Scooter in the Sticks

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

Nature of Friendship

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two men looking at photographic printsPhotography Bonds

My friends Gordon and Paul at Saint’s Cafe looking a photographs — one of the common bonds among us.  Paul I met at a large format photography workshop he was teaching over 20 years ago, and Gordon in the MFA program at the School of Visual Arts at Penn State nearly 10 years later.

I call them both friends.

Photography has driven connections between us and created conversation and travel to serve our collective camera masters.  It’s a powerful enslavement that has been with each of us for a lifetime.

And both are riders.

Gordon Harkins on Vespa 300Riders All

Gordon pilots a red Vespa GTS 300.  I’ve suggested he could assume a role on Sons of Anarchy but would have to abandon the scooter.  So far he’s shown no interest.

Paul Ruby leaping at the sight of a Vespa scooterPaul is a more eclectic rider and at home with a Vespa or a Harley and everything in between.  During rides I often have the opportunity to photograph one of his spur of the moment performances.  I often wonder at what age a broken bone will occur.

Gordon Harkins and his Vespa GTS scooterDefinition of Friendship

If I can call you at 3am and say “help!”, then you must be a friend.  Having someone in your life that you know will be there when you need them, no questions asked, is a gift beyond treasure.  I believe it’s a rare connection.

It’s not something we talk about or make an agreement about — I sense it.  I hope the others do as well.

Paul Ruby with a yellow Ducati motorcycleViews Through the Looking Glass

I’ve collected a number of pictures from our times together.  Paul always has a new motorcycle love — this one several machines ago — a bright yellow Ducati 1098.

Gordon Harkins with his Vespa scooterGordon rides only his Vespa scooter.  Not other machine has materialized in his garage.  At least as far as I know.

Steve Williams and Gordon Harkins with their Vespa scootersIt’s good to have friends who ride.  They understand the obsession, the desire to get away on two wheels, the phone calls requesting a truck and pick-up at at remote location.  This photo was made during a ride through Moshannon State Forest.  Red may be the fastest color in Vespa mythology but the silver scooter is by far the more beautiful…

Paul Ruby exercisingThis has become a familiar scene while riding with Paul — his back stretching exercise which appears in a variety of locations — on the road, on the side of the road, on a motorcycle, on a scooter — he’s an equal opportunity stretcher.

Gordon Harkins and Paul Ruby discussing cameras

A person is fortunate to go through life with a couple friends — especially ones with so much in common.

I’m a lucky man.