Scooter in the Sticks

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

Encountering Harley Davidson Motorcycles

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Vespa GTS encountering a line of Harleys in Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaBaby Boomers

I read a story recently about the problems facing Harley Davidson — an aging customer base with dim prospects for replacements.  Same for all the big manufacturers.  While we aging riders with money (or credit worthiness) continue to support our brands, there are fewer young people interested in riding or have the disposable income to spend on a motorcycle.

All this came back to me on Friday night when I ran down to Duffy’s Tavern in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania to pick up dinner and found a queue of Harleys lined up out front.

Looking at the assembled machinery I could only tell one thing for sure — there were a bunch of old folks around.

Managed to grab dinner and scoot away before detection.

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.

Boalsburg Moto Hang

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Steve Williams at Boalsburg Moto HangRiding Season Kicks Off in Central Pennsylvania with the Boalsburg Moto Hang

Get your motorcycles and scooters out of mothballs and ride on down to the Moto Hang in Boalsburg on Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm. To find your way check out the Google Map to the Moto Hang.

Here’s the message I received from the founder of the event — Ken Hull:

Ladies and Gentleman, Start your Engines!

This Wednesday will be our first Moto Hang gathering for 2016! Please come with your bike and help get things rolling! This year we will have some basic snacks and refreshments for you along with the usual fun and friendly atmosphere that’s the hallmark of our events. Hope to see you all this Wednesday!

Ride On!
Ken

Moto Hang 2016
Wednesday May 4th
5:30pm to 7:30pm

To see some of the past doings at the Moto Hang check out some of the Boalsburg Moto Hang photos.

Swiftly Craved Ride

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Vespa GTS scooter in muddy field at duskWings of Desire

Cold, raining and the approach of night — individually each reason enough to stay home and safe.  Yet off I went on the wings of desire, a swiftly craved ride striking me from the warm embrace of a reclining chair, mind sudden burning with one thought — to be on the road.

It’s been weeks since I’ve been on the Vespa, illness sapping strength and desire and rendering me a mortal, non-riding man.  How dim that life…

And suddenly the desire to ride flamed again.  Who can ignore that call? Even if it leads to a field of soft mud…

Vespa GTS scooter in Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaFading at the End of the Day

I’ve walked this sidewalk in Boalsburg hundreds of times in all weathers and times of day; with dogs and friends, view cameras and Leicas.  It’s home and I’ve yet to tire of it.  Can’t fathom to call to stop the Vespa and stand again looking; as if it’s the last night of my life.

I can only think I’ve been inside for too long.

Vespa GTS scooter at a Sunoco stationPragmatism

A fuel light on the Vespa’s instrument cluster returns me to earth and the local Sunoco station to add some high octane fuel to the tank.  Part of me wants to keep riding — east or west, it doesn’t matter whether other than to stay on the road.  But there’s business to attend to that I can’t, or shouldn’t ignore.  The cold, damp air has started a cough, another pragmatic reminder that a swiftly craved ride may mask another goal — completely recover from the illness that’s dogged me for nearly two weeks.

So off home in the dark for food and work and chores — each made a bit more handsome as seen from the vantage point of smiling rider.

Do you suddenly stand up and venture into the gloom for no good reason other than a craving to ride?

Lost in Delirium

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Some rides are the product of illness — a projection of being lost in delirium.

Can a person ride motorcycles (or scooters) in their eighties?

For the past few days I’ve been swept up in a chain of illness (a cold or flu) and have lost touch with the routines and rituals that normally keep me grounded — walking the dogs, working and riding the Vespa.

I hate being sick; suppose everyone does. While drifting between sleep, delirium and mindlessly watching online videos I came across an old favorite — five aging men deciding to ride motorcycles again. I’ve posted it before.  When I close my eyes I want to ride again.

For a few moments I thought I could push through the illness but dizziness raised its hand to remind me of my current predicament.  I’m sure Kim would have added her input, “You don’t ride when you’re sick dummy.”

So I’m left again practicing patience, something I never do well with, and hoping whatever illness I have passes quickly.

If you’re feeling your age take a moment and watch the video.  It’s nice to think at 80 we might still have choices…