Countdown to ecstasy. Or agony. But probably some of both.

Less than 3 months to Cannonball.  It's far enough off that I can still be a little lackadaisical about pulling all my stuff together but close enough that I'm getting pretty freakin' excited.  Eventually it will get close enough that I'll start to panic and worry that I'm forgetting something important.  For now it's restless indolence.

I've been looking back through forum posts from past CBRs and riders' blogs.  One thing about the blogs really stands out - most of them have numerous posts leading up to the run and then virtually nothing after that.  A few post recaps at the end but a lot just fall silent.  I assume that everyone who was blogging went into the Cannonball with the best of intentions to post all the way across country.  The fact that they didn't tells me that I should not assume I'll do any differently.  I'm bringing my computer and can also post from my phone and I really want to believe that I'm going to write.  What is more likely, however, is that I will speak with Pat every evening and she will post little recaps and updates while I'm at the bar / wrenching in the motel parking lot / lying in a tub / passed out in bed.  I, like others before me, will do my best to return from the adventure and try to capture the high points in a retrospective.  We'll see.

Along with my hope of writing my way across the southern U.S., I'd like to return with lots of photos.  I've used the Cannonball as an excuse to upgrade to a different camera and I would like to see myself actually use it.  There are a few problems with this scheme, however.  The only times I'll be stationary during the day are first thing in the morning (when I'm nervously getting myself ready to ride), stopped on the side of the road to pee or refuel (when my camera is apt to be the last thing on my mind), and in the evening (when the scenery consists of 50 other riders and their scooters in a motel parking lot). 

We are going to pass through some gorgeous areas, particularly in the Southwest, and it will be a shame if I can't capture some of it.  This means I'll have to stop.  Since the Cannonball is a timed run, stopping means losing time.  If I was riding to win it would be out of the question to pull over to take photos, but the handicapped scoring system makes it look like winning is the longest of long shots for me.  This means I ought to be able to stop and get off my scooter whenever I damn well please and not have to worry that I'll ruin my chance at a podium spot and glory since the chance won't be there to begin with.  As with writing, we'll see.

Yet another farkle post

This one actually hadn't made it onto my list of favorite farkles, but only because I forgot that I had it on the scooter.  This --> discussion <-- on Modern Vespa reminded me of it - the Go Cruise throttle control.

While having a cruise control on a two-wheeled vehicle may seem dangerous or even suicidal to some, I think if it is used prudently that it can make for a safer ride.  Huh?  What's that? 

On a short ride you're not apt to have much fatigue or cramping, but on a long ride it's a real problem at times.  Holding your throttle hand in the same position for an extended period can be tiring and painful.  I use my throttle control for a few minutes at a time to enable me to remove my hand from the grip and stretch my fingers and my arm.  You'll often see riders going down the road with their left arm hanging loosely by their side or tucked behind their back.  This isn't for show - it helps relieve cramping.  The throttle control allows you to do the same with your right arm.  Remaining loose and limber and pain-free to me translates into having a safer ride.

Using the Go Cruise is as simple as depicted in the company's demonstration video.  It takes seconds to install (and seconds to remove if you don't like it).  Engaging it is effortless.  Disengaging it is as simple as manually rolling off the throttle.  It's not risk free so if you aren't comfortable with the idea of holding your throttle engaged you probably shouldn't use one.

Some people use rubber o-rings to achieve the same result.  I have a dozen heavy duty yellow Caterpillar o-rings that I bought (I only needed one but the place I ordered from only sold them by the dozen).  The idea is that you put the o-ring on your throttle grip and when you want it to hold the throttle in place, you slip it over the end of the grip so it fits in the groove between the grip and the bar end.  It works a charm and really does the exact same thing that the Go Cruise does at just a fraction of the price.  Why, then, am I not using it?

When the o-ring is sitting in that groove it's on the outside of your right hand and you can't really see it.  Also, when you're wearing gloves it's more difficult to pull it out of that groove.  Those downsides kept me from getting comfortable using it.  While it may be unlikely that there would be a problem, the thought of taking my hand off the grip and fiddling with the o-ring while hurtling down the road with a stuck throttle...well, you can perform that mental exercise yourself and see how it feels.

My favorite farkles: Part II

Okay, this one maybe doesn't qualify as a farkle since it's not a modification.  Eh, so what.

Airhawk seat cushion: This runs a close second to the back rest on my list of favorites and the two work well in tandem.  The Airhawk was developed by a company that makes products to relieve bed sores in hospital patients.  It’s an inflatable cushion with a sort of waffle pattern and a nylon cover.  You inflate it only enough to provide a thin cushion of air between you and the seat so you just barely float above it.  It adds about ¾” of height so anyone with short legs who already has trouble reaching the ground might have trouble with it. 

I can say tons of good things about how much better my scooter ride is with it, but as additional testimonial for this product I offer the following: In October 2010 I broke my collarbone in an accident.  I was unable to sleep lying down for the first two weeks so I stayed in my recliner in the living room during this time.  To make myself as comfortable as I could in this very uncomfortable situation, I put the Airhawk on my chair seat.  It made my already comfortable chair even more so.  I liked it so much that I left it in place for a number of months afterward.  It’s that good.  I also recently spent a few nights in my chair again because I had bronchitis and lying down made me hack.  I used the Airhawk again and it's staying there for good now.

Most people on Modern Vespa advocate for the medium cruiser size.  I have both a medium and a large and have to say that the large is the better of the two by a long shot.  It covers from the front end of the seat all the way back to the ridge that separates the rider from the pillion.  I found that the medium had a tendency to slide forward during long rides; the large never does.  I won't argue though; use whatever works for you.

My favorite farkles: Part I

One of the fun things about owning a scooter is making it your own by adding accessories (mods or farkles) to it.  It could be something purely decorative like a headlight visor or an item that enhances performance or comfort or safety.  It’s easy to get carried away with it.  If you’ve got deep enough pockets, there’s virtually no limit to the things you can add to your scooter.

While I was out riding a couple of days ago I was thinking about the various things I’ve done to my scooter and began to rank them in some sort of favorite order.

Utopia back rest: This one item is far and away the best addition I’ve made to my scooter.  I’ve had chronic back problems since I was a teenager and long rides really exacerbate the pain and discomfort.  This back rest has made my rides far more comfortable and I can stay in the saddle longer without having to stop to stretch.

It does make my Vespa look a bit like an armchair on wheels but I'm riding for pleasure, not to wow onlookers with my style.

There is one downside to installing this back rest - it leaves too little room on the back of the seat for a passenger.   That's not an issue for me but it might be a deal breaker for some.  Also, it is semi-permanent.  The bracket the seat back attaches to is bolted to the seat pan and comes up through the foam and seat cover.  If you don't like the idea of cutting a slit through your seat this isn't for you.

Anyone who has back issues and/or does long distance rides ought to give this some serious consideration.  When I began ranking my favorite modifications there wasn't anything else in contention for the top spot.  Get in touch if you have any questions that I might be able to answer for you.

All work and no play makes me something something

On the Cannonball thread on Modern Vespa we've mostly been joking about things that have little to do with the run.  As one person posted the other day, "rather than planning routes and what tools to bring etc., you're discussing the logistics of riding in a kilt, with a spanking paddle on board a scooter decorated with the logo of an online dildo vendor, following the scent of a marmite-smeared exhaust with plans for further marmite spreading in private...".  [NOTE: she missed the lengthy discussion about how to pee while riding on a scooter]

I don't know about other riders (though I suspect they're doing the same), there's a lot of logistical planning going on.  When I'm not working or doing something else that requires my attention, I'm thinking about Cannonball.  I've got so many lists going that I need a list of lists to organize them.  I'm laying out turn-by-turn routes on my GPS program.  I'm finding fuel stops along a 2,500 mile stretch of road.  I'm looking for anyone who looks like they might be a scooter mechanic for 100 miles on either side of the route.  I'm drawing up lists of gear and clothing and the like and then sorting it into WANT vs. NEED.  And all the while I'm giggling and squirming internally like a kid on Christmas Eve because the anticipation is just too much.

I'd rather talk about kilts and dildos and Marmite in public since the nitty gritty details of how much shampoo and toothpaste to bring just aren't all that interesting.  Or are they?

Bamako by Vespa

The Budapest to Bamako Run - sort of a poor man's Dakar Rally - takes place every January.  This year three Norwegian guys are going to do the 16-day, 5,500 mile rally on Vespa PX200Es.  Their preparations have been exhaustive.  They did total teardowns of the scooters so they would know exactly what they needed for tools along the way.  They will be carrying about 150 lbs. each in gear, spare parts, food, etc.

Their blog and website - Bamako by Vespa - is a great read.  There's a tracking map set up if you want to follow their progress.

Stebel horn installed. Get the hell out of my way.

I’ve had a Stebel horn just sitting here waiting to be installed for many months. Yesterday I took advantage of the warm weather to finally get ‘er done. There was no way I could fit that thing intact within the front of my scooter, so I split the compressor from the horn and linked the two pieces with a short length of tubing. It seemed like it should be a quick and easy install but nothing ever seems to work that way. I had to pull the leg shield off to run wire up from the battery and I had to attach a number of wiring connectors to all of the various bits and pieces. Nothing difficult, just tedious. But now it’s done and that sucker is LOUD. I almost can’t wait for some cager to do something stupid so I can give them a blast. Heh heh.

Winter riding

I've ridden several times in the last few days and it's been a real treat considering that it's nearly the end of December.  I moved from Maine to Virginia six months ago and I'm still adapting to the change in climate.  I'm just not accustomed to being overdressed while riding at this time of year but two days ago that was the case.  It's downright disorienting.

Among the several reasons my wife and I had for moving here is the longer riding season.  You can go for months in a row without riding in Maine because it's either way too cold, there's snow and ice on the road, or both.  So far in Virginia we've had plenty of nights when it's dipped below freezing but it always warms up enough to ride during the day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to be out riding in shorts and flip flops anytime soon but I'm also not sitting in my living room looking out the window at snowbanks and wondering how long it's going to be before I can get on the scooter again.

Cannonball dreams

I had a dream last night about riding in the Cannonball.  There was nothing quirky or fantastical about it - just a simple dream about a run of the mill ride - but it's a sign that my non-stop daydreaming about it has now seeped into my sleep.

I should back up a moment to explain...The Cannonball is a biennial coast-to-coast endurance run for scooters. As noted on the Cannonball website, it "will be run as a time/distance/regularity rally where points are awarded based on miles completed and the ability to maintain the standard pace." The 2012 Cannonball is scheduled for April 22-29 and will run from Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California.

I first heard of the Cannonball in the summer of 2010 just shortly after buying my first scooter.  I was living in Portland, Maine at the time and was immediately intrigued when I learned the route that year was ending there after setting out from Vancouver, British Columbia.  Even though I was brand new to scooters I had a few fleeting days of believing that I could enter and ride, though it didn't take long for me to realize that I wasn't ready for that sort of a slog.  I was left to get my vicarious thrills from reading about it.

I followed the conversations and preparations of numerous riders through their blogs, as well as the discussions on Modern Vespa and the Cannonball forum.  As the race began and unfolded I checked in frequently throughout each day for news.  I was hooked.  My wife and I showed up at the finish line on Day 10 to meet some of the early arrivals and we were able to put some faces to the names we'd been following.  Standing there on the outside looking in I knew that I wanted to ride in 2012.

So here we are now, just under four months from the start.  While it's not the only thing I think about, it's getting damned close to it.  This seems as good a time as any to start this blog.  I learned a lot from reading about other riders' experiences.  Perhaps someone can pick up something helpful from my blathering.