Scooter in the Sticks

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

Just Thinking

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Steve Williams portrait by Paul Ruby

Photo by Paul Ruby

Lost in Thought

The past couple weeks I’ve had a lot on my mind — everything from retirement to installing a freeze-proof faucet on the back deck.  When my head gets full of ideas and wants to ruminate I’ve learned to sit back and let it happen.  Resistance is futile.

My friend Paul made this picture while we were waiting for breakfast at a little cafe in Millheim, Pennsylvania.  We were on a little photography adventure sans scooter or motorcycle.  The forecast called for rain and nastiness.  I remember thinking while sitting there that it was a pretty nice morning and I should be on the Vespa.

Vespa GTS scooterRiding the Vespa

I’ve ridden some over the past two weeks but just haven’t felt like posting anything.  Sometimes a ride sharpens awareness and focus that writing a blog post is simple.  They almost write themselves.  Other times, like now, there are no ideas.  My fingers are making a forced march upon the keyboard in a stream of consciousness effort to post something before going to work. Call it an exercise in willpower and hope.  Hope that I can leave the mental wrestling behind.

Made this portrait of my trusty Vespa GTS 250ie (vintage 2006) on a foggy morning along PA26.  Not enough fog to create any interesting imagery.  I remember feeling disappointed because I could see…

Vespa GTS scooter on a rough gravel roadRutted Roads and Little Wheels

The Vespa isn’t a great performer on rough and rutted roads.  The little tires jolt and jostle as they plunge into the depths.  Unless it’s my aging body demonstrating the decline in shock absorbing tissue in my joints I’ve been thinking that I may need need shocks on the scooter.

Staying on the pavement provides a fluid, flying and smooth ride.  Not sure why I keep heading down trails intended for something other than a Vespa.  My desire to explore is strong but at times brings my choice of machine into question.

Maybe I just need different tires.  And shocks.

Vespa GTS scooter in a pastureVespa in the Grass

Trees.  I’m always attracted to them.  Especially ones standing alone.  I suspect the same attraction applies to the Vespa situated by itself in so many photographs I make.  Perhaps a reflection of my own tendency to want to be alone.

This past weekend I wandered through a dizzying crowd of people and machines at a Harley event. It’s no place for thinking or reflecting.  Or even being yourself.  I imagined for a moment I was at a casting call for Sons of Anarchy.

One of the things I like best about the motorcycle and scooter riding communities is how diverse they are.  I like to think at some basic level though we’re all brothers and sisters on our respective rides…

Vespa GTS scooter on a farm laneWhere Am I Going?

A frequent question both on and off the Vespa.  And one that I don’t often find a satisfying answer.  For the past couple weeks I’ve been thinking about where I’m going.  It’s not a good place to linger.  Perhaps with this post I can move on to other things.

Maybe it’s time to ride to work…

Pokemon Go Alternative

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Vespa GTS and Ducati Hypermotard along a shady roadPastimes and Obsessions

I see people everywhere, in town, on my dog walks and along the road when I’m riding — faces buried in their Smart Phones connected to what I imagine — Pokemon Go.  For those living under a rock, Pokemon Go is a new mobile game based on the classic Pokemon game and uses a variety of technologies and approaches (GPS location and augmented reality to name a couple) to create a game where you have to move and explore to reach your goals.

Move and explore.  Sound like riding a scooter or motorcycle.  I’ve heard a lot of funny comments, criticisms and head shaking disbelief aimed at the Pokemon Go players.  But as I think about it the same is probably going on between non-riders as they look at those ego-driven, risk taking, crazy motorcycle riders.  Scooter riders get a pass because people seem to think they aren’t dangerous and completely safe.

Another form of ignorance but a topic for another day.

I downloaded Pokemon Go last night to see first hand what the fuss was about.  During the setup process they inquire of your age.  I thought I was going to see a message stating I was too old to play the game.

After just a little time with the game I can see why people may get obsessed — there’s an interesting discovery and reward system that happens as you venture through the real world on foot.  I’ve read that for some people the game has revealed to them their towns and communities.

Just like a ride on a scooter or motorcycle.

My friend Paul and I were on a little exploration of our own — a trip to the weekly livestock auction in Belleville, Pennsylvania.

Vespa GTS scooter at the Belleville flea marketAmerican Bazaar

One of the nice things about riding a scooter or motorcycle in central Pennsylvania is always being able to find a place to park.  Even if it’s in the weeds.

The Belleville Livestock Auction is a weekly event at a fixed location where you can buy and sell livestock in the auction barn or take part in the outdoor market where everything from produce to DVDs to guns are sold.  Like the bazaars of the Mideast and Africa, this is an American version.

Father and son at the Belleville Livestock AuctionCulture and Commerce

The wares offered are as varied as the people who come to buy and sell them.  I didn’t see anyone playing Pokemon Go — probably because of the weak to non-existent cell coverage, but there’s plenty of opportunity to walk around and discover.

Amish buggies at Belleville Livestock AuctionAmish Faction

Belleville is in the heart of Amish country so it’s no surprise to see horses and buggies everywhere.  And just as the English scour the market for treasure so do the Amish.  I saw a small cadre of young boys bartering for a haul of fireworks — loot that transcends religion and culture.

Belleville Livestock Auction flea marketThe Crowd

Lots of people gather in the summer heat searching for bargains and necessities.  Paul and I wandered along toward breakfast at Margie’s Restaurant.

Marijuana bagsLive Free or Die

There’s a definite streak of independence in parts of the market.  One vendor had an extensive collection of marijuana sacks for sale along with a host of other symbols outside the mainstream.  Eavesdropping on conversations I thought I would hear some conservative leanings but in terms of the presidential election everything I heard was a similar disgust and dismissal of both candidates.  At least the ones talking out loud.

Vespa and DucatiReedsville Market

A few miles down the road we stopped at another outdoor market with a different collection of wares.  For someone like me who’s hoping to rid his life of stuff these markets offer only deeper sinking into the mud.  Paul found a light he plans to mount on his ’64 Vespa.

American flagFlag and Folksong

I generally shy from crowds and events like these — an intentional move away from the noise and chaos of assemblies of people.  But when I do find myself wandering such places I try and take in the details.  I can’t remember the last time I saw someone playing the accordion.  This fellow was there to entertain.

The ride provided a fair amount of discovery and exploration — something like Pokemon Go but different.  The wandering through the markets provided some exercise too.  If someone doesn’t want to play the game, maybe a scooter or motorcycle would be a fine second choice — a Pokemon Go alternative.

Just go for a ride.

Riding Sets You Free

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It’s as if no one can touch you when you ride…

Vespa GTS scooter on the open roadLure of the Open Road

No matter how many times I see the road reach out into the distance I still get a thrill.  In this place, I experience a sense of freedom.  It keeps me coming back.  On the road no one can touch me.  Cares and concerns melt before the wind and pavement.

I’m certain that riding sets you free.

My friend Paul Ruby and I were going on “a little ride” to breakfast.  Stopping in the eastern end of Penns Valley so Paul could look at an old pickup truck I had a chance to survey the road ahead leading through Woodward and Hairy Johns and on toward Laurelton.

Vespa scooter and Ducati Hypermotard motorcycle in the mountains of PennsylvaniaIn the Mountains

Pennsylvania has mountains.  High places covered by a hardwood forest with threads of roads twisting and turning through a fern, rock and moss paradise.  Riding introduces you to truth.  Sometimes uncomfortable.  When I started riding a Vespa 15 years ago I could still scramble up these rocky hillsides to make a photograph.  Now it’s a careful trek with the knowledge I could easily break a leg or ankle.

Or maybe I just need better boots.

This picture was made just a few miles from where I dropped the scooter.  I was still worried that something bigger might be wrong than the handle bars being out of alignment.

And we hadn’t even had breakfast yet.

Vespa scooter on a sharp curveNo Grids

There are no grids of roads in central Pennsylvania as you climb through the Appalachian Mountains.  If I think about them more than a moment I have trouble imagining how they ever came into existence.  Or how people made their way through this part of the country 200 years ago.

The Vespa was tracking fine through the most severe turns and curves and any concern I had for the alignment issues faded.  The scooter really is at it’s best in this environment.  Just watch out for the loose gravel that seems to be everywhere.

Paul RubyPaul Ruby

Departing the Carriage House Restaurant in Mifflinburg, Paul can’t pass up an empty pack of L&M cigarettes as an opportunity to pose.  I didn’t spend enough time directing him into the proper Euro grimace.  And we really needed a pack of Gauloises cigarettes for the right Ducati feel.

All the photographers I’ve known enjoy being photographed.  Paul is no exception.

Ducati motorcyle and Vespa scooter together on a rural roadCloud Drama

The skies played tricks on the mind the entire ride.  Heavy clouds and darkness followed by bright sun and dazzling colors.  Riding through that constantly changing illumination just makes the whole experience seem surreal.  And I’m an actor in a play bent of flying free.

Riding sets you free.

Ducati and Vespa along the Susquehanna RiverPause Along the Susquehanna River

Surveying the view of the river I notice Paul is tossing his helmet in the air.  I didn’t ask and he didn’t say but I suspect it was his idea to make the picture more interesting.  I just wondered how he would feel if he dropped it and the helmet rolled of the edge to the riverbank below.

He never dropped it after numerous tosses.  Don’t lend him your helmet.

Scooter and motorcycle on the roadRiding Sets You Free

The weather was perfect and the low humidity provided rare summertime views to the horizon.  The ride was great even if breakfast consumed 147 miles.

I’m addicted.  Or at least suffering a compulsion that drives me out the door and onto the road.  I hesitate to count the hours I spend riding.  Or thinking about riding.  If riding sets you free how come I can’t stop?

When I ride in the snow or sub-zero temperatures am I free or in denial?

Right now, I don’t care.  I just want back on the road.

Balancing Riding with Life

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stone steps in naturalized gardenWorking with Stone

Evidence of work; an iPhone image at dusk of of a series of meandering stone steps rising through a steep part of our woodland garden.   A day ago this was thick with mountain laurel, ferns and other plants.  Even the dogs had trouble penetrating this area.  While sitting in my little chair in the garden with a bowl of cereal I decided another pathway was necessary and abandoned plans to ride the Vespa.

A lesson in balancing riding with life.

Blue sky and clouds over central PennsylvaniaBlue Skies over Central Pennsylvania

Balance has never been an easy state to achieve as I can become obsessively focused on a task — particularly one as enjoyable as riding.  A week ago I was on the road and enjoying the clear air and low humidity on a morning ride in central Pennsylvania.  It would be a lie to suggest any sort of balance — I was just doing what I wanted to do — ride the Vespa scooter.

Vespa GTS scooter along side a cornfieldOn a Clear Day You Can See for Miles

The riding weather a week ago was exceptional — not too hot and low humidity.  As the week progressed the temperatures climbed along with the feeling that everything was moist.  I confess a level of disappointment riding on sunny days.  Everything seems too easy and relaxed with little natural drama to behold.  It affects my desire to make photographs too.  Everything looks like a postcard which to me translates as boring.

Still the desire to ride wins out and I headed south out of town to no where in particular.

Vespa GTS scooter with a 1932 Ford hot rodHot Rod and Scooter

This ’32 Ford Hot Rod looked dazzling in the parking lot at the Spruce Creek Bakery. My father always talked about building one of these but ended up always working on some other more conventionally useful and adult project.  I’m not sure how his example informs my own behavior.

The owner told me this was a kit car and not build from a ’32 Ford.  And I think it has a Chevy engine complete with some snazzy looking Offenhauser heads and dual four-barrel carbs on an Edelbrock high rise intake manifold.  For a few moments these brands transported me back to hours spent on a creeper underneath cars dreaming of building fast cars.  Those motor head days are behind me.

The chrome sparkled in the sunlight. I bought chocolate chip cookies at the bakery.

Vespa GTS scooter along the railroad tracksWaiting for Trains

If I ever hope to photograph the scooter with a train I need to coordinate schedules better.  These two tracks carry all the freight and passengers back and forth across Pennsylvania.  As I write this passage I struggle to remember how I got to this place.  I do remember a spark of excitement at the possibility of seeing a train.  My wife’s cousin was an engineer for Penn Central then Conrail and finally Norfolk Southern until his retirement.  He spent years running trains east to Philadelphia and west as far as Chicago.

I’ve still not ridden a train in the United States.  That’s a sin.

Vespa GTS scooter and the Allegheny PlateauLeaving the Allegheny Plateau

The morning evaporated during a long, meandering ride through three counties and across the ridge and valley region and onto the Allegheny Plateau.  As I stood along the road making this picture I felt an odd satisfaction knowing the Vespa had transported me to this point all the way from the horizon.  By the time I would return home the scooter and I would ride another 120 miles.

Vespa GTS scooter and farmlandChildren of the Corn

This time of year the cornfields are beginning to soar across the wide agricultural valleys of Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to be able to so easily escape the noise and confusion of town so quickly and easily to find myself standing somewhere and look to the horizon and know there’s more of the same rural landscape.

Thinking about balance while riding usually means an eye on the clock to be home by a certain time.  Kim wants to see me.  The dogs demand my presence.  It’s an old balance.

Vespa GTS scooter with the Big Vespa sculptureThe Big Vespa

I was surprised to see the Big Vespa sculpture on a trailer on my way home.  At one point the creator, William Snyder III, was going to set it up at my house for awhile as a temporary storage site until a better location surfaced.  Will and I were in art school together.  I photograph a Vespa.  He builds monuments to them.

This one is 16 feet tall.

Arriving home, tired, sated with riding, hungry and smiling inside I’m uncertain if I’ve learned anything about balancing riding with life.

Perhaps I’m looking at it all wrong.  Maybe riding is life…

On To Breakfast

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Vespa GTS scooter along rural roadClear Morning Ride

Off early with friend Paul Ruby for a ride on to breakfast.  The night before I curled up with my tattered DeLorme Pennsylvania Atlas & Gazetteer pondering routes to various eating establishments.  Usually I know where I want to go.  Other times I have to explore maps until something surfaces as a destination.

By the time I met Paul this morning I had decided on a little ride to The Dream in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.  The last time I was there was in the 1970s when it was then known as Dave’s Dream.

At 8am the weather was perfect and the Vespa running as well as ever.

Ducati Hypermotard and Vespa GTS scooterDucati and Vespa

There are many routes to Hollidaysburg.  I was hungry, the roads relatively empty so I chose one where we could cruise at 55mph or faster. Paul’s Ducati Hypermotard was up to it so I figured, “What the heck”.

An intentional effort to not stop for photographs quickened the trip to breakfast.  Moving across three counties in a cool morning is a pleasure.

Vespa scooter and Ducati motorcycle at The Dream in Hollidaysburg, PennsylvaniaThe Dream Restaurant

The Dream is fancier that my usual breakfast haunts.  The food was fine but it lacked the rustic character I enjoy in smaller, out of the way establishments.  I don’t suspect it’s a biker hangout or destination for long distance riders.

Paul Ruby and Bob DionisA Vespa Connection

Paul got my father-in-law Bob involved in scooter riding when he sold him his Vespa ET4.  It was a creampuff then and is now under Bob’s watchful eye.

Paul Ruby and Vespa scooterRide and Wait

It’s no secret I prefer riding alone.  Mostly because I want to stop and look around, make photos and live without calling or rule.  That’s easier alone.

Paul waits a lot for me and his Ducati could obviously travel much caster.  Still he waits as I scramble up direct roads for one more picture.