Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650
A clear, sunny morning after fresh snow clouds my judgment. The cold and snow seem light and a mere trifle to deal with. It’s that thinking that leads me to underestimate the cold and wander out of the house unprepared for what nature has in store. Every year I step into the same trap after the first snow. And because I usually decide to take a ride on the Vespa scooter, I have to get reacquainted with winter riding.
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I’ve never “stored” my Vespa scooter for the winter — draining fuel, adding stabilizer, or pushing the machine to the corner of the garage to wait for warm weather again in the spring. Riding had become too much fun, too important, an obsession that I wasn’t willing to surrender because of winter. So I rode when the roads were clear, piled on protective gear and tools to stay warm, and pushed against the elements in ways that may have been a stretch in terms of risk.
So now I’m looking at how to manage “winterizing my BMW K75 motorcycle.”
Continue ReadingI 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.
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 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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