V-BELT!

Although just about every dash light on every vehicle I have ever owned represents the expenditure of hard-earned dollars, when Lois' (my 2008 Yamaha Majesty) V-BELT indicator started flashing, it also made me smile. That 12,500 miles has taken me to 8 states, three rallies, to the grocery, the doctor, romantic rendevous, family & friends homes, restaurants and coffee houses, across pavement in all conditions, on gravel, mud, rock, dirt, brick and metal, over bridges, through streams, on a little ice and snow, and back and forth to work. I have enjoyed about every single mile. Wonder if I can get to spring time on this belt?

Twelve Thousand Miles of Fun

I am very happy to report that I was able to ride 12,000 miles in 2009.  If I could have taken a month off work and been able to bear that long a time away from my kids, I would have headed north on US-42 all the way up to Cleveland, Ohio.  From there I could have taken a route along Lake Erie up into Buffalo, New York.  At that point, I would have went eastward toward Rochester and up into Canada changing over to our northern neighbor's routes.  From there, I'd continue north and east on Queens roads until I hit Montreal.  From Montreal I would go east, entering into the U.S again on SR-27 if possible (Google maps seems to think it can be done).  In Kingsfield I would switch to some other state roads for a short bit, ending up in Bangor, Maine. 

 

From Bangor I would ride down the coast and through some small New England towns such as Concord, NH, Northampton, MA, Torrington, CT, and finally down through New York City.  After spending at least one night in NYC, I would take the back roads into Philadelphia, Baltimore, and finally into Upper Marlboro, where my friend Patrick lives.  Rolling through Raleigh, Charleston, Savannah, would put me into Jacksonville.  I would not leave Florida again until I was getting the picture of Lois next to the buoy that says "Southernmost Point Continental USA" in the Keys.  From there, backtrack up and then over the gulf side of Florida...Naples, Sarasota, Tampa, perhaps stop in Hernando or Bradenton to see Joe or Bonnie.  I'd like to stay along the gulf where I could see the Gulf wherever I went to sleep for the night.  I would ride through Panama City and Pensacola on my way west.  Mobile, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Beaumont would get me into Texas. 

 

In Houston I'd turn south toward the border and Corpus Christi.  From there, I'd keep going toward the east coast over roads less travelled these days.  I would take a detour north to visit four corners where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico meet.  While riding through Albuquerque, I'd stop to say hello to my friend Jim.  He now rides because of me...  From there I'd continue to my west coast destination, Los Angeles.  I doubt I'd stay long because I really want to explore along the roads northward and ride through Death Valley National Park.  I also want to see some giant redwoods before I ride through Chico to see if I can have a cup of green tea with my friend Jen.  I want to stay on the Coast Highway US-1 as much as possible through California and Oregon.  When I got to Seattle Washington, I might take a break for a day. 

 

From there I would head eastward ending up in Duluth, Minnesota.  The road I choose would be sometimes in the United States, and sometimes In Canada, if I had my druthers.  In Duluth, I would come down through the Upper Peninsula into Macknaw City in Michigan.  I'd visit Flint where I was born, Fenton where we lived when I was little, and my friend Ward.  From there, It would be back down southward into Indiana, stopping to visit my friend Chuck, then back across the Ohio river into Louisville and home.  This is how I would have liked to have burned the petrol, dirtied the oil, worn the rubber, and rolled away those twelve thousand miles.  I still covered some good road, but a good bit was roads I've already seen once or twice...  Hey, there's always next year, right???  I rode 8,000 in 2008, so this makes my lifetime total 20K. 

Commuting below 20 degrees

Today, I just couldn't take it anymore. I put on my balaclava and put the hand warmers in my gloves, and took the Yamaha Majesty to work. I got a couple odd stares, but it was tollerable, and I felt good about riding. There may be some snow when I get off work, but I'll deal with that as it comes. I feel more "right" than I have in weeks. Aparently I have a dependency...

The Garmin Nuvi 500 & 550

I have enjoyed my TomTom One XLS, but inside the Ram-Mount Aquabox, you can't hear it.  Also, I am not really thrilled with some of the directions I've gotten from it.  Ask the folks in the LSG...sometimes we have "issues".  Yes, sometimes it has told me to turn where there is no road.  Sometimes it leads to dead-ends where there used to be a road, or it's choked off by dogs and guys with shotguns.  Hey, this IS Kentucky...

 

But everyone (ok, a LOT of people) brag on Garmin.  All the LD people use Garmins.  My friend Ralph brags on the Garmin Zumo, but that thing is like $650!!  I would not spend that much on a GPS even if I could justify it somehow.

 

What I found out on Garmin's site is they currently have 5 models that are waterproof.  The motorcycle specific model is the Zumo.  The "Adventure" model is the Nuvi 500 series.   [The] "nüvi 500 features driving, walking, bicycling and boating modes which customize your nüvi specifically for your method of travel. This portable hybrid combines the advanced navigation features and large, color display found in automotive units with the durability of an outdoor handheld. Sleek and slim, you can slip nüvi 500 into your pocket or backpack."

 

This sounds fantastic to me.  And Amazon has them for $254.  That is way better than $650!!  They also make a scooter mount, and USB charge cable (which looks pretty standard...) which is how I charge my Tomtom right now...  All this is pretty cool, but the ultimate perk might be the Garmin Map Source software.  I have been told by people who use it (mostly the LD folks) that it is the defacto routing software.  The only thing that comes close is the Micro$oft stuff.  I'm not feeling too keen on M$ lately...  Mapsource has some pretty cool features, such as:

 

Plan routes from the convenience of your computer instead of on your device.

Create, view, and edit waypoints, routes, and tracks.

Plan extensive or complicated routes, in which you travel to several locations in an order you specify.

Transfer waypoints, routes and tracks between your computer and your device.

Transfer selected map from your computer to your device.

View your maps in detail on your computer screen.

 

It's basically everything that I do very painfully with Google Maps, Tyre, and Tomtom Home right now.  Hopefully this will solve a bunch of small issues I've been having.  I also hope to have a good permanent 12v plug put in by then!!

The First Snow of 2010

This is pretty wimpy as far as snows go, but you couldn't tell by the "state of emergency" mentality. There will be no bread, milk, or eggs to be had. School is letting out one hour early. Some parents are keeping their kids home today. The worst thing though is how much drivers panic when everything turns white. It is a nuthatch around these parts. People who are the worst fall into two opposing categories and are equally dangerous to those of us who are sane. The first is "I must drive everywhere at 2.7 miles per hour". These folks clog up the roadways for no reason. I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you about the laws of physics. Remember that if you're going in a straight line, you probably don't have to worry about losing control of the vehicle and sliding into a ditch. Unless you do something extraordinarily idiotic. You can pick up a little speed folks, just give yourself plenty of reaction time and keep your wits about you. Most importantly look out for people in the second category, which is: "I own an SUV or 4WD truck and it is impossible for me to lose traction or slide". These morons act like they have a solid wall of stability and invincibility around their vehicle. They believe they cannot slip or slide, they cannot get stuck, and cannot get into any sort of predicament that their "superior technology" cannot handle. You will know them as the ones who pass you doing 20 over the speed limit, take curves and stops as if it were warm, dry, and 70 degrees. Much of the time they are oblivious, so they can leave a wake of minor destruction behind them by eating up your spacial cushion, forcing you to react to their stupidity, and usually causing more problems than they realize. Be careful out there people. The crazies are about. Good luck getting your milk!

Consumer Reports blasts the MP3

Mike Leung of Consumer Reports did a post on his blog about the MP3 and ignorantly tore it apart. 

 

Leung states "I still feel less confident riding [the MP3] than a motorcycle. Plus it is less comfortable, agile, and entertaining than a motorcycle..."  

 

Well, it isn't a motorcycle.  Perhaps that's why it seems different.  I would argue that a scooter...even a hoss like the MP3 is just as agile or more agile than a motorcycle.  And since we're in the habit of comparing apples to oranges today, I think a maxi scooter like the MP3 (or my Yamaha Majesty) blows a motorcycle out of the water in entertainment value.

 

Mr. Leung goes on to say "I found riding on local roads more aggravating due to the constant need to shuffle forward to get my feet on the ground. This is all very different than the Can-Am Spyder, which supported itself fully all the time and even had a reverse gear."

 

So he starts by apples to oranges, and now its apples to bowling balls?  This can't be something that is actually connected with Consumer Reports, can it??  Mike admits he is a shorter fellow.  Perhaps his discomfort and lack of satisfaction would be the same with a unicycle or a 4X4 monster truck?  I man comfortable on a cruiser might not be comfortable on a sport bike either, so it make most of his observations mainly ridiculous.  And please everyone...let's just not compare the Spyder (which is more like a open-top, one-seater car than a scooter) to anything like a scooter.  Its not.  There is no step-through design on the Spyder.  It is monsterous in size.  And there is a reason it has a reverse gear...because all cars need a reverse gear.  

 

"...it still wasn't nearly as fun or reassuring as being on a motorcycle."

 

For Leung, this is true.  I know many who ride MP3's that would argue this point with him.

 

"On our test track, I found the center stand scraped on the ground when leaning, making me nervous each time I heard it."

 

Oh for Pete's sake.  Let's complain about wind noise, no air conditioning, or no revers....oh wait.  He already did that.  The problem here is that Consumer Reports chose the wrong guy to evaluate this machine.  It sounds like he made up his mind before, and that was based primarily on the discomfort associated with his inseam.

 

His full idiotic article is located at:  http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/12/one-more-ride-piaggio-mp3-scooter.html

 

One last thing: Mike, you should practice ATGATT. Kahkis won't help you in a 'test track' accident.

Contenders for Next Year - Shoei Multitech

Our next contender for 2010 is the Shoei Multitech modular. Sure, it
doesn't come in wicked graphics, but that leaves the helmet open to
individualization via reflective stickers which I am prone to adding.
What is does have, is the lazy ease of a modular, plus these awesome
features:

- Removable Cheekpads
- Lightweight, Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) Shell
- CX-1V shield
- Preset shield opening lever with locking mechanism
- Integrated breath guard [!]
- Chin curtain [!]
- Neck outlet
- 3D Comfort liner
- Adjustable upper vent
- Quick release base plate system
- Cheek pad slits for eyeglasses [!]
- Shell integrated spoiler
- Sleek and aerodynamic design and combined with strict manufacturing
tolerances reduce turbulence and wind noise [!]

So we have the anti-fog of a breath guard, plus the lever locking
mechanism. You have the anti-noise features of the chin curtain, and
the aerodynamics designed for just that purpose. You have the added
feature of cheek pad slits for eyeglasses which should come in very
handy, but I'm not sure how much that would affect comfort. This bad
boy only comes in black for me. The red color is a "wine" and I'm not
having that. The price is a bit more...four and a quarter Franklins
on this one. Besides the price, it bothers me that the site I'm using
to compare (jafrum.com) does not list "5 year warranty" on this beast.
I will definately research that fact on Shoei before I decide. If it
doesn't come with a good warranty (perhaps too many moving parts to
deal with) then I might decide for the RF-1000...

Contenders for Next Year - Shoei RF-1000

This past year, I spent some good money at Cycle Gear for a modular
helmet. I have not loved the KBC modular that the bloke at CG sold
me. It has been comfortable, but slides around a little. It has been
louder than what I wanted, it fogs easily, and the shield is loose and
wobbly (and this is after replacement of shield itself and the little
side gear bits). It does not lock into that 1/4 inch opening that
allows you to defog but not eat rain. It has been easy-on-easy-off,
but for what I paid, I am fairly disappointed.

The first helmet I consider for (hopefully) the next many years is the
Shoei RF-1000. I love the features it has:

- Aerodynamic Shell Design through thorough wind tunnel and rider testing
- Greatly reduced rider fatigue and increased performance
- Semi-Dual EPS Liner System for effective ventilation
- Lightweight AIM+ Construction
- Anti-fog system [!]
- Removable Cheek pads available in different sizes for a custom fit [!]
- Removable/Replaceable chin strap
- Standard Chin-Strap clip
- CX-1V Shield and Lock System
- Face Shield De-fogging vent [!]
- Shield is Scratch Resistant
- Shield offers optical clarity and also protects from UV A & B rays
- Quick Release Base Plate System allows for tool-less shield replacement
- Preset Shield Opening Lever With Locking Mechanism
- Aero Wing Spoiler
- Chin Curtain [!]
- Breath Guard [!]
- 5 Year Shoei Warranty [!]

I really like the anti-fog measures on this helmet. It has the
de-fogging vent, the breath guard, and then if all that doesn't get
it, you can use the shield lock system to lock it into that 1/4 inch
groove to get just the right amount of air. All the venting will help
tons in the summer, and the 5 year warranty is awesome. To boot, it
comes in a mother of a graphic, the Strife TC1, which features my
favorite colors (red, and black) and an evil looking dragon!!!! The
only thing that bothers me is it's not a modular. The price on this
beauty is a little over three Ben Franklins. That is not ungodly more
than what I paid for the KBC.

Vespa South Africa has launched a stretch scooter.

This thing is just not right. The folks in Asian hard-core scooter
lands like Taiwan already ride like seven people and two slaughtered
hogs on a scoot. I wonder if this would be equivalent of a Scoobus.
I bet I get a lot of hits for the words Asian hard-core...

Every single time!

Every time I end up having to take the cage to work, it ends up sunny and warm! This is why I generally ride to work unless it is rain, snow, or ice. Ask just about any scooterist and they will tell you...driving a cage in nice weather just completely sucks the life right out of you...

Dear Scooter-Santa

Dear Scooter-Santa,

 

I have been very good this year.  I went to the WKRP Scooter Rally in Cincinnatti.  It was a lot of fun and I got to ride up with some good folks, and met many more nice people while I was there.  I did the Iron Butt Association Saddle-Sore 1000 Mile ride, completed it with all documentation, and I am now a proud member (#387788).  I also went to the Gasoline Rally in Indianapolis.  I rode with, and met up with a lot of great people there too.  The singular exception being the tall dyed blond guy with the leather trench coat from the George Lucas Scooter Club or whatever it was.  He was an a-hole...  I was also happy to ride to Vonore Tennessee with my new scooter-pal Vince so we could ride US-129 and "slay the dragon".  I have also been good this year by trying to keep the Louisville Scooter Group running, and providing opportunity for the scooterists of Louisville and Kentuckiana to group ride if they want.  It has been a labor of love, but a labor nonetheless.  I have really enjoyed the friendships I have made in the Louisville area with other scooterists.  There are a bunch of good people, many who I have known and ridden with for two years now.  Scooter-Santa, they especially, are good folk, and deserve something nice under the tree.  I appreciate each yard of every mile we've shared together.

 

So I guess what I'm saying is, since I have been very good this year, here's my list:

• a set of black Cortech saddlebags for when I go to rallies or travel
• a Givi or Yamaha trunk (with attachment plates, etc.)
• a new Garmin GPS
• a communication system so I can speak with other riders (or my passenger), use my cell, play music, hear the GPS
• a set of electric glove liners, or gloves
• a Power Trip Dakota II Jacket
• a SPOT tracker
• an Arai Vector full face helmet
• a new pair of summer gloves
• highway pegs
• Louisville Scooter Group patches
• a new pair of riding boots

Ok Scooter-Santa.  I'm not going to BS you.  I probably have not been THIS good.  I just wanted to give you plenty to pick from.

 

Merry Christmas to you, and all Scooterists (even if you're not in the Kentuckiana area)

[and thanks to Ms. Becky for sending the cool picture of you!]

 

Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Shopping with Kat

I am hoping to get some Christmas shopping done this weekend with my girlfriwnd Kathy. If you see us, wave and honk!!

Not the best weather for scootin...

Today it was overcast in the morning, but not too cold-it was only in the 40's! I thought that even though they were calling for some rain later in the day, that I would still ride to work. The ride in was not bad, and when I got there, I put the cover on Lois, which almost always insures that it will not rain. Well...when I got out about 5:30pm, it was pouring! I had my chaps and my jacket liner (the one that the zipper has lost a couple teeth on and is getting a little wonky). I was about 85% covered. I was supposed to go over to my girlfriend Kathy's, but I went straight home instead, got out of my wet motorcycle gear and switched into my cage. My pants were wet in such a way that made it look like I'd lost control of my bladder, but other than that, no biggie. I missed riding this weekend due to holiday stuff and less than happy temperatures, and missed yesterday because it snowed some. In retrospect, since the snow wasnt on the street, I probably would have done better riding yesterday and caging today! I can deal with cold on the bike. Pouring rain and either snow or ice on the road usually does me in. I can live with getting caught in it, and I don't let the weather forecast affect my decision on whether or not to ride-mainly because that has screwed me numerous times. It will be calling for rain, but it is dry in the morning. Invariably on those occasions, it is like 70 degrees and sunny when I get off work... If I dont ride I am grumpy most of the day, and pissed when I get off and see how perfect it is outside! So my plan is to ride to work unless I cannot bear the start weather, or unless I have to be somewhere after work and dont have time to change.

Already regretting

Today is one of those borderline days where I probably could ride to work. There is not much rain, but I have an excuse...I have to pick up something thay will not fit on the scoot. *sigh* its still a bummer.

Hot Hands

These chemical hand warmers are definetly not the $100 heated grips or gloves that some folks use, but they seem to work ok. It was in the 20's this morning and I felt comfortable enough for my meager 20 minute commute. The cool thing I learned is if you take the reactant, air, out of the equation, it puts the heating into stasis, and so I can probably use these one or possibly two weeks!

Weekend ride to Madison, Indiana

Our ride left from Donut Kastle on Lyndon Lane. We had a good group show up to ride to Madison. I had some routing issues and missed a decent chunk, but Ralph was able to lead us on his MP3 when I couldn't find a way that was suitable to everyone. I had a pretty good time overall and we got pie when we made it back into Louisville!

Donut Castle

We are hanging out at Donut Kastle, getting ready to ride!

Nice Ride Tomorrow

I have organized a nice ride tomorrow. We're taking some back roads
up to Madison, Indiana on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. We're
going to stop for lunch at a sandwich shop, then come back through
Clifty Falls State Park and on down the Indiana side of the Ohio. It
is supposed to be near perfect temperature and weather. So far I have
a couple folks confirmed and a few more who may or may not show up. I
hope to see a good crew. We are meeting at 930AM at Doughnut Kastle
near the corner of New Lagrange Road and Lyndon Lane.

Gas Mileage

I ride my scooter pretty hard. As a result it doesn't get the 50+mpg
that it says it should get on Yamaha's web site. Plus I am a big guy
and ride with a passenger sometimes. I get about 42-44 miles per
gallon. I was pretty bummed about this until I started doing some
math. Today gas runs about $2.75 or so per gallon. My Oldmobile
Alero gets really close to about 20-21 miles per gallon.

If you figure that I'm riding right now 11,000+ miles, and by February
next year (with just commuting and riding for fun on some weekends) I
will have around 15K. That gives you a rough figure of about $1000 I
will save in this past year by taking my scooter instead of my car.
Perhaps I should get and SUV as my 'second' vehicle so I could save
EVEN MORE money!!

Gunge on My Stuff

This summer a couple times, I used Armor-all to do the black plastic on my scoot.  The only place where I ran into any trouble was the handlebar plastic.  I has developed some whitish gunge or oxidation which I think is a result of the Armor-all.  I asked around a couple forums and multiple folks recommended Mother's Back to Black.  I researched it on Amazon and it got mostly really good feedback.  I figure I'm not going to bother with that this year and I will just hit it really good this summer when it warms up, but I think I might give the stuff a try.  The best advice I can see it to make sure you follow the directions to the letter or it will run in the first rain.

Motor Scooter Parking Only!

The place where they had scooter-only parking was ValuMarket in Mid City Mall in the Highlands. It looks really nice and is up front next to the handicapped parking spots. Finally helping out the earth pays off a little! I saw this when I stopped to pick up a few things after the ride on Saturday with Ralph. Kat pointed it out to me or I would have missed it! I wrote an email to corporate to see if they plan this sort of thing with the other locations also. ValuMarket rocks, and they have my customer loyalty!

Reserved Scooter Parking

Wouldn't you know the Highlands would be the first area in Louisville to have dedicated scooter parking!

Objects in your mirror...

Take note, and please comply.  The life you save could be mine!

 

Suzuki Fuel-cell Scooter...

The Burgman 125 Hydrogen fuel cell scooter sounds still non-practical,
but it is nice to see companies still moving forward and trying to get
away from so much fossil fuels.

Full article is : http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20091023/176757/

The Jokester

This is my buddy Ralph. He has a Piaggio MP3...its looks like a scooter with training wheels in front...really cool machine. Well the other day I got off work and I am stopped at a stoplight. I pump my breaks at stops so it draws attention from cars. I am at a complete stop, and I feel this *thump*! I immediately think "Some stupid cager wasn't paying attention and just tapped me!" I was pretty pissed...so I turn around and there is Ralph laughing his ass off!! I gave him the appropriate greeting (wave with special finger, and a "nice to see you" that started with "F***!!!") After he got his laughs out and I checked to make sure there was no extra Fruit in my Looms, we left as the light turned green. Its like two days later and now I can laugh (a little!) about it. Watch out for this tire-kicking jokester!

Oil change, ride & 11K

I met Vince over at Skyline Chili for lunch. We both needed to do oil changes today, and he was nice enough to volunteer his garage. We went to Walmart after lunch to get oil. I got two quarts of Mobil 1 full synthetic oil 10W30. We went back to his garage and did our oil changes. About when we were done he had some folks coming over to look at his Honda Reflex, which he is selling for a steal at like $2200. While he was showing the bike, my friend Jeremy called to see what I was doing. The three of us ended up going on a ride out toward Grundy that Jeremy had routed. It was a good ride with perfect weather (only a little cold) and I tipped 11,000 on my odometer. That puts me really close to the 20K mile mark! Back in town we stopped at TK's pub and had some bacon cheddar fries, and a beer. By this time it was dark, and I headed for the barn. ;o) It was a really good fall day.

Weekend coming up

I need to do my oil change this weekend, but the weather looks good,
so I hope I get to ride!! I don't have the kids this weekend, and
have not a lot going on.

Seat Cushion

One of the things I've done recently is to work on a custom seat
cushion. My friend Kathy, who is good at sewing, had some durable
black polyester material. Together we made a basic blueprint of my
stock Majesty seat and adjusted it to cover the area where I sit (my
arse is big, but not as big as the ENTIRE seat...). Next, she sewed
together a basic pocket-like sleeve where I could stuff various
materials to see what works best. The first attempt, which was
slightly more comfortable than the stock consisted of 3 layers. The
base was closed-cell foam (they blue mat used to put on the ground
under your sleeping bag). The center was your basic foam rubber. The
top layer was another layer of the closed-cell foam. As I said, this
method will allow me to try different materials to see how they
perform before I turn the pad into a finished product. If you have
any suggestions, please let me know. I have about 3-4 inches to play
with. I am thinking about trying some stiffer foam rubber, memory
foam, sponge, etc. I think I will keep the closed-cell foam base as
that seems to work pretty good. When the pad is all done and glued
together, I carve/bezel it down with an electric knife (yes, in this
case, it is my turkey-knife) which seems to work very well for this
job.

Saturday ride-forgot to mention the distilleries!!

I forgot to mention this...

 

We rode by at least two seperate distilleries on Saturday. I'm quite sure I smelled Barton just throught Bardstown on 31E...  Not my favorite, but drinkable and there is some in my cupboard right now.

Overcoming scooter stigma?!?!? Yeah, ok...

I started to be annoyed at this web article by Will Johnson, but ended up liking it.  In his article Johnson states such facts as...

 

"I understand scooters aren't the sexiest vehicles ever." of which I would have to disagree.  Lois is about as sleek a vehicle as you'd ever see...curves and everything, man.

"They just don't have that badass quality motorcycles do."  True here, I just can't bring myself to care about it.  I guess it's what you can do with a little scooter that is much more difficult on a 'big-boy bike' that makes me all meh inside about bigger bikes.

"One problem is scooters make you look fat." This statement is heavily moderated by the size scooter you buy.  You have to get one that doesn't make your ass look big (i.e. a 300# guy on a 50cc just looks silly.  Put him on a Honda Silverwing instead...)

"If your parents are too stingy to buy you a Honda Civic, chances are they can afford a little Yamaha Jog." Man, this could be me in 6 years!"

"I can comfortably fit a second person on the back. It works, because I can offer someone a ride home from a party but there's no way I'll be swamped by a crowd of party-goers looking for a designated driver." This is the type of think that makes a scooter a smart vehicle...a thinking-man's motorbike.

"Scooters may not have the same sexual kick a motorcycle does when you pick up a girl for a date, but she still spends the trip hugging you from behind." You hit the nail on the head, Johnson.

"Rain sucks on a scooter, though..." One word.  Gear.  Learn it, love it, live it.

"Seriously, you should give it a shot."  Unanimous agreement!!!

Full article can be viewed here:  http://www.martlet.ca/article/20041-overcoming-scooter-stigma