Scooter in the Sticks

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

Old Age and Youth

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Vespa GTS scooter in front of the Family Chill & GrillFamily Chill & Grill

After several weeks of work to rehabilitate an angry lower back injury, I felt well enough to explore the physical limits with a short ride.  Nothing like a sore back to make you feel old.  I’ve read the yoga adages, “You’re as young as your spine is flexible.”

I’ve not been feeling young.

My friend Paul and I departed for a short ride to breakfast at the Family Chill & Grill and Firehouse Pizza in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, just 15 miles from home.  A reasonable distance to appraise how things are going.  Unfortunately the place was closed — Labor Day — requiring us to move further down the valley to find a place to eat.

Paul Ruby with his new BMW R1200 RT motorcycleBMW and Vespa

Eventually we made our way to Altoona and Kings Restaurant.  Paul commented on all the old men gathered for breakfast.  I gently reminded him we’re old men…

By the time I rolled the Vespa back into the garage there were 85 more miles on the odometer. As long as I don’t have to pick up anything heavy (like a dropped scooter or a quarter) my back is pretty good.  Another week and I should be back to normal.  Whatever that is now for me.

Paul got rid of his Ducati Hypermotard and replaced it with a 2005 BMW R1200 RT which he plans to ride to New Mexico in November.  With a full fairing, heated grips and seat, and spacious hardcase luggage it will be a fine machine for a ride like that.

I’m not thinking that grand.  I’ll be happy when I can put the dog food dishes on the ground without supporting myself with a walking stick.

Old age and youth — two sides of the same coin.  I need to keep tossing it.

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.