For me, the first moments of the day shape the path my mind heads down. A walk with the dog, a hot shower, and a ride on the Vespa makes puts everything in perspective. Especially if I’m alone on the road.
This past Sunday morning I found myself drawn towards the mountains outside of town, up towards the fog and mystery. Time and responsibility kept the Vespa at a distance; we could only look and imagine what secrets were hidden in the mist.
One of my favorite haunts for dog and foot is undergoing a transformation forced by giant machines. I can only watch and hope some space remains for more solitary pursuits. Could be progress pushed me farther afield to find the emptiness I crave.
State College, Pennsylvania is a model of emptiness on Sunday morning. I’m lucky to have those moments so close to home. Someday they’ll probably exist only under cover of night. Even that is a fine time for a Vespa…
Steve, I know what you mean. My morning commute is so different now.
When the weather dictates the car it’s wasted time, with thoughts of the day ahead.
On the Vespa it’s sights and sounds and smells and a world of opportunities.
Steve, the moment when you find yourself in a remote spot, no other human around for miles, and the quiet is so loud its almost deafening….those are the good moments of solo riding.
Beautiful scenery to delight the eye, the ticking noise from your engine as it cools down, perhaps the nearby sound of running water from a mountain stream…..
Steve
Nice photographs, of course.
I also enjoy the solitude of early mornings, but with the weather the way it is, heat becomes my enemy. This morning I went to my favorite bagel shop, and when I left at about 8:15am the temperature was already close to too warm for me to enjoy the ride.
Back home, put the scooter in the garage ’til tomorrow…oh, well, we only have another couple of months of 100* heat to deal with. Such is life in New Mexico!
Karl U
Early morning rides are the best. Feeling the dew come off the fields as the sun rises on a new day is magical. Love it.
David Masse: The only time I’m glad I have the car is when I am driving and eating a slice of pizza. Otherwise the commute in an automobile is a bore…
Charlie6: You have a lot of places to find solitude on a grand scale. Must be kind of nice. Hell, it is nice!
karlu: I don’t envy you as far as heat is concerned but I would love to ride in your part of the country — even in a car!
Someday I’ll get out that way.
Canajun: Those mornings are exquisite but it still amazes me how fast they change from that magical state to daytime.
Steve:
I love the morning commutes and the cool air, but not the hot ride home. Lately I am enjoying the 4 wheels and the A/C and I don’t have to wear the riding gear. Perhaps it’s because I like to shift gears and work the clutch I don’t find it boring
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Hi Steve,
Must agree with David , you feel the moment much much more with a scoot commute ……that start of the day being so magical is most surly misted in a cage!
Kindest regards LEN