Did you know that Vespa is an asteroid?

I read in an article about unexpected celestial body names that there is an Asteroid named after a Vespa. Lo & behold, Wikipedia confirms it. I sent an email to the Lowell observatory to see if they have any further info.

Vectrix's next step: Bankruptcy

According to a story on the Wall Street Journal website, Vectrix is one step closer to bankruptcy with a filing with US Courts for a bankruptcy auction. However,a re-organized company is next in line to buy it, unless another company appears by the End of October deadline. Here's hoping that they can keep it going until the economy turns around and people regain their yen for spending $$ on eco-friendly transportation.

Scooter Revival UK "reality show" in 2010

The 'net is abuzz about a teaser that has been released about an upcoming British show called, Scooter Revival UK which is said to debut in early 2010 in the UK with possible late 2010 showing in the US. You can watch the teaser here:


It looks like it adheres to the basic build-off formulas made popular (or tiresome, however you may look at it) by shows like Orange County Choppers. Although, I like scooters much more and I think it is harder (and more interesting) to recreate impeccable custom vintage scooters than just fabricate new choppers like the Tuttle family does.

A nice nod by having Phil Daniels narrate (he'll always be Jimmy whether he likes it or not) and for using Taffspeed, a well-known shop. Although, you have to chuckle when Colin the millionaire mod says, "You don't build a show-winning bike by just chucking money at it..." which it seems that he may well be doing by having the Taffspeed team doing it (!). But ah well, that's what those shows are about, and I am sure it will inspire the "everymen" scooterists in their garages to take up the cause.

Very excited about the possibility of this show!

2010 Scooter Build-Off Under Way

Last year's scooter build-off competition had a great turn-out with inspirational entries. This year, the organizer's are building on the event's popularity and hoping to get even more incredible bikes participating.

You can enter now at the official site.

The rules are:
1. Participation
This competition is open to any person, club or shop that wants to build a quality scoot. We realize that some participants may not have the same resources that others do. Outsourcing of work is allowed as long as the team gives proper recognition to the shops they have used. Work that can be outsourced includes body, paint, plating, welding and engine work. The registered participants must complete the actual build (except outsourced work) themselves. The scooter can be up to the primer stage prior to the Build Off. Meaning all body work and prep can be done, however the paint and assembly must happen after the Build Off begins.

2. Eligible Scooters
This is a Vintage Scooter Build Off, keep your Rivas at home. Scooters that are allowed are 50's, 60's & 70's manual shift, metal bodied scooters. While Vespas and Lambrettas are the common entries we welcome other vintage makes.

3. The Scooter must be complete and in running condition on the day of the event.

4. Scooters must remain on display in the designated Scooter Build Off area until completion of judging. We will try to display the scooters near the Corazzo booth. This still has to be determined and we will have the Build Off area clearly marked on the day of the event.

5. Judges decisions are final. Judging forms become the sole property of the Scooter Build Off organizers.

6. Please post a "before" picture on the website, periodic progress updates are requested from participants.

7. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to winners in the 3 categories by Corazzo. The Mulligan category will receive a trophy from the event organizers, and a beer.

Fees:

Please pay all entry fees promptly. All monies received are used solely for the Build Off, no one is making a profit here. Registrants will receive patches and shirts with their registration (please specify shirt size) extra patches and shirts will be available but will be limited.

Fees per team:

$50.00 1 scooter, 1 patch, 1 shirt
$80.00 2 scooters, 2 patches, 2 shirts
$100.00 3 scooters, 3 patches, 3 shirts

Fees can be sent via Paypal to Rudy Perez.

If you need to send a check or money order please send it to:

Rudy Perez
835 SE 8th ST
Gresham OR 97080

Scooter Video: Vespa Party

Found on YouTube. Yeah, scooting is like that...

New UK Film Needs Scooterists

A new film is looking for 200 scooterists to act as extras with bikes predating 1965, according to the BBC. The film is a remake of the original Brighton Rock from 1947 with a young Richard Attenborough. While us US scooterists can't be in the film, keep an eye out for it when it appears in 2010.

NC no go; now a cold!

My attempted trip to Asheville NC for the KYMCO presentation was foiled by one of the worst storms in recent memory for the Atlanta area. Although Kayne West may differ:


My flight was delayed several hours and then ultimately canceled with a vague promise to get me out the next day at 9:45. I decided to check on a rental car, but was told the main arteries out of Atlanta were flooded and that people had to scramble onto the roofs of their cars to avoid the quick-flowing onslaught. Rental car was a bit silly since it would have cost me and arm-and-a-leg for a one-way rental.I couldn't get my bags until I arrived at Asheville, so no cell phone charger or toothbrush. Hotels nearby were booked and I was advised to only get hotels with free shuttles as cab fare would run me $40 each way. So, I wondered if it would be better to incur the cost of a hotel and try to get out the next day, knowing that I would miss half of the day's presentation, only to attempt to come back the next day with thunderstorms in the forecast, again. Turns out that the weather was okay to fly back home, which what I ended up doing, albeit with a 3 hour delay. I arrived home at 2:15am exhausted.

That probably explains the nasty cold I developed Tuesday night. The rest of my week has been spent in bed or on the couch watching John Edward reruns.

My infirmity has given me time to write out address labels for the contributors to the current issue. #52 should be arriving at scooter shops this week and retailers within 2 weeks, subscribers should be getting the magazine anytime from this week through the next 3 weeks depending on how remote they are located.

Off to bed. Where is my neti pot?


Blog entry soundtrack: Pleasure Little Treasure by Depeche Mode.

Layover in ATL

Heavy rain & thunder-lightning delayed flights. So now I'll just start on "Sweer Honey, Bitter Lemons" by Matthew Fort. Should be able to knock off some of the book by the time my flight takes off 4 hours from now.

Now Playing: "You Make Me Weak at the Knees" by Electrelane
-- Post From My iPhone

Midnite: finished packing for my 6:15am flight

On my way to North Carolina for KYMCO event. Layover in ATL but I hear there are thunderstorms. Promises to be an interesting flight. I'll be mobile blogging during the trip. Wish me good luck and good weather.
Happy scooting!
-april

Finally ordered a Where's George stamp

If you have never heard of WheresGeorge.com it is a site where you can "register" US paper currency and then track where it goes after that. It is totally dependent upon the next recipient noticing the markings on the bill & then going to a computer to then enter in the info. But, when you get a hit n one of your bills it is cool!

I like to register some bills before I travel & then take them with me. I spend them on the trip and hope that someone will then re-enter them. Scooter rallies are a great occasion for spending some bills.

I just ordered a stamp from StampConnection.com. Have any of you used them before? I'll let you know what happens.

Sneak Peek: Issue #52 ships next week!

Here is a sneak peek at the next issue of Scoot! which should be shipping out from the printers on Monday. In this issue we have:

• Scooter reviews: SYM Symba, Yamaha TMAX, Honda Elite 110
• Scootin' in Maui
• On the Road with punk rock scooterists: Rise Against
• Polini Cup Scooter Racing
• Reader's Rides
• Product Reviews
• Amerivespa 2009 report
• Rally in Puerto Rico

Subscribers should have their issues by the 3rd week of October. Shops and bookstores should have their issues by the first week of October.

I'm already working on the December issue! If you have any suggestions on topics we should cover, let me know.

NSR: Patrick Swayze Roller Disco

Just coudln't help it. It is pretty cool that this stuff it kept around.

Upcoming Event: Scooter Jamboree

If you are in Sacramento this weekend look for the Scooter Jamboree :

Sacramento welcomes the first Scooter Jamboree at The Scoot Shop this Saturday and Sunday to raise money for arts and music.

In a creative collaboration between The Fay Throckmorton, Kenneth Scott Mackrel Organization for the Arts (T&M Organization) and The Scoot Shop, the Scooter Jamboree was created as a charity event to help local youth gain access to art and music and gain revenue for the city, according to Rebekah Spurgeon, co-owner of The Scoot Shop.

"We liked the charity and thought it would be a fun collaboration," Spurgeon said.

The Scoot Shop, located at 1619-A E St. opened last year as the only full service scooter repair shop and dealership. The festivities will begin Saturday with a meet-and-greet from 5-10 p.m featuring live music by Jeffrey Valentine and the Storytella's, fire spinning after dark and an art show featuring Chicago scooter artist Casey Sachen at The Scoot Shop.

Sunday will kick-off at 10 a.m. with a two hour scooter ride for charity around the capitol followed by a dinner party that night at The Scoot Shop. Proceeds from the ride will benefit T&M Organization for the Arts.

According to The Scoot Shop's website, Registration is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. You can register online by phone or in person at The Scoot Shop. Registration includes food and drink tickets, T-shirts and raffle tickets. All shapes, colors and sizes of scooters are welcome, but don't forget your helmet.

Off to North Carolina next week

I'll be in North Carolina for a KYMCO launch presentation. Never been to NC, so I am looking forward to checking it out, riding its roads and seeing KYMCO's operations. Will try to mobile blog from the road.

Coffee from Cento Cafe

Got a mocha at Cento Cafe on Rich St. in San Francisco. It's a very warm day. I rode in this morning and it was foggy & cold. What a difference a few hours makes!



-- Post From My iPhone

New Poll: Tell Us What You Think!

Video Tuesday: Depeche Mode "Behind the Wheel"

Thanks to Lori for sending me the link.

Depeche Mode - Behind The Wheel
by lebordeluche

Stolen Scooter Alert: Santa Barbara, CA

FYI, this scooter was stolen in the Santa Barbara area. Perhaps they will abandon it when it runs out of gas like lots of stupid joyriders do. New article from Noozhawk.

London Telegrah celebrates Quadrophenia Aniversary

The Telegraph "embedded" a reporter into the celebration for Quadrophenia's 30th anniversary. His report is a little humorous, but interesting nonetheless. I'm wondering what the died-in-the-wool mods think of the reporter coming along on his Vespa S.The trip culminated in a stage version of the film. The video is a fun watch.

SYM's Commuter Deal

SYM-USA is offering a CityCom300i Commuter Package to anyone who purchases a CityCom300i from July 20 through September 30. The program has been extended an additional month from its previous deadline of August 31. The package consists of a custom-made polycarbonate wind screen, a Carter-made custom rear rack and 45L GIVI top case, and has a $500 value. For more info follow the link above.

More Scooter parking: A Good Thing

If you have been following Scoot! and this blog for some time you know that I am passionate about designated scooter parking. We launched our own successful campaign in San Jose, CA where we are based. I have blogged about other cities that are also challenged with scoooter/motorcycle parking. The campaign for scooter parking continues.

Here is a story about how Philadelphia is adding parking for two-wheeled vehicles to stop parking on sidewalks. I am against parking on sidewalks for the most part. It can be dangerous for the disabled and can foster bad feelings among the people that walk on the sidewalk. But, if there was adequate parking for motos, them people wouldn't park on the sidewalk. Moreover, if motos aren't competing with cars, then automobile drivers won't be annoyed by car spaces with one moto in them. I have seen scooters that were moved to accommodate a car-- much to the surprise of the scooter's owner!

Finally, if you have some success share it with Scoot! by dropping me an email. I'd love to inspire others. And if you don't get some help let me kow, too. Perhaps we can all work together for a common goal.
Other cities such as Portland, Seattle, Sarasota and Sydney have undergone moto parking makeovers. Interested in creating more scooter-friendly parking in your city? Try these suggestions:

• Organize: meet other scooterists and get an action group together. Research the amoutn of two-wheel riders in the area. Survey the area at different times and note how many scooters/motorcyces are parked. You must demonstrate a need if the city ia going to pay attention to your cause. Don't forget about motorcyclists. They want parking, too!
• Petition: create a petition that clearly outlines your request(s) and get people to sign it. Make sure that the names are legible and that there is a way to contact each person if needed.
• Facilitate: Odten cities feel that they cannot take away parking from cars, so do some legwork yourself. Specify exactly where you want parking and also identify spaces that can be converted to moto parking without taking away car spots. Examples can be spaces between driveways, ends of blocks where the space between a car spt and the crosswalk may accommodate a scooter or two. Take photos and provide them to the city.
• Be Polite: Yelling and threatening only aggravates others. You'll get more with sugar than vinegar as the saying goes.
• Give Credit: Make sure to give thanks and credit to those in government who are helpful. A bureaucrat's job can be a thankless one, so give them some credit when they are helpful. They will appreciate it!