On a Vespa? Who knew?

Aside from the narcissistic satisfaction of seeing one’s thoughts in ‘print’ and actually being read/followed by others, one of the benefits of blogging is being part of a community of like-minded folks. This is especially the case in the moto-blogging universe where many of us can count friends we have made around the world through our blogs. And every so often, if we’re lucky and make a bit of an effort, we can actually meet up in person.

Such was the case for me yesterday.  David Masse (Life on two wheels… the scoot commute) was on his way from Montreal to the great eastern moto-blogger lollapalooza and general shindig in or around State College PA. As it happens his route took him through Ottawa and so we made arrangements to meet up for a coffee.

Not being a scooter aficionado I wasn't entirely sure what a Vespa fully loaded for a long road trip would look like. Now I know and I'm really impressed.



It was great to meet you David and safe travels! 

Some days are better than others

There’s an old golf joke that goes something like this:
“Why is it that some days you can lose 6 balls in the water, hit every tee shot either into the rough or the trees, shank your iron shots, pull your fairway woods, and 3-putt every green - and then other days you just suck?”
I was feeling a bit like that yesterday when I was riding. It just wasn’t coming together. The corners didn’t flow. Shifting wasn’t smooth. And stopping at a traffic light… well let’s just say I’m sure other drivers thought I had just got my license by mail-order that morning. In short, I felt as awkward as a fish on a bicycle.
It doesn’t happen often, but it’s not uncommon either. Why is that? What is it that periodically (and, fortunately, temporarily) causes our bodies and minds to seize up like a grease-starved wheel bearing? And then, a while later, and for no discernable reason, everything pops back to normal as if the reset button were pressed. I wish I knew.