Scooter in the Sticks

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

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…

Fading in the Rain

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Working with a laptop computer in a coffee shopWriting while fading in the rain

An afternoon apart from the office, a mistaken sense of freedom fueled by a dream of riding the Vespa.  Somewhere.  Anywhere.

Sitting in the Pump Station Cafe in Boalsburg, I can feel myself fading, eyes heavy and the desire to crawl in bed and disappear over powers and thought of riding.  Especially in the rain.

Like a sleeping potion, rain and gloom can reach inside and massage my soul into worldly submission.  Thought, movement, awareness — all adrift in a thick sea of sleepy pleasure.

Hot tea in paper cupAttention to detail

Next to me stands a cup of hot tea.  Wisps of steam dance wildly.  Tiny beads of moisture line the rim.  I can barely look let alone watch.  My fingers crawl across the keyboard in a slow march as my brain drains away onto the screen.

Soon I’ll take a sip of tea in hope it restores my soul and leads me into green pastures.  If I’m blessed, I may even find myself riding.

Somewhere.
Anywhere.

laptop computer and cookiesNo Vespa pictures

For a moment I wonder if I’m on a path to another heart attack.  Or just getting old.  Either way, my eye is on the two chocolate chip cookies to my left.  A personal failure to leave them uneaten for some reason.

There are no Vespa pictures and no adventures on the road.

The temperature is perfect as the hot tea strikes my tongue.  A simple pleasure; like a hot shower, rubbing a dog behind the ears, or riding a scooter or motorcycle along an empty road with only the echo of worldy concerns in my head.

The cookies are like a drug, straightening the spine and I reach for the camera. I wonder if climbing mountains or riding across continents can exceed the ecstasy of a good cookie?

The effects are wearing off; the arrival of more people and the attendant din of humanity can only agitate and cause a migration.

The Vespa is at home in the garage.  The rain has slowed to a drizzle.  Brand new tires may be slippery.  The evacuation of Penn State students at the end of the semester have the roads ugly with four-wheeled machines.

Rain clouds overheadRain clouds overhead

I have no idea where to go or what to do.  A familiar feeling, one I’ve come to appreciate for the unknown adventures in that place.

Nothing is happening.  Anything is possible.

Anything.  Even if I’m fading in the rain.