Discoveries
The most dangerous part of this ride was Paul on a old stump teetering on one leg to strike his favorite pose from the Karate Kid. Problem is he’s no kid and a fall from that stump would test the SOS feature on my iPhone.
I purchased the Honda Trail 125 (CT125) because I had grown uncomfortable riding the Royal Enfield Himalayan off road. Alone. In places with no cell coverage and little traffic. While those fears have been sorted I’ve come to discover a special joy in riding the Honda.
Exploring the Unfamiliar
It’s strange how 50 years can change your perspective and familiarity with a place. The last time I was through the area with any regularity was when I was a new college student at Penn State and exploring with my camera and 1970 VW Beetle. I no longer recognized the roads but the feeling of excitement was as fresh as ever.
Not being sure if I was on the right road into the wilderness I took advantage of a passing soul to seek wisdom. When I looked at the photograph Paul made I was struck by how tall I am on the Honda. And that I only wear the KLIM pack when I’m riding it.
The good fellow confirmed we were on the right path and we continued on. To breakfast. For anyone unfamiliar with riding. Every trip is a journey toward food. Don’t let anyone tell you different.
Refreshment
There’s a pattern to the rides I make with my friend Paul. Ride, stop to make a picture, drink something soothing, and then proceed on to the next stop where we repeat the ritual. There’s a refreshment of body and spirt happening. I’ve wondered if it is unique to the Honda Trail 125 but an objective review of my riding data suggest the ritual functions independently from the make or model machine I am riding. Good news for all owners and riders.
All Over Tarnation
After our ride I saw a post Paul made on Facebook saying we rode all over tarnation. That had me looking up the definition of “tarnation.” I knew what he meant but that word didn’t seem quite right. But then, I’m no linguist.
We did ride all over the place and explored roads and places I had never witnessed previously. A nice way to spend a ride to breakfast on a pair of Honda Trail 125 motorcycles.
Vista, Not Promontory
Not to dwell on linguistics but I was tempted to call the Big Valley Vista a promontory. Probably because I was still thinking of McAfee Knob after watching “A Walk in the Woods” a few days ago. I loved the book by Bill Bryson but the movie just can’t do justice to such an intricate tale. Still, it reminded me that years ago I dreamed of an Appalachian Trail through hike. But I digress.
It was an unlooked for gift to arrive at the Big Valley Vista. Strange that I’ve never visited such a famous overlook considering how close it is to home. Another example of the myriad roads, trails, and places that are still awaiting my own discovery.
Pavement
All good things must come to an end and in this case the bikes rolling on to paved roads and higher speeds. But traffic was thin and we could travel in a manner that the Honda Trail 125 bikes were comfortable.
Paul stopped to photograph the landscape and caught a scene that sums up the paved road ride.
Breakfast
What can I say. A picture is worth a thousand words. Not exactly a heart healthy breakfast but my cardiologist has indicated, or at least I’ve interpreted, that I can stray from the straight and narrow at times.
Like the Honda CT125!
Embracing the Gravel
By the time we returned home we had traveled 60 miles. All but 10 of it on dirt and gravel. Such is the wonderful possibilities here in Central Pennsylvania where road building through the mountains seems more a passion than necessity. However they came to be, I am grateful for the endless adventures they offer so close to home.
Before signing off I need to say that the Honda Trail 125 is a joy to ride. It has far exceeded my expectations as a vehicle to negotiate the typical dirt and gravel, mud and water, that I may encounter. Any limitations of speed and power are more than offset by the fun it is to ride and how safe and comfortable I feel riding it.
Granted, it is not for everyone. There are no adrenaline highs from speed. Or breathtaking leans. The thrill comes from the experiences it allows. From the emotions it enflames. While some complain such a little machine is expensive I’ve come to realize it was a price worth paying.
Tom says
What a great ride! And breakfast! Always love to see Paul doing something impish.
Scooter in the Sticks says
It was a fine day — for riding, Fellowship, and unwinding. Impish? Paul?? Surely you jest!
Ms Hillary Gardiner says
Wonderful ride embodying the pleasures of nature on a small and capable machine taking the time to absorb the atmosphere.
Scooter in the Sticks says
You’ve summed up what the Honda Trail 125 can deliver.
David Eakin says
That CT125 is so darn cute! But at 6′ 2″, 250 lb (suited up), and 50-55 mph speeds on most if the 2-lane roads in my neck of SE PA, I keep thinking it’s probably not the right tool for me. But it’s so darn cute I keep coming back to considering it!
Scooter in the Sticks says
While you’re not too tall or big to ride the CT125, you will find it painfully slow anywhere but sedate back roads. It requires a lot of pulling aside to let traffic pass. And in southeast Pennsylvania, at least on roads I’m familiar, that traffic flow never seems to stop so pulling aside may be a futile task.
Sorry to say you may be looking to some other cute machine…
David Blewett says
Nice Ride Report! My CT110 is up on the lift now and I’m going through it to see what it will take to get it roadworthy. Leaky forks and a dirty carb look like the worst items so far. 40 year old tires might be a little risky as well.
Scooter in the Sticks says
Let me know when you have the CT110 up and running. There are a lot of places to ride.
Yeah, it may be pushing things to keep running 40 year old tires….