riding Archives - Page 3 of 82 - Scooter in the Sticks

When the Road Ahead Changes

July 10, 2023 by Scooter in the Sticks 25 Comments

Vespa ET4 on a long rural road. — Along a road in Penns Valley Pennsylvania.

Sometimes the Road Ahead is Straight and Familiar

I’m not talking about the pavement. Or dirt and gravel. The change I refer to is when life disrupts my routine and expectations. When I ride I seem more aware now of those changes and the potential impact they have on the journey forward. Even little things stand out and leave me confused about what’s ahead. What will happen next.

During a recent ride to breakfast with my friend Paul I found myself thinking about the road ahead and the things that are changing.

The Differences Between a Scooter and Motorcycle

June 26, 2023 by Scooter in the Sticks 24 Comments

A scooter and motorcycle parked in the Pennsylvania Wilds. — My friend Paul and I stopped during a motorcycle/scooter camping trip in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Scooter or Motorcycle

A recent comment about why I’m riding my Vespa ET4 when I have a Vespa GTS got me thinking about that choice. And not just the choice between the two scooters, but the differences between a scooter and motorcycle in general. Those questions have been floating around my head and I think I’ve come to a few simple conclusions.

My Spring Riding Safety Reminders

May 1, 2023 by Scooter in the Sticks 4 Comments

As the weather warms I find myself riding more often. Especially around town for errands. And short jaunts through the countryside in the morning as part of a fine ritual of awakening. So I like to remind myself that however exciting and satisfying these rides can be I must remain vigilant in staying safe on the road.

It’s kind of a tradition for me to share the “Morning Fall” video by Edward McGinty.

A visceral reminder of riding risk. But what seems like impossible events to manage can be affected by our riding choices.

And for a pale, weak video in comparison to McGinty’s masterpiece, I made a quick safety video for new and beginning riders. Just a few ideas to help someone get on a good path in regard to riding safety and risk management whether riding a Vespa scooter, motorcycle, or any other powered two-wheeled machine.

Be well and ride safe!

Concerns of Power and Speed

February 10, 2023 by Scooter in the Sticks 17 Comments

2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Rothrock State Forest. — The weak, underpowered, too-slow Royal Enfield Himalayan.

An Honest Question

I read a comment on one of my YouTube videos asking, “How do you cope with 24 horsepower?”

A good question, especially since the Himalayan has a reputation for being underpowered and slow. And that question also points out a possible initial bias when it comes to power and speed, and what is required to be adequate. It seems that too often an arbitrary value is introduced that doesn’t take into account the rider, the riding goals, or the motorcycle. Add pride and ego to the mix and you can come face-to-face with some pretty strange ideas of what’s necessary to go for a ride. And a parade of ever bigger and bigger machines that may have more to do with profit margins that anything remotely necessary for riding.

As I’ve always believed, it’s up to the individual to decide what they need in terms of a scooter or motorcycle. I only hope men and women take the time to look in the mirror and make an honest assessment before making a choice.

Anyway, I made a video in response to the question. Perhaps you’ll have some additional insight or experience that will help others make their own decision about what to ride — scooter or motorcycle.

I have my own ideas on power and speed…

What are your thoughts on power and speed?

Change and Choice

January 31, 2023 by Scooter in the Sticks 38 Comments

Riding Panacea

2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle on a mountain road in the forest. — Finding that peaceful, easy feeling.

Looking over the blog posts of the past year reveals a steady decline in the production of stories, essays, and messages along with the attendant photographs that have been a stable of Scooter in the Sticks for 15 years.

Any deep investigation of this trend has been avoided, passed off to the realm of riding where an imagined revelation would occur and provide a solid, succinct roadmap for the future of Scooter in the Sticks.

I’ve been generously rewarded by riding my scooters and motorcycles. Insight, understanding, and clarity revealed during a ride have not been uncommon. But to think riding is a panacea that can replace thinking and hard work is simply not true. At least for me.

So I’ve been struggling with what to do with this blog.