Planetary Alignment
A celestial alignment of Vespa scooters brought Andy, Paul, and myself together for a ride during a “warm” February day. The sun was out, roads were clear, we were all geared up and able to comfortably manage a 42F day.
I knew it was cold because Paul had to use his electric gloves along with his faux Carhartt overalls. Whatever the circumstances already fading in my memory it was good to be with my fellow Vespa riders on the road through Penns Valley in Central Pennsylvania.
Three Vespa Scooters, Two Strange Riders
Most of the time I ride alone along empty roads. So when I’m riding with someone, even people I know well, I’m always surprised. Like focusing on the three scooters only to notice Andy and Paul speeding through the frame.
I lead a sheltered life.
Life at the Meandering Mallard
Millheim is a small burg toward the eastern end of Penns Valley. In the heart of Amish Country. And a fine riding destination for breakfast or lunch is the Meandering Mallard Cafe. A brief respite from the cold along with hot drinks and good food.
And of course the obligatory portrait commemorating our time together. I seem more gigantic in photos than I feel in life….
The Vertical World
Growing up almost all photographs were horizontal save for formal portraits. While at the Mallard Paul asked a young woman to take a photograph of us through the window. “She shot it vertical” Paul exclaimed. Generation Z grew up with Instagram. The world is now seen vertically….
Go Anywhere By Vespa
It’s not until you ride a Vespa scooter that you have an opportunity to understand how special they are. I’m biased and opinionated. And my beliefs might relate more to Steve’s Vespa Hypothesis than any objective facts or data. But I’m sticking with it. Vespa riders on the road can go anywhere, anytime, and do it with a smile on their faces.
At least I do. And if I could never own or ride anything other than my pistachio colored Vespa ET4 I would still be a happy, content man.
A beautiful day.
Friends, Scooters, and Sunshine.
It was a perfect day for a ride. No complaining about the cold, the stock market, politics, or anything else that we have absolutely no control over. Just some friends enjoying the sights, our company, and the mysterious effects of riding a scooter. Just some Vespa riders on the road doing what feels right.
Andy shot a video of the ride and it does a far better job reflecting the ride than I can do. Take a look and see what life can be like with a Vespa scooter!
In this video it would appear that the three of you OWN the road. Nice ride!!!
The backroads here during the day often are pretty empty. Everyone takes the main roads so they can go faster. But for scooter outlaws, the backroads are the way!
I can’t make out a single word of this type the letters are way too light.
I understand. I’ve been trying for a long time to change the text color to black. It’s a programming issue that is beyond my skills. I’ve looked for someone to help but have come up short…
I have a strange feeling we’re not in Sturgis, SD.
You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize this is a movie. Three old guys roaming the country on their Vespas who find themselves in one zany situation after another, and who actually end up in Sturgis during Harley days. Hilarity ensues.
I can see the casting now… Clint Eastwood, Christopher Walken, and Wilhem Dafoe.
Come summer when the Harleys emerge from their dens the sense of Sturgis gets louder…
You can see Paul’s sportbike tendencies on some of these videos. Paul needs a Ninja.
Paul had a Ninja. One of his first motorcycles. But more recently it has been Ducati sportbikes. A Panagalie or some such nonsense. Bright yellow. A concrete block for a seat.
That was fun, watching that video. I know every one of those roads and intersections. Music matched the mood too.
I never tire of those roads. Always new sights. Always new feelings.
I love the shadows that develop this time of year. The best is your Truro shadows on the curb. Peace brothers
Yeah, the light is unique this time of year Mike. There’s room for a fourth scooter on these rides. When did you say you were getting a scooter??
I’m in Alpharetta GA for 3 weeks. Helping Grandkids move to new used house. Doing the dance Brother.
Looks like a fun ride, I liked the second pic the best.
I’m sitting here Dom trying to think if I had a ride that wasn’t fun. I’m sure there was one but I seem to have blotted it out of my mind.
Our enjoyable journey brought back memories of those classic Old Milwaukee beer commercials featuring the guy who’d sign off with, “Fellas, it doesn’t get any better than this!” Spending time with you and Paul is always a blast, especially with the winning combo of sunshine, snacks, and a bit of two-wheeled adventure. Appreciate your support in sharing my YouTube video and channel!
Indeed it doesn’t get much better than that ride. If we rode farther and longer, we would just get tired and crabby. I think we found the right mix!