11.06.2008
11.01.2008
Last Ride of the Season (?)
Odometer: 262.5
Although there are some things about living in the DC/Baltimore corridor that drive me crazy – like the endless traffic and congestion – we are fortunate here to have a long, beautiful fall with pleasant days well into November. Despite recent overnight frosts, today was one such beautiful day with daytime highs over 70 degrees and just a hint of a breeze. Pretty much picture perfect.
Around 2:30, I decided to take a break from studying for my economics exam and enjoy the beautiful day. If you have the chance, a November scooter ride is simply blissful. The leaves crackling underfoot, er, wheel and a crisp autumn breeze ruffling your hair is hard to beat. I didn’t even have to bundle up: just jeans, a long sleeve tshirt, a fleece vest and my wicked cool scooting gloves (white with flames, thanks very much!) did the trick. I did 19 miles all around town and could have probably done another 19 if it weren’t for this exam looming over my head. Leave it to an econ professor to ruin a perfectly delightful weekend.
I’m hoping that I’ll still get a few more chances to ride in the next week or two, but the weather can be unpredictable so you never know. If not, though, I am happy with the 2008 scooting season and already looking forward to spring.
Although there are some things about living in the DC/Baltimore corridor that drive me crazy – like the endless traffic and congestion – we are fortunate here to have a long, beautiful fall with pleasant days well into November. Despite recent overnight frosts, today was one such beautiful day with daytime highs over 70 degrees and just a hint of a breeze. Pretty much picture perfect.
Around 2:30, I decided to take a break from studying for my economics exam and enjoy the beautiful day. If you have the chance, a November scooter ride is simply blissful. The leaves crackling underfoot, er, wheel and a crisp autumn breeze ruffling your hair is hard to beat. I didn’t even have to bundle up: just jeans, a long sleeve tshirt, a fleece vest and my wicked cool scooting gloves (white with flames, thanks very much!) did the trick. I did 19 miles all around town and could have probably done another 19 if it weren’t for this exam looming over my head. Leave it to an econ professor to ruin a perfectly delightful weekend.
I’m hoping that I’ll still get a few more chances to ride in the next week or two, but the weather can be unpredictable so you never know. If not, though, I am happy with the 2008 scooting season and already looking forward to spring.
10.28.2008
I can't drive I-95
Technically, I can drive on I-95 but my self-confidence keeps me to local roads. Setting out for my first big ride only one week after achieving my Maryland motorcycle license with Just Plane Jayne on Pete Lee (2008 Honda Metropolitan), I added 30 miles to the 17,808 miles on our new (used) 1997 Suzuki Savage LS650.
Navigating local Columbia roads, we visited the fancy new Harris Teeter in Kings Contrivance, tested out the bike’s “get up and go” on Cedar Lane, stopped by my office (MdBioLab) at Oakland Mills HS and enjoyed our first ride together! We also dropped off a travel bug in Travel Souvenirs, one of our local geocaches.
We purchased the bike only a week before from a former “first-time learner” as well. It’s a great choice for someone just learning how to ride. The single-cylinder is big enough to get you out of the way if you need to but small enough to keep from overpowering your recently acquired skills. Lacking the baffle in the muffler (due to cancerous rust) the bike leaves a lasting impression on those around you when starting. The bike has been dropped off at the shop for its repairs so I’m anxiously awaiting its return, which will hopefully be prior to winter.
I’m growing attached to the bike and hope to log several miles in the near future. My confidence is mounting; I’m getting better on the turns and even hit 50 mph! Lastly, kudos to craigslist for folks looking to find a used bike at reasonable prices – the unending supply of lonely bikes looking for good homes provided a week’s worth of entertainment!
10.27.2008
Scooters are the New Black
All across America, scooters are becoming the new corporate car. In the last few weeks, my travels have taken me all over New England (Maine, Boston, and Providence, RI), and I have noticed a proliferation of scooters outside storefronts bearing the store’s logo. I can’t decide whether these are just for looks or whether they are actual corporate vehicles, but I have seen scooters on the front stoop of businesses ranging from pizza delivery joints (okay, so maybe that’s not TOO unusual), dry cleaners, restaurants, copy shops, boutique hotels, and hardware stores.
This one was spotted outside my favorite pet supply store in Portland, Maine: Planet Dog.
Love the “PUPPY” license plate! Also want to give a shout out to the hardworking folks a Planet Dog, who make the world’s best pepperminty dog chew toys and always have an interesting tidbit about dog life in Portland to share.
This one was spotted outside my favorite pet supply store in Portland, Maine: Planet Dog.
Love the “PUPPY” license plate! Also want to give a shout out to the hardworking folks a Planet Dog, who make the world’s best pepperminty dog chew toys and always have an interesting tidbit about dog life in Portland to share.
10.20.2008
Columbia Scooter Club Inaugural Ride
Odometer: 220
I’ve fallen a little behind in my blogging lately – I think because so many exciting things have been happening. First off, this post is to celebrate the inaugural ride of the Columbia Scooter Club. We had our first ride last Sunday, on a beautifully crisp fall afternoon around 5:00 pm. We rode for about an hour, on the following 21-mile route:
Check out these two rock stars on their kick ass rides!
I’ve fallen a little behind in my blogging lately – I think because so many exciting things have been happening. First off, this post is to celebrate the inaugural ride of the Columbia Scooter Club. We had our first ride last Sunday, on a beautifully crisp fall afternoon around 5:00 pm. We rode for about an hour, on the following 21-mile route:
- Hickory Ridge Road to Martin Road
- Left on Seneca Drive and up over US-29
- Right on Seneca Drive to Guilford Road
- Left on Brokenland Parkway to Cradlerock Drive
- Right on Homespun Drive to Oakland Mills Road
- Oakland Mills Road to Thunder Hill Parkway, looping past the village center to Stevens Forest Road
- Stevens Forest across Brokenland, then a little bit of maneuvering to get back to Seneca Drive and back home the way we started
Check out these two rock stars on their kick ass rides!
10.12.2008
MPG Update
Odometer: 200.2
Had to fill my little tank for the second time today – yes, it’s actually been over two months since I had to get gas for my scooter despite all the running around I do – and I am pleased to report that Pete Lee still gets excellent gas mileage. And once again, the gas pump refused to give me a receipt. How strange. (Is this a discrimination trend against people who buy small increments of gas, I wonder?). But here are the facts:
…. I’m waiting ….
Had to fill my little tank for the second time today – yes, it’s actually been over two months since I had to get gas for my scooter despite all the running around I do – and I am pleased to report that Pete Lee still gets excellent gas mileage. And once again, the gas pump refused to give me a receipt. How strange. (Is this a discrimination trend against people who buy small increments of gas, I wonder?). But here are the facts:
- 83.1 miles driven since last fill-up
- 0.90 gallons of gas purchased, at a cost of $2.97
- Total MPG this fill-up: 92.5 MPG
- Overall MPG: 99.3 MPG
…. I’m waiting ….
9.29.2008
new scooter in the 'hood
A big congratulations and a hearty “Welcome to the Club” to my friend Steve, who took delivery of his brand spankin’ new Aprilia Scarabeo scooter over the weekend. Steve – an infinitely patient scooterist – has been waiting for his scooter for over three weeks while it was literally on a slow boat from China. But it’s finally here and I know he is excited to zip to work and all around Columbia.
The Scarabeo (which I have absolutely NO IDEA how to pronounce) is sleek and quite a bit larger than my little 49 cc Honda Met. It’s highway-safe too. Maybe Steve will give us some inside tips on riding a scooter on the highway when he gets a little more used to it. Here’s a photo of Steve and his new Aprilia scooter.
If you want one of these, visit Aprilia’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/scarabeo/modello.asp?id=122#
The Scarabeo (which I have absolutely NO IDEA how to pronounce) is sleek and quite a bit larger than my little 49 cc Honda Met. It’s highway-safe too. Maybe Steve will give us some inside tips on riding a scooter on the highway when he gets a little more used to it. Here’s a photo of Steve and his new Aprilia scooter.
If you want one of these, visit Aprilia’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/scarabeo/modello.asp?id=122#
9.28.2008
Vindication
Hooray, the Flier published my letter to the editor. Now it's your turn: all you Columbia scooterists out there, drop a note to the paper (hcletters@patuxent.com) and tell them that you think we need bike racks too!
http://www.explorehoward.com/opinion/11833/letters-businesses-can-help-us-get-greener-with-bicycle-racks/
http://www.explorehoward.com/opinion/11833/letters-businesses-can-help-us-get-greener-with-bicycle-racks/
9.24.2008
good news/bad news re: Columbia road conditions
Odometer: 172 miles
While out driving today, I made a loop on Little Patuxent Parkway to check the road conditions. The good news is that LPP is fully paved and safe for scooter riding once again. Thank goodness, the giant hole that nearly swallowed my scooter whole has been patched.
But the BAD news is that Governor Warfiled parkway, which runs along the back side of the mall, is town to shreds, with entire lane stripped down to the foundation pavement. Once again, there is very poor signage in this area. I was headed to the mall on Twin Rivers Road and there was no construction signage whatsoever – an unsuspecting scooterist would have toppled head over wheel bearings straight into the middle of the intersection. The lip between paved and unpaved is nearly two inches. Approaching the intersection from another angle, there is an “Uneven Road” sign – but it’s several hundred feet past the point where the road is graded. Excellent planning, folks!
So, once again, Columbia scooterists BEWARE of poor road conditions around the Mall. For the time being, use Little Patuxent Pkwy to circumvent Governor Warfield Pkwy. I’ll post an update when the construction work is completed.
While out driving today, I made a loop on Little Patuxent Parkway to check the road conditions. The good news is that LPP is fully paved and safe for scooter riding once again. Thank goodness, the giant hole that nearly swallowed my scooter whole has been patched.
But the BAD news is that Governor Warfiled parkway, which runs along the back side of the mall, is town to shreds, with entire lane stripped down to the foundation pavement. Once again, there is very poor signage in this area. I was headed to the mall on Twin Rivers Road and there was no construction signage whatsoever – an unsuspecting scooterist would have toppled head over wheel bearings straight into the middle of the intersection. The lip between paved and unpaved is nearly two inches. Approaching the intersection from another angle, there is an “Uneven Road” sign – but it’s several hundred feet past the point where the road is graded. Excellent planning, folks!
So, once again, Columbia scooterists BEWARE of poor road conditions around the Mall. For the time being, use Little Patuxent Pkwy to circumvent Governor Warfield Pkwy. I’ll post an update when the construction work is completed.
9.22.2008
the joys of tricking out, part 2
Odometer: 167.5
So this weekend, I installed my Honda rear carrier (Honda part number 08L42-GET-100, $79.95 retail price) and trunk (Honda part number 08L52-GET-110, $89.95 retail price). Well, let’s be perfectly honest: *I* didn’t actually install it, Jen did it for me. Still, it got installed and looks snappy!
The whole installation process took about 20 minutes. First, you install the rear carrier by
removing the carrying handle and lifting out the inside. As someone who thinks you really should never look under the hood of a car except in case of emergency, I’ll admit that it was a little scary to see all the guts of the scooter just hanging out there in the open. But the rack went on exactly the same way that the old one came off, just a few screws and it was done.The trunk was also easy, though it seems like the thing should have come with pre-drilled holes (it didn’t). I have now doubled my carrying capacity, plus made my scooter look a little more substantial on the road. I wish the Honda trunk came in colors to match my scooter’s paint job, but they only offer black. Still, I am delighted and ready to head out for some errands! Harris Teeter, look out.
9.17.2008
on the warpath
Odometer: 165
spurned forward by the lack of bike raacks at the Columbia Mall, I submitted this LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the Columbia Flyer. We'll see if it gets published .....
*********
To the Editor:
Here in Columbia, there are many things that we do well. We have cultivated a community of neighborhoods in the midst of suburban sprawl, and maintain a connection to our individual villages though the active patronage of our village centers. For these reasons, running errands in Columbia can often be done on foot or by bike. This is a real plus to living here, and the reason that many of us have chosen to make Columbia our home.
Since my errands often require trips to the other side of town, however, I recently purchased a 50 cc scooter (approximately 2 horsepower). During good weather, I use my scooter almost exclusively around town. In addition to tremendous gas savings – 106 miles per gallon! – I’m proud to be reducing my carbon footprint and cutting down on air pollution. Due to my changing lifestyle, I have become increasingly cognizant of the presence of bike racks at our business locations. I am pleased to report that many of the Columbia Association facilities and village centers offer places for secure bike storage, but disheartened to have found that many of our retailers do not.
One particularly notable void is the utter lack of bike racks at the Columbia Mall. Since no security racks are offered, bikes and scooters can usually be found chained to lampposts, trees, or pillars. The installation of a few bike racks near main entrances would encourage the use of “green” forms of transportation, as well as reducing theft and potential property damage. Although I have made particular mention of the Columbia Mall, several other big-box retailers share the same status. I call upon these businesses to support alternative transportation methods and consider the installation of bike racks on their property.
Encouraging the use of non-automobile transportation serves both the city and its residents by encouraging healthy activity and reducing congestion, air pollution, and energy consumption. We can all do our part, with just a little more help from the retail partners in our community.
spurned forward by the lack of bike raacks at the Columbia Mall, I submitted this LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the Columbia Flyer. We'll see if it gets published .....
*********
To the Editor:
Here in Columbia, there are many things that we do well. We have cultivated a community of neighborhoods in the midst of suburban sprawl, and maintain a connection to our individual villages though the active patronage of our village centers. For these reasons, running errands in Columbia can often be done on foot or by bike. This is a real plus to living here, and the reason that many of us have chosen to make Columbia our home.
Since my errands often require trips to the other side of town, however, I recently purchased a 50 cc scooter (approximately 2 horsepower). During good weather, I use my scooter almost exclusively around town. In addition to tremendous gas savings – 106 miles per gallon! – I’m proud to be reducing my carbon footprint and cutting down on air pollution. Due to my changing lifestyle, I have become increasingly cognizant of the presence of bike racks at our business locations. I am pleased to report that many of the Columbia Association facilities and village centers offer places for secure bike storage, but disheartened to have found that many of our retailers do not.
One particularly notable void is the utter lack of bike racks at the Columbia Mall. Since no security racks are offered, bikes and scooters can usually be found chained to lampposts, trees, or pillars. The installation of a few bike racks near main entrances would encourage the use of “green” forms of transportation, as well as reducing theft and potential property damage. Although I have made particular mention of the Columbia Mall, several other big-box retailers share the same status. I call upon these businesses to support alternative transportation methods and consider the installation of bike racks on their property.
Encouraging the use of non-automobile transportation serves both the city and its residents by encouraging healthy activity and reducing congestion, air pollution, and energy consumption. We can all do our part, with just a little more help from the retail partners in our community.
9.16.2008
9.15.2008
Scooter Cannonball Run: that’s one long ass ride
Man, when I go for a 20 or 25-mile ride I feel like I have really done something big. But I heard about these crazy guys who are riding from SAN FRANCISCO(!) to Ocean City, Maryland on their scooters this week.
It’s called the Scooter Cannonball Run, and it’s a bi-annual event that has taken place in 2004 and 2006. This year there are 28 riders, and the rules require that the scooters all be less than 252 ccs. Check out their website at http://www.scootercannonball.com/.
Some of the guys are also blogging at
http://www.modernjess.com/cannonball/
http://oz-gt.livejournal.com/ <- this one has the best photos and is updated throughout the day
http://vespacoast2coast.blogspot.com/
http://royscannonball.wordpress.com/2008/09/
The last day route weaves through Maryland (starting in Oakland, heading through DC and then out to the Eastern Shore) on Saturday, September 20th. If you’re along the route, show up and wave! The anticipated ending point is somewhere around 23rd street. I wonder if they know it’s also Bike Week in Ocean City? Hmm, that might make for some interesting altercations. Those scooterists are scrappy, though, so I am sure that they can hold their own in a pissing match.
It’s called the Scooter Cannonball Run, and it’s a bi-annual event that has taken place in 2004 and 2006. This year there are 28 riders, and the rules require that the scooters all be less than 252 ccs. Check out their website at http://www.scootercannonball.com/.
Some of the guys are also blogging at
http://www.modernjess.com/cannonball/
http://oz-gt.livejournal.com/ <- this one has the best photos and is updated throughout the day
http://vespacoast2coast.blogspot.com/
http://royscannonball.wordpress.com/2008/09/
The last day route weaves through Maryland (starting in Oakland, heading through DC and then out to the Eastern Shore) on Saturday, September 20th. If you’re along the route, show up and wave! The anticipated ending point is somewhere around 23rd street. I wonder if they know it’s also Bike Week in Ocean City? Hmm, that might make for some interesting altercations. Those scooterists are scrappy, though, so I am sure that they can hold their own in a pissing match.
9.11.2008
the joys of tricking out
Odometer: 160 miles
Today’s post is in celebration of one of the most exciting parts of the scooter lifestyle: accessorizing! One of the best things about being a proud scooter owner is that you can add all sorts of little bins and gadgets to make he scooter work just right for you. It’s not quite the same as tricking out a Harley, but, really, who needs all that chrome?
Last week was my birthday, and I received two great gifts for my scooter. The first is the front inner basket (Honda part number 08L51-GET-101A, $40.95 retail price). Unlike a traditional bike basket that installs on the handlebars facing forward, this accessory installs on the inside of the leg shield facing the driver. It has a weight limit of 3.3 pounds (that’s 1.5 kg for the metrically challenged). Being a rather tall gal (5’11”) I was a little worried that the basket would cut into the space for my feet and legs, but it actually tucks right up inside the leg shield and doesn’t interfere at all.
Installation couldn’t have been easier, because I got someone else to do it for me. Seriously, though, installing the basket was a snap: it only took about 30 minutes start-to-finish, and that was after two vodka tonics. The only tools required were a drill and a screwdriver. The installation process was also minimally invasive: only four small silver screws show on the outside of the leg shield (see the photo below).
With the basket, I can now take my scooter on the most important run of all: COFFEE. My second gift (rear carrier, Honda part number 08L42-GET-100, $79.95 retail price) is on back order but it’s supposed to arrive today. Once that’s on, I can also use my trunk – which will make errands much easier. Stay tuned …
9.09.2008
Scooter Spotting
Found this beauty at the Columbia Athletic Club yesterday. The Buddy 150, a “rugged” style scooter (though, really, how rugged can a scooterist really be?) Still, it’s great to see others around the neighborhood and making use of the bicycle racks.
Also saw this lovely Yamaha C3 today near the MVA on Dobbin Road. I love the cherry red color and also what looks to be an **AMAZING** amount of storage under the seat. You could practically fit a baby carrier in there (not that you would, of course ….)
So I guess this is a shout out to my other Columbia riders. Keep scootin’!
Also saw this lovely Yamaha C3 today near the MVA on Dobbin Road. I love the cherry red color and also what looks to be an **AMAZING** amount of storage under the seat. You could practically fit a baby carrier in there (not that you would, of course ….)
So I guess this is a shout out to my other Columbia riders. Keep scootin’!
9.08.2008
WARNING!! Little Patuxent Parkway Unsafe for Scooters!
Mileage: 160
Out for the longest ride I have taken so far (25 miles, most exciting!) I stumbled upon a significant danger yesterday: graded road. For you riders in Columbia, this hazard is located at the end of Little Patuxent Parkway, where the road crosses over Cedar Lane and forms a lovely 3ish mile loop at the end (see photo above).
This spot is normally one of my favorite places for riding, so I was disturbed yesterday to find that the road has been very roughly graded and not suitable for scooting. Even worse, the signage at this particular area is lacking – one sign saying “BUMP” really does not describe the poor conditions. In fact, I nearly bit it right into a huge hole right at the edge of the graded roadway. But thanks to the newly acquired “Quick Swerve” move that I learned in motorcycle safety class (more on that later), I managed to avoid disaster.
Be cautious in this area, scooterists! Above is a quick map showing you where I encountered dangerous terrain. I will keep an eye on it and post an update when the road project is finished.
Plan Ahead for a Tune-Up!
an interesting bit of info for those of you that have replaced your gas-guzzler with a scooter for commuting. Plan ahead!
"You Can't Just Turn Up for a Tuneup"
The Washington Post
Monday, September 8, 2008; Page D02
Cheap to fill and easy to park, scooters are hot. So the list is long for tuneups.
Leonard Merriman's motor scooter is an integral part of his job delivering pizzas for Domino's. Faster than a bicycle and easier to park than a car, it's the optimal mode of transport to jet from the L Street outpost of the pizza mega-chain to the homes and offices of his customers. A day without his scooter is sure to be a day when he makes less money. So when he called the Vespa service center in Silver Spring to schedule maintenance, he was disappointed to hear he'd have to wait a month....
(read the rest of the article here)
8.28.2008
Etiquette Lesson
Odometer: 133 miles
To the Columbia, MD owner of the black and gray Honda Metropolitan. Saw you out on Brokenland Parkway last week while I was rocking my blue and white Metro. I waved; you didn’t. What gives? It’s part of the package, dude: when you buy a scooter you agree to be quirky and jovial and wave at the rest of us. Come on, man. Don’t hate on the scoot.
To the Columbia, MD owner of the black and gray Honda Metropolitan. Saw you out on Brokenland Parkway last week while I was rocking my blue and white Metro. I waved; you didn’t. What gives? It’s part of the package, dude: when you buy a scooter you agree to be quirky and jovial and wave at the rest of us. Come on, man. Don’t hate on the scoot.
8.25.2008
Scooting Across State Lines
Odometer: 128 miles
Sorry for the long break from blogging: three weeks out of town has meant no scooting or writing. I was away on a combination of work and vacation, traveling to San Francisco and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Both places are excellent places for scooter riding! San Franciscans have clearly harnessed the idea, because I must have seen three or four dozen scooters of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages while in the City by the Bay. My personal favorite was a buff motorcycle dude tricked out in black leather riding a bright yellow, shiny-new Vespa. I guess you never do know.
My favorite vacation spot – Corolla, NC – is also an excellent place for scooting. The Outer Banks (OBX) are a skinny spit of land that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean, about 70 miles long and 6 or so miles wide at it’s widest point. The terrain is extremely flat and very scenic, with wide sandy beaches on the East side and the Currtuck sound on the west side. From many points along the beach road, you can see both the ocean and the sound. From Kitty Hawk North, there is only one main road, the two-lane Highway 12 that runs 20 or so miles north to the Virginia line. The roads are perfect for scooting, and I even saw two other Metros while there: one blue like mine, and the other a luscious lime green.
I decided against taking my scooter on vacation (just one more thing to pack!), but after a few days in the OBX I wished I had brought it. But the disparity between state licensing laws makes scooting across state lines difficult. For folks that travel frequently – or for those of us that live close to other states – this could become a real conundrum! I personally know several Maryland residents who would like to use a 50 cc scooter to commute into nearby Washington, DC but are unable to do so because the licensing laws don’t jive. DC requires scooter to be tagged and Maryland doesn’t allow it. What’s a scooter enthusiast to do?
Sorry for the long break from blogging: three weeks out of town has meant no scooting or writing. I was away on a combination of work and vacation, traveling to San Francisco and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Both places are excellent places for scooter riding! San Franciscans have clearly harnessed the idea, because I must have seen three or four dozen scooters of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages while in the City by the Bay. My personal favorite was a buff motorcycle dude tricked out in black leather riding a bright yellow, shiny-new Vespa. I guess you never do know.
My favorite vacation spot – Corolla, NC – is also an excellent place for scooting. The Outer Banks (OBX) are a skinny spit of land that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean, about 70 miles long and 6 or so miles wide at it’s widest point. The terrain is extremely flat and very scenic, with wide sandy beaches on the East side and the Currtuck sound on the west side. From many points along the beach road, you can see both the ocean and the sound. From Kitty Hawk North, there is only one main road, the two-lane Highway 12 that runs 20 or so miles north to the Virginia line. The roads are perfect for scooting, and I even saw two other Metros while there: one blue like mine, and the other a luscious lime green.
I decided against taking my scooter on vacation (just one more thing to pack!), but after a few days in the OBX I wished I had brought it. But the disparity between state licensing laws makes scooting across state lines difficult. For folks that travel frequently – or for those of us that live close to other states – this could become a real conundrum! I personally know several Maryland residents who would like to use a 50 cc scooter to commute into nearby Washington, DC but are unable to do so because the licensing laws don’t jive. DC requires scooter to be tagged and Maryland doesn’t allow it. What’s a scooter enthusiast to do?
7.29.2008
First Fill-Up
Odometer: 92.5 miles
With 90+ miles on the old odometer, it was finally time to put gas in the scooter over the weekend. The gas tank on the Metropolitan is on the floor board, just next to where your feet go while you are riding. To open the tank, you press the button to pop open the lid, and then insert your key while turning to take off the gas cap. Apparently, Honda thinks that some thieves like the challenge of stealing gasoline one gallon at a time. So, thank heavens for the key lock!
Though I was told that filing the scooter would be like putting gas in a lawn mower, having never actually put gas in a lawn mower before I was uncertain whether the pump would automatically switch off like it does for a car or whether I would have to keep an eye on it. I ran my credit card and started pumping – lucky for me, it switched off automatically because it was full in a jiffy! At $3.89 per gallon, the total tab for my 92.5 miles came to $3.45. The gas pump clearly didn’t believe that I was finished, because it refused to give me a receipt. I guess in this day and age, the practice of “putting a few bucks in” at the pump is nearly impossible. Except on a scooter.
When I got home, I did the math:
$3.45 = 0.871 gallons = 106.1 miles per gallon
Holy cow! That’s even better than the 100 MPG that the salesman claimed. In my 19 MPG Ford Escape (not a hybrid, couldn’t stomach the extra $10K at the time), the same mileage would have run me 4.868 gallons, or nearly $19. Total cost savings so far: over 15 bucks. Not too shabby.
7.22.2008
too hot to scoot
Odometer: 75 miles
Sad: temperatures over 100 degrees have made scooting this weekend impossible. Here’s to hoping that the weather cools off soon and I can get riding again!
In the mean time, here is a link a wacky bunch of scooter riders planning a cross-country adventure known as the Scooter Cannonball Run. If they pass through your town, show up on the road and support them! http://www.scootercannonball.com/
Sad: temperatures over 100 degrees have made scooting this weekend impossible. Here’s to hoping that the weather cools off soon and I can get riding again!
In the mean time, here is a link a wacky bunch of scooter riders planning a cross-country adventure known as the Scooter Cannonball Run. If they pass through your town, show up on the road and support them! http://www.scootercannonball.com/
7.15.2008
MPG Report & Security Measures
Odometer: 67
Pete Lee is one week old today! Sixty-seven miles, and the gas gauge on my 5 liter (1.32 gallon) tank is still more than half full. This may be one of those vehicles where the needle drops from half full to “E” in no time flat, but so far the gas mileage appears to be as promised, 100+ miles per gallon.
I also picked up my scooter cover from the Honda dealer yesterday, a Covermax Scooter Model, part number 10-7531. The cover is lightweight and sized to fit a small scooter without a trunk or back rack. Seeing as how I ordered a trunk (on backorder, which seems to be the norm according to everything I have read online), I’m not sure yet whether I will keep it or try to find something larger. After a substantial amount of messing around I decided that the tag labeled “Back of Scooter” actually goes right about the front tire. A bored factory worker’s idea of a joke? Nevertheless, the cover fits snugly – much better than the grill cover that I’ve been using for the last few days.
Since I live in a townhouse community with no garage, keeping my scooter covered and secure is important to me. I’ve figured out two places to keep it: 1) in the parking lot, lashed to my car; and 2) on my front porch, secured by a heavy-duty cable to the pillar. Both work out pretty well, though I still to need to use the car from time to time. Getting up the front steps to the porch is a bit of a hassle, though a few custom-built ramps have helped the situation immensely. I’m also now grateful for the mutant hydrangea, which provides good cover while my scooter is on the porch. So far I’ve not had any problems with this security method, and though insurance is not required in Maryland I have purchased it “just in case.” Total cost: $176/year, or $14/month.
Pete Lee is one week old today! Sixty-seven miles, and the gas gauge on my 5 liter (1.32 gallon) tank is still more than half full. This may be one of those vehicles where the needle drops from half full to “E” in no time flat, but so far the gas mileage appears to be as promised, 100+ miles per gallon.
I also picked up my scooter cover from the Honda dealer yesterday, a Covermax Scooter Model, part number 10-7531. The cover is lightweight and sized to fit a small scooter without a trunk or back rack. Seeing as how I ordered a trunk (on backorder, which seems to be the norm according to everything I have read online), I’m not sure yet whether I will keep it or try to find something larger. After a substantial amount of messing around I decided that the tag labeled “Back of Scooter” actually goes right about the front tire. A bored factory worker’s idea of a joke? Nevertheless, the cover fits snugly – much better than the grill cover that I’ve been using for the last few days.
Since I live in a townhouse community with no garage, keeping my scooter covered and secure is important to me. I’ve figured out two places to keep it: 1) in the parking lot, lashed to my car; and 2) on my front porch, secured by a heavy-duty cable to the pillar. Both work out pretty well, though I still to need to use the car from time to time. Getting up the front steps to the porch is a bit of a hassle, though a few custom-built ramps have helped the situation immensely. I’m also now grateful for the mutant hydrangea, which provides good cover while my scooter is on the porch. So far I’ve not had any problems with this security method, and though insurance is not required in Maryland I have purchased it “just in case.” Total cost: $176/year, or $14/month.
7.12.2008
Grocery Running
Odometer: 36 miles
Last Friday was my first trip to the grocery store on the Met (now and forever named “Pete Lee” for the sound of his little horn). It was great! Another usually routine chore made exciting on the scooter. I hit the store with a few specific things in mind, ingredients for zucchini bread and homemade salsa. The 3-mile ride to the store was pleasant, and I hit a top speed of 41 mph on the long flat straightaway.
I prepared for my trip by bringing a few reusable bags, thinking that I would be able to fit some stuff in the seat and have to use the handy bag hook for another bag. To my surprise, everything fit tidily into the seat – even a dozen eggs! The shopping list included: a 24-oz bottle of oil, a dozen eggs, a bag of Tostitos chips, a box of baking soda, two limes, a bunch of cilantro, and a muffin (for breakfast of course). Even with all those groceries, I still had room for the bike lock, owner’s manual, and sunglasses case. Later in the weekend, I also learned that the seat can also hold two 1-liter bottles of margarita mix or lunch for two from Chipotle.
Oh, and for all you cooks out there: the zucchini bread turned out slightly like cement (wouldn’t recommend Paula Deen’s recipe from foodnetwork.com unless you like soaking your pans for hours and hours), but the salsa was excellent.
Last Friday was my first trip to the grocery store on the Met (now and forever named “Pete Lee” for the sound of his little horn). It was great! Another usually routine chore made exciting on the scooter. I hit the store with a few specific things in mind, ingredients for zucchini bread and homemade salsa. The 3-mile ride to the store was pleasant, and I hit a top speed of 41 mph on the long flat straightaway.
I prepared for my trip by bringing a few reusable bags, thinking that I would be able to fit some stuff in the seat and have to use the handy bag hook for another bag. To my surprise, everything fit tidily into the seat – even a dozen eggs! The shopping list included: a 24-oz bottle of oil, a dozen eggs, a bag of Tostitos chips, a box of baking soda, two limes, a bunch of cilantro, and a muffin (for breakfast of course). Even with all those groceries, I still had room for the bike lock, owner’s manual, and sunglasses case. Later in the weekend, I also learned that the seat can also hold two 1-liter bottles of margarita mix or lunch for two from Chipotle.
Oh, and for all you cooks out there: the zucchini bread turned out slightly like cement (wouldn’t recommend Paula Deen’s recipe from foodnetwork.com unless you like soaking your pans for hours and hours), but the salsa was excellent.
7.11.2008
Denist = Fun?
Odometer: 20 miles
Running errands on the scooter is a pleasure. Today I even enjoyed the ride to the dentist (albeit, NOT the dentist appointment itself!). That’s got to be a sign of something crazy. I’ve also discovered that people feel compelled to talk to you/shout at you while you are riding a scooter. Maybe it’s the shock value of seeing something so cute and unexpected on the road, but fellow motorists stopped at red lights are very inquisitive. I’ve also had three requests for a ride, and a fair number of random “EEAYARRHH”s as I’ve scooted past. The scooter also seems to bridge the gap between motor and cycle: both bikers and bicyclists acknowledge with a nod or a wave.
Aside from the dentist trip mentioned earlier, this evening I took a nice little ride to get used to turning and driving in an urban environment, faced with speed bumps, storm drains, pedestrians, and other hazards. What a delight! I did get up to a top speed near 35 mph, which felt a little fast but refreshing nonetheless. On the smaller hills, I could easily maintain 20 mph, but the speed dropped a little bit on the one really big hill. Still, I never had to get off and walk. Five miles of tootling around lasted me about 25 minutes – a nice easy ride while still learning. Besides, the owners manual says not to push it to full throttle in the first 60 miles. 40 more to go!
Storing the little thing is a bit of a challenge: I can’t decide whether it should sleep in a parking space out in front of my townhouse or on the front porch. Getting it up over the stoop is a bit of a problem (can’t really lift 175 pounds by myself), so I may have to think of a contraption or a ramp system. Stay tuned for further adventures there….
Running errands on the scooter is a pleasure. Today I even enjoyed the ride to the dentist (albeit, NOT the dentist appointment itself!). That’s got to be a sign of something crazy. I’ve also discovered that people feel compelled to talk to you/shout at you while you are riding a scooter. Maybe it’s the shock value of seeing something so cute and unexpected on the road, but fellow motorists stopped at red lights are very inquisitive. I’ve also had three requests for a ride, and a fair number of random “EEAYARRHH”s as I’ve scooted past. The scooter also seems to bridge the gap between motor and cycle: both bikers and bicyclists acknowledge with a nod or a wave.
Aside from the dentist trip mentioned earlier, this evening I took a nice little ride to get used to turning and driving in an urban environment, faced with speed bumps, storm drains, pedestrians, and other hazards. What a delight! I did get up to a top speed near 35 mph, which felt a little fast but refreshing nonetheless. On the smaller hills, I could easily maintain 20 mph, but the speed dropped a little bit on the one really big hill. Still, I never had to get off and walk. Five miles of tootling around lasted me about 25 minutes – a nice easy ride while still learning. Besides, the owners manual says not to push it to full throttle in the first 60 miles. 40 more to go!
Storing the little thing is a bit of a challenge: I can’t decide whether it should sleep in a parking space out in front of my townhouse or on the front porch. Getting it up over the stoop is a bit of a problem (can’t really lift 175 pounds by myself), so I may have to think of a contraption or a ramp system. Stay tuned for further adventures there….
7.10.2008
Not too big, not too small... Juuuuuust right!
Odomoeter: 892
About 5 years ago, I started getting into motorcycles. Noticing them on the roads, checking them out at dealerships, and dreaming about having one of my own. A couple years later, I started dating a man who drives a 2006 Harley Davisdon Road King Custom. We're engaged to be married in October of this year, and the last 2 years we have spent pretty much every sunny afternoon riding up and down the rural roads of Maine - him in the driver's seat, and me on the back. Though riding with him is lots of fun, I promised myself that before I turned 30, I would learn how to ride and get one of my own.
Well, 30 came at the end of June, and for my birthday my wonderful guy promised to send me to a class to learn to ride a motorcycle. But I'd been thinking lately that before I invested a zillion dollars in a license and a big machine, it would be smarter for me to start small - get a little something to zip around town, and learn the basics of riding and balancing on a pint sized machine I could handle and maneuver with ease. My other half agreed, and the hunt for a scooter was on!
Finding a scooter in Maine was no easy task, either. Maine doesn't have a lot of places that sell scooters, and even fewer that sell Honda Metropolitans, the one I really wanted! After unsuccessful trips to 2 dealerships in the Portland area (with waiting lists over 75 people long!), I decided to call up a place in Lewiston about 30 minutes away and try my luck. They had 8 scooters due in next week, but of course they were already sold. Fortunately, someone had just traded in a 2004 Honda Metropolitan II in orange and cream for a newer model. It was my lucky day!
I had to giggle when the sales guy asked if the color would be a problem. He didn't realize he was talking to a girl who had specifically ordered a bright yellow car just a few years earlier. About an hour and a bunch of paperwork later, I was the proud owner of this baby, which we immediately nicknamed "the Creamsicle."
We loaded it up into the back of the truck and took it home to practice on our dead end street. I thought my honey's heart was going to leap out of his throat the first time I took it to the max speed of 30, but after a few figure 8s at the end of the road and a bunch of practice starting and stopping, he agreed that I was ready for a big ride the next day.
Side by side, Honda and Harley, we rode a wandering route from west Portland to South Portland to hit up our favorite ice cream spot, then took a drive over the draw bridge (scary on a scooter!) and meandered through the Old Port shopping and arts district. I think people were amused to see such a huge beast of a bike next to my little zippy. Tell you the truth, it was really cute.
Today I'm off to meet a friend for lunch in the Old Port, and will be making my first big ride alone. Up and back, I'll be doing about 15 miles today and only burning about 60 cents in gas. It'll cost me more than that just to park downtown!
About 5 years ago, I started getting into motorcycles. Noticing them on the roads, checking them out at dealerships, and dreaming about having one of my own. A couple years later, I started dating a man who drives a 2006 Harley Davisdon Road King Custom. We're engaged to be married in October of this year, and the last 2 years we have spent pretty much every sunny afternoon riding up and down the rural roads of Maine - him in the driver's seat, and me on the back. Though riding with him is lots of fun, I promised myself that before I turned 30, I would learn how to ride and get one of my own.
Well, 30 came at the end of June, and for my birthday my wonderful guy promised to send me to a class to learn to ride a motorcycle. But I'd been thinking lately that before I invested a zillion dollars in a license and a big machine, it would be smarter for me to start small - get a little something to zip around town, and learn the basics of riding and balancing on a pint sized machine I could handle and maneuver with ease. My other half agreed, and the hunt for a scooter was on!
Finding a scooter in Maine was no easy task, either. Maine doesn't have a lot of places that sell scooters, and even fewer that sell Honda Metropolitans, the one I really wanted! After unsuccessful trips to 2 dealerships in the Portland area (with waiting lists over 75 people long!), I decided to call up a place in Lewiston about 30 minutes away and try my luck. They had 8 scooters due in next week, but of course they were already sold. Fortunately, someone had just traded in a 2004 Honda Metropolitan II in orange and cream for a newer model. It was my lucky day!
I had to giggle when the sales guy asked if the color would be a problem. He didn't realize he was talking to a girl who had specifically ordered a bright yellow car just a few years earlier. About an hour and a bunch of paperwork later, I was the proud owner of this baby, which we immediately nicknamed "the Creamsicle."
We loaded it up into the back of the truck and took it home to practice on our dead end street. I thought my honey's heart was going to leap out of his throat the first time I took it to the max speed of 30, but after a few figure 8s at the end of the road and a bunch of practice starting and stopping, he agreed that I was ready for a big ride the next day.
Side by side, Honda and Harley, we rode a wandering route from west Portland to South Portland to hit up our favorite ice cream spot, then took a drive over the draw bridge (scary on a scooter!) and meandered through the Old Port shopping and arts district. I think people were amused to see such a huge beast of a bike next to my little zippy. Tell you the truth, it was really cute.
Today I'm off to meet a friend for lunch in the Old Port, and will be making my first big ride alone. Up and back, I'll be doing about 15 miles today and only burning about 60 cents in gas. It'll cost me more than that just to park downtown!
Scooter's First Day
Odometer: 0.0 miles
This week, my sister and I both purchased Honda Metropolitan scooters. Hers was in celebration of a milestone birthday (happy 30th, baby sis!), and mine was the result of the desire for something fun and too much time spent online. Living in the DC/Baltimore metropolitan area, purchasing a scooter in my neck of the woods was difficult. Stores can hardly keep them in stock – as soon as they get a shipment in, they sell out – and there is nary a used scooter to be found.
Nevertheless, my other half managed to locate a Honda Powersports dealer about 20 miles from our house ad a quick call confirmed that their online inventory showing two Metropolitans was up to date. The scooters were parked right by the door, one red and one blue. Apparently, they had a shipment of four in yesterday, and two of them had already sold. That’s not much time to make a decision, but I went for the blue one.
Scooters in Maryland less than 50 cc are not required to be registered or insured, so I was surprised to find out that the process of buying a scooter was the same as for buying a car: lots of paperwork, waiting, and signatures. I guess I thought I would be more like buying a computer, just in and out. The dealer doesn’t let you test-drive the scooters (“There’s nothing to it,” he said. Famous last words.), so I could only sit on it and check out the compartments and controls. How do you know that you want to purchase something you can’t test drive? I guess you just have to go on faith and be willing to learn.
The delivery process was quick and painless, and in no time I was scooting around the parking lot and learning that turning was more difficult than I had expected. More like riding a bike, less like riding a car. The scooter got up to 20 mph easily, which felt a little out of control for someone who hadn’t ridden a bicycle in years. The flip flops I had worn to the dealership provided no traction, and truthfully I felt a little scared riding it around the gravel-lined parking lot. We decided to take it home and try it there instead.
A little creative wrangling allowed us to get it (barely!) into the back of the Jeep, and it was easy to tell just on the ride home that this little scooter would attract a lot of attention. Curious looks and waves from passersby followed us all the way home, followed by an onslaught of inquisitive neighbors who came out to see it before we even had it out of the Jeep. After a change of shoes and ten minutes of riding it around the neighborhood, I felt like an old pro and mastered the art of turning with no trouble whatsoever. Thirty minutes later, I felt comfortable enough to ride out on the four-lane road at the end of our development to return a movie to the Redbox. First errand, completed with style!
This week, my sister and I both purchased Honda Metropolitan scooters. Hers was in celebration of a milestone birthday (happy 30th, baby sis!), and mine was the result of the desire for something fun and too much time spent online. Living in the DC/Baltimore metropolitan area, purchasing a scooter in my neck of the woods was difficult. Stores can hardly keep them in stock – as soon as they get a shipment in, they sell out – and there is nary a used scooter to be found.
Nevertheless, my other half managed to locate a Honda Powersports dealer about 20 miles from our house ad a quick call confirmed that their online inventory showing two Metropolitans was up to date. The scooters were parked right by the door, one red and one blue. Apparently, they had a shipment of four in yesterday, and two of them had already sold. That’s not much time to make a decision, but I went for the blue one.
Scooters in Maryland less than 50 cc are not required to be registered or insured, so I was surprised to find out that the process of buying a scooter was the same as for buying a car: lots of paperwork, waiting, and signatures. I guess I thought I would be more like buying a computer, just in and out. The dealer doesn’t let you test-drive the scooters (“There’s nothing to it,” he said. Famous last words.), so I could only sit on it and check out the compartments and controls. How do you know that you want to purchase something you can’t test drive? I guess you just have to go on faith and be willing to learn.
The delivery process was quick and painless, and in no time I was scooting around the parking lot and learning that turning was more difficult than I had expected. More like riding a bike, less like riding a car. The scooter got up to 20 mph easily, which felt a little out of control for someone who hadn’t ridden a bicycle in years. The flip flops I had worn to the dealership provided no traction, and truthfully I felt a little scared riding it around the gravel-lined parking lot. We decided to take it home and try it there instead.
A little creative wrangling allowed us to get it (barely!) into the back of the Jeep, and it was easy to tell just on the ride home that this little scooter would attract a lot of attention. Curious looks and waves from passersby followed us all the way home, followed by an onslaught of inquisitive neighbors who came out to see it before we even had it out of the Jeep. After a change of shoes and ten minutes of riding it around the neighborhood, I felt like an old pro and mastered the art of turning with no trouble whatsoever. Thirty minutes later, I felt comfortable enough to ride out on the four-lane road at the end of our development to return a movie to the Redbox. First errand, completed with style!
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