Modern Vespa

I attended the Vespa Thousand Oaks Third Anniversary Party on Sunday and had a really good time. David and Lynda threw a great party - good food, good music, good people, scooters - what more could one ask for.

I met MV'ers Rex the Rock Star, Reverend, and Ericalm in the flesh, and they are great guys. I went on one of the group rides. I think I like riding on my own better, but it was a good experience.

It was a personal accomplishment for me, as well. Last March 30 (2008) I took my first long ride from home in the San Fernando Valley, through the Simi Valley, to Ventura. It was the Sunday two weeks before my daughter Sarah's wedding. I didn't make it home - at least not on my scooter. An inattentive driver T-boned me at an intersection totaling the scooter and sending me to the ER with a crushed foot and a very beat-up body. I attended the wedding in a wheelchair (and on some fine meds), but was able to get up on crutches to walk my daughter to the altar and have one dance with her.

So it was with some trepidation on the Sunday two weeks before my daughter Linnea's wedding to be once again heading for Ventura County - home of Vespa Thousand Oaks! This time it was my first long freeway ride. I was aware of the jinx, though I didn't say anything about it to my family until afterward so as not to worry them.

Well, jinx removed. The scooter was great cruising at 70 mph (actual) in part due to the Fabbri windscreen. The only bad part was the heat. As I came through Calabasas on the way home at about 5:00 the thermometer on the instrument panel hit 115 degrees.

All in all, a momentous day for me.

Nice report I missed the Party since I was stuck working this past weekend, Well I'm glad to see you back in the saddle. post some pictures if you have some time.

Congrats Michael! I wasn't hurt like you were when I had to bail off my scooter ... but I am familiar with the trepidation you felt. Every time I have to go around that particular switch back, I am still a little nervous and envision another car cutting me off and sending me into the bushes!

Glad you had a good time at the party and jealous that you got to meet some other MV'ers! But mostly, I'm glad that your jinx has been abolished. Good for you for taking the bull by the horns and facing your fears!

Sounds as though a good time was had by all! I'm hoping to get up that way one of these days. I'd love to ride the coast road!

Or to quote the immortal W. C. Fields: "It's time to take the bull by the tail and look the situation square in the face."

It was very nice to meet you too, Michael. Hope to see you on more rallies -- if not for the ride, at least for the meet n' greet or party afterward.

The party was well attended, 200 ish it appears. Thanks to all that attended and brought the Vespa spirit to Thousand Oaks again.

Both rides were hot however beautiful and all returned safely. Special thanks to Corazzo and Parts Unlimited for Swag, RBSC members for blocking the rides and Michael John and the Bottom Line for performing amazing blues music all day.

I will get some pictures up maybe tonight, hopefully others who shot photo's (Colin? Eric) will upload a few today.

Congrats to MPFrank for ditching the jinx, just awesome bud.

See you for #4 !!

All best,
David
Vespa Thousand Oaks

David, thanks again for your generosity and hospitality this weekend. So when's the Sherman Oaks anniversary?

Good to see the familiar faces and to meet some new folks!

I have pics and video; will post soon.

Props to anyone who braved the heat and smoke from the wildfires to make it out there. I was dripping in sweat by the time I got back to North Hollywood.

Suggestion for future prize category: Highest odometer reading on a sub-200cc scooter purchased at a dealership the Meyers currently own but may not have at the time of purchase. The prize should be something really big and worthy of such an accomplishment. Too bad you don't have a blue and white Triumph Bonneville SE sitting around.

Bummed I missed it. I gotta pay more attention to what's happening...

Glad everyone had a good time.

Sorry I missed it. I had an already planned Spyder ride with a friend that day to the rock store.
andy yes ericalm, what a hot day. I was dripping with sweat from that ride, but it was a good fun day.
Hope to catch up with everyone sometime. It has been a busy summer, I keep missing the events. But I'm out there enjoying riding.

Do you own a Spyder? Is it any fun compared to an MP3?