Modern Vespa

Add me to the list of people who have learned immensely from following Rich and Patrick. The first couple years I didn't learn much -- either I wasn't paying attention, or perhaps I just couldn't keep up long enough (Patrick especially) to actually see what they were doing. Now that I can sort of keep up, I can watch their lines and soak it up.

'twas you I was thinking about. With fondest thoughts of course. You have no idea how much fun I had riding behind you both (although my heart was in my mouth for much of the time..) I think that is supposed to be all part and parcel of the learning experience! I was trying to do the same with you guys....

Wow! Really cool video there and I think it works pretty well for most of the angles. What's the camera you're using by the way? I don't think it was mentioned.

It's the GoPro Hero HD, shooting in 720p @ 30fps. (It has other modes as well, including 720p @ 60fps and 1080p @ 30fps).

For some recent background on this camera (and the abuse it can endure) see: GoPro Hero HD Suction Cup Fail - with exciting footage!

Most of the shots of me were Mt Hamilton up and down - after taking six months off the life of the heels of my boots and completely re-sharpening Jess's centre-stand I changed my approach around Diablo and Tam (I'd taken off Jess's Bill Mayer seat and put a stock one on in case I had to do this: ) I started to hang-off a lot more. Oh yes, yes, yes, yes, that MP3 can run on rails!!!!

So much fun. YAY! In the end I could just (only just) keep up with Patrick on the twisties which I couldn't before, and the unfair extra cc's would have been abused if I'd overtaken on the straights.

Now I'm finding I'm doing that here at home (now I'm back) - oh YES!!!

It was great to meet you on the ride Jim, even if you are a grumpy old git!

I would have loved to have been up front chasing the rabbit with all of you, but I was bringing up the rear, shepherding some of the more cautious riders. Hopefully I'll have a chance to ride with you one of these days. For now, have fun over that side of the pond... I'm glad to hear you made it home safe and sound!

Jimc,

How many miles did you log on the MP3 before turning it back over to Jess?

Pretty close to 1,900 miles in 17 days of riding, not sure if it was over or under. Had to add a little engine oil, no other attention needed. I ran the tyres slightly under pressure - as most of the riding was WOT so they got pretty hot! Rear tyre (MCG) had no discernible chicken strips left, the fronts about 1/4".

A lovely bike to thrash around those roads, and I'm still slightly over-whelmed by Jess's generosity.

Pshaw. Think nothing of it. Until I show up on your doorstep.

Oo - then you can try out the GP800.

Well done, Jess. Good editing job. These things take time to produce. It is an inspiration to me to try and duplicate your results on some of my rides. Will have to check into that Manfrotto rig.