Scooter in the Sticks

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

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

 

Boalsburg Moto Hang

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boots in water with reflectionRain for the Moto Hang

Rain throughout the day made me wonder whether the first Moto Hang of the 2016 season would be cancelled.  To make matters worse I was walking to the event in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania because I didn’t have time to pick up my scooter from the dealer — repairs are complete and it’s ready to roll.

motorcycle exhaust pipesA few good motorcycles

Unlike the normal crowd of machines seen at a Moto Hang the turn out was light this evening.  It was some of the Aerostich and Klim crowd making their way in the rain to Ken Hull’s “shack”.  The shiny pipes on a Suzuki Boulevard was the only cruiser to appear.

2016 Boalsburg Moto HangClearing skies over the Moto Hang

By 6:30pm the skies cleared a bit providing a glimpse of sunshine — momentary relief from scattered mist and drizzle.  Not the sort of weather for a lot of shiny machines.  The two motorcycles on the left belong to Ken.  By the end of the evening four riders made their way to Boalsburg.

framed portrait of past moto hang membersMoto Hangers of the past

On the wall of the shack is a portrait of Moto Hang members from the past.  This was before my time.  There were a lot more women in attendance in the old days…

Steve Williams and his Vespa scooterVespa art

Also on the wall was a representation of my Vespa experience.  I guess I’m always at the shack in spirit.

Craig Kissell of KIssell Motorsports talking at the Moto HangMoto Hang storytelling

Craig Kissell of Kissell Motorsports shares a story of riding through a hurricane with 100mph winds and blinding rain.  Actually I think he’s talking about one of the new electric ZERO motorcycles he has in the shop.  I’ll have to check those out.

John at the moto hang with his Yamaha Tenere 1200Riding characters

John arrived on his Yamaha Tenere 1200 — a machine you expect to scoff at rain.

Ken Hull at the Moto HangKen Hull, founder of the Moto Hang.

Paul Ruby at the Moto HangDespite the “Alan” label, this is Paul Ruby.  He arrived by truck this evening.  During a discussion of a Moto Hang presence in the upcoming Memorial Day parade it was determined Paul should lead the group in his 3-wheeled Cushman Police vehicle.

Dennis at the moto hangDennis, another sometimes character at the Moto Hang.  He arrived without his Harley (still in pieces) and his Honda Magna at home.

Moto Hang group photoFirst Moto Hang group photo for 2016.  Happy campers.  I should have adjusted the mirror on the Suzuki so I could be in the picture.

Talking at the Moto HangAlways some storytelling going on at the Moto Hang.  I almost bought one of those bright Aerostich Darien jackets.

Paul ruby and Ken HullPaul always has something unusual going on in his life.  He just shared a picture of his latest purchase — some sort of street sweeper he found at an auction.  The discussion of how it might fit in the parade was underway.

KTM at the Moto HangAs things wound down people started to leave.  The departure of the KTM signaled my own trip toward Duffy’s Tavern where I picked up a cheeseburger for my wife.  Seemed the least I could do since I was walking by on my way home.

For a more typical look at what goes on at these events have a look at a past Moto Hang.