On this ride, we decided to head over the mountains to see what we could see. And mixed in would be some stops for Andy to assess how the oil pressure light was acting.
I love riding in autumn when the air temperature drops and there’s a briskness to the experience. I feel more alive. I’m not sure my riding partners feel the same about it, with the temperature at 50F that feels pretty cold if you don’t have the right gear.
All I can say is that it was nice to get out and go for a ride. Food, talk, support. It’s what happens when Vespa riders gather together.
All Who Wander Are Not Lost
With a nod to Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” I have to say there is something that has the fragrance of freedom when you just wander around on a scooter with no clear plan. We weren’t lost or far from home, we just didn’t have any idea of where we were going aside from let’s look at the lake.
As I think about all the rides I’m made over the years, the ones that stand out in my memory are the ones where I left home with a general direction in mind and not much else. It’s easy to do when you’re riding alone. A bit more challenging when you’re with others. But we managed along with varied schedules to keep.
Vespa Riders Gather in Motion
Andy superbly documented the morning in this video. It’s a far better reflection of what actually happened than the picture my rambling thoughts portray. It’s only three and a half minutes long and zips along nicely. If you want to know what it’s like to have a little group ride, this is the video to watch.
It paints a perfect portrait of what happens when Vespa riders gather!
What is Paul riding these days and where did he get that jacket?
On this ride, a Vespa Primavera 150. He’ll have to share the source of his jacket.
Paul is rocking a 2016 Primavera Vespa. I’ve been buying StrongArm motorcycle attire for a number of years the jacket has all sorts of clever decals and I have matching pants.
Thumbs up! Now you’ve got me wanting to try the new Breakfast on Boal Av.
It’s a nice place. Cozy. And close by.
Many years ago, maybe 15 or more, there was a scooter club in State College that I believe Paul was involved in. I recall going to one of the first meetings they ever had. It was on West College Ave in front of 5 Guys Burgers, and about 5 scooters showed up. Maybe its time for Paul to put that club back together?
That was the Top Secret Scooter Club. They had one big rally. Paul talks about that club from time to time. I’m not sure how he feels about starting a club.
Kitty is your name Lindsey? There was a Lindsey in the Top Secret Scooter Club. I’ve been trying to find a president for the new version of the club I can’t do it on my own
Alone. I love that word. I love riding alone as I have said many times. I have never shied away from this feeling and am not afraid to share it with others. There are people that I enjoy riding with very much like Bill and my brother. But even with them, knowing they would be happy with any U-turn or defiation, I don’t do it. The moment of hesitation that I take to think about them and the moment is gone. Stupid really. Bill has made u-turns to follow me that almost killed him and he has never complained.
Bill and Scott please let me still still ride with you.
But, I just had to write that.
I understand. Riding alone has a special place for me as well. For others, it may seem as if I don’t want to ride with them but that’s not the case. But I feel guilty sometimes by the stops and U-turns I make!
Oh, I don’t know. I did a benefit ride for St. Jude’s a couple of weeks ago. There were a few like minded individuals in attendance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzX8RE55ibY
I checked my oil too before setting out on an eighty mile ride through the Catskills
I didn’t see any riding. Just a lot of Harley riders standing around looking at motorcycles! *grin*
All the Vespa riders much have already hit the road to ride….
I hate to tell you Steve but the only other scooter that ever shows up for these events is mine. And it’s a Chinese 250 to boot. I know there must be some….somewhere…but I don’t see many in my travels that aren’t 50cc. Here’s the group rolling. I come through on my ancient Kawasaki at 1:13. I don’t have a Go Pro, just a couple of cheap video cameras.
https://www.facebook.com/mriecke/videos/889233835376216?idorvanity=39425092590
Probably the most common scooter around here is a Honda 150. A Forza maybe?
Man, that’s a lot of motorcycles making a left turn!
Very lively, you all were that day.
It’s the cooler weather Mike. It winds us up.
My Brother in-law saw you guys at the Bakery P-Gap the other day, he has Honda cross over bike small. Jay is his name. He wants me to land on motor bike scooter. Jay enjoyed talking to you all.
Yes, Paul and I talked with Jay in the parking lot as we admired his Honda CT125. It’s a really cool machine. I can see you riding one of those. Heading to Gemelli’s for a loaf of good bread, a stop somewhere for a bottle of wine, some cheese from the Cheese Shop, and then home so you and your wife can sit outside in the evening and pretend you’re on the shore of the Adriatic somewhere. But you need that CT125 to make it happen Mike!
Its a small world. What a coincidence. Jay was going for a scooter ride with me tomorrow but something came up. Plus it might rain.
Thanks for writing a little more lately. I have nothing to justify this thought but a gut feeling, but whenever you write, it seems to me to be more connected to the pleasures of scooter riding than do the videos (although don’t get me wrong, the videos are nice too!). The stillness of the pictures allows for a little more contemplation within the words. Thanks.
I had to move through a field of indolence and sloth to get back to the blank page. You’re right about it being different from making videos. There is definitely a calmness to writing, and to riding without a video camera rolling.
So, when Vespa riders gather, do you adopt the name: Vesparados? 😉
A lit oil light would be quite troubling, I assume the cause was determined by now?
No names. We’re pretty non-descript.
I think Andy is going to have the dealer look at the light. It only comes on at a very slow idle. I wonder if the idle is too low or something. But yeah, when one of those lights comes on it provides an “oh oh…”