The Serotonin Rush
Medical articles talk about the positive effects of warm weather and sunlight on mood and well-being being linked to the increased serotonin and vitamin D production. Whatever the neuro/biological mechanisms are in play it feels great to feel drawn out of the house and onto the road.
During the past week I’ve ridden the Kawasaki W650, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Honda Trail 125, and yesterday a pleasant ride on the Vespa GTS scooter. And I can attest to my spirit soaring to even greater heights than it does when it is freezing outside.
But nothing remains static including the experience of being seduced by warm weather.
Ride When You Can
As I’ve said before, I try not to cling to ideas of the perfect ride or to expectations of what a ride should be. It’s easier and easier to open the garage door, pick a machine, and just go. Even if it is the same route as yesterday. Or one that I’ve ridden a hundred times before. Because the world has changed and so have I. Believing nothing has changed, especially me, is a folly I work hard to avoid.
So I ride when I can. Especially when I have the added assist of being seduced by warm weather.
Another Week of Rain
It rained last night. All night. And the forecast is for rain every day for the next week. Out walking the dogs in a soft, gentle sprinkle. Lakes of water in the garden indicated change was possible. But right now I could go for a ride in the rain if I were so inspired.
But I’m not. Aiden has an appointment with the vet this afternoon and I have a few errands to run. And while I am not seduced by warm weather at the moment I do feel seduced by the rain.
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OK, I’ll back you into a corner, Steve…If you could only keep one ????
Well, the answer is a moving target. Today, and for the past week or so, if I could only have one based on my current level of enthrallment, it would be the Himalayan. I’ve been riding it a lot and I just love it. So that is my response based largely on emotion.
A more practical choice would be the Vespa GTS. It will do almost anything the Himalayan will do and is a perfect choice for a year round ride.
Ask me again in a few weeks and I’ll likely make a different choice. I’m grateful that right now I don’t have to choose.
An advantage of having the use of four distinctly different two wheeled platforms is the even the exact same routing might appear completely different relative to the mount on which one is perched. Multiply this with the infinite routing and snack options within shouting distance of your driveway and I’d think I would be correct in declaring that you Sir, are a very fortunate lad.👌
I had not considered how a different machine might make the ride seem different but you are absolutely right.
And you are correct in your assessment — I am a fortunate lad!
It’s fourteen days until Americade and I’m so ready. The roads in the Adirondack mountains beckon as the scenery and topography are intoxicating. My ancient Kawasaki and I have thrived there. It’s not just the weather that stirs me. It’s the trip and events to come that make Summer my favorite time of year.
While events don’t stir my riding desires scenery and topography definitely do. I hope to one day ride in the Adirondack mountains. Not sure if I will but it is a fine dream to have.
Fortunately for me I have excellent roads nearby as warmup to Americade. This past Sunday I took the CF Moto 250 out on a group ride and it was challenging. In addition to its lack of horsepower compared to other bikes it was gusty with 40 mph winds to hinder it. If nothing else I had the fun of tossing it through curves to either keep up or make up ground. Excellent prep for next week at Lake George.
There is definitely an entertaining challenge to figuring out how to keep a lower powered motorcycle or scooter “in the hunt” so to speak.
Too much choice. I think it’ll just confuse me…
Well, my experience isn’t confusion, it is just an increase in desire to ride everything. All the time. Everywhere. Anywhere. I’m busier in retirement than I ever was when I was working!