Scooter in the Sticks

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

The Gift of Riding

by 16 Comments

Two Honda Trail 125 motorcycles parked on a gravel lot by an old one-room school.
Paul Ruby and I at the start of a ride to breakfast.

Realizations of the Obvious

I can get lost inside myself. Preoccupied with meaningless or sometimes even harmful or pointless preoccupations that cut me off from the living world. From friends and family. From the things that give meaning to life.

Like going for a ride to breakfast with my friend Paul.

There are reminders everywhere of the certainty that it will all end. When I notice them life becomes suddenly richer. The quality of light in the morning. The look and feel of the Honda Trail bike I’m riding. The cool air on my face.

But how easily I forget.

Continue Reading

Vespa Riders on the Road

by 19 Comments

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.

Continue Reading

When the Road Ahead Changes

by 25 Comments

Vespa ET4 on a long rural road.
Along a road in Penns Valley Pennsylvania.

Sometimes the Road Ahead is Straight and Familiar

I’m not talking about the pavement. Or dirt and gravel. The change I refer to is when life disrupts my routine and expectations. When I ride I seem more aware now of those changes and the potential impact they have on the journey forward. Even little things stand out and leave me confused about what’s ahead. What will happen next.

During a recent ride to breakfast with my friend Paul I found myself thinking about the road ahead and the things that are changing.

Continue Reading