Modern Vespa

on the subject of shat-navs .... i've got a cheap n cheerful 'navigo' satnav unit loaded with tomtom software that was 'sourced' from the internet by someone other than myself.

it's just fine on b-roads and rural treks, but it turns out that when riding in city centers you need to update the maps fairly frequently, as i learned on a recent trip to brighton when it sent me straight down a maze of bus lanes. i've done a bit of a search and can't seem to find anywhere to get a new uk map for free without buying a registered unit.... any ideas?

You lot over on the 'Eastside' certainly have quite a busy auto-style social circle dont you!

Its a different 'Westside' story over here, the social scene is in the main trad scooters with a spitful of autos, generally used purely for recreation rather than commuting.

We all drive tractors to work

most of the london crew use our scooters every day to get to work on - i know that's the case with me, it only became a social thing when i started hanging out here

also none of us within the M25 have a garage, which pretty much rules out anything vintage must admit though i'm gagging for a lambretta vega

I got a garage

But then I also live in Essex (you may have noticed my baseball cap )

my mate owns several vegas, but he also owns about 50 othe lambys, and hes minted!!

well i like your mate already

Yes it's only us "out of towners" that use thier Vespa's for pleasure.

Such wealth.

Bill X

I'm going around London in a Duck in the morning of the 8th and possibly collecting the Ford Dwarf Shark from Wokingham later in the day if I can sell the Fox and rob a bank.

That does make sense doesn't it.

On Sunday the 9th I'm going to a rally that Christos is part of so I can't make it for the flight thing.
I just can't remember where it is right now.

Oh yeah. On Sunday the 2nd of August I believe that there is some scooter racing at Lydden Circuit as part of a bike day.
I'll be going and you are welcome to join me.

Busy busy busy.

Bill X

Thats weird!! the guy that owns all the scooters has spent the last couple of years restoring a DUKW after going on a thames ride. I would say its possibly the best example in the world now, after he has remanufactured lots of the panelwork (owns engineering comp)

He has now just bought a GPA and a Schwimmwagen.

I said he was loaded







Genie - I'm the best thing in the 'Bristol Area'

Glad Duxford was a good trip - sorry to miss it, but I was catching the flying action (and the showers) at Fairford. The Vulcan was a highlight, especially when it taxiied along the runway followed by the B-52. You don't see that every day!

glad you had a good day out Alice. it absolutely chucked it down in duxford and we had to dash from hangar to hangar

one of several hightlights of the day for me was getting to walk underneath the Vulcan and peer up into the bomb bay oh that and seeing the inside of Concorde - and the stratofortress - and the collapsible mini-copter. i'd go back again in a heartbeat, there is far too much to take in in a single day.

stoker - i will make sure and look you up the next time i pass through bristol

Let's do it - I haven't been to Duxford for a few years. I remember touching the U2 (naughty!) and being amazed at the rubbery surface.

Alas, I will probably be away both the weekends Bill has suggested for dronks (Donk drinks).

Nothing set in stone yet Alice.

If anyone can come up with a better date please suggest one.

I'm happy to go with the flow.

Bill X

Maybe early September when all the August festivities have passed ?

And we don't have to go to the Pilot but I think it's a lovely pub with some great nosh.

Bill X

Oh yeah I'm off to Spa Francorchamp at the weekend for the 24 hour race so while I'm there does anyone want me to book a room for the 2CV race in October ? 24/25th is the date.

Finally getting the recognition they so richly deserve! 8)

That is funny.....

I can't even remember what we were laughing at.

Very nice pic! Captures the whole 2 weeks!

It makes me want to sign up for 2010 eventhough I'll be asking for Diet Coke most nights.

I'm thinking about taking two big holidays next year as opposed to 8 little ones this year.

Apart from Florida I've not really had any time to relax.

Poor Bill X

Almost time for Mid Summer Murders. How middle aged am I ?

"Almost time for Mid Summer Murders. How middle aged am I ?"

Stuff middle aged mate......that's downright ancient!!

Spider comes home tomorrow. Excellent news huh.

I'm thinking about a fast ride and a visit to Spiders on the 1st of August after the Hornet gets it's MOT.

Bill X

Ahh....Mythos! 8)

True, true-- along w the one in my sig

Fantastic news! That is so quick after his pelvis was shattered and his "legs weren't attached to anything"!

He's a shining example of Positive Mental Attitude - and a nod has to be given here to the surgeons and their supporters.

He's promised to let us all know when he gets home.

No doubt he will be spending alot of time on line when we does.

Lazy Bastard.

Get well soon Mate.

Bill xx

Same here - although I've been to some fun places this year I haven't had a lot of time to relax. I'm pushing for Norway as next year's Big Hol.

WELL DONE SPIDER!!!! Fantastic news. Really fantastic news.

I'm off on hol's to Welsh Wales tomorrow, but would be up for any Spidervisits after my return.

Take care, all you Donk's. I'm swapping donk's for puffins for the next week (both possible contenders for "Most Humorous Animal", do you think?)

Great news on Spider! Man's a wizard, the way those bones are healing.

I am off to Camp Bestival until Monday and will therefore be praying for good weather. I won't get any, but will probably get a goodly amount of mud instead, which is supposed to be good for the skin.

So it's you holidayers making it rain? I thought it was the fact that I didn't bring my umbrella in today. Have lovely times! 8)

I'm going to see Hairspray tonight with my oldest chum. Oh yes.

If anyone knows of a pair of 2nd hand ET4 rear crash bars, can you let me know. I'm not that bothered about the condition as long as they are safe enough to put on the scoot.

I've put an ad in the for sale/wanted area.

Thanks

First let me start by saying a BIG Thanks for all your kind words and support ,after me and tracys little bump .. at Camber.

first looks like the bike is going to be a right off .. but i can repair her will give me something to do when i can get back onto my feet again ..

the damage to me is i smashed my pelvis into many pieces and broke the ball and cup that holds your leg on .. so that was just on its own and had no where to go .. .. my shoulder and arm are damaged too .. i had a 8 hr opp to repair the ball/socket and replace all the broken bones inside, i lost a lot of blood in the opp .. and was in the ITU for another 8 hrs . but all went well and had some good pictures of the screws etc that were used in the opp .. i am now back home and can just move a few steps with a zimmer frame and sticks .. it looks like i will be able to walk without aid in about a year if i go for it .. but at the moment i cannot put any weight on my left leg at all .. i know this sounds all a bit doom and gloom .. but i know deep down i can get back on my Vespa 300 and the GTR when it is repaired .

You are a brave man. Not sure i would fancy 2 wheels again after that mate.
All the best, heal quickly. 8)

Tracy has faired a bit better than me .. as she was on the back she hit the door and that took most of the shock away from her .. she can walk and thank god she did not have any broken bones.... but she is still black and blue .. i want to thank her for all the love and support that she has given me ... and all my work colleagues from the prison i work at that came up in force and made the whole hospital laugh with them putting gay mags all over the ward so i could not take them down ... welcome to the prison service .. and all the the texts and phone calls with love and support i just want to say thanks too all .. this has really picked me up when i was so down .. these things happen in life and i think its sent to make you the person you are .. so im so looking forward to getting back on my scoots and getting on with life again .. because im still here and here im going to stay .. thanks again and our love to you all XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hey Spider,

Good to see you posting again! Took you long enough (lazy sod).

It is fantastic to read your posts, you have a fantastic positive attitude, which I admire beyond words. Well done mate.

When your back on 2 wheels, send me an email and I will come ride with you. I am pretty sure I would not be the only one.

Good to hear from you.

Marc

spider!! i'm amazed you're walking already even if it is only a few steps - i've no doubt you'll be on your feet ahead of schedule with your fantastic attitude.

we didn't get to visit you in the fancy BUPA hospital but now you're home, let us know when you're ready to receive a raiding party

Welcome back, Spider, and full marks for tracking the Skokers down to their new home!

I don't know when I've been more delighted to see someone post. Gentle hugs for you both.

Great to see you post again. Good to hear your work-mates rallied round to torture cheer you up.

Healing vibes wafting their way to you and Tracy.

You are very welcome mate. Glad to see you home.

Bill X

Right I'm all packed and ready for the off to Spa in the morning for the 24 hours.
I'll see you all on Monday afternoon after Nik and I have done Francorchamp.
By some weird connection Niks mate drives the truck for one of the Aston Martin teams there so we are hoping for "favours"
As soon as we get back the Fox will be in the AutoTrader because the Ka is on it's way.
If the Fox goes quickly I'll have to use the Hornet to commute on until September the 1st which in my world is a disaster.

Be good lovely people.

Bill X

Well it arrived in the post today !

Thank you Kate for taking the time to post it off. Sue did wonder why a letter arrived addressed to TailorMarc !

I have attached the sticker to my scoot and it looks perfect, how thoughtful of you all to design the Donkei Skök logo in black and white.

I will post pictures when I can. Soon hopefully.

Bill: Have a good trip. (I assume you're cleaning the kitchen?)

Thank You
Marc

P.S. If anyone is wondering about our eductional system, I can confirm it works excellently. My 5 year old son managed to read and pronounce Donkei Skök perfectly. I am a proud father today.