A Ride on Father's Day

Last weekend I took a ride to deliver a Father's Day card, an excuse to ride 125 miles on a fine Sunday morning, leaving behind Happy Valley as my friend Paul and I took a wandering route to Altoona, Pennsylvania. It's not often the air is this clear or the view this good from Jo Hays Overlook.

On any ride there is always some strange, odd thing to see.  On a bench at the overlook were a series of sunflowers -- like rock cairns along the ocean.

Paul Ruby alternated his photographic efforts between an iPhone and a Nikon D800.  For anyone thinking that a 250cc scooter and a big motorcycle can't ride together, the BMW K1200 GT was a fine companion for the Vespa.

Forty miles south of home sits the Route 22 Diner, our breakfast destination.  A fine place to stop for food before continuing on to Altoona.

I didn't shoot many pictures on this ride.  Sunny days don't fire the photographic engine and it's harder to stop as I would like when riding with someone else.  After delivering the Father's Day card Paul made a stop to inspect a Buick station wagon.  He has an unhealthy attraction to these old yachts but decided he didn't need this one.

And that was it, a fine morning ride under a blue sky.  No photographic distractions, just piloting the scooter along the road, taking in the light and air, letting cares and worries fly away until nothing mattered but the ride.

What a great Father's Day.  Until I got home.  A big plumbing problem.  Thank heaven I had a good ride under my belt...

14:25

Time is at a premium always and lately even more so.  Facing a long list of non-riding Vespa chores every minute counts.  With the iPhone stopwatch at hand and a few open minutes while Kim was on the phone I decided what I might accomplish.  When the counter stopped 14:25 had elapsed.

The rear tire came off last but I'm showing it first because it's a better picture.  Not a whisper in me wants to employ the Harbor Freight Tire Changer to swap these tires.  I'll drop them off at the neighborhood service station to be mounted and balanced.  My rims are so beat up that I have no fear of what might happen on those big hydraulic changing machines.

The new tire is a Kenda K413.  Inexpensive, wears well, and performs well for me.  I'll pull the front tire on another evening.

The exhaust comes off first.  One bolt to loosen on the header pipe and three bolts holding the muffler to the scooter.  In slightly less than five minutes I've wiggled the muffler free and determined the filthy beast has a few appointments with a wire brush.

Wish I had a sandblaster.  Am grateful for a little progress...

Vespa Service

With the arrival of warm weather comes the spring Vespa service event made more noxious by the corrosive effects of winter riding coupled with a reckless disregard for all things mechanical.  The garage is a disaster, toolbox a jumble, and the Vespa resembles some of the heaps I used to covet as a teenager with dreams of the Baja 1000 spinning in my head.

Those dreams have faded into distant memory along with the youthful thrills of wrench turning and trips to the parts store.  The Vespa service list is a torture of task and lack of riding.

1.  Remove snow tires, mount new set of warm weather tires.
2.  Remove exhaust system, remove rust from muffler, repaint with high temperature black paint.
3.  Repair seat latch system.
4.  Remove seat, clean rusty hinge, repaint.
5.  Repair rust on front body panel joint.
6.  Replace battery.
7.  Wash, clean and wax scooter.
9.  Replace air filter.
10.  Replace front left reflector.

Looking at my work schedule it will be snowing again before I get this done...

Rode into town this morning to talk about photography with Paul Ruby.  The single cup of tea tastes different when it comes after a ride.  Took time to savor that hot brew...

As the days warm the world begins to grow green as does my desire to ride.  Better planning would have finished spring service sooner but my distaste for working in an unheated garage slowed things down.

Hoped to actually get some work finished today but instead kept wandering and postponing the mechanical activity for another day.  Part of me wishes I had the love of tinkering I see in other scooter and motorcycle riders.  Most of me doesn't.  So strong is my distaste for fixing things that I almost pulled the trigger on a new scooter.  A sort of Vespa equivalent of trading a car in because the ashtray is full.

A quick stop after exiting the expressway and I was reminded of how versatile the Vespa GTS 250ie really is.  It goes fast, goes far, and functions fine in town and on the road.  Every time I think about buying a bigger motorcycle or scooter I end up asking the same question, "Why?".

Can't seem to come up with a good answer EXCEPT it would be nice to have something to ride while the scooter is under repair.  But then upon further evaluation I would probably choose another Vespa.  And it would probably be silver -- for photographic reasons.

Maybe tomorrow I'll pull the exhaust and the tires...

Embracing the Spring on a Scooter or Motorcycle

Nothing like parking the Vespa on an open field with the world before you.  Add to that a dash of springtime warmth and everything feels like a miracle.  That's exactly how it all felt on the way home today.

An absolute joy to be able to ride under a blue sky and not be freezing.  But with the warm weather and the prospect of more riding comes a long list of things to do, fix or at least consider to be truly ready for the normal riding season.

A good washing of the Vespa is in order.  There is so much baked on salt and road grime that I suspect it will never come off.  I picture myself sitting on the driveway, toothbrush in hand, radio blaring, scrubbing away to transform this nasty scene into something more civilized.

And what can I say about the exhaust....   It has to come off, be attacked with the wirebrush at least and probably better a sandblaster.  And then many coats of high temperature paint to hide the fact that it's ready to turn into dust.  This is what winter looks like for a year round rider.

And remove the Heidenau winter scooter tires.

 It's not summer yet.  This morning there was frost on the car window as I rolled out of the driveway. With the sun out I was able to ignore the cold.  Bright sun sent the temperature up quickly.

The light in the morning is more dramatic now.  Or maybe I just imagine it so since the sun hasn't been available much for the past four months.  Surprisingly, State College, Pennsylvania remains quiet in the morning.  Good for me -- no competition for the coveted motorcycle parking spaces.

Clear skies and long beams of hot sunlight make even a simple breakfast of bagel and juice seem spectacular at Saint's Cafe.  Not quite food porn mostly because my culinary inclinations are so simplistic.  Even so things look nice in this light.

The snow is pretty much gone though if you look in the shadows of places where snow was piled after cleared from streets you can still find some ice piles.  The thaw is creating some monster mud puddles in some places.  When you ride a Vespa you absolutely do not ride through water that you can't seen to the bottom.  Sucking water into the engine intake can quickly downgrade you to a bus or cab.

The Far Corners Asian Market in State College has just reopened in this location.  Last time I was in this building it was home to Kissell Motorsports.  I also purchased my first Vespa inside this building.  Springtime -- for rides down memory lane...

Ride, ride, ride.  It's what I want to do right now.  Kim says the birds are twitterpated right now.  I must be scooterpated. Unfortunately the need to continue to pay the light bill and put food in the freezer is getting in the way of my grand plans.  Some have said I should retire.  Others advise getting rid of the scooter.

I just keep my head down and ride when I can.

On my way home from work today, big sky for central Pennsylvania, dry roads for me though the gates where chained shut just down the road so I had to double back onto the pavement to make my way home.

Lot's to get ready for spring riding.  The machine for reasons already outlined, myself in terms of shedding a few pounds of winter weight so my riding clothes are comfortable, and my mind so I remain fully aware of the thundering danger never too far away.

More riding tomorrow...

A Typical Winter Commute

Snow on the driveway in the morning, a reminder of what can happen when you aren't looking, a dusting of icy slippiness that can make life exciting in a decidedly unwelcome manner.  It can happen at night when you're sleeping or during the day when you're at work and not necessarily paying attention.  It's the food that can be part of a winter rider's menu.

The weather report had little suns with some clouds and no mention of precipitation.  I calculated that the main roads would be dry or have a patch of snow here or there. Turn off those main routes onto anything not salted and it would be a different story.  Like here at the Pennsylvania Military Museum where the landscape resembled the Ardennes in 1944.

Side streets in State College were dusted and slippery in places but easily managed with the right winter riding attitude consisting mainly of slow travel, careful braking, quick surface assessment and informed decision making.  I was in town to meet someone for breakfast at the Corner Room and hoped conditions would improve by the time I rode on to work.

One thing I failed to consider was the motorcycle parking at my office -- the only place you are allowed to park a motorcycle on campus, was not cleared.  I suppose they don't expect any motorcycles this time of year.  Luckily the snow piles were still soft and I could kick an area open to park.

The situation was far worse in the parking lot than on the road.  By the time I rode home conditions were much improved with dry roads and warming temperatures.

On a scale of one to ten with ten being glare ice and sub-zero temperatures and one being sub-freezing and dry this particular ride was a four.

Maybe I should develop a Scooter in the Sticks winter riding score...

Vespa on a Cold Night

It's been cold and getting colder.  By morning the temperature will be in the single digits.  Not the best news for riding a Vespa but still within the range of riding if the snow holds off.  The past couple days the scooter has sat in the garage due to ice one day and the need to haul some things in the van the next.  Braving the elements was focused on walking the dog.  Photographing this tree reminded me to think about a Christmas tree for home.

This evening I had a few errands to run and decided to exercise the scooter.  The roads were dry though with the thermometer descending below 20 degrees it was cold and the chance of ice is ever present.  The desire to ride is strong.  Why else would anyone venture out into this?

Christmas isn't far off now though I've not really caught the spirit.  Riding didn't jumpstart it either.
My decision to not use the electric gloves was a poor one and the resultant misery clouded any jolly thoughts.

Still, it was good to get out into the world on the Vespa.

Vespa Rides and Frozen Fog

The clock radio alarm went off this morning with the weather report warning of possible ice on untreated surfaces due to fog.  As enchanting as fog can be it has to be carefully considered when the thermometer is pointing at 32F.

After walking the dog, paying attention to the road surface, and watching the thermometer rise I made the decision to ride to work.

The roads were mostly dry or damp with no obvious ice.  Keeping the helmet visor clear was an ongoing challenge until the helmet came off at work.

The meandering trip passed through familiar places though always strangely different when shrouded in fog.  I remember wandering through these places on foot with my big wooden view camera exposing sheets of black and white film and watching the world appear in a tray of developer in the darkroom.

I miss those days.

The only ice to be found this morning was off the road and halfway to town the temperature indicator on the Vespa displayed 34F.

Cutting across the east end of campus afforded a nice view of Mount Nittany emerging from a muted sunrise.

Only scooters in the parking lot now though with predictions of the temperature approaching 50 later in the week could see a few motorcycles around.

The biggest downside of commuting this time of year is darkness at the end of the day.  While it wasn't cold, 35F, it can be discouraging to climb aboard the Vespa in the dark on days when it is cold.

This day, I was just glad the warnings of frozen fog did not materialize.  Just another fine Vespa commute to start the day right.

Rest, Relaxation and the End of a Vacation

Unshaven, rested, relaxed.  That's what a week of vacation can do for a person.  My friend Gordon made the photograph, my wife Kim said I looked relaxed, and I know I'm rested and unshaven.  The past week has been an exercise in no plans, no schedule, no goals, no nothing.  I like to think I'm a creature of habit but it's more likely I'm a creature of circumstance.  With no schedule to adhere to I've stayed up 'til dawn, slept past noon, hung out in coffee shops and generally watched the world go by.

And did some Vespa riding.

On days I didn't sleep past noon I was out in the cold with the dog or on the Vespa.  A week of that was all it took to acclimate to the frigid weather.  Now everything from 20F and higher feels comfortable.  Or at least tolerable.

This image was made on Sunday morning at sunrise with Junior in tow.  A dog offers fine examples of how to embrace life at it's simplest level.

Junior pausing briefly for me to make a portrait.  Cold enough outside for his breath to freeze over the hair on his neck.  He just walked through the living room, looked at me, and went upstairs to bed. "He know's the day's over," said Kim.  "No more walks, treats or food.  Nothing left but to go to sleep."

I'm almost in the same place.

It's been a cold week with snow and ice and have helped thicken my riding blood.  This morning Mr. Pumpkin looked particularly annoyed by the 18F temperature reading as I got ready to ride into town to meet my photography compatriots at Saint's Cafe.  Neither the Vespa or I uttered a complaint.

Morning has more attraction for me than any other time of day -- visually and mentally.  I awake quickly with no need for coffee or tea.  Seeing the sun rise and the warm beams of light lick through the trees continues to cause the heart to beat faster.

Allen Street is still asleep at 8:30 on a Sunday morning.  Plenty of parking and no traffic to contend with is fine by me.

Saint's Cafe in State College, Pennsylvania.  The holiday decorations have already gone up.  The place seems personal, friendly and like home.

Simple pleasures during the vacation.  Hot chocolate and a few moments alone with my thoughts.

The earlybirds.  In thirty minutes the place will start to fill up and the hustle and bustle will become more pronounced.  Being away from that pace for just a week makes the change seem dramatic.

During the past week the Vespa and I have ridden the familiar tracks and explored some new ones.  The snow and ice have offered an opportunity to sharpen my skills and mind and the time away from work has allowed my batteries to recharge so I can jump head first into some big projects.

And the rides have given me a chance to catch up with old friends if only for a few moments. But mostly I just laid about in decadent sloth.  So much for plans to organize my digital photos or straightening up the garage.  It was far more satisfying to nap, eat, ride play with the dog, hang out with Kim and anything other than be a responsible adult.

Damn, I guess I need to go upstairs and shave now.

Dreaming

The entire morning was focused on dreaming.  Or more precisely on ideas and paths not considered or taken, of flights of fancy and journeys of partnership that might be explored.  The morning ride had me thinking about what to write in Kim's birthday card.

Another cold morning though sunshine took the edge off making the snow and cold seem little more than a picturesque landscape in which to explore.  A week off work provided ample opportunity to acquire a taste for the cold and grow relaxed with the winter riding ritual. 

Seven days ago the thought of riding through a frozen cornfield would seem a technical stretch. Today it seemed almost normal.  So normal that thoughts of birthdays and dreams came easy.

Before the Vespa, Kim and I explored these mountains on foot with cameras and notebooks.  And before that fall and winter backpacking.  Now, as the Vespa slowly prowls along small paths and roads puzzle over what's next here for Kim and I; how will our lives unfold.

The morning had a postcard quality to it with blue sky draped with white clouds over a mix of snow and ice.  Riding was a joy.

Joy might give the wrong impression.  While the main roads were clear it didn't take long to find snow and ice still lingering on secondary roads.  Caution was in order.  

Coming across a local Christmas tree farm moved thinking from birthday to another season. Christmas will be here in less than a month.  Time is flying.

The ride at times felt like a dream, a scene from Lord of the Rings with familiar places transformed into new ones.

Riding this time of year when the temperature drops below freezing it's important to anticipate problems.  This snow covered road exits from a clear dry road.  On warm days I would enter this road at 40mph.  Knowing it might now be dry I crawled on at 10.  Good thing too because at a higher speed I would have lost control.  In cold weather you can never ride faster than what you can see.

Never.

The message of this picture:  I have little traffic to content with as I navigate the snow and ice.  And there was a lot of ice hidden beneath the light dusting of snow.

A view from Schlow Library towards the Vespa.  By the time I sat down at a table by the window my thoughts were complete and I wrote something to Kim -- a fine morning, a fine ride, and a fine day.

It's been like a dream...