July 2 - July 5, 2009
Los Gatos, CA USA
Look for [eventual] updated info at VCOA, VCLG, and AmeriVespa
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Froyo and Pet Carriers
Can froyo (frozen yogurt) survive in the Pet Carrier? Well, it depends on the trip length and the stiffness of the froyo.
I went to Red Mango's grand opening the other day. Since I didn't want to eat by myself there, I decided to just go home and eat it. I put both my froyos (1 covered & uneaten, 1 uncovered & partially eaten) in the pet carrier. Everything was fine and dandy until I hit a rather nasty speedbump and bounced fiercely. For the rest of the ride home, I was thinking of what sticky mess I would see under there from the uncovered & partially eaten froyo.
When I got home (time of 5 min), low and behold my froyo was still intact! Granted it was slightly melted, but nothing a timeout in the freezer couldn't cure. There was no mess either from the incident on the speed bump.
So, I guess froyo that is mildly stiff can survive at least 5 min in the pet carrier. I know some places are carry froyo that are runnier. I'm sure temperature matters too so this happened in the AM when it was still low 70s and the scoot had been off for 45 min.
I went to Red Mango's grand opening the other day. Since I didn't want to eat by myself there, I decided to just go home and eat it. I put both my froyos (1 covered & uneaten, 1 uncovered & partially eaten) in the pet carrier. Everything was fine and dandy until I hit a rather nasty speedbump and bounced fiercely. For the rest of the ride home, I was thinking of what sticky mess I would see under there from the uncovered & partially eaten froyo.
When I got home (time of 5 min), low and behold my froyo was still intact! Granted it was slightly melted, but nothing a timeout in the freezer couldn't cure. There was no mess either from the incident on the speed bump.
So, I guess froyo that is mildly stiff can survive at least 5 min in the pet carrier. I know some places are carry froyo that are runnier. I'm sure temperature matters too so this happened in the AM when it was still low 70s and the scoot had been off for 45 min.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Cupcaking
So the weekend was filled with a couple firsts. It marked the first time a non-scooter person rode Alex. Seriously, there was never really any desire for anyone to ride my scooter since they either have their own or if there was a desire, they didn't have a license which is an automatic HECK NO. The only other people who have ridden my scoot have been mechanics working on it or Bosco setting it up. Anyways, I let Derick take it for a spin. He rides a GSX so I trusted him. It was pretty funny when people started putting a hat and a magenta pink scarf on him as he rode around the block.
The second first is riding cupcake. The scoot has never been ridden 2up or even sat upon 2up. I admit, it was really weird going 2up on my own scooter. Then Derick took Kit, who now has a GT 200, around. I could tell that the scoot was lagging a bit with the two guys on it.
The second first is riding cupcake. The scoot has never been ridden 2up or even sat upon 2up. I admit, it was really weird going 2up on my own scooter. Then Derick took Kit, who now has a GT 200, around. I could tell that the scoot was lagging a bit with the two guys on it.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
So Far So Good 2
I just spent the weekend up in SF to go to San Francisco Scooter Girl's 2nd rally So Far So Good 2.
I've only gone riding through the city but never in. The morning ride on Saturday was pretty awesome, though I had no idea where we were. The weather was really nice, even very warm. We started in FiDi. A few minutes in and we were on some steep, incline roads. I'm guessing some people weren't expecting it so soon as a few shifty scoots (vespas, bajajs, lammys) stalled out going uphill. At some parts of the ride, there were some beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Saturday evening ride started off in the Mission and ended up in the Haight (?). It was pretty cool going around the ballpark, yet I didn't really like going over that metal grating 3rd street bridge. We took a nice break on Beacon in Diamond Heights (?) to view the city.
Today's ride was wonderful. We started off in SoMa, went through Sunset, around Bernal Heights, near Golden Gate Park, through the Presidio, around one base of the Golden Gate Bridge, and so on. We took a kodak moment somewhere with a fountain, and again at Inspiration Point.
SF is really beautiful to ride in. Crappy part is all the cars and stuff. I have to say, all the rides were wonderfully organized. I really like how SFMC (San Francisco Motorcycle Club) blocked for the rides. It went very smoothly, except for a few roadrageous and eratic drivers.
Few more pics here.
I've only gone riding through the city but never in. The morning ride on Saturday was pretty awesome, though I had no idea where we were. The weather was really nice, even very warm. We started in FiDi. A few minutes in and we were on some steep, incline roads. I'm guessing some people weren't expecting it so soon as a few shifty scoots (vespas, bajajs, lammys) stalled out going uphill. At some parts of the ride, there were some beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Saturday evening ride started off in the Mission and ended up in the Haight (?). It was pretty cool going around the ballpark, yet I didn't really like going over that metal grating 3rd street bridge. We took a nice break on Beacon in Diamond Heights (?) to view the city.
Today's ride was wonderful. We started off in SoMa, went through Sunset, around Bernal Heights, near Golden Gate Park, through the Presidio, around one base of the Golden Gate Bridge, and so on. We took a kodak moment somewhere with a fountain, and again at Inspiration Point.
SF is really beautiful to ride in. Crappy part is all the cars and stuff. I have to say, all the rides were wonderfully organized. I really like how SFMC (San Francisco Motorcycle Club) blocked for the rides. It went very smoothly, except for a few roadrageous and eratic drivers.
Few more pics here.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Night Riding - 101
Freeway riding isn't that fun at certain parts of the day due to traffic and wind.
I came down 101 a while ago to get home sometime after 11pm from Burlingame. It wasn't that bad. I couldn't feel much wind. Drivers weren't riding my butt to go faster. Actually, I was probably going about 60 or 65 indicated in the slow lane and still needed to pass some drivers.
I do wish I had my ear plugs though.
I came down 101 a while ago to get home sometime after 11pm from Burlingame. It wasn't that bad. I couldn't feel much wind. Drivers weren't riding my butt to go faster. Actually, I was probably going about 60 or 65 indicated in the slow lane and still needed to pass some drivers.
I do wish I had my ear plugs though.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Dainese gear
So the D-store in SF is having their sale for the month of August. I decided I wanted to go check it out as I could use another set of gear. At first I was thinking leathers but they didn't have any more in my size. Apparently they do very well in the bay area in my size due to the Asian community with interests in two-wheels.
I settled on a textile with gore-tex jacket and a textile with gore-tex riding pants.
Dainese vs Corazzo
It is definitely a lot sturdier and heavier than my Corrazo 5.0. I did some freeway riding and can barely feel the wind. My Dainese jacket will probably be my cold weather jacket as the Corazzo is pretty light and doesn't hold up well in cold weathers and wind- nearly froze riding in Philly once each in Feb, March, and April this year. I'll keep my 5.0 as my warmer weather jacket as it is lighter and allows more air in and easier to stuff in the pet carrier.
Riding Pants
This is my first set of riding pants. I really like it as I really can't feel the wind on my legs when I'm riding. Downside is that it gets really hot in warm weathers. I got it more for cold weather riding, long rides, and technical rides. I can't wait to see Corazzo's pants when they come out- should be lighter I hope.
I settled on a textile with gore-tex jacket and a textile with gore-tex riding pants.
Dainese vs Corazzo
It is definitely a lot sturdier and heavier than my Corrazo 5.0. I did some freeway riding and can barely feel the wind. My Dainese jacket will probably be my cold weather jacket as the Corazzo is pretty light and doesn't hold up well in cold weathers and wind- nearly froze riding in Philly once each in Feb, March, and April this year. I'll keep my 5.0 as my warmer weather jacket as it is lighter and allows more air in and easier to stuff in the pet carrier.
Riding Pants
This is my first set of riding pants. I really like it as I really can't feel the wind on my legs when I'm riding. Downside is that it gets really hot in warm weathers. I got it more for cold weather riding, long rides, and technical rides. I can't wait to see Corazzo's pants when they come out- should be lighter I hope.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Point Montara
Since I was up in HMB (Half Moon Bay) to snag a tag, I decided to go north a bit further to check out Point Montara. There is this lighthouse there that ended up being a lighthouse from the east coast that was thought to be destroyed. Anyways, the ride up was pretty nice, although cold once I got into the coastal area. Hwy 1 is pretty windy too. Point Montara was nice, though smaller than I imagined. The ride back home was wonderful- took skyline down to hwy 9. Very nice in warm weather.
Pics.
Pics.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Signal Mountain
Since the Saturday late afternoon ride was canceled due to the rain, they decided to have a make up ride to Signal Mountain on Sunday morning. Not too many twisties, but the 20% grade hairpin turns were a bit hairy on some parts. The first one we hit, there was a car on our side of the lane. The view was over Chattanooga but not much to see- wish it was a bit clearer.
More here.
More here.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Amerivespa 2009
It is official. Amerivespa 2009 will be in San Jose, CA in conjuncture with VCLG's 20th anniversary.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Amerivespa: Day 1
We got into Chattanooga today for Day 1 of Amerivespa 2008. The meet and greet and Walnut Street Bridge was pretty cool. Free beers and free pizzas. People parked up front. I really liked the metallicy shiny ones.
I really wish I had Alex with me now.
Keep up with pictures here.
I really wish I had Alex with me now.
Keep up with pictures here.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Country Roads
There is nothing like going on country roads. Scenic, lonely, and full of wild animals. We were ecstatic to see wild horses, open range cattle, birds, and kamikaze jack rabbits.
Unfortunately for Mike, one of the jack rabbits took him down Saturday Evening. The GTS has been totaled and he has road rash and a broken rib.
Keep updated with our trek to Chattanooga here.
Unfortunately for Mike, one of the jack rabbits took him down Saturday Evening. The GTS has been totaled and he has road rash and a broken rib.
Keep updated with our trek to Chattanooga here.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Oyster Run
Quitters Scooter Club had their first ride on Sunday to Tomales Bay for a BBQ and oyster fest. 7 of us met up in the south bay and rode up to the meeting point in SF which was Cafe Trieste in North Beach. Pretty cool seeing lots of scooters overtaking the parking spots and sidewalks.
It was a beautiful day. The ride up to Tomales Bay was pretty chill, not too technical. We turned lots of heads going through SF, Sausalito, Point Reyes etc. SF Bay and the bridges were beautiful. Tomales Bay was really nice.
Gps tracked route here.
More pictures.
It was a beautiful day. The ride up to Tomales Bay was pretty chill, not too technical. We turned lots of heads going through SF, Sausalito, Point Reyes etc. SF Bay and the bridges were beautiful. Tomales Bay was really nice.
Gps tracked route here.
More pictures.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Happy 1st Birthday Alex!
1 year ago today (07/07/07) I purchased Alex from SJ Vespa. Though technically, her birthday is on the 11th (when she was delivered). Its been an interesting year. 3088.3 miles. We've been to Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, SLO, Mt Hamilton, Mt Diablo, Mt Tamalpais, Santa Cruz, etc.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Look what I found!
I haven't seen many scooters out in Calgary. I once saw a daring plum vespa- but only just once. Imagine my surprise to see a cop on a mp3 500 during the Stampede parade no less.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
SF Pride Parade
San Francisco Scooter Girls hosted a ride in the pride parade today. The theme was Brides of Pride . It was pretty fun. Everyone was hootin' and hollerin' and we were in front of the infamous Dykes on Bikes. It was very much more organized than last year [when I was a spectator]. Everyone was a bit spread out. This time, we were riding in lines of two and closer together, so I'm sure it looked very nice. I wonder if Hooters on Scooters was there again this year.
We rode up from the south bay via 101 this morning and it was pretty cold. Besides the coldness and the weird heavy grooves in the road, it wasn't too bad. The ride back down was a lot worse with the winds.
More here.
We rode up from the south bay via 101 this morning and it was pretty cold. Besides the coldness and the weird heavy grooves in the road, it wasn't too bad. The ride back down was a lot worse with the winds.
More here.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Free
As of over an hour ago, I am a free agent. I no longer belong to a scooter club.
As of Friday lunch, we are no longer going to Tahoe for the rally. What a shame. I got packs and a rear rack and everything.
As of Friday lunch, we are no longer going to Tahoe for the rally. What a shame. I got packs and a rear rack and everything.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Three Peaks
Saturday was VCLG's annual 3 peaks challenge- ride to Mt Hamilton (southbay), Mt Diablo (eastbay), and Mt Tamalpais (northbay) in one day. Mt Hamilton was definitely the most technical. The backside to Livermore was really hot (44 C). Mt Diablo was nice and the view was pretty. We had to cross Richmond bridge to get to the northbay which was nerve wracking for me. I did survive. Mt Tamalpais had the BEST view ever of the coast AND the bay. Just beautiful. Crossing over Golden Gate Bridge into SF was very cold.
250+ miles in hot HOT weather.
Got to break in my new rear tire- a heidenau. Much more stable on grooved roads than my old Michelin Pilot City
More here
250+ miles in hot HOT weather.
Got to break in my new rear tire- a heidenau. Much more stable on grooved roads than my old Michelin Pilot City
More here
Friday, June 13, 2008
Rear rack - I has it
After much debate and the fact we're riding up to Tahoe w/o a support truck, I decided to get a rack.
It was interesting figuring out how to install it without instructions. All I really needed was a phillips head screwdriver and a 10 mm hexagon head screwdriver.
It was interesting figuring out how to install it without instructions. All I really needed was a phillips head screwdriver and a 10 mm hexagon head screwdriver.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Kids and vespas
Kids and vespas go together like **. Jacob was down on Sunday so I brought him out to my vespa to snap some shots of him. Absolutely adorable.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Tribute to Hech Hechy
On the way to lunch, Mike decided to lead us up to Pulgas Water Temple - where water from Hech Hechy in Yosemite ends up.
The ride up started off slow. We kept hitting all the red lights along Foothill Expressway. Then, we had to turn around many times because we kept passing the street we were supposed to turn on along Portola Road. We also ended up on 280N which was very windy.
Eventually we go there. It was very pretty. While we were there, there was a couple doing a wedding rehearsal. Two men were playing frisbee from across the pool.
On the way back, we took Mountain Home Road which had some slow sweeps. We even happened upon a couple people crossing the street on horses. Pretty nice ride.
More here
The ride up started off slow. We kept hitting all the red lights along Foothill Expressway. Then, we had to turn around many times because we kept passing the street we were supposed to turn on along Portola Road. We also ended up on 280N which was very windy.
Eventually we go there. It was very pretty. While we were there, there was a couple doing a wedding rehearsal. Two men were playing frisbee from across the pool.
On the way back, we took Mountain Home Road which had some slow sweeps. We even happened upon a couple people crossing the street on horses. Pretty nice ride.
More here
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Visor install complete
I finally got around to installing the Jettin visor on Alex. It was kind of a pain. First, I cracked/half broke one of the tabs while pulling off the headset (it was much easier last time when I changed the signals). Then, since the visor was shipped in a mini box, it lost its semi-sphere shape. I had to remold it around the headlight- doable since it is metal. Even then, it was hard to get the tabs in between the headset and headlight.
No losses today, except for a stupid plastic plug that was plugging the hole from the removed stock turn signal pods, and the broken tab.
No losses today, except for a stupid plastic plug that was plugging the hole from the removed stock turn signal pods, and the broken tab.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tahoe plan, version 1
We're planning to ride up to South Lake Tahoe next month for Royal Bastards Scooter Club's rally Lake Tahoe II: Blazing Saddles (July 11-13, 2008).
This is our first draft of the route up
View Larger Map
220ish miles, 5ish hrs.
This is our first draft of the route up
View Larger Map
220ish miles, 5ish hrs.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Summit Road
For today's "First Sunday Ride", VCLG lead us into the Santa Cruz Mountains to check out the fire damage on Summit Road. Little did we know that it would be completely nothing but dirty, sand, potholes, and rocks. It was definitely a trip riding there and took forever. Multiple times we had to stop and wait for the fire crew to clear up the road. The fire crew was very nice and let us go on the road [On the way up, some punk in a truck said it was a private road and we weren't allowed to be up there. We believe he was just angry that the fire crew told him to turn back and leave.] and told us how long we'd have to wait for them to finish clearing it up.
Anyways, the fire damage was pretty depressing to see. This one family stopped some of the scooterists and asked if they've seen a yellow lab. We also saw this one really bad looking dog, whose owner's house probably burned down, while going around the corner
More here
Anyways, the fire damage was pretty depressing to see. This one family stopped some of the scooterists and asked if they've seen a yellow lab. We also saw this one really bad looking dog, whose owner's house probably burned down, while going around the corner
More here
Saturday, May 31, 2008
To Alice's we go
Today, we rode up to Alice's Restaurant in Woodside. This is like the place to go on weekends on your bike. Cruisers, sportbikes, scooters, sport cars, etc.
The ride up was quite interesting. We came up on Alpine Rd then Pescadero Rd then La Honda. The former were pretty crazy. There was some THICK fog and it started misting up and our shields got wet and foggy that we flipped them up. Made the twisties very interesting.
We split on the way down. Warren went down La Honda to go his own way back to Mountain View. Jesse and I went down Skyline. For the most part, it really wasn't that bad. It got a little foggy and cold and windy, but that was it. There was this one stretch where I kept seeing skid marks all over both lanes and into the hills- kinda scary. We were behind some cars and cruisers and going pretty slow. Eventually, I saw a CHP hidden along the way.
There was another one at four corners and another one had pulled over a car a little bit south of four corners on Hwy 9. Hwy 9 was a relaxed ride. I split off from Jesse to go to Pierce Rd and Mt Eden Rd to go around Stevens Creek Reservoir. I saw lots of cyclists, smelled bbqs, and saw the makeshift memorial for the cyclists that were run over months ago. All in all, good day.
A few more pix here.
The ride up was quite interesting. We came up on Alpine Rd then Pescadero Rd then La Honda. The former were pretty crazy. There was some THICK fog and it started misting up and our shields got wet and foggy that we flipped them up. Made the twisties very interesting.
We split on the way down. Warren went down La Honda to go his own way back to Mountain View. Jesse and I went down Skyline. For the most part, it really wasn't that bad. It got a little foggy and cold and windy, but that was it. There was this one stretch where I kept seeing skid marks all over both lanes and into the hills- kinda scary. We were behind some cars and cruisers and going pretty slow. Eventually, I saw a CHP hidden along the way.
There was another one at four corners and another one had pulled over a car a little bit south of four corners on Hwy 9. Hwy 9 was a relaxed ride. I split off from Jesse to go to Pierce Rd and Mt Eden Rd to go around Stevens Creek Reservoir. I saw lots of cyclists, smelled bbqs, and saw the makeshift memorial for the cyclists that were run over months ago. All in all, good day.
A few more pix here.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Gymkhana
I have to give props to Bagel for doing the gymkhana course on his gts/v at Classico Moto Italia XII (VCLG's annual rally). Normally, one would only see vintage scoots competing since there is better control with manual shifting and easier to fix up if it gets dropped.
It was quite fun watching him go. He had a bit hard of a time the first round. He did catch some serious air. When he landed, his top case popped open every time and his headset went out of alignment.
Gymkhana is like an obstacle course for scooters. There is always jumps and teeter totters and things to dodge, among other things.
More pictures from Classico Moto Italia XII here.
It was quite fun watching him go. He had a bit hard of a time the first round. He did catch some serious air. When he landed, his top case popped open every time and his headset went out of alignment.
Gymkhana is like an obstacle course for scooters. There is always jumps and teeter totters and things to dodge, among other things.
More pictures from Classico Moto Italia XII here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Rides of March in SLO
Just got back from SLO for the Rides of March scooter rally. Total mileage door to door: 520 miles.
On Friday, went to the 5 spot just outside downtown to meet up with the SJ group and waited for SF group to arrive. The ride down (after The Pinnacles) was beautiful. We took 25 (airline highway) down to 158 down to some back roads around some vineyards and more scenery and a bit of 101 into SLO. It took about 7 hrs with 5 stops (2 gas, 2 break/wait, 1 meet up/food) and about 202 miles (190 from the 5 spot). Unloaded then grabbed some yummy BBQ from JD Boone's smokehouse. Went to the Madonna Inn for the meet up but didn't ride to the bar since we already had our journey for the day.
Saturday was the big day with the 105 mile ride. Started off at Vespa of SLO. About 80 scoots went onto the ride. The ride went through Morro Bay, Cayucos, Paso Robles, Templetonm Creston, Santa Margarita, Atasadero and ended at Cuesta Park in SLO for the bbq. The ride was really nice for the most part. There were some sketchy windy parts and muddy parts in the mountains where a vintage vespa went down and broke a mirror.
Sunday we dreaded. We all knew we were tired and didn't want to spend too much time getting home. The group was going to split and take 3 different routes: 1) Highway 1; 2) 101; 3) backroads that we came down. In the end, we all went up 101 except for JesseK. It wasn't too bad considering we went at our own pace, averaging 50-60 mph. People were waving at us and cheering us on. It got a bit windy just south of Salinas. I split off from the group to head up 85. I didn't think it'd be windy but it was. Took me 4hrs 50 minutes to get home in 188 miles.
Quite fun, though I'm pretty beat now. Pics up on flickr.
On Friday, went to the 5 spot just outside downtown to meet up with the SJ group and waited for SF group to arrive. The ride down (after The Pinnacles) was beautiful. We took 25 (airline highway) down to 158 down to some back roads around some vineyards and more scenery and a bit of 101 into SLO. It took about 7 hrs with 5 stops (2 gas, 2 break/wait, 1 meet up/food) and about 202 miles (190 from the 5 spot). Unloaded then grabbed some yummy BBQ from JD Boone's smokehouse. Went to the Madonna Inn for the meet up but didn't ride to the bar since we already had our journey for the day.
Saturday was the big day with the 105 mile ride. Started off at Vespa of SLO. About 80 scoots went onto the ride. The ride went through Morro Bay, Cayucos, Paso Robles, Templetonm Creston, Santa Margarita, Atasadero and ended at Cuesta Park in SLO for the bbq. The ride was really nice for the most part. There were some sketchy windy parts and muddy parts in the mountains where a vintage vespa went down and broke a mirror.
Sunday we dreaded. We all knew we were tired and didn't want to spend too much time getting home. The group was going to split and take 3 different routes: 1) Highway 1; 2) 101; 3) backroads that we came down. In the end, we all went up 101 except for JesseK. It wasn't too bad considering we went at our own pace, averaging 50-60 mph. People were waving at us and cheering us on. It got a bit windy just south of Salinas. I split off from the group to head up 85. I didn't think it'd be windy but it was. Took me 4hrs 50 minutes to get home in 188 miles.
Quite fun, though I'm pretty beat now. Pics up on flickr.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spring- it is coming!
I'm very excited. With spring and summer on the way, it'll be my first full scooter rally season. Lots of scooters, new friends, and tons of fun to be expected.
High Rollers in Las Vegas last month was pretty interesting. From the Red rock canyon, to Hoover Damn, to riding up and down the strip- it was nonstop fun.
I started breaking in my new gloves on Friday- the Cortech HDX. It is a little big on fitting, and feels a bit funny over my left pinky. Also got my "vintage" vinyl stripes to put onto Alex sometime, as well as a stebel horn to install.
So much to do, so little time.
High Rollers in Las Vegas last month was pretty interesting. From the Red rock canyon, to Hoover Damn, to riding up and down the strip- it was nonstop fun.
I started breaking in my new gloves on Friday- the Cortech HDX. It is a little big on fitting, and feels a bit funny over my left pinky. Also got my "vintage" vinyl stripes to put onto Alex sometime, as well as a stebel horn to install.
So much to do, so little time.
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