Modern Vespa

I’ve noticed when I’m riding my Vespa in traffic, people seem to try and hit me or they swerve towards me when I’m riding. Is because I’m not warring bright enough gear? Am I not sitting high enough on my Vespa? Some move over, then they se me and just move right back like there jealous of my vespa. Any tips on getting thru traffic safer would be great!

-LW-

Tips? Ride like every single person on the road is retarded and/or trying to kill you. Every intersection or scenario on the road i try to plan an escape-route for as i'm driving. I cover the brakes as i go through intersections, waiting for someone to plow through an intersection.

Never.... trust ....anyone.....

It's worked for me so far.

I've never done it in the States, but in some ways it's probably harder there b/c people a) don't look for scooters and b) think every lane splitter is a jackass cheater. There are people out there who actually brag about trying to run cycles/scooters off the road when they lane split because they don't realize when it's legal or just because they are a-holes. You need to be very very careful. Like Eric said, assume everyone is out to get you and drive with that mentality.

In Rome, aside from the fact that EVERY driver is a maniac, it's much easier to lane split because every one does it, and every car driver expects it (and is cool with it). You wouldn't believe my ride home tonight from downtown to my house in heavy December traffic. It's like a real life sick video game (but damn it's fun).

Ride like you're invisible. Assume no one sees you because they don't.

Land Warrior
As per a previous post you seem incredibly naive to be out on the roads on a new Scoot. You say you rode motorcross in the 80s. Maybe you should trade the Scoot for a dirtbike and stay off the roads until you catch up with the 21st Century.
I hope this doesn't come across to harsh Mate but I fear you won't be with us too much longer unless you get some help.
Try retaking your MSF!!!

Last edited by Boulty on Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

I wonder if the Road Warrior may not just be pulling our leg here a little? I've read a couple of his posts, and he seems more like an alter ego out to have a little fun?

No........really???

Thanks for the tips guys! already looking into the msf. kinda expensive though.

My experience of riding through LA county was harrowing. San Diego, Orange, and Santa Barbra counties all seem to have wider lanes and people are more apt to let you by while splitting lanes but the 5 and 101 in LA county were narrow. It helps to get behind a CHiP motorcycle, people seen to move out of their way.

Ahhh, the memories!!

Less than the deductible on my health insurance!
Check around, I found a class at a community college for 100USD!

I made 2strokebuzz.com news with that line? Is it a slow news day or something, Illinois ?

Cheers,

http://2strokebuzz.com/index.php/?p=3851

As the others (above) seem to be catching, I think we have an agent provocateur on our hands.

Anyone with the funds for a scooter should be able to come up with the funds for a modern helmet and the MSF class.

We're looking at a soon-to-be flattened rider otherwise.

Worth every penny!!

Way to be a follower.
Why don't you moderator types send him a PM and see if he's really an ass or totally Modern Vespa material? Sure beats calling it out on the thread. If I did that I'd probably be getting a PM from Jess telling me to cool it.

Holy cow; I've seen it all.

spock: the voice of reason

Nicely done, sir.

Gitta

He's right...definitely go through the msf course, ESPECIALLY if you're planning on lane splitting. It's a bit harrowing at first but just keep it slow between cars. Better yet, try and get behind a white-lining motorcycle cop. It'll be the best ride of your life. Ever have a police escort??

First of all I'm a she... and second of all what is your problem??
I see nothing in my post that's so flameworthy, I would be grateful if you would bring it to my attention.

I was basing it on my experiences as a newbie. Twice already I would have needed plastic surgery on my face if I hadn't been wearing a better helmet than the one I see in Land Warrior's avatar. While I failed the MSF course, the pointers I learned there have already saved my life.

And Land Warrior does seem to be writing his posts with tongue in cheek.

So I repeat, what did I say that you could possibly have found so offensive?

This isn't very helpful, and coming from a moderator???

+1

I think he just needs brighter clothes. Check the avatar.

Some cars see me in the mirror and try to give room......some try to close the gap! Some even open doors!
Though I was gonna be wordy here The Mighty Boosh is just starting so I am off.....but be careful it happens everywhere.

Hmmm, the first sentence is for you. The rest was for the moderators.
I already know you're a girl.
Gita is a girl too, and she got it.

if someone moves over to try and stop you getting through, just fold their wing mirror in and flick the V. i do it all the time.

they cannot catch you when theyre sat in traffic, and your not damaging the car so they can't take your plate and do you.

Guilty of that one.

the other one i do is accellerate at them and make THEM move.

OK - time out everybody.
In case you can't read between the lines Land Warrior is taking the piss and may well be (is) a long standing member of MV using a nom de plume.
He may choose to expose himself eventually or may get his alter ego banned if this sort of fun riles people up so much.

Merry Crimbo to all....
Oh Oh Oh

Not guilty of that one. I think most drivers in California would rather settle for killing me if I accelerate toward them.

i think the klaxton has sounded.....

I don't get it. YOU're the only one he's riling up, apparently. Am I missing something?

Boulty is not the only one keeping his eyes open on this front. The moderators are watching for this type of thing and have our suspicions about LW.

Either way, he seems to like the freakin sunglasses smiley, huh??

And what happens to people that throw out false accusations?

I like using it too!

But I thought it mainly meant "coolllll".

Perhaps there are other meanings? Like person of mystery?

As long as someone gets burned at the stake, I don't care.

Speaking of which, thanks for those virgin sacrifices Spock, the rain actually cleared up for a total of 1 day just for the ride!

Okay, I was really torqued off at you earlier. First you flamed me for no apparent reason and then, when I complain, you PM me to chill instead of apologizing. (Edited to remove polite PM quote from Spock, I'm new to bbs etiquette & did not know this was not cool).

So I was livid and wondered why you were going out of your way to make me so mad? Maybe you were upset that I pointed out the "agent provocateur" thing because you were involved?

But I assume that, by now, the moderators have looked into it and found you as innocent as the driven snow.

Which means that I do owe you one heck of an apology.

Live long and prosper (Spock has always been a hero of mine)

Last edited by TurtleGT on Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:05 am; edited 1 time in total

Land Warrior

Growl at them, then start shouting bible quotes, whilst scratching your crotch.

This works quite well for me, and has the added advantage of making any small children in the rear passenger seat cry, thereby distracting mummy or daddy's attention away for a second, so you can slip past and onward.

Andrea

That's too perfect!!

If I'm alert, maybe I'll get to see that someday.

DOh, I been punk'd! Good one...put a couple telephone books under yer arse and you should be fine!

Last edited by Dongoose on Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:51 pm; edited 2 times in total

I filter a lot.