Scooter in the Sticks

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

Mental Constipation

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Vespa GTS scooter on a country roadRiding is the Best Medicine

The Urban Dictionary defines mental constipation as “An inability to articulate one’s thoughts or ideas, resulting in significant psychological distress and frustration.”  That comes as close to the state I’ve found myself in for the past couple weeks.

That inability to articulate, the decline in posts, is a reflection of work, circumstance and acts of God.

I have been riding during that time — good medicine to manage the frustrations currently on the table.  A recent Saturday morning the Vespa took me on a wandering ride through the local countryside, each mile unwinding the pressures of the previous week.

I often ride alone.  At times it’s to selfishly consume the experience for myself without distraction.  On others — to treat the mental constipation.  Riding is the best medicine.

Vespa GTS scooterVespa Methodology

There’s a discipline connected to riding a scooter or motorcycle that can have a magical effect on the mind and body.  It’s odd that a machine can have a therapeutic influence on day-to-day living.

Holding the grips, twisting the throttle, feeling the wind on my chest as I ride along a country road, these physical experiences condense into a psychic elixir that’s good for what ails a man or woman.

Those who don’t ride may never understand.

The spring air, the emerging green of life along with the light that whispers “spring” are just part of a unique mix of that elixir.

Vespa GTS scooter in an open fieldRiding in Another World

Riding, experiencing the world beyond the confines of an office or home, opens a window to a wider life. Standing alone in the dirt miles from home, alone with my thoughts, reminds me once again how important it is to step away from the wheel and just stand still.  For many riding is about speed and distance.  I suggest it can be about something else.  It’s not a competition based on arbitrary measures.

Riding is an experience for the soul.

Vespa GTS scooter in the morning sunshineVespa Scooter and a New Day

The days have brought along much noise.  At work I’m deep in the search to find my replacement before retirement.  An odd experience to talk to people who may assume your role.  And last week, storms left our home without power for three days, brought down three 80 feet tall trees and generally wrought unexpected havoc.  I was reminded of the power of the ride.

And an appreciation of a hot shower.

Strangled by Circumstance

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Vespa parked along College Avenue in State College, PAIn case you wondered why the posts have dried up I’ve not been abducted by aliens, I’ve not had another heart attack and I’ve not entered a monastery.  I’ve just been strangled by circumstance.

Among the many things that have diverted attention away from the Vespa and riding has been a transition to a new job managing digital education.  Part of that includes developing 50 or 60 online training courses by July.  And a few other things.

And the holidays and family attract time and attention.  Two dogs constantly ask for me and I have my own personal regimen of post heart attack dances to attend to.

Vespa scooter illegally parkedEven the pictures of the Vespa seem a bit strangled by stuff.  I’ve not ridden as much lately and that’s never a formula for joy.  But I still ride when my brain allows, when I’m not strangled by circumstance.

At the Pump Station in Boalsburg, PAMost rides of late have taken me somewhere to relax, reflect, eat and write.  But nothing I can share here.  Just the regular ravings of an old man resisting the draw to go quietly into the night.

I do have some photos to share and some stories about riding in the frozen fog we were blessed with for a week or more.  For now though, I just want to check in and say hello.