Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.
A recent comment about why I’m riding my Vespa ET4 when I have a Vespa GTS got me thinking about that choice. And not just the choice between the two scooters, but the differences between a scooter and motorcycle in general. Those questions have been floating around my head and I think I’ve come to a few simple conclusions.
Continue Reading
Thinking About SizeI shouldn’t be surprised how many ways there are to dismiss people and things with a word or a gesture. Humanity revels in differentiating one group from another. On a near insignificant level it happens with motorcycles and scooters. “That’s an entry level bike,” or “That’s a chick bike,” can be taken in a number of ways. At least the first phrase.
Entry level can refer to a machine that’s easy to handle for a beginning rider — light, nimble and manageable power. Or it can mean a first step in a series of machines leading to a logical end — an arbitrary assessment by the person applying the phrase. Usually it means a path to a larger, more powerful machine and assumes bigger is better. And then entry level can be applied as a dismissive term — only losers and cowards, the Casper Milktoasts of riders would even consider such a machine.
The more straightforward dismissal is to refer to a motorcycle as a chick bike — as if I real man would not be caught dead on such a device. I always wonder if women riders have some similar dismissive terms for various motorcycles and scooters. I know they have them for pick up trucks and the boys that drive them. Often it’s just a hand signal involving the thumb and index finger.
Scooters are all entry level machines from one perspective. And even among scooter riders there’s a hierarchy. The only chick scooters seem to be the pink ones.
When my friend Paul and I rode to breakfast last weekend I was in the odd position of having the “big” machine. The Vespa GTS 250 dwarfs the 1965 Vespa. But the real story — the vintage Vespa moved along just as fast as the new one on the roads we traveled.Continue Reading
Moto Hang Wants YouEveryone is welcome at the Boalsburg Moto Hang. The next one is in a few hours. 5:30pm to be exact. So plan to stop by either today or the next event. The Moto Hang takes place on the first and third Wednesday evenings of the month. Ken Hull sent out this note which I’ll share:
This Wednesday we will be meeting at the Moto Shack from 5:30 to 7:30. Three things to note: 1. 2017 posters will be available for purchase ($5). 2. We have a porta-john on site. It’s on the other side of the little wooden shed. 3. Please try and arrive closer to the start time of 5:30 and not too much earlier. I need time to get things set up and ready for everyone before bikes start rolling in. Thanks for understanding.
The images below will help illuminate the experience.Continue Reading
It’s Time for Another Moto Hang — June 15, 2016 at 5:30pmToday is Moto Hang day and will be held at a member’s place. Jason and Lori Letterie will open their property near Tusseyville to host this evening’s get together.
If you’re new or not sure you want to attend I’ve finally gotten around to processing some of the images from the first three events this year. At the bottom on the page you’ll find links to more complete collections of images on my Flickr site.
TraditionThere’s a lot of tradition around the Moto Hang already. This photo hangs in founder Ken Hull’s Moto Shack in Boalsburg as a reminder of where the group comes from — now in the third year of gathering.
Ken Hull, Moto Hang FounderThe Moto Hang, previously known as Pistons and Pints, is the brainchild of Ken Hull and a way for riders interested in getting together to talk and swap riding stories. It’s really caught on beyond what I think Ken expected. That’s why this year every second Moto Hang of the month is at a different location.
First Moto Hang of 2016Even though it was kind of cold and raining when the Moto Hang started there were still a number of riders who braved the weather. That’s what Aerostich and Klim is for right?
Boalsburg Moto Hang Travels to Kissell MotorsportsThe second Moto Hang was hosted by Craig Kissell, owner of Kissell Motorsports. It was the first event to not take place at the Moto Shack in Boalsburg and was a great success.
A Vespa at the Moto HangEveryone is welcome regardless of whether you ride a Vespa or a Harley. We’ve seen mini-bikes, side car rigs, and everything in between. It’s fascinating to see what shows up.
More and More MachinesI don’t know what the exact count is on motorcycles and scooters now but they’ve spread far beyond the space behind the shack. It’s a moto-happening now.
Dogs Welcome TooAlways seems to be a dog or two passing through.
Harleys on the SidewalkPlenty of opportunities to be rebels. But you have to show up. Take a moment to peruse some of the images from past Moto Hangs and Piston and Pints events on my Flickr site.
Riding Season Kicks Off in Central Pennsylvania with the Boalsburg Moto HangGet 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!
KenMoto 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.