Modern Vespa

I've held off announcing this year's ride because of the pandemic affecting plans everywhere, but I'm somewhat hopeful that by August things will be settling down towards normal. It still may turn out that like Amerivespa, we postpone until next year, but with fingers crossed, we're going to hold the course for now. I think we can all agree that we could use something to look forward to!

As per previous years, this is a casual event, typically with rides on Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and possibly Sunday. We are going to try to throw in some other fun events if possible.



So, for now, first, location: we're slipping across the border to Galena, Illinois. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's a town that had its heyday starting in the 1830's lead mining boom in the region. Ulysses S. Grant was given a house there by grateful residents after the Civil War.

Date: August 14-16. We have a block of rooms at the Best Western Inn and Suites. (9923 W, US-20, Galena, IL 61036 Phone: (815) 777-2577). Prices are $177+tax for two queen beds (or one king)-a bit pricier than SW Wisconsin, but it's a unique location, and actually the best price in town. We have a block of rooms under "Wisconsin Scoot," apparently the closest I could get to our name. Rooms should be held until a month before the ride.

Schedule and ride information to be announced. BTW, it's exciting to have an enthusiastic assistant in the form of Belkwinith who has some ideas for fun stuff to complement the riding.

We haven't had to cap attendance, but if we do, it's first come, first served, so at least contact me via PM if you're serious about coming.
Please note that while the riding isn't particularly aggressive, it is at times "spirited" and you not only need to control your scooter, you need to ride well in coordination with others. This is important for your own safety as well as the safety of others. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Again, the event is pending the end of quarantine/shelter in place restrictions, and freedom to move and congregate. I expect the final decision should be made by early July.

Check out Blackjack Road to Hannover.

Is it COVID-free?

It would be worth it. I rode it a few years ago, fun ride.

If it happens I'll be there!

BTW, I've worked on routes, but they're far from written in stone. Suggestions are welcome!

So are tips on gravel roads.

Let me be the first to say, I think there needs to be at least one stretch of gravel in there.
I mean, really... What would Wisconscoot be without any gravel?

Dave,

Our Minn-Max extended ride is 7/23 to 7/26/20 anchoring out of Prairie Du Chien. Same situation, will the world be open to eat and sleep?

I would love to join you and plan on it. If restaurants are still closed, it will
kill my July group extended ride. Also, 75% of my Minn-Max group are
old farts, like myself, and may be to afraid to attend.

I predict we may be okay unless there is a resurgence of infections due
to the reopening of the economy.

Our first group ride here in Minnesota is this Saturday. Short City-Ride around
the Parkways and the Mississippi River. Social distancing and sack lunches are the order of the day.

I appreciate your planning and all you do.

Bob Copeland
Minnesota
75 Degrees here Saturday

Yeah, Bob, many, if not most of us are kind of high risk....not saying old, mind you.
I'm glad we still have time to sort things out, but unfortunately it's possible for things to drag out with no clear end in sight. At some point it might be best to cancel, OTOH, there may be compromises, such as eating takeout, picnicking and the like. Obviously riding isn't a big concern.

Glad you could get some riding in already Bob, and hopefully we all can have a semblance of normalcy, riding-wise toward the middle and end of summer.

With Cannonball and AmeriVespa post-poned, I'll be looking to do a long rally ride later this year. I'll be on the lookout for more details!

Hey, that would be great to have you join us!

I'm kind of sitting on things until maybe June to get a better view on what's happening out there COVID-wise.

Probably should take another look at the routes-good fantasy material if nothing else.

Well, all things considered, I will plan to attend. I was planning on being in Greece this week, LOL

Our plans, that never got started, had us leaving for Rome today or tomorrow. Five or six days there, then off to Athens and the Peloponnese.

Maybe next year.

Bill

Okay, you too, I'll do what I can to distract you from your sorrows.

Maybe should see if New Glarus Brewery is still dumping beer....

With both COVID and the number of defectors on the rise, the rally is rather uncertain at the moment. As Galena is a pretty special place, it would be nicer to postpone and have a larger crowd than to do it with a tiny group. OTOH, it's good scouting for a larger repeat.

Well, I went ahead and pulled the plug and let Wisconscoot 2020 die a quiet death. We were down to a third of the usual participants, and while disappointing for those of us still thinking about it, it will be nice to give everyone the opportunity they would have had, next year (I hope).

Personally I was holding out on this as the only fun thing for the year that wasn't already cancelled, and expected/hoped the pandemic would be at least taking a pause by the end of summer. Not quite.

Stay tuned for next year!

Looking forward to the possibility!

Fingers crossed!

Sad to hear that we won't be having Wisconscoot this year.

Though I may just ride up that way next Saturday anyway and enjoy a few hours of bike time. And I'll try to remember to plug in the cameras and see if I can shoot some good ride video...

Mark