Vespa marketing suggests an urban, hipster lifestyle. But the Italian scooter is ready for a lot more — like a trip across America and back.
Meet Mike Hermens. He’s riding his 2012 Vespa GTS300ie across America. Like many who get a Vespa ideas seep in about adventure and glory. Unlike most though, Mike is making it a reality. I learned of his trip on the Modern Vespa forum and caught up to his blog, Single Cylinder Psyche, when he was making his way through Idaho and Montana after starting at the Golden Gate Bridge in California.
All the photos are Mike’s and he’s been kind enough to let me use them in this post about his trip.
If you take some time to explore his blog you’ll find an eclectic collection of pictures and stories of his winding path across the United States with a dip into Canada. There’s a lot of fodder for fantasy and some real world obstacles he’s dealt with that anyone considering such a ride should be aware of.
The Vespa sits along the road in Idaho (I think) and just whispers a siren song to ride.
Anyone riding across the country who’s decided to stay off the interstate highway system will be faced with some long, lonely miles. And it calls for special preparation and planning to make sure you can take care on the road like this stretch across the Oregon desert.
Like extra fuel for the scooter.
Reading through Single Cylinder Psyche I can get swept up in the trip until I imagine I’m riding it myself, like a ghost rider, a shadow across the landscape.
Mike camps at times but seems most often he’s at some little motel in small town America — somewhere that lets him park his Vespa near the door or in front of the office. The red glow of the place in this picture just sings out America. We live in a unique country.
A recurring concern of riders I’ve spoken with, motorcycle or scooter, regarding long distance rides is the handling of breakdowns and how to survive on the road. Mike had a tire blowout and a couple other small mechanical issues during the ride so far and has had some interesting luck due to the kindness of strangers.
The United States is a big country. Riding across and through on secondary roads makes it even bigger. But you really get a taste of the place in ways that just aren’t possible any other way. Looking at this photo of the Vespa at the Montana line just reminded me of the sort of endless experiences that await anyone taking the time to ride around America.
I can’t remember the last time I even heard of a liver sandwich let alone someone touting one in their advertising. But that’s part of the joy of riding through small towns and villages. This place, somewhere in Virginia or West Virginia, is not your typical franchise eating establishment. As you move through Mike’s trip you find a wide array of unusual places.
Finding this sort of roadside art is something I expect to see on Fuzzygalore.com and not on a Vespa blog. But Mike has an eye for scenes and sights that you just don’t see on postcards or travel blogs.
I want to see more of America myself.
It’s hard to imagine getting more off the beaten path than with this scene in West Virgina. Single Cylinder Psyche has a lot of views of nameless, out of the way places and people who make up a rich tapestry of experience. As I read along with his trip I keep thinking of his first post on the road where he anticipates the miles ahead:
From Single Cylinder Psyche
Sept 8: On My Way
Published September 8, 2015
I slept almost not at all last night, up late and early with prep, and a busy mind kept me awake most of the time I was in bed. But now I’m in Fallon, Nevada. It’s late, I’m sleepy, so this will be short.
The Cliff’s Notes version is that I first rode to the Golden Gate Bridge (so it would really be coast-to-coast), then through the oven known as the Sacramento Valley (96 F today, rising to 108 on Thursday), into and out of the Tahoe Basin, and onto the desolation that is Nevada (not a judgement). In Fallon I met my friend of 45 years, Bob Clem, who is on a motorcycle trip of his own, counterclockwise around the western states. I’m typing this in the Best Western lobby so he can sleep in peace in our room.
Today’s ride was a bit surreal. After so much time spent in anticipation, I had a heightened sense of, “This is it.”
It takes time to cover land on a scooter. Time to think, reflect, observe, adjust and be at peace. I think this will be a good trip.
What a great perspective…
Mike is on his way west toward home in California. He’s been to Maine and much to my regret passed within a mile of my office though we did not have a chance to meet in person. He responded to a recent email where I asked about snow in the west that he’s moving a bit south in hopes of avoiding the white stuff. So far the weather looks good in the pictures he’s posting.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of a scooter ride across the country, or on a motorcycle and you have a couple months to spare to take the slow road, check out Single Cylinder Psyche. You’ll have a different perspective on the backroads of America.
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Thanks for the enjoyable read! Brent
He’s on a great ride. And really covering miles.
Makes my plan for next summer of taking my Stella to Philly seem much smaller and more achievable.
Same here. Planned to take a “big” trip to Cleveland. Seems like an afternoon spin in comparison.
Ok Steve, when you ride your own cross country Vespa journey, make sure to include an extended sojourn in Colorado!
If I ever make that trip I’ll be sure to ride through Denver.
I’m envious. I did 2900 mile ride on my Vespa 300 from Maine to Asheville, NC and back. I had fabulous time. I’d ride to San Francisco and back if my wife would let me.
Someday I’m going to do a blog post on spouses and their views on their partner’s riding. Maybe your wife will let me interview her.
Time and finances have smiled on me, and I’ve been fortunate to take quite a number of coast-to-coast two wheeled runs in the last forty years, some lasting for a few months and 15,000+ miles, and other trips requiring a quick coast-to-coast run lasting just a few days. Every trip has been awesome and memorable, although I’ve never taken one on an engine as small as 300 cc’s. But I have read and viewed the travel-logs of many who have crossed continents, or gone even further, on scooters with engines as small as 50 cc’s. I even read of one guy some years ago who went from the northernmost tip of Alaska to the southernmost tip of South America on his 50 cc Honda Metropolitan. As I’ve been riding both large touring motorcycles and scooters for decades, I often dream of a long distance scooter tour in my future any time I read of yet another adventurer’s exciting time on the road.
Fortunate indeed to find yourself in a position to spend so much time on the road. For many of us we live vicariously through those trips. Probably accounts for the success of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
When you take your coast to coast trip be sure to include the northern coast…
That’s quite the journey. 40 years ago I wanted to make the trip on my bicycle but I may settle for a gas powered vehicle these days. But I like the idea of sticking to secondary roads.
Northern coast as in the Arctic seashore?
Before my wife passed away I couldn’t even consider a long ride on a 250cc scooter. She wouldn’t let me. I will spend the Winter planning something to confirm my existence even if just an 800 mile ride to the Laconia Bike Week next June. It’s something I just have to do.
A nice way to spend cold winter days — thinking about a springtime trip…
What a great story accompanied by inspirational pictures.
Thanks Steve
Glad to be able to pass it along.
Steve, Thanks for your generous presentation of my ride. As I said in a separate communication, I wish I could tell my story as well as you tell my story. You have been an inspiration to me and your writings helped influence my decision to take this trip. Thank you.
You’re welcome Mike but you’re doing the hard work! And hopefully having the time of your life too. Be safe on the road.
Thanks much for this one Steve, really enjoyed stepping through Mike’s adventure.
It’s enjoyable reading and looking and imagining my own ride…
Hi Steve,
What a wonderful find!
Nice read, got that adventure in my heart all fired up.
I will keep my eyes on him.
Kindest regards
Len from across the pond:)
Mike is probably home by now. Awaiting the last post where he pulls in the driveway. It has been an exceptional ride on the Vespa. When he started it seemed like it would go on forever and then suddenly it’s over…
Steve ,
With the final return to the driveway insight, Do you think completion would cement acomlishment and total satisfaction or more or just the yern to do it all again 😉
Regards
Len
I dreamed of a blue water sailing adventure for a long time. When I finally took to the ocean and spent a week at sea sailing from Virginia to Maine I had enough. No sailing desire was left. Maybe it was the storms.
I guess it all depends on how Mike’s experiences unfolded. I’m waiting to read his final round up of thoughts. I would like to think it will be “I want to do it again!”
Scott Wharton here in reno nv bought my vespa gts 300 may 17th 2016 after 1st service left july 1st road to pueblo Colorado and back to reno 2070 miles trip of a life time planning a lifetime of more took hwy 50 the whole way up and over continental dive 11312 ft. there is nothing like it definetly a bucket list
Scott, That sounds like a fantastic adventure on the Vespa. The scale and scope of things in your part of the country are wildly different than the places I ride. I’ll have to get out a map and see exactly what hwy 50 takes you through.
Any place online that you’ve posted pictures of the trip?
have pictures no social media but can send in email mine is swhrtn1964@gmail
Just a few questions 1, are helmets needed. 2 ,motels or camping. 3, expenses costs for gas,and food
My opinion — helmets are always required. Others feel differently but I never ride without a full face helmet.
I like to camp though my aging body is less and less thrilled with the hard earth when sleeping. It’s really a personal choice.
Expenses have been low on my trips. Gas, food, a campground fee.