Motorcycle Magic: The Power of a Ride

On a cold, wet ride on my Kawasaki W650 motorcycle I could feel my spirit lifting. It's funny how even a short ride on my motorcycle or scooter can transform my thoughts and feelings and leave me refreshed and at peace. Riding is often pointed to as a type of therapy. My own experience bears that out.
Riding, even at 40F with a light mist in the air seems to perform its magic on me. Perhaps it does for you too.
#motovlog #motorcycle #movingmeditation

[@daveyjones6465]

Excellent expression of how most of us of a certain age feel when riding

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Man, that "certain age" was unexpected!

[@daveyjones6465]

@@ScooterintheSticks Sorry I didn't mean this to sound personal to you Steve, I should have perhaps used the phrase some of us of a certain age, my apologies writing was never my talent as I'm more of a practical man than a scholar. I've just had my 71st birthday last week and you got me to thinking how much motorcycle riding is more of a spiritual state of mind than maybe I thought it was when I was a young man. Maybe I've got more time on my hands and more time to philosophise and I only meant that in my case sometimes these thoughts only come at a later age. Sorry for any confusion caused Steve I always enjoy your videos and admire the way you can voice your thoughts in such a eloquent manner. Thanks for putting out your videos I enjoy them immensely. Happy Christmas and a wonderful New year to you and your family 👍🇬🇧

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@daveyjones6465 There was no offense taken. I liked the label of "a certain age." A description of those of us that are feeling changes without coming right out and calling us old! Or grudgingly having gained a little wisdom or practical experience in life. Like you, the thoughts of my younger self were not spiritual and sometimes superficial. Only as I got a lot older did I slow down enough to consider things of a spiritual nature. Again, no worries about the certain age comment. I should have made it clearer that I appreciated it. Sometimes I still need to slow down. Especially when I'm writing! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I do appreciate them. Have a great New Year.

[@conniewaite1371]

@@ScooterintheSticks I too am 70 and wonder if I can still hang on to a viable life

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@conniewaite1371 For me it depends on attitude, drive, and genetics.

[@mannfan12]

I've watched a few of your videos now and they all exude qualities of solitude and peacefulness. I am new to the riding world. Have had my Vespa for just over a month and already have 600 miles on it. The way it makes me feel when I ride....your videos seem to capture that for me. You do have some sublime backroads to ride on I must say.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you like them! And congratulations on your new Vespa scooter. I still clearly remember my first rides on mine. Magic! We do have a lot of wonderful backroads to ride here. They seem to just go on and on...

[@Dr.ModNut]

I could not have said it any better. Those who don’t know, truly won’t know until they ride. Thank you for this brilliant synopsis of where I find joy. Cheers.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You are right about not being able to appreciate the experience of riding until you actually ride. And I would probably add not until you are well prepared to ride. I'm met more than a few men who bought a big bike and headed out on the road without any training or practice. They were terrified, unprepared, and ended up hating it. Riding a scooter or motorcycle is nothing like riding a bicycle. And if you want to be able to appreciate the experience I think a rider needs to be comfortable in traffic and on the road. No small task.

[@Dr.ModNut]

@@ScooterintheSticks cheers mate! Here’s to a million more miles is 2024.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

I liked how it looked when it got foggy. I could feel the wetness.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It was impossible to keep the camera lens clear of moisture. A light mist in the air the whole time. Sort of gives the images and dreamy quality but the reality made it extremely difficult to keep the visor clear, see, and the 40F air was rough. I was underdressed!

I repeat: you are a poet. And a philosopher. Thank you for creating this beautiful video. The music and images complement each other perfectly, creating a wonderful mood. I hope you and your loved ones have a perfect New Year!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the kind words about what I share on this KZbin Channel. Creating videos continues to be an interesting creative activity for me. And a way to share the riding experience with others. I hope you have a great New Year!

@@ScooterintheSticks It hopefully will involve the acquisition of a 🛵😉

[@davericketts9101]

The music, your voice, your poetic words, all make this video something very special. Thank you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Wow, thank you!

[@oscartravis5740]

That was right up my street! I'm a big fan of Kerouac, so to translate that lyrical beauty of the open road to the motorcyclist's perspective, it was pure poetry. ❤

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Kerouac seemed to understand the road. This quote has always stood out: “Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” I don't know if he rode motorcycles but it sure feels right. And thank you for the kind words about the video.

[@iggyzorro2406]

the motorcyle, glides along on the highway, and takes me with it. p.s. I love that particular Kawasaki.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Kawasaki W650 is a unique machine. I'm glad I came across it and had the opportunity to bring it into my riding life.

[@GareyCooperdude]

As an old surfer it's the same feeling as catching a wave and using every part of your body to meld with the moment........

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yep... it is an amazing feeling!

[@twloughlin]

You can always tell a quality poem when it has the word "thrum" in it 🙂 Nicely done!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Oh if a single word had such power!😂 It was a nice ride.

[@ronharriers]

What I didn't like about this video is that it ended. I have a dual sport and 1300 rocket. I'm in bliss when I'm out lost in Baja's deserts exploring new worlds. I'm part of it as I transition thru with endless miles ahead. Yes, I feel it all through my handlebars as I rode on warm comfort. First time I ever subscribed.

[@conniewaite1371]

Just found your channel,subbed,now i binge watch. First bike at 20,work kids bills,now retired.70,got a ADV150,this year monkey.hoping hubby will go along.i need practice,been awhile.but i dress up,turn the key,hear that hum of life kick in.i want to touch that life,feel that life,let it consume me.hold those reigns tight and sit snug in the saddle.we move as one,responding to touch,being aware...of dangers and wind.its a heartbeat together

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Sorry for taking up your time with my videos! The ADV150 is a great scooter. It will take you anywhere you want to go. Riding puts you in touch with all the things you have shared. I hope you find your way with your scooter, engage some effective practice or courses, and get your husband on the road with you. Have fun!

[@conniewaite1371]

@@ScooterintheSticks you arent taking up my time,I enjoy ALL your videos ! You help me to understand how I feel. You take away confusion. Give my old legs hope to get out there

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@conniewaite1371 There's something energizing for me in getting out on my scooter. I hope I can continue for a long time. Confusion can interfere. I periodically have to wrestle with some riding concern and there's a process to wade through the confusion it engenders. As I get older the stakes seem greater both in the pro and con columns. More confusion to navigate!

[@conniewaite1371]

@@ScooterintheSticks aww,not sure how I could help

[@johnlenart597]

Your voice reminds me of the late Loren Green. Calming to the soul and a friend evolking quality. Even on a dismal day one can find the peace of a slow paced ride on back roads. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the kind words about the sound of my voice. Your comment sent me down a KZbin rabbit hole listening to Lorne Greene and watching clips from Bonanza. It transported me back to childhood and the melancholy feel on Sunday nights when bedtime arrived after watching the show with my dad. Thank you for instigating the reminder. And I agree, even on a gray and dismal day a slow ride on backgrounds is a little miracle.

[@dermotleeson5290]

Love this video well narrated, happy new year to you my friend hope 2024 bring good luck and plenty of vids God bless

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked the video. Have a great New Year!

[@dougbarnes8621]

It is because of your videos Steve that I started looking at W650’s (don’t worry, I won’t tell my wife haha). I am a little older now and was thinking about a 650 sized bike again (I owned a couple of 4 cylinder 650’s when I was younger). I pulled the trigger 2 weeks ago! I found a 2000 W650 with only 5K miles. It needs a few things to be road worthy but I look forward to making my own memories and finding some peace and solace occasionally on the back roads here where I live. I truly enjoy your poetic descriptions of riding and look forward to more of your videos! Thanks Steve!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I continue to enjoy my W650 and have no regret choosing it. The only challenge I see with it now that the weather is colder is giving the engine a little time to warm up. With a manual choke on dual carbs I've had to learn a new approach to starting. I'm glad you find some utility in the things I post here. And let me know how things go with your new motorcycle!

[@dougbarnes8621]

Thanks Steve. I’ll keep you posted!

[@DebColton]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you like it!

[@taxistarmaker]

Nice music, scenery and your calm and peace voice. I enjoy your videos and have watched many of them though it's a bit difficult to understand every word you said because of my poor English. But I can feel your love of riding and the joyful that riding gives you. Good job. Keep making videos.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words about the videos. I enjoy making them. They give me an opportunity to relive the rides. 感謝您對影片的美言。我喜歡製作它們。他們給了我一個重溫遊樂設施的機會。 Gǎnxiè nín duì yǐngpiàn dì měi yán. Wǒ xǐhuān zhìzuò tāmen. Tāmen gěile wǒ yīgè chóng wēn yóulè shèshī de jīhuì.

[@Retro_Iron]

Amen!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

A fellow traveler!

[@Retro_Iron]

@@ScooterintheSticks “Releasing the Demons…” Try though they may, they can’t keep up. One by one, slowly drifting away. Riding is my Therapy.

[@captainjim605]

I'm all about the ride. I just need 20 or 30 more degrees fahrenheit and less of that misty stuff. ;-) I look forward to your videos, Steve - I appreciate the soothing voice and the serene feel to them. Thanks for taking us along again.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm always happy to share the ride! This time of year the roads get quieter and almost empty. So I keep riding despite the lower temperatures. Next time I'll be wearing my insulated armored pants...

[@victorhawkins3461]

Most excellent, Steve! I hope you and yours enjoyed a marvelous holiday.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you. And the same well wishes to you!

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

So true. Thank you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you found some value in the video.

[@MinnowMoto]

This was awsome. Shot beautiful and love the narriation. Totally get it!. Great work.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You are too kind. Thank you.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Well said!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Whenever I make this kind of video I worry about them being "preachy." I just get so excited by riding though that I find myself wanting to somehow share the experience.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

@@ScooterintheSticks Just be you,everyone else had been taken. 😉

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@KrakensGarageandAdventures That's the truth. Thanks for the reminder. Generally I just go for a ride and things occur to me that I can either talk about or write about later. I try not to think about it much beyond that.

[@richardvillar340]

Well said! Happy Trails to you sir.

[@grahams6390]

Very relaxing video.. I too am of that certain age… 76 a couple of weeks ago… your thoughts on riding mirror mine but more eloquently put.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks. I hope I am still able and willing to ride at 76. But I long ago tossed away my crystal ball. Now I just try to stay present today. Right now.

[@dewipeach]

If there is but one thing... The Motorcycle moves the Soul, not just the body. Have a Blessed New Year and many happy days of the road behind yaw!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're right. They do move the soul. Thank you for the kind wishes for the New Year. I hope you find them as well.

[@dewipeach]

Steve you're welcome. Your road ahead and view of the passing beyond.. is far better than locally in the UK. or is it your Weather..! Very best young Man, take care and many happy miles to come.. Cheers Davey @@ScooterintheSticks

[@bugscooters]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks! But you realize that wasn't a Vespa right?? *grin*

[@bugscooters]

@@ScooterintheSticks Ha! Yes. I’ve got the motorcycle bug now though. I’m looking to buy a Triumph Bonneville before summer…

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@bugscooters Triumph makes fine machines. I’ve come close to buying one numerous times. Almost bought a Bonneville last spring until I crossed paths with my Kawasaki W650. Have fun exploring a purchase!

[@Bob-ts2tu]

I love riding my motorbike for it's own sake too, i don't need speed either, and spend most of my time in the country lanes, and from the very first ride on my first proper bike, i just didn't want to get off, still don't lol. i think i got this from my cycling days. GL

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm in the same place with the same experience. Riding has remained something I love to do.

[@anthonywillcox9864]

«Touché ! »

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Happy Holidays Steve! Now that the tears are rolling...

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I hope you have a great New Year. And that any tears are the good kind!

[@ralfhoffmann2487]

Lovely meditative video.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@skythebike5860]

Wonderfull words man couldnt put it any better myself riding since i was 16 now im 61 arthritus in my foot and hand so i ride a scooter now but still enjoy my riding as i allways have .

[@ScooterintheSticks]

A scooter is an amazing vehicle. So different than a motorcycle. You're one of the rare riders who has the courage to move from a motorcycle to a scooter.

[@skythebike5860]

Ridng is a part of me i have moved to a scooter because if i stopped riding i would loose something very special to me cant put it in writing very well but riding my scooter moves my soul as all of my bikes in the past have done thanks for the reply and stay safe @@ScooterintheSticks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@skythebike5860 I know the day will arrive where I can't ride a motorcycle anymore. Or maybe not even my Vespa GTS. But I will continue to downsize in hopes that I can continue to ride for the same reason you suggest -- riding moves the soul!

[@bobd.4967]

Keep the Peace Steve✌️ -boston bob

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You too Bob! ✌️

[@tanvince1334]

I like how u made this video Getting better!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the kind words about the video. As they say, practice, practice, practice...

[@deb3710]

Great video! 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you! 👍