Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

A Jaunt in the Rain

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A 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan parked on a wet driveway.
Almost escaped before the rain fell hard.

Breakfast Ride Rained Out

The plan was to ride to breakfast. The weather report the night before indicated rain later in the morning. I had the Himalayan in the driveway and ready to go when it started to rain. Gently at first but then falling heavy enough that rain gear would be needed. I’m getting too old to intentionally head out in the rain, especially when I just want to get something to eat. So the bike went into the garage and the trip to the restaurant was made in my friend’s bright red Jeep Wrangler.

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Seduced by Warm Weather

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Vespa GTS 250 scooter parked on a gravel road next to a farm field on a sunny day.
Blue skies and sunlight draw me out into the world.

The Serotonin Rush

Medical articles talk about the positive effects of warm weather and sunlight on mood and well-being being linked to the increased serotonin and vitamin D production. Whatever the neuro/biological mechanisms are in play it feels great to feel drawn out of the house and onto the road.

During the past week I’ve ridden the Kawasaki W650, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Honda Trail 125, and yesterday a pleasant ride on the Vespa GTS scooter. And I can attest to my spirit soaring to even greater heights than it does when it is freezing outside.

But nothing remains static including the experience of being seduced by warm weather.

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Riding in a Little Rain

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A 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorcycle parked in the rain.
All alone in the rain.

Choices

In addition to the certainties of death and taxes something else can be added to the list — we always have choices. They may not be good choices. Or pleasant. But they’re always there when needed. Like riding in a little rain.

Since retiring and not facing the changing personality of daily fluctuations in weather I tend not to choose to ride in the rain, snow, or bitter cold. But sometimes opportunity and circumstance collude to tempt me out into the world on a scooter or motorcycle. And on this day, a heavy overcast with barely a sprinkle convinced me that the risk of riding in a little rain on my 2001 Kawasaki W650 was a good choice.

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