TheScooterScoop

I’m sorry I missed this ride cause it sounds like another great one *fingers crossed for next month*. Here’s the very well written report:

April 29, 2006 Ride Report

“It just doesn’t get any better than this,” remarked an old friend years ago as we watched Haley’s comet, shivering at 2:00 a.m. atop an abandoned oil drilling site in the middle of empty west Texas ranch land. Indeed, it was a rare moment–three close friends; a borrowed telescope; an amazing night sky; cold, crisp air; and heavenly silence. No sight or sound of civilization for miles around, yet we couldn’t have felt more connected with everything, at peace, and filled with awe and joy.

Those doesn’t-get-any-better-than-this events are rare, yet my husband Steve and I had the pleasure of experiencing another such event on Saturday, April 29, with the Central Texas “I don’t give a shift” monthly scoot tour. Although newbies to the group on scooters with the minimum recommended engine sizes for a long ride (a Vespa Granturismo 200L and a Piaggio BV200), we were welcomed warmly by the regular group at Scooter’s coffee shop in west Austin.

The ride began with a very technical scoot through the winding hills and hair-pin turns of Lime Creek Road in west Austin–a fun challenge and favorite route for two-wheeled enthusiasts. Shortly thereafter, we were joined by two more riders, Ruth and Frank, bringing the group count to nine. Ruth was riding her new Ninja 250–a sweet, red motorcycle that practically screamed, “I was made for Ruth.”

We then made our way through the back roads west and north of Austin, eventually moving east to Georgetown, stopping for lunch and a glimpse of the Red Poppy Festival. While waiting for our table at the restaurant, Ben visited us on his beautiful, red “we’re not worthy” BMW 1200RT.

OK, so I have a thing for red bikes. Yes, I’m the owner of the red BV200 in the photos. The restaurant, Dos Salsa, is apparently a popular place to eat, not just during the local festivals. The food was good and conversation was lively as we grazed and laughed our way through a two-hour lunch break.

We lost a few riders after lunch, bringing the group count down to six. But that didn’t stop us from continuing on through beautiful countryside east of Georgetown. We eventually made our way back long enough to stop at the Georgetown Suzuki and Yamaha dealership—a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts and anyone looking for a good deal on tires. Beautiful bikes! Nathan, seeing you on that Vulcan even made me think of buying one–and I’m a tough sell for anything other than a twist-and-go transmission. From there, we returned to the back roads, flying past fields of cattle and crops, a calf on the loose, peacocks and peahens, other motorcyclists, and all with the warmth of the sun on our backs and a brisk wind at all sides. Steve and I are diligently looking for windshields for the next ride. Thanks for the ear plugs, Fred.

Then it was time for a quick stop at Salado and an irresistible graze through the sample trays of relishes, salsas, and butters in the local coffee shop, followed by a dose of somewhat well-intentioned (I think) verbal abuse in the parking lot by a truck driver who wasn’t fond of motorcyclists riding anywhere near his truck. Oh, well. Can’t please everyone.

Onward to Granger Lake for our next rest stop, a beautiful view. Tamara and Fred were brave enough to navigate the boulder-studded hillside on their way to the shore, but Tamara managed to have a close encounter with the ground. But if you think her scrapes look bad, you should see what she did to the boulders! :)

Just before leaving, Nathan couldn’t resist the urge to test-drive Fred’s scooter. Luckily, Robert was able to hop on his fast, Aprilia Scarabeo 500 and retrieve Nathan. A group of weary riders made their way back to Austin at nearly 7:00 p.m., close enough to empty for the smaller scooters to require one more gas stop just before Pflugerville. But this group leaves no one behind, so we were quickly greeted just past the gas station for the final few miles home.

Fun, good food, new friends, beautiful scenery, and that almost Zen-like focus that one experiences while flying through the countryside on two wheels—yes, in the words of an old friend, “it just doesn’t get any better than this.” Many thanks to all our new scooter friends who helped to make the day so special. Steve and I are already looking forward to next month’s ride.

Christine Fish