Nothing has percolated into my head strongly enough to warrant a new post. Except here I am writing. Again. Certainly there has been nothing unique in any of the commutes I have made this week save for the uncomfortably hot weather on Tuesday that had me thinking about different armored riding pants.
What has been floating in my head at the near subconscious level is a long ride. An overnight ride complete with camping rather than a motel. I have a whole closet full of backpacking equipment that has sat idle for the past few years. A new MSR stove used once. Some nice titanium cookware. Ultra-light tent, down sleeping bag. Even a new ThermaRest mattress. The list goes on.
I can’t even say I am planning. Just dreaming. Turning things over in that unreliable place that generally yields nothing. I have to be careful to not think too much or nothing will happen. It’s probably time to start writing some things down. That will make it all more concrete.
Packing. That focuses on one area of concern. I already know I can carry a lot of stuff on the Vespa. The picture at the top of the page is from a trip last weekend to Wegman’s grocery store. All of that fit under the seat. What has been worrying me is how I will carry all the stuff for an overnight trip since I don’t have a big top case or front rack. Instead of worrying about it I should put everything together and load it on the Vespa and see what happens. Makes sense. That’s what I’ll do.
See how great writing can be.
There is a local guy that buzzes around town on a scooter towing a trailer. It appears to be one that would be towed behind a bicycle. He has a nice little enclosed cover over it. Every time i see him i think to myself….wow, thats a great idea! Might make carrying camping gear much easier! -crustythebiker.blogspot.com
Steve,
Two words: milk crate.
Two more words: bungee cords.
I’m off to Victoria, BC tomorrow, and most of my stuff will be in a waterproof duffle bag lashed to the back part of the seat. It makes a great backrest… see this picture.
__Orin
Sc ootin’ Old Skool
Hi Steve,
I have been shopping for my first two wheeled vehicle and it seems that the Vespa is incredibly popular. Most scooter clubs seem to be run and attended by Vespa scooterists. I have tried a PGO 150cc scooter and hope to try a Vino 125 tomorrow. Any words of advice for a middle aged lady looking to get more out or life?
P.S. Steve, I live on the east coast, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, and found you on the Halifax, Vespa web site.
Steve,
Just get out there and do it! Shorter hops to start with, to help hone your packing skills and help you to know more accurately where you want to go, then just keep going farther.
Some of my best trips were pre-planned, but not overly so. Go for it, seize the day.
John
Perfect! You are all charged up for this, nothing left but to go and DO IT! I can’t wait to see the photos!
Ride well,
=gc=
crusty: I’ve seen pictures of those little trailers. Not sure I’m ready for that. I hope I can just become an ultra-light camper.
orin: I envision something like the picture you link to. I always carry about six bungee cords with me. I am going to see what magic I can weave with them!
lookin for life: The Vino is a nice scooter with a 45-50 MPH top sustained cruising speed. Two women I work with have scooters — a Piaggio Fly 150 and a Vespa LX150. They both find they can easily navigate any road other than expressways. That exclusion is my choice more than limitations of the scooter. If I offer any advice it would be to throughly train yourself either through safety courses or find another rider to show you fundamentals and give you a practice plan. Just riding isn’t enough.
John: Good advice! I will get out and do it.
Gary: I’m looking forward to a new challenge.
My grocery rule is if it all fits in the section of the grocery cart where the baby’s sit, it should all fit under the seat. I carry the bread separate though in a bag hung from the bag hook.