Winter Riding is About Choices
Motorcycle riding in Pennsylvania is great. Lots of roads. Lots of places to eat. And doesn’t take long to find the traffic has fallen off yielding a relatively relaxed environment in which to lose yourself. Unless you live near Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Then it make take more time to find those lonely paths.
When I rolled the BMW K75 out of the garage I felt it appropriate to take advantage of the dry roads and reasonably warm air. With temperatures in the mid-30s I didn’t have a care in the world. Once I was on the road it didn’t take long to realize my choice to ride, especially the BMW, may have been a bit shy in assessment.
The roads splitting off in the above picture are in the heart of Amish country at the far end of Penns Valley between Aaronsburg and Woodward. I knew they would be dry. I knew they wound through pretty countryside. But I forgot they would still be chock full of gravel, sand, grit and salt. Why since we’ve had next to no snow? I have no idea. And any guesses I might voice would be stupid, petty or both.
Muddy Boots
I neglected to pull on my regular, smooth soled riding boots. Instead I was wearing my boots with lugged Vibram soles. Wandering a few few off the road into the manure clad farm field quickly had them loaded with muck. The road was dry but everything else was still bloated with moisture. Good for plants.
After wandering the pavement for a few minutes dragging my boots in a vain attempt to remove all the mud I mounted up and continued on out the valley.
One good thing — the motorcycle was running smoothly, shifting was effortless and smooth, and I was geared appropriately to be cozy and comfortable. It was a nice start to the ride.
Gravel Along the Roads in Millheim, Pennsylvania
Motorcycle Riding in Pennsylvania has provided me with plenty of opportunities to check out of the hum drum of life and find a space to renew my outlook and spirit. Even this short ride from home, a leisurely and indirect route of about 25 miles, gave me the opportunity to watch cows, horses, sheep, dogs, rolling fields, laundry hanging from Amish houses, buggies, and creeks meandering on to the Chesapeake Bay.
Parking along the main street across from the Inglebean Coffeehouse, I noticed I was a bit chilly and in need of a hot cup of tea.
Motorcycle Riding in Pennsylvania and Fire
I was pleased to find a fire in the fireplace when I carried by cup of tea to the back of the Inglebean Coffeehouse. Wrapping my hands around a hot mug is nice. A fire, well, that’s a luxury I don’t deserve. I’m been transported to a lot of places in the winter by my Vespa and motorcycle, but this is the first time I found a fire.
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
When I departed Boalsburg I envisioned a hundred miles or more of moto-exploration. Maps had revealed routes I wasn’t sure I had traversed. And suddenly I’m sitting by a fire, consuming caffeine, ingesting sugar, basking by a fire and reading an essay about living longer and enjoying it.
So a quick stop turned into a two-hour respite. So much for motorcycle riding in Pennsylvania. I suppose it says a lot about what was on my mind and it wasn’t riding.
Slowly Traveling
I love to ride. Scooter or motorcycle. Both different. Both enjoyable. And most importantly, both capable of bringing a peaceful, relaxed rhythm to mind and body.
I’ve been riding a fair amount lately on both the Vespa and the BMW. And making a lot of photographs. But I’m resisting writing or posting anything. It’s almost like there’s nothing to say. Or at least nothing I want to say.
That will change though. It always does and usually for no reason I can identify. Until then I’ll pile up photos and store away experiences in my head. And I’ll keep embracing motorcycle riding in Pennsylvania.
Ah, this Winter: almost zero snow, but proverbial buckets o’ rain which might be fine for some vegetation, but I’m not certain for all. Here in Nuevo Jersey, I’ve been thankful for the general lack of road salt to dutifully wash off Melody every other week, and the somewhat-warmer temperatures have allowed for a lot more riding, including several(!) forays into Gotham, and, day before yesterday, an 80-mile round-trip to a Cycle Gear in Edison to procure my first “proper” pair of moto-boots. (Note: the Piaggio handlebar muffs came in seriously handy on that ride.) I’ve ridden in the rain this month to Staten Island and back for a dental appointment, and struck up some fun conversations with non-riders throughout all this. (“No, I’m not totally nuts…it can be done!”)
The ride is lovely (most of the time), but that cafe pic with the roaring fire…yes, I’m envious. Nothing like that here, unless I come home, put a kettle on and light up out own fireplace. Can’t say I blame you for staying planted with a hot cuppa, elegant means of warming your bones, and The New Yorker. (Funny…I recently read a piece, also in The New Yorker about how the process of “gracefully” growing old has been cynically oversold. What can one say?)
Once again, a worthwhile read, Steve.
Moto-boots…. They’re something still in my future. I wear boots but of the kind and sort one would find in any run of the mill shoe or department store. My main boots are hand-me-downs from my father. And on extremely cold days I wear Sorrel felt-lined snow pack boots. They are impervious to all weather. Perfect on the Vespa since my feet have nothing to do.
Rain and cold weather is increasingly difficult for me to bear. Should be out riding now but a nap seems more likely.
A fire in a cafe. Yep. Don’t think I’ll eclipse that anytime soon. At least not with the kinds of places I end up in.
Gracefully growing old. No thanks. I think I’ll rage against the darkness…
Against the darkness? Totally with you there. And, if I had a pair of boots handed down to me like the ones your Dad passed on to you, I’d be riding in them too. Alas, not the case here. And the made-for-Sears Wolverines I’ve been wearing as a stand-in, nice as they are, really won’t do for more-excursive rides.
(BTW, you’ve sort of inspired me to write an somewhat-extensive post about my winter with the Vespa, which I’ll be trying to put up on MV in a week or less. Keep your eyes peeled for that one.)
I’ll try and keep an eye open for your posting on the Modern Vespa forum. I check in periodically but find I miss a whole lot.
“It’s almost like there’s nothing to say. Or at least nothing I want to say.”
You may have nothing to say, but we want to hear it anyway.
Thanks Ken. I just so often feel tongue-tied or stupid.
Love the “New Yorker” cartoon. Yes, Inglebean is an excellent respite. One thing I found out this winter by taking a clean car out when the weather was clear, but some moister remained on the road. It had rained several days, but no snow or ice to call for salt. None had been but down, and I figured the rain would have rinsed it away. Not so. The car got “salted.” apparently that stuff sticks to the road. BTW the Tri Glide is also covered in salt and dirt. Ain’t going to baby it.
It’s amazing isn’t it on how much salt remains. The rain definitely hasn’t washed it away. Maybe elves return at night to add more.
Does the Tri Glide come with chains for the tires??
I have a set that might fit.
Near 80 here today in Central Texas….Salt is what I lightly use on my eggs.Your posts Steve are the only emails I look for except my weekly kw useage for Reliant Energy now that I’m somewhat on a fixed income Keep riding keep the adventures coming and Thanks a million
Thank you for the kind words Don about the thoughts I post here on Scooter in the Sticks. I do appreciate them.
I’m on a fixed income now as well though I do have some thoughts on how I might make some extra money. Instead of emails from my KW usage, I check in on my budget with the EveryDollar.com app. Wish I would have found that years ago. Amazing what a difference it makes for me when I know where every dollar actually goes!
Good on you Steve for hanging around and enjoying the fire. Your motorcycle brought you to the fire. There’s certainly no problem with enjoying what it provide for you.
Jim
I definitely have fond memories of that afternoon. I was sitting here trying to remember other events that involved sitting next to a fire. There are some but they’re hazy. So this one will have to keep me warm on its own.
Another excellent post. They are alway so pleasant to read.
Pleasant rides make for pleasant reading.
I’m surprised the turkey 🦃 didn’t burst into flames with that inferno roaring fire in the fireplace.
; – )
Hardly a roaring fire but big enough that I could feel the heat. Heat. What a lovely thing.