Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.
I fell in love with a Vespa scooter the first time I rode one. And now, after some neglect and a wandering eye, I’m falling in love all over again.
It continues to amaze me how my mind and body are transported into a different state of being by this silver scooter. Standing along the road, breathing the moist fragrant spring air, and feeling startingly present in the moment, I know what a gift it is to be able to ride.
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“I’m going to run down to the Pump Station.”
Steve Williams
A common refrain in our house. Up there with “I’m going to take a nap” and “Did you feed the dogs?”
Thankfully, Kim doesn’t ask me to explain what running to the Pump Station Cafe means.
That’s probably because it’s only a half-mile from the house. Often I walk there with a dog, or stop by after making photographs at the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Sometimes I’ll ride down on the Vespa.
It’s a quick, 40 minute, 25-mile trip.
After all, it’s nice to take in the scenery on the way to the Pump Station Cafe.
Continue ReadingThe more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude.
Aldous Huxley
I love the quote by Huxley on solitude. Not so much to think of myself possessing a powerful and original mind, but rather to excuse my life long attraction to solitude.
I’m not sure if it’s a result of my genetic programming, the fact I grew up an only child, or just an accident or circumstance. What I do know is I’ve spent a lot of time apologizing for wanting to be alone.
But I’ll save this topic for another post. Right now I want to take a moment to consider the year which has raced by, and the new year ahead.
And to wish anyone reading these words my best wishes for a happy, safe, and satisfying New Year!
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Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
Buddhist Proverb
Being gripped by sadness is an awful state, but one that fades with riding and writing.
There exists two possible options when I write a blog post. The first and most simple is when I write about the experience and feelings during the actual ride pictured. And the second is when I write about other feelings triggered while looking at the pictures.
My friend Paul and I were headed to Kissell Motorsports for my Vespa’s annual Pennsylvania safety inspection.
It’s funny how different a photograph can look between the moment I made it and when I am writing about it. The sun is shining, birds are singing, there is food at hand, and money in my pocket. In terms of what’s required to survive in this world I want for nothing.
Yet I’m gripped by sadness.
The sweep of an open landscape can generate a sense of hope and possibility. Often, perhaps always, when I stop to make these kinds of photographs I feel a thrill. And I did on that morning. But looking at them now, influenced by the rattling chaos of life, I see none of that.
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Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.
MOSHE DAYAN
An escape from the noise of everyday life into a state of Vespa scooter freedom is a gift of hope and joy. The same now as it was when I began riding a scooter so many years ago. In minutes the noise and stress that can accumulate in my head burn off like fog on a sunny morning. The air embraces my body and I’m flying. All I can think is it’s great to be alive.
It doesn’t take long until I’m far from home. The scooter has quietly transported me to a different reality. The long road, the spring light, the promise of life emerging again from winter reduces my world to something simple I can grasp. Like the throttle of the Vespa.
Riding provides a taste of freedom, and it quickens the soul.
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