Scooter in the Sticks

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

Frozen in Place

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan along a rural road in a snow covered landscape.
Riding despite the frozen weather.

Chaos and Procrastination

Despite the march of years I continue to ride through the winter. The goal is to ride all five machines in the garage at least once every two weeks for at least 15 miles. Enough time to drive the moisture from the oil, keep the batteries alive, and make room for periodic transfusions of fuel. It was much easier when all I had was the Vespa. I wonder about the wisdom of multiple machines this time of year. Or if I should “winterize” a couple. It becomes a chaotic swirl of thoughts in my head that can lead to procrastination and eventually a full stop in activity. I find myself feeling frozen in place.

If only it was limited to scooters and motorcycles.

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Remembering Summer Rides

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Motorcycle rider taking in the view in the Appalachian Mountains.
A view in Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest of the Appalachian Mountains during one of my summer rides.

The weather has turned markedly colder and the shortened daylight triggers some biological reaction that doesn’t feel great. Looked back to brighter, warmer, days and rides enters my thoughts more frequently now. Rather than gird and prepare myself for riding in colder weather I’m spending more time remembering summer rides. Like this one with my friend Dave that was merely a ride to breakfast. Just not the closest place or the most direct route.

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Riding and Getting Older

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2001 Kawasaki W650 parked along a rural road.
An old motorcycle is perfect for an old man like me.

Responses from an Aging Population of Riders

The 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorcycle continues to prove it’s mettle as I wander the backroads of Pennsylvania. I’ve noticed that riding and getting older have begun to intersect and have raised at times some uncomfortable questions. There’s some truth to the idea that when old men get together a big part of their conversation is consumed by tales of aches, pains, medications, doctors, and myriad flash points to complain about.

But the subject of change doesn’t often come up other than plans to move to warmer places or where the next vacation will change place. But for a rider, aging introduces a growing element of risk. And how to manage it was the topic of two recent videos I posted on YouTube. And I am in the process of making a third. That’s what brought me and the W650 out to play.

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Falling in Love with the Royal Enfield Himalayan (AGAIN)

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle parked along a farm field in winter.
A quiet, subdued, lovely motorcycle.

I Remember Now

Cold mornings. Reasons to stay home. Safe. Warm. Unencumbered by the need to do the heavy lifting to ride in the central Pennsylvania winter. Suddenly the body vibrates from the thrum of the engine, the spin of the tires on the asphalt, the wind pushing against the body. And then I am falling in love with the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Again.

I’m an unreliable lover of the machines in my garage. One day I’m in love with my Vespa scooter. And the next with something else. I commune with the machine I’m riding. Each for their own personality and grace.

It was a fine morning to ride no where in particular. Just enough to drive the moisture from the oil. To energize the battery. And restore my soul.

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Vespa GTS Scooter at 6-Degrees Fahrenheit

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Vespa GTS scooter parked on a snowing lot.
Nice to arrive at a heated diner.

Questioning My Decision to Ride in the Cold

The plan was to meet a friend for breakfast as the Sunset West Diner. Watching the weather forecast and the predicted low temperatures I wondered whether I could ride my Vespa GTS Scooter at 6-degrees Fahrenheit. I’m older and less tolerant of the cold. And my mind doesn’t see the same exciting challenge in facing adverse weather as it once did. Still, I have my moments.

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