Scooter in the Sticks

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

Riding and Getting Older

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2001 Kawasaki W650 parked along a rural road.
An old motorcycle is perfect for an old man like me.

Responses from an Aging Population of Riders

The 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorcycle continues to prove it’s mettle as I wander the backroads of Pennsylvania. I’ve noticed that riding and getting older have begun to intersect and have raised at times some uncomfortable questions. There’s some truth to the idea that when old men get together a big part of their conversation is consumed by tales of aches, pains, medications, doctors, and myriad flash points to complain about.

But the subject of change doesn’t often come up other than plans to move to warmer places or where the next vacation will change place. But for a rider, aging introduces a growing element of risk. And how to manage it was the topic of two recent videos I posted on YouTube. And I am in the process of making a third. That’s what brought me and the W650 out to play.

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Notes from the Sticks

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Two Belgian Sheepdogs resting in the grass.
Lily and Aiden resting during their (almost) daily three mile walk.

Daily Rituals and Riding

Our dogs are demanding of food, attention, and walks. They express those needs in various ways, usually quietly and patiently, but they do not forget. At times I wish I was more like them. Diligent in focus and caring for my needs.

Spring brings with it a raft of extra duties and chores which requires some balancing acts to make sure things don’t fall through the cracks. Things are finally slowing down though not without some failures to find time or energy to embrace certain things. Like riding, making YouTube videos, or posting here.

As a friend reminds me, I do this for fun and purposes of self discovery. They aren’t jobs and I don’t have to do any of it. Still, things feel a little off when I neglect those outlets.

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Seduced by Warm Weather

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Vespa GTS 250 scooter parked on a gravel road next to a farm field on a sunny day.
Blue skies and sunlight draw me out into the world.

The Serotonin Rush

Medical articles talk about the positive effects of warm weather and sunlight on mood and well-being being linked to the increased serotonin and vitamin D production. Whatever the neuro/biological mechanisms are in play it feels great to feel drawn out of the house and onto the road.

During the past week I’ve ridden the Kawasaki W650, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Honda Trail 125, and yesterday a pleasant ride on the Vespa GTS scooter. And I can attest to my spirit soaring to even greater heights than it does when it is freezing outside.

But nothing remains static including the experience of being seduced by warm weather.

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The Perfect Ride

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle parked near an old barn.
Arriving on a rainy morning for breakfast at Cafe Lemont.

What is the Perfect Ride?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that there are no bad rides. Doesn’t matter if it is too hot or too cold, too far or too short, or if the scenery or roads are just boring. When I learned that all rides are good rides and that the idea of the perfect ride just doesn’t exist my riding world opened and I put more time in the saddle.

Cafe Lemont was my second choice for breakfast after Barnes and Noble had to toss all their food because of a storm-caused power outage trashed their refrigeration. Like this ride and so many others, the circumstances don’t matter. Just being able to ride is enough.

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Vespa Scooter Relationships

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Two Vespa scooter riders stopped at a scenic vista.
Andy with his new Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport scooter.

You Meet the Nicest People on a Vespa Scooter

Andy wore out his first Vespa GTS 300 after only 65 thousand miles or so. I think. After some mechanical failures he felt it was time for a new one. I’m still rocking my 19 year old GTS. Runs fine. Some recent extensive maintenance and wrench twisting should keep it running until I can’t ride anymore. There’s a happy thought.

The story on this ride though was Andy, Paul, and I were gathering for breakfast, then riding to Belleville, Pennsylvania to meet another scooter rider. It’s odd how Vespa scooter relationships develop.

A few things were unexpected.

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Scooter in the Sticks

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

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