The Bumblebee and the Vespa 2014

I think it's time for me to redefine what this new blog is about. In the past I've posted individual blogs for motorcycle/motor scooter rides to places like Alaska, Nova Scotia, Key West, Mexico, Canada, New York, etc. That's all well and good but it seems nowadays I'm dividing my rides into shorter ones comprised of two or more weeks each on different bikes. The total time and mileage is about the same, it's just split into multiple rides with a break somewhere in the middle.

The summer of 2014 serves as a good example of that wherein I rode south to Tombstone, AZ on my '92 BMW R100GS Bumblebee/Ural sidecar rig, (phew!) then returned home for a few days and set out again on my '07 Vespa 250ie motor scooter to visit Canada. That summer has gone and the seasons have changed as will the reports, some will be about shorter rides, some will be about maintenance, and maybe on occasion I'll post a photo or two just for interest. I may even introduce other bikes, a few of which are lurking under cover in the barn...

Navigating this blog is easy, just scroll down the list of posts by date to whatever interests you, click on it and you're in. Photos can be viewed in larger format by clicking on them.

Finally, if you'd care to post comments please do so, I'd love to hear from you. CLICK ON "NO COMMENTS" TO ENTER YOUR REMARKS. That seems really silly but that's how it works. The entry window is located at the bottom of each screen. Thanks for visiting, I hope you enjoy your stay.

LL

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Jul 02 - Day 00 2015 Tour - Bandon, OR


Summertime at Bearhead Mt Lane - Hot & Dry 
After days of procrastination I've finally decided which beastie to ride on my 2015 summer tour. The Bumble Bee gets the nod mainly because I can haul a ton of stuff with me. Weather variations across the country can tap your imagination and preparing for any and all events is impossible. At least it's impossible if you're riding a scooter that is. With a sidecar you really can haul the kitchen sink including all manner of garb, rain gear, cold temperature gear, perforated jackets for hot days, the list is endless.

Surely this critter has a load limit?
So it's now the eve of departure, the hack's packed to the gills and I can't think of anything else to take along. Jerry Smith once said to me "There's nothing you can't find on the open road, all you need to do is rub a Visa card up against a Walmart and they're everywhere."

Yes I'm a sucker for stickers. More like a fetish even....
I liberated this map case from another ride - it's a handy item to have around
Beginning mileage for the tour
Riley's hanging out keeping an eye on everything I do. He knows I'm up to something.
That's about it for today, I'll be heading out early in the morning for coffee with another bud, Gene Fitch at Bandon Coffee. Got a dozen cookies waiting to take with me for a 4th of July get together in Portland. Some of my dearest friends are hosting what is going to be the last big gathering of our aging group, many of whom I haven't seen in several years. I'll stay with them for two nights, then continue on with my tour. Wuzzat? Where am I going you ask? Frankly I don't know at this point, I guess I'll just let the hack decide when we get back on the road.

I'll keep you posted.

LL

You're leaving me home again, aren't you? 
Sorry Riley, you'll just have to stay home and keep Mom & Toby company.
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 2, 2015 at 9:20 PM

    Wonderful writing...so informative and entertaining.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 2, 2015 at 9:22 PM

    So why do I have to click on No Comments to enter a comment? That seems really dumb to me. Just sayin'

    ReplyDelete

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