The Utilitarian Vespa GTS Scooter

My First Child

I don’t claim favorites. Every scooter and motorcycle in my garage has a unique character and capacity to create a great ride. My 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie scooter occupies a special place in my heart. It’s been with me through thick and thin. We have ridden together through ice and snow, dirt and gravel, on every kind of road, and in every kind of weather. It’s faithfully transported me wherever I decide to go. Even just riding down the hill to the farmers market.

The Boalsburg Farmers Market

My objectives were simple — buy a watermelon, baguette, and a box of Pluots. Pluots are a hybrid mix of Japanese plums and apricots. The baguettes were gone, so I had to settle for a stick of ciabatta and a loaf of sourdough bread. I did find a small watermelon, but sadly the last box of Pluots had just been sold. The woman at the booth told me I could get some next year. The season for pluots is over.

The Boalsburg Farmers Market goes year round but it’s sad to see certain crops come and go so quickly. Like peaches and berries…

Something was changing. Not only the end of locally grown agricultural crops, but I could sense the approach of autumn and winter. The color of the world is changing along with the angle of sunlight. These seasonal changes take on more significance as I get older. Awareness of my own mortality is clearer along with the knowledge I should make the best of each moment before me whether riding, talking with my wife, walking the dogs, or prowling the world with my camera.

Time is a precious, finite commodity and a ride on the Vespa reminds me to not waste it.

Unexpected purchases.

There’s a motorcycle riding chef at the farmers market who makes great little pizzas. The special on this day was a fantastic sweet corn and tomato pizza. And to complete the sweep through the market I added some pumpkin cookies and a fantastic chocolate brownie.

Life really is good. Enhanced by a Vespa GTS scooter.