Can You Make Friends Through Motorcycles and Scooters?

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 of Paul who I knew before riding, I met them all through my two-wheeled world.
‪@KrakensGarageandAdventures‬
‪@heckadude‬
‪@pdruby‬

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

I cannot thank you enough for the amazing friendship and hospitality. I had such a wonderful stay with you good folks. I shall return again another day so we can ride again. Masterful job on editing and sharing the emotions we all felt. Thank you to you, Kim, Andy, Suzanne, Paul and David. I am indebted to you all. Eric

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’m grateful to call you a friend Eric. I’m glad we had the opportunity to ride together. Thanks for the supportive words about the video. I appreciate them.

[@Sr.D]

I felt very identified with your words at the beginning. I am 41 years old and have always been a reserved, shy, introverted, and solitary person. I also experience anxiety due to my work in the emergency sector. My recent interest in Vespas brought me to your channel. Honestly, I find your videos very relaxing and enjoyable. Greetings from Spain.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and struggles. Perhaps a Vespa scooter will ease things as they have for me. Regardless of your choice, I hope you find your way forward to a less anxious life.

[@Sr.D]

@@ScooterintheSticks yes I'm trying to, thank you

[@oscartravis5740]

me too, and to your words here. I've tried over the years to "fit in" and join groups, but I'm always ebbing away to seek my own company as I find too much confusion and complication in others. My Kawasaki W650 gives me purpose and freedom, and I'm happy with that 🙂

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@oscartravis5740 We're all responsible for our own choices and journey. It has taken me decades to expand past the solitude of my own company. Good luck as you ride along on your W650 on your own road, whatever it may bring.

[@weebercorey]

Steve, just wanted to say that to my surprise, I just bought my first Vespa. It's a 2018 GTS 300. I bought it in Long Island and rode it back home to Rhode Island. What a great ride! It was in no small part to watching your videos about the Vespa. Thank you Sir!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Congratulations on your scooter acquisition. The 2018 GTS is a peach of a scooter. I hope you find as much joy and satisfaction riding your scooter as I have with mine. Take care on the road!

[@twloughlin]

I would like to make this observation: the best thing about this video is that it had absolutely nothing to do with challenging yourself, pushing your limits, pursuing your dreams, or anything else along those lines. It was just a few guys out for an easy, fun ride on a couple of good days. I could tell you were enjoying yourself because you didn't even bother to turn your signal indicator off at 7:37. Glad you all had a good time, especially Paul. I love when that little imp shows up on your videos!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Both days of riding were very relaxed. I never like to hurry and pushing limits is not part of my make up. So far the people who have decided to ride with me seem just as laid back and not frustrated because we're not going faster. I don't stop as much to take pictures though when riding with others. I'm getting worse with turn signals. I really have to make a conscious effort to turn them off. Senior moments... Paul is a character. And I think he enjoys performing for the camera. I kind of keep him in check via the editing room!

[@davidblewett2699]

Steve, thanks for inviting me along on this ride. It was great to meet Kraken and heckadude and I now enjoy my subscriptions to their channels as well. You meet the nicest people on a motorcycle (or scooter) its not just Hondas anymore.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm glad you could ride along. It was a fun ride and I hope to do something again soon. I have a Honda just in case!

[@Winterbiker333]

A great couple days indeed. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a good time.

[@captainjim605]

Another enjoyable video, Steve; and a treat to see Eric's guest appearance!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It was nice to meet in person and share some miles together on the road.

[@heckadude]

What a wonderful recap of some fine adventures with friends. I had been looking forward to this trip together, and again, I want to thank you for loaning me your GTS for the day after mine unexpectedly landed in the shop. I particularly enjoyed reliving our adventure through your perspective, just as I did watching and listening to Eric’s retelling. There’s something special about shared memories, and it’s fun to find out what was meaningful to each person. I lol’d at 4:23 when Kraken said, “It’s your pink slip. Hit the bricks!” and 9:20 when Paul desperately sought inclusion. Haha! I’m already looking forward to our next adventure!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I had a lot of fun riding with you and the other guys Andy. I always do. I'm already scheming another ride! As I said, you can borrow my GTS while yours is in the shop. I hate to see a rider go through withdrawal! Eric is a good storyteller. Add Paul to the mix and you have a potent combination!

[@ralfhoffmann2487]

It's a lovely thing you have going there Steve. I suppose it depends where you live but, where I am, there is simply nothing like that - lucky man. Good rides, good friends - couldn't get much better than that.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I am in a good place. Lots of riders. Plenty of easy places to ride. You’re right though, not everyone has my situation. I try and imagine other locales and how I might embrace them. Old Boy Scout training - be prepared. And the internet has opened a door for me to connect to many others virtually. I hope you find a riding tribe.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

It's a whole different experience for me riding with someone rather than alone. Mr. Kraken was kind and classy (aware of and commenting on the kindness of our group). I like my 150 Primavera it's peppy and light. The 946 is a more stable and smooth ride but not as peppy and the Primavera. Paul "Peppy" Ruby

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Same with me Peppy. And you already know that I often just want to be alone on the road. But over time I've come to appreciate riding with someone else. Especially when you fall over with a motorcycle on top of you! The 946 was noticeably less peppy than my ET4. Undoubtably the extra weight.

[@FacundoLandoni]

Great video and message!! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you! 😃

[@Gregs_World]

Steve, what a wonderful video antecedents for different machines out there in the road and people building friendships and solidifying others drinking and eating together as it should be of course I hope your friend with sportster and his peanut gas tank will buy himself a new front tire.... Thanks, as always, wonderful videos from a kind gentleman who represents everything great about the Internet

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've been fortunate to not run into much brand first boundaries. I have an eclectic group of friends who are open to a variety of machines. Riding together is the focus as you say. Regarding the front tire of Paul's Sportster -- we were talking about the need for a replacement just a couple days ago.

[@davericketts9101]

Thank you Steve, for another thought-provoking video, in your usual calming manner. I feel happy to be a small part of your little `community` , even from the other side of the pond. Dave.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm glad you found some value in it Dave. Perhaps one day I'll get across the pond and we can go for a ride.

[@davericketts9101]

@@ScooterintheSticks It would be my absolute pleasure to ride with you Steve 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@davericketts9101 I’ll let you know if I ever get across the pond.

[@donhamm8740]

Friends through riding. Definitely a conversation starter at any restaurant, rest stop, service station. Also great conversation starter with general public to improve our image -- everyone walks up asks questions or starts a conversation about one one they rode in the day.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree wholeheartedly. Motorcycles and scooters are a great conversation starter. Had that experience today while sitting in a cafe and some had questions about my Himalayan.

[@conniewaite1371]

You remind of a guy named Garrison Kellor. Not sure I spelled that right.He did Prairie Home Companion on the radio

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's high praise. Thank you. I've always enjoyed listening to Garrison Keillor and his Lake Wobegon stories. I wish I could tell better stories about the sticks.

[@conniewaite1371]

@@ScooterintheSticks you have the heart,it will get there.loved your story on not riding your bigger bike so much.i get that

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Nice group with variety of bikes! If decided that live is too short not to buy another bike.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The downside for life being too short to not buy another bike is that I am ready to buy a sixth! Where will it stop??

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@ScooterintheSticks I have just one at the moment, Steve .. Just 125 city scooter. I am buying a Royal enfield meteor .. The N+1 formula applies in your case .. Let's see if I remember correctly. 1 - The gts 300 2 - The et2 vespa 3 - The Himmy 4 - the trail cub 5 - the W650 .. I think you sold the old bmw .. So, what's next ?

[@PilgrimLad]

Great video. Thanks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you!

[@dustind3960]

One thing about riding scooter and bikee os the friends you can make while makkng pit stops na d riding with people

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Exactly right. It is amazing how much friendlier the world seems when you are riding...

[@vesparama]

The older you get, you more you realise there aren't very many people worth interacting with. Most people are superficial and full of shit.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'll have to think about your comments for a bit. I certainly read about society going to hell in a hand basket, but my personal experience with people has generally been positive. Even those with superficial interests and off beat ideas. It could be that as I get older I am just getting more mellow and accept people as they are and not get too hung up on my own expectations of how they behave. I'm trying to ward off being an old coot for as long as possible!!!

[@vesparama]

@@ScooterintheSticks Yes. I think my comment wasn't expressed very well as I was in a bad mood. I really meant to say the older you get, the better you can pick the people who aren't suitable as friends. I believe true friends are a very small minority. And the majority of people are sheep in my view. They talk about nonsense are largely shallow. I don't care to engage with people like that.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@vesparamaI understand completely. Friends are rare individuals. But I will say each friend I have acquired has required an openness on my part that does not come naturally. I have had to learn to see the individual rather than the group. I’m still practicing!

[@vespaenthusiaststimlisah.]

Very nice video Steve! A bunch of riders meeting up to ride and just having a fun time!👍🛵🏍🤩

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. I wish I could do it more often.

[@vespaenthusiaststimlisah.]

@@ScooterintheSticks I would ride with you anytime 🤗