Scooter in the Sticks

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

The Vespa Experience

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Dom Chang of Redleg’s Rides sent me a link to this tribute to the Vespa scooter in cinema.  As I watched I realized how far I am personally from the common perception of the Vespa experience — one that’s decidedly urban, young, romantic, eclectic and a bit frenetic. It’s easy to see why motorcycle riders may dismiss the scooter culture as something foreign to what seems at times something about speed, power, machinery and technology.  Apples and oranges.

I watched the video three times hoping to see myself in there somewhere and save for one scene where a young man is swerving back and forth on the road enjoying the feeling of moving through the world, I felt like I was watching a cultural phenomenon that passed me by.

Maybe if I had a Vespa when I was seventeen I might feel differently. Maybe it’s just the same as learning about my ancestors — there’s a connection biologically but the lives and experiences are from another time…

 

A Scooter Video on a Cold Morning Ride

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Writing about riding a scooter or motorcycle in the winter is one thing. Showing it in video gives a more visceral experience. On this particular morning I planned to ride despite sub-zero temperatures. On a sunny day, despite the cold, it’s not so bad.  Have a look at this scooter video and imagine what a decision to ride the Vespa in the winter might look like…

Riding in cold weather isn’t for everyone and should be approached cautiously. When asked I always tell people don’t do it, especially if you’re impatient or if you don’t think you can radically change your riding style.

Often it’s best to just stay at home.

Vespa GTS scooter on a snowy winter ride

Generally speaking — I advise against riding in the snow.  It requires so many changes in behavior, technique and mindset that most riders I’ve met just aren’t willing to make.

Riding a Vespa Scooter is Different for Everyone

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Vespa GTS 250ie scooter along Spring Creek

The first late summer morning where the temperature dropped to 50F, chilly enough to use the liner in my winter riding jacket, the bright sun adding just enough warmth to temper the cool air making its way inside jacket and pants.  The leaves are starting to fall as the fall equinox approaches.  Before long the warm, sleepy summer rides will give way to the more bracing rides of fall. Over the years a pattern has emerged showing my riding mileage increases as the temperature decreases.  Riding a Vespa scooter is different for everyone I guess.

Vespa GTS 250ie scooterFor me, riding continues to be a solitary experience taking place in the quiet, empty places in central Pennsylvania.  At one point in time the ride was about the machine but that faded a long, long time ago.  Now it’s become a form of meditation, at times simple and free and others difficult, puzzling, and moving into the unknown.  There is an element of self-surrender and introspection, probably the closest I’ll come to mysticism in this life.  Strange what a ride can become.

Vespa scooter in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

I’ve ridden enough motorcycles to know that the experience would eventually move in the same direction.  On the Vespa I just get there quicker.  Still, those moments of mystery are short lived and fleeting.  One moment I’m flying and the next I’m so hungry that all I can think about it finding somewhere to eat.  And this day I ended up at Cool Beans Coffee House in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.  My bad luck that they are closed on Sunday.  And worse as I did the mental gymnastics of the next best food stop my phone rang sending me off in another direction all together.  And so it goes, even the most innocent rides on the most mundane days can swing from sublime to routine, sometimes in moments, others in miles.  Regardless of what the experience is for me I want more, an undeniable craving to be in the world, on the road, air rushing by in a shimmering shaking of living.

Honda motorcycles in shipping crates

As I worked my way home I came upon this odd collection of covered shipping containers, a motorcycle wheel revealing the cargo.  The eighteen motorcycles, or I suppose there could be some scooters too, are waiting to provide their rider with a jumping off point for the body, mind and spirit.  Riding a Vespa, or anything else for that matter, will be different for everyone.  But ride long enough and the machine will vanish and something else will creep into your mind, a flight of fancy that’s unlooked for but mesmerizing.

At least that’s been my experience…

 

The Tyranny of Responsibility

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2006 Vespa GTS 250ie scooter

A ride seems so simple, just roll the scooter or motorcycle outside, get on, thumb the starter and go.  Escape down the road with scarcely a concern for anything but the pavement passing below your feet, wind pushing against your body, and everything is perfect in the world.  It should be so simple but the tyranny of responsibility, that collection of grown up chores and tasks conspire together to make the simplest pleasures seem childish, inconsiderate and selfish.  At least it seems that way at the end of a long day when energy levels are low and frustration is high.

With one driver in the house last week retrieving the Vespa from Kissell Motorsports (technician Chad installed a new drive belt, rollers, pads along with a change of engine and transmission oil) was a planning adventure to beg rides, take buses and walk to various locations.

Belgian Sheepdog with tennis ball at sunsetMy dog Junior is a faithful teacher, ever reminding me of the power of setting any business aside and taking time to watch the sunset.  Except when there is a cat nearby or food is involved, he is a remarkably relaxed creature.  Taking a few minutes to do the same myself certainly helps ease the burdens of a day.

2009 Yamaha Vino 125 scooter in the fog.A morning photos of daughter Aleta’s Yamaha Vino scooter on its way to get it’s annual safety inspection, part of the choreographed dance that would lead on towards retrieval of the Vespa.  I had forgotten how capable the Vino is on our local roads.

Man's shadow on dirtExamining the long shadow I cast while launching tennis balls for the dog I’m reminded of the power I do have to control what I do and don’t do.  Sometimes it takes a different look at myself to figure out what’s going on.

guy in coffee shopReflective moments during a busy week are more common for me during visits to cafes and coffee shops.  And of course rides.  Unfortunately this past week the scooters were unavailable and I just had a lot to do.

Sunday morning scene at Saint's CafePiled up, one chore, one task, one appointment piled upon the next, even the Sunday morning photography discussion could damper any sparks of creative thought.  Paul continues to appear with inkjet prints made during a wide range of activities and travels.

two men looking at photographic printsThe best I could must we some quiet reflection on the images being shared and a small amount of personal berating at not yet returning to the darkroom to produce new work.  Instead I remain under the thumb of  chore and task.  I’ve come up for air though and the rest of the week looks brighter and less clouded by grown up responsibility.  Maybe I’ll even ride to work tomorrow…

Riding in the Rain

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Vespa GTS 250ie as it starts to rainLeaving work late only to find it starting to rain and facing a decision to ride without or without raingear.  My Revit rain suit has remained unused for over a year as I continue to choose wet over dry.  Laziness is at work, at least partially as the thought of unpacking and donning the suit seems dizzying.  And a rough part of me just likes getting drenched.  I suppose every rider has a different dance when considering riding in the rain.

rain drops on Vespa scooter windscreen

Riding west towards the setting sun and approaching rain revealed little of what would happen.  Roads wet but not drenched left a slippery film cabable of dispatching the best rider in a weak moment.  Sudden flares of sunlight easily blinds the unprepared daydreamer.  A few minutes inside a store on the way home had me wondering if I would ride wet or dry.

Tree in an open farm field.

Minutes later sweeping along a backroad towards home  confirmed the wisdom of my choice to leave the rainsuit untouched.  The lone trees that punctuate the farm fields throughout Pennsylvania reflect the care and functionality in place by farmers of previous generations.  Those trees were often left in place to provide noontime shade for a team of plow horses while the farmer walked back to the house for lunch.  Few were left with painters or photographers in mind  70 years down the road.

Vespa scooter along a rural road

One last stop to admire the late day light painting the landscape before turning the Vespa towards home.  Some days you get wet and others leave you dry.  I was glad to miss a downpour and the need to pull out the rain suit.  Just a bit too tired and worn to think too much about the rain.