Ride or Walk?
I’ve long recognized feeling better when I go for a ride. The distance, duration, or destination don’t seem to matter.
A recent study from Stanford University suggests that walking led people to more creative thinking. I’ve read about writers being able to shake loose mental blocks and solve narrative problems while walking. So I’ve begun to wonder if riding is like walking.
The Stanford study showed from 80 to 100 percent of participants produced more creative ideas while walking compared to sitting. And sitting down afterward, that creative energy continued. I sit a lot. Perhaps if I take more regular walks my blog writing blocks may begin to dissolve.
When I ride my imagination definitely increases. Many of the ideas for blog and video topics surface during rides. Not so many when I sit at the keyboard.
Perhaps I just trying to rationalize more reasons to ride.
Sunshine and Cold Weather
Riding through winter in Central Pennsylvania requires a few things. As I’ve gotten older, nearly 69 now, I’ve pretty much abandoned risking being caught in a snowstorm, having to ride home from work in freshly falling snow and sleet, or braving temperatures below 0F.
But I still don’t winterize my machines and continue to ride through the winter. All I require now are temperatures of about 20F and reasonably dry roads. And if there’s a little sunshine, I can almost convince myself it’s summer. Or at least spring. The riding gear helps.
I was riding along one of the paved roads into the mountains and stopped along a stream. I often stop just to listen to the gurgling waters. I’ve listened to fine recordings of streams but they’re nothing like the real thing.
As Far As I Can Go
The sun will warm the forest on a winter day, sometimes enough to recognize the fragrance of decaying leaves, a hint of pine, and the aroma of a meandering creek. When I find a little road or trail I’ll sometimes push the Vespa forward until I can’t, or won’t, go any farther. Satisfied. Content. And with a clear head. I get that way walking. And it seems riding is like walking.
It’s a bit strange to me that I still choose to ride the Vespa into areas better suited to the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Old habits die hard I guess.
Another Old Habit
Habit or ritual, I don’t care which. But all my rides tend to include or finish with a stop to eat. It’s not that I’m hungry or don’t have food at home but rather a chance to sit alone and watch the world go by. Watch people. Experience life in the way my leanings toward being a loner seem to allow.
The Pump Station Cafe in Boalsburg is a local favorite in part because its outdoor seating is available year-round. During the pandemic, my drug-suppressed immune system appreciated being able to dine in the open air. Another cold weather challenge at times with my limit set to around 30F. I’ve seen skiers dine outdoors in cold weather. Why can’t a Vespa rider?
Some Things Never Change
Any adventure in my life is confined to riding. Food has never been an adventure. I could probably live like a dog eating the same thing over and over again. Such are my breakfast choices at the Pump Station — Jump Start sandwich, tea, and a cinnamon roll.
I’m still thinking about whether riding is like walking in terms of jumpstarting my creative energies and output. I read something this morning that suggested balance between the right and left sides of our brain should be the goal. Perhaps if I honored the left side more with its focus on detail, concrete action, and practical thoughts. It may make it easier to wash the scooter and motorcycle. Mop up the mud from the mud room. And generally act as an adult in matters of home maintenance and chores.
Sounds boring.
I try to walk each and everyday and Winter makes this easier on one hand as our weather here as a rule does not promote Winter riding. I’m most content when I have managed to both walk and ride through the course of the day. I think both activities benefit my state of mind but the more physical benefits of walking further compliment my day and as I have a few years on you Steve, I figure the longer I walk the longer I can throw a leg over the Moto? All about the balance I think? Thanks for this prompt to get out for a stroll and just maybe if it warms up a bit, a wee scoot.
My cardiologist hammers me about walking more. And he is a BMW GS rider and sees through my bullshit about riding being good exercise. So I shoot for 10 thousand steps a day. Easier when I just go for a walk. Or get on the treadmill.
I think you’re right though that walking will keep us riding longer.
Those GS riders are a savvy bunch😉
Yeah, but they like to remind me of how savvy they are and that’s sort of annoying! 🙂
Now you’ve made me want to go to the Pump Station. Walking. I wish I could. My severe back pain has limited even walking. I’m working on it with physical therapy.
I hope PT gets you walking soon. Nothing has been more frustrating for me than when my back is giving me problems. I feel ancient.
Ah, the old “Why walk when you can ride?” thing. (Thank you Lou Reed & Honda.) In my case, post-crash, it’s about learning to walk again before riding anything. And, by “anything”, it may likely be a new Vespa before throwing a leg over any of my bicycles, on account of the damage my right leg took. Presumably, I’ll be walking normally toward year’s end, but cycling may likely take a while longer.
But, there’s waking.
So, why walk when you can ride? I say, why choose?
Walking seems to have some magic to it. I hope your recovery progresses quickly and you can tour the neighborhood on foot!
For me, driving is when I’m most creative, things I find on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Walking, riding, driving, kinda’ all the same
I think of you often Frank and something you said to me when we were out in your Jeep looking for photographs. You said you don’t see anything when traveling over 35mph. I’ve tested that and you’re right. The slower I go the more I see when driving a car. Harder to find a place to pull over in my car than on the scooter though.
Hey Steve, I haven’t communicated in years and have now seen your post and am happy for you and your improved health and continued exploration. I get my exercise by playing pickle-ball with my wife of two years now and her drive for us to keep moving. Its working; I’m feeling and looking better than years gone by. Keep it up Buddy!!!
Good to hear from you Brent.
A lot of my friends are playing pickle-ball but I’ve not gone down that road yet. I played table tennis on Penn State’s team back in the 70s and a few years ago I started to play and was shocked at the gap between what my brain remembered and what my body could do. For now it’s walking that keeps me moving.
Take care!
All my best to Amateriat for a speedy recovery.
Steve, did you see Doug Cooper’s nice little video he dedicated to you?
If not, here you go: https://youtu.be/WTgsZwBeq8w
I did see Doug’s video but I think he dedicated to a different Steve. He commented that he’s going to have to get more specific with the Steve’s in his life!
Enjoyed your musings and allowed my mind to ponder…do pilots feel the same regarding flying, or certain people with regards sailing…I suspect many feel the scales lifted when getting up out of their chair, standing up and doing anything that gets the “blood flowing”.
I’m reminded of the incredible difference physical activity made when I was dealing with mental depression, and I’m confidant many feel energized and invigorated when they – go to the gym, walk/run on the beach, go for a hike, a ride, etc…
Steve – thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I’ve been enjoy your writing immensely and find your words of insight to ring too true.
Although I reside in Australia at the present, I look forward to one day meeting you in the flesh, feeling that I’ve met a kindred spirit.
Stumbled across your site by accident in searching for a Vespa blog after purchasing a new 2023 Vespa GTS 300 classic.
I can’t wait to venture further then my two legs can carry me and my camera.
Personally I have used photography to help in managing my mental health, and look forward to adding the scooter in to the mix.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, impressions, opinions and musings.
You provide ‘food for thought’ and inspiration to stand up, get outside and move through life, instead of letting life move around us.
Reading your comment I am reminded that for me, there is a reward in well being when I choose action over thought. And when I say thought I am referring to the something obsessive that gets in the way of living. Getting up and doing almost anything changes my view and perspective of the world and my life.
Australia is a long way from Central Pennsylvania. You never know when paths might cross. I’ve been surprised how often I’ve met fellow riders and bloggers over the years.
Riding and photography plays an active role in my own well being. I often don’t realize the powerful effect it can have on awareness. And it’s fun. A good mix for me.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. I appreciate them. It’s always good for me to see how others meld their interests into a life.