Scooter in the Sticks

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

On Down the Road: 2022

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The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude.

Aldous Huxley
Steve Williams portrait in the woods.
A self-portrait during a walk in the woods on New Year’s Eve.

I love the quote by Huxley on solitude. Not so much to think of myself possessing a powerful and original mind, but rather to excuse my life long attraction to solitude.

I’m not sure if it’s a result of my genetic programming, the fact I grew up an only child, or just an accident or circumstance. What I do know is I’ve spent a lot of time apologizing for wanting to be alone.

But I’ll save this topic for another post. Right now I want to take a moment to consider the year which has raced by, and the new year ahead.

And to wish anyone reading these words my best wishes for a happy, safe, and satisfying New Year!

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VLOG: Gratitude During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Man jumping in air next to a Vespa scooter at sunrise
Finding gratitude and joy in memories of riding.

Remembering Good Times, Having Faith in Tomorrow

If I had to choose one photograph that depicts the joy I feel while riding it would be this one of my friend Paul Ruby leaping in the air on one of our many early morning rides. This photograph was made over ten years ago but that feeling has not diminished in frequency or power.

During the coming days and weeks, many of us may entertain our darkest fears and concerns.

I have. But I also have choices. I plan for the worst but continue to hope for the best. Part of that process stems from the fine memories I have of life in the rear view mirror, a strong belief that all things pass, and faith that there will be a new tomorrow. I just don’t get to know what it will be until it gets here.

Until that time I daily give thanks for what I have. Finding gratitude, even in a storm, warms my spirit and fuels hope. I produced a short VLOG entry on some of the things rattling in my head.

Thoughts on Gratitude during the COVID-19 Pandemic

I hope these words find you safe, healthy and with a positive view of life ahead.

Giving Thanks

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Hot chocolate at Saint's Cafe in State College, PennsylvaniaGiving Thanks Fueled by Hot Chocolate

While sitting at the window in Saint’s Cafe last night, a short interlude during errands, fueled by hot chocolate, the moment provided space to reflect on Thanksgiving and what giving thanks really means to me.

As a kid, Thanksgiving Day was always about food and hanging out in front of the television with my dad and uncles watching the Detroit Lions lose to someone. The fine china came out and I usually had to polish the seldom used silver for this special event. The entire family played their roles as the warm and familiar event unfolded each year.

I don’t remember giving thanks for anything though. At least not consciously.

Fast forward 55 years and Thanksgiving Day has a different meaning. I’m fully aware of how grateful I am for the bounty of physical, emotional and spiritual gifts that have been bestowed upon me and my family. I’m grateful that I can accept the days as they come and that pain as well as happiness are part of life. My job is simple — to stay present and experience what unfolds each day.Continue Reading

Freedom of the Morning Commute

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Vespa GTS scooter at sunrise before a morning commuteEmbracing the Morning Commute

A quick post, a nod to commuting on the Vespa scooter, a recognition of the transformation from transportation to a flying freedom.

First, a confession.  I don’t commute every day.  Some days I shrink at the thought of riding to work.  It could be the weather but more often it’s a state of mind mired with indolence and too many excuses to ready body and mind for the gift of riding.  I know.  It makes no sense.

But more times than not, I do ride to work.  And one thing is always the same.  When I am geared up and ready to go, walking toward the scooter in the morning light, I feel the thrill.  It’s the same excitement from childhood as the prospect of doing something I’ve dreamt of doing.  How great is that?  A little ride on a two-wheeled machine can provide an old man such pleasure.

And one more confession.  There are obsessive days where I lust for a ride.  I care little about the weather and any mental misgivings are long swept away by a selfish drive to experience the thrill of riding.  It accounts for sub-zero rides in winter or inappropriately late arrivals at work as I roll off a 5o mile detour.  Again, what a damn amazing gift for an old man.

I think about riding when I wake.  I think about it when I’m going to sleep. An addiction? Perhaps. But my life has not become unmanageable.

Yet.

Who knows what the next commute will bring.  And what of the longer rides to come?  The real rides.  The rides of dreams.

What will they bring an old man with a scooter?

Thankful for the Small Things With a Vespa Scooter

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Vespa GTS scooter in snow squallSnow Squall

A sunny departure yesterday morning toward a black sky delivered a sudden snow squall.  I’m thankful that I was there on the Vespa, able to ride through the snow, and find my way safely to work.

Vespa GTS scooter on snow covered farm laneVespa and the Slippery Stuff

In minutes the air became white with snow and sleet and just as fast the event swept by leaving a dusting of snow to ride through.  Lovely in appearance and thankfully leaving enough traction to not be much of a safety issue.

Winter rides to work are usually exactly what I think they’ll be.  This one was different because I misjudged the forecast which noted “a chance of a passing snow shower.”  I’m thankful it did not exceed my riding skill or ability.

Vespa GTS scooter under a heavy skyRiding Under a Heavy Sky

It was colder and darker during the ride home from work.  I was thankful though that it was free of snow. If I made a list of the things for which I was thankful yesterday, it would be long.

To say I’ve had enough of the cold weather would be an understatement.  The preparation to ride in this weather has seemed overly daunting this year and the rides themselves flush with physical challenge to a level not experienced in previous winters.  Age, health, attitude — perhaps all have a role in the changing nature of my winter riding life.

But even with the added burdens, I’m thankful to be able to ride through the world on the Vespa — even if it means dealing with a little snow on a cold day.

2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

This post is part of a month long writing prompt challenge conceived by Kathy at Toadmama.com.