Scooter in the Sticks

Riding Choices

September 27, 2015 by Scooter in the Sticks 7 Comments

Many riding choices are simple — obvious and mechanical; apply the brakes now, activate the turn signal, avoid the car door opening ahead.

Some choices involve more experience to properly evaluate like making decisions to ride when the weather isn’t ideal or determining how many miles a backside can actually endure before discomfort interferes with technique. And then there are the grand choices that affect lives and relationships, the riding choices that directly influence how much time you a rider lives on two wheels.

A phone call led me to the Pump Station Cafe to see my daughter and granddaughter. Coincidentally members of the Boalsburg Moto Hang were gathered for a weekend ride to member Brian Moroni’s place – H&H Cycle Shop in Osceola Mills. I’m told he has all kinds of vintage dirt bikes and there’s always an interesting collection of vintage riders who hang out and tell stories of the glory days of central Pennsylvania motocross. Brian is a talented fabricator and would probably have a few of his works on display. I could go on that ride or I could see my granddaughter.

Emma, if someday in the future you’re reading this — make note I chose to hang out with you even though you drool and don’t say too much. But you are pretty damn precious. And if at some point you become a rider you’ll appreciate the painful process to balance riding with everything else.

Everything else. I wish I could say I have it under control, all figured out but I’m no closer now than I was scribbling complaints in my journal at 17. I’ve wondered if I’m genetically programmed to warm to disorganization and chaos.

Regardless, choices must be made and for most part I’m comfortable with the ones I’ve made. And I’m excited about the ones that lie ahead. Whatever they may be.

Perhaps Emma will provide some clues — she seems pretty thoughtful.

The Boalsburg Moto Hang gang were making plans for the morning ride and discussing group riding rules and stuff. No scooter riders were represented save for those harboring a secret desire to abandon their motorcycles for the bliss of twist and go.

Off they went. Hannah took an increasingly sleepy Emma home for a nap and I got on the Vespa to engage in some dog walking business with Junior and Lily. Everyone has a task, everyone has a choice.

As far as riding choices go, right now I find myself dividing them into three simple categories; when, how and how long. Simple is good.

Are Scooter Riders Different?

September 26, 2015 by Scooter in the Sticks 13 Comments

Are scooter riders different?

The moto-culture might suggest certain kinds of people are attracted to certain types of machines. The man or woman who finds themselves prowling the Harley Davidson showroom being a world away from another couple wandering through their local Vespa dealership. My own observations lead me to believe any differences have less to do with machinery and more to do with the innate personality traits of individuals.

The video below depicts a love relationship with a scooter rider but it could just as easily have unfolded for the right Ducati, Harley or Suzuki rider.

I have two dogs sleeping at my feet while I write. My heart swells at the connection we have but there’s always a hint of sadness in recognition of the lightning fast speed at which their lives unfold. I see the looks on their faces when I ride to work and if I let them I bet they would run after me as far as their legs could take them. Much like the goose flying along with the scooter.

Is their a goose in your life?

Riding at Night

September 25, 2015 by Scooter in the Sticks 7 Comments

With the days shortening the chances that I’ll be on the road after dark have increased. The drop in light levels parallel a drop in temperature. It was 71F when I rode into town just after sunset and 90 minutes later it was 62F. Glad I decided not to wear the mesh summer riding jacket. In a few more weeks there will be few motorcycles on the street at night.

After a few errands and chores I had one last stop to make at a pizza joint to bring home a few snacks. While the ride was uneventful I’m starting to gird myself for the coming cold weather. I try and ease myself into the season much like I do getting into cold water for a swim — easy does it. Before long I’ll scoff at sub-freezing weather and think these chilly rides with the thermometer in the 60s is positively balmy.

Fog Pas De Deux

September 24, 2015 by Scooter in the Sticks 5 Comments

The chill of late September mornings conjures a world of fog. The simple rides of summer give way to more demanding circumstances as both temperatures and visibility decline on a regular basis. In the dim light of morning the Vespa and I engage a tentative fog pas de deux as I judge what nature has presented.

My eagerness to ride in a world of fog and mist borders on fanaticism and I have to guard against unwise decisions regarding when I should and shouldn’t ride a scooter in fog.

The choice of riding route is especially important when riding in the fog. Seeking out the road less traveled is always at the top of my riding goals — especially where fog is concerned. Scenic short cuts are common options during my ride to work. If I was faced with heavy traffic my feelings about riding in the fog would be markedly different.

Today was the first day of autumn, the Autumnal Equinox, and the fog seemed appropriate, touching a genetically programmed response from some distant primal need to prepare for winter. The First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket is the frequent choice as the temperature drops in the low 50s. Soon I’ll be touching the controls for the heated grips. And not far off will be the mounting of my Heidenau K66 LT Snow Tex tires.

I so hate the bite of frigid air and light starved days. And I so love the challenge of riding on through it all until I come out at the other side as spring flowers begin to bloom.

Where’s the Beef?

September 23, 2015 by Scooter in the Sticks 15 Comments

Where’s the beef?

In Boalsburg, Pennsylvania at Kelly’s Steak and Seafood. On the roof to me more precise.

It’s also where the Vespa stopped this evening on the way home from work to pick up a couple prime rib sandwiches at the bar. The same bar that 40 years ago saw a guy throw a dead groundhog on to show off a particularly large example he acquired while hunting. Back then it was the Boalsburg Steakhouse and quite a bit different than it is today. It had a unique mix of local color in the bar.

The big Hereford steer on the roof was the same but that’s about all. Kelly’s is definitely upscale in comparison and the food is much better.

And I seem to remember that instead of a Vespa scooter in the parking lot I would have been leaving behind an orange 1970 Volkswagen Beetle. I suppose everyone has places they go that the minute you arrive you feel the sweep of time. For me, this place does it and I feel the pangs of nostalgia as I face the sudden reminder of the sweep of time.

Where has it gone…

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Scooter in the Sticks