Scooter in the Sticks

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

Beginning Rider

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Steve Williams on Harley-Davidson motorcycle

Beginnings

Where did it begin, this lifelong fascination with motorcycles?  As a kid I dreamt of go-karts and mini-bikes.  By the time I got to high school I was riding motorcycles owned by friends and relatives — my parents forbid such dangerous nonsense.  My friend Randy bought a new Harley-Davidson in 1973 (I think) which he graciously allowed me to ride.  It was my first big motorcycle.  I was just a beginning rider.

Steve McQueen’s motorcycle riding in The Great Escape is the first memory of a riding persona I have with it’s urgent sense of potential freedom though perhaps lost on my nine-year-old mind.  And then the possibility of romantic adventure in Then Came Bronson and Easy Rider.  Those stories and imagery took root and have stayed with me even though it would be another 32 years until I bought a Vespa scooter.

Steve Williams with BMW F650 motorcycle

Photo by Gordon Harkins

 Motorcycles and Scooters

I’ve ridden a lot of different motorcycles and have enjoyed most.  But at the end of the day I remain steadfastly connected to my Vespa GTS 250ie scooter.  It’s as close to the perfect ride I’ve found.  But there have been motorcycles I’ve thought about.

Triumph Scrambler

I’ve coveted the Triumph Scrambler despite my feelings that it’s not practical.  Pure lust at work.

Steve Williams with BMW F650 motorcycle

The BMW F650 was a delightful ride that I could well imagine owning.

Steve Williams and Kim Dionis

Photo by Stephen DiRado; Part of his Dinner Series, 2004

Family Support

I don’t remember the details that led to the purchase of my first Vespa scooter.  Whatever they were my wife Kim played a role.  Partner, lover, friend — she’s supported first the ride and has been patient with the blogging that followed.  Her support has fertilized my creative ability and confidence.  She knows how and when a boot in the ass is necessary.

And the rest of the family has supported, or at least tolerated, my riding adventures.

Steve Williams, Vespa rider

Photo by Gordon Harkins

I think a lot about riding and all its attendant rituals.  I’ve always felt I’ve been searching for something and riding has helped the investigation.  Even when I come to a dead end the ride makes it all ok.

It’s a wonderful life.

 

 

Strangled by Circumstance

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Vespa parked along College Avenue in State College, PAIn case you wondered why the posts have dried up I’ve not been abducted by aliens, I’ve not had another heart attack and I’ve not entered a monastery.  I’ve just been strangled by circumstance.

Among the many things that have diverted attention away from the Vespa and riding has been a transition to a new job managing digital education.  Part of that includes developing 50 or 60 online training courses by July.  And a few other things.

And the holidays and family attract time and attention.  Two dogs constantly ask for me and I have my own personal regimen of post heart attack dances to attend to.

Vespa scooter illegally parkedEven the pictures of the Vespa seem a bit strangled by stuff.  I’ve not ridden as much lately and that’s never a formula for joy.  But I still ride when my brain allows, when I’m not strangled by circumstance.

At the Pump Station in Boalsburg, PAMost rides of late have taken me somewhere to relax, reflect, eat and write.  But nothing I can share here.  Just the regular ravings of an old man resisting the draw to go quietly into the night.

I do have some photos to share and some stories about riding in the frozen fog we were blessed with for a week or more.  For now though, I just want to check in and say hello.