Media Coverage

A young man from the local PBS affiliate, WPSU-TV, did a little piece on the Top Secret Scooter Club this evening. I listened carefully to the questions he asked everyone and those questions draw a little picture of what people think of scooters...

"Why did you buy a scooter instead of a real motorcycle?" and "How do you feel at the gas pump when buying gas?" And always "How fast can you go?" I'm not sure what they'll make if it but I'm always fascinated by how people perceive the Vespa.

This Friday evening at 11:30 PM on WPSU-TV. We'll see....

April 25---A Birthday Vespa

I was going to get my baby a Vespa for her birthday. What could possibly be better than that??? Alas, she seems to have no interest at all! I've begun thinking there was a mix up at the hospital---how could she possibly not want a scooter....

I put together this collage as I struggled to understand her nature on this day of celebration of her birth. She loved Bucky the Wonder Horse and her Big Wheel so I thought the scooter would be a natural progression. Oh well, at least she likes chocolate...

But I love her anyways and extend to the scooterless child a Happy Birthday!

Scooter or Motorcycle?

My Vespa LX150 transported eight tomato cages home from the store today. Could easily have transported twice that….

Making choices can be simple or difficult. Issues of right and wrong are instilled early and give each of us a foundation on which to make choices. Consumer culture can add series of messages providing other foundations on which to make decisions, decisions that seem appropriate and personal. Making a choice between a scooter or motorcycle to many in a simple one and basis on a solid foundation. For a moment I want to look at some of the rationale that may stand behind these choices.

Traditional arguments in favor of scooters suggest economy, reliability, and ease of use. Arguments against them and in favor of motorcycles are performance, capability, and safety in a wider range of road types. I won’t debate these points.

Decisions are personal and as such it seems something personal should enter into consideration of a choice between motorcycle and scooter. My own criteria for making a choice had little to do with the arguments suggested above but instead teeter close to a moral and philosophical belief exposed only after riding a friend’s Vespa ET4.

Initially my plan was to purchase a new Triumph T100. I’ve always warmed to Triumph’s classic look. After spending a weekend on the Vespa ET4 something happened that caused me to question why I was choosing the Triumph and what I discovered was the basis for my personal decision.

I had recently taken a new position as part of a management team. My new responsibilities created more chaos and noise in my life than I had anticipated. Everything seemed to speed up and I was always trying to go faster to get everything done. Seeking advice from others it was suggested that the way to deal with the every increasing pace of things was to turn in the other direction and slow down in order to catch up. Suspicious of this line of reasoning I finally made the leap of faith and “slowed down” only to find myself accomplishing more. One of life’s paradoxes…

In the showroom looking at the Triumph sitting next to the Vespa I ask myself “What will happen if I choose the scooter and am forced to slow down?” Will something positive emerge from a choice that seems a negative? Choosing the Vespa embraced intentional slowness, intentional challenge, and would be a step away from the mainstream of riders here in central Pennsylvania. The scooter can travel as fast. A Saturday afternoon ride on a motorcycle would be a major day long event on the scooter. The scooter would present more challenges and frustrations----direct Interstate routes available to a motorcycle would be unreasonable on a scooter so more circuitous routes would have to be found. And owning a scooter would be seen by most other males as a toy, a poor bastard cousin to a real motorcycle. I would be an outsider.

It’s been eight months since I purchased the Vespa. 3500 miles later I can say that the same paradoxical choice that eased my professional life has delivered benefits on the road. Each 10 mile trip on the scooter becomes a challenge to be handled and thought out, something that would be a yawn for a motorcycle. A 100 mile ride is an adventure of body, mind, and spirit. It has kindled a passion not just for riding, but for almost everything I do. The lack of power and performance makes everyday riding a lesson in being alive.

One last observation about scooters and motorcycles. I’ve watched the culture of riders carefully---speech, dress, machines, and actions. There is a spirit and culture among many riders of independence and self reliance and it is well deserved. But there is also a tendency to not stray farm from normative behavior whether it be choices of when to ride or what to ride. Choosing to ride a scooter of any kind is outside the comfort zone of many---it does not allow you to conform and leaves you an outsider. Riding in winter is another step outside normative behavior. A scooter is NOT for someone who is uncomfortable being different, riding another road, being a rebel. For those who need to blend and conform, that’s what Harleys and Hondas and cruisers and sportbikes can offer among many other things.

I’ve pondered the addition of another machine, a motorcycle, but I’ve finally concluded that it has nothing to offer me today.

Riding to Work

I rode to work everyday this past week---almost right to my office door. Reflecting on the week has reminded me of some of the more powerful benefits of riding to work. Parking is cheap and easy. The permit is $24.00 per year and I can park in any designated motorcycle spaces around campus. I’m fortunate that there are three spaces against my building. Since I get to work early I always get the first space. I have displaced some other rider who used to park there I suppose, but there are more nearby.

I put a gallon and a half of 93 octane fuel in the Vespa this week for about $4.50. The same amount of travel in my Ford Ranger would have been considerably more. And a parking permit is $34.00 per MONTH. There is no doubt that the scooter is more economical.

Nothing of great note on any of the rides. The mornings were cool, in the 30’s, and the rides home were warm, usually in the 70’s. I have to admit I enjoy riding in cooler weather than warm. Not much time for any “recreational” riding since I have been preparing to hang my MFA Thesis Exhibition. With extensive help from my daughter and friends it is all on the walls of the gallery and ready for the reception this evening. With this work behind me I am looking forward to developing a Vespa/riding/rider/landscape photography project. Just have not figured out what it will be….

Hurtling Towards Eternity

Hurtling is not a word one would associate with a Vespa. It implies speed and energy resevered for more massive and powerful machines. This morning I was walking the dog in a park along US Route 322 when a Harley Davidson Ultraglide went by. This road is four lanes but not limited access and the speed limit is 45MPH. I looked over when I head the motorcycle coming---a green machine with a white haired rider, no helmet, short pants, and leaning back in a comfortable cruising postion with feet up on high cruising pegs. He was in the left lane and closing fast on a line of cars in the right lane. The cars were moving at around the speed limit. The Harley was easily traveling 20 to 30 MPH faster than the cars as he roared by.

I stood there watching and wondered what he would do if one of those cars decided to pass and pulled in front of him. What were his options? And I thought about how I ride. I endeavor to ride defensively and manage the risks that I identify on the road. Passing a line of cars is always a risk I assume responsibility for and plan an "out".

I'm amazed at how much faith some riders have in the behavior of others on the road. I don't trust anyone. I won't say I ride with by backside clenched to the seat but I am wary of what could happen next. The performance nature of the Vespa LX150 won't allow for the range of situations that a motorcycle can get into but it has sufficient power to find trouble. And I guess this points to the fundamental question I ask myself today---am I over doing things?

I've been thinking of the accident that claimed the life of motorcycle safety expert Larry Grodsky and am reminded of how many things are outside of our control that we at least should do what we can about those that are.

Larry Grodsky obituary

I ride defensively always, even on isolated country roads. As the weather has warmed I am still wearing armored clothes when the rest of the riders I see are in jeans or less. Before I purchased my Tourmaster Overpants I rode with jeans. Now the thought of nothing between my legs and the pavement but a bit of denim is unacceptable. Now, everytime I get on the scooter I have on leather boots, jeans, Tourmaster armored overpants, shirt, Mountain Hardwear Windproof jacket, Triumph Armored Mesh Jacket, gloves, earplugs, and full helmet. More if its cold or raining. A lot of stuff to put on for a run to the grocery store. But I have made it a habit, a ritual, and I am confortable.

A motorcycle rider asked me recently why I had so much on for just a scooter. I thought about it for a second and said "because when I hit the pavement it doesn't care whether I have high-sided from a Vespa or a Ducati."

I had a nice ride this morning. Dark clouds threatening rain but just beautiful. The roads were largely empty and passed several other riders enjoying the day. Rode about 50 miles around the local area through such notable communities as Centennial, Stormstown, Loveville, Half Moon and Scotia. Central Pennsylvania is just a motorcycle heaven...

Official Vespa Commuter

I made it official and surrendered my $5 a month bus pass for a yearly motorcycle parking permit that costs $24 annually. I have been commuting by Vespa through the winter but was resisting giving up the pass. That meant parking in town and walking to my office---a hike of almost a mile. It was probably good exercise but I got tired of the rush so now I can park right next to my office.

There are only three motorcycle spaces and because I get to work early I have displaced one of the other commuters. I saw one of the Harley riders pull up next to my scooter and look it over. I wondered if he has planning to toss it aside to make room for a real machine….

There were thunderstorms through the night and I had decided that a ride in a heavy rain would be good for the soul. Everything was wet at 5:30AM but when I left the house at 7AM there was a clear sky and the mist was giving way to an absolutely beautiful morning. I stopped along the way to shoot this photo with Mount Nittany in the background.

By the time I left work it was raining hard. I had my raingear and the ride was fun. I was dry and careful and there was not a lot of traffic. About halfway home the rain stopped and the sun came out. Just a great day to commute!

Riding and Release

I just returned from a short ride. My goal was to inspect a large rock and consider ways to move it from a farm field to our garden. The result was a relaxing ride through the local neighborhoods while the sun went down. I could tell spring was near because I could smell the scent of fresh mowed grass. Moving along the roads I could feel all the energy and activity of the day leave me. A simple gift of riding the easy ride...

Moratorium on Riding --- or so it feels...

This past week has marks the beginning of a decline in my riding. I'm preparing for graduation. I have been working on a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree as a part-time graduate student for a number of years and at the end of this semester I'll finally (hopefully) graduate. Between my work schedule, family, and school it feels as if riding is a luxury. I did manage to ride to the meet-up of the Top Secret Scooter Club on Monday. This took place less than a half mile from my home so obviously I had to take the six mile route to get there. It was raining hard when I left and my Gill Raincoast and Tourmaster OverPants worked nicely. I hate to say it but I sort of enjoy riding in the rain....

And of course there were commutes to work too but nothing really exciting took place. Just the joy of riding.

The image posted here I decided to use on the invitation postcard for my MFA Exhibition which opens on April 22. There won't be any scooter pictures in the exhibit but I really liked the shot so I figured what the hell. One person commented that it looked like I pick my pictures up along the road. I've thought about that and there is some truth to it. I certainly find my pictures while traveling whether literally or figuratively--through the world or through life.


Everything in my show will be black and white. Other than the pictures I post here all my work is done on film. The majority of the show will be comprised of images I have made of my wife Kim over the past seven years.


I will also have a small installation of landscape photographs which reflect the world I see through my wandering. As I continue working I feel a project emerging from my riding. I just don't know yet what it is....

Vespa 4, Dogs 0

Yes, that's the score. For all of you scooter doubters a Vespa LX150 can outrun a dog quite handily and I now have the direct experience to offer testament.

The weekend was lovely and Sunday morning was bright and a balmy 55 degrees Fahrenheit at 9AM. I left the driveway with a general inclination to proceed East through Penns Valley. The police politely detoured me to make way for a bicycle race but other than that I largely had the road to myself. I wandered through the rural countryside at a leisurely 25 MPH looking at the fields and cows and trees have a good old time. As I rounded a curve I caught a flash in the corner of my eye and looked to see a brown dog racing towards me on a collision course. After the initial primal dog attack reaction my training took over and I twisted the throttle just a bit up to about 30MPH as the dog closed on my I rolled off the throttle to throw off his intercept timing for a moment. As he hit the brakes to adjust I rolled on the throttle and sped right by him. He was a barking running beast growing smaller in my rear view mirror. Vespa 1, Dog 0.

Not a mile down the road came another even larger beast running at me from behind a house. I did the same thing this time but tried a more dramatic slowing and sure enough the dog's timing was wrecked, he tried to recover and at that instant I sped past him. This poor guy was so confused that he fell over himself trying to get after me. Vespa 2, Dogs 0.

I met one more dog on the run a few miles later and this one fared the same---a twisting confused mass of legs and feet watching another scooter get away. Vespa 3, Dogs 0.

The last dog encounter occurred while I was stopped taking the above picture. I still had my helmet on and earplugs so it took me awhile to recognize that a barking critter was slowly making his way towards me. He was about 150 feet away when I saw him. I finished with the camera, stowed it under the seat, pulled on my gloves and called out to Fido who just barked more. I started the Vespa and I guess the roar of the 150cc engine just scared the life out of him because he shied away and started trotting back home, still barking, but accepting the risk of approaching any closer to my obviously powerful machine. Vespa 4, Dogs 0.

So, for any of you who are concerned about the Vespa being unsuited for the road, underpowered for emergency situations like this, well, get over yourself. A Harley could not have performed any better.

The Curse of Safe Living

Something started percolating in my subconscious last night that boiled over into awareness this morning while walking my dog on the mountain near our home. I was looking at Pat Hahn’s book “Ride Hard Ride Smart” at Barnes and Noble. It’s a serious and in depth look at riding risks, techniques, and management strategies for riding. It’s a good book. There was a chapter on night riding and when I turned to that section it was short with an admonishment “Don’t do it”. Don’t ride at night. The risk is too great. I think this is where something happened in my subconscious. I turned to the index and looked up “snow”. Nothing. The book is excellent despite that admonishment or the fact that I didn’t find any mention of riding in snow. But then there wasn’t any mention of hauling pigs or plywood on the back of a bike either so maybe my expectations are a bit out of line. Anyway, this is not about the book, it is about safety.

I was walking on the ridge trail with my dog five miles from the highway. It was raining and no one is up here. This is the place where Kim broke her leg on the way down the trail and I had to carry her a mile back to the car before I could take her to the hospital. I started thinking about all the books and articles I have read about hiking safety---don’t walk alone, always have the ten essentials, you could die just a mile from home. From there comes don’t swim alone, don’t walk after dark in that place, it’s too cold and you could freeze. I suddenly realized that some of the things I do that I have been considering “normal” might be unsafe. Safe. Safety. Is that what a reasonable American is expected to want? And suddenly I am engulfed by an explosion of thoughts about our culture, government, and lives.

We are obsessed with safety in almost every aspect of our lives. Our commercial culture breeds on our fear promising safety in everything from the tanks we drive to the soap we wash our hands with. Alarms and air filters and water purifiers. Double security locks, guns and pepper spray. Fire companies, cell phones, 911, police, rangers, soldiers, spies. Food, exercise, diet. We want to be safe from everything and everybody. And maybe the desire is natural and healthy. But the culture it has spawned seems a bit questionable. It wants to insulate us from experience. It wants us to see the world as a dangerous place to avoid rather than deal with. It allows us to deter our safety to others with little need for personal responsibility. It enables us to drive unsafely because we have a big vehicle with 8 air bags. We can disconnect from the impact our desire to be “safe” has on others in everything from pollution generated in the manufacture of household chemicals to the actions of our government in foreign lands.

I have always admired the writing of James Fenimore Cooper, Edward Abbey, and others who write about people who embrace the environment around them as humans who are part of it in spite of resident dangers. Perhaps I wax romantic here but I believe placing such a high regard on safety without considering the possibility that we become less human, less passionate, less demanding of ourselves in the process. I’m not an adrenaline junkie and I don’t take risks just to take risks. But I do take risks that I don’t have to intentionally because they are a part of the life I am living. Riding at night is just one of them. Hiking alone is another. And I believe I am a better person because of it.