Sometimes the Road Ahead is Straight and Familiar
I’m not talking about the pavement. Or dirt and gravel. The change I refer to is when life disrupts my routine and expectations. When I ride I seem more aware now of those changes and the potential impact they have on the journey forward. Even little things stand out and leave me confused about what’s ahead. What will happen next.
During a recent ride to breakfast with my friend Paul I found myself thinking about the road ahead and the things that are changing.
What’s Different About this Picture?
I met my friend Paul through photography back in the mid-90s. We traveled roads like these in a car making photographs for ten years before I bought my first Vespa scooter. Then things changed as photo outings became rides.
And now things are changing again. Paul on his Vespa Primavera and me on the ET4. Looks normal but it masks a change. Paul has sold his KTM 390 Adventure motorcycle that he used to ride when we ventured into the mountains. And his Triumph T100 is for sale leaving the Primavera the only option. Now I’ll be riding alone into the mountains.
Landscape Appreciation
I dare say looking at the landscape while riding is every bit as compelling as the riding act. I can’t say for sure which is more important — scenery or machine?
Whatever the correct answer, Paul and I share an appreciation of the landscape through which we ride. And how can a photographer pass up a couple round bales sitting out in a field?
The Capable Little Scooters
Our two 150cc scooters are more than able to make the 23 mile ride to breakfast at the Meandering Mallard in Millheim, Pennsylvania. The backroads we take make for comfortable riding with little traffic or need to go fast. We could go much, much farther on these machines.
I’m uncertain what new motorcycle Paul might buy for the road ahead. Until that change occurs it will be these capable Vespa scooters when we ride together.
Is Breakfast Too Early for Cookies?
A window seat at the Meandering Mallard provided a fine view. The cookie was just out of the oven but would wait until after I had my tea and breakfast sandwich. Someone told me once it wasn’t right to have tea and biscuits in the morning. They couldn’t say why exactly other than a vague “those are the rules” sort of thing. Like the fork going on the left unless it’s an oyster fork.
I can’t be bothered much by those sorts of conventions. I’m not sure if I’m lazy, indifferent, or subconsciously rebelling. But whatever it is, I know that the road ahead changes. Maybe next month I’ll quit having tea and cookies before lunch.
A Fellow Rider
Paul is looking for another motorcycle. I can’t predict what he’ll end up with. A Honda has caught his eye but I can’t quit picture him with another Honda. He’s been looking for a long time for a specific Harley Fat Boy but it may not be available right now.
Or maybe there just won’t be anymore motorcycles. All scooters for the road ahead baby. And I’ll be riding the Himalayan through the Pennsylvania wilds and wilderness alone. Or maybe I’ll sell it for a road bike.
Who knows…
The Road Ahead is Unpredictable
When we departed the cafe I was convinced the weather was moving east and north of us. Occasional sunshine eased any concern of rain. We stopped to admire the landscape and sky and I was confident that there would be no rain to bother us.
My memory erased the folly of looking into the crystal ball or relying on the Weather app on my iPhone. I forgot the road ahead can’t be predicted with any certainty.
Into Every Life a Little Rain Must Fall
Rain clouds passed quickly. Rain fell heavily and then stopped. A few minutes would pass and it would start again. A bright sky had to mean it would stop. But then another dark cloud would pass and deliver more rain.
I could see the big dry patches under the tree canopies that dotted the road ahead. Stop, wait, and begin again. We made adjustments to the ride based on the road ahead.
There was a lesson for me to learn that day. I’m still uncertain if I’ve learned it. Or maybe I’m just having some trouble accepting it.
Always fun riding with you, enjoying your landscape and pondering your questions
Well, it seems a lot of thoughts and questions arise while I’m riding. Glad you find something of interest in them.
I love my Vespa Scooter and enjoy the ride in our local community. I’m happy that you enjoy yours also along with Paul’s. Have a good and happy day and thanks for your posts.
They sure are fun to ride. Every time!
We currently have 6 motorcycles between us. 90% we are on paved roads or gravel or semi smooth dirt. Twice a year we go on woods ride where we need an enduro or a dirt bike. I can rent a KLX250 in Port Matilda for $80 . It’s called Riders Share
Let’s be a little more specific. There are two motorcycles, my Himalayan and your Triumph T100. And my two scooters and your two. As far as non-smooth gravel and dirt — I’ve had the Himalayan out on Jeep trails four times in the last two months. You could probably get the Primavera through it but the mud and vegetation slapping the paint would make you cry!
I have a couple more rides planned soon that involve several creek crossings. Not Vespa territory. Maybe you could get the Triumph across. Depends on how deep the water is. The KLX250 could certainly manage it though.
But I’ve begun to wonder if I should stay on the nice roads…
Very timely post, as I have a change coming as well – a gently used (325 miles) 2022 Honda CT125 Trail Rider. The Kymco 300i officially becomes the “road” bike, while the Hunter Cub becomes the “vacation/adventure” bike. I should be picking it up tomorrow. It’s no Himalayan, but I trust its light weight and reasonable cost will offer a different riding experience. Get me on those dirt roads!
Timely post, as I have a change in the road ahead as well. I’ll be picking up a gently used (325 miles) Honda CT 125 Trailrider tomorrow. The Kymco 300i now becomes the “pavement” scooter, while the Trailrider become the “vacation/adventure” bike. Not a Himalayan, but I trust between the weight of the bike and the price it should be a good buy providing a good deal of fun. Bring on the gravel and dirt!
Timely post, as the road is changing for me as well. I’m picking up a gently used (325 miles) 2022 Honda CT125 Trailrider tomorrow. The Kymco will officially become the “pavement” bike, while the Trailrider becomes the “vacation/adventure” bike. Not a Himalayan, I know, but the price and weight of the bike should provide me with some fun in the years to come. Bring on the gravel and dirt!
Sorry that you had to post your comments three times Tom. For some reason the Askimet spam filter keeps flagging you. No idea why. So they go into moderation until I approve them.
The CT125 looks like a great machine. I hope you have a lot of fun with it!
No worries, Steve. I am an internet security freak, and I lock down my computer with a lot of blocking software. Probably something broke on my end!
Your thoughts are much appreciated, Steve.
Thanks. I have lots of thoughts!! *GRIN*
About your comment about selling the Himalayan and getting a road bike. Two words BMW K75. The Himalayan is dual purpose bike. Road or dirt. What you need to do is load up the saddlebags and ride somewhere, on the highway, far enough away that you need to stay overnight.
I did Americade on my 40 year old Kawasaki with shaft drive. I have a set of throw over saddlebags that clip to various components and are expandable, Six days worth of clothes, , cameras, toiletries and a C Pap machine. The bags came off at the hotel and weren’t needed until the trip home. I never felt the need for a nine hundred pound Touring bike. Even after seven days and eight hundred miles I didn’t feel the need.
For what you are doing the RE is the perfect bike. The first time you succumbed to taking the road bike off road and dropped it, which the fates will do, You’ll be saying, “Oh why didn’t I keep the Himalayan???”
Many thoughts pass through my head when I’m thinking about scooters and motorcycles. Currently the driving force is whether I should be riding alone in the mountains where cell coverage is spotty and perhaps staying on the pavement would be the better choice. But then I find myself planning another trip on Jeep trails with the Himalayan. Alone.
The BMW K75C was a fine road bike until it wasn’t. It was always heavy with that weight slung high. Eventually for the kind of riding I was doing, read that many stops and U-turns for photos rather than long trips with no stops, it just wasn’t the right choice. The Himalayan is much easier to move around and its weight is slung low despite it seeming a tall machine.
Overnight rides aren’t an option right now since my wife’s complex spinal reconstruction. She needs some help from me during what the surgeon says could be a year long recovery. But eventually the overnight options will return.
To be honest, I know the Himalayan will do everything I will possibly do right now with a motorcycle. Long trips and short. But I just want to experience another machine. A road bike. So I’ve been looking. But who knows.
I’ll be doing some more regular off-pavement riding to see how I feel about doing it alone. When I was younger I didn’t give it a thought. But now it feels a little different. I’ve been considering a Garmin inReach Mini 2 so I can reach out in an emergency. I’m not interested in navigation but the satellite messaging and SOS capabilities are making more sense.
Another day, another adventure…
I think you might miss the All Roads capability of the Himilayan Steve and you could easily approximate that 350 Classic feel with a smaller front wheel that you’ve stashed away in the stable? I would imagine photo ops aplenty await on the dirt and gravel byways of Central PA and yes, you can use a Spot/InReach?
I went for a 75 mile ride today on the Himalayan. Mud, dirt, and gravel mostly. I’m not sure if it’s like the Classic 350 but the Himalayan does everything I need it to do. Well, except it would have been nice in the mud today to have some more aggressive tires on the motorcycle. I shot some video and will be posting something about that ride on Monday or Tuesday.
Cell coverage was good in some areas and non-existent in others. An inReach Mini 2 might be a good thing to have just in case.
Let me second the Garmin inReach, or something similar like a Zolio or the new Motorola Defy. I have a Garmin 67i GPS with inReach built in; thank god I haven’t had to use it yet :-). There’s a website called hikingguy.com and he is the most comprehensive person I’ve come across on the internet reviewing these emergency signal/beacon devices. He’ll give you the most comprehensive information you can get.
Thanks for the head’s up on hikingguy.com. I’ll check it out. My wife and I talked yesterday about the Garmin inReach and she felt it was a good idea. After I do a little research I’ll make a decision.
Like you, I hope it goes unused while riding!
Steve I have very fond memories of my Vespa LX150. In my view the best urban bike ever. Small, nimble, and more than fast enough, even on the occasional highway. When they are parked, Vespas instantly improve the urban landscape. Two 150cc Vespas, more than doubles the appeal. They add an instant cool vibe to the businesses where they park. I never, ever, had anyone complain, no matter where I parked. Your post, and photos of the parked Vespas sparked those memories.
You’re right about the 150cc Vespa scooters being a perfect machine for town. Plenty fast enough, incredibly nimble, and they do look pretty.
And while riding one the rider profile is just about as “obvious” as a small motorcycle.
The road ahead changed for me last year, stopping riding after 58 years in the saddle. I’d loosely planned for an eventual stop for about 10 years, both upskilling and developing other interests for that inevitable day. It worked out fine. I’ll always have an interest in motorcycles but after 12 months, don’t miss riding one.
Best regards,
Geoff in NZ
I’ve watched the progression on your blog Geoff and your interest in classic cars has me wondering about a move from two-wheels to some “unique” vehicle someday soon. I’m just four years from when you stopped riding. In my mind I see myself continually downsizing but who knows what will happen. I have other interests but nothing quite as seductive as riding. I ran my Himalayan through miles and miles of dirt, mud, and water a couple days ago and I felt like a kid playing despite the fact that I’m old, had a heart attack, was alone, and with no cell coverage. A prudent man would be examining the situation.
It’s good to know that you don’t miss riding. My biggest fear is I’ll be miserable. But then I remember a friend once told me that misery is a choice…
Geoff, I’ll have to drop by your blog.
I stopped riding motorbikes (Vespas, and the occasional motorcycle) this year, and while I have very fond memories, I don’t miss riding either. The thing with my decision was that I no longer had a need to ride. I wasn’t commuting, and the local riding club had folded during the pandemic. The less I rode, the greater I perceived the risk. It would take three of four city blocks in the saddle for me to feel at ease again. I also felt that feeling at ease could be misleading. There are a myriad little habits I had learned that contributed to safe riding. Every now and then during a ride I realize that I had neglected something. No consequence, but it was unsettling.
I still ride, but I get my two-wheel fix from a Brompton bicycle now. Frankly, two wheels are two wheels. To a certain extent slower is actually more enjoyable, two-wheel wise.
Warm regards,
David