Scooter in the Sticks

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

2017 Boalsburg Moto Hang

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Vespa GTS scooter parked outside of the Moto Hang shack in Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaKen’s Moto Shack and Lounge

Everything is quiet now at the shack — owner Ken Hull’s name for the rustic barn behind his log home where the the Moto Hangs take place. But in early May, on a Wednesday evening, this scene will be transformed by the inclusion of dozens of motorcycles. And perhaps a few scooters.

The Moto Hang takes place on the first and third Wednesday of the month beginning on May 3, 2017.

The first event is usually at the shack. The second often takes place at a different location. Sometimes at a rider’s home. Or at a motorcycle garage or dealership. And a couple times at a local airfield where one of the riders took people for rides in his airplane.

Boalsburg Moto Hang posterPoster on the Wall

What is the Boalsburg Moto Hang? It’s a laid back gathering of riders and motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts who’ve found a place to talk about the things they’ve experienced and love. The conversations are wide ranging — covering diagnostic opinions from motorcycle mechanics to the pros and cons of a specific style of tire’s performance in the desert. And everything in between.

Ken Hull at the Boalsburg Moto HangKen Hull at the Boalsburg Moto Hang

Founder Ken Hull told me once that he just wanted to have a venue for people to get together and talk about motorcycles. Measuring with that yardstick, the Moto Hangs have been a rousing success.

Piston and Pints

A bit of history. The event was christened “Pistons and Pints” but the name evolved to Moto Hang over concerns referencing the event with alcohol. While a small fridge stocked with beer and soft drinks is in the shack, Moto Hang (and Piston and Pints) is decidedly not a drinking event. Many don’t drink at all. Some have one beer. I’ve not seen anyone while I’ve been there “drinking.” Perhaps a testament to the serious nature of the riders who attend and have probably studied enough crash research to appreciate the connection between alcohol and catastrophe.

View of the Moto Hang

Here’s a short video I made that provides a glimpse of one of the events.

I’ve invited quite a few people to the Moto Hang over the years and I’ll occasionally hear a concern that “I’m not a serious enough rider to attend.” I understand the concern of being an outsider, not fitting in, and generally avoiding opportunities as a result of my own, narrow-minded mental censor. That censor is a real SOB. Let me share a few things about the people who attend the Moto Hang.

People and Motorcycles

There is absolutely no standard, rules, requirements or group think there. It’s an eclectic group of riders comprising a rainbow of ages, gender, motorcycle brands and experience levels. You’ll see guys arrive on a 50cc Honda Mini Trail Bike and on motorcycles that can speed along at takeoff speeds for a Boeing 747. There are BMWs, Triumphs, Ducatis, Vespas, Hondas, Harleys and just about any make and model you might want to see will eventually roll up to the shack. No one has ever turned up their nose because I ride a scooter or if someone only commutes to work. There are people who have ridden around the world and those who have never been on a ride longer than 15 miles.

Jeff at the Boalsburg Moto HangRiders of All Stripes

You can come to the Moto Hang. Your voice, your experience, the stories you tell are just as valuable as anyone else has to share. And perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Moto Hang — it helps transform you from a scooter or motorcycle owner into a rider. There’s inspiration in the stories you’ll hear. They have a way of broadening a person’s perspective of the road.

 

Motorcycles gathered along a street at the Boalsburg Moto HangMotorcycles, scooters and more

So mark your calendar. May 3, 2017 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Moto Shack in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. This map below will provide specific directions to the Moto Hang.  Or you can email Ken Hull directly at ken@kenhull.com for more information or to be added to the Moto Hang mailing list.

Boalsburg Moto Hang

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Vespa at Boalsburg Moto Hang siteMoto Hang Approaches

Last evening I rode past the Moto Hang lounge in Boalsburg.  No one around.  Just the poster on the barn door suggesting things to come.

The next gathering will be this Wednesday evening at 5:30pm on September 7, 2016. With cool weather ahead there won’t be many more Moto Hangs this season.

I’ve been lax in posting pictures.  Here are a few from the last one I attended.  Got there late — a lot of people had already departed.  I keep thinking I would like to do a portrait project of the people who attend.  Not sure if anyone would be interested in enduring the gaze of the camera.  Not sure if I have the time and energy right now to follow through.

So here’s a look at the last gathering in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.

Boalsburg Moto HangA lot more riders are showing up these days.  The gravel alley behind the shack fills up fast so there’s a lot of overflow along Academy Street.

Ken Hull, founder of the Boalsburg Moto HangKen Hull, founder of the Moto Hang, caught by the camera during the evening.

Mike Mohney with his two-stroke cafe racer style YamahaMike Mohney shows up with his two-stroke Yamaha cafe style racer.  His machine is just one of many unique machines at the Moto Hang.

Boalsburg Moto HangLike I said, got there late and everyone was starting to head home.  Still had the chance to talk with a lot of riders.  If you have the time it’s worth stopping by — an eclectic mix of motorcycles and scooters.

So mark your calendars:

Boalsburg Moto Hang
Corner of Academy Street and Rockeys Alley
5:30pm
September 7, 2016

 

Glimpse From the Moto Hang — June 15, 2016

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Boalsburg Moto HangMoto Hang — Tusseyville Version

The June 15, 2016 episode of the Boalsburg Moto Hang took place at the home of Jason and Lori Letteri (I hope I got the spelling correct) and there were a lot of motorcycles on hand to scare the neighbors!  Even the threat of rain couldn’t dampen interest.

Boalsburg Moto HangEclectic Riders, Diverse Machines

There’s always an array of riders and motorcycles on hand.  The usual suspects along with new faces and different machines.  It’s always interesting to have the chance to gain some insight on riding and have a close-up view of motorcycles, at least for me, that I secretly covet.  There were more than a few there on this evening.

Jason and Lori at the Moto HangThe Hosts

Jason and Lori were gracious enough to open their home to the Moto Hang.  I was thinking of perhaps, maybe, offering our place for one but just wasn’t sure.  These two were still smiling at the end of the evening so that’s a good sign right?

New riders at the Moto HangVisitors From Afar

John and Dave rode a long way to come to the Moto Hang.  John rode his Goldwing from Pittsburgh and Dave his BMW from Doylestown just to take part in the Hang.  Dave has been following Scooter in the Sticks for a long time and it was good to meet him and John.

I was going to describe John’s 70’s era Honda Goldwing as a vintage machine but since he bought it new and is still riding it doesn’t seem right to call it vintage.  It’s a fine looking machine though.  He and Dave spent the night camping at Penn Roosevelt State Park — a rustic site.  Got a note from Dave that they “got a little wet”.  Not long after the Moto Hang was over the heavens opened to provide the world a little water.

New faces at the Moto HangYou Meet the Nicest People on a Honda

Ken Hull introduced me to Tracey and Andy who rode their vintage Hondas to the Moto Hang.  It’s just like the old Honda commercials said — you meet the nicest people on a Honda.

Tracey is riding a 350 named “Jesse” and Andy has a completely restored four cylinder 550.  I have a secret love of Hondas from the 70’s of all types and spent a lot of time on a 350 on the streets and roads outside of Pittsburgh.

Riders talking at the Moto HangSharing Stories

In addition to food and drink there’s a lot of information sharing and story telling at the Moto Hang.  Dave and Robert were discussing some of the big rides they’ve had.  Robert was comparing his ride across Europe and Asia with his South American ride.

I’ve ridden to Pittsburgh once…

Ken and Claire at the Moto HangBeer or Kombucha

I’ll have milk please.  Chocolate.  In a dirty glass.

Moto Hang founder, Ken Hull and his girlfriend Claire posed for a picture with their respective beverages.  No surprise Ken had beer.  I only half in jest asked if they had a specimen to drop off at the hospital lab until I learned what Kombucha is.  Fermented sweet tea.  What causes the fermentation is the secret.  Lots of super secret microorganisms.

Not my cup of tea.

Congratulations to Claire — she rode to the Moto Hang on one of Ken’s motorcycles on her new motorcycle permit.  The world needs more riders!

Motocycles at the Moto HangRain

As various phones began to show radar maps of an approaching rain storm riders began their graceful exit from the Moto Hang.  With a rain suit in the top case I wasn’t concerned and was safely at home before the rain started to fall.

So that wraps up the Moto Hang experience for June.  The next one will be back in Boalsburg at the Moto Shack on July 6th.

To see the other pictures I made at the Moto Hang click on the image below to see the Flickr collection.

Boalsburg Moto Hang - 6/15/2016

Boalsburg Moto Hang at Kissell Motorsports This Week

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Woo Hoo!!! It’s time for another Moto Hang!

Paul Ruby leaping in the air by a Vespa GTS scooterIt’s Exciting, Surprising and Delightful

Well, not everyone may be as animated as my friend Paul Ruby, there’s still a thrill attending the Moto Hang.  This week it’s moving to Kissell Motorsports in State College, Pennsylvania.

Kissell Motorsports signShiny Objects and More

Here’s the note Moto Hang founder Ken Hull sent out announcing the next “hang”.

As you know Moto Hang 2016 will be changing venues every third Wednesday of the month. Originally I was thinking of member homes only and not commercial locations. But when Craig Kissell of Kissell Motorsports graciously offered to host us, I couldn’t say no! How fun will this be!!! Moto Hang at an awesome moto shop! Just think, you can come with your old tried moto and leave with a brand new one! Haha, just kidding. Or am I? :^) Either way, Craig and Josh have very kindly stepped forward and offered their space. How cool!

This Kissell sponsored Moto Hang will take place Wednesday May 18th starting at 6pm.  And get this, Craig offered to fully fund the food and drinks!!! We will still have the donation jar available so we can keep funding future Hangs but a big thanks to Craig for this generous offer!

Let’s make this Moto Hang one of the biggest! Let’s fill the Kissell lot with bikes, people, laughs, and loitering (like we do best)! :^D

See you at Kissell Motorsport!

Ride On!
Ken

Craig Kissell, owner of Kissell MotorsportsCraig Kissell, Owner of Kissell Motorsports

Craig will be happy to see Moto Hangers come out tomorrow.   I always enjoy doing a little dreaming in the showroom.  Should be even better with food!  While not exactly balmy, the weather tomorrow evening should be dry and cool.  Perfect for the adventuring Moto Hangers.

Below is the address, phone and map — everything you’ll need to get there.

Kissell Motorsport
101 Hawbaker Industrial Dr, State College, PA 16803
Phone:(814) 861-7890