Modern Vespa

This morning, I participated in a Harley Davidson Poker Run. It was to benefit veterans with PTSD, a cause close to my heart. I had the only non-HD bike there. The overwhelming majority of the guys were gang members. I had second thoughts about being there, but ended up sticking it out. My Vespa got several compliments and the photographer/reporter took more pics of my scoot than the Harleys. I ended up meeting some cool dudes, had a bbq sandwich, I didn't get shot or stabbed and made it home safely. All and all, a good day.

Pretty sure everyone behaved themselves as they realised there was an MV gang member there.

I've been to several events that were primarily HD riders and definitely noticeable 1% presence on my Vespa and other scooters. Usually with Women in the Wind motorcycle club but I've also encountered some of them on my own. Never had a problem whether I was on a motorcycle or scooter. I've even had a 1% nomad invite me to ride with him if I was going his direction. Okay, he offered in the boondocks at a gas station after determining I was riding alone and "not carrying " as he wasn't sure it was a good idea for a woman to be riding alone in New Mexico without "protection". General rule is be polite and all will be well. Kind of like the oft repeated Heinlein quote if "an armed society is a polite society" so just consider the MC to be armed.

Last time I encountered a bunch of Banditos the large group was filling up at a gas station. Again it was out in the southwest where gas stations weren't plentiful and I needed gas since we all know range on a Vespa isn't the best. I wasn't sure I had enough to pass that station and get to the next one on my route. I'd already turned in before I recognized their jacket colors as well. So I stopped well back figuring I'd wait for them to leave as they had taken over all the pumps and had members waiting. The ride marshall saw me and when one of the pumps near me was free he motioned for me to take it even though there were others in their group also waiting.

No airbag, no fear should have equal respect regardless of PTW type. Good story.

"Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... MASS HYSTERIA!"

-Dr. Peter Venkman

I owned a Harley for more years than I owned a Vespa. I don't understand what the issue is.

I've lived in a Caribbean neighbourhood for five years... would you like me to run through the list of stereotypes about my community? I can end it with "all and all, a good half decade" if you'd like.

First time at a run?

I don't understand the hostility? I was just relaying my experience. But, Yes, it was my first time at a Harley Sponsored Poker run, but hardly my first scooter run/rally. I have personally hosted 13 annual moped/scooter rallies, been to two Amerivespas, attended the Three Mile Island Scooter Club Rally more than a half dozen times, attended the "Middle of No Where" Scooter club rally four times and several other east coast based moped and scooter runs/rallies. I've been riding mopeds, scooters and motorcycles since 1977.

Sometimes you just don't know what you might encounter.

From my experience, most big bike riders are not going to bother us on Vespas. At worst, they'll tend to ignore us; most of the time I've found them to be friendly.

I've been on numerous runs with 100's of big bikes, and never encountered open hostility towards me or other scooter riders.

The same around here.

Now matter how big, bad and hairy a biker may be, a scooter and its rider does not pose any threat to him. It may be an odd vehicle, but not threatening.

Didn't get shot or stabbed?

Well that sounds like a boring day all around.

I usually get the "What is that?" question at bike events. Since I don't own a Harley I am usually in the zero to five percent group of other brands.

No hostility, but you seem to expect bad things would happen and say things like:

"I had second thoughts about being there, but ended up sticking it out."

It's a lot like if I were to say,

"I think I hear the barbershop around the corner playing that hip hop music, be right back, gonna go make sure my car doors are locked."



Reminder: Pre-judging people we never met based on appearances went out of fashion decades ago.

probably 40-60% of baltimore would disagree.

Next time maybe wear a fez and bungee a glockenspiel on there. I've learned that can lead to photo ops with attractive well-wishers.

Hogs don't bother Wasps.

It's an animal kingdom thing.

Lucky for you!

Scooterists aren't seen as such a pariah now like they were in 1980's UK

I have been a member of the Patriot Guard Riders pretty much since the beginning. I am not a veteran myself, I tried to join the USMC in 1977 and failed the physical. But I strongly support veterans, and have been welcomed at both the local AL and VFW for a long time. I donate to three veterans charities on a regular basis. I didn't get my first Harley until 2016. I attended many PGR events, mostly funerals, on my Kawasaki Vulcan 750. Nobody said a word.

Back in 2011 there was a mass shooting in Tucson, 18 were shot, 6 were killed. Among them was a 9 year old girl, Christina-Taylor Green. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church had threatened to show up at her funeral to protest (they are the main reason the PGR was formed in the first place) While the PGR does not get officially involved in affairs involving non veterans, many members, including myself, attended the funeral on our own. Probably close to 100 members of the HA were also there. Everybody knows their reputation, but they behaved perfectly, a few of them in tears. They are most likely the reason why nobody from the WBC showed up.

Basically when it comes to 1%ers, you leave them alone and don't disrespect them, and they will leave you alone.

MoPedLar, I just watched a bunch of videos from your moped rides. I would have been there if I weren't on the other side of the country. Just about got my Sears Free Spirit ready to ride as soon as it cools down a bit. It's been 110-112 degrees F here for the past 2 1/2 months. Jerry

I'm planning on taking my GTS to Sturgis next summer

I'm pretty certain that you'll have a good time here if you bring your GTS to the rally in '24, other than the stupid prices for most things and some crowding in the general region.

The Vespa may be 'just a scooter', but it is recognized by many as a classic European machine with a great history....others just ignore it, which is fine too.

My presence at this year's Sturgis rally with my Vespa was met with a lot more smiles and curiosity than any overt negativity, which I didn't sense in any case.

Of course, personally, I'd love to see a few more Vespas at the rally, and would offer support to any who came here for it in the form of a decently equipped garage to facilitate servicing and perfoming minor repairs should they be needed, a table lift, and emergency transportation.

I also know all the good roads.