Riding Through the Seasons of Life
Riding has changed my life. I still remember the joy felt when I began riding my first scooter. A sudden thrill, a soaring feeling that I was alive and free from whatever weight I carried as a responsible adult. The adventures began as daily commutes to work. Seven miles on the direct route. Fifty or more as a meandering ride through the central Pennsylvania countryside when I left before sunrise so I could still arrive at work at an acceptable time.
As I sit here writing I’m grateful that I made a decision to buy that scooter, to brave the attendant risks that collected in my head from a lifetime of motorcycle naysayers, and just forged ahead into the unknown.
Years and thousands of miles of riding adventures and daily commuting gave way to the next season of my riding life.
Retirement Riding
Two days ago I was riding the Vespa through the valley. In part to drive the moisture from the oil and give the battery a charge as part of my “winterization” process, but also to recharge my own batteries. A ride still works its magic on me.
I thought I would ride more once I retired but it turns out daily commuting is a tough act to follow. Having a job and required to be there in person forced me out onto the road. And I loved it. Every day I rode, summer or winter, rain or shine, snow or sleet. And I am endlessly grateful for how that shaped my mind, body and spirit.
I have so much for which to be grateful from finding myself living in an area that cries out for me to explore on two wheels the the physical and financial ability to continue riding into old again.
On this national day of Thanksgiving I want to remember how grateful I am to be where I am, have the life that I do, and am able to walk (or ride) this earth.
Best wishes to each of you for a fine Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you find yourselves in a good place with a bright view of life.
As always, perfectly put Steve, living in and appreciating the moments our lives provide us. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving sir.
Paul J
Thank you for the kind words Paul. Life is good. Even when I don’t take time to see it!
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your posts!
Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving Steve.
You too Jim!
Steve ,
I’m very Thankful for all the posts I’ve had the pleasure of reading and the picture perfect photos as well as the years go by,health,and seasons change. Our riding my change some yet always a time to recharge our mind just like a 12 volt system thats drives our rides. Peace and blessings to all on this special day today.. Dr.Don
I’m glad you find some value in the things I post. It’s still fun to share what I find on the road. And recharge my mind at the same time!
Have a great day Don.
Thanks again for great content! Not far away is an unsold orphan 125cc named. K-Pipe. If I pull the trigger , it’ll have 2year factory warranty. 4speed semi-auto gearbox & 17″rims. Unjustified really ,for me. But if it’s still LANGUISHING in February ,probably grab it. Single-track addicted folx know the deal! Love lightweight agile bikes now more than ever before.
to all of u guyz!!
Glad you find some utility in the stuff I post Pat. And good luck with your consideration of K-Pipe. Tis the season to gift yourself something!
Hey Steve, I’m sending this email from Denver. Elaine and I are traveling across country. From State College to Gorgia, Arizona, New Mexico, Denver. We are heading back zip code 16803-1137 around the 4th Dec. Let’s get together.
Happy Thanksgiving. Peace
Call me when you return Mike. I’ll buy breakfast.
Happy Thanksgiving Steve from all the Yeisers. Emily PSU CAS ‘07, Amy PSU CAS ‘12, Gail and Rusty
Say hello to everyone for me Rusty. That life seems so distant now. Time marches on. I hope you and the family had a great holiday. And are happy that Penn State is moving onward and upward with their football goals!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Steve. Recognizing what we do have to be thankful for…something easily forgotten.
It is easy to focus on the negative side of life Dom. I endeavor to look to the positive things in life.
Happy Thanksgiving and thanks so much for all the videos and posts all through the years.
I’m glad I still find enjoyment is most things related to riding, blogging, and making videos. More to come.
Thankful for your perspective on riding. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Steve.
I am thankful for you Steve. Reading your blog posts helped me to follow that same path commuting to work on a Vespa. The environment was urban not rural, but the effect was identical. The experience turned my daily commute from monotony into joy in a semi-miraculous way. For that I will always be grateful. Enjoy your thanksgiving Steve.
Commuting was kind of magical for me. I would never have thought it had some much power to deliver joy, purpose, and meaning for me. It’s is a bigger challenge in retirement because there are no arbitrary forces making me ride.
I hope you and your family had a great holiday David and are looking forward to the excitement of the coming holiday season.
As usual,a thought-provoking post.Have a safe holiday season.Peace and Safety from nh.
Thanks John. I appreciate your comments. Best wishes to you and yours as we enter the next holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Another wonderful, thought provoking post.
I hope you had a good holiday too. And thanks for the kind words about the post. I appreciate them. Working on my next post now.