A Saturday Morning Ride

Winter clings stubbornly to the day and the driveway. Moving the Vespa from garage to street remains a short adventure through ice and snow. With part of the day above freezing the frozen coating retreated. Still, I think the clairvoyance of the groundhog is in doubt. Seeing the Vespa reflected my my truck reminded me of the grimness of winter. At least in my mind. As Orin O'Neill suggests on his blog Scootin' Old Skool, "Enough already."

A ride would likely vanquish the gloomy thoughts.

Riding at 33F feels absolutely balmy after weeks and months of more frigid air. But even at this temperature the donning of riding gear can appear a near overwhelming obstacle. Woe to the rider who puts everything on only to realize they forgot to insert the wiring into their jacket for their electric gloves. More than once have I found myself grumbling over such an oversight, wires, ski mask, and decide to proceed without.

Always a mistake.

Mostly I meandered today relishing the complete disconnection from the world -- just me, the Vespa, and a landscape indifferent to my presence. Without fail, a few miles and the gloom and cares evaporate. A thought passes of purchasing a Triumph. I remember something I have to do at work. My stomach growls. All is right in the world.

Standing in the middle of the field, looking at the scooter, thinking about longer rides, I wish the temperature would rise just a little. At 40F I can ride all day in luxurious comfort.

There are times when I walk as much as I ride, exploring streams and roadsides, just looking around, thinking of nothing.

Parked the Vespa on the bridge in the distance being careful to leave room for a manure spreader I passed a mile down the road. Nothing ruins a good ride faster than an unfortunate run in with a manure spreader.

Walmart parking lot. My first destination. The 3 Prints Project is still going but we've put film on hiatus for awhile, likely a gloom motivated decision, and are working exclusively in digital. Since I don't have one of those fancy Epson 3880 Photo printers I have been sending my digital files to MPIX.com. They do good work, inexpensive, and fast. Not as good as a person could do making their own inkjet prints but I have no interest. Fine printing in the digital world is a bridge too far. At least today.

Anyways, I figured I would give Walmart a try. With four files on a USB jump drive I made a beeline to the photo center. Ten minutes later I walked out of the store with prints in hand, every bit as good as MPIX. Some more experimentation is in order.

No ride is complete without a stop somewhere for food. Or something. Cafe Lemont was on the way home so a cup of tea, an amazing cookie, and a small notebook is all it takes to keep me happy. At one point I look up and make a picture, drawn to the color, light and umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. I try and imagine Jack Riepe of Twisted Roads sitting here. Then I try to imagine world peace. Coming up empty on both counts I return to my writing.

Ran into a local physician and Ducati rider. He and his wife were enjoying the atmosphere though did not arrive on two wheels. His Streetfighter and her Monster are waiting for warmer days.

Toward the end of the ride, early afternoon, the thermometer hovering in the mid-30s and the sun trying to burn through the clouds made the Vespa sparkle for just a moment. Long enough for me to make a picture and smile at my good fortune to be on the road.

Thoughts turned towards home, an afternoon with Kim, a walk with Junior, dinner, and the finale of season eight of Project Runway courtesy of Netflix.

That doesn't sound too macho. Maybe it explains the Vespa.

All content, text and images, copyright 2010 by Steve Williams.
All Rights Reserved.

All content, text and images, copyright 2010 by Steve Williams.
All Rights Reserved.

Business: Riding, Writing, Photography and Explaining

Let’s get down to business. So there’s no confusion.

This is Scooter in the Sticks. The main blog. The only blog.

Some might be confused because I have been posting all these daily images and changed the Blogger template yesterday. Say goodbye to the original blue version. I’ve moved on to my favorite color – gray. Other than the design change everything else is the same. I think.

Change is our friend.

First, I’ve decided not to post the #DailyRider and #MyDogJunior pictures everyday. I’ll consolidate them once a week in a post. The nearly 1500 people who subscribed to Scooter in the Sticks via Feedburner will continue to receive text and pictures as usual in an email. Everyone should be happy. I’ll be happy. That guy in Key West might even be happy. If you want to see them right away subscribe to my Twitter feed or view them on Flickr. I put them there as I go.

Since I have those pictures ready I will post them as sort of a change gift.

The Daily Rider: February 23, 2011.

Made this image with the iPhone this morning. I neglected to shovel the wet snow and slush a couple days ago in the morning and upon returning after work everything was frozen. So I will have to brave the snow covered driveway until the weather warms a bit.

My Dog Junior.

This morning at the vet. Junior had to get his first round of the Lyme Disease vaccine. He was bored. Made this image with the iPhone and the Lo-Mob app.

It’s been good to be on the road again despite the salt, cold, and occasional ice and snow. The motorcycle parking spaces at my office have been slowly disappearing with the recent snow. Thankfully there was a space I could hide the Vespa in. In a few weeks there will be flowers and warm air. I do remember one mid-March around 1995 that we had 28 inches of snow. I probably shouldn’t get too attached to the idea of spring just yet.

Kissell Motorsports and I have some plans for spring. The first being to do some riding on the Ducati Diavel and the new Triumph Tigers. Craig Kissell and I have talked about riding together and comparing notes on the bikes. Look for those after the roads are clear and the salt has been washed away. Until then I will look over the books Craig gave me. I can see myself on the Tigers. The Ducati is a bit harder to picture.

Last Friday night I attended Midnight Madness at Kissell Motorsports. A big sale from 10pm to midnight. Lots of people turned out and found some great prices on helmets, gear, gloves, motorcycles, and such. I almost bought a new pair of Rev It pants but decided all I really needed was a new Triumph sweatshirt.

It was getting close to midnight when I got back on the Vespa for the 12-mile ride home. It was cold (around 35F) with wind gusts hitting 45mph. Interesting night ride. I couldn’t figure out why no one else rode to the event.

Not everything is fun and games though. I still have to find time for the 3 Prints Project. Time is less of an issue. Motivation is my problem. Gordon and I show up faithfully at a local coffee shop on Sunday morning to share work. Being a regular now you begin to notice the other regulars.

And coffee shops seem to be one of the last bastions of unfettered photography (except for those corporate ones with rule books). I figure the day will come that someone will complain and we will be politely asked to put our cameras away lest we be branded as terrorists.

Photography is not a crime.

Not yet.

This past Sunday Gordon had some nice digital prints. Both of us have recently agreed to abandon film and the darkroom for a while. I already miss it. This image is of his wife.

Gordon has a dog named Laika. I think my Junior photography was inspired by his pictures of his dogs. I’m a follower. Except when it comes to riding. Then I’m a loner.

Riding buddy Paul Ruby made an appearance. I'm not sure if he wanted to see us or just needed a muffin. He recently purchased a Ducati 1198 to share space in the garage with his Kawasaki Concurs, Harley Davidson something or other, and a nice, 1964 Vespa. And his 1962 (?) Mercedes and 1976 Ferrari. He thinks they are all chick magnets.

He needs to talk with Dr. Riepe. Besides, that sweater demagnetizes pretty much anything.

Made this picture on the way home from work this evening. Despite the cold and snow I’m glad to be out. Some days when I walk into the house Kim remarks on the smile. Riding has a way of doing that. Even on cold days like today, riding to work without my ski mask and the cold cut into my throat like a knife, I was smiling and happy when I arrived.

Go figure. Things like that don’t happen in warm climates like you might find in Key West.

I do have some good news to report. A while back Jack Riepe of Twisted Roads posted some good information on how to handle Valentine’s Day. He made a recommendation for Big Jim’s Cookies. I bought two-dozen immediately. And Jim called the house because of a snowstorm seeking permission to ship the cookies a couple days later so they would not get hung up somewhere in shipping. He bakes these things fresh and they are GOOD. Yum. I wish I had some right now.

Jack Riepe may not know much about motorcycles or women but he does know chocolate chip cookies.

Since I can’t have a constant supply of Big Jim’s Cookies I can always stop at the candy store down the street for my beloved Figaros.

So I think I am all caught up with the news from the sticks. It's good to have friends, interests, a loving wife, kids, family, a dog, camera and Vespa. Can't ask for much more. Well I can but I won't right now.

As the weather warms and I cast off the weight of winter I hope to provide a little more interesting fare.

Penn State: The Partnership

I arrived at Penn State in the summer of 1972 as a freshman student in geology. From my first days here through today I've been continuously challenged, surprised, and proud of the work this institution undertakes. As managing editor of Penn State Ag Science magazine I have a unique opportunity to explore the the work being done by researchers, students, and staff. After 39 years my respect for the people here and the work they do continues to grow.

When I watched the The Partnership video, a story of the land grant mission signed into law by Abraham Lincoln 148 years ago, I was reminded of how fortunate I have been to have a small part in the ongoing mission of Penn State.

I seldom share things here about work but thought the messages in this video are important and reflect the value of research and education partnerships across the country. The complexity of research and the difficulty of explaining it within the confines of a sound bite media can make it an easy target for derision or dismissal. A few weeks ago I listened to a national talk show host dismiss public funding for soybeans as a waste of money because obviously we already know everything we need to know about beans. In a constantly changing environment in terms of disease, insects, soil changes, and more, we never know enough. As the world's population continues to grow and demand for food increases, people and governments will look towards research and education for solutions.

Everyone in America should understand the mission of institutions like Penn State and their roots traced back nearly 150 years.

And even if you have no interest in this message the video has some wonderful aerial footage of the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape in which I get to ride.

My opinion. And all of you should ride a Vespa. *grin*

The Daily Rider: February 22, 2011

After a few spring-like days the snow and ice returned during the night. Despite the best attempts of the road crews they couldn't get the roads clear enough for me to decide to ride the Vespa to work. I've ridden on this sort of stuff before but not today. By noon the roads were wet.

My Dog Junior.

This morning in the garden after a hearty breakfast of Native, Level 3, dog food for the athletic canine. He was ready to roll after I fumbled a bit with the iPhone. This image was processed with the Instagram app.

NOTE: I'm still uncertain about posting the Daily Rider and My Dog Junior pictures everyday on the blog. I may do it but on the same page so it just is an additive process with a link in the navigation. But for now I will follow the advice of my blogging muse Mr. Conch and my spiritual and moral guide Mr. Riepe.

The Daily Rider: February 21, 2011

After a couple spring-like days, the sky opened last night and made the world unsuitable for riding. So this daily rider kept the Vespa in the garage admired nature's handiwork with a camera. This one an iPhone image using the vintage postcard feature in Lo-Mob.

My Dog Junior.

Another iPhone image with Lo-Mob. Junior and I in the woods early this morning just west of the Pennsylvania Military Museum. He loves being out in the world.

The Daily Rider: February 20, 2011

Late morning, a stop to shoot the Vespa with Mount Nittany in the background. Clear skies are giving way to snow and ice tonight. Shot with the Hipstamatic app for the iPhone.

My Dog Junior.

The wide angle lens makes him appear like a little spud.

The Daily Rider: February 19, 2011

Vespa and abandoned chicken coop near Oak Hall, Pennsylvania. Shot with an iPhone, image processed on the phone using PhotoForge -- sharpened and vignetted, and then turned into a postcard using Lo Mob.

My Dog Junior: February 19, 2011

Ball action at the Pennsylvania Military Museum.

The Daily Rider: A Twitter Project

The above picture was made yesterday afternoon with my iPhone before heading home from work. I've been telling myself for some time now that I need to explore the possibilities of the camera phone. The recent third place award in the Pictures of the Year competition to Damon Winters for his coverage of the war in Afghanistan and shooting exclusively with an iPhone has moved me to action.

Functioning best amidst ritual and routine I have decided to begin using the iPhone to produce a daily image related to my rides to work, the Vespa, motorcycles I ride, see, love, hate, whatever. I'm not going to post them here but instead send the picture (s?) out using Twitter. So if you need a daily dose of something related to two wheels then make sure you follow me on Twitter.

Click ScooterNSticks to follow me on Twitter. I'll be using the #DailyRider hashtag.

If you are following already you probably know that I am posting a daily picture of my dog Junior. You can find them with the #MyDogJunior hashtag.

Anyways, with the weather warming and all things riding about to become more common I wanted to give everyone an heads up.

Old Man Update: Helmets

It finally happened, a morning ride in the mid 20s (F) and then a return home to drop the helmet on the concrete floor. Pieces scattered and detached from the Fulmer helmet that I've worn for the past five years. It performed well enough to take a place along the street today and accept a ride to it's eventual burial at the landfill. Farewell.

On Monday after work I stopped at Kissell Motorsports and browsed the least expensive helmets in the Scorpion line. Everyone here probably knows that price and protection aren't really connected. In blind test after test the cheapest helmets often outperform the expensive ones in impact tests. Armed with that knowledge I puffed my chest ready to rebuff any sales pitch steering me towards an Arai, Shoei or other fancy bauble. I have selected a Scorpion helmet. Grey, plain, functional. I'm ready to go.

Craig Kissell stops to see how I'm doing and says, "Those are nice helmets but you really should check out one of the Shoeis, I think you'll really like it better." He's recently told me he wants me to try out the new Ducati Diavel and the new Triumph Tigers when they come in so I listen politely.

He hands me a Titanium Shoei Qwest. Pretty. And pretty expensive. He repeats that it might be a good helmet for me and adds "You're getting older now."

What?

To make a long story shorter he tells me the real advantage of the Shoei over the Scorpion is the fiberglas construction makes it noticeably lighter and easier on my aging neck and cervical spine. Damn, it did feel lighter. I remembered long rides where the helmet seemed like it was dragging me down. I thought for a few minutes while weighing the helmet in my hands and said sold.

I've been riding to work the past two days in the Shoei. The weight difference is noticeable. The fit is much better than the Fulmer was. Quiet and without much wind noise. And for a winter rider, the big payoff is the breath guard really works. It was 22F on Tuesday morning and I did not have to open the visor once to clear fog.

But the big lesson for old men (and women) -- a lighter helmet means less neck pain. I'm already liking the less weight part.

First Sign of Spring

While longer days and bright sun are nice, a sure sign of spring for this Vespa rider is the appearance of a motorcycle parking space at my office as the snow and ice recede.

The weather forecast predicts 30F and sunny for the ride home. Almost ready to put the Gerbing electric gloves away until next year...

The Khan Academy

A non-riding, non-scooter, non-motorcycle post. But something I think has value. The video above will give you an idea of what the Khan Academy is all about.

This past Friday I was in the Berkey Creamery at Penn State with my friend Dan Leri, director of Innovation Park at Penn State, When he's not trying to convince me to ditch the Vespa and get a BMW motorcycle he has amazing stories to share and this meeting was no different. He asked me if I had seen the Khan Academy.

The Khan Academy is the brainchild of Salman Khan, former hedge fund manager and now creator of over 2000 video tutorials (housed on YouTube) on subjects ranging from algebra, physics, and chemistry to economics, finance, and statistics. Khan has an uncanny way of taking the most complex subjects and presenting it in a compelling and understandable manner in 10 minutes or less.

If you have kids in school who might be struggling with math, chemistry, biology or physics, you need to introduce them to the Khan Academy.

And it's all free.

Over the weekend Kim and I tried out his Alien Abduction Brain Teaser, just one of many opportunities to exercise your brain.

If you have a minute check out the Khan Academy. It may be something of interest to you, your family, or someone you know. When I looked through the list of topics I could not help but think how different my academic career would have unfolded if something like this was available when I was struggling with calculus, chemistry and physics as a freshman in college.

Khan has caught the attention of supporters around the world and has dreams of educating the world.

I believe he will.

UPDATE FOR CONCHSCOOTER:

A still picture from a Sunday morning ride. Conchscooter can't stand to not see a photo. Too much sun in Key West I guess.

Winter Creeping into My Heart

After watching the Dream Rangers video yesterday I could not keep myself from going for a ride this morning. Winter is slowly creeping into my heart and painting everything with a gray heaviness. A ride would chase away the cold.

The roads were mostly dry with salt and an occasional path of snow or ice. Staying on lightly traveled secondary roads allow for methodical management of these hazards.

Looking at the Vespa sitting in the ice covered scene above reflected exactly how I feel -- I'm living in a world of cold. Maybe this is what Finland is like this time of year.

Returning home I realized I could ride a lot more than I do. I'm letting the cold weigh me down and whisper in my ear the many reasons to leave the scooter in the garage.

My dog Junior doesn't let a little cold weather stand in his way of having fun. I need to take a lesson from him.

No more winter whining. Let's ride.

Continue to Dream

I hope I can continue to dream when the time comes...

What about you?