Vespa Cycle

Vespa bicycle profile
Originally uploaded by hugojcardoso

Hope no whole scooter was sacrificed for this awesome bicycle.

This photo by Hugo Cardodo who wrote about the Casal Carina in issue # 51.

50cc Scooters Help Defeat Breast Cancer

Wouldn't that be a great headline??
In reality, Vespa USA and the Lifetime network are combining forces with local charities to raise funds to fight breast cancer by offering limited edition pink LX 50 scooters to several breast cancer charities "so they can raise money and awareness through their own unique Vespa-fueled fund-raising initiatives." What a great way to help out these smaller groups who are working to find a cure.
Find out more at the Vespa USA's promotion page.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I encourage all you lovely lady scooterists out there to "check your chest" and do what you can to support those who are fighting the fight. Find out how to check yourself for abnormalities and get more information at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

New blogger rules of disclosure

You have probably heard that the Federal Trade Commission has enacted new rules on bloggers who take payment for blogging about products without disclosing the payment. See a report on it at CNBC. Obviously, the Internet is a hard place to navigate for some, which must explain why so many people fall prey to those absurd phishing schemes and end up with their bank accounts cleaned out.

So, for the sake of clarity, I will disclose that I do not accept any payment for any product that I blog about or write about in Scoot!. We do receive free products for review. After we review them, most end up in our swag pile for rally sponsorship. But no one pays us for our reviews in print or online. We genuinely look for products that we feel our readers will want to use. We do have advertisers, but I don't let that effect my review. If it's crap, it's crap. If it's good, it's good, no mater whether they advertise or not.

But now I wonder how many other bloggers have been pulling in the $$$ from selling their opinions?

And while I'm at it, I wish the FTC would tell the FCC to work just as hard to get those calls about my "factory warranty" expiring to stop happening on my cell phone! BTW If you get harassing unrelated calls on your cell phone you can fill this form out.

Scoot Richmond on CNN Money

Checkout Chelsea from Scoot Richmond is profiled in this piece on envigorating a small business.

Raising Scooter Awareness in Savannah

I saw this on the WTOC TV website. A small rally where scooterists wanted to further the eco-friendly reputation of scooters. It's a smart angle for the local shops to sponsor events and make connections with local media who are eager to provide their audience with local eco-friendly options.

MSF Slogan Contest: Vote for Winner

PRESS RELEASE:
Top 10 Semi-Finalists Selected for
the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Ride On! Write On! Contest

Public Vote Will Determine Winning MSF Slogan

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2009 - After reviewing over 550 submissions to its Ride On! Write On! contest, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has selected the top 10 semi-finalist slogans. The public is invited to vote online at www.msf-usa.org to determine the winning slogan. Votes will be accepted until 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Standard Time) on October 15, 2009. One vote per person. See website for details.

Top Ten Semi-Finalist Slogans
1. Real Divas Ride Smart
2. New Rider, New Skills, New Confidence, New Friends, New Woman
3. A good foundation isn't just for your face
4. Save a marriage, let a professional teach you to ride. MSF saving marriages since 1973.
5. Mom taught me about life...MSF taught me about riding
6. Your curves look better when trained. Take an MSF class!
7. Unleash your Inner Biker Chic! Take A MSF Course Today!
8. Women on motorcycles are positive female "roll" models. Strike a pose!
9. MSF RiderCourse, a women's ignition to confidence, independence and inspiration
10. Female motorcycling - The essence of independence! Learn how at www.msf-usa.org

"We've had tremendous response to our contest; some funny, some inspiring, some a little sexist, some serious, and one or two we had to disqualify," said Dr. Sherry Williams, director, quality assurance and research. "It wasn't easy to select just 10 semi-finalists. Riders, and particularly women riders, are very passionate about taking their first MSF RiderCourse, and that passion definitely shows in these clever, creative slogans. Now it's up to the public to determine the final top three winners. We'll look forward to using these slogans to inspire more women to discover the fun and adventure of motorcycling."

The goal of the contest is to generate a slogan that will be used primarily for women's shirts, as well as other items the MSF may choose to make available for sale. The message should reflect how essential it is to get started in motorcycling the right way - by taking the MSF RiderCourseSM - and how uplifting that accomplishment can be.

The top three winners will receive gift certificate prizes from Whitehorse Gear: 1st Place is $599, 2nd Place is $400 and 3rd Place is $300. Winners will be announced on or after October 16, 2009. Rules and restrictions apply. See the MSF website for details.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes rider safety through rider training systems, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been internationally recognized since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations,
call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.

New Amazon Widget: Songs to Sing While Scooting

Amazon has some cool widgets for websites. I just installed an MP3 playlist which has some of my favorite songs to sing while riding my scooter.

I have a terrible voice, even my boyfriend says so, so when I am scooting and in a great mood, I can sing out loud any song that I like. My full-face helmet keeps me hidden and no one is the wiser. However, once Jon and I tested helmet communication devices, and my secret was revealed when I forgot that he could hear me and I started to hum a song. Luckily, I hadn't broken out with "I, I, I, I, I'm so tired but I just can't lose my stride". I didn't feel so bad as he started singing, too. I bet many of you do it, too.

So, I made a mini playlist of songs that I like to sing when scooting. Check 'em out & feel free to leave a comment on which songs you like to sing.

Edwin Starr "25 Miles": when this song is played at an all-nighter, the floor is packed. It's soul-kick-alicious! It has all the elements of a great crowd pleasing dance song. If it doesn't get your foot tapping, call a hearse.

The Who "I'm Free": I feel very free when I'm having a good scootin' day.

Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose "Treat Her Like a Lady": It's sexy and has a great call-and-response and a moving beat that has you wanting to move.

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons "Beggin'": a very passionate and effective song.

The Damned "The Shadow of Love": goth meets western in this awesome song that owes much to Rat Scabies' incessantly wonderful drumming.

I didn't have enough room to add another favorite: "Peace Frog" by The Doors.
Agree? Disagree? Got your own songs? Leave a comment!

Do Bats ♥ Motorscooters?

I have heard two different people remark that bats have followed them when riding their scooters. One was riding a two-stroke scooter in the hills of Italy at dusk. The other was riding a four-stroke modern bike around a parking lot in California at dusk. Coincidence?

Bats have a fine-tuned sense of hearing, but does the loud engine of a scooter attract them? Do the enjoy huffing scoot exhaust? have polled several bat experts, but without specifics such as what species the bats were, many of them cannot give me a definitive answer.

Have you ever encountered bats when you scoot? What do you think they are attracted to?

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!

Scooter Gang Cannot Sit on Mopeds

I saw this article on the Camden New Journal website. The headline says:

Scooter Asbo kids Caught on Facebook
THREE members of a teenaged scooter gang who posted footage of their exploits on Facebook and Myspace were banned from sitting on a moped for two years by a youth court on Monday.

I don't mean to minimize any of the antics that the gang may have done, but I hope that the judge was more savvy in his ruling than than the article hints. If kids were committing crime on a scooters I'm sure they would be happy to agree to stay off of mopeds.

Pink Wall Scooter

Nerd Approved blog posted about this wild wall scooter. It is available from StatueDecor for $637. Dimensions L=54" W=12.75" H=38".

Lady Gaga stage show to feature "four Vespas"

I stumbled upon this post which quotes the guy from The Streets as saying that a Lady GaGa stage show in England had a bullet-proof piano and four Vespas. Anyone seen these scooters?

Scooter shop forced to move by city bureaucracy

If you were at Amerivespa 2009, you may have seen John Bettencourt or stopped by his shop Moto Amore before one of the rides. Our local alt-weekly The Metro ran a story about him having to move his shop due to city bureaucracy. He is now relocating to a nicer building in the next town over which just happens to be down the street from the new Scoot! offices.
Photo from The Metro article.

Blog entry soundtrack: "Triangle Walks" by Fever Ray

Cash for Clunkers lives on!

Albeit in a different way...


Genuine Scooters made their own video of their Cash for Clunkers program:

...participating GENUINE SCOOTER DEALERS, will offer a $300 CASH CREDIT towards any GENUINE SCOOTER PRODUCT in exchange for any "titled" 2 wheeler that can be rolled or driven in to it's dealership.

The program was pioneered by the innovative Mike @ NOHO scooters. Go Mike! Go Genuine!

To find out more about the program, contact your local Genuine dealer, or Mike if you are in the L.A. area!

Calgary Scooter Giveaway

The Canadian Calgary Herald is hosting a contest where entrants can win a new electric scooter. I see such contests all the time, except that in this one entrants must submit a 50 words or less description of why they want to win a scooter. I'd love to see the submissions just to see what folks think about why and how a scooter should be in their lives. I imagine that there will be a strong environmental slant to many of the entries.

If you are an Alberta resident, why not enter?
Contest Rules.

Sacramento Scooter Photo Show

Casey Sachen is a scooterist who used to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, but relocated to Chicago a few years ago. He's back in California for a showing of his scooter-related at The Scoot Shop in Sacramento, CA. If you are in the area on September 19th , stop by. His photos are of scooter rallies and scooterists from all over the US.

My new ride: KYMCO Yager GT 200i

I had to turn over the TMAX to Josh so that he could head to Southern California, but my consolation prize is the new KYMCO Yager. It's much different than the TMAX (what isn't?) but I intend to enjoy the heck out of riding it. We're just closing issue # 52, so look for a Yager review in issue # 53 which should hit right near the holidays.

Mary Smith on Ace of Cakes ♥ scooters

She brought an impressive cake to the PVSC band Camp rally. Now, get to know the Charm City Cakes staffer who rides a vintage Vespa. Catch the show Tuesdays & Thursdays on the Food Network.

Blog entry soundtrack: "Precious" by The Pretenders.

Blog Watch: Soft Film/Vintage Chinese Cinema

Found via Google Alert. This post from the Soft Film: Vintage Chinese Cinema blog has some great photos and a profile of Chinese actress Mai Ling. She looks tiny next to that bike! I love the coy poses and the outfit. I can't read the linked scanned article, but the photos tell their own stories, don't they?

Blog entry soundtrack: "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force
"Rock, rock, planet rock. Don't Stop!"

This is not a scooter

I know that is is called a Scoot Coupe. I know that it has a scooter-like engine. But, I really wish that my mailbox will cease bringing me news about this vehicle. Not interested. Not covering it.

Hey, we're sponsors!

Did you know that Scoot! sponsors scooter rallies? While we aren't flush with dough, we do like to send free subscription gift certificates, collectible back issues and random cool swag that we get from manufacturers.

We're sponsors of the Vesparados' Endless Summer Rally next month. It's a fun rally. I have attended twice, and enjoyed it a lot. Santa Barbara is ideal for scooting. Go if you can!

Live from San Francisco Classic

Raffle is on!









-- Post From My iPhone

Scoot! #51 en route

The next issue of Scoot! will be mailed to subscribers on Monday 8/10. Dealers should get the magazine within a week of that.

Our next issue will include:

• The top 3 winning scooters from the 2009 Put Up or Shut Up Build-off in Las Vegas
• A review of the new Honda SH150i
• A P200 Pipe Shoot-Out
• The Casal Carina: Portugal's First and Last Scooter
• The 50-Buck Challenge: Hot Rod Al Edition
• Product Reviews
• Rally Reports

and more!

If you are a subscriber and haven't received your magazine by August 31st, feel free to email us and we can check it out.

Another chance to win a Vespa...

Campy Italian restaurant chain Buca di Beppo is holding a contest in which you could win a new Vespa and a trip to the Vespa Museum in Italy. All in all there are 4 scooters (S50s) up for grabs.

The contest runs from 7/21/09 through 10/5/09.
Good Luck!

Upcoming Event: San Francisco Classic

One of the first rallies that I attended was Kings Classic in San Francisco. I think it was the one with the flaming die patch. I didn't buy a patch because I thought it was lame to buy one if I didn't have a scooter. I was on the back of my friend Paul's P200 and I had never seen so many scooter in one place; taking over the streets, ignoring traffic signals, populating the air with blue smoke. It was exhilarating.

The Rally Kings are gone, but the event lives on in the form of The San Francisco Classic which takes place this weekend. San Francisco is a great town for riding. I'm so used to scooting around that town, that I hate riding in a car and would rather tow my scooter in a truck and park it on the outskirts so that I can get around. Silly but true.

This is a classic scooter rally for vintage bikes. No one begrudges the new bikes, but it is an old-style rally that should be left as it is, like an interactive museum.

I'm planning on being there on Saturday. I am seriously behind on the next issue, so I can only spare one weekend day.

Win a SYM Fiddle II 50

Last change to enter to win a SYM Fiddle II 50. It's a pretty cool looking scooter. Enter fast as the deadline is August 14th, 2009.

9/2 UPDATE: The winner is Chris Dunning of Oswego, NY. Congratulations!

Blog entry soundtrack: "You Are Nothing" by Olive

TMAX to the Max

My second day of TMAX testing and it is a cool windy evening in San Francisco. Slow ride for 45 miles on the freeway? Ugh!


-- Post From My iPhone

Want to submit a rally report?

I have been doing this so long that I often forget that not everyone knows about our rally report process/policy. If you have ever wanted to contribute a rally report, read my suggestions below.

We love to get rally reports from the field. We often sponsor rallies, and I ask the rallies to furnish a report so that we know what happens. We can't be everywhere, ya know?
Ideally, rally reports should be:

• 400-800 words long, either pasted into an email or attached in MS Word, Appleworks or plain text (txt) formats. We use Macs, so don't use Wordpad. We can't open those documents.
• Accompanied by at least 5 photos, preferably digital jpeg or tiff images at the highest quality setting possible. The minimum resolution we can accept is 300 dpi. Although dpi is usually for printers, most digital cameras use this as a measurement.
• Emailed to April: april AT scootmagazine DOT com
• Make sure to include: Rally Title, City/State, Date of event, # of bikes or attendees, sponsoring club name (if any), website address (if any) for readers to find out more.Don't forget your name & address, as well as the name/address of any photographers who contribute.
  

The point of a rally report is to share what is going on around the country, and to inspire others to come to the next rally or to create their own rally. The report shouldn't be a blow-by-blow chronological itinerary, but should instead show what made the rally particularly fun or unique. We want to inspire others to join in on rally fun!

Anyone can contribute a rally report, but if you are not affiliated with the rally, check with the organizers, first. They may already have plans for a submission.

While we cannot pay our contributors, we an send copies of the magazine to express our thanks.

Still got questions? Email me.

Happy scooting,
-april

Blog post soundtrack: "Dance With Me" by The Lords of the New Church

Yo Gabba Gabba!

At Comic Con!



-- Post From My iPhone

How Its Made: Vespas

Tonight on the Science Channel, tune in at 9pm ET to see a How It's Made episode that goes into the Piaggio plant. See how your scoot began life!

-- Post From My iPhone

Bought at Renegade Craft Fair

I got this Lammy tote from this nice man from vitalindustries.com at the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco last weekend.


-- Post From My iPhone

Target Find

Got this at Target. Unfortunately don't know any upcoming scooter weddings. Will post better pic later.



-- Post From My iPhone

Off to Comic-Con!

I'll be at Comic Con this week and out of the office from Tuesday-Tuesday. If you are one of the 140K other fans there, say hello. I'll be doin' time at the Chronicle Books both #1506, and then wandering around the show Twittering under scootmagapril. Last year one booth had a packaging box for a concept toy with a goth-style scooter. I hope that this year it is available! If you are there also look for R.Black who will be autographing & selling stuff. Also look for Patrick from RocketWorld and his kewl IWG characters who ride scooters. have one of his zipper pulls on my Scoot! sweatshirt.

I'll be on the lookout for celebs and scooter art.

Blog entry soundtrack: "It's Different for Girls" by Joe Jackson

Goodbye Vectrix, we hardly knew ye...

When Vectrix first debuted in the US, Scoot! got to test-ride one of the models. Mike picked it up in San Francisco (where he lives) and Josh went up to get it and bring it back so that both he and I could ride it. Unfortunately, because SF is about 45 miles north, the Vectrix wouldn't have been able to make it back on the freeway on one charge. Strike one for the electro-maxi scooter. Sure it was heavy, yes it needed better range, by golly it was expensive. But it was kinda cool and I was very hopeful that they could make a go of it, especially when all of the other electric scooters that we saw maxed out at 28mph and were just cheap Chinese crud.

The Vectrix had some hurdles which it couldn't quite overcome and now DealerNews reports that the company is filing for bankruptcy. In this economy, who isn't feeling a pinch? But Vectrix was price-point challenged with the highest price scooter available (you could buy a Hyundai for less) and it had a product that wasn't essential to the American lifestyle (as is a car). Most Americans see scooters as a second vehicle, for fun jaunts. $10K is a little dear for such a non-essential item, especially when it was limited in rage. If you run out of gas in a combustion engine, you just gas-n-go, but the Vectrix needed about 2 hours of charging to gain any useful range.

Another thing that Vectrix lacked was a large base of early adopters. For some technology items, a loyal group of buyers comes forth and will pay the high price to get the newest technology first. Remember $600 iPhones? But wealthy environmentalists like Leonardo DiCaprio were few and far in between. Many folks probably felt like I did: it was a cool idea, but I would rather wait for a less expensive version with greater range. Unfortunately, Vectrix needed to sell lots more of those initial versions to keep the company going, through revenue and continued investment.

I was hopeful, but when the entire world seems to be in a economic meltdown, there just isn't any room or time to invest in dreams. It's really to bad.

New Film: We Are the Mods

Independent filmmaker E.E. Cassidy's new film We Are the Mods is on the festival circuit, appearing next week at Outfest in Los Angeles on July 18th. For more info on the director and the film read this indieWire interview.

Watch the trailer.

Annapolis: Watch your scoots!

The Baltimore Sun reported today on a rash of scooter thefts in the area. According to the story, the bikes in question don't need to be registered, which leads me to believe that most of the scooters are 50cc. Even if you don't pay a lot for your scooter, you can still do several things to deter theft:

• Use a disc brake lock, especially one with an alarm (Cost: $20-100)
• Use a substantial cable lock to anchor your bike to a permanent structure (Cost: $15-80)
• Use a bike cover- thieves poking around draw unwanted attention (Cost: $20-70)

More expensive ways to deter theft:

• Employ the Lo-Jack System
• Re-wire your kill switch to a hidden place which will make it hard for thieves to ride away
• Use an enclosure such as a shed or a RideInn
  

In order to keep your scooter safe, you need to stay vigilant and a step ahead of the bad-guys.

Rise Against Video with Mopeds

For their new album Appeal to Reason, Rise Against shot a video for the song Re-Education Through Labor which has mopeders from the Chicago area. Use the link to check it out.

Vespa Hybrid Reaching Fruition

Earlier this week, Piaggio announced their Hybrid MP3 which uses dual electric and combustion power plants:

The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid incorporates a “parallel” hybrid drive in which a combustion engine and an electric motor are mechanically and electronically linked and simultaneously supply power to the wheel

The MP3 Hybrid uses lithium ion batteries, and is said to be "the first vehicle in the world to combine plug-in charging from the mains with lithium ion batteries." It is supposed to take 3 hours to fully charge the batteries, wit 85% achieved at 2 hours.

The press release compares the CO2 emissions + fuel consumption among other forms of transport:

Small gas engine car: 180 g/km CO2; 13.2 km/l fuel
Large gas engine car: 270 g/km CO2; 6.9 km/l fuel
Small diesel engine car: 150 g/km CO2; 17.7 kn/l fuel
Mid-size gas engine scooter: 90 g/km CO2; 26.0 km/l fuel
MP3 Hybrid: 0 g/km CO2 (emissions in electric mode) 40 g/km CO2 (combined mode); 60 km/l fuel

Some specs:
124cc 4-stroke gas engine
Hybrid powertrain power: 11 kW (15 CV) at 8,500 rpm
Hybrid powertrain torque: 16 Nm at 3K rpm
Electric motor: Synchronous brushless permanent magnet motor
Electric motor power: 2.6 kW (3.5 CV)
Electric motor torque: 15 Nm
Cooling: Air
Battery charge modes: During braking and deceleration on the move, and from the mains (battery charger integrated in on-board electronics)


The bike should be available for US buyers in early 2010 andd could cost about $10K.
Images courtesy of Piaggio.

Blog entry soundtrack: "I Wanna Be Adored" by Stone Roses

Rise Against

Finishing up interview.



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Interviewing Rise Against tonight

Turns out that the politi-punk band Rise Against is also a bunch of Scooterist that take their bikes on the road with them. I'm going to the Oakland Arena tonight to interview them & see their show. Photographer Dan C is coming along & he is a big fan. This article will appear in issue #52, and we're just putting to bed #51, so it will be a while before it makes it to print. I'll try to post some photos on the blog before then.

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Seen in San Francisco

Cute Buddy. Naughty & nice.
It's a cold, overcast, windy day. Summer in San Francisco!



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Goodbye, Amerivespa!

Had a great time! Congratulations to VCOA and local hosting club, Vespa Club Los Gatos!
Woke up this morning (after sleeping for 9 hours) to sunburn and dehydration. Must have had a good time!
Read the full report this fall in Scoot!.

Sunday Picnic

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Bad photo of a small portion of the parking lot.

Late nite-- post Amerivespa partay

Scooter Haus 2:14 AM
Josh snoring in a plastic chair after a long day at Saratoga Springs.

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Alex Azam from the Burgundy Topz and Eric Dutra from VCOA chat during a break in the gymkahana. Dig Alex's cool outfit.

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Bikes entered into the concourse at Saratoga Springs.

Snoopy Scooty

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Scooter Daddy's custom shirt with Snoopy & Woodstock scootin' around. Scooter Daddy also gave me some cool ornaments, one of which is Santa on a Lambretta! Thanks, Waid!

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Stop #3: Moon Zoom

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One small corner of this 2-story vintage shop in San Jose.

Shopping Ride

First stop-- Campbell!




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S.I.P photo bloggin' @ Amerivespa

Check out what some crazy German scooter-tuning nuts (I say that affectionately!)experience at Amerivespa at the S.I.P. blog.

Excited to finally meet Ralf & crew in person.

Upstairs @ Agenda

Xian & Jen


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Amerivespa Thursday Night

Extreme ride over Mount Hamilton was said to be a fun success. Lots of folks for first night. Sitting @ Agenda Lounge listening to Bang a 60's revival band with 3 lady singers.





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AMA Boost Roadside Assistance

PRESS RELEASE

American Motorcyclist Association announces expansion of free AMA Roadside Assistance program

Three-year membership requires no automatic renewal

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Members of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have a new way to qualify for free roadside assistance for their motorcycles, cars, trucks, motorhomes and trailers. Effective immediately, all members who purchase a new three-year AMA membership will be enrolled in AMA Roadside Assistance at no additional cost.

Unchanged is the $39 annual fee that AMA members currently pay to belong to the world's largest member-based motorcyclists' rights organization. New three-year members are not required to annually auto-renew to receive free AMA Roadside Assistance.

"Whether members participate in our auto-renewal program, or if they sign up for a three-year membership, the result is the same: cost savings for the AMA," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "As a member-supported organization, we are happy to pass those savings back to our members in the form of one of the most significant member benefits we've offered in our 85-year history: free AMA Roadside Assistance."

This expanded benefit follows the AMA's introduction in February of free AMA Roadside Assistance for all members who enroll in the AMA's auto-renewal program. Whether riding on two wheels, driving on four, or hauling a trailer, AMA members can take the road less traveled with peace of mind, thanks to AMA Roadside Assistance,

Benefits include coverage for bikes, cars, pickups, motorhomes and trailers registered to the member, the member's spouse and dependent children under the age of 24, living at home or away at college; towing up to 35 miles; flat-tire assistance; coverage in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada; emergency fuel delivery; up to five dispatched service calls per year; and toll-free assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from two national call centers.

In addition, all dispatch and hook-up fees are included, and AMA Roadside Assistance does not require members to seek reimbursement. The program pays first.

AMA Roadside Assistance is just one of more than two dozen benefits that members receive when they join the AMA. Discounts are provided from companies such as Garmin, BikeBandit.com, EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals, XENA Security, Ezy-Lift, RoadLok, Char-Broil, MAD Maps and many more. In addition, members support the world's leading motorcyclists' rights advocacy organization, receive the monthly journal of the AMA, American Motorcyclist, and are eligible to sign up for participation in AMA Racing amateur competition.

For more information about the benefits of AMA membership, call the AMA Member Services Center at (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Amerivespa Starts TODAY

I'll be remote blogging and Twittering from the events. Thanks, iPhone!
OH... I'll also be riding my '78 Vespa P200. Can't be social networking the whole time. Keep checking back for updates and photos.

Washed, polished & recharged...

Came home from work to wash my trusty P200. Put something called "Ice" on it but the rattle can't be made to look like multi-stage pro paint. Changed the spark plug. Better to start out fresh. Battery is charging as Jon said that my lights looked dim.

Next... properly inflate tires and locate my reg + insurance. Where did I put those...?

With 600 or so scooters running around, I had better be on my best behavior and have all my papers in order.

Camping at Amerivespa- try these 2 treats

When camping you need marshmallows. I'm not a fan of S'mores as they have the wrong ratio of marshmallow: chocolate: graham cracker. So check out these two versions:

Marshmallow & Grasshoppers: Take a toasty marshmallow and plop it on a Keebler grasshopper cookie which is a chocolate wafer covered in mint chocolate. Exquisite! Impress your friends!

Local TV show View from the Bay just posted video of The Melting Pot's S'mores Fondue, which I think looks especially tasty. A scrumptious blend of marshmallow, chocolate, graham crumbs and Bacardi. Now that sounds like scooter camping!

See you all @ Amerivespa!

LA Times: Motos in Movies

L.A. Times motorcycle reporter Susan Carpenter recently posted a story about motorcycles and scooters appearing in films. It's no accident that we see actors riding macho motorcycles or quaint scooters. A person's transportation says a lot about them, and those non-verbal cues are also exploited in films. What did it convey when The Terminator rode a Harley wearing a tough leather jacket? What do filmmakers want the audience to know about a character when he or she rides a scooter?

Let's forget about Roman Holiday for a moment as I think the science of product placement wasn't quite dialed in. And Quadrophenia is totally another ballgame...

Here are some notable films with characters riding scooters.


Saved: Patrick Fugit is the son of a Christian school principal who not only rides a skateboard, but he also has messy hair and drives a Vespa. His scooter adds another layer to his outcast nature, and gives him a cool ride to give Jenna Malone a lift. The filmmakers obviously wanted him to be both cool and on the outside.

American Pie:
Finch, the friend in he film's group who had more refined taste, and was a 40-year-old in a teenage body rode a scooter. Of course, he stalled it in front of his friends to their amusement. He's a quirky character who seems out of place and from another time, thus he pursues his friend's mother. I liked Finch best! Can you believe that it has been 10 years since this film debuted?



Vampires Anonymous:
A small indie film, but with the benefit of Michael Madsen (rahr!). The film's protagonist, Vic, is a vampire trying to go clean. He enters a AA-style rehab plan where Madsen is his sponsor who teaches him how to feat on sheep instead of humans. He is sent to a small town to lay low. His sponsors tell him to blend in and not look conspicuous. Instead he shows up to his new backwater country town in a slim cut suit on a mod-style Vespa. Of course he stands out and his charm and uniqueness get him The Girl, but those qualities also make him the target of local ridicule from town jocks. In this film, the scooter was chosen to make the character standout from his rural surroundings and give him an outsider appeal. A fun independent film.

I could go on, but let's hear about your favorite scooter-riding film characters.


Blog entry soundtrack: "I Like the Rose" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Can't Strip My Lambretta in the Kitchen...

I saw this video from The Animal Jack Band (who are Scoot! MySpace friends). Reminds me of when Jon refurbished my VBB in my dining room. My landlord came in to check something one day and I had to explain that it was all new & there was not gas or oil in it. Somehow, she didn't kick me out.

I can't strip my Lambretta down in the kitchen 'ska' blues from curious ostrich on Vimeo.

Free to good home: Vespa for 12 months

I thought I had posted this already, but realized that it languished in my draft folder. Well, better late than never!

Piaggio Group Americas Announces Industry-First Risk-Free 12-Month Test Ride

NEW YORK, June 1, 2009 – Piaggio Group Americas, Inc., the importer of Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi scooters and motorcycles, has an offer that you just can’t refuse. If you’ve been tempted to join America’s rapidly growing scooter community but your plans have been on idle because you’re not sure whether you were born to ride, the time to discover your inner scooteristi is right now. Effective today, Piaggio invites consumers on a risk-free 12 Month Test Ride, an industry-first program that offers qualified buyers the opportunity to experience all the fun, savings and environmental benefits of select Piaggio, Aprilia and Vespa scooters without a long-term commitment. The 12 Month Test Ride offer includes the option to return the scooter to participating dealers after 365 days of ownership if the buyer decides that the two-wheel lifestyle just isn’t right for them after all.

The Piaggio scooters included in the 12 Month Test Ride are the Piaggio FLY 50, Piaggio FLY 150, Piaggio BV Tourer 250 and the Piaggio MP3 250. You can also choose from the Vespa S 50, Vespa LX 150, Vespa GTS 300 Super or the Aprilia Sportcity 50, Aprilia Sportcity 125, Aprilia Scarabeo 100 and Aprilia Scarabeo 200.

"It’s our mission to remove any roadblocks keeping even more Americans from discovering just how much money and time they can save, and how much fun they can have, by adding two wheels to their garage,” said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas. “The economic, environmental and lifestyle benefits of scooters are proven on a daily basis in major markets around the globe, and we think this hassle-free introduction to scooter ownership is a risk-free way for U.S. consumers to take a trial membership in our American scooter nation.”

Timoni believes that newcomers to the scooter lifestyle will quickly be convinced to make two wheels a permanent addition to their personal transportation fleets. Existing scooter owners already know that life on two wheels delivers fun and thrills. Practical benefits such as an average 70 mpg fuel economy and an average ownership and operating cost savings of $6,000 per year provide even more incentive to ride. With the majority of American households still owning two, three or more vehicles, swapping just one set of four wheels for two is an immediate solution to rev up personal savings while throttling back on foreign oil dependence, urban congestion
and carbon dioxide emissions.

The 12 Month Test Ride is open to buyers who qualify for a 36-month closed-end finance term, exclusively offered through Piaggio Group America’s partner Sheffield Financial. To take advantage of the offer, the purchase
must be completed by July 31, 2009. The risk-free return guarantee requires the completion of 12 scheduled loan payments and excludes upfront license, vehicle preparation, freight and tax fees as well as a 10% down payment based on the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

For more details about the 12 Month Test Your Ride, please visit
www.PiaggioUSA.com

Blog entry soundtrack: "Careful" by Hot Chip Those limeys rock! :-)

Twitterers @ Amerivespa...

If you are at Amerivespa, don't forget to use the #amerivespa tag!

Follow me @scootmagapril

Amerivespa 2009- Ths Weekend!

I can barely believe that Amerivespa 2009 happens this week. It's in Scoot!'s backyard-- the Silicon Valley. Last weekend the heat was unbearable, but this coming weekend is supposed to be pleasant. Yes!

Scoot! has helped secure donations for the raffle (including several brand new scooters!) and both Josh and I are leading rides. Mike and his crew from SF are throwing the Friday night shindig and Scoot! is hosting a scooter movie show after the Saturday night banquet.

I'll be leading a Shopping Ride with my housemate, Lori. If you are interested in hitting some unique vintage shops and gift boutiques come along! You can see some of the stops here:

View Amerivespa Shopping Ride in a larger map

Josh is leading a ride to Alice's Restaurant, a popular destination for two-wheel riders in this area.

We'll have a booth at both the Friday and Saturday vendor events. If you are here come by to say hello!

Vera Wang: If You Have $$ to Blow

I know that Vera Wang is a hot, in-demand designer, but whenever I see her name on something I automatically think that the product will be needlessly overpriced. We can argue about high-style wedding dresses, but let's agree that these snazzy Vera Wang "Hurry Over" notecards available at Barnes & Noble are a little pricey. At $27 for 10 cards, the recipients of these cards will be cherished friends, or loved ones.

I'm sure she is a probably a nice lady, but really, quit trying to rob me, Vera Wang!

Blog Entry Soundtrack: "Shine a Light" by Wolf Parade

Progressive Getting Serious About Scooter Biz

Progressive Insurance is making a play for the scooter insurance business by working directly with Genuine Scooters and KYMCO. Progressive has created in-store marketing materials that dealers can share with customers including an FAQ, sample quotes and a dedicated website where consumers can get a quote. Buyers will also be able to call for quotes directly from the dealer showroom.

It's a smart move. Aligning themselves with two of the most popular scooter distributors in the US and making contact where scooterists buy their bikes gives Progressive an edge. Many new scooterists have no idea that they can/should insure their scooters, nor do they know which companies provide scooter insurance.

The Genuine site features "Flo" (Progressive's kooky spokesperson) on a Buddy. While KYMCO keeps it motorcycle-centric with their portal.

Spotted in Bloomingdales...

A confidential informer spotted this cool scooter shirt in Bloomies. No other info such as price, but maybe some enterprising scooteristi out there will want to do some recon work and report back.

Your anonymity will be ensured!

My two loves: Vespa + Mac

I was browsing Amazon looking for info on Laika (I've been thinking about that dog since I saw the moped seat...) and stumbled upon this book.

I'm not a Mac programmer, but I dig that they used a scooter on the cover.

If you want to Mac-nerd out, then get it a Amazon:


Blog Entry Soundtrack: "Rip it Up" by Little Richard