Modern Vespa

So you're probably thinking...Why is someone who doesn't even LIVE in California posting about The Rides of March?? Isn't that in California?

And the answer is simple: Because I'm going!

This was something that SoCal originally suggested for ROM 2022, but we started late and didn't have our acts together to make it happen. But that was last year, and this is this year. And this time, we're going to pull it off.

So what's that mean? you're now asking. Lucky for you, I'm going to 'splain it.

I'm flying in to Orange County on the Wednesday before the Rally. Wednesday afternoon/evening/Thursday, we'll be in CM's sweet new workshop, watching the big screen, messing around on the half pipe, testing the bottle opener, doing a little wrenching, and maybe even finding out if the local cops hate scooterists as much as CM2 would have us believe.

And because I'm not one to be satisfied with just any old loaner bike, even a pretty zippy one, I'm going to BYOM (Bring Your Own Motor) for this adventure. That's right, I'm going to pack the Smallstate motor into a suitcase and bring it as luggage. It won't even be the weirdest thing I've ever brought we me on an airplane.

Then, once I'm on the ground, SoCal has graciously agreed to let me install it into *his* shiny red smallie for the weekend. Friday, we drive up to the rally, ride, and drive back on Sunday. After we get back from San Luis Obispo, the motor will go back in the suitcase to return to Nashville with me the on Monday.

Okay...that was maybe a lot. But here's where it could get really fun--while Laguna Beach isn't the most convenient location for anyone but people who live in Laguna Beach, I'd love to meet up with any of you locals who might be able to turn up on Wednesday night or sometime on Thursday.

You like how I'm not even there yet, and I'm already inviting folks over to Ned's workshop?

Also, if anyone is thinking about attending ROM and just hadn't quite committed or convinced your War Dept that a little Field Training Exercise in San Luis Obispo is just what you need, now's the perfect time to get your own plans going.

If you're already on the West Coast, it should be an easy sell: "I HAVE to go. That guy from NSM I'm always telling you about who should be dead but somehow isn't is going to be there and I don't want to miss it!"

See you all soon!

That is so awesome! I'd love to be there. Sigh....

EDIT: I may be able to get there, but can't really go on the long rides.

Any info besides the stuff from 2020?. Can you point me to a link?

Thanks!

Outstanding news!

Rad! Good on ya.

POIDOG once flew a pv125 engine cross country as a carry on in an igloo cooler!
Just have to sort the exhaust.
Food for thought.

That's not a bad idea, actually. I'm thinking that I'll take an old suitcase and then shoot spray foam into it to form-fit around it.

That'll give it solid support and, with some plywood for stiffener around the edges and on the top & bottom, give it lots of protection so I can check it.

I may even be light enough to check on Southwest with no extra fees, I think.

Can anyone confirm what I'm finding on teh Interwebs, namely that a complete smallframe motor weighs about 50lbs?

March 24-26

https://m.facebook.com/100064773396342/

Would be great if you could make it.

So it's the same rides and the same meeting places as 2020? That's described on the website? I'm not seeing any more info than the date on the FB page....

Thanks!

I'll also check the contact link

They will post routes as we get closer.
Usually a 100 mile ride on the Saturday (if I recall correctly).

Friday night is a meet and greet in hotel parking lot. Beers are often had.

Sunday is a lighter ride. Perhaps out the coast. Half day.

My shop is in laguna Hills.
Anyone who wants to come by as we tune and wrench on the Thursday prior is welcome. Just PM me for an address.
LH cops are unbothered.
LB cops less so…

Just drain the fluids. I'm sure airlines wouldn't be too happy if you did. Plus it's less weight to deal with.

Crazy idea. Have fun!

Yup, fluids will all come out. If I have to, the expansion & silencer can go in my other bag. Ideally, I'd be able to fit it all into a single case (while keeping things under the weight limit), if only because I think it'd be a cool trick to pull it off.

If I can get rolling in time (big "if" with my schedule/skill set 😂 ) I'd love to meet up with you guys!

We definitely need pics of the "smallie in a bag" coming off the baggage carousel when you pull this off!

Oh, absolutely! Part of the fun of stunts like this is the sheer unnecessary-ness of it all!

And theres absolutely no reason you won't be rolling by then. Heck, if you can get it down to Ned's place in Laguna Hills, there's nothing on that bike that we couldn't knock out on Thursday, I pretty much guarantee.

Are you doing the motor install at Socal guy's house? I'm not planning on this rally but it would be great to see you if you are down this way.

No, we're doing it at CM's workshop in Laguna Hills. I'd love to meet up if you can swing by Wed night or Thursday. I don't think getting all the way down to San Diego is in the cards this trip, though.

if anybody headed up there needs a waypoint or a stash house, Kajiit House of Wares is happy to assist in any way I'm basically directly in the line of travel.

so if it's a break down or a last minute part hit me up. tools, lifts and cold beer are all there for those in need.

I really want to attend, but I don't know if it's in the cards.

Even if you can't join the fun, maybe we can meet up for a burger or a beer on the way north or south.

if I can't make it happen, count on it. I'll fire up the grill and you guys can tell me all about the shenanigans!

I'm diggin' this plan!

There will for sure be updates to the ROM FB page.

You have two options for a shorter ride.
Some turn around at Morro Bay, about 25 miles from SLO. If you do so you won't be alone. The clam chowder and oysters are quite awesome there.

The Sunday ride is really nice. Much smaller group up the hills between SLO and the coast. Shorter ride.

There "may" be a route change from last year, heading towards Santa Maria to the south. If so, ignore the above. That ride is also quite beautiful in March.
But let me say that reluctantly, having seen your ride pics!

You ppl are gonna have a good time! Now I'm all jelly, but I'm really too far away. Are you gonna check it? Birdnest's Rally 180 motor came over here still assembled from Athens to London, changed planes as checked luggage, and on to Seattle in a heavy double wall cardboard box w/ lots of padding. I did label it as a Vespa motor w/ all fluids completely drained. Customs was most curious and I was pleased it arrived intact and even fired up easily after all that.

You're saying this to the guy who's attending from Nashville!?!?

I'd love to put a face to the name, but that'll have to happen when I'm out in Seattle next. I'm definitely going to check it. I don't expect any real issues and am going to fabricate a pretty serious protective case, because I need to be 100% certain that it's going to make the trip intact.

I'm thinkin I need a SoCal rally...been way too long since I've done one.

Chanderman you truly area MAD(chandler)MAN. I love this plan and I hope to see you there!

At this point, it would take something far outside my control to stop this train. Tickets are bought. Logistics are set. Equipment is being pre-positioned. It's going to happen.

DUDE.

1. Brussels on Forest avenue Laguna). Great beer/food.
2. I will absolutely buy lunch- I'll ride/ drive down to meet in Laguna, or we can do CDM/Newport..
3. My P200 is yours if you need/want to take it.
4. its time for an Orange County rally. a BIG one. maybe late 2023?
5. I am 5 minutes from SNA.

Peace.

Hey Chandler, the red smallie has a PM40 pipe on it, and while not as gnarly as the Quattrini, it's respectable. We can throw it on your engine if your pipe is too bulky to bring along. Keep in mind as an option.

I'm not worried about the bulk. The chamber comes off the pipe, and the manifold tucks in pretty nicely against the motor, so I don't anticipate any issues. Overall weight was my only real concern, but that should be manageable.

It's not the 90lb Stella motor+JL Pipe+rear wheel you shipped me that time that prompted my wife to text me a picture of it on the front step and ask, "What did you buy this time? A human?"

Besides, I'm going to wind up bringing a big suitcase for my gear, helmet, etc., and should be able to fit the pipe in there.

Can you make it down on Thursday? We'll be at CM2's workshop in Laguna Hills wrenching, and probably some riding, too.

As to an OC rally, I'd come back out for that!

[quote="dsnyder586"]
DUDE.

4. its time for an Orange County rally. a BIG one. maybe late 2023?

The best SoCal rally that was formerly invite only is coming on June 10th. Look up Cali Gold Run under events on FB. It starts in Santa Fe Springs, but most of the ride is in OC. It's over 150 miles of canyon riding. Bring a fast bike.

Should be able to come Thu!

You're talking Thursday March 23 in Laguna for bs'ing with a contingent from across the USA? It's much closer than ROM for me. Maybe I should take a day off from work and rip up there on my GTS for this part of the party. The freeway / geography don't work for trying to get there on vintage.

I am in super secret talks to be a part of chandlerman's adventure and he might not even be aware of it yet - shhhhhh...... We will see this weekend if I have a role in his shenanigans or not. I think it's happening. And it's not about going on ROM. It does have to do with his having a bike there....

Sweet! The more the merrier! I know where I'll be, so it'd be great to have you come up. It should be a good time, for sure! It's true. I'm not aware of it...at least not yet.

You're not planning on having me go undercover to bust up a ring of bank robbers who are also Vespa-riding surfers, are you? Because like Charlie, I don't surf.

I can't spill the beans yet. Especially since you don't know. I should be able to post something on it tomorrow or Sunday. A photo clue so to speak....

But I do own a flannel or two.
It's not so much that I DONT surf. It's that I prefer my water sports frozen.

Anyone planning on poking their head in on the Thursday should PM me their cell for info. Perhaps I'll organize a bit more formal plan as we get closer.

I'm in on the hijinx

Yes! The game is definitely afoot!

Thanks for the hauling, John.

I called Mike to borrow his carrier to go get my ET4 from Greasy. I'm going up the 5 freeway anyway, so here we go.

It will be a couple weeks till I drop it off but I get to see the new Charlieman shop out of this deal 😀

Feel like I just sent Red off to boot camp.

Maybe Red will come back with a disc brake?