Sailing to Northumberland

I decided last night that I would ride to Northumberland, Pennsylvania to visit with a few friends. Because the weather forecast called for temperatures near 90 I was up early and on the road at 6:40AM. I rode five miles before I saw another car and ten before a car came up behind me. The road was smooth and the air temperature was near 70 degrees---perfect riding weather.

The sun was stuggling to push through the morning haze and fog making the landscape look like something out of a fairytale in places. I'm always amazed at how many things I can detect while riding that are completely lost driving a car. The fragrance of fresh cut hay, manure, pine needles, a lingering campfire from the previous night... And I can feel the air temperture change as I move from the open landscape into the forest. This image was made not far from a spring fed lake which is frigid year round. I could feel the air temperature drop significantly as I neared.

I often liken a scooter ride to sailing. Both are limited in their ability to push faster. Both require patience and attention to many variables to achieve optimum performance. Every rise of the road, change in the road surface, breeze or appearance of vehicles all suggest adjustments and corrections. At times when I see the road stretch out in the distance it reminds me of looking out over the bow of a sailboat in the ocean---all that to cover and I can't go any faster....

The Vespa performed flawlessly. I cruised between 45 and 55 MPH depending on where I was. As I neared Lewisburg I caught up with an SUV which I followed for a few miles until I got to US 11/15. The temperature was rising and the haze worsened which was apparent from the overlook about the Susquehanna River.




I traveled more rural/agricultural roads on the way home. My neck was cramping a bit and I stopped a few times to stretch. Not sure if I'm old, out of shape, or just slept badly last night.







I hoped to ride through one of the covered wooden bridges that I know exist in the area. Without a map I wasn't sure where they were but did come upon one that was closed. Everything gets old I guess and these wooden bridges are no exception. I'm sure it would have supported my scooter.

The only really bad part of the whole ride was it coming to an end. While I put another 140 miles on the scooter it didn't seem to be enough to sate the desire to keep riding. Maybe I need to take a trip of several days duration to cleanse my system of riding...

Top Secret Scooter Rally

The local scooter club (of which I am a member albeit not a good one since my loner ways keep me off by myself most of the time) is having a big scooter rally on August 18-20 in State College, Pennsylvania. If you like rallys and riding in the absolute sweetness of rural landscapes then this is a must event.

In addition to all the usual rally activities you'll have the chance to see a lot of scooters both vintage and modern. To register for the rally go to this link:

Top Secret Scooter Club Rally

And to check out the scooter club website:

Top Secret Scooter Club

There is a link on that page to the club's discussion list in Yahoo so you can join that as well.

Back to the idea of the rally. If you have been reading this blog very long you have probably figured out that I like riding alone. I like to stop when I want (and I stop a lot) and I don't enjoy riding in a military assembly. Add to that my semi-aversion for crowds and a rally just doesn't add up to fun for me. It seems a lot like a wedding or big party....

That said I do realize I am in a tiny minority and most riders love these kinds of get togethers. A guy at work told me about a big event of BMW riders that had thousands of bikes. Thousands....

Anyways, don't be like me. Get yourself to this rally. The ride to State College has so many wandering backroads that it will be sublime. And once you get to State College you can adventure through everything the scooter club and a college town (Penn State) has to offer.

I'll probably be at the rally with my camera. Gives me something to hide behind...

5000 Mile 2006 Vespa LX150 Review

This is going to be a long post, but it is 5000 miles worth of stuff afterall...

Last week marked one year of Vespa ownership. I also saw the odometer turn 5000 miles and I thought it would be an appropriate time for a review of the scooter. I’ll discuss the following:

Mechanical Reliability
Performance
The Ride

Mechanical Reliability
The LX150 is solidly built and 5000 miles of use has only seemed to improve it. With the exception of a clogged carburetor almost right out of the showroom (a small fleck of rubber from the fuel line dislodged during assembly and clogged the float valve) it has started every time I pushed the starter button. I’ve ridden the scooter in temperatures close to 0 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees. Rain, snow, fog, ice, humidity---whatever Mother Nature dished out the Vespa took it in stride.

Fuel economy has been consistent at around 68 miles per gallon in my town/suburb/rural commute. On the open road with steady throttle I have achieved as high as 90 miles per gallon.

Maintenance costs have been predictable and reasonable. I’ve had the oil changed at the 600 mile break-in period and then again (too early) at around 3000 miles. The maintenance schedule is a bit hard to pin down with Piaggio’s Warranty Book differing from their Owners Manual and both differ from the Vespa Shop Manual. I looked at everything and chose my own schedule that is in the happy middle of the three.

If there is an unexpected element in the scooter it has been tires. I am on my third rear tire now with each needed to be replaced with 2400 miles on them. The front tire still seems almost new. Granted the smaller tires turn more than bigger ones but I was surprised at how fast they wear. Replacing the rear tire is more complicated than the front so the cost to have it done is greater as well. The tire and tech time cost me $99.34. At the rate I ride that’s at least a hundred dollars a year for tires. More the years I have to change the front. I’ll pay for that out of fuel savings.

I have run the same tire---a Pirelli SL38 120/70-10. These tires are sticky and have excellent traction in all weather. The only dicey performance is off road on gravel roads but I suspect my skill is more suspect than the tires. I’ve heard of longer lasting tires but the feel of the Pirelli’s are fantastic.

I plan to start doing my own maintenance, not out of a concern for cost but more because I want to understand how the thing works. The engine and related systems are simple and straightforward and I don’t expect any problems. If I do there is a wealth of support out there in the Modern Vespa forum. Worst case I’ll have to drag my partially dismantled scooter to the dealer so that they can have a good laugh.

Performance
The LX150 is a solid performer within my expectations. On a flat smooth road it will easily haul my 190 body along at 60 MPH as long as I care to travel at that speed. It has gone faster in cool air and tucked down low I have seen the speedometer indicate 70.

Acceleration is smooth through the entire speed range though I slight slowdown in acceleration between 45 and 55 MPH. Hardly noticeable unless you’re racing a car away from a traffic light. From zero to 35MH it is quick!

I had some apprehension about tire size and how that would affect the quality and safety of the ride. I can say with confidence that it does not seem to matter at all. The ride is surprisingly smooth and the little tires allow the Vespa to corner well and provide excellent swerving ability. At the speeds the scooter travels it is an extremely nimble and agile machine. I am wary of potholes and rough roads and gratefully there are not a lot of scooter eating holes in Central Pennsylvania. I have hit a few and the scooter has not dropped into oblivion or high-sided me onto the pavement. The small tires have handled sudden gravel filled absences at 45 MPH without incident. Respecting the size of the tires and what they can handle is important. I have consistently underestimated their ability.

Another performance advantage for me of the LX150 is the two hand brakes instead of the hand and foot brake configuration on a motorcycle. I can get both hands on the brakes fast and really control stopping power better than I could with the foot brake. The Vespa simply stops fast.

One last performance feature that you never hear much about is the ability to haul groceries and other kinds of “stuff”. I can now easily haul 8 bags of groceries on the scooter using the built in bag hooks, under seat compartment, and rear rack with bungee cords. If I set my mind to it I bet I could increase that number by 50 percent. The Vespa performs reliably as transportation and as a utility vehicle. This is not just another pretty machine for sunny day use followed by diaper rubs.

The Ride
This is the real reason I bought this thing. What began as pure fun has transformed into a minor miracle of personal peace. Regardless of riding conditions, no matter how hot or cold a smile always comes to my face when I ride. I find the attention required to ride safely strips away the concerns of the day---things melt from my consciousness and I am left living in the moment. The ride is a contemplation of machine, body, and mind. I find a serene place.

Riding also provides an opportunity to pursue mastery. Not the simple definition of getting good at something but rather the definition of mastery outlined in George Leonard’s book “Mastery”. Leonard describes mastery

“It resists definition yet can be instantly recognized. It comes in many varieties, yet follows certain unchanging laws. It brings rich rewards, yet is not really a goal or a destination but rather a process, a journey. We call this journey mastery, and tend to assume that it requires a special ticket available only to those born with exceptional abilities. But mastery isn’t reserved for the super talented or even for those who are fortunate enough to have gotten an early start. It’s available to anyone who is willing to get on the path and stay on it---regardless of age, sex, or previous experience.”

The Vespa offers a chance to pursue this path and it reaches far beyond simple definitions of riding. It is a challenge personally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am grateful to have stumbled upon it….

I’ll post my next review at 10,000 miles.

Don't Forget to Ride to Work!

If you are reading this most likely you own a scooter or motorcycle, or have dreams of having one. Wednesday is Ride to Work Day--- a day for each of us to stand up and show our solidarity as riders and demonstrate to our friends, drivers, legislators, police officers, transportation planners and designers, insurance companies and everyone else that riders are everywhere and that we deserve consideration as people who share the roads with cars and trucks.

No need to go into all of the benefits of riding. Let's just say we'll have a little nicer place if more people shed their fear and began to ride....

Ride to Work on Wednesday July 19th!

See you on the road.

Too HOT to Ride???

Until yesterday I thought the only weather that I had to consider not riding in was heavy snow and temperatures below 5 degrees fahrenheit. But I'm now wondering what my high temperature limit is.

It was hot yesterday but I didn't really pay much attention since I spent most of the day inside with air-conditioning or in my darkroom in the basement which seems to always hover around 72 degrees in the summer. Towards the end of the afternoon I had to ride into town and pulled on my regular riding gear----mesh jacket and Tourmaster Overpants over my jeans, helmet, gloves and earplugs.

Out of the driveway and down the shady street with the visor up and I feel a nice breeze on my face. Pulling out on the main road I put the visor down and travel west into the sun. Immediately it feels as if I am in an oven and the air coming through the mesh jacket is just hot. I run my errands and pass the bank which shows the temperature to be 101 degrees fahrenheit. I don't trust those readings but I know it was hot as hell. I made another stop and just the time it took to take off my helmet I felt baked. Any extended riding would be a challenge wearing the overpants. And I think I would be compelled to have the visor cracked open too.

For a sunny day I did not see many riders---one other scooter rider on a shiny Vespa ET4 riding with T-shirt and short pants, and two Harleys with shirtless, helmetless riders. The book we looked at in the Experienced Rider Course said to "dress for the ride, not for the crash." I'm not sure this is what they meant.

I've considered buying a second pair of riding pants that are mesh---no waterproofing, just abrasion protection and some armor. Until this ride I didn't think I would need them. I'm getting ready to leave for work and the forecast calls for even a hotter day today. The ride in will be fine but coming home could be as hot as yesterday. I think I'll take a lot at some new pants over lunch....

Experienced Rider Course

Today's the day. And it is raining hard right now. Supposedly the Experienced Rider Course will occur rain or shine. The Vespa and I are ready to learn how to better manage ourselves and the threats presented by the road and other drivers. I'm looking forward to the experience and will let you know how things go.

Have been riding everyday but have not found the energy or ideas to post anything new. My Vespa turned 1 year old this past Tuesday and the odometer turned 5100 miles. I will post another review of machine and ride soon.

LATE UPDATE!


I completed the Experienced Rider Course and I passed! Imagine my surprise when the instructor appears riding a Vespa PX150. All the demonstrations were done with his bright red Vespa and I felt right at home. I was the only Vespa student among the Harleys, sportbikes and assorted other machines. Everyone had a good time, learned a lot and polished their riding skills.

It was dry but hot. Six hours in the open with temperatures in the humid mid 80's was about all I could take. The Tourmaster overpants came off and I rode in jeans. Figured I wasn't going to be falling down or crashing. The scooter makes short work of all the exercises and its nimble handling and tight turning ability allowed me to race around the course. At the end of the day I put on almost 25 miles just on that riding range. I'm now a card carrying experienced rider.

Independence Day Ride

The holiday found me out on the road early exercising a bit of personal freedom on the scooter. Riding alone allows me space to think about things like independence and freedom. Without going into a long reflection I'll just say I'm grateful for the freedom afforded to me through the diligence, work and blood of the past 231 years.

Flags lined the main road near my home. The red, white and blue leaped from the grey morning. For the rest of the day I saw flags draped from houses, painted on barns, stuck to bumpers of trucks and generally bursting forth across the landscape.

I had no destination in mind and struggled a bit to find the path the scooter (me) wanted to travel. Eventually I headed south towards Spruce Creek stopping several times to consider if it was time to put on my raingear. Each time the expected downpour did not come and I continued on. The road ran along the creek and old Pennsylvania Railroad tracks (now Norfolk Southern I think) and I was delighted to see a freight train move through the woods in a gathering mist that had me thinking "Brigadoon". Eventually I came upon the limestone quarry owned by New Enterprise Lime. I've always been fascinated by a good ravage of landscape and this was no different. I could spend a lot of time wandering around a mine...





Riding over the hill and away from the quarry into the open farmlands the rain finally came. I stopped to put on my raingear and make a picture. Five miles later I realized I must have dropped my lens cap. Back I ride and there it is laying in the middle of the road. Making photographs with gloves on has thrown off my ritual of lens cap care. The entire feel of the process is off and I guess I will have to develop a new mode of working.

I rode across the valley and began up the next mountain until the paved road ran out and became a little track with the fabled "No Winter Maintenance" sign. To the experienced traveler that sign means "You're on your own, we don't do nothing with this road". As the road became muddier and I realized where it was headed I decided to turn back and go another way. The rain stopped allowing me to make another photograph without dousing the camera and also ditch the raingear.

Probably the most magical part of the ride was along a road I had never been on through the considerable forestland holdings of the American Eagle Paper Mill. I assume they will eventually chop everything down for pulpwood but this day the light, the mist, and the forest were just amazing. I must have stopped a dozen times just to marvel and the atmosphere.

Something weird must have happened in that forest because I got absolutely lost. I usually always have a good sense of direction but this time I had no idea where I was and was heading the opposite direction I thought I was when I finally saw a sign with something vaguely familiar.

I was about 45 miles from home when the rain started to come down hard.

I stopped one last time to photograph a group of cows who gathered to watch me cloak myself in bright yellow. From there the run home was wet but comfortable. I stayed dry and had a leisurely ride to complete my personal celebration of Independence Day.

Exposed to the World

After days of rain the clear dawn promised a quiet ride. I left early to give myself time to wander through the countryside before the ride transformed into the commute to work. Air cool with remnants of fog burning away in the morning sun. My Vespa moves smoothly over the empty roads that move along the floor of Brush Valley. I find these rides quiet my thoughts and help me engage the day. I feel the changing flows of air, some warm, some cool as I ride. The fragrance of wet plants and moist soil fills my head. These moments are distilled to the graceful movement of the scooter and I as we move over the road.

I stopped to make this photograph when I saw the sunlight in my rear view mirror. I'm grateful to recognize these moments and I doubt I would see them in a car. I am exposed to the world on the Vespa.

Riding has a utilitarian function in my life. On mornings like this it reaches far beyond transportation or recreation to something sublime.