Scooter in the Sticks

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

Vespa Scooter in Rain

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Vespa GTS in front of Mount NittanyMist Along Mount Nittany

The best way to be riding a Vespa scooter in rain is between the raindrops.  Or during those moments when the sky softens and the rain won’t be described as a downpour.  No worries about visibility or hydroplaning on water-logged pavement.  Just a gentle recognition that the world is getting wet.

This post isn’t about the technical aspects of riding in rain — traction, visibility, weather protection — that sort of thing.  It’s merely a passing account of a short trip on a morning of gentle rain bordering on mist.  A commute to work with a detour to visit a new cardiologist.

The ride was a reminder of how great the world can look on those decidedly non-postcard days.Continue Reading

Vespa Scooter in Rain

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Vespa GTS scooter in the rainRiding in Rain

It’s always a little different — rain.  And so is riding in it.  The quality of the rain, temperature, how I’m feeling, the tires on the scooter; they all have an effect on the experience of riding a Vespa scooter in rain.

The ride home from work, though like so many others, was unique for a dozen different reasons.  The rain stood out.  Anyone who rides in the rain on a regular basis knows what to expect and has learned how to respond.  The beginning of a rain event after weeks of dry weather often creates a slippery slurry of oil and other road film which can send a rider down in a hurry if not paying attention.  That’s decidedly different from riding after hours of a steady rain where the road is washed clean.

On this ride, everything conspired to create a perfect embrace; as if there was no place warmer and safer than being in that rain.  You may know the feeling, a time when you aren’t concerned with being wet or if the road is slippery.

That’s where I was.  No rush or hurry, no concerns for safety, just a pleasant ride in the rain.

I wish those rides were more frequent.

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?

Riding in Rain

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Vespa GTS scooter and rain in dawn lightScooter in the Dawn Light

A slight mist, rain in dawn light, an inscrutable affection for the world revealed as the road passes underneath the Vespa scooter on the way to work.  I’ve stood here before many times looking back across the valley toward home, wondering where I’m going. It’s part of riding in rain.

The simple answer is I’m riding to work in a mix of mist and light rain.  The temperature is near 50 degrees and there’s no need for rain gear — my First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket and Joe Rocket riding pants are more than adequate on this day.  I’ve still not donned the Rev’It rainsuit that lives in the topcase.  Such is the nature of the rain I ride in.

Go slow, pay attention to the road, that mantra plays in my head.

Vespa GTS scooter along highway wallScooter in the Concrete

There is a lot of concrete between home and office.  Though smooth in a car it only takes a moment on foot to realize how ragged and abrasive it really is.  Even my armored clothes seem insignificant reflected against that hard angry surface.

Pay heed riders — the road is not your friend.

Vespa GTS scooter on rainy dayScooter in the Mist

Riding in rain seems so simple but when I stop a moment to think about it there’s a lot of things to consider that seem to happen automatically now — enough experience has been tendered that needs and concerns are programmed like a second nature.  Just look at “15 Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain” by madmoto and you’ll have an idea of what may be involved.

There’s a quiet in the world when it rains, even in these light mists.  And in the quiet the imagination blossoms so that by the time I get to work the day seems like a wonderful adventure.

Are your riding experiences in the rain positive?

Perseverance, Weakness and the Question of Riding

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Vespa GTS scooter along wet rural road

The sound of rain falling as sleep fades and the day takes form draws pictures in my head — of mystical worlds shrouded in sheets of water and mist on some mornings, and others, like today, of toil and drudgery as I drag my mind and body through the relentless discomfort the weather presents.

Today I awoke to the latter.  Standing along the road with my little camera, happy and recognizing the fragile nature of being alive, how could I let a little rain move my mind into a state of reluctance at donning some riding gear for a handsome journey to work?

Vespa GTS scooter on farm road in the rain

The rain was fell lightly during the ride as the clouds thinned across the valley.  An hour earlier the only reasonable choice for commuting was the van and it’s steel and glass encasement isolating me from the world.

In 10 months I’ll commence my sixth decade on earth and the event gives rise to questions of age and waning strength and perseverance in the face of resistance.  I take comfort in the example set by a neighborhood bicyclist who pedals into town daily throughout the year — and he must be in his 90s.

Vespa GTS scooter on rural farm landscape in rain

So I managed another ride to work with a few detours and diversions and the inevitable whispering of “take the day off and ride…”.

Instead a last picture of a round bale in the lane and onward towards Penn State’s Beaver Stadium and the office.

It was a good day to ride.