Suddenly Autumn
Something has changed over the years regarding the onslaught of autumn and winter. I remember my first hunting trip with my father at 13. It was opening day of Small Game Season in Pennsylvania and as we got out of the truck it was snowing hard. It was mid-October. Long before I was scooting into autumn on a Vespa.
I quit hunting over 50 years ago but the memories of being in the woods with my dad remain fresh. And I remember many cold, wet, snowy days. But now mid-October seems like a lazy summer doldrum day as the sun rises over the dew covered grass as the dogs and I make our morning journey.
The picture was made two weeks ago and autumn emerged suddenly turning green leaves into a warm palette of red, orange, and yellow. And now the leaves are pouring onto the ground to soon reveal the harsh skeleton of winter.
I’m glad I’m aware of the changes. For a lot of my life I was distracted and focused on other things.
Emotional Clarity
Owning a 150cc Vespa scooter brings more than another machine to manage. It reliably presents itself as a viable option for navigating the chores and chatter of daily life. And fun to boot.
On this ride I was heading to the auto parts store to buy a replacement headlight bulb for my Honda van. Just a leisurely 5 mile ride that had my eyes scanning the landscape and recognizing the subtle changes in the color and hue of the trees.
I find myself feeling autumn before seeing it. My insular lobes inside my brain processing data that I have to believe triggers some deep, subconscious memories from my past of this time of year where the world reminds me that everything must change.
It’s nice to understand the melancholy as I’m scooting through autumn.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
I struggle to remember a bad or disappointing ride on the scooter. Or even a boring one. There are many times I loathe getting into one of the cars to go somewhere but it never happens on the scooters or motorcycles.
Strange.
I found the correct bulb, wandered on home scooting through autumn and unknowingly had recharged my mental, spiritual, and emotional batteries.
What else works so reliably in this realm?
Canine Magic
Not everyone likes dogs let alone love them as I do. I understand. Dogs require work. Strenuous at times. Frustrating sometimes. Yet they give far more than they take. But they do require a lifestyle change that many won’t make. Two black dogs will challenge your ability to keep a clean, tidy home. And white carpet is a bridge too far.
Almost every morning Lily, Aiden and I head out the door for our adventures. Just two or three miles of wandering in and around Boalsburg. It’s sates their desire for action and quiets my mind as we plod along.
My only gripe is that I found another tick embedded in me. Just as I was finishing a 10-day course of Doxycycline for a previous tick bite and monster rash. Maybe I got it on our walk. Or in the mountains on a ride.
All part of scooting into autumn I suppose…
It looks so beautiful where you are. My bike’s been in the shop for a couple of months, unfortunately. This is exactly the type of riding I’ve been longing for. Me, and my trusty dog Milly, thank you for your post.
The beautiful autumn sweeps by so quickly. In the past few days some of the trees have completely shed their leaves and we are quickly moving toward the stark gray/brown of winter. The dogs are happy all the time though. They remind me that I should be too!
Pretty much up for a ride whenever but I LOVE riding in the Fall and this despite knowing what is just around the corner. We have enjoyed an outstanding Autumn here this year and no shortage of pleasurable two wheeled bimbling. The time for me to pause, appreciate, reflect and ponder is nigh here in South Central Ontario. Anticipation and dreams for next season are already on the bud. Trust you will update us Steve if and when you manage a two wheeled Winter wander. Happy Trails eh👍
Autumn is a fine time to ride. Our autumn is racing towards a sub-freezing night. I’m sure I’m be doing some winter bimbles too!
I foolishly passed on a bike event this passed Saturday. I had another obligation later in the day and thought the schedules would clash. Instead I took out the 168cc scooter for a ride around the area. It’s always a great ride here. The roads are twisty and change in elevation. The little scooter was the perfect ride to see the sights and smell nature. The leaves here are changing color or dropping so a ride is never boring. The scooter is still loosening up and, contrary to some, isn’t falling apart. I took it for a relaxed cruise instead of a motorcycle because I wasn’t in a hurry, the scooter carries things better and it’s fairly quiet, enhancing the experience. I’m hoping fifty degree temps continue for a while so I can get the bunch out a few more times.
I tend to pass on most bike events. Not sure why because when I do attend I have a good time. This coming weekend is the end of year celebration of our local moto-hang group. I’m planning to ride to that so that’s a good sign on the social side of life.
Glad to hear the scooter is doing well. They are nice for a relaxed cruise.
We still have 50 degree days but the nights are getting cold…