Time to De-Winterize the Vespa GTS Scooter
The temperature soared to the low 70s yesterday causing me to almost remove all the winter armor from the scooter. Nothing like the mid-30s when the picture was taken during one of those winter exercise rides. Predictions for more sub-freezing temperatures for the end of the week dampened my enthusiasm for removal just yet.
Riding the Vespa GTS scooter in relative comfort is still a priority. The best cold weather vehicle with two wheels in the garage.
Ride, Stop, Eat
It’s embarrassing how much and how often I think of food while riding. I tell myself I ride for relaxation, meditation, and adventure. But I wonder if that’s just a smokescreen for the real reason. As I write this I’m thinking of riding the Vespa ET4. Riding to the Pump Station for a bagel.
Just 30 miles into a meandering ride and disappointment at discovering a favorite eating establishment had gone out of business I made my way to a backup choice to have breakfast. Perhaps like not going to the grocery store hungry, I should not go for a ride hungry either. Not sure that’s what I want.
Stainless Steel and the Aroma of Bacon
I’ve been to Bake Shop Bakes in Tyrone, Pennsylvania a number of times and have not been disappointed by the food or baked goods I’ve tried. I think I may have drooled a bit while waiting for a bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. What is it about the smell of hardwood smoked bacon?
The ride on this day was focused on making a YouTube video. The raw footage is on my computer. The subject escapes me right now. Several rides worth of video awaits editing. Spring garden cleanup and general indolence has kept me from YouTube.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 in Signal Sand Color
Since Kissell Motorsports was only a couple miles down the road from Bake Shop Bake seemed like a good time to have a first hand look at a motorcycle I seriously considered buying before I stumbled upon the 2001 Kawasaki W650 that’s now in my garage.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 represents simplicity in a modern motorcycle. Understated, perhaps under-powered depending on your temperament and beliefs, and economically priced. Sitting on it was comfortable and from everything I’ve read would be comfortable to ride the way I do — relaxed, laid back, and with a near pathological disdain for high speed highways. All perfect for the Classic 350.
I should add that the motorcycle “feels” less expensive. While sturdy and substantial there is something about the Royal Enfield motorcycles that reminds you that there is no excess engineering or investment in parts beyond what is absolutely necessary to function. No doubt a manufacturing goal but quite different than every other motorcycle I have crossed paths with. A rider choosing any kind of Royal Enfield motorcycle will have to come to grips with this less any ego or inferiority complexes with bite them firmly in the ass.
Paying Homage to the New Vespa Scooters
It’s nice to have a local Vespa dealer again at Kissell Motorsports. Not just for service but also to see up close the new scooters. When I decided to have my 2006 Vespa GTS scooter rebuilt rather than buy a new one I was uncertain if it was the right choice. Riding the same scooter for almost 20 years has created a bit of consternation among some riders for a variety of reasons. Specious in my mind but fears of reliability, cosmetics, lack of technology and other anxiety provoking shortcomings drive some riders. And walking about these shiny new scooters I can see how easy it can be to just buy a new one to put those fears to rest.
I’m still uncertain why I am riding my old scooter. I tell myself they run fine so why buy a new one. I don’t care much about them looking pristine. And technology doesn’t interest me much. Right now three of the five machines in the garage don’t have ABS brakes. None have navigation or modes. All are pretty simple machines. Not the case with the new Vespa scooters.
I left feeling fine now buying a new scooter. The departure was helped by not having the colors that I might drool over.
The Pennsylvania Mainline
I stopped here to do the opening for the YouTube video. I thought it would be neat to have the tracks in the background. Moments after beginning to record a long freight train passed and the noise rendered narration impossible. These tracks are part of the mainline that crosses from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. Amtrak twice a day and endless freight trains delivering material and goodies necessary for American life.
The train fascinated me. Trains in general, the machines, the history, the places they go all have struck a chord. I thought interests in train was something for old men. Ah, wait a minute…
I have a couple rides in my head that focus on visiting some of Pennsylvania’s train heritage. I hope I’ve not contracted the bug.
I just want to be riding the Vespa GTS scooter. I need no more interests. Have plenty right now.
“A rider choosing any kind of Royal Enfield motorcycle will have to come to grips with this less any ego or inferiority complexes with bite them firmly in the ass.”
For those of us who have been riding for over six decades this is not a problem. Before Chinese two wheelers came along riding a Japanese brand put you in the lower class to certain “Elite” owners. I was just happy to be riding while those owners were paying vast sums of money for repairs and maintenance. I never had to “Bring My Wallet” when I rode.
I rode behind a 350 RE on an event last year and was surprised by its ability to move out smartly off corners. Note I was behind it on my 750 Kawasaki. But yes I do venture on the Interstates and the 350 might not be the bike for me. An Int 650 might be more suitable for some of my riding when replacement time comes.
I’ve been fortunate that my ego seldom rears its head in regard to scooters and motorcycles. I don’t much care what others think of what I’m riding or not riding. Not sure why that it but it probably explains why I don’t cut my hair or dress the way I do. There’s a freedom in not worrying about what the neighbors think. I’m not saying it gives me a license to say or do whatever I want, kindness and empathy are important qualities to practice in my opinion, but I feel little need to conform other than to the law and God.
And I have been pretty lucky that I have not had to spend a fortune to keep my machines operational. And that’s a result of what I ride.
I hope the railroad museum in Strasburg is on your radar for a “train trip”. For an associated meal stop, I’d recommend the Casey Jones restaurant in Ronks (almost in sight of the museum and near the rail line used by the steam tourist train). Meals are served in two rail cars and the restaurant is adjacent to the Caboose Motel.
I’ve been to Strasburg but not to the railroad. And I’ve driven by the Caboose Motel years ago. But to be honest, riding in that part of Pennsylvania has never interested me. Too many people, roads too crowded. I tend to venture on the roads less traveled and Lancaster is not that.
You’ve reminded me, I need to get over to the Bake Shop in Tyrone.
Trains. Last year we drove down to Orbisonia and rode the East Broad Top. A few years ago while bicycling around Lancaster (no, we did not pedal from here to there) we rode the Strasburg RR and stayed in The Red Caboose Motel. Actually I’ve stayed in The Red Caboose several times with the bicycle club from Wash DC.
Is the East Broad Top still running. I think the last time I rode by there on the K75 the place was closed. That was during the pandemic so can’t say for sure.
My dad worked for Santa Fe/Bnsf for 42 yrs. Amtrak and many freights roll thru Clifton, u can find me almost any day sitting in my spot for one to roll by. I like pulling up on my scooter as the cross arms go down ..Wow what a rush!!! Great post Mr. Steve…
Santa Fe/BNSF runs through some magnificent parts of the country. A lot of mythology surrounds railroads. Early stuff here in the East and much grander stuff out West. I’ve ridden passenger trains in Germany. Fast and efficient transportation. But I have never ridden a passenger train in the United States save for little historical railroads. And I have not even ridden the local historical railroad that’s just ten miles away.
I have a lot of railroad exploration I think.
And I can imagine the rush of scooting up to closing gates and having a train go by. Thanks for sharing that Don.