Are You an Honest Motorcycle or Scooter Rider?

#motorcycle #motovlog #vespa
Perhaps you know someone who has a made a terrible decision while riding their scooter or motorcycle. Maybe it's you. I've come to realize that honesty in terms of riding doesn't come automatically, and that if I can't face the truth, the road ahead may be full of suffering and trouble.
LINK TO HEART ATTACK BLOG POST:
scooterinthest...
Regarding honesty... forgive the distorted audio. I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Next time I'll do better.

[@Sixbears]

Almost died at 35 from lung damage as a firefighter. Couldn't drive anything for a couple years. Then I had a KZ-900 for quite a while till that died on me. A couple years ago I picked up a PCX-150 scooter and it's been a total joy. I'm almost 65 now and the last 30 years have all been bonus. Really glad I got the scooter. Beats the heck out of doing something responsible. Your story resonates.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Your experience at 35 could not be anything other than life changing. When I think about my heart attack, and getting to know other men who had similar experiences, I'm grateful that I found a positive route forward. It's easy to just shut down. You eventually found the scooter and a bright spot in living. I've done the same. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences. It's nice to know I'm not the only old guy smiling while riding a scooter!

[@lostboater2186]

So, you decided to copy me and have a bad back. Now, just go pickup that new scooter and you can get full membership to the club. Honesty I feel is the life saver of riding. I admit to myself that I am not young anymore. I ride with people who roll through stop signs. I quit that behavior. I am honest with myself that I am not as sharp as I once was. The few seconds to stop and be SURE nothing is coming is more important than getting there quicker. I don't ride the twisties for the thrill of it any more. I ride them slow to be comfortable and alive. One small mistake looking for the thrill of dragging the center stand can quickly end all my thrill of riding forever. Riding forever is more important to me now than thrills. Being honest with myself and leaving my ego at home while riding I think will greatly extend my riding life. Great subject. Glad you brought it up.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Aw, I've had a bad back since high school. These periodic "attacks" have just gotten more frequent with age. I remember the first bad attack -- it happened when I was pulling the battery out of my Saab 99. I was laid up for a month. My wife called it "Saab Battery Disease." And a few years later I had a reoccurrence of SBD while pulling wet jeans out of the washer. Fortunately, I'm only having to deal with this stuff about once every four years. This time it was very mild. I'm almost like new again. Yeah, I'm with you in terms of things like rolling through stop signs and dragging the centerstand. I don't need roller coaster excitement while riding and I'm in no hurry. When I have to stop riding, I don't want it to be because I did something moronic and stupid.

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

Hi Ken, always nice to see your comments here. I am blessed to have ridden in your company (also on your red Vespa).

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

I am getting to this video a little late, but better late than never. I find aging is a difficult process. At 70, I feel my body changing. Not quite as quickly as when I was a child, but much faster than during the 50 previous years. What it means for me is taking my weekday exercise routine, and more healthy eating habits, very, very seriously. As you know, I have gone from riding Vespas and motorcycles to riding a bicycle. A 9 kilometer ride is part of my weekday regimen. I am blessed because I have not yet had a serious health challenge. I don't take that to mean that I am somehow blessed and immune. I know I am not. The trick is how to make the most of life while I still can. My exercise routine in no way stops my aging, but I feel that it's a little like applying the brakes while rolling downhill. I really appreciate your videos Steve. Always a source of inspiration that I really appreciate. Keep them coming, I will keep watching.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm not far behind you and realize some additional changes in diet, exercise, and stress reduction are in order. Everything, including me, is constantly changing. I had best change behaviors to embrace the new me. You're right, we had best make the most of life right now, today. There's no way to know what tomorrow will bring that may just upset the applecart. I plan to continue producing videos until they no longer hold some value to me. Right now, they are still satisfying to work on. I hope all is well with you and your family.

[@tanja5867]

Another thoughtfully presented video, thanks! It’s hard to be honest with ourselves as we get older or face limitations that didn’t previously exist. Yet I think that rather than limiting ourselves by being honest about our abilities or what we are comfortable with, it actually is freeing to be kind to yourself and not pushing unrealistic expectations. Relax and enjoy the ride! The only thing we have for sure is this moment, now. Make the best of it without the pressure of appeasing our egos. Ride safe, stay well.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree the idea of relaxing and enjoying the ride. And ride without pressure from the ego!

[@barrettwbenton]

Well, then: My wake-up call in life was just before my 21st Birthday, when I got word that my father, who'd gone on a Caribbean cruise "if it kills me", actually died on the dance floor of the cruise ship, of a massive heart attack, which threw me into a predictable tailspin. It also propelled me back onto a bicycle for the first time since I was about thirteen, and kept me in the saddle more-or-less until Right Now, although a change in locale (NYC to the Jersey Shore) has dropped my pedaling milage a good deal. My change in locale also changed my requirements in mobility, but for a few critical reasons anything on four wheels was ruled out. A mid-displacement motorcycle was in the cards, but my future wife gently persuaded me to consider a scooter…which was fine with me, as long as said scooter could take me nearly anyplace a motorcycle could go. (Yeah, I know, contradictions.) Ended up with a Vespa GTS, and couldn't be happier: Gets me wherever I want to go (which at times has been relatively far), and having a ball while doing it. I credit my current level of (decent) health to the cycling I did for so long, based on the knee-knocking scare of my semi-youth, but the big takeaway of all this is not to take your living days for granted, for they truly *are* numbered. Rather than consider this morbidly, take it as a call to happily prioritize, and take your happiness in the small and larger things in equal measure.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Losing a parent suddenly like that... I can't imagine it. And at 21 I can see how the experience could send a young man in a variety of directions, some good and some not so good. I'm glad you found your way to a good place. Ending up with a Vespa GTS is a fine destination in my book. And your self identification of happiness and decent health is an exceptional marker on your journey through life. Yes, our days are numbered, but all that really matters is today. Take care of yourself. And don't let that GTS get knackered again!

[@sonkaldo]

Probably one of the greatest videos to have ever been posted on KZbin. Heart/kidney transplant survivor post 4 years. 🇦🇺❤️

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Congratulations on your recovery from surgery. It's difficult for me to wrap my head around that. I can only imagine it has been a life changing event. And thank you for the kind words about the video.

[@jackhorsley3912]

Some really beautiful words in this video, you have a lot of wisdom sir and thankyou for producing these videos. Your footage is really well shot and the level of production only seems to get better every upload. I think its nice to watch a motorcyle/scooter rider with a calming and experienced point of view and I love that you are so open with your audience on this platform. You have brought a calmness to me this morning before I start work, take care man.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind and supportive words about what I present here. I appreciate them. I give a lot of credit to riding in teaching me how to be calm. Being so focused and deliberate in what I was doing has bled over into other aspects of my life. I just try to share my own experiences and people can take what they will from it. Not everyone wants to ride as I do and that's ok. But I've felt most of the things I see on KZbin in regard to riding lean more towards speed, power, and adrenaline than I do.

[@twloughlin]

I started riding mopeds when I was 22 (Puch Maxi), and for most of my life I stayed in that

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That sounds like a great way to start a ride. I wonder how many riders have rituals that they relate to safety? Like an old sea captain saying a prayer before setting out to sea.

[@wanderingsoul4104]

@@ScooterintheSticks Exactly like an old sea captain. I talk to scooters the way some people talk to plants. "Good morning, Cabo. You sound lovely this morning! Are you ready for another adventure?" I can't be the only one.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@wanderingsoul4104 I'm certain you're not the only one who talks to their scooter or motorcycle. Often it's an unspoken connection for me. And I feel guilt when I leave them unattended and used in the garage for too long. Riders are weird.

[@wanderingsoul4104]

​@@ScooterintheSticks I disagree! We're not weird. Just the motorcycle club people with the boy scout patches.

[@captainjim605]

I can honestly say I feel fortunate to be able to ride (never thought I'd live this long). And I avoid the cold (after living in the frozen northland), which means I don't have to decide whether or not to ride when it is cold and the roads may be snowy. I enjoy your perspective and your videos, though. I did the riding through all kinds of weather when I was young and "invincible"... keep riding and posting, Steve!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I guess I'm a bit lucky that I wasn't riding when I was young and invincible. I waited until I was old and vulnerable. So I need to take care. Thanks for the kind words about the video. They're a fun puzzle to produce.

[@tljent79]

A very insightful and thought provoking video.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you!

[@ceesmeijer634]

Likewise..........I'm a 67 year old man who has driven big bikes for a long time. After 4 back surgeries and 2 neck surgeries I could not do it anymore. My balance was a little bit off and my body had a flew restrictions. But I explored what was still possible now. I bought a Honda SH150 scooter. Now I enjoy my riding on the scooter even more than on the big bikes. Together with my wife we drive around in Europe on the country roads and love it. My thoughts: never remember what you cant do; always do what you still can do ...... and that is what we do. Enjoy every day.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The lesson for me in your story is one of acceptance and flexibility. I hope I can follow your example when the time comes and accept whatever constraints present themselves and be flexible enough to choose a different path. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I appreciate them.

[@peterhobbs7609]

Very well said Steve hopefully being honest as we get older it will hopefully keep us on the road longer so we can continue to enjoy the freedom that riding brings us

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I hope so too. It will be a sad day when I decide I can't ride anymore.

[@mariorjcorbin]

Honestly, I’ve probably been every kind of rider - from irresponsible to suicidal to where I really just want to be around long enough to see my kids grow up and even my grandkids too! It’s been a crazy ride and one that I am glad (and surprised) that I have survived. It’s largely why I have decided to stick to smaller displacement motorcycles including scooters. For me, it wasn’t about giving something up but instead coming to terms with what actually makes me happy and what I need and want in my life. It’s about the journey, and dare I say even the destination. Great Video!❤

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Change is difficult for most people. You've been through it and have reaped the rewards. Congratulations for making the choices that have made you happy. And thank you for the kind words about the video.

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

Almost 13 years since my bypass surgery at age 57. I had asked my cardiologist 6 months earlier for a stress test and he talked me out of it. Six months later my problems convinced him to administer a stress test. One minute into the stress test, he pulled me off and sent me to the hospital. 100% blockage of my LAD. A mammary artery bypass. Here I am thirteen years later still riding and like you, riding scooters and smaller bikes. I know I’ll stop riding someday. I hope that I know when to stop. Ride safe.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Congratulations on your coming 13 year anniversary. It's amazing when I think about what medicine can do when it comes to fixing structural problems. When our parents were young, the skills and technologies weren't available. Like you, I hope to keep riding. And also know when to stop. If you find a guide or formula -- let me know!

[@clinterz]

Something about this episode reminded me of the old show "Kung Fu". Going deep.....

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's one of my favorite TV shows from my youth --- "Kung Fu" and "Then Came Bronson." Something about the lone person on a journey of discovery struck a chord with me.

[@rehabem]

Another thought provoking video Steve. I just had a talk with a retirement adviser which forced me to think about things like "I'll make more money if I wait until I'm 65 or 70, but what if I don't live that long?" I even began to wonder what would happen if I died on my scooter BEFORE I retire. What will my wife get? Sobering thoughts, indeed. Thanks for the timely video.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's the kind of stuff that adults think about I guess. I retired at 62 in part because of the heart attack, and in part because the University offered a buyout for people with more than 35 years of service. I had been working there for 44 years so it seemed like a good time to go. I didn't wait for Social Security. Took it right away since I didn't know if I would still be around at 65 or 70. Doing the math I would have to live to 85 before the higher amount of waiting would surpass starting early. Thankfully I have all the financial stuff sorted. It was an interesting puzzle.

[@swcoloradoadventures]

Its pretty hard being honest. I am in denial about something daily when it comes to health and my "superhero" status to my wife and kids. Thankfully, there have been no big scares; the little one's have encouraged me to exercise consistently and eat better. Though only 52, the speed with which things can happen while the recovery time takes longer, health concern is becoming something I am making peace with. All that said, thank you for sharing. Still a lot of adventures out there, just have to approach them a bit differently I reckon.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's funny how well we can evade being honest, holding some uncomfortable truth as far away as possible. For me, it only adds additional stress to stressful situations. That superhero, I can fix anything approach was draining to maintain. And worse, it wasn't me. It's tiring to live like that. You're right about having to approach things differently as we age. As long as I can keep that truth in focus, and can accept what it means, I should be in good shape. Good luck on your adventures!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

This is a great reminder to keep your abilities and health in check and make the necessary adjustments as we age. Being honest with yourself is where most people fail. If I should ever have to give up 2, then I'll ride on 3. Wonderful thought-provoking video, Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I suppose it's easy to be honest until coming face to face with something we don't like or agree with. That's when rationalization, denial, delusion, and dishonesty are pulled from the flawed mental toolbox. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eric and for the kind words about the video.

[@markraboy]

A man’s got to know his limitations.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I know mine. With age comes wisdom. Or something like that...

[@talltree3534]

Good reflection Steve. Sitting right now in my garage with my 4 bikes that suddenly appeared in the last year. New Vespa 300 GTS up to the BMW R1250 GS Adventure. I've started all this suddenly at 71 years old and am starting to reevaluate even as I order upgrades to all these wheels! Oddly I'm trying to prepare for a hopeful future of riding more as currently my caregiving has me strapped to this midwestern town near Chicago for who knows how long??!! I appreciate you waxing philosophical a little bit here for a different kind of presentation. It's thought provoking!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm glad you've found food for thought in this video. I wasn't sure how it would be received. Caregiving. I know the commitment necessary. I'm in a similar position right now. After riding the R1250 GS Adventure the Vespa probably feels like a clown car. That was my experience moving from the K1600 GTL to the Vespa. Man, what a difference. Good luck sorting things out with your riding life.

[@wanderingsoul4104]

Your channel is a treasure trove of moto-wisdom for those of us who are still young. Thank you for your wisdom and perspective. I've ridden 50cc and 125cc my whole riding time, so I'm not as worried about weight. I'll continue to evaluate my skill honestly and pursue more advanced moto-education. I'll continue to manage risk diligently and I'll take every opportunity my young soul needs to bring myself to humility when I feel hot and to appreciate my feelings from the saddle rather than appreciating the popular sentiments of larger moto riders. I'll try to stay healthy, eat healthy, and exercise so that I can enjoy many, many years of fun and walk away from scootering/cycling/etc. knowing that I milked those years for every smile per gallon.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Wise words for someone young. I'm not sure how old you are but I didn't arrive at the place you are until I was in my 50s. And I still rail against eating healthy and exercising. Like long habits are a challenge to change. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for your kind, kind words about the things I share. I really do appreciate them.

[@wanderingsoul4104]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you. When I was born, Bill Clinton was the President of the United States. I have a lot more mileage to go, but I've had a luxury riders of your time didn't, a luxury you've helped pass along: hard-learned wisdom from other riders easily available through the internet. I'm also a high-functioning Asperger's case. Social disconnect and a cynical view towards ideals like belonging and social acceptance born from an upbringing filled with mocking and open lamentation of my disorder, paradoxically, led me to not really care about impressing others in public by riding because I simply accepted that I was never going to be cool. Now, some years later, the irony is that my neuro-divergence is no longer pathologized. I'm no longer seen as an aspie so much as yet another eccentric scooter rider and, well, I'm ok with that. I'll take my 90-110 mpg and ride away happy however cool or uncool some find it.... and, as it turns out, being myself openly is cooler than anything else I've ever done.

[@BillyBob-uc9zp]

Well said Mr 😎 P.s Why do we ride?. Survival instincts activated?. So we feel more alive?. We're all hooked, but why?. Just food for thought. Smile on Mr 😎

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Exploring those questions could fill several videos. Thanks for the ideas!

[@Fredgartner]

Steve this really hits close to home. Thanks for...making me think. You

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think it's always good to have something make us think. I'm glad I could trigger the opportunity. Be well and be safe on the road!

[@ScooterMark]

Thank you! Some great advice in this video for all men to reflect on.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad it was helpful! As much fun as a scooter or motorcycle can be, I think it makes sense to routinely acknowledge the risk against the rewards, and what we are bringing to the ride.

[@flatgrindrides]

Hi Steve, hope your back and leg are feeling better. I’ve been there too. Excellent video. I suspect that many of us watching this video lead relatively comfortable lives where the consequences of our day to day actions are not always apparent or can be fairly easily ignored or denied. Motorcycling is not one of these things, if you are as you put it, “honest.” I think that’s part of its appeal. Competence and sound judgment are rewarded. Foolishness and self-deception are punished, often harshly. Activities that involve meaningful risk often pull back the curtain of self-deception and highlight these facts. I think too that the older we get, the more apparent this becomes, and there is satisfaction in a life well-lived. 😉

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My back and leg are better but I think each time this happens the recovery doesn't quite bring me all the way back. A side effect of aging. You're right about how we ignore lessons taught by a motorcycles at our own peril. Foolishness, delusion, self-deception, and general unwillingness to look honestly in the mirror can lead to pretty bad outcomes for riders. We'll all arrive at the day when we have to stop. I hope to get there in one piece.

[@torquer9669]

Nice video. I agree with all you said and appreciate the honesty of your story. I’m a new sub and will stick around, I sincerely hope you do as well ☮️

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I appreciate that! It's been fun making videos of the rides and thoughts that I have. I plan to keep making more.

[@oscartravis5740]

Really beautiful and reflective, even meditative, and something few other motorcycle channels are. I agree that it shouldn't take a life-threatening event to bring a person up quick about being honest with themselves. I had a scooter at 16, but didn't pursue an interest in bikes as my dad was a biker and he liked to freak me out riding pillion, so it put me off for years. I finally took up riding again and passed my full test at 47 and I completely love it. I feel certain if I'd had continuous interest through my teenage years, I would not now have a full set of limbs to contend with. Time has strange methods. I hope it grants you as much of its gifts to keep enjoying the pleasure of motorcycling in whatever form you can.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words about the things I post on my channel. My own riding is relaxed and wouldn't freak anyone out. But if I had scary experiences when I was young I'm certain I would have responded as you did. I'm not sure what would have happened if I was riding from 20 until 50 when I bought my first Vespa scooter. That will remain a mystery I guess. But when I did start riding I was more mature, less impulsive, and generally aware of risks in a way different from my indestructible youth. So I have to agree than time changed me. Let's hope we both can keep riding as long as possible!

[@oscartravis5740]

@@ScooterintheSticks You're welcome, and amen to that!

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

Wonderful wise words, having a back injury and getting a bit older I know Pushing a big gs1200 around the garage or my last bike a Yamaha bt1100 which I tended to drive harder than I should, I am now happily settled on my Himalayan, to chug along and enjoy the gentle life and a nice suspension to protect my back is all I need to be happy, I gave up bikes 3 years ago for good I thought. But its part of me and I can't stay away, but I can be realistic and am very happy with my decision on what might be my final bike. Great post.... Thank you for sharing

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the generous words of support on this video. I appreciate them. I've ridden all the BMW GS machines, and for a time I coveted them. I had brought a used R1200 GS home on a review ride for the local dealer and my wife said, "You want that don't you. Why don't you just buy it." So I'm standing in the driveway staring at the bike and she comes out and says, "The dealer just called. He wants you to bring the bike back. He just sold it." Now when I look at that motorcycle I wonder how I ever thought it would be a good choice. Like you say, the Himalayan is a perfect landing between a big GS and a 50cc scooter! I hope to chug along on mine for a few more years.

[@chinwakebhai]

The thing about riding is that it is about honesty ! About your skills, your physical health and mental capabilities. No getting around the basics, you better keep within the limits or else !!!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're absolutely right. And the basics are always worth practicing.

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

You speak a lot of sense Steve, and although I've grounded myself because of my spinal damage, I consider myself lucky not to have suffered cardiac problems, and reached 70. Knock on wood! Thanks for a thought provoking video and stay safe. 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Sorry to hear that you've encountered some spinal damage. I hope you find a path of healing to the point you can do some of the things you hope to do. I try and keep a positive outlook in regard to health problems. But there are days when it just seems I'm facing a steep, downhill slog. Thanks for the kind words about the video. I appreciate it. And I still hope to one day visit the UK and ride over Hardknott Pass as you and your friends did. Good luck on your medical adventures!

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Thanks for your reply Steve, I'm hoping that the surgery I'm listed does the job. We'll see, but positivity does help. If you do manage to get over here, I hope you let me know, so that I can show you around these little hills of ours. My trip to visit my sister in Ohio last November really whetted my appetite, and a return visit may be on the cards so I might rent a bike to do a bit of exploring. Cheers Steve and ride safe. 👍

[@ikariku]

It's good to know when to stop in order to continue. Great video Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks 👍. I appreciate your kind words.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

A very sobering video Steve. I appreciate your sharing this and reminding us all, we do well to lean on the conservative honest side, if we want to live long and ride safely.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I was uncertain if I should tackle the issue because of the less than exciting aspect of it. But as I tinkered with the idea, I felt it was something important that I learned and maybe others would find it worthwhile to consider. Be well and ride safe!

[@gerardgerard5681]

Yes, I had a LVAD PUMP, THEN A HEART TRANSPLANT, HOPING TO RIDE A SCOOTER. My wife is worried about me getting a scooter. I would like to reach out to you to ask questions. Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Making a decision to start riding after any kind of dramatic health event or intervention is a highly personal one and dependent on many issues. Not the least of them being the concerns and feelings of family. If you go to my channel page and select the ABOUT tab you'll find my email address for business inquiries. You can reach me there and we can connect so I can answer whatever questions you have as best I can.

[@capthook8066]

Thanks Steve. I look forward to videos when spring hits PA and you’re tooling down on a country road on your new bright colored GTS 300. I’d recommend the orange 😎

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Hah. Unless my current one explodes I don't see that happening. But you will see videos of me tooling down country roads. Long before spring arrives!

[@hanialzaid8460]

Wishing you great health and a long life sir..be safe

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind wishes. And the same well wishes to you.

[@outlandersystems552]

Another great video. The camera work is phenomenal!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you very much!

[@brucebaker8602]

As always, Steve, sure enjoy your videos. Now that I'm in my 60s, this one really resonates with me. I very much appreciate how you weave everyday life into your videos and blogs while sharing your experiences on your Vespas or other motorcycles. Hope you're able to do it for many more years!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. As an older rider I wondered whether anyone would care about the sorts of things that go through my head. I'll keep sharing those things as I ride on into old age!

[@lonerider2982]

Yup, right there with ya, 68 yo noreaster guy with a Himalayan Also. But had a total knee replacement and purchased a honda adv 150 scooter to ride till my knee can handle the Himalayan again... Dang, the scooter is fun on the dirt roads !!! Learn and accept your limitations for sure is the road to go on.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Honda ADV150 looks like a fantastic machine. I've not had the chance to ride one but did admire one parked on the street. Accepting limitations... yeah, that sounds so simple but is perhaps the most difficult hurdle in life. Acceptance is not for the faint of heart or spiritually unprepared.

[@salorjim1000]

Love your videos and your calm and soothing personality. Your the kind of guy I would love to take a ride with and have conversation over coffee. I have been sailing all my life and that is my number one love. But I had a motorcycle in High School then nothing until my mid 30's when I got a new BMW R100RT, then traded up to a R1100RT and rode that bike for many years. Sold that and a couple of years later wanted another and could not afford a new BMW so found a used K75s. Then turned my attention to an adventure bike and went with a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT (now in my 60's). Put a ton of money in that one but at the end of the day it was just too top heavy and not fun to push around or do slow speeds so I sold it and downsized to a Honda CB500X which I have now. Along the way got another K75s but ended up trading that in for my Vespa GTS 300 Touring model. Also added a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT. The Rebels weight is so low it is pretty easy to deal with but I may sell it as I don't really need 3 two wheelers. I have always ridden like an old lady even back in high school. That and learning to fly at a young age I think has keep me safe. 30 plus years and no accidents or even close calls. I also especially in my mid 60's am aware of not having the strength and sharpness as when I was younger so always take that in consideration. I have diabetes and have gone to great length to help my health including going full plant based which has helped me loose a lot of weight and improved my health quite a bit. Your riding in the snow is making me feel like a sissy, here in Southern California when it gets into the 50's that is almost too cold for riding. :)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

There was a period of time when I was sort of obsessed with sailing and had dreams of buying a boat and sailing all the time. Learning to sail in a Flying Junior and Flying Scot, eventually attending the Annapolis Sailing School, and then crewing for people when I could. My last blue water sail was helping a friend shuttle his 38 foot Hans Christian Cutter from Jacksonville, Florida to Peakes Island, Maine. Storms, knock downs, doldrums, dead engine, and other mishaps left me disinterested in the sailing life when I arrived in Maine. That and the realization of living in central Pennsylvania made a sailing life sort of stupid. Not long afterward the scooter arrived in my life and it has been love ever since. Like you, there is a lot of changes, exploring, and figuring out what works. We each have our own path to blaze. And hopefully by the time we're in our mid to late 60s we have a lot of things figured out. You certainly aren't alone in not liking the idea of riding in the cold. I just seldom see anyone else on the road in the winter. I'm probably nuts. But I enjoy riding...

[@salorjim1000]

@@ScooterintheSticks Intersting how a lot of us have experienced motorcycles, boats, and airplaines. A lot of common sensations between them. I grew up racing sailboats with my dad but kind of burned out on that and wanted the smallest boat I could sail in the ocean. Yes I had dreams of larger crusing boats like you friend but have settled on smaller boats. My 17' Montgomery 17 is a capable crusier and I have done a lot with that boat. The others are smaller and mostly for local lake, bay or light offshore sailing. As with my riding I have been pretty conservitive in my sailing. Even though I don't like the cold too much where you live is so beautiful it is probably worth the cold to experience such beautiful seasons!

[@bluecollarmark]

You made the right decision. It’s all about what brings happiness to you. I too will be moving into a smaller, lightweight bike, 350 or 400cc. Long gone are the days of the Harley Electra-Glide Classic’s. Looking forward to cruising around the countryside, enjoying the views. Good luck and keep the greasy side down. 😊

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm pleased with the Himalayan. It will allow me to explore a lot of places that were a challenge on the Vespa. Plenty of views ahead!

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

This video went in a direction I haven't seen from you before. It's thoughtful and reflective as usual but I didn't know you carried those concerns. I'm getting older also I'm 66. Mostly I've accepted the possibility of broken bones and the ER by scooter. But my thoughts about death are separate from my scooter. I pretty much go full statistics on that. I'm going to die old school like my father and his father. Failed organ brought on by alcohol and cigars (grandfather) or just old fashion dementia and alzheimers like my dad.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Few of us know what's going to happen to us. So I guess we focus on the present and enjoy life as it comes, and accept the bad stuff when it shows up.

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

@@ScooterintheSticks My only regret is that you guys live too far away from me.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@LifeontwowheelsRocks The older we get the farther it becomes...

[@Stefan_trekkie]

I am not at that age but since 20 something, I ride bicycle to work regularly (mixing with the scooter) and if not do it for week or two.. The feeling is like something is slowing dawn inside me. The need to be active is imperative and not to stop until you are still vertical and kicking.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Every so often I drag my bicycle out of hibernation with the thought of riding for health. My autoimmune arthritis quickly informs me that I no longer have much in the way of shock absorbing material in my joints. So walking is my go to exercise. For a time I lifted weights at home, some simple stuff, but I've fallen from the habit. Time to get moving again so I remain vertical as long as I can. There's still so much to see!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@ScooterintheSticks I did not mean to tell you to ride bicycle, just to say how I coup with the problems of staying active and somewhat fit. Just the idea of doing something like this is very important in my opinion. I too downsize the bikes long time ago due to same reasons. One does not need 1200cc 100+ hp bike to ride on 50 mph/ 80 kmh roads. It is madness, born of the refusal to be wrong. About the bicycle riding.. I have been ridiculed over the years for that from everyone .. Friends, colleagues and relatives for riding a bicycle to be only for children to play, not for grown people to use for everyday commuter transport /or even more/

[@jered2177]

New subscriber,enjoying your videos

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for subscribing. I hope I can continue to create some videos worth watching.

[@gypsywheels]

Good video and nice Himalayan too😎👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks ✌️The more I ride the Himalayan the more I like it.

[@kz1000st1]

I keep the 750 Kawasaki as I love the way it goes. It probably weighs as much as the BMW did so moving it around is a challenge. It's why I have the 250 Nighthawk next to it. A craniotomy twenty years ago has taken some strength from my left side but only maybe 20%. I'm keeping an eye on the new lightweights from China in the 300cc to 400cc class. Top speeds in the 90 mph range are enough for me and may be my last bikes. Is that honest? Maybe. But Dirty Harry said it best, "A man has to know his limitations,"

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I am certainly aware of my limitations. Now I just need to pay heed to them! I certainly don't want any bombs going off in the back of the scooter. Weight is a big, big issue. I'm amazed at how many riders seem able to completely ignore it. I watch them struggle to keep from dropping the motorcycle, sweat, groan, and grimace, and then pretend there is nothing wrong with the picture. Lighter machines are what will keep me riding. And so many choices!

[@MotoMango]

I feel like I've always been a conservative baby on a motorcycle haha I really like living and would prefer to continue to do so xD

[@ScooterintheSticks]

With so much marketing being focused on speed and power it's easy to think something is wrong with me when I don't embrace that. I want to ride and live to ride again tomorrow.

[@josephkent3238]

I agree with you a lot at 61....

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The fine adventures of aging!

[@nealmclean7962]

well done

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks. Staying honest, especially as aging intervenes raises ideas and truths that aren't always comfortable. For me, things like riding alone in remote areas.

[@randygravel2057]

I’m honestly dishonest.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Hah! We're probably all along the honesty spectrum.

[@njphotoman]

Your message rings loud and clear as I chronologically turn 70 soon, but still planning adventures as if I were 40. I've already released myself from an over ambitious physical challenge knowing that I have to be honest with my current aches and pains. Though my girlfriend and I toured through 26 states on a heavy Victory Cross Country Tour pulling a trailer in 2015 & 2016, the bike spent more and more time parked and then 6 months after TKR, I purchased a used Burgman 650 . Immediately, my knees thanked me. In the Spring of 2020, I noticed a new PCX150 styled scooter and immediately wanted one, having talked to others who had earlier models. I understand first hand the delight to ride, handle, park, transport and use every day...and it's plenty fast for the roads I prefer to ride! In fact, I just dug out my 15 year old Kilimanjaro and over-pants for added warmth on the next ride, having had heated grips installed in February Stay well..I'd enjoy riding with you sometime.🛵🛵🛵

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Accepting the realities of age is a big pill to swallow. At least for me. But the more honest I am about it the better outcomes I have and I suspect I'll be able to ride longer. Moving from a Victory to Burgman and onto a PCX150 illustrates the path and while some would see it as depressing, I know that the riding experiences, regardless of what I'm riding, continue to thrill. Some might say that aging is mostly a mental challenge! I hope this message finds you well and enjoying some moderating winter weather.