Scooter in the Sticks

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

A Winter Ride

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The following words and pictures were written and created by my friend and fellow Vespa rider, Andy Heckathorne. His winter ride experiences offer vicarious adventure as I sit at home with a hot cup of tea.

Steve Williams
Vespa GTS scooter on snowy road
Vespa GTS300 on a winter ride near Madisonburg, Pennsylvania.

In Trying Times, I Need to Ride.

I need the thrill of exploration and the shock of freezing temperatures. I need the healing sounds of a mountain stream. I need to face the winter sun and see the hot pink behind closed eyes. And I need to feel the sun on my face. I need a winter ride.

Passing unknown friends during a winter ride with a wave of unity, embracing my tribe of “Fellow Travelers,” I feel at home. My senses sharpen as I scan the monochromatic landscape craving color and gratitude, and finally finding both. I need the hours of solitude a ride can provide where I can reflect on the gifts I’ve been given in life and ponder the who I want to be in this world.

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A Time Machine

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I invited my friend and fellow Vespa rider, Andy Heckathorne, to share something about his rides. Writing about two-wheeled adventures beyond straight documentation of destinations is a challenge. I asked Andy to explore what was going on in his head. Beyond that, I left things up to him.

Steve Williams

I’m grateful that Steve Williams continues to create and faithfully maintain this trusted space, Scooter in the Sticks. Steve, your photography and insights continue to inspire us – your readers – to look more deeply and more fully appreciate life on two wheels, and life in general. Thank you.

And thank you for the opportunity to share some of my own thoughts and images. I truly appreciate it.

Illustration of Andy Heckathorne
Heckadude Morning Coffee. By Andy Heckathorne.
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