Standing in front of the brightly colored window I felt some elation that the temperature had soared to 60F when my friend Paul Ruby and I had stopped for breakfast at the Bird House Restaurant in Montoursville, Pennsylvania. I needed to believe that winter was falling quickly behind and spring was just around the next bend.
I underdressed for the ride thinking it would be warmer sooner. And I didn’t take into account the sudden changes in temperature that can occur in the mountains. When I stopped about 30 miles from home to send a Twitter in the Sticks update my fingers were beginning to get stiff at 50F in non-electric gloves. Riding over the first ridge the temperature indicator on the Vespa hit 62F only to drop to 42F a mile later as the road descended through a narrow valley. Luckily I had the Gerbing Electric gloves under the seat.
There are lots of curves and tight turns as the road moves north through the Tiadaghton State Forest. Moisture and sporadic remnants of gravel, salt, and sand made traction dicey in places. Paul and I stopped to make a few pictures and stretch our legs (and backs). It’s hell to get old.
I went through the curve another time so Paul could make a picture of me. I’ll never have to worry about dragging anything on the ground unless it’s hanging off the scooter because I didn’t pack something correctly.
Breakfast was simple and delicious. I think I enjoy it as much as I do the riding. This time I remembered to take a picture after only one bite of toast rather than the usual empty plate picture.
Paul waxes poetically about life, art, and poetry. And eBay. He makes his living on eBay and is not pleased with some of the changes made to that system.
Every poet-adventurer needs a brass compass. Across the street from the restaurant was an Army-Navy Store with a selection of them. This was a nice one as compasses go. But who uses them anymore?
A stop along the Wyalusing Path (US 220) on our way north to Eagles Mere. Scooters and motorcycles fascinate me as sculptural objects. I suppose it’s why I can continue to photograph the Vespa. One of these days I’ll exhaust that fascination but for now I’m content doing what I’m doing.
Paul made another picture of me – the well-prepared photographer – a Canon G9 around my neck and a Leica M6 in my right hand. Those electric gloves remind me of what the kids wear in the Family Circus comics.
Eagles Mere is an old Victorian resort community dating back to the late 1800s. We stopped to look at the toboggan run that is now closed for the season. The town closes off a long street that slopes down to the lake.
When we walked down and took a look at the run I could hardly believe the scale. The track ran far out onto the lake and I couldn’t imagine how fast it would be. I would have loved this as a kid. I might even like it now.
The ride home took us through a lot of still melting mountainsides, reminders of how much more severe the weather would be here. Once we emerged into the Susquehanna River Valley the thermometer was pushing 70F as we ran towards home. The Vespa GTS 250ie purred along the 43-mile freeway segment of US 220 at 70mph. Not the most relaxing way to ride but nice to know the scooter is capable of high speed travel for sustained periods of time. It was nice to get out and put 205 miles of road underneath me.
It’s gotten cold and wet again but I’ve had a taste of warm weather and longer rides. Anything less will be frustrating.
Sounds like a heat wave compared to some of your previous posts.
Ride on,
Torch
Steve. I’ve been playing with the compass. It has a pop down lens that shows 0-360 degrees when you look through it (towards a distant target). It’s really cool. This is a really nice write up and photos Steve. You are good at this. Did you see how I got all wet when I slid down the ice ramp? It’s melting. I’d love to go down that ramp on a sled. I bet it goes >50mph. That was a head clearing ride. – Paul
I still pack a compass and maps on my scoot. GPS is too easy and has no soul. Besides, the occasional break to check them is an excuse to stop and look around and see where you really are. It can be a good conversation starter, to boot.
Mmmmm, riding and breakfast.
It doesn’t get much better than that!!
Great Pics!!
sometimes it’s nice to have a friend to ride with, and to take pictures of yourself. That toboggan run looks scary long, but could be fun as long as the lake is still frozen. Those switchbacks look like fun. We have to ride at least an hour and a half out of town to get roads such as those. We thought spring was around the corner, but yesterday we had a dusting of snow and the arctic air has returned for a few more days. Glad you managed to squeeze a ride out of a good day. I also dusted off my M6 and shot a roll last week
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Torch: Towards the end of the ride I was beginning to feel the lightness of warmth. Unfortunately this time of year it just doesn’t last…
Paul: It was a good ride but I wish it wasn’t so rushed. I just wanted to go somewhere!
Paul Martin: I’ve always had a compass with me backpacking but never thought much about it otherwise. Maybe I need to revisit the idea of one on the scooter.
Thanks for the idea!
cpa3485: Had that breakfast again yesterday. And today.
bobskoot: That toboggan run is really intense. Every time I look at that picture I think about how fast you must go.
Central Pennsylvania from the Maryland border in the south to the New York border in the north is just a maze of wonderful riding roads. Especially if you just like to wander like I do. If you are in a hurry to get somewhere then there are the freeways but I prefer more relaxed journeys.
Dusting off the M6—fun!
I really like the photo of the Vespa in the curve. That’s either a severely banked corner or Paul took it at an angle!
I have to say, though, that I’m worried about you. Bird House Restaurant? Twitter in the Sticks? Eagles Mere?
You haven’t spent so much time in the cold that you’re growing downy underfeathers for warmth have you?
Looks like you guys had a nice first ride of warm(er) riding. My season hasn’t started yet but your day gives me hope! Thank you.
We never tire of seeing photos of the Vespa. It is like a character with different expressions in different locations and on different occassions. So happy for you that Spring is just around the next bend in the road. Great Ride!
Dear Sir:
I absorbed the details of this ride like an air fern in a fresh breeze. I read it once, and then whipped out the old “ride detail” notebook. I took note of the Bird House Restaurant in Montoursvilles, Tiadaghton State Forest, Eagles Mere, and US-220.
I actually felt like a stalker. The truth is that I have long been fascinated by some of your rides and intend to take a few in a month or two. (Actually, that’s a lie. I want to take some cool pictures with my bike in them as you have.)
It is a two-hour ride to get into less settled territory from here and I like the open country aspects of your pictures.
The compass story was an interesting aside. I recently sought a dash-mounted ball compass for my K75, and realized that I probably needed something more. I opted for the GPS.
You have my sympathy for dressing lightly and finding it colder than anticipated. It is a grrat temptation for me to out the door lightly dressed on a sunny morning morning… But I have learned better.
Great post.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads
Jack
Nice review of your trip, keep on joying your rides!
irondad: You’re always picking up on the curious details. Good thing I didn’t write about the vultures overhead or the flock of geese I saw…
The road was definitely banked but I tilted the image a bit for drama. That way you wouldn’t know I was going a blazing 5.35mph!
I needed to be taken away on a nice ride with lots of visuals–thanks!
i really like your scooter story