Scooter in the Sticks

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

A Jaunt in the Rain

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A 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan parked on a wet driveway.
Almost escaped before the rain fell hard.

Breakfast Ride Rained Out

The plan was to ride to breakfast. The weather report the night before indicated rain later in the morning. I had the Himalayan in the driveway and ready to go when it started to rain. Gently at first but then falling heavy enough that rain gear would be needed. I’m getting too old to intentionally head out in the rain, especially when I just want to get something to eat. So the bike went into the garage and the trip to the restaurant was made in my friend’s bright red Jeep Wrangler.

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The Perfect Ride

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle parked near an old barn.
Arriving on a rainy morning for breakfast at Cafe Lemont.

What is the Perfect Ride?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that there are no bad rides. Doesn’t matter if it is too hot or too cold, too far or too short, or if the scenery or roads are just boring. When I learned that all rides are good rides and that the idea of the perfect ride just doesn’t exist my riding world opened and I put more time in the saddle.

Cafe Lemont was my second choice for breakfast after Barnes and Noble had to toss all their food because of a storm-caused power outage trashed their refrigeration. Like this ride and so many others, the circumstances don’t matter. Just being able to ride is enough.

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Vespa GTS Scooter: Transition to Spring

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Vespa GTS scooter outfitted with winter gear.
Outfitted with winter gear.

Unburdening the Vespa GTS Scooter

A month ago I decided it was time to remove all the gear from the scooter that keeps me warm and toasty in cold weather. The Tucano Urbano muffs and Termoscud apron. A few days of warmer weather and a gut feeling it was time had me reach for the tools and return the GTS to its normal naked self.

Five minutes of work and I’m ready for warm weather.

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The Unlooked-For Gift

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Vespa GTS scooter parked outside the Pump Station Cafe.
Special scooter parking at the Pump Station Cafe.

Sudden Changes

I had a plan. An early morning departure for Altoona to pick up my mother-in-law for a visit. Breakfast at Tom and Joe’s Diner followed by a leisurely drive back to Boalsburg where we could all spend the day together. It’s nice to have plans. Then the call she’s not feeling well and those plans evaporate.

Suddenly the day lays open. It’s relatively cool at 68F. A heavy overcast softens the light and whatever scorching the sun may want to inflict. As I write these words I’m mildly shocked it didn’t feel much desire to go for a ride. Perhaps the approach of my 70th birthday has mellowed my riding obsession.

The half mile journey on the Vespa to the Pump Station for breakfast revealed a desire to relax, read, and just soak in the world. Perhaps the unlooked-for gift.

If I time things right I can get to the Pump Station between the early morning commuters and the daily groups that gather. Seeing just a few cars I know my timing is perfect.

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The Relaxing Nature of Riding a Motorcycle

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2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan on a forest road on a foggy morning.
Riding through the fog.

The Merlin App

At 5:30AM a strange bird woke me. A triplet call, loud yet smooth and calm. Launching the Merlin Bird ID app to life on the iPhone it immediately identified the stranger as a Black-billed Cuckoo. I laid in bed listening. The cool air of a wet morning hinted at fog.

Clouds that touch the ground draw me from bed. The world outside the bedroom window is narrowed by the fog. And a desire is sparked to venture into the unknown.

Sometimes I just need to go for a ride. To clear my head. To rearrange my brain. To remind myself that life is good. But on this morning there were no concerns or hauntings. Just a desire to be riding a motorcycle.

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