Rides of March in SLO

Alex's mud bath: front shot
Originally uploaded by ooitschristina

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.

Spring- it is coming!

Stopped on the strip
Originally uploaded by ooitschristina

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.