Scooter in the Sticks

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

A Time Machine

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I invited my friend and fellow Vespa rider, Andy Heckathorne, to share something about his rides. Writing about two-wheeled adventures beyond straight documentation of destinations is a challenge. I asked Andy to explore what was going on in his head. Beyond that, I left things up to him.

Steve Williams

I’m grateful that Steve Williams continues to create and faithfully maintain this trusted space, Scooter in the Sticks. Steve, your photography and insights continue to inspire us – your readers – to look more deeply and more fully appreciate life on two wheels, and life in general. Thank you.

And thank you for the opportunity to share some of my own thoughts and images. I truly appreciate it.

Illustration of Andy Heckathorne
Heckadude Morning Coffee. By Andy Heckathorne.
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Reflections on Gratitude

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A man and his dog.
It’s the simple things that give life meaning.

Thanksgiving. Given the choice between tradition and reality, I choose the latter. And for me, reality means processing the notion of gratitude and giving thanks. Turkey, football, family gathering; a nice traditions but they don’t necessarily translate into anything beyond a formal escape from the trudging of daily life.

For my part, I’ll remember the good in my life and the gifts I’ve received both large and small. As I sit in the garden as I often do, my dog Junior reminds me that my needs are not great, and my blessings expansive beyond what I deserve.

I wish each of you a good Thanksgiving Holiday however you may celebrate it (or not). And if you’re on the road riding, be safe.

For those of you looking for stories and pictures of rides — there’s much to come once I sit down and write.

The Road

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BMW motorcycle along a road.
Riding a motorcycle on the long road is a gift to relish.

The Long Road

The road is a text, a dense book waiting to be discovered, examined, and evaluated. Riding opens the door to a learning process that promises a rich reward of experience and insight.

At least that’s how I see it.

I know riders who experience none of these things. Their motorcycle or scooter may be a means to invoke an adrenaline rush. Or perhaps an excuse to socialize. Or posture and strut. While I’ve felt the thrill of adrenaline, interacted with others, and have proudly displayed my hi-viz jacket, none of those actions are what motivates me to ride.

The road is a landscape for learning.

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The Scooter ‘Zine

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The Scooter 'Zine
I contributed a story to Issue #11 of The Scooter ‘Zine.

Supporting The Scooter ‘Zine

I’ve been mostly a loner when it comes to scooter culture. Aside from occasional visits to the Modern Vespa forum I’m pretty disconnected from other scooterists and the state of the scootering world.

Back in August, I was contacted by Howard Rains, the editor, publisher, and self-described janitor of The Scooter ‘Zine magazine.

He said he was always looking for scooter riders with a story to tell and after following Scooter in the Sticks for a while was wondering if I might be willing to share some thoughts about the blog.

It was an honor to be asked and a distinct privilege to share some small part of my own scooter story in the magazine.

I also am aware of the passion and drive necessary to create a magazine and wanted to do some small part in helping such a creative enterprise thrive. Scooter riders, and scootering in general in all it’s various forms, makes up a tiny part of the two-wheeled riding universe. I felt good about contributing and subscribing to something that reflects my own interests and to help reach others who don’t know the magic of scooter riding.

Howard has permitted me to publish the text of the piece in the magazine. You’ll have to subscribe to see all the photographs. There are 10 published in the magazine.

After reading the text, you’ll have a better idea of how Scooter in the Sticks was born, what reasons I could possibly have to blog, and what the future might hold.

Click the “Continue Reading” bar for the entire text.

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Existential Angst

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Existential angst portrait

Man in the Mirror

I haven’t posted since September 11th. I blame existential angst. I was already feeling off, a vague yet persistent feeling that something was wrong. The past stirred and the future loomed, each reeking havoc on the present, the only place I actually live and breathe.

I see the struggle in my face. There’s less laughter and song. I’ve begun to look like I feel.

I’ve been riding. There is no dust on the Vespa scooter or BMW motorcycle. And my cameras have seen heavy use. But the existential angst, a gnawing anxiety, has stripped me of the desire to write. To share. To do anything other than escape the trials of the moment.

With no end is sight, I push the scooter out of the garage and ride away. Each time wondering if something different will occur.

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