Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

Into the Mountains With the Honda Trail 125

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Scenic view of Bear Meadows Natural Area.
Bear Meadows Natural Area as seen from a Honda Trail 125.

You See the Nicest Things on a Honda

After wrestling with the idea of needing a lighter motorcycle to ride in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania I purchased a 2023 Honda Trail 125. Based mostly on reviews, reputation, and a gut reaction to its appearance. How bad could it be? Besides, I can adjust to anything. So the first ride off the pavement provided a glimpse of whether I would be smiling or growling when I got home.

Just seven miles from home is the Bear Meadows Natural Area. A destination that seemed a good first stop for my friend Paul and I to test our newly acquired machines — the Honda Trail 125.

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Vespa Riders on the Road

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Vespa riders on the road in Central Pennsylvania.
Braving the cold, my fellow Vespa riders on the road.

Planetary Alignment

A celestial alignment of Vespa scooters brought Andy, Paul, and myself together for a ride during a “warm” February day. The sun was out, roads were clear, we were all geared up and able to comfortably manage a 42F day.

I knew it was cold because Paul had to use his electric gloves along with his faux Carhartt overalls. Whatever the circumstances already fading in my memory it was good to be with my fellow Vespa riders on the road through Penns Valley in Central Pennsylvania.

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2023 Honda CT125 Trail: All Things Change

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2023 Honda CT125 Trail strapped down in the bed of a pickup truck.
Preparing to haul my new Honda CT125 Trail home.

I Done Done It

The deed is done. I bought a brand new 2023 Honda CT125 Trail. It’s home in the garage sipping power through a Battery Tender waiting for a little warmer weather. It was sunny and 17F this morning but the clarion call of cold weather riding no longer shouts louder than my desire to curl up in the house with a cup of hot chocolate or tea.

But this week the thermometer will point toward the 40F mark so the Honda CT125 Trail should see its first experience of the beautiful Central Pennsylvania landscapes.

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Royal Enfield Himalayan or a Honda 125 Trail?

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan
Is it time to downsize?

Surprised at How Fast They Get Heavy.

It was only a couple years ago that I felt the BMW K75C was getting too heavy to handle. Plus I wanted something to ride in the mountains. Not on rough trails or single track. Just the many dirt and gravel forest roads. And the Royal Enfield Himalayan was a good choice for me. And I have to add, I love that motorcycle.

But…. There’s always a but. Especially when I get older. I don’t feel the same kind of “heavy” I did with the BMW but I definitely have become more aware of the weight of the Himalayan. On a good day I’m not sure if I could pick it up after a drop. And definitely not on a bad back day. And if it fell on my my aging bones might be more prone to fracture. Just what I need as I ride on the path towards age 70 this year.

So I’ve been doing some thinking and scheming and prowling of the internet.

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UPDATE: A New Year, New Challenges

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A metal sign about aging and riding.
An anonymous gift…

Aging and Riding

This metal sign was delivered to my home. From who I don’t know. But I have to think it relates to a video I posted recently on YouTube that explores the question — When is it time to stop riding?

That video seemed to touch a nerve as thousands watched it and hundreds commented. I’ll post the video below.

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