Modern Vespa

This is one of those things where straightforward linear assessments don't apply. Just like a typical rear tire on CB will be toast in about half of the "normal" miles, there is a pretty big difference between a 300 mile day and a 350 mile day. Throw in the occasional 400 mile day (because of the difficulty of finding appropriate hotel stops) and you're talking serious fatigue. Keep in mind that this is day after day of getting up early, riding, and fixing your bike. The miles per day are the biggest single factor in how unpleasant the day is going to be. Add some weather to that (hot, cold, rainy -- any of those) and you've got a recipe for some serious misery.

I'm looking for a scooter to ride in next summer (btw organizers, my husband is busy making voodoo dolls of you all for making this one in June where my participation is a theoretical possibility. In all fairness, I'm encouraging your villification because it keeps him from mentioning things like divorce attorneys and hit men.). I'm kind of with Starr and whoever said in the video, this is an AWESOME adventure with great people and a chance to say "I did that". I don't think there is any way to make it even for everyone. At the shorter distances I still only saw the 50cc guys minimal amounts - their days were sooooo long. I'm looking for a 200 or a 250, if my bike runs I'll still finish before them just by the nature of the beast.

In 2006 Rocket, Ashrat, and I were very closely matched with tops speeds of ~67-72mph. Our average speeds were a bit under 45mph. We were doing 400 mile days average and that was ok only as long as something didn't go wrong.

If anything goes wrong with longer days then you don't have enough time left to fix it. end up spending another day on the truck, still get in too late to fix it...

It's going to be 11 days, that's where the hotels are at workable distances. Schedule accordingly.

Ah. I was wondering why my back was starting to hurt.

This. Anyone who tried to have a conversation with Aaron and I in 2010 will know: we were fucking nuts after 4 or 5 days with too many hours on the saddle. Ugh.

Paraphrasing a bit from the end of the video, but that is an important distinction to recognize.

Any multi-day event is going to include a schedule that isn't ideal for everyone. A few years ago I organized a 7 day, 80 mile kayaking trip for Boy Scouts and it was not possible to break up the days evenly or find that perfect camping spot every night. Compromises had to be made; innovation, perseverance and patience helped tie it all together. Oh, and we had to carry everything with us...food, water, shelter, cooking materials - if it wasn't on your boat, you couldn't run to the store to get it.

Props to the organizers and participants.

thats a big part of how a rider does their planning on keeping the scoot reliable, Do you go for performance and wrench and fix all the time and hope nothing goes wrong during the day or do you go for minimal maintenance and the best reilabilty? 11 is better than 12. the hotels locations are a big part of the planning especially in the first 3-4 days of This 2014 ride.

you two had big balls for doing the 50's knowing your going to have to ride double or more the amount of time. Kudos

Hey Patrick,
Where can I find the route information? I'm planning on riding but I can only find the start and end points.

The details of the route are still being worked out (along with a bunch of other details) but it will all be sorted by the time registration opens in December.

I can't believe it. I am actually looking for a scooter. What has come over me?

Other than the fact that I have not one but three cannonball qualified (Buddy 125 and no I'm not that crazy, Vespa GTS 250, Sports City 250-okay my son would yowl if I took it since its his daily rider but I own the scoot so ...) I'd say the same thing that has come over me. Some folks think I'm crazy enough getting back on the scoots after my tibia plateau fracture earlier this year. I still haven't done more than say 50 miles at a time since then but hey its almost a year away so there's plenty of time to build back up to it.

I'm REALLY hoping I can afford it. My savings got depleted faster than anticipated this year The best part would be getting to ride with all the awesome people here!

Know what you mean since I was off work for 4 months with my fracture.

Thanks Patrick! Eagerly anticipating it.

Oh I really want to be part of this but I won't be riding it next year. Plus am a better rider than I am a spanner man.

Arse Biscuits.

Bill X

It sounds freakin' amazing. I wonder...

You should put the bug in the ear of one of the magazines you contribute to for sponsorship.

What are you thinking Alice ?

Rubs hands.

Bill X

Ha, I'm thinking I don't have the time or the money! I like ScooterGAL's suggestion, though...