You Meet the Nicest People on a Vespa Scooter
Andy wore out his first Vespa GTS 300 after only 65 thousand miles or so. I think. After some mechanical failures he felt it was time for a new one. I’m still rocking my 19 year old GTS. Runs fine. Some recent extensive maintenance and wrench twisting should keep it running until I can’t ride anymore. There’s a happy thought.
The story on this ride though was Andy, Paul, and I were gathering for breakfast, then riding to Belleville, Pennsylvania to meet another scooter rider. It’s odd how Vespa scooter relationships develop.
A few things were unexpected.
The Initial Plan
Paul, Andy, myself, and another scooter rider planned to have breakfast together and then ride to the weekly flea market and auction in Belleville. Mechanical problems delayed the guy riding in from Johnstown so he decided to meet us in Belleville. It was pretty cold — in the mid 30s — so Paul decided to drive his car. I had recently stripped the cold weather armor from the GTS and soon kind of regretted that decision.
Life has its twists and turns.
Not Particularly Heart Healthy
I heard a comedian recently discussing the difference in photographs made now and by our grandparents. “Here’s a picture of Uncle Jim with Charles Lindbergh as he was getting ready to cross the Atlantic.” And today — “Here’s a picture of what I had for breakfast.”
Still, I took the picture. There’s a reason. Just don’t know what it is exactly.
Scenic View as an Excuse to Stop
This part of Pennsylvania has many scenic vistas and overlooks thanks to the Appalachian Mountains. I seldom pass one without stopping. On this cold morning the stop provided a few minutes to warm up before moving on.
This is the Jo Hays Vista. Mr. Hays was the mayor of State College, Pennsylvania when I was a college student. And a state senator before that. Time sure flies. Seems like yesterday I saw him walking down the street. That was over 50 years ago…
Cooler than a Vespa?
When you drive instead of ride you need to do something to maintain your cool factor. I think that was what Paul was attempting. Easy to do when you are piloting a Toyota Corolla.
The Old Cemetery
Not sure how often I’ve stopped here to look at this hill and cemetery. Something oddly mysterious about the place. The McAlevys Fort Hill Cemetery. Some buried here were born in the early 1700s. Hard to wrap my head around that.
I will stop again. And again.
Abandoned Ride
I gave up the ride before the final mountain crossing to Belleville. I was cold and my head just wasn’t in the adventure. It’s easier to abandon a ride now that it once was. I’m more comfortable doing what I want. Not sure if that’s a good thing.
Vespa scooter relationships can endure the quirks of individuals. I’m grateful for that.
A grand effort but it is better to heed the voice of common sense than to court danger by carrying on.
The older I get the more adept I have become in heeding the voice of common sense!
I love my Vespa GTS 300. The only problem is that I don’t ride it often enough.
I don’t feel I ride any of my scooters or motorcycles enough. I fear part of me would like to be on the road all the time.
I won’t ride below 45 degrees anymore. My old bones have suffered through cold rides enough. I was thrilled to start seeing 60 degree temperatures in the forecasts but not happy that too many included rain.
I can see my cold tolerance fading already. I wouldn’t be surprised that I join you at the 45 degree mark someday.
It is nice to have these 60 degree days for sure. Life is good!
We had just experienced an unusually warm weekend, so it’s understandable that you removed your cold-weather gear. I was thinking along the same lines and found myself dressed too lightly for our post-breakfast ride that day. I nearly froze!
I’m thankful for friends, good food, and the fun memories we create together.
It was shocking how cold it felt Andy after those warm days.
As always, I enjoy your company. And Paul always makes the rides special!