Vespa GTS Scooter — A Chore Runner

The Right Choice for Errands

Of the scooters and motorcycles in my garage, the Vespa GTS scooter is my first choice for running errands. Why? Because it is utterly simple to use and it has more than enough power for any situation I will encounter. And among all the things it is good at, it is the perfect chore running machine. And on this day I had four chores to accomplish.

By the time I arrived at the bank to deposit a check I was already appreciating why the Vespa GTS scooter was the right choice.

Simplicity

I hate to say this but motorcycles, regardless of size or type, are just more cumbersome to use in the chore right environment. They’re generally heavier and bigger making them a little more difficult to maneuver in parking situations. And you have to climb off them, swing a leg over the bike which for me becomes more difficult with each passing year.

The Vespa GTS is extremely simple to step from and put on the center stand. I’ve ridden with others who are still fumbling to find neutral as I already have my camera out to take a picture. Not all scooters are created equal though. The Vespa scooters are easy to step through. Other scooters are not as easy to mount as their pass through is higher or narrower.

Gearing Up

Some riders don’t choose their machines because of the added burden of “gearing up.” I understand the dilemma. For me though it’s simple. I put on a riding jacket, pull on my helmet, stick my hands in the gloves and off I got. I’m almost always in jeans and wearing boots of some sort so I can go quickly. I usually don’t put on my armored riding pants for chores and errands. That might change things.

Backup Glasses

I recently learned a lesson — have backup glasses. Ones with prescription that decently corrects the vision deficiencies that ail me. So the next stop was at WalMart where I picked up a pair of glasses that were 1/5th the cost of the ones I got at my optometrist. I may never need them but it offers peace of mind to know they’re available.

Fuel Fantasies

A lot of riders embrace the myth of two-wheeled economy based on what they spend at the gas pump. So far this month I’ve spent a grand total of $16.53 on fuel to keep my two cars and five motos going. We don’t drive the cars much and the scooters and motorcycles sip fuel. If you want to talk about moto-economics. Talk about tires and the hourly rate of motorcycle mechanics.

Another chore complete as I filled up the Vespa.

Simple Rules

The next stop is 18 miles away and requires crossing a mountain. One of the delights of chore running is exploring the roads less traveled. This is a result of a few simple rules.

• Don’t rush.
• If you need to rush, take the car.

When I am not in a hurry I can do things like wander across Penn State’s stadium parking fields instead of following traffic along the highway.

Stopping to Say Hello

There’s something about horses along a fence that brings the scooter to a stop. I wish I could provide some deep statement of understanding but I can’t. I just like seeing their faces. These guys were patiently waiting for someone to stop by with their evening bale of hay.

Again, I’m struck by how easy it is to stop, get off the scooter, walk over and say hello, take a picture, and be on my way again. I generally don’t stop for horses when I’m on the motorcycle.

Pharmacy Chores

I’d ridden nearly 30 miles of total chore running by the time I arrived at the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. It was a fine afternoon to ride with the temperature in the lower 80s. The roads available were mostly calm with only a few short segments of cage intensity. The Vespa GTS scooter provides a serene form of transport. Something akin to a flying carpet I think.

Homeward Bound

On the main highway in front of the pharmacy it is a straight ride home at 55mph. I’ve done it many times and can testify that it’s a bore. The scenery passes too quickly at that speed and a big part of my riding awareness is consumed paying attention to the rather aggressive drivers on this stretch of the highway.

So I choose the road less traveled which parallels the main highway but offers a serene and relatively devoid of cages experience.

By the time I wandered home I was relaxed, happy, and grateful to run a few chores on the Vespa GTS scooter.

A few things were reinforced on this ride.

• The Vespa GTS scooter is the best choice for me to run more than one errand.
• Not rushing pays huge riding benefits.
• Gearing up can be simple.
• You’re only as satisfied as your last ride.

Sadly, no chores today…