Merry Christmas To All

One of the things I like about living in Lancaster is that the winters are pretty mild. I grew up in Erie, and up there riding would be just about impossible between November and April. But snow that persists for a week is rare in Lancaster.
Yesterday, Christmas Eve, I went for a motorcycle ride. It was so great to get out and keep the skills sharp. A couple incidents reminded me that motor-biking requires practice and diligence. A wide turn here, the rear tire sliding on some gravel there... And I passed at least 3 others on bikes as well. Temperatures were in the mid-40's and, with long-johns on, it was fine. Wouldn't it be great if that could become a tradition? The Christmas Eve ride.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

In The Year 2020: 35 Miles Per Gallon?

The Federal government is passing a law that auto manufacturers must meet a standard of 35mpg by the year 2020. This is supposedly up from 25mpg now. So how many of you are getting 25mpg? Do you think everyone will be getting 35 then?

I’m not impressed. Sure the auto industry is happy, but that is mainly because by requiring everyone to do it, nobody will lose by being the first one to build a car Americans clearly don’t want. Because if we did want them, we could buy them now.

And think about 2020: that’s 12 years from now. What was life like 12 years ago? There was almost no World Wide Web. No iPods. Email was rare. TVs were fat and lo-def. Cell phones still looked like phones and most people didn’t see the need to own one. And a Ford Contour was already getting 22mpg.

So yes, maybe the average fuel efficiency of vehicles has stalled a bit. But the cost of a gallon of gas is only up about a dollar since then. How much more are you paying for your phone(s)? Your cable? What expenses do you have now that you didn’t have then? High speed internet? Satellite radio?

My point is that we can’t imagine the world we will live in 12 years from now. Technology is advancing that fast. If fuel efficiency hasn’t kept pace over the last 12 years, it only because consumers haven’t made it a priority, because clearly we’re willing to spend the money on other things. It is possible that a new technological breakthrough will make cars with 35mpg look wasteful in 12 years. If cars still run on gas.

The best thing we could do to force the development of more efficient cars is to remove tax breaks for oil companies, remove price controls on gas, and let the price soar. Then let consumers decide what they want in a car.

P.S. Get a scooter.

What’s So Great About Scooters?

“What’s So Great About Scooters? Why Should You Care?” That is the title of a blog entry that is trying to convince us that scooters should be taken seriously in America. In actuality, the article is full of misinformation and opinions fueled by a lack of knowledge. So why should we care about this poor writer? Because his article appears under the New York Times masthead, which is going to give it (underserved) credibility.

His intention is good, and I agree that scooters can reduce traffic congestion and fuel imports. But the fallacies he spreads are dangerous. And he practically contradicts himself by implying that scooters are smelly and lawless in Europe before telling us we should adopt them here. He talks about how great the small, efficient scooters in Europe are, then comes to America and gets a bigger, less efficient scooter because, well, this is America, baby!

The discussion going on there includes a lot of people bragging about their own preferred brand of transportation. The pious Prius owners pipe up, proclaiming their own smug superiority (conveniently ignoring how much they pay for it compared to a scooter). Motorcyclists talk about how much safer a motorcycle feels (but I notice that people who say that have almost never ridden a scooter… so how would they know?) And the bicyclists chime in (but acknowledge that arriving sweaty after a work-out in 85-degree heat isn’t the optimal commute).

Scooters are cheaper and more efficient than any car sold today. Yes, there are compromises in collision safety and storage, but nobody is proposing to eliminate one or the other. We still need both. And motorcycles have their place, but scooters are easier to ride. For those who don’t understand why, here it is in a nutshell: no clutch. And yes, I do have both a motorcycle and a scooter (and a car) and I don’t feel any less safe on my scooter than I do on the motorcycle. It’s just… different. It depends upon where your mental safety zone is. If horsepower and stability over obstacles are your thing, get a motorcycle. If you want confidence starting out at intersections, even on steep hills, and you don’t mind slowing down for corners, a scooter is going to be fun too. What you may lose in feel by not straddling a scooter you probably gain with a lower center of gravity. And I’m pretty sure I’m less likely to lose a leg if I’m side-swiped on a scooter.

People who tell you that scooters are polluting and smelly probably got that impression from old 2-stroke scooters, not the modern fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, catalytic-converted scooters being sold today. And there are just as many safety concerns with an idiot behind the wheel of a Lincoln Navigator as there are for a responsible person on two-wheels… the main difference being that the Navigator driver is more likely to kill you than themselves.

Scooters aren’t for everyone. But I believe that they are for more people than know it yet. So don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. And do your homework first. Whether you’re buying a scooter, or just writing an article about them.

Christmas Downtown

It's Christmas time, and tonight the Mayor lit the Christmas Tree in Penn Square. It was also First Friday, which means stores and gallerys downtown were open late. Even Central Market was open. So I had a chai latte and did some shopping.

And yes, I rode my scooter. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the free parking! Queen Street was closed between Vine and Orange, which had traffic snarled. If more people had been driving scooters, congestion would not have been so bad!

But I can't blame them. There was a little ice and snow on the ground. The streets were wet. It turned out that it wasn't much trouble for the fat tires of a C3. It was cold. Not much wind, but the few blocks I could get up to 35mph were a little biting. I wore my half-helmet with the face shield so that I could stash it under the seat while parked. It was only my chin and ears that were exposed. Otherwise there was no problem.

Monday it's supposed to get back up the the upper 40's. If the forecast holds, I'll ride to work. My goal is to commute on the scooter at least once every month throught the winter.

It's Peanut Butter Scooter Time!

I'd like to draw your attention to a blog that is doing something similar to this one for Columbus, Ohio. Her blog is called Peanut Butter Scooter Time, and I've added it to Scooter Links on the right side of this page. She posts more regularly than I do, which I admire. I think it's intersting that we both started blogs promoting scooters and our hometowns, and each came up with the idea independently. We have even both posted about similar issues like parking and what is the difference between scooters and motorcycles.

Parking on Duke Street?

I was downtown yesterday morning on an errand and saw a motorcycle-riding friend on Duke Street. He said that there were motorcycle parking spaces in the Duke Street Garage that used to be used by the police. The police stopped using them when the station moved 2 blocks West. My friend had been parking his bike there, but he said they are now chained off. What's up with that? I will have to investigate. If there really are motorcycle spaces there, that is in line with the Mayor's Strategic Plan. And chaining them off is not!

I'll keep you updated. It's not a priority however, as we are expecting 3" of snow today.

The Other Classic Scooter

When you think about classic scooters, chances are that the Vespa springs to mind. That is probably why some modern scooters, including the Honda Metropolitan are styled after Vespa. But the Yamaha C3 brings to mind another classic scooter company: Cushman

Today I went to a swap meet at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. It was mostly Harley and chopper parts. But there were a few classic scooters, including this red one from 1947. Cushman scooters were used famously by meter maids in New York and by the Army in World War II.

The styling cues that make this stand out from Vespas are the lack of a leg shield, a headlight that turns with the front fork, and the oversized, blocky rear bodywork. The seat is more like a stool than a saddle.

See Them While They Last

An article in the local newspaper says that autumn leaves are especially colorful and long-lasting this year. Expect them to hang around for only another week or 2.

Road To Recovery Ride

There will be a 15 mile ride happening this Sunday to benefit families dealing with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis. Meet at New Holland Community Park at 2pm (ride starts at 2:30) on November 18. The ride is to Ephrata, where refreshments will be served. See http://www.naa-pa.org/ for more information.

This more of a motorcycle ride, so I don't expect it to be 50cc friendly.

Links

It's 6:48am and I'm already at work because I looked at the weather forecast at realized that if I left home right away I would beat the rain. And it's going to be sunny and 60 degrees this afternoon, so I wanted to ride.

How did I know this? Well, the links on the right side of this page! The Weather Channel Hour by Hour forecast I have found to be pretty accurate. As long as they say there is a less than 30% chance of rain, I'll ride. To watch out for that last 30%, I use the WGAL Super Doppler 8 loop. It's will show you where the rain is, and how long it will last. I used that to see that there was a band of rain coming that would hit during my normal commute time. But it was clear at the moment, so I scampered!

By the way, I noticed that the Gas Buddy link wasn't working for the Z level I had it set to, so I've adjusted it. That is getting more interesting to watch. I hear that for the first time gas prices are lower in Philly than here, because of the ethanol they mix in. Ethanol is overstocked right now, making it cheap.

It's raining now. I win!

It's Winter Warmer Time

Yesterday I was watching Superbikes on the Speed Channel and they were in Paris, talking about scooters. They were showing people doing stunts on scooters and talking about why scooters are so prevalent in Europe. Scarce parking and congested streets make motorcycles and scooters a necessity.
Those issues are the same issues that a few are starting to complain about in Lancaster. While I maintain that those people must never have been to Philadelphia, it's true that they are a growing concern. Add in gas prices and the desire to "go green", and I think you will see more scooters downtown next year.
What's all this got to do with the title? Well, Lancaster Brewing Company makes a wonderful beer that they only brew over the winter: Winter Warmer. And as I rode my scooter home from my neighborhood brewery with a re-fillable growler filled with dark, malty micro-brew tucked under the seat, I thought, "How European!".

Country Riding

Even though it was cold today, I put on some long underwear and went for a ride. With the right gear, even at 39 degrees, it's not bad. The trees are probably at the height of their color right now. The countryside is beautiful. Harvest time is over and places are preparing for winter. It's a transitional time of year that is especially noticable in an agricultral area.

Today I stumbled upon Zook's Mill Covered Bridge on Log Cabin Road, just off Rose Hill Road, East of Brownstown. I had to stop and take a few pictures with my cell phone. (Note to self: get a small digital camera to carry on these trips... these cell phone images aren't good enough.) Surrounded by farms, along a small river, it was a very peaceful place.

As I was taking pictures of this bridge, across Rose Hill Road, a trio of Amish men repaired a masonry wall on a farm. The whole experience made me feel that I am lucky to live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It's a place that people come from all over to tour. There are winding roads, small towns, rivers, bridges, and diners. With the exception of switch-back mountain roads, it's the kind of place that motorcycle magazines write articles about it. And all we have to do is walk out the door and enjoy it.

Oil/Gas Prices

Oil is selling at over $98/barrel and gas prices are, for the moment, hovering around $3/gallon. They're likely to go up even further soon, since gas was this price earlier in the year when oil was at $70/barrel. I am so glad to have the scooter. I am going to fill up the tank today, which will cost me less than $3 and last me a couple weeks.
Yes, I am still riding the scooter to work. The cold is actually not as bad as I expected. It can definitely be managed by wearing the right gear. It reminds me of being young and walking or riding a bike to class. Being out in the weather broadens your thoughts more than just moving from one box (your house) to another box (a car) to another box (the office). I'm enjoying it. That's likely to change when it dips below freezing. But for now, I'm thumbing my nose at oil prices.

Scooters to Motards

This past Sunday was the last Ephrata First Sunday Motorcycle Rally of the year. But when they start up again in March, I urge you to go. It's held at the American Legion in Ephrata on the morning of the first Sunday of each month, March to November. They have coffee, muffins and danish for sale, but other than that, it just about people bringing their motorcycles to show off. I have never seen a ride-in that was so accepting of all types of motorcycles.

There were Harleys, of course, but also sport bikes, motards, antiques, trikes, tourers, choppers and a couple Piaggio, Honda and Suzuki maxi scooters. The riders wandered around taking pictures and striking up conversations about the wide variety of bikes. People of all ages were genuinely interested in all of the styles, not just sticking to their own segregated groups. Even my little cruiser got some looks. Its 650cc single made it unique enough to warrant some questions and a photo.

I think a lot of people were looking to decide what their next bike would be. I know I was. You can see more styles here than at any dealer. And see a variety of add-ons. I saw a yellow Kawasaki from Delaware with hard bags and a GPS unit. The Burgman 400s had radios built-in. A local man, Colin, with a green Triumph Tiger gave me a lot of good information.

If you truly like motocycles of any kind, this monthly rally is like a candy store.

Looking for Leathers?

Try Domaki Leathers in Leola. They are an inconspicuous store at the corner of Rt. 23 and Rt. 772. They have a large selection of leather... well, everything: jackets, chaps, gloves, boots, breifcases, and even saddlebags (the only thing I didn't see there were full body racing leathers). What makes them great is that their prices are competitive with outlet prices, but the quality is higher. Their jackets are real motorcycle jackets, not fashion jackets made out of soft, thin calfskin. Their jackets are the real thick leather, the kind that would actually protect you for more than a second in a crash. But the same price as the fashion stuff at the mall. I bought a jacket with a racing collar, vents, a zip-in quilted lining that goes all the way down the sleeves for $169. And there is no velcro on it anywhere.

They are only open until 5:30 in the evening, so try going on Saturday when they are open 9:30-4:30.


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Pretty Picture

Sorry I haven’t updated for a while. This blog started out as an outlet for thoughts about scooters. Small thoughts. I haven’t had either type much lately. The main purpose of this entry is to post this pretty picture of my motorcycle next to Speedwell Forge Lake. Jeremy requested that I post a picture of the motorcycle. I took this last weekend with my cell phone. That seems like a long time ago.

It was a beautiful Autumn day. You can see it in the picture. I had wanted to ride on a day like that. The ride started with my first experience of a car making a left in front of me. I had been warned it would happen someday. I skidded, but up-righted it. I honked the horn, she kept on going. No harm, no foul. I didn’t make a big deal about it. I rode up to Mt. Gretna. It was beautiful. It justified my decision to get a motorcycle.

Tuesday night was really warm. I went for a long ride, thinking it would probably be the last warm night of the year. The weather was finally changing. And that wouldn’t be all.
That night, I got a mysterious phone message; the recorded sound of a lion roaring. The next morning I discovered my car had been burglarized. I had to deal with the police, the loss of my Sirius radio, and the feelings violation that evoked. The Lion called again that night. More police. The weather turned colder and it has rained for days on end. And it’s dark earlier, which always gets me down.

It’s now Saturday, and one mystery is solved. The Lion, it turns out, was a telemarketer obliquely associated with the issuer of the Yamaha credit card. What the purpose is of harassing potential customers with recorded phone messages, I don’t know. But I did some harassing of my own (to actual humans associated with that credit card) in retaliation after the Lion called again on Thursday and there were no phone calls last night.

Also, all this time I’ve been reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I’ve had an interest before in eastern philosophy and had always meant to read this book. Now that I have a motorcycle that I might actually be able to maintain myself, I thought it would be the right time. I didn’t know what the book was really about. I didn’t know it would include a plot line about mental illness and re-formed memories. Not things I expected to ponder this week. But the combination of everything has me unsettled.

Tonight I have a big dinner with friends planned and, with any luck, the rain will stop and I’ll be able to get back on the bike. I’m looking forward to that.

BMA Cycles

Last week I rode by BMA Cycles. They are located at 2209 River Rd, Bainbridge, way out on the western side of the county. I was looking for accessories and a friend had said that they were having a great sale. But I was surprised at their selection of scooters!

They had everything from traditional style to racing-inspired looks in a variety of brand names, some I recognized, some I didn't. I can't vouch for the reliability of the scooters or the quality of the service at BMA. But I wanted to tell you about this source of scooter fun.

And speaking of fun, look at that white one on the right in this photo. It has a roof and a windshield wiper! I had seen this model in pictures from a friend's trip to Europe, but I'd never seen one in person. It turns out there is one right here in Lancaster, and it could be yours.

Chutzpah

Sighted this morning...

You have to be either really bold or really clueless to park in front of three No Parking signs.

Dutchland Rollers Bout: TMI Scooter Club coming!

The next Dutchland Rollers roller derby bout is scheduled for Saturday, October 13. Doors at the Overlook Activity Center, 2040 Lititz Pike, open at 5:30pm.

I have it on good authority that members of the Three Mile Island Scooter Club are planning to attend to support their Nuclear Knockouts. Let's show them some Dutchland hospitality by tailgating with them before, and partying after, their whupping.

The Power of the Dark Side

It is normal for people who enter the world of two-wheeled transportation, after a short period of time, to desire more power. In the scooter community, buying a motorcycle is referred to as going over to the Dark Side. It is a good-natured joke, but it is a good analogy.

Motorcycle and scooter riders are both members of the same “religion”. Their fraternity is illustrated by the wave that riders give each other as they pass. It is an acknowledgment that we enjoy the same experience: the joy and freedom of the ride. If riding is the Force, and a 50cc scooter is the ride for a padawan, then motorcycling is the Dark Side. Power comes easy. Perhaps too easily for the inexperienced. And that easy access to power can be corrupting. A young Sith may find himself with a prosthetic limb… or worse.

I recently stumbled upon a great site (without bad Star Wars metaphors) for new motorcyclists. If you are thinking about getting a motorcycle for the first time, check out http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/index.html. The site is intelligent, well-written, and humorous. It includes tips and recommendations for those considering their first motorcycle, and reviews of many models.

After shopping bigger scooters and beginner motorcycles, the right bike at the right price happened to be a motorcycle: a 2006 Boulevard S40. Yes, it is one of the bikes listed on that site for beginners. It’s a lot of fun being able to go faster, but the gears and the weight make it a very different animal. One that’s not as well behaved as a scooter. I have a couple hundred miles on it, and I heartily endorse all the warnings and recommendations on that website about starting with a beginner’s bike.

I kept my scooter, and I‘m glad I did. Riding the motorcycle to work on the highway in rush hour traffic made me appreciate the nimble, light scooter on slower, lightly-traveled back roads. You can’t beat a scooter for practicality, economy, and storage. For these reasons, I’ll still use the scooter for commuting the majority of the time. And the newness of the motorcycle hasn’t diminished the fun of the scooter. I look forward to getting on each, for different reasons. It’s possible to enjoy both sides.

Spur of the Moment Meet

A fellow member (ChelsieLou) of UrbanScootin.com and I are meeting at Central Market this Saturday at 10am to do the 2 Covered Bridges loop. Everyone is invited to join us. We will be meeting on the Market Street side. I'll be there early, enjoying a coffee and some kind of pastry from the Market, if you'd like to do the same.

This ride is about 17 miles and 50cc-friendly. The weather is supposed to be wonderful, so come on out!

Maxi Meet

I rode up to check out the 4th Annual PA Scooter Meet as they stopped for breakfast at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The event was organized by members of BurgmanUSA, so it wasn't a surprise that the gathering was dominated by Suzuki Burgmans. It was intersting to see how these bikes, which already have pretty strong styling, had been customized by their owners. The photo to the right is of my favorite.

There were a few other brands there as well... a Yamaha Morphos, a Honda Silverwing and Big Rukus, a cool orange Kymco.

Upcoming Roller Derby Bout

Don't forget about the Dutchland Rollers. They have a bout coming up this Saturday, September 8th, 6:30pm at the Overlook Activites Center. Portions of the proceeds from this Black-Hearted Blitzkrieg will go to the American Heart Association. Lucy van Belt says that 2 of their league members are scooter riders. I wonder which ones...

4th Annual PA Scooter Meet

The 4th Annual PA Scooter Meet will occur on the weekend of September 14-16, 2007, in New Holland. This information came from the BurgmanUSA forum, so the rally will most likely feature maxi scooters. The Burgman is a model of scooter made by Suzuki in 400cc and 650cc sizes. They are definitely the top of the scooter food chain. But when the big dogs are having a party in your neighborhood, the little dogs can't help but sneak around for a peek. I'm planning to ride up to New Holland that that weekend and check it out. Wouldn't it be fun to fill New Holland with scooters?

Long's Park Art Fest

It's Memorial Day Weekend, and that means the Long's Park Arts & Crafts Festival. This annual event is one of the top art festivals in the country, the best in the Northeast. And it's within scootering distance for us! I rode there each of the last 2 days. I parked for free in the special area they had dedicated for motorcycles.

One of the exhibitors knows the value of a scooter for getting around. He brought his Honda Ruckus (pictured above) with him. Judging from the Tennessee plates, I'm betting it was Rey Alfonso.

This year's festival featured Iron Hill Brewery selling beer and wine inside the festival. Iron Hill is opening this fall in College Row on Harrisburg Pike. They had a beer tasting event on Sunday. If you like sweet wine-like beers, this will be the place for you.

Wheels Weekend Coming

I'm looking forward to the weekend of September 7-9. That Friday is First Friday, which is always an exciting night to be downtown. Saturday, in my neighborhood, is the North East Neighborhood September Fest featuring a flea market, live music and a motorcycle show around the Fulton Bar. Sunday is a classic car and motorcycle show downtown, 11-4.
It's also the weekend that I begin my Motorcycle Safety Program. It's a weekend full of 2-wheelers!

Italian Fest

Today was the 1st Annual Italian Fest in Lancaster. Reveron Electronic Inc. had a booth there promoting their Yamati scooters. I don't know anything about them, but they sure are sharp looking.

The festival was held in front of Rosa Rosa Ristorante Italiano. The owner of Rosa Rosa, Giovanni Disomma, was recently hurt quite badly in an accident on a scooter. A driver on a cell phone ran a red light and hit him. He was not wearing a helmet. (Another reminder: ATGATT "All The Gear All The Time). There was a stand at the festival where Carmella Disomma was asking people to sign petitions outlawing cell phone use while driving and to bring back the mandatory helmet law. As I was signing the cell phone petition (and not the helmet one), I heard a man behind me say, "Well, I'll sign the helmet one, but not the cell phone one." To each his own, I guess.

girlbike Passing Through Lancaster

Last Monday Crystal Waters (pictured, center) of girlbike.com passed through Lancaster with her friends Susan and Pascal. They were passing through on their way from Maryland to Vermont. I met them at the old Rebman's store parking lot. The weather was miserable and I was leaving on a vacation of my own, so I didn't spend much time riding along with them. But I was able to lead them from the south side of the City, to a gas station, and then on to Rt. 501.

Such an ambitious ride for 150cc scooters!

On the Road Again

I got my Yamaha C3 back. It had a bad fuel pump. It was in the shop for 11 days, and it is less than 3 months old.

If you are considering a scooter as a commuter vehicle (and it is my hope that you are), I would encourage you to ask your dealer about warranty and service. A reliable service department with access to a network of experienced technicians and parts will be more likely to keep you happy and on the road. Unless you are planning to do the maintenance yourself, I would be leery about buying a scooter from a place where I don't see a garage.

Motorcycle Safety Program

You need a motorcycle license to ride anything over 50cc in Pennsylvania. So I'm working on getting mine. I've signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Program. It's free in PA and you finish with your license acquired. They even provide the motorcycles. It sounds like a great way to find out if a bigger bike is for you.
Having your learner's permit is a prerequisite. It costs $10, and you need to pass a written test (actually the test is taken on a touch-screen computer) at the DMV.
Signing up for the MSP is a pain. You need to do it online; the class are small and fill up fast; and registration only opens periodicly. I'm going to a session in Millersville. Registartion only opened last night, and it's already 3/4's full. But, I hear over and over that it is a valuable experience. It can even save you money on your insurance.
I'm hoping that the class will help me decide if I want a bigger scooter, or keep the little one and get a motorcycle.

TMISC Meltdown 2007

Every once in a while you need to venture outside the county. Saturday I took a field trip to Mechanicsburg to attend the Three Mile Island Scooter Club's Meltdown 2007 rally. There was a wonderful array of scooters there from Helixes and Burgmans, to vintage Vespas and Lambrettas. It was inspiring, and made me want to start a collection. Registration included free food, beer, music and a swag bag.

I also stopped in at the local Vespa dealer. I looked at their 250's. I can definitely see one in my future. My current scooter, frustratingly, is in the shop with a mysterious intermittant problem. For a new scooter, it has been unavailable for WAY too long. That, along with my desire to get something more powerful, has me drooling over a Vespa GTS or GTV. It burned me everytime I got back in my car that day. I can feel why bikers call cars "cages".

Parking Now Open!

The free, dedicated scooter parking in the Prince Street Garage is open for use. The article about it appeared in the paper yesterday.

To use the spaces, you must sign a waiver stating that you will not use the space for vehicle maintenance, or for sale or display of merchandise, etc.. There is no parking from 2am to 6am. They also state that they are not responsible for vandalism, damage or loss. Considering that, it would be nice if they would provide some anchors to lock down to.

After signing the waiver, you are given a numbered sticker. The sticker doesn't have to be stuck to your scooter... it actually comes on a plastic hanger card (designed for automobile rear-view mirrors). So you can pull out the card and hang it on your handlebars. The Mayor peeled his sticker off and put it directly on his Honda Elite 80. Of course, the mayor got #001.

Rally Scooter

Scooters just seem to want stickers and decals. I tracked down some self-adhesive vinyl at the craft store in the Golden Triangle, and after a little work with a knife and some scissors, I made some rally graphics for my C3.


The other day, a college kid leaned out the window of his passing car and yelled, "That's hot, man! I like it!" Why, thank you, so do I.

Sad News

A 66 year-old Lancaster County man was killed 7-31-07 while riding a scooter on Rt. 772 just South of Leola, according to the Intelligencer Journal. The report was posted on Lancaster OnLine. Apparently a car pulled in front of him and he couldn't avoid the collision. He was wearing a helmet, but pronounced dead at the scene.

The rider was Emauel Beiler of Gordonville.

I'm thinking of the yard signs that proliferate in the summer: "Motorcycles Are Everywhere". So are scooters. This accident happened in the middle of the afternoon on clear, sunny day. Drivers: look both ways. Then look again. Don't just look for moving things the size of a car... really see and evaluate your surroundings.
Riders: Always assume that car in front of you is going to do the stupid thing.

Upcoming Meltdown

The Three Mile Island Scooter Club is hosting a scooter rally they are calling Meltdown 2007. The event features an organized ride, awards, games, barbeque, and 2 live bands. I'm not sure how 50cc-friendly the event or the location are, but I'm going to check how much of my camping gear fits in my scooter, just in case.

How have I not heard of these guys before? Listen to this mission statement: "The Three Mile Island Scooter Club was founded to promote scooter riding as the best form of transportation known to modern man, and beer consumption as the best preventative measure against radiation exposure." How can I not support that? Sure, beer might not actually protect against radiation, but can we really be sure? Isn't there a chance, out of all infinite possibilities, that it does? Radiation occurs at the quantum level and, at the quantum level, all possible realities exist. Odds are that we can't risk not drinking beer! How's that for quantum theory?

The Dutchland Rollers

The Dutchland Rollers are a local roller derby team. I have been curious about them for a while; why roller derby? Why in 2007? Who are these people?. Well, I was lucky enough to win some tickets in a raffle and found out at their match on July 21st.
It seems to me that it is a off-shoot of the punk and alternative scene. Tatoos were abundant in both the crowd and on the contestants. Rude sayings flourished on T-shirts and as clever puns for the ladies’ pseudonyms. But with the exception of the language, the whole event had almost a family-friendly vibe to it. There were plenty of children there, and they were having a lot of fun.
The match itself is skated on a flat oval with old-school quad roller skates. The rules seem complicated until you see it in action. A match consists of 3 periods, each with many short “jams”. After a couple jams it is easy to pick up on the action. By the second period I found myself saying things like, “Ooooo, Torque Wench is the jammer, she’s good!” I had become a fan without realizing it.
What does this have to do with scooters? Well, there was a red Metropolitan in the parking lot… and the friends I went with brought a friend from out of town, Kelly Marshall, who took these pictures. Kelly is fearless on her Yamaha Vino 125. She’s ridden it on the Washington beltway, which makes her my new hero.

Eastern Market

I've mentioned Central Market a number of times, but if you are looking for a less touristy alternative, check out Eastern Market at 308 E. King Street. Eastern Market is part open-air, part roofed space. Have a seat at the provided tables and enjoy a cafe latte, some gelati, or Ethiopian food before taking home some great looking organic vegetables. The second Saturday of each month features local artists. Open every Saturday, 9-2, through October.

Off-Road Scootin'

If you have a Honda Ruckus or a Yamaha C3 like me, you might enjoy riding to Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve. I passed through there on Saturday. I'm glad my scooter has fat tires! It's a park featuring some hilly dirt roads. The roads are meant to be driven, but I wouldn't recommend it for thin wheels. I felt like I was riding a dirt mini-bike more than a scooter.

The Pizza Scooter

Looking to have a pizza delivered? Have it delivered by scooter! Slugger's Pizzeria of 701 N. Queen St. delivers their pizzas on The Pizza Scooter as often as possible.
They serve a New York style pizza, hand made. If you are in the neighborhood between 11 and 2, try the lunch special: 2 slices and a drink for under $4. Their slices are huge... 1/6 of what seems like a 16" pie.
The baseball-themed pizzeria opened right around the same time Clipper Magazine Stadium was constructed. Their walls are decorated with baseball photographs, including one of the Lancaster Barnstormer's own beloved mascot Cylo. The Pizza Scooter even features a souvenir bat from opening night as a decoration.
As a business inspired by Barnstormers' Baseball and using a scooter as a integral part of that business, Slugger's Pizza is everything Lancaster is looking for. Give them a try.

Easy Being Green

One of the reasons I chose a scooter was to be more green. So it was fitting that I rode my scooter to The Great Green America Festival. It took place this weekend at Mt. Hope, the site of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. There were booths of people promoting green products and food, and organizations concerned with the conservation of the environment and animals. There was musical entertainment on multiple stages, and a DockDogs competition.

In addition to the booths, competitions, discussions, and entertainment, there was the usual amenities of the Mt. Hope grounds. Most of the food stands and gift shops were open. The Winery was open, and so was the Swashbuckler Brewing Company.You could carry your beverage around the grounds to enjoy the festival. I especially recommend the Capt'n Rude Stout.

My scooter enjoyed priority parking with the motorcycles, right across the courtyard from the entrance. VIP parking, adult beverages, great music, all for a good cause... what's not to love? If they do it again next year, I'd love to see more scooterists there.

The highlight for me was one of the musical acts; the Peasall Sisters. They were the singing voices for The Wharvey Gals, the young singing group for whom George Clooney was the paterfamilia in O' Brother Where Art Thou? The girls are now 14, 16, and 20 , and could give the Dixie Chicks a run for their money in a battle of the bands.

A Peek At Parking

I was downtown on Saturday morning again, and saw the areas that the City is setting aside for scooter parking in the Prince Street Garage.

This picture is from the Orange Street side, in front of the elevators. The white lines along the curved wall are spaces reserved for scooters.

This picture looks South on Prince Street. Note the new white lines on the brick pavers at the left.

They could use a few of these but definitely a good use of, as the Mayor asked, the "nooks and crannies" of an existing garage. Remember that we are being asked to sign a waiver and get a sticker in order to use this free parking. I'll be looking into that soon.

Mobile Maps

Sometimes it isn't convenient to carry a lot of stuff on your scooter. Like an atlas. But one thing that I always carry is my mobile smart phone. So I downloaded Google Mobile Maps. It's like having Google Maps in the palm of your hand, anywhere.
Go to http://www.google.com/gmm/index.html and check it out. Take the tour: there is a little java app that will simulate how it works. There are also instructions on how to download it to your phone. It will even work paired with a GPS device, if you have one. I don't, but man, that'd be sweet.
I spend a lot more time on winding back roads with the scooter than I do with the car, and this is going to really save me from getting lost.

Saturday Morning Again

I got up this morning and rode the scooter downtown for coffee (today's flavor special: Caramel and Creme) and a donut (custard-filled with chocolate frosting) at Central Market. I took my new delectibles outside to a bench by my scooter. During a conversation with the other occupant of the bench, it turned out that she was the was the owner of the Art & Glassworks. That is one of my usual stops when I'm browsing the 300 block of North Queen. She said that her family had just been looking at scooters. One of them was considering a Honda Metropolitan. She said that the owner of a local burrito place (I can only assume she means Senorita Burrita) is also the owner of the green Met I've seen around town. So, you riders out there, here are two pro-scooter businesses for you to support!

As I was finishing up my coffee, a couple pulled up and parked next to me. The husband came right over to me and started asking about the scooter; what brand is it, what type of brakes it had, etc.. When I told him the gas mileage, he burst out laughing. It wasn't long before his wife told him it was time to go inside and get on with their shopping. But he thanked me for talking with him.

Scooters are conversation starters!

Armor Up

One of the things that I didn't consider when I decided to buy a scooter was how much I would spend on accessories. I bought a half-helmet that day because I thought it was just a scooter, it doesn't go that fast, you wouldn't get that hurt in an accident. Subsequent reading on the internet convinced me otherwise. I'll spare you the links, as my goal is to encourage you to ride a scooter, not scare you off. Suffice to say that the smart thing to do is to ride as if an accident inevitable. And skin is no match for pavement.

I ride a scooter, and a C3 at that, so obviously I'm not into this for some macho trip. When I pass a Harley rider, as I did today, with no helmet and wearing only a wife-beater, I can't imagine how it would feel to slide on the pavement dressed like that. I will ride for fun often, but I'm also into this for the commute to work. And I expect to arrive intact. It seems that the biggest threat that scooter riders face is other motorists pulling out in front of you. All your mad riding skillz aren't going to save you then. With the right equipment, however, you should escape with minimal damage.

I decided to upgrade to a full-face helmet. I realized that my half-helmet might save my life, but it won't do a thing to save my face. So I ordered a HJC CL-Max. It is actually a modular helmet, which means that the chin bar and shield lift up so that you can put it on and off like a 3/4 helmet. Nice for us glasses-wearing riders.

I bought some Joe Rocket gloves with padded knuckles, in case a rock or hornet flies into my hand. Your hands control the bike. I wouldn't want to lose the use of one for a second at full speed. Plus there are metallic kevlar pads in the palms for extra protection should I try to brace myself with my hands in a skid.

Lastly, an armored mesh jacket. Wind passes right through most of the jacket. But it contains built-in elbow, back, and shoulder pads. The one I bought is pictured here (a Tour Master Draft Air jacket), and has reflective piping above the white stripe. It also has a bunch of pockets, which is nice. You ladies carry purses, but guys carry everything in pockets. During the summer, I miss the pockets of my winter coat. This has a special mobile media pocket, which is perfect for my smartphone. And I look forward to shopping for a bad-ass leather one when Autumn comes.

Expensive, yes, but I consider some of this as a lifetime investment. A lifetime that will be longer because of them. Will I wear all this gear every time I ride? Probably not. Especially shopping downtown where I'm on and off, in and out of stores. But I will wear it when I commute. With my hands, elbows, shoulders, and head covered, I feel like I could take a 20-foot slide and still make my 10am meeting.

Getting Serviced

I took my scooter in for it's first service and a safety recall (a potentially leaky ring of some kind) yesterday at B&B Yamaha. While I was waiting, I looked at the scooters that they had lined up there three rows deep. They even had a gorgeous Aprilia in the back. It seems most of the salesmen there have scooters that they sometimes use for commuting.


While speaking to John, an employee there, he said that the only roads in Lancaster he wouldn't take a 50cc scooter on were 30, 283, or 222. He's ridden Rt. 501 between Lititz and Lancaster. That was encouraging. That means, with time, there is just about nowhere we couldn't go*. Still, I could see myself getting a bigger scooter, one that will do closer to 80mph, in the future. But I'd keep the little 50cc model. It's great around town. And you can't beat the gas mileage.


I was a little early for my appointment, so I did some exploring and came across Schenck's Mill Covered Bridge. Out in the country, along Shenck Road, just off of Spooky Nook Road. A nice ride. I saw a number of bicyclists out there also, including Craig, one of the owners of B&B.

*editted to add: I still think it's smart to stay off of roads on which your bike can't reach the speed limit. That's just polite.

Real Parking News

Today I received an Email from Tom Matthews of the Lancaster Parking Authority. He said that they are, "developing spaces for scooter parking on the perimeter of the Prince Street Garage. The areas are directly off of Prince and Orange streets. These spaces will be for Scooters only. "

The areas are not in the garage, but will be covered. And, unlike the spaces inside the garage, they will be free! That's right, free parking for scooters only, in the heart of downtown Lancaster!

There is a slight inconvenience: you must acquire a sticker to use the parking. To get a sticker, you must sign a waiver absolving them of responsiblilty. I guess it must be what's in the fine print on the garage ticket (which I never read). But, hey, I'll sign a waiver and put a sticker on my scooter for more parking options.

The decals and contracts should be ready "in the next few weeks". They will let me know where and when they are available. And when I know, you'll know.

Parking News (which is news and may or may not be information)

I sent an Email asking about scooter parking to both the office of the Mayor of Lancaster and to the Lancaster Parking Authority. I asked specificly if scooters were allowed to park on the sidewalk, and for any information about dedicated space in City lots and garages. So far I have only heard back from Pat Brogan, the Mayor's Chief of Staff.
Ms. Brogan didn't provide any specific information. She only indicated that they are reviewing ordinances and that they "expect to move forward on these initiatives while the warm weather is with us." She also said, "It's a great time to have a scooter in the City!" So, no official news yet. But some encouragement is always... well, encouraging.
Part of the problem may be the overlapping definitions of motorcycle, motor-driven cycles(including scooters, which are also motorcycles), and "pedacycles"(which everyone else knows as mopeds, and are specificly exempted from the other 2 categories, even if they meet the definition). There are also laws about "motorized scooters" which are actually like those Razor scooters with engines on them. Just about all the laws about them prohibit them from being used anywhere by anyone. But they're called scooters.
If this page is to be believed (and my research leads me to believe it, despite it's AOL domain and indigo background), then the real answer is that only "pedacycles" may park on the sidewalk. A "pedacyle" must have operable pedals, like a bicycle. So, no scooters on the sidewalk.
Another interesting law I found on that site: you may park as many motorcycles as you want in a single designated parking space. BUT! If any ONE of those motorcycles sticks out and exceeds the boundaries that a single car would take up, ALL of the motorcycles in that space are considered to be in violation and are each individually liable as if they each were the only occupant of that space. Keep in mind that a scooter is a motor-driven cycle, which is also a motorcycle, and may or may not be a pedacycle or a scooter.
When Ms. Brogan says they are "reviewing ordinances", they have their work cut out for them.

Scooter Information Online

The internet is a wonderful thing. When I shopped for my scooter, I compared models online. Want to know what else is happening in the scooter world? Get online and find other scooter riders in your area, or find other riders of your scooter model everywhere!
Probably the best forum I've found is urban scootin. They are huge! They began as primarily a Honda Metropolitan site, but are very accepting of riders of other brands and models.
Battlescooter is primarily for Honda Ruckuses. They are into modding up their scooters for speed and style.
c3rider, for Yamaha C3's, is just getting started. There aren't too many options in their profiles, but their gallery is different. I have a C3, and hope this fledgling forum does well.
Permanent links have been added to the right. If you find others worth noting, let me know.

2 Covered Bridges Loop

It time for our first ride: what I'm calling the 2 Covered Bridges Loop. This ride is only about 17.5 miles, but offers a nice sampling of Lancaster scenery and history. At the end of the text here is a link to a map of the route for you to print. Numbers on the map relate to the numbers in the text here. What is Lancaster County known for? Amish farms and covered bridges. So let's go!

1. Our ride starts at the center of the City of Lancaster, the site of our future Convention Center and luxury hotel. The facade is the former Watt & Shand Building, Lancaster's main department store for many decades. We begin here, at a obvious landmark, for convenience sake.



Ride North on Queen St.



Turn Right onto Lemon St.



Continue along Lancaster Cemetery.


Turn left onto New Holland Av..



Turn left onto N. Plum at Quips Pub.



2. Turn right onto Park Av. at The Fulton. The Fulton Hotel was gathering place in Northeast Lancaster. Politicians used to give speeches from the second story porch to crowds below. Today it is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with American fare and eclectic patrons.
Follow Park Av. to the left, under the underpass.



Turn right onto Martha Av. along …



3. The Stehli Silk Mill. It may not look like much now, but one hundred years ago this was the largest Silk Mill in the world. Silk was just one of the industries that Lancaster led east of the Mississippi.


Turn left onto Fountain Av..


Continue straight on Pleasure Rd..


Continue straight on Esbenshade Rd..


Turn right onto Rutledge Av..


Rutledge Av. becomes Homeland Dr. and takes you under Rt. 30.


Turn left onto Country Club Dr..


Country Club Dr. becomes Sunset Dr..


Turn left onto Eden Rd..


Turn right onto Euclid Rd..


Turn left onto Butter Rd.. Watch for pedestrians, both humans and ducks.


When you get to Hunsecker Rd, the loop begins. You can go either way, but I’ve always enjoyed it clockwise, so that’s how I will be guiding you.


Continue on Butter Rd. You should really be getting the olfactory experience of Lancaster County by now.


Continue past the exit and entrances for Rt. 222.


Turn right onto Bridge Rd..

4. I think this spot is one of the hidden gems of Lancaster County. As you head over the open bridge, look to your right, through the trees to see an old stone arch bridge.

Just ahead is Pinetown Bushong's Mill Covered Bridge.
Go through the bridge.

On the other side, you are likely to be greeted by cows.

Continue along the long straight-away of Bridge Rd.. This is a popular bicycle route.

Turn right onto Mondale Rd.. Here you will be passing real Lancaster County farms.



Turn right onto Hunsecker Rd.. Here you will encounter…

5. Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge. How adorable is this? The well kept houses, the homemade swing, a covered bridge…

Cross over the bridge, but watch out for “road apples“. On the other side, if you are traveling on a weekend, you are likely to see some commotion at Bridge Acres Stable; a school for riding mounts of one horsepower.

Continue on Hunsecker Rd..

Turn left onto Butter Rd.. We’re on our way back now.

Turn right onto Euclid Rd..

Turn left onto Eden Rd..

Turn right onto Sunset Dr..

Continue on Country Club Dr.

Turn right onto Homeland, back under Rt. 30.

Continue on Rutledge Av..

Turn left on Esbenshade Rd.. Here’s where we vary from the trip out…

Turn right on Juliette Ave..

Turn right on Marshall Ave.. Follow Marshall along:
6. The Lancaster Stockyards. At one time, Lancaster was also the cattle trade capital East of Chicago. The Stockyards are abandoned and run down now, and slated to be turned into a mixed use development. But there was a time that, if you ate a steak on the east coast, it probably walked through here. As attitudes about animal treatment changed, Lancaster fell behind, the Stockyards became controversial and eventually closed. But they are a large part of our history. Nearby are the Stockyard Inn and Jimmee’s Deluxe Grill, a retro burger place with outdoor dining and hand-made burgers and shakes, if you are ready for a bite before our last leg.

Turn left on Lititz Pike.

Over the bridge, and along McGovern Av.. Stay left. The Lancaster Amtrak Station is on your right.

Turn left onto N. Duke St.. As you travel down Duke St., keep an eye on traffic, but don’t forget to look around at the buildings you are passing. They are a part of the reason they call this Historic Downtown Lancaster.

Turn right on Orange St..

Turn left on Prince St..

Turn left on King St.. Straight one block and we are back where we started.

If you take this ride, leave a comment. Let us know how it went.

Downtown Saturday Morning

I rode the scooter downtown this morning and did a little shopping. I parked around the outside of Central Market. I saw one other scooter rider there, a young lady on what appeared to be a green Honda Metro. Those Metros are popular. I saw a blue one on the commute home yesterday.

A lot of people were asking about the scooter. A couple people mentioned that they were considering buying one. The staff at the liquor store seemed very interested. They were particularly eager to save on parking. They said that scooters are allowed to park on the sidewalk. I'll try to confirm that.

I also stopped in at Zap & Co.. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, I just enjoy the place. They are a retro store, selling vintage clothes and items, primarily from the 30's through the 60's. But I found more than I had hoped for... you see, I have been keeping an eye out for some stickers to customize the scooter. And they had a box of rock bumper stickers, new old stock, from the '80's. Looks like about '84, because they had Micheal Jackson, Def Leppard, Quiet Riot, "Frontiers"-era Journey, "Synchronicity"-era Police, and more. All in that glitter/sparkle style. So now my scooter is rockin' a genuine vintage "Zenyatta Mondatta"-style Police sticker. Don't stand so close to it!