Thank you for your kind words about the photos and writing. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. I’ll try to continue to post things worth looking at.

Central Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to ride motorcycles and scooters. Endless quiet back roads through magnificent landscapes.

Royal Enfield makes some fantastic machines for a great price. I had seriously considered the Classic 350, the Interceptor 650, and a couple modern Triumphs before I stumbled on the W650. It looked good, ran great, and felt fantastic to ride. I didn’t look any further and just opened my wallet. When it comes to road test reports and comparisons I look but ultimately I choose what feels good to me. I’m never looking for the best bike. Just the best one for me.

I’m interested to see what the Himalayan 440 is like. For someone who likes the air-cooled engines it sounds nice. Especially that 6th gear. But by the time it is available here I may be too in love with my 411 to switch.

The problem with the W800 is it suffers by comparison to other twins around it. A road test years ago against the Royal Enfield Int 650 had it about even in terms of performance and nostalgia. The RE Int comes in about $4k, or more, less money and equals heritage appearance to the W. Remember that these days Royal Enfield can trace its history, including the years in India, to over 100 years. It seems to count among buyers.

It happens so fast. Too fast. I wish it would last longer. Such is life.

The W800 is a beautiful bike and perfect for jaunts like this. I’m surprised I don’t see more of them on the road.

Magic indeed. The world changes fast. And for me a strange melancholy arrives making me really glad I’m paying attention because time is moving quickly. Up your way winter is bearing down sooner than for me. Enjoy things while you can and before the world is something you see outside the window!

I’m in the same weather preferences as you are. Hot weather is no fun. Lots of fine riding south and west of Carlisle in the Michaux and Tuscarora State Forests. Perfect for riding in autumn. Last time I road down there was on my Vespa GTS returning from Baltimore. Came across Blue Ridge Summit, Mon Alto, Pine Grove Furnace, and then through Carlisle and over the mountains toward Lewistown and home. The leaves are going to change soon I think.