Scooter in the Sticks

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

Scooters, Dogs and Motorcycles

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Vespa ET4 scooter along a wet rural road.
Riding in the lush wetness of summer.

Riding in the Rain

There has been ample opportunity to ride my scooters and motorcycles in the rain this summer. In past years everything would be dry and brown in August from hot weather and too little rain. But rain this summer has kept everything lush and green.

I have to confess that my normal summer doldrums in regard to riding has eased because of the rain. Lower temperatures, less sunshine, and some mild rain has gotten me outside.

Both my Vespa scooters are well suited for jaunts in gentle rain. And the lightly traveled roads add to the gentle and relaxed riding I’ve come to expect from my Vespa scooters.

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Loving the Royal Enfield Himalayan

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan along a rural road.
A calm, quiet, unassuming motorcycle.

A Peaceful, Easy Feeling

My 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan never startles, surprises, or scares me. It’s so easy to ride and the feeling I get moving down the road is almost as if the machine has me in a relaxed, safe embrace. Granted those feelings are in my head and I fully realize the risk involved in riding this or any other motorcycle. But there is something special about riding a motorcycle the gets me from point A to point B without inviting me to taste its power or speed. In the end we both are content to wander along seemingly without a care in the world.

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When the Road Ahead Changes

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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.

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The Differences Between a Scooter and Motorcycle

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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.

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My Spring Riding Safety Reminders

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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!