On the way home the other night after signing the buyer agreement for a 2003 Honda Odyssey minivan. I hear they are great for going to bingo and hauling free government cheese. I’ll get back to everyone on that. I am certain that a van won’t hamper my riding and probably not my ability to get from point A to point B in any way either. But more intelligent people than I have suggested otherwise so I need to test their theories.
The weather has been chilly the past week. One morning had me riding just below 50 degrees and today at 60. I enjoy the brisk air. And it makes for some big, clear skies. I pretend I’m crossing Montana instead of riding home to make pasta.
Rain today but the thought of adding a minivan to the fleet helped me endure the moisture. The Vespa and the FIT make a nicely colored duo.
Rain forecast for the morning. Being a pragmatic rider I can sensibly and realistically manage my way to work. And now that the vehicle stuff is almost done (pick up the Odyssey tomorrow afternoon) I will be able to focus again on finishing some new blog posts.
Dear Scooter in the Sticks (Steve):
One never knows if one’s comments are being read… And then one is pleasantly surprised. Congratulations on the new vehicle, and good luck with it. The matching colors are nice too. Have you thought of wearing superhero costumes when riding around and using both?
(I consider us even for the flirting comment now.)
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep
Twisted Roads
Nice color match up between the FIT and the Vespa…I am personally debating what color to paint the hack on Vikki, silver is of course one of the primary colors involved.
Now, finish up the onerous paperwork/logistics involved with new vehicles and get some more riding in.
dom
PS, when you get to the BMW Rally next month…just tell the first official you see that you’re “with Jack R”, you’ll be escorted I am sure to the “good spot” at the “special camp” set aside for those who profess an affiliation to him.
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
The Vespa and the FIT both look like they are smiling.
It is interesting the minivan comment, this week I have talked to 3 males about minivans. I have owned and loved minivans for 21 years. Yes they are not the kind of vehicle that moves the soul or makes a personal statement but they ride like a luxury vehicle and will haul a refrigerator, or a scooter. When we have out of town guest we don’t need 2 cars. They are just good at getting the job done. The only thing that saddens me is that now we are down to just 3 of us most of the time that they no longer make short wheelbase models
I’d be careful with that advice from Dom, he might just be sending you down a rosie path. Right to the “good spot” surrounded by poison ivy.
I always seem to enjoy seeing shots of your Vespa with dark clouds and sunshine, Maybe because that suggests the passing of a storm.
Our mini-van has been an excellent replacement for our suburban. The only limitation has been its towing capacity. Much more economical, hauls just as many people, AWD works great in the snow but the run-flat tires were a huge mistake. Short lifetime and really expensive to replace.
We are opting for a hotel so we wouldn’t get funneled to the “special Riepe camping area”.
So when are you going to start the new mini-van blog?
Richard
Excuse me if I’m a little behind in the blog; but is the Honda Fit your idea of a joke? Last blog I thought you had medical issue. I was just wondering if I’m stating the obvious, and quite possibly taking the wind out of the sub-textual humor here.
Is the Odyssey silver as well?
__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool
Dear Mr. Riepe: I thought I saw you ride by this morning. Probably was another K75 rider.
I always read all the comments here and a few other places as well. And Google Alerts warn me when strange things are a foot.
The new van just came to rest in the driveway. Functional, oddly handsome, but not the thing of fantasy. Hope it lasts 15 years.
I will shop for superhero costumes this weekend. Mr. Chicken is high on my list.
Charlie6: The car and scooter are a nice match.
I think a silver sidecar would be cool. With flames airbrushed on it too.
All the vehicle stuff is done save for the truck being sold on eBay by my friend Paul. I’ll just have to sign the title over at some point.
Have mixed feelings about the BMW event. Part of me wants to go and another big part has an aversion for crowds. Not sure what will happen.
Not sure uttering “I’m with Riepe” is a good thing or not either. He might be on some sort of watch list.
hrw115: They do smile. And everyone who uses them smile as well. Definitely not for anyone who wants to adopt a dour, serious look.
Low Buck Rider: The more I think about the van the more perfect it becomes. Everything you say about them is true and more.
Poison ivy doesn’t seem to bother me.
RichardM: We’ve had a lot of that weather lately. Big changes in light and mood. Great for photography.
I’ll check the BMW MOA site for details on Riepe’s special camping area.
Ghost writer: No joke. Kim and I made a deliberate choice of a Honda Fit and a Honda Odyssey.
The Fit is a blast to drive. First car since I drove my parent’s 1970 VW Beetle that was fun to drive. And I’ve driven a lot of different vehicles since then. If I were Charlie Sheen I would have my thumbs up saying “Winning!”
And the health event was real as well. Will find out tomorrow what might have gone haywire.
Orin: No, the van is gold. Or tan. Not sure what they call it. But not silver. That would have been too good.
Check out the 2011 Vespa GTS 300 on FindTheBest: http://scooters.findthebest.com/detail/111/Vespa-GTS-300. Let me know what you think!