Modern Vespa

Yup the nearly 8 year adventure is officially over as of 1PM this afternoon. Java comes to pick up the scoot. I will not be getting a new scooter, rather moving into pedelec, pedal assisted flat foot bicycles and a new e-trike. A way to extend my range and keep my legs moving. After much discussion, and a long talk with the neurologist, there really is no point in another scooter, by next year I'll have to face giving that up. I'm no longer safe operating a motor vehicle. While the massive weight loss has improved general health immensely but the neuropathy is unstoppable. My favorite toy ever, never panned out. I did more wrenching and maintenance than riding the last two years, but it was fun. I really had only two really great seasons out of 7. The last 4 were a tremendous struggle. I did manage some incredibly cold rides and crazy twisty rides and discovered the scooter could be a fabulous form of transport even here in the frigid north. My patches have been passed on and my presence here will be largely diminished. I am on Facebook with a few MV expats, for anyone interested drop my a line or two.

Thanks to all for a great decade.

Tearfully,

The grump, Tomjasz

So sorry. Life happens but at least the scooter is going to be kept in the family so to speak. I'm walking the line as well. Sucks to get old and have medical issues. You can still post even tho you don't have a Vespa. Yup you've had an interesting run. Alias and all. Good luck in your new adventure.

Truly sorry for you Tom. You may not be safe enough to operate a motor vehicle but you are safe enough to post on MV. Usually. Don't go away.

Tom,
I'm sad to hear that you'll no longer be scooting. But biking will certainly be of benefit to your body/legs. Please continue to lurk here. Your vast experience and pleasant nature will certainly aide others. And if you are ever in Rochester, stop in and say hi.
Artie

I believe, even without owning a scoot, you still have a lot of wisdom and good advice to share with this forum. I am so sad to hear your medical situation is creating a problem. Still, I appreciate all you have shared here over the years.

Please don't be an MV stranger.

Best wishes.

I'm sorry to hear that - you will be missed on MV. I had some health issues and a surgery that prevented me from riding this past year, so you have my sympathies on the incredible suckyness that ensues when your health prevents you from doing something you love.

Tomjasz

I am happy you are part of the MV family. I'm sorry your scootering days are behind you, but you don't get to just fade out like that. Look at your roundel count, look at your post count, and look at your Karma ratings. You are a substantial member of this group, and that position doesn't rely one bit on whether you still ride or not.

Yeah, you're a quirky grump sometimes, but we like you in that role.
Stick around. You make this a better place.

Steve H/B

+ everything that's been said. Your presence here is important and welcome. It's sad to see this joy taken away from you. I hope your new adventures bring you new enjoyment and some excitement.

You don't have to go, you know.

Tom, we very much hope to keep hearing from you whenever the mood comes over you. Happy trails!

I can see why you might want to leave. I hope you won't.

Yeah I'll be around now and again. But it'll be odd being an atheist at Mass.

Tom,

Feel especially sad as you're one of my homie MVers. Time does change things, and I guess we have to roll with that. It's been great having you on the forum and I hope your presence doesn't diminish too much...you still have a lot to say, I'm sure.

Must be hard to let the scooter go...even at that, it's still nice to be on two wheels.

Very sorry to hear this, but hope your life will be equally satisfying with the new pursuits. It takes a lot of guts not to push risk into being silly, glad for your family that you know this.
Best to you!

The "moped" just drove off with Javakid.

Don't you dare go flouncing out never to return! Ever since my grumpiness quotient receded dramatically we've been relying on you to keep our feet nailed firmly to the floor.

I'll be interested to hear how you get on with a pedelec, it may prove to be quite beneficial health-wise as well as providing transport.

ATB,

Spot on! It's EXACTLY what the Dr. ordered to keep my flexibility. Pedal with reduced stress. I'm already envious of the bikes available in the UK and the EU.
BMW, VW, Audi, Bosch, Yamaha, Continental, Polaris, Porsche, and Mercedes are just a few of the big names in the game. 'Cept we "Merkins don't have the restrictions at 250W. Minnesnowta allows the highest power at 1000W. Perhaps a reward for enduring the fuciking brutal winter. Kids are building bikes capable of 45-50. "merkins just gotta have bigger and faster. I'm feeling right at home on the EU and UK boards. Having already been housebroken, it's working out well.

tomjasz,

So sorry to hear about how things have worked out. You have always had good advice and made me welcome here in Modern Vespa. It will be lessened without your presence. Even without a scooter, you can still contribute greatly to this community. I hope you will continue to be an active member of this great MV community.

Be well!

With that much power, that etrike sounds like an MP3. Is it a tadpole?