If given the choice I prefer to ride alone. I used to think it was because I’m anti-social or deficient in skills necessary to interact with others but I have come to realize I relish time alone. Riding by myself is an opportunity to completely disconnect from the world and just be present with myself. I see, smell, and hear things that I would completely miss if I was concentrating on staying in my lane so someone can ride along side me or that I don’t run into the scooter in front of me. It’s ok once in awhile but the big does of riding needs to be by myself.

When I do ride with a group I always take the last position. That way I can just linger along, stop, do whatever I want. If I lose them… oh well.

When I was considering the scooter one of the big selling points I was hearing from others was the social nature of scooter riders. I have found that to be true. But I think I have remained (at least in terms of riding) a loner…..

The picture above was taken on one of my many “by myself” rides.

I planned to ride 60 miles this morning to Altoona but because of the threat of rain I chose to ride around locally. First stop was Barnes and Noble to check out the latest photography books and perhaps have something to eat. One the way I pass a quarry that I always find interesting to look at. The scooter makes it so much easier to stop and look at things than it does in a car…

Went out this morning despite calls for snow. As long as the road is dry and I can see the pavement clearly I feel comfortable riding.

I made this image to prove the Vespa looks fine in snow. The yellow riding jacket is my nod to visibility. I like riding alone and in the winter the traffic falls off even more. Now all I need is some warmer gloves and I’ll be all set.

Planned to ride to work this morning with the temperature a chilly 12 degrees. Was already to go until I found the black ice on the driveway and road. Took the bus rather than chance a spill in the dark on a spot of ice.

Got home and took a ride. By then the air warmed to 20 degrees and the sun made it possible to see the ice. Rode down to the Pump Station Cafe for a piece of chocolate pound cake. I really like the fact that you can park the scooter just about anywhere. I just ignore parking spaces….

Despite the fact that I have not posted in almost 2 months I have continued to ride. I am a dozen miles short of 2000. The cold weather has slowed me down a bit but through layering and some windproof clothing I can more or less comfortably ride in 20 degree weather.

This image was made during a cold morning ride last weekend.