After days of rain the clear dawn promised a quiet ride. I left early to give myself time to wander through the countryside before the ride transformed into the commute to work. Air cool with remnants of fog burning away in the morning sun. My Vespa moves smoothly over the empty roads that move along the floor of Brush Valley. I find these rides quiet my thoughts and help me engage the day. I feel the changing flows of air, some warm, some cool as I ride. The fragrance of wet plants and moist soil fills my head. These moments are distilled to the graceful movement of the scooter and I as we move over the road.
I stopped to make this photograph when I saw the sunlight in my rear view mirror. I’m grateful to recognize these moments and I doubt I would see them in a car. I am exposed to the world on the Vespa.
Riding has a utilitarian function in my life. On mornings like this it reaches far beyond transportation or recreation to something sublime.
I have always felt that when the morning light comes sweeping up all the dark corners of the night I have the strongest feeling of being alive. Pitchertaker
I’ve been reading your blog a lot lately, as I’m going to be picking up a Vespa in the next month as my main source of transportation in Los Angeles. I have read lots of technical blogs and websites, but I dig yours because it definetly has a more “human experience” side of the Vespa culture.
Please keep it coming!
Pitchertaker: There is nothing like morning. I’m grateful I am a morning person. I know a lot of people who seldom if ever see it…..
robert: Congratulations on getting a Vespa. If your experience is similar to mine you’ll find the transportation chores transformed from tedious activities into mini-adventures.
Ride Safe!
steve
robert: Thanks for your kind words about Scooter in the Sticks. It is good to know readers find some value in it. I’ll keep at it as long as someone is interested in reading.
steve
I sent a note a few min. ago about your stunning video and now I’m commenting on “Exposed”. There I was, just searching for Vespa info (I’ve never ridden one, want to ride one, need educating), and now I KNOW there are no coincidences.
I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and it just feels right. I’m in the Laurel Highlands of w.PA and there’s so much I miss. Jacque
Jacque,
Thank you for your kind words about the video. It is uncanny how some things just seem to fall into place. The Laurel Highlands would be a great place to have a Vespa. So many things to see that may remain hidden while driving a car.
Good luck with your own Vespa adventures!
steve
I love the photo. That’s a picture of what I tried to describe in words. Your picture is better than my 1000 words! So simple and yet so elegant. Nicely done.
Dan
Wow… thanks for the compliment Dan. You have some pretty dramatic photos of clearing weather. Those transitional times seem like magic.
steve