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Scooter in the Sticks
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 13 ก.ย. 2013
I share stories, experiences, and thoughts drawn from time spent on motorcycles and scooters. I'm interested in the therapeutic effects of scooter and motorcycle riding, especially as an older rider. I'll also look at how riding has a way of stripping away the fear, anxiety, concern, and other noise that can surface in my mind. Riding opens a door to an honest view of where I am and provides ways in which I can deal with whatever challenges I face as I ride through central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Machines in my garage:
2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan
2006 Vespa GTS 250ie
2004 Vespa ET4
2001 Kawasaki W650
And you can find essays and photos on my website at scooterinthesticks.com.
Mailing Address:
Scooter in the Sticks
P.O. Box 455
Boalsburg, PA 16827
*Remember -- You alone are responsible for your own safety while riding. What I share here reflects what works for me in my environment. It may not work or be appropriate for yours. You ride at your own risk. Manage it carefully.*
Machines in my garage:
2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan
2006 Vespa GTS 250ie
2004 Vespa ET4
2001 Kawasaki W650
And you can find essays and photos on my website at scooterinthesticks.com.
Mailing Address:
Scooter in the Sticks
P.O. Box 455
Boalsburg, PA 16827
*Remember -- You alone are responsible for your own safety while riding. What I share here reflects what works for me in my environment. It may not work or be appropriate for yours. You ride at your own risk. Manage it carefully.*
Can a Motorcycle or Scooter Prepare You for Suffering in Life?
Suffering in life is inevitable. But when it does come I don't have to turn it into misery. A recent event in my life revealed how riding scooters and motorcycles helps prepare me for bad things that come along.
Here's a link to Peter Egan's excellent essay on riding a motorcycle....
www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/3500-mile-royal-enfield-himalayan-summer/
Here's a link to Peter Egan's excellent essay on riding a motorcycle....
www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/3500-mile-royal-enfield-himalayan-summer/
มุมมอง: 2 006
วีดีโอ
Why Choose an Older Motorcycle?
มุมมอง 11K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
One of the machines in my garage is a 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorcycle. A "modern" classic based on the style of standard motorcycles of the 1960s and 1970s. I call it my "vintage" motorcycle because it reminds me of those machines I was attracted to as a kid watching Steve McQueen riding in "The Great Escape" and Michael Parks in "Then Came Bronson." There's a special magic in the right choice. I...
Vespa Medicine: How Riding Improves the Mind, Enhances the Body, and Calms the Soul.
มุมมอง 2.9K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
You hear a lot about how riding makes life better. I take a look at some of the specifics on how riding my Vespa scooter improves my life. And I find the same true when riding my motorcycles. #vespa #vespagts #mentalwellness
Ways to Ride Your Motorcycle or Scooter More Often and With More Satisfaction.
มุมมอง 1.8K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Are your thoughts and beliefs about riding motorcycles and scooters getting in the way of riding more often? Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your ideas of what riding means and what constitutes a good ride. While exploring the Central Pennsylvania forest roads on my 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan I had a few thoughts about how a change in thinking could yield more miles on the road.
Can You Make Friends Through Motorcycles and Scooters?
มุมมอง 1.3K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Riding scooters and motorcycles opens a door to meeting new people and possibly making new friends. And the internet makes it possible to find your tribe of like-minded riders. A recent visit from Eric of "Kraken's Garage and Adventures" made it clear. Joining in the fun was my friend Paul, Andy of "Heckadude" and David, a long time follower of my Scooter in the Sticks blog. With the exception ...
Kawasaki W650: Building Memories
มุมมอง 2.6K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
Riding a 2001 Kawasaki W650 is more than a vintage motorcycle experience. More than a modern version of a classic Triumph Bonneville. It is a motorcycle experience that embraces a calm approach to the backroads of America. And in the process opens a door to creating some great memories that will last a lifetime.
Vespa GTS Return: Repair Instead of Replacement
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Vespa GTS Return: Repair Instead of Replacement
The Honda Trail 125: Did I Make the Right Choice Buying It?
มุมมอง 25K7 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Honda Trail 125: Did I Make the Right Choice Buying It?
The Special Power of a 150cc Vespa Scooter
มุมมอง 2.8K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Special Power of a 150cc Vespa Scooter
Aging and Riding - When is it Time to Retire Your Scooter or Motorcycle?
มุมมอง 8K10 หลายเดือนก่อน
Aging and Riding - When is it Time to Retire Your Scooter or Motorcycle?
Royal Enfield Himalayan: Winter Riding Reflections
มุมมอง 1K10 หลายเดือนก่อน
Royal Enfield Himalayan: Winter Riding Reflections
Motorcycle Magic: The Power of a Ride
มุมมอง 2.4K10 หลายเดือนก่อน
Motorcycle Magic: The Power of a Ride
The Vespa GTS Repair or Replace Decision
มุมมอง 1.8K11 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Vespa GTS Repair or Replace Decision
Cold Weather Vespa (and motorcycle) Riding
มุมมอง 3.1K11 หลายเดือนก่อน
Cold Weather Vespa (and motorcycle) Riding
Upgrading to the Himalayan 452? My Thoughts on the Matter.
มุมมอง 2Kปีที่แล้ว
Upgrading to the Himalayan 452? My Thoughts on the Matter.
Royal Enfield Himalayan: Is it a Universal Motorcycle?
มุมมอง 2.1Kปีที่แล้ว
Royal Enfield Himalayan: Is it a Universal Motorcycle?
Kawasaki W650: Is it Everything I Thought it Would Be?
มุมมอง 15Kปีที่แล้ว
Kawasaki W650: Is it Everything I Thought it Would Be?
Riding with a Harley-Davidson Sportster on My Kawasaki W650
มุมมอง 3.4Kปีที่แล้ว
Riding with a Harley-Davidson Sportster on My Kawasaki W650
Why Ride a Vespa When I Could Ride a Motorcycle?
มุมมอง 9Kปีที่แล้ว
Why Ride a Vespa When I Could Ride a Motorcycle?
Central Pennsylvania Moto-Hang: a Gathering of Riders
มุมมอง 742ปีที่แล้ว
Central Pennsylvania Moto-Hang: a Gathering of Riders
Hello! Greetings from Vienna Austria! We watched your video to our last dinner. Love to listen to your calming videos with my family. Cheers!
At around the 12:30 mark, how are you filming yourself riding? Doesn’t look like anyone’s in front of you
Hoping for a speedy , positive , full recovery for Your Wife ! Stay Well My Friend .... Thank You for the Wonderful Video .
Im planning to get Vespa sprint 50cc next year to my birthday. Im watching your videos its soo nice to watched its keeps me relaxed im hoping more vespa rides to come
I just wish they'd make some different models. Different looks. There's nothing wrong with having options. Everyone has their own personal taste.
Great video. Would be great to have more like this with philosophy
I have a honda helix a suzuki bergman and a Honda pacific coast i love riding each one
You're making me cry,Steve!All the best for you and your wife.Love from Norway!
I didn't mean to upset anyone. Just looking at the harsh realities that sometimes visit a life. I appreciate your well wishes for my wife and I. Thank you!
My other half Old School ADV Rider is 66, had a heart attack 7 years ago and has had 7 stents fitted since. Initially I thought about stopping riding but made my mind go to dark places. It is only riding that keeps me going. Like you I have a Himalayan plus Bullet 500 and Interceptor. While I can get my leg over the bike I will not stop. Life is too short. Enjoy while you can
Only recently did I become aware of Ian's medical issues after I saw his video on the recent hospital visit. My heart attack was 9 years ago but only one stent. I was quite fortunate to be in the Emergency Room when it happened so there was almost no damage to my heart. But the cardiologist told me that had I been out in the wilderness riding, or if I had decided to tough it out and go back to bed, I would likely to have died. A startling statement to come my way. I don't want to stop riding and have only really considered it as my wife's health got worse. I've weighed the risks of me being injured and not being able to help her against the certain misery of stopping. As you say, life is short. And for now I will continue to ride.
Deeply moving words. Could listen to the sound of your voice all day. Best wishes from Essex, England.
Thank you for the kind words about the video. I still don't like the sound of my voice. Doesn't seem like me.
The only thing putting me vespa is the spark plug where its stiuated so awkward to get at 😮
Yeah, it takes some practice to deal with the sparkplug. And as the arthritis in my fingers worsens, dealing with the sparkplug becomes more and more challenging.
Do you prefare your bike or scooter best ?
I love best whatever machine I happen to be riding. Each machine I have was chosen for a specific reason so it is hard to say which I like best. What I can say though is one of the Vespa scooters will likely be the last machine I have before I find I can't ride anymore.
Where you are riding know looks just like cannock chase in the u.k very beatiful with deer wandering around you see know one for miles 😊
Lots of deer here. They are the risk I am most concerned with.
Lovin your vidoes steve from the u.k😊
Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.
Greetings from Belgium ❤
Are there a lot of Belgian Shepherds running around in Belgium?
@ScooterintheSticks shure alot !!! Beautyfull dogs 🐕
Two great bikes thanks realy enjoyed 😅
Glad you enjoyed it. Paul and I continue to ride those two machines. Lots of fun.
In my Junior High School days I rode a Honda express I rode just about every day I always wanted to upgrade to the CT 90 but couldn’t find a used one but my Dad would load my sister and I in the car every Saturday and bring us to the local Honda Dealership so that I could look at the CT 90 and XL models we were a low income family and couldn’t afford a new CT 90 in my High School years I worked for a professor at LSU in the Entomology Department I was able to find a used XL 175 I was happy as could be I rode the wheels off that bike until I got a full time job working in the elevator trade I retired with 33 years of service my last bike was a Kawasaki KLR I’m in between bikes now and I have the monetary resources to finally purchase a Honda trail CT 125
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. Please forgive my slow response. I have no excuse other than passing through a time of laziness. Your dad must have loved you a lot to take you do the Honda dealership on Saturdays. A friend just finished overhauling his late 60's Honda CT 90. We're planning a ride sometime soon. I'm anxious to see how it compares with my new Honda Trail 125. Especially the low range feature. In high school I had my eye on a Honda XL 100. I thought I could afford one on my summer job . The XL 175 was beyond my reach in terms of money. Neither came to be though because my mother was adamant about no motorcycles. I had to wait another 35 years before purchasing something. Good luck on your consideration of a Honda Trail 125. They are a lot of fun though limited in terms of where you might be able to easily ride them. Far more manageable than a KLR though!
Thanks for a great video stunning scenery new sub from the u.k glad you enjoy your vespa l used to ride lammiesc back in the 70s but no longer ride due to ill heath
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I don't see many Lammies in my area. The vintage scooters all seem to be in the cities now. Sorry to hear you can't ride anymore. It's something almost all of us will face at some point.
You are the true rider..ride on❤
We're all riders in our own way. I just try and do my own thing.
Agreed, but..Im riding a 72 Triumph Bonneville most days, it makes me smile, if it needs parts (so far none needed) I can get them next day, Im in the UK.. For long trips in Europe I ride a 2002 BMW.
We're fortunate that we can ride and maintain older machines with parts nearly always a matter of overnight shipping. Lots for which to be grateful. Ride safe!
Just stumbled upon your video while considering looking for a w650. What an enjoyable time I had watching. Just subscribed and looking forward to watching more.
Welcome to the channel! I hope you'll enjoy future videos.
i wont ever find a vespa in south texas but i will find a scooter early next year and imma be on them mini road trips asap thanks to your video for giving me hope and getting my scooter fix stay blessed big brother
Mini road trips are the best! You'll have a blast.
i get as much pleasure from my newish T120 CLEANING AND POLISHING AS RIDING THERE I SAID IT
I really wish I got some kind of satisfaction from cleaning and polishing the scooters and motorcycles. I never have but I keep trying. It would be nice to have that for cold and rainy days.
thank you for this. I just bought a used one today..2007 250 like yours. never rode one but you've inspired me. It comes in a couple weeks, and then my journey begins. keep up the great videos!
Congratulations, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
@@ScooterintheSticks thanks. me too lol
Hi Steve, I very much enjoy your videos and genuine dialogue. As we all get older, I believe that small strides to physically challenge ourselves is the answer. We are all capable of more than we can imagine. A little bit of daily stretching and light exercise helps as well. Be safe, but be active and always challenge the mind and body. Cheers to adventure. Stay young, stay Gold.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Staying in motion, a day at a time, does wonders for our health and mental well being. As I get older I recognize how easy it would be to slow down and stop. Not a good choice.
Got a 2002 w 650 in silver and blue again mint condition replaces my 1983 1100 intersate which was proving a bit too heavy had it 14 years 18000 miles on clock ideal for this 72 year old would i sell it NEVER enjoy yours as i do mine pete in uk
You and I are fortunate to have a W650 in our lives. They are fine motorcycles.
Thank You for your Videos . They have made me more interested in riding . I have a new Appreciation for it. I went from a Motorcycle to a c400x BMW scooter . Im 63 . As I age I’ll got to a Trike . Or an Automatic Can Am . Hopefully I can enjoy it like you have taught . Thanks Again !
I'm glad the videos have inspired you to explore new ways to enjoy riding.
Cool strategy
It has worked for me.
A very interesting and thought provoking video. Aye, time catches us up and things start to wear out and go wrong. Lucky to live in a land capable of modern medical procedures (UK) where we can hopefully be repaired. Wishing you and your dear wife good luck and good health. Thanks for the videos.
We do wear out, sometimes because of the things we do and sometimes just the way our DNA makes us. Either way, time will catch up to us. Thank you for your well wishes concerning my wife. She is progressing and recovering as her neurosurgeon predicted. It's just a long and painful journey for her.
I am 69, in good health. I rode an '82 Suzuki UMM (GS650G) for 15 years until 5 years ago when I agreed with my wife that I was getting too old. This spring I started dreaming about riding again. Couldn't resist it, bought a small adventure bike ('23 KTM 390) in May. I've been modding it more than riding so far, but the summer was just too hot. I love getting out on it now, and am glad it is smaller & lighter (and much more modern and capable). For how long? As long as I enjoy it and am able. YMMV, as we all age differently.
I fear the day will come when my wife asks me not to ride anymore. In part because I don't want to stop, and in part I know she would not ask unless she saw something in me that I was denying. Time is cruel...
@@ScooterintheSticks Agree.
I've been riding the same motorcycle since 1994 a Honda PC800 it's never let me down
Well cared for machines can go for a long, long time. That particular Honda intrigues me. Have only seen one on the road once but pretty cool.
At 62 years old and riding for 50 years I couldn't agree more
Lets hope both of us get another 20 to 30 years on the road!
Best part of my day is my daily ride it clears my head and let’s me forget what a mess the country is in
I understand. While I don't think the country is as bad as politicians would have us believe, it's tiring to listen to a relentless string of lies from all of them. When I ride the only time things like that enter my mind is when I see a particularly charming campaign yard sign. As far as the country goes for me, it is in the best shape ever. I have more money, freedom, and hope than ever. I have no expectations of the government to solve any issues I have in my life.
Excellent thought provoking video based on what is indeed life changing events which happen to most of us on our journey. Keep strong for your wife and look after yourself Steve and both of you will get through this ❤
Thank you for your kind words about the video and the support you voice. I appreciate it.
Is that John Goodman on that scooter?
Ummm, no, just me.
Hey Steve, that episode made me cry a lot. I hope the best to your lovely wife! "Tell it to my wife" is a phrase always make me laugh when I mention how wise you are! Keep on riding mate, your wife needs you, your soul also!...
Thank you for watching and for your support. It's a balancing act between providing the care my wife needs and the care I need. So far life feels balanced.
I learned to ride on one of these…over 60 years ago. May just have to get another one.
The new ones are faster but don’t have that low gear range. Mine is definitely fun. And I expect it will be very reliable.
@@ScooterintheSticks good info. One question…I am 225 lbs. Probably won’t carry any thing or passenger. Do you think I’m too heavy for it? Thank you
Great video. After 3 years of bedridden care of my beautiful Wife, she passed this summer. Riding was one of the ways I coped with the stress these last few years. I haven't had a chance to go riding since she passed, but life is easing up a little and I'll get the bike fixed up and out on the road for some much needed therapy.
I'm sorry for the loss of your wife. You know well the stress of being a caretaker. I find it difficult to take time for myself without feeling selfish or not being close by. But it is necessary. Riding, even for a short time, renews my spirit. I hope you find your way back to riding and that good therapy.
@@ScooterintheSticks I heartily agree. It was hard to take those 30 minute rides. Worried the whole time. But it IS necessary.
Hi bud touching vlog, I'll say a 🙏 for your wife's recovery, It will be a long road but with your love and support I believe she will be fine. God bless you my friend and may God bless your wife ❤
Thank you for your prayers. We both appreciate them.
Hi Steve. I am late to this video but I am never disappointed, in fact, the complete opposite. I always feel good after watching your videos and listening to your wise words. If you ever write a book, I will buy it. You have an amazing calmness about you, transmitted by your unique voice, the choice of music and the rider's view, of the beautiful surroundings of your ride. Thank you. I sincerely hope that your wife continues her recovery from the surgery and I wish you both, everything good in life. Dave
Thank you Dave for your kind and supportive words about the videos I share. I'm still working on the book. Hopefully I will finish someday... My father would say my calmness is just the effect of the old mellows. Getting older has certainly changed me. All is good here right now. I hope you have the same experience.
@@ScooterintheSticks I look forward to the book if it is completed. Growing older has few benefits, physically but enormous benefits mentally, for those of us lucky enough to both recognise and appreciate them. Youth is wasted on the young, it seems. I had old parents and it gave me, probably, a more balanced childhood. One of my father's sayings, when us kids were moaning, was 'I moaned because my feet hurt and then I met a man who had no feet.' Keep well and ride safe Steve.
Thanks Steve, for another thought provoking post. I haven't ridden for several weeks now due to a cold. But you make me realize how lucky I am that I will be riding again soon and that my current condition is so much less than what so many others are experiencing. We wish your wife a speedy recovery and hope to see you out on the road soon.
The cold weather is following up on your cold. A rude awakening this morning while walking the dogs in a cold wind. I have to get the cold weather riding gear ready. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have been a bit isolated lately.
I lost my son a few years back, he would be 21 today. I started riding this year and it's helped me tremendously. Misery is optional.
I'm sorry for your loss of your son. I'm glad that riding has helped keep misery at bay. It allows a positive path to open.
Great piece of advice on all those things. Sometimes it's good to hear it told because I get lost on what's important...
I can get lost too. Denial, distraction. I have to pay attention to avoid it.
You had two jobs to do procreate and die that was it ,the rest were your bad choices,thinking you were free
I will have to think about your comment for a while. A primal, biological imperative might push procreation but modernity has disrupted things a bit in regard to procreation. Dying, well no choice there. Everything else a bad choice? Probably not. Freedom. There's an elusive idea.
No but you can understand trauma ,your looking for the void of emptiness ,the closer to death the more alive you feel ,suvival mode built in from the age of 2
Remember you are the universe behind the personality disorder.
Survival mode... a programmed, biological imperative. Ancient. In the coding of our DNA. But our brains can change our responses and choices. I will have to think about your words. Thanks for sharing them.
Hmmmm. I don't know.
I stumbled on your channel and this video , I am 76 , my wife died 26 years ago and I think of her every day , my ride is RE meteor 650 before a old RE bullet. With out my riding I might have done away with my self ,yeah it's that important , be well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them. And I agree, riding is exceptionally important. I'm sure your wife would be glad you kept going.
Sending best wishes to you and your wife Steve, such a thought provoking video, god bless you
Thank you kindly.
Awesome stuff, absolutely loved it 💪👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Glad your wife is ok
The surgery was successful. The recovery is challenging.
Glad to hear you. Prayers for your wife's recovery.
Thank you.