365 Days of Scooters: Day One

With a grand total of 32 posts in each of the last two years (how weird is that number-wise?), it may be a bit ambitious to embark on this, the first day of 2010, on a new a rather grandiose blog ambition, but here goes. I'm setting out to document 365 days of scooters.

I won't try to show 365 different models of scooters, but I will seek to show 365 different scooters or related paraphernalia. And, because I have a lot of scooter swag in addition to a lot of scooter pictures, that includes photos of scooter swag as well--just FYI.

Without further ado...

365 Days of Scooters: Day One

My inaugural scoot is one near and dear to my heart: a 2003 Yamaha Vino and my very first scooter.

This little scoot is a workhorse. At just 50cc, it may not be the fastest pony in the stable, but is certainly the most reliable (knock on wood). At six and a half years old and with just over 6,000 miles on the odometer, this is the scooter I rely on to get me somewhere if I have to get there on a scooter. Why? Because it runs! No matter how little maintenance it has received or how long it has been since I last rode it, it just keeps going. Rain, sleet or snow (and we've ridden together in each), this Yamaha Vino will get you there.

Need to get to Baltimore to ride with your scooter club in the Christmas Parade? Now room in the trailer? No problem! And wonder of wonder, it will even run when you get there.

Yup, day one just had to go to my trusty Yamaha Vino. Vroom, Vroom!

And Happy New Year!

Maryland, My Maryland

Maryland's state flower looks lovely with a scooter (or two).

Wonder how they'll ship that...

Shrink wrap. Lots and lots of shrink wrap.

Brought to you by the friendly UPS man.

Hanging out in the slow lane

Well, I'm keeping it under 40 mph to gently break in the Lambretta's engine, bicycling to get ready for Baltimore's Tour du Port (we signed on for the 22-mile route this year) and riding the Vino as my daily commuter. Life on two wheels hasn't always moved so slowly...

Rising gas prices? 80 mpg baby!

Long before gas topped $4 a gallon, I was one of those folks who calculated how many miles per gallon I was getting out of each trip. Of course, keeping track of it with a scooter is big fun, because the gas mileage is awesome!

I'll admit that I'm nerd enough to have logged some of my early mileage figures in an excel chart. While I won't bore you with that level of detail, I will share the results. My Stella is no longer stock and my commute has changed quite a bit, but here's where things stood about two years ago.

Year: 2005

Make: Genuine

Model: Stella

Motor: Stock 150

Riding Style: Predominately used for the daily commute. Stop lights are widely spaced and speeds often reach 45 mph or greater. Delays are usually caused by backups at a few lights. On average, it takes 40 to 45 minutes to travel 13 miles one way. Weekend riding includes some in town errand running and longer rides with fewer lights. Average of 83 mpg.

To keep track of things with the Stella (and because the gas gauge shouts empty long before it actually is), I had a pocket full of gas receipts with the mileage at fill up written across the top of each one--kind of messy and not the best way to keep track of things. So, I made myself a mileage log book--then I made another for Polly Scoots.

To keep with the theme, I hand-cut a scooter stamp to decorate the front. Then, for his birthday this year, I made Ryan one with a scooter cut from a map highlighting some of his favorite ride routes. And, of course, he wanted his at least a little water resistant, so I laminated the front and back covers.

I was so happy with how it turned out, I decided to add the new style to my shop.

Patience is a Virtue

Or so they say...in the meantime, I'll just have to be content with paper, paper and more paper. Three dimensional can't be far behind...

SportCity: On the showroom floor

Here's a still to go with the above video. Enjoy!

Snow, what snow?

I wouldn't call it a good idea, but there's definitely something liberating about surviving a scooter ride home in a snowstorm.

I haven't given it enough credit lately, but my little Vino rocks! This 50cc wonder was my first scooter, and now, almost five years later, its the most reliable of the bunch. Its drum brakes did surprisingly well in the snow and freezing rain last week. Just take it slow and you're good to go!

10,000 miles

I must admit, it was pretty darn cool to see all the numbers roll over this morning. Appropriately enough, it happened on the morning commute.

A second job and a second dog happened this spring--which left little time for pleasure riding on the weekends. That means the bulk of my riding, at least since the winter, has been done on the daily commute--about 13 miles each way.

While I didn't make it to 10,000 in time for my scoot's second birthday (memorial day weekend), it was exciting to finally make it there today. Just 306 days until her third birthday--think we can make it to 15,000?

My daily rider

Meet Stella, affectionately know as "The Brat." Something (usually related to the electrical system) always seems to be in need of repair. Regardless, she's my trusty ride to work each day--or least when I'm not feeling uber lazy. I haven't gotten as much weekend riding in this spring as I'd like, but I'm hoping to hit the open road a little more often this summer. Just 500 miles to go before we reach 10,000.

This photo was taken on a lunchtime run to the post office. Even without under seat storage, she can haul a lot of stuff. And yes, those are ears on my helmet.