Scooter in the Sticks

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

Cold Christmas Ride

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Vespa GTS scooter in State College, Pennsylvania on Christmas Day.Christmas Morning in State College, Pennsylvania

Penn State is closed, the students are gone and the town is empty.  Not a soul around.  It was 13F and windy when I got up and there was a dusting of snow when I got up on Christmas morning — not ideal riding weather.  The dogs weren’t overly excited either.  And suddenly I’m trying to rationalize a little Christmas ride on the Vespa scooter.

It didn’t take long to hatch a plan or to convince myself it wasn’t all that cold outside.  Told myself there were ideal conditions for testing the Tucano Urbano gear — the hand grip muffs and the Termoscud apron.

The test: Can I ride without the heavy winter overpants and with only my LL Bean deerskin gloves?

So off I went, fully expecting to have cold hands, legs and body.Continue Reading

Search for the Spirit of Christmas

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tea and journal on a tableExploring in Words

It’s late and I’m still searching for the spirit of Christmas. There’s no tree for it to hide under and my heart is worn and tired. Despite the twinkling lights and colorful trappings of the season, Christmas remains elusive.

Writing always helps clear away the noise that can mask the truth. A small collection of chocolate and tea fueled a pen laying ink across a journal; thoughts of life and Christmas on my mind.Continue Reading

Tucano Urbano Termoscud: Beating Back the Cold

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Vespa GTS scooter with Tucano Urbano Termoscud apronReady for Winter

Almost.  Still need to mount the Heidenau K66 SnowTex tires.  But I have to say the Tucano Urbano Leg Lap Apron Cover Termoscud for the Vespa GTS really makes a difference in terms of keeping the frigid winter air at bay. And in typical style, I finally acquired a tool others have been suggesting for years.  If nothing else, I’m slow to heed good advice.

I’m still not able to make any long rides but I have been using the Vespa to run errands.  The temperature has been cooperating in a manner that provides a clear picture of the Termscud’s cold busting power.  Instead of the layers of polypropylene long underwear, jeans and my heavy insulated over pants, the Termscud allowed me to comfortably ride with jeans alone at 25F.  I’m not often impressed with moto accessories but this had me smiling.Continue Reading

See the Sunrise

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Two Belgian Sheepdogs in the snowFirst Snowfall

Simple pleasures. Helping shape the mind to accept change. Finding joy and satisfaction where I can. The dual challenges of my wife’s medical situation along with the frigid weather we’ve been having (judged by my growing intolerance of cold) have pushed my ability to go with the flow.

The first snowfall of the season thrilled the dogs. Me — not so much. Still, it was good to see the sunrise.Continue Reading

In Sickness and in Health

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Reflection of Vespa rider Steve Williams on the back of the scooter mirrorEmbracing the Sunny Days

Into every life a little rain must fall.  The same can be said of any relationship or marriage.  It can’t always be sunshine and scooter rides.  Two ambulance rides to the ER for my wife in one week along with some days in the hospital brings a reality to the phrase, “In sickness and in health.”

I’ve not posted anything since the end of November.  Distraction is my claim.  I’ve been adventuring.  Just not in the usual manner.Continue Reading

Scooter in the Sticks

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

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