Modern Vespa

Just saw this in USA Today. Haven't read all of it yet, but looks like something this audience would appreciate:

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2021/07/02/scooter-cannonball-vespa-rally-honda-motorcycle-travel/7507615002/

Looks interesting from the title but it's blocked via subscription wall!

Really? I'm not a subscriber and not signed in, but I was able to read it.

Very cool article. Thanks for posting. Oh to be a little younger, a little stronger, and a little healthier....

I bounced it here:

https://www.facebook.com/vespa.it/

It's on Apple News, if that's any help: https://apple.news/ATya2oYFITSSV4f4_BxqLbA

I had to read it all... Marvellous!

I'm still blocked by the paywall there. I even went to Google News and searched for "Scooter Cannonball." The article is there, but I hit the paywall when I click on it.

There is an article from the Bar Harbor newspaper - https://www.mdislander.com/maine-news/cross-country-scooter-ride-starts-in-bar-harbor%E2%80%AF

My daughter is a student at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. I've visited once. It's a beautiful place for the Cannonball to start. I wish I could do it this year, but, well, I'm paying for college for two kids right now. I'm going to start socking away my pennies though. I have hopes...

My favorite quote from the Bar Harbor article is "It's a great way to experience small-town America."

Sounds downright relaxing.

Wow, what a well prepared professionally put together article. This CannonBall
thing is getting wider notice. Hey, maybe, in a couple of years, i will be like "The Tour De France" with nationwide TV Coverage.

Bob Copeland
Minnesota

I was able to access it using the TOR browser. I saved a PDF, but I get the feeling it wouldn't be good form to upload content that is sequestered behind a paywall to the list. (Let me know if I am wrong there Jess.) If anyone pm's me with their email address today before 4pm MT, I'd be happy to email it, unless that seems like a bad idea too. Or unless I get really busy - but it's slow, very slow, at work right now. I'm a cog in a machine that needs the other cogs to get their act together. I'll be out of town and away from computers next week, so it's a one day offer.

Here's a rather interesting translation of the article into English:

https://globalnewsandentertainment.com/travel-4500-miles-in-10-days-on-a-scooter/

Fun read, thanks. I noticed it wrongly stated max tire size of 10 inches.

I get this...

Very comprehensive article considering it's from USA Today. Did an MV'er write it?

Buehler? Buehler?

I can't read it.

No restrictions from me, but I see that the top of the article says "Subscriber Exclusive."

I don't know what amazes me more - the fact that this article was written in such depth for the mainstream press, or the fact that anyone pays for access to USA Today.

I'm quite certain I have never paid and would never pay for paper or electronic access to USA Today.

I see it... Chrome browser

You only have to meet three of the five conditions.

A PDF version of the story can be viewed @ https://keb101713.s3.amazonaws.com/USATodayScooterCannonball.pdf

I see that now...missed it the first time.

Same here ... Chrome on android phone.

The writer, George Petras, is a modern Vespa rider. I am not sure if he is active on this forum though.

I believe the USA Today pay wall is inconsistent by design - almost like a roulette wheel of who sees what for free or a giant A/B test. YMMV with different browsers.

They really did a nice job on the article. I was also surprised by its depth!

Breakwind can't read it because its wheels are too small ..?

Agreed. That's the best-written article I've ever read about something I have intimate knowledge of. Generally, the press always gets something wrong or glosses over important details. This one was spot-on.

That one worked. Thanks, MisterPeanuts!

I like having the pdf. The formatting on the other one was funky in places. I'll probably read it several times. I would love to take a similar trip...but 100 miles per day with lots of interesting stops and maybe 3-4 days with beautiful campsites.

Rad!

Wow, that was a good read and it was fun to see some familiar names in the article. The PDF worked perfectly, thanks MisterPeanuts.

Thanks MrPeanuts! The PDF really helped!
Mahalo!

Thanks for posting, a great read. Good to see an increasing number of women participating in the Cannonball. The vast majority of riders are in the 51 - 70 age group, nice to read about the younger folk being active. Recognized a number of riders names from M.V and will be following progress on line in armchair comfort with a glass of Grenache.
Didn't see any 2 up riders. Thought that would have been an idea as riders can change as required to have a break and #2 navigates. Also one can fill up gas while the other goes to the bakery.

I would Love to do the MV Scooter Cannonball someday. I rode my Bajaj 4t to see the group off in Pacific City back in 2008 I think? It was awesome to watch them all take off....

Thanks for the article!

In a word: heroes!

It is a race but with oneself.

I'm personally not attracted of endurance rides, but this article, it is a well written, illustrated and researched piece of text!

They even slipped Ewan McGregor into the context

Enjoyed this, a good thorough article. Props to the illustrator too, there's lots of neat custom graphics accompanying the piece. Top job all round.

Only 15 idiots dumb enough awesome adventures doing repeat cannonballs?

I'm one of the dumb enough

And rider sponsors. Who will be the first professional Vespa rider from the Modern Vespa forum. Who knows, maybe Jess is already in discussion to have a Modern Vespa Team!

Great article. I had no trouble viewing it.

Gopam is like Batman, he is there but you don't see him.

this adventure is very amazing. its certainly NOT getting the exposure it deserves.

godspeed to all who dare.

Oh, to have sponsors and a crew. One can dream!

Pam, the Elspeth Beard of scooter riders.