NSR: Mopeding Monster

Saw this on the Urban Outfitters site & thought it was cute. At first I thought it was a fish, but seriously...those arms? No fish.
Stats:

Moped Pro by Pat Perry
Art Print / SMALL - 17" X 21" ($25.00)
$25.00

Tuk Tuk/ Scooter Taxi Dress - So Cute!

Summer may be waning, but you can keep the spirit of a far east holiday with this super-cute Asian Expedition dress from eShakti.

The dress sells for $65 and has:

• Cotton cambric; hand wash
• Back exposed metal clip closure
• Front scoop neck, back v-neck
• Banded waist
• Above knee length
• Lined in cotton voile

The company allows you to customize their products for a nominal fee. This was for sale a few months ago, disappeared from the site before I could blog it and has since returned. Get it now!

Detail of block printing

Blog Entry Soundtrack:

Sofia Vergara on a Vespa

I haven't seen this new issue of SELF magazine, but saw it posted on HollywoodLife.com.  Self styled a la dolce vita look and posted a video.  Check out the scooter in the video and the finished product below. Talk about a photoshop job!

You may recognize Vergara as Ed O'Neill's wife on the TV show, Modern Family.

This photo may not be in the magazine.

update: saw this in the store today & this photo was not in it. Too bad for the person who did all the bike photoshopping!

Scooter Invasion: Des Moines

Perhaps the last place that you would expect to see a flock of scooters would be Des Moines, Iowa, but this week's issue of Juice (supplement to the Des Moines Register) covers The Corporation, a local scooter club that is hosting hosted its first scooter rally this last weekend, the Hostile Takeover.

NOTE: I had set this up to post last week, but somehow it never moved from my draft folder. Doh! So I had to revise the post. What is cool is that my friend Norbert just came back from Iowa and brought me a copy of this exact issue. Cool!

Check out the club's website for more info.

blog entry soundtrack:

Cannonball Run Highlights

A bit of a round-up of Cannonball Run news culled from various bloggers on the ride. Links go to thir original posts. 

 

Mechanical problems!

It can't be a Cannonball Run without endless post-ride maintenance. David Bednarski deals with a disintegrating exhaust.  Starr Markham's Lambretta seized a piston,

Stolen Truck!

 Bill Luinetti's support truck was stolen in Grand Forks, BC, Canada. Bummer. So much for those friendly Canadians! [jk] not only was it his vehicle, and a support truck for him and Starr Markham, it was how his son followed the trip. A sh*tty situation all around. Best of luck recovering the truck!


Accidents!
Jim topples over in tough road conditions.

Mud!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 David Bednarski

Slowness!

Oz and Aaron's journey on 50cc scoots isn't about speed. GPS tells the test of patience that is a C3 going uphill.

Beauty!

Some great photos from the road. It isn't all bad, tough riding!

 Kickstart Karen

 David Bednarski

 Kickstart Karen

Got some time to read the blogs yourself? Grab a cup of coffee and read on:

David's 2010 Cannonball Run Blog
Life @ Slo Mo (Oz & Aaron)
Brian's Scooter Cannonball Blog
Kickstart Karen
Lambretta Odysseys

More updates to come!

Doodle Bugs are Back!

Quiz: What is a Doodle Bug?

A:

or



B:















If you guessed B, you are right, If you guessed A, you mistakenly chose a Hasbro Cootie.

Doodle Bugs were American-made scooters that, while only manufactured for a few years in the 1940s, must have been quite popular since so many exist today. Like Cushmans and Salsburys, many of the bikes have low horse-power Briggs & Stratton engines. Powerful enough to propel a youngster around the neighborhood, but not so much as to get him in trouble (or so was the thinking). These early, simple scooters provided a great sense of freedom for their young owners. Many of those original Doodle Bug riders have returned to the fold and bought new (to them) scooters and hold rallies to share their enthusiasm and knowledge.

The Daily Freeman-Journal just ran an article on the upcoming Doodle Bug Reunion which happens this weekend in Webster City, IA.

Bitten by the bug? Find out more about the Doodle Bug:

• Doodle Bugs on Wikipedia
• Vintage Motorbike Scooter Museum
• Yesterday's Rides Motorworks
• See my post on this event from 2007

Blog entry soundtrack:

Secret Scoot! Stuff

Recording at KQED. More info to come.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Look Who's in American Motorcyclist...

In June, Grant Parsons from the American Motorcyclist Association asked me to write a piece for the back-of-the-book guest column in the association's magazine, American Motorcyclist. The subject was up to me, which left me with a lot of possibility. Should I write about the practicality of riding a scooter? Should I extol the virtues of a small parking footprint and gas economy? Should I talk about Roman Holiday and Quadrophenia? I was a bit stumped on how to say something fresh and new that didn't sound as if I assumed that the AMA readers didn't know anything about scooters. I also didn't want to sound apologetic. Many scooterists take that sort of tone, as if they are lesser riders because they ride scooters. I struggled with the concept of the article and was unable to decide before I took off for my week away at Comic-Con.

When I returned, I had to close the next issue of Scoot! and every spare moment of writing was dedicated to the issue. However, while I was editing the events calendar, I noticed something unusual. There were several Mods vs Rockers events happening this summer/fall. While Mods/Rockers events are nothing new, it was the amount of such events, spread out over the country, which impressed me. It meant that in pockets of the US, there were groups of scooterists and motorcyclists getting together to have fun, with no attitude...actually thumbing their noses at the notion that the two groups don't get along. Cool! I found the inspiration for my column.

Once I figured on a theme, it went quickly. As much as I think Quadrophenia is a tired source to cite, it actually was pertinent to the point, so I evoked it once (I promise to leave it alone for a while!) to illustrate the old view of scooters versus motorcycles. The point that I wanted to make was that scooterists and motorcyclists aren't that different. We want the same things, we find pleasure in two-wheeled transport, so we should offer each other respect.

The issue just hit mailboxes this week, and I have received some great feedback. If you are an AMA member, I hope you check it out. If you aren't an AMA member, why not join?

Photo by Jen Good @ jengood.com

Blog entry Soundtrack: Electricity by OMD and The Promise by When in Rome.

The Benefits of Parking a Scooter

Try this in a smart car! ;-)




-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

More Cannoball Run...

This article on Cannonball Run participant David Bednarski discusses this year's trip which he will do to raise awareness for Cold Nose Lodge, a canine daycare/boarding/rescue center.
This is David's second Cannonball. He finished the 2008 Run.

You can see a Flikr slideshow of his ride preparation here.
Keep up on the Cannonball at David's blog.

Starting Today: Cannonball Run

The 2010 Scooter Cannonball begins on September 9th! Pistol Pete, who freelances for Scoot!, is participating. Check out his blog and look for some great pics in a future issue. The route goes from Vancouver B.C. to Portland, Maine, and should be a great route along the upper part of the U.S.

Our pal, Bagel (a funny story on how he got that name. Ask me sometime!) is posting updates on his blog: Bagel's Scooter Blog. So, follow on the fun!

Good luck to the riders on their fantastic 10-day journey!

Win a Vespa LX 50 or Smell Great Trying...

Still haven't won a Vespa LX 50? I'm surprised since it seems to be the go-to model for contests, lately. This newest contest is with Crabtree & Evelyn, which wants to celebrate its new Iris fragrance with a purple scooter giveaway. Enter now. Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM EST on September 30, 2010.

Baron Von Shock

Spotted in local comic book shop: "Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock?" Comic by Rob Zombie by Image Comics. Scooter is only on cover and 2 panels inside.

Upcoming Event: So Far So Good

The SF Scooter Girls know how to party...in an organized and responsible way. Go ladies! That sounds funny but I love a fun, organized rally, and these ladies can bring it.  :)

The San Francisco Scooter Girls Present:
So Far So Good IV – I Left My Heart in San Francisco

An all rides no raffle rally.

Friday Sept 10:
Meetup: 5:00 PM

• San Francisco Scooter Centre - 127 Tenth Street (at Mission), San Francisco
• Leave: 6:00 PM (led by Rachele)
• Arrive: 7:00 PM
• Broken Record Bar and Grille - 1166 Geneva (at Edinburgh), San Francisco

Saturday Sept 11:
Breakfast: 9:00 - 11:00 AM

• Green Bar – 101 Clay Street - Embarcadero 3 – 2nd Level, San Francisco
• Kick-ass breakfast provided by SF Scooter Girls at Green Bar
• Scooter parking provided by SFSG on Drumm Street at Clay
• SFSG breakfast, back by popular demand is as follows:

• Scrambled eggs, bacon & potatoes
• French toast w syurp/butter
• Italian sausage w assorted peppers
• Down home grits w sharp cheddar cheese *new edition by request*
• Breakfast breads: carrot, marble, lemon poppy, orange cake and bagels
• Coffee, tea, assorted juice

* There will be bottles of water and cookies to grab for the ride*

Breakfast begins at 9:00 a.m, we'll serve 'till 11 or so---see you there!

• Leave: 11:00 AM (led by Lauren)
• Arrive: 2:00 PM Park Chalet – 1000 Great Highway (at Ocean Beach), San Francisco
• Meetup: 7:00 PM Silver Crest Donut Shop - 340 Bayshore Blvd., San Francisco
• Leave: 7:30 PM
• Arrive: 8:30 PM Serra Bowl - 3301 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City

Sunday Sept 12:

• Meetup: 10:00 AM Philz Coffee - 201 Berry St (at 4th Street, near King)
• Leave: 10:30 AM
• EB Meetup: 11:00 AM
• Doyle St. Café - 5515 Doyle Street, Emeryville
• Leave: 11:30 AM
• Arrive: 2:30 PM New Zealander – 1400 Webster Street, Alameda

Super Flea MarketFind

1959 Playboy. $10.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Stereo Skate Deck

Seen at Skate Works in Santa Cruz, Ca.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Painted English Pillow

This pricey hand painted silk cushion is super-cute. Regularly buy it for £85, but use the promo code: MYDECOB10 to get £10 off through 8/31/10.

 

Blog entry soundtrack: "Traveling Light" by JJ Cale

KYMCO Announced Three New Models

An all-new 298.9 cc model tops the list of new scooters available from Taiwanese manufacturer, KYMCO. The new Downtown 300i is well suited for commuters who will enjoy the powerful engine and dual disc brakes as well as the many amenities such as 2-helmet underseat storage, a watertight cell phone compartment with a 12v accessory outlet, and an optional top case.

The Like 200

Two new versions of established models are also debuting. The Like (previously only a 50cc) is now available in a 163cc 4-stroke version with dual disc brakes, and dual real shocks. Our review of the 50cc Like in the April issue said that we wanted to see a more powerful engine, so we're eager to check this one out. Finally, the company is also introducing a 2-stroke version of their popular sporty Super 8, which should be of interest to 50cc racers out there. Find out more at kymcousa.com.

The Super 8 2T

New York Scootering Highlighted on WNYC

WNYC interviews an employee who has taken up scootering in NYC. I have been to New York several times and had thought that it was probably a very dangerous place to ride. But after hopping on the back of some scooters while I was there, I realized that it can actually be a fun, effective way to get around.

Win Honda PCX125 Signed by Paramore

Honda is hosting a contest to win a custom  PCX by the band Paramore. Ends 10/31/10 so enter, now.

small print: Sweepstakes begins at 10:00 a.m. ET on 7/23/10 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 10/31/10. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and D.C. who are 18 or older and licensed to drive. Limit of one entry per person and per email/IP address. Void where prohibited. See the official rules.

Vespa + Adidas Bag & Men's Shirt

As you likely already know, Adidas and Vespa have combined forces to create some Vespa-themed items. Some have the spirit (and logo) of Vespa, but come actually feature an image of a scooter on them.



Men's Vespa Shoulder Bag $50

Dimension: 28 x 32 x 13/10 cm.


Men's Vespa Polo $45

Vespa Tee $30

Find more in this line HERE. 

Stella 4T Update

From Genuine Scooters:

Dear Genuine Customers,

US regulatory agencies have expressed concerns over minor variances between production specifications and our first production run of the new Stella 4 stroke scooter.

We are returning the scooters to the factory to address the concerns.

These concerns are non-mechanical and have no effect on the emissions standards, the safety, or the operation of the Stella 4 stroke scooter.

We will provide more information regarding availability as we complete these tasks.

We know the delays encountered due to this issue have been a disappointment for the many dealers and consumers that were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Stella.  It has been disappointing for Genuine as well.  However, Genuine Scooters is always committed to following all laws, rules, and regulations to deliver the best scooters in the business.  Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Genuine Scooters

NEW: Scoot! Magazine e-SUB

Scoot! Magazine Announces E-Subscription:

Speedy, Convenient, and Environmentally-Friendly Option

Santa Clara, CA—August 24, 2010— Scoot! Magazine, North America's leading publication for motorscooter enthusiasts, announced that it now offers an electronic subscription [e-Sub] option for customers who prefer to read the magazine online rather than in its standard printed form. As with the domestic print subscription, the e-Sub costs $24.95 for one year (6 issues).

The e-Sub offers several benefits:

• Convenience: issues are available for subscriber viewing at the Scoot! website and can be accessed by any computer running the current version of Adobe Flash.
• Speed: e-versions are processed at the same time of printing, usually granting e-Sub subscribers access 1-3 weeks earlier than retail customers or print subscribers.
• Access: e-Sub subscribers will immediately have access to the six most recent issues. As a new issue appears, the oldest issue is removed. By the end of the subscription, e-Sub buyers will have had electronic access to 11 issues.
• Enhancements: the e-version of the magazine can accommodate multimedia options such as sound, video and active web links.
• Greener Option: Since the e-Sub is fulfilled entirely online, there is no paper to recycle, no old issues in landfill.

"The Scoot! Magazine e-Sub is a great option for our foreign subscribers who pay more for their print subscriptions and wait longer to receive them," says Managing Editor April Whitney. "Now they can pay the same price as a domestic subscription and get access to it faster."

The e-Sub is easy to purchase:

• Go to scootmagazine.com and select "Subscribe" from the menu
• Select "Scoot!-e-SUB"[new users will need to create an account]
• Once payment is processed, the user will have access to the online subscription

For more information on Scoot! Magazine and its subscription options, contact Scoot! Magazine Headquarters: 408.294.4292 or info@scootmagazine.com.

About Scoot! Magazine

Founded in 1997, Scoot! Magazine is the leading publication for motorscooter enthusiasts in North America. Published six times a year, it provides news, reviews, technical articles and cultural dispatches for scooter fans. Find out more at www.scootmagazine.com.

High Utility Vespa Ape

Thanks to Douglas W. who forwarded me the link to Design Boom's post on Cornelius Comann's concept "Bufalino" one-person camper that transforms a Vespa Ape.

While this is just a rendered version, wouldn't it be cool to actually have one of these? A cool way to go to local rallies!

Blog entry soundtrack: "Diablo Rojo" by  Rodrigo y Gabriela 

NSR: Do Marten's Anniversary Thumb Drive

I can't resist posting about this great little gift item. Dr. Martens shoes has issued this 50th anniversary UDB drive that looks like  its classic boot.  2GB capacity. $25. Cool.

Blog Entry Soundtrack: Wade In The Water by Ramsey Lewis Trio

Title IX catalog: equal opportunity scootin' for the ladies

The Title IX catalog features a photo of a woman on a pink Genuine Buddy, packed up for a scootin' adventure. Thanks to Cindy for letting me know.

Title IX sells sporty clothing for women, and is named after the legislation that gave women equal access to sports. 

Shiny P

In San Francisco.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Reno Scooterist Believed Murdered

Saw this story in the Reno Gazette-Journal about a Reno, NV scooterist who is believed to be murdered by his brother-in-law.

"While news of his killing has devastated Eric Preimesberger’s family, his relatives are remembering him as an adoring family man who loved to ride his yellow and black Ruckus motor scooter. He was a member of Reno’s Battle Born Scooter Crew."

Sad.

New Scooter Collectibles

Some newly spotted scooter collectibles...
The only way that I could get my hands on this Tiffany Scooter Charm that starts at $175 alone and goes up to $1,075 if you get it with a necklace, would be to have Santa get it for me. =wishful thinking= Thanks to Norbert and Tammy for tipping me off to this.

Tammy also let me know about something much more affordable: Scooter Girl Long Sleeve Tee by Gymboree is on sale now for $15.49, down from $19.75. 

Check out the detail: 

Got any scooter stuff to share? Email me about it. 

This isn't specifically for scooters, but you might want to get your budding scooterist his/her own pair of scooting (motorcycle) boots from The Children's Place:  

Upcoming Event: San Francisco Classic

This weekend is the San Francisco Classic rally in beautiful San Francisco. Josh has to miss it as he is teaching a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class. I'll be at the Saturday show selling Scoot! issues and swag. Stop by my table if you are there.

Check out the schedule for the event.  It's vintage only, so dust off your old standby and get riding!

NEW: Scoot! # 57 is now available

The August 2010 issue features:

• 125cc Scooter Throwdown: Compare five popular 125cc models against each other
• Reader's Rides: Red Bull Lammy, Root Beer Vespa, Deathproof Lambretta
• Product Reviews: clothing, safety gear, helmets, books
• Maxi-Scooter Security: tips for saving money and heartache
• Rally Reviews: Amerivespa, New Orleans, California, Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Florida
• Regular features: Scooter Collector, rally calendar, classified, Show Us Your Scoots, and the Unlovables comic strip

How to make a scooter "Deathproof"

If you have seen the most recent issue of Scoot!, you likely were impressed by the cool Deathproof Lambretta by Rudy Perez. He recently posted a slideshow on YouTube which shows its journey from pile of tired parts to award-winning bike. Check it, boyeee!

New Product Alert: Lockstraps

I am testing these out for the next issue, but I think they are cool thus far. Why hasn't someone made these before? Well, now that they are out, I'm sure there will be plenty of copycats (hear that Chinese factories?). The company claims that this is "the only tie-down currently on the market with a full-length steel security cord and combination locks."  Best of luck to them with their cool idea. Check out the demo on this bicycle.




Full review in issue # 38.

Blog Entry Soundtrack: Breaking The Girl (Album Version) [Explicit] by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Vespa of Los Angeles' LA Times Spotlight

Earlier this week, the LA Times featured Vespa of Los Angeles.

The 4,000-square-foot space, designed to emphasize the Vespa lifestyle, looks more like a fashion boutique than a vehicle dealership. Its exposed drywall ceiling and concrete flooring were chosen for their "industrial, urban feel," Miyakawa says. The three large photos of edgy models and bright Vespas lining one wall were taken by Miyakawa, who worked as a fashion photographer before opening the scooter store. At the front, large display windows allow the shiny Vespas within to catch the eyes of passersby, if there are any. Central Avenue runs through the heart of the industrial district and is mainly a route for car, not foot, traffic. But the location hasn't harmed business. Vespa Los Angeles has sold 106 scooters since opening day, earning it the rank of No. 2 in sales for the Southwest and No. 11 in the nation. It aims to sell 225 scooters a year. By comparison, the San Francisco Vespa store sells 480 scooters a year. There are 34 Vespa stores in California, a testament to the brand's burgeoning popularity.

Read more online.

Scooter in Sturgis

© AP Photo/Steve McEnroe

This man must be the most confident rider at Sturgis; he's riding a scooter at the country's most famous motorcycle rally!

Thanks to Phillip Goza for forwarding the story from Bikes in the Fast Lane. 

This might be why people make fun of us...

Scooters seem to be the brunt of jokes: we're not cool, we ride wimpy bikes, etc... [Although you and I both know the truth: sexy, cool people ride scooters.] Be that as it may, every once in a while we find an example that does nothing to help our cause. Check out this story from The Stranger in Seattle.

Mods vs Pedlers Scarf @ Talbots

I came across, and ordered, this pink scarf from Talbots. It is on a mega-sale for just $6.99. A real steal! I haven't received it yet, but look forward to wearing it to my next scooter rally.

It is a 23" square made of a cotton/silk blend. Get it now before they sell out!