Scooter in the Sticks

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

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Thankful for the Small Things With a Vespa Scooter

February 16, 2017 by Scooter in the Sticks 16 Comments

Vespa GTS scooter in snow squallSnow Squall

A sunny departure yesterday morning toward a black sky delivered a sudden snow squall.  I’m thankful that I was there on the Vespa, able to ride through the snow, and find my way safely to work.

Vespa GTS scooter on snow covered farm laneVespa and the Slippery Stuff

In minutes the air became white with snow and sleet and just as fast the event swept by leaving a dusting of snow to ride through.  Lovely in appearance and thankfully leaving enough traction to not be much of a safety issue.

Winter rides to work are usually exactly what I think they’ll be.  This one was different because I misjudged the forecast which noted “a chance of a passing snow shower.”  I’m thankful it did not exceed my riding skill or ability.

Vespa GTS scooter under a heavy skyRiding Under a Heavy Sky

It was colder and darker during the ride home from work.  I was thankful though that it was free of snow. If I made a list of the things for which I was thankful yesterday, it would be long.

To say I’ve had enough of the cold weather would be an understatement.  The preparation to ride in this weather has seemed overly daunting this year and the rides themselves flush with physical challenge to a level not experienced in previous winters.  Age, health, attitude — perhaps all have a role in the changing nature of my winter riding life.

But even with the added burdens, I’m thankful to be able to ride through the world on the Vespa — even if it means dealing with a little snow on a cold day.


2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

This post is part of a month long writing prompt challenge conceived by Kathy at Toadmama.com.

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Second Chance

February 11, 2016 by Scooter in the Sticks 17 Comments

I’m thankful for a second chance.

Vespa GTS scooter at nightRiding Appreciation

One of the first things I thought about after my heart attack was whether I could ride again.  I worried about my wife and kids, the dogs, friends, work and all the things that make up a life.  In regard to riding I was worried about myself.  Riding the Vespa is not a hobby or recreational outlet.  It’s a critical aspect of maintaining sanity in a crazy world.

I get irritable if I don’t find road time with the scooter.  If pressed, I consider it a spiritual act.  I’m thankful that I have a second chance.

Braved the cold this evening for a Vespa ride to see the new Triumph Bonneville Street Twin motorcycle. Kissell Motorsports, Purple Lizard Maps and Rothrock Coffee sponsored the event.  All I had to do was show up.

Triumph Bonneville Street Twin motorcycleGrowing Gratitude

Watching a father and son (I assume) looking at the bike I thought about how fortunate I am to be standing here witnessing everything going on around me.  I started thinking of all the things I have to be grateful for.

Carolina wrens were singing as I walked through the snow with Junior and Lily in the morning.  It’s a privilege to listen to such fine song.  Having two fine canine companions is a gift.  Being able to walk is a joy.  Looking around at my life I have so much to be thankful for that it’s easy to neglect things — big and small.

My wife Kim continues to shine a light on paths I would not otherwise know.  Friend and family enrich the trip just by being themselves.  I have a roof over my head.  Hell, there are chocolate chip cookies in the cupboard right now.

Waiting.

Infant graddaughter

Who Are You?

My infant granddaughter promises challenge, excitement and joy.  I’m already planning her riding safety training.  Her mother just laughed.

The night draws to a close and I feel my body leaning toward temporary oblivion.  And as the last thoughts fade, surely one of those thoughts will acknowledge the gratitude I feel for the life I’ve been given.

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