Pre Trip Planning
Although the Vespa has ample storage I know that I have to be a minimalist and pack only essential items if I am going to be prepared for five plus weeks on the road.
My initial thoughts are also to take only back roads and stay away from highways while stateside. I am already struggling with my desire to get across the border and ride the twisties of Mexico and surf the vacant beaches. I am tempted to B line for the border crossing instead.
As the departure approaches, which is set to happen June 27th 2008, plans are in flux. The first planned destination is not going to be the first destination. I am eager to run for the border but when you are riding a new scooter especially such a beautiful machine as the Vespa, I intend on following the break in procedure to a "T". The crew at Motoworks explained exactly what the procedure entailed was completed at 600 miles.
Delayed Departure and Celebrating Independence Chicago Style
Hey it happens! I am anxious to get on the road however with Motoworks Chicago having an exceptionally busy June. I am lending a hand around the shop. Vespas are a hot ticket and much of the inventory is sold before it even hits the floor. When your friends need a hand you have got to be there to help out.
Its not all about work!! The Third of July fireworks and boat party were exceptionally fun. Great people, food, and some pretty serious fun. Thanks to all that contributed with drink food and their presence!
To celebrate Fourth of July again (yes it deserves two days) I am heading to Wisconsin to log some miles, check in with the family, and attend the ETBT (East Troy Beer Tent). The largest carnival beer tent in the the state from what I have heard. Carnival rides and games plus beer can lead to some good times, check out the pics included in latest photo set below!!
One Last Sunday Sail
It is always good to get out on the water! Tom and Lynn came down from the land of cheese to the windy city for another awesome day of sailing and cold beverages. Oddly enough they actually brought a cheese and sausage platter, Tasty! Big thanks to Kristen and Meg for being such active participants contributing positively to the fun factor, you girls are the best A+!! Captain Tom and Steve you rock on see you in Chi next time! After a few hours of sailing excitement it was time for sushi and sake. Way to go Johnny Moto, you are much appreciated!
Check out the Photo set Below!!!
Finally The Jorney Begins!!!
Departing Chicago 1 PM and heading to Zias on the Hill in St Louis for some of that famous italian cusine. Special thanks to Johnny and the Motoworks crew for helping get the scoot and preparations. Dennis you better be ready! I am hungry!
A stop at Vespa St Louis and dinner at Zia's on the Hill
Ahh, finally on the road. The Vespa is rockin! Made a quick stop to check Vespa St Louis but arrived a little too late to catch the crew. I did manage to take some pics of the official carrier of the Motoworks surf team just out side their shop, sorry I missed you all! After departing Vespa St Louis I took the surfboard equiped Vespa through some of the eclectic neighbahoods in the ares and had a fine time. I was starving so it was time to destroy some good eats at Zia's on the Hill. Thanks to the Chiodini family for their hospitality which included hands down best Italian food I have ever consumed.
Tulsa Oklahoma "One Surprise Highlight of the Trip"
I have to start by saying I will need more time to write on this but will give yall a quick overview. I pulled into a town I have never been to Tulsa before. I see this bar and there is another GT200 outside, I decided to roll in and check it out. While having a cold beer I meet Barret and his lady Heidi. We had a good connection right away and talked, drank a few beers, and played some foos ball. I asked about some places to stay and check out for some fun. After hanging for a while they offered me accommodations and I end up hanging with them for the evening. I was very taken back by how friendly and interested in the trip everyone was. We ended up hanging out at Sound Pony which is a flavorful establishment where cyclists musicians and two wheeled people seemed to hang. Yo, Sound Pony Josh thanks for the B Day shot, Hornitos my favorite, how did you know!! Evvone, Heidi's mom, is super nice and quite a talented artist I enjoyed conversation and coffee with her on the porch the morning before I departed. BIG THANKS to Barret, Heidi, Evvone, (Yvonne is how I think you should spell it) Kate, Ashley, Jonna, and Meg too I hope I got you all!
Yo I am in Amarillo Texas
It was a rainy arrival in Amarillo although I enjoyed the rain showers because it was hot! The brief downpour was a little much and i was happy to loose daylight. My Initial plan was to make it to Albuquerque but strong headwinds limited my speed things were blowing all over the place!! I could hang with most of the Semis but it was a direct headwind and kept me at 60 to 65 and a lot of up hill. I tried to make up for it on the downhills as seen in see the pic, if the GT200 had wings it may have flown! I checked into the hotel did some laundry in the tub and tucked in the vespa for the night. I almost forgot Its my B Day and I am going to spend it in Amarillo TX definitely an exciting place, NOT! I did make it out to the pub for some beers for my b day but it was rather uneventful. I am excited to put on a few miles and change the scenery!
Gallup New Mexico
Honestly, I wanted to make it to Flagstaff another 200 miles but it was getting late and starting to rain. I am thinking about camping but decide to cruise the streets of Gallop first. The Hotel El Rancho caught my eye and I decided to check this one out. Elroy behind the counter was an older guy Native American I assume given the areas proximity to the reservation but really think he looks more Mexican. He is a funny character and after a little chatting I find out that this is a historical building where many celebrities have stayed and given my status decide this is the place for me. Here I meet Michael and he is entertained by the idea of this scooter making this journey and invites me to have drinks at a local sports bar. There I met some more great people Jayson Sean Paul and Tate we proceeded to head out to another local establishment properly named The Class Act. Thanks for the good times fellas! Morning time it was breakfast at Earl's looks good doesn't it! Here I met Ed who was super cool and well traveled himself, we had good conversation and will keep in touch see you in New York Ed!
Flagstaff Arizona
Another rainy arrival puts me in Flagstaff, I decided to swing into the lounge at the golf course (ha ha soo funny). I wanted to see if I could run into any of my old friends in flag. No such luck, but thanks Marissa for the beers and conversation good luck with your precious pooch! I am hoping to hook up with Kirk and Craig to have some dinner at their new place Monsoons.
Sushi time at Monssoons! Finally caught up with Kirk at Monsoons right downtown Flagstaff on the Plaza. I had been on a diet of fast food and needed some quality cuisine. I decided to have a light lunch of spring rolls and sushi. I ordered up a Joy Roll which they happily customized for me with fresh jalapeno and crab. The atmosphere was great, I sat outside and was cool comfortable and entertained with the activity on the streets.
It was a beautiful day so I was off on the scoot to cruise through the mountains. I understand the Vespa is not an off road vehicle but, i also understood that the Vespa is not an adventure touring bike or motor home and that has not stopped me from driving it across the country. So, it is off to the San Francisco Peaks. I will let the pictures speak for themselves in terms of how beautiful the aspens and ponderosa pine forests of the area are. As I headed up the mountain pass I ran into Blair who was riding his DR 400 who was just a little curious what I was doing or maybe what I thought I was doing. After yelling at each other through our helmets as we made our way up the pass we decided to stop and have a real conversation. Turns out Blair works at a local bike shop and we both share a love of all things two wheeled. We swapped info and he invited me to dinner with some friends. I continues and made my way through the pass which I estimate to be about 20 miles and then headed back to town.
Ahh!! Pay and Take a small hybrid coffee shop/convenience store/ wine and beer bar right downtown by the orpheum theater. Anthony whipped me up a cup of joe, mud style as requested with a beer back. Here I ran into my old homie Brice who still owns AZ bikes. We walked over to the shop where he hooked me up with a pile of T shirts and handfull of stickers. I met his crew of mechanics who were spinning wrenches and having a good time doing it. These guys love bikes and PBR.
Back to Pay and Take to hang and meet up with Brian and Blair another friend from way back. After a few beverages it was off to cook up some dinner. About ten miles out of town we turned up another dirt mountain pass and made our way to meet up with Megan, Ashley, Chris and his fiance Christine (congrats you two!). Although I was tired but the company was good and kept me up with some good eats and drinks. When it was time to retire I decided I was going to sleep outside on the giant patio and watch the stars and moon float over the mountain tops. It was a beautiful evening and I dosed off only to wake up just in time to catch the exact moment the sun come over the horizon (see the pics). In the morning we cooked up a fantastic breakfast and Megan hooked me up with some deep woods internet so could get a little updating in. Neil stopped in for breakfast and offered some insight to the area and how conservation issues were being addressed . I wished I could have hung longer but it was time to head south.
I packed up snapped off some more pictures and made sure to thank the whole crew for their wonderful hospitality and was off to Phoenix via Highway 89a which I strongly recommend as it passes right through Sedona Jerome and Prescot.
Sedona
This is always a phenomenal ride. Sedona is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. I found myself wanting to snap pictures of everything. Although, photos cannot do justice to the most majestic views I think you will develop a desire to see this area for yourself. I enjoyed some corner carving as I descended 4000 feet into Oak Creek Canyon and through the town of Sedona. There is a lot to see here but I was enjoying the view from the Vespa and in the groove, smoothly apexing the twisties.
Jerome
As I made the assent out of Oak Creek Canyon I Snapped more pics and decided to stop in the former mining town/ ghost town Jerome. I rolled in and parked the Vespa next to a few harleys and an ATV and proceeded to The Spirit Room to see what was happening. There some locals were hanging out and offered me route advise as we looked over a map of Mexico. Much thanks!! It was time for lunch and i was in the mood for some cow. They told me to go to the Haunted Hamburger for some eats. They were not wrong I had a huge lunch and enjoyed the views from the patio. On the way out of Jerome I came across a new rider who just purchased a Honda NX 250 and was out carving up the road just south of Jerome. Initially he said he bought the bike because of gas prices but now he's hooked, I understand.
Phoenix Scottsdale Vespa and Happy B-Day Leslie
I got in touch with my friend Leslie who I knew was still hanging in Pheonix turns out it was her birthday so I knew I would be in for some fun. We celebrated with some of her friends and made some new ones. Happy Birthday Leslie and Amanda, Andrea, Merril, and Natilie you girls kick ass, come on to the beach!
The following Day it was time to check out Vespa Scottsdale which turns out is Vespa, Ducati, and BMW of Scottsdale, way cool. Upon entering the parking lot I heard someone calling out HEY!!. I looked over and there was James waiving me over. I rolled up and I told him about the trip and checked out the Vespa's and Ducatis. We snapped a photo and went across the lot to their second store where the Piaggio's and BMW's live and service is located. There I met several of the crew and as I expected everyone was super cool.I grabbed a couple quarts and an oil filter had a cold beverage which they offered while Louie the head of service personally gave my bike an inspection and to my embarrassment let me know my tire pressure was low. Really top notch service and attention, this place has it together. Big thanks to James, Louie, and Ian!
I will be back to demo that Piaggio MP3 500, Yes these guys have one you can test ride!!
euromotorsportsllc.com
BMW Motorcycles of Scottsdale
15060 N Northsight Blvd Ste 108
Scottsdale, AZ 85260-2608
(480) 609-1800
Guido's Chicago Meat and Deli I ran into this place and had a combo sweet and hot, I could not believe it and don't get upset but it was the best combo I ever had!! Had to mention it and if you Chi towners ever make it out here see for yourself!
Guido's Chicago Meat & Deli
10893 N Scottsdale Rd,
Scottsdale, AZ 85254, USA
(480) 951-0636
SEDONA JEROME AND PHOENIX COMPLETE GALLERY
The Journey Continues into Mexico On the Chronicles II Page
A new country deserves a new page check out the latest updates on Chronicles II. GO VESPA!!