TheScooterScoop

Here’s the latest installment of the monthly Maxi-scooter ride (all bike types invited). This is a good way to build up your riding skills, break in your bike, meet some real cool people and get a mini-tour of Colorado. If you’re interested let Fred know at idontgiveashift@gmail.com

Hey Fred! Don’t forget to say “Hi!” to the Killer Bees, Peak, Bottle Rockets and SQREAM when you get to CO! You Shiftless riders are going to be Austin’s Scooter Ambassadors. Now… on to the details:

May 27, 2006 – The Soft Butt 400 Central Texas Scooter and Motorcycle Ride

With the planned Colorado scooter and motorcycle trip only a couple of months away, this ride has been designed to give riders a taste of long-distance touring. The route is 400 miles in distance and should take 10-12 hours to complete.

After the Soft Butt 400 ride, the NEXT planned day ride won’t happen until August, so we encourage everyone to come and ride with us in a few weeks. We have selected June 10 as an alternative date in case of severe rain and/or active thunderstorms.

Although the Colorado tour sections this summer will not be longer than 300 miles each, doing several multi-day rides over an extended period let’s one know where there might be ergonomic issues!

Typically the biggest obstacle to riding far is the seat design and secondly, wind noise and buffeting related issues. Most wind noise can be greatly minimized by using earplugs that have at least a 30-db-noise reduction. They are available at most local CVS pharmacies. A more expensive route is a custom made earplug, which can cost up to $60.00 but provide a very secure yet not intrusive solution.

In addition, a full-face helmet also helps mitigate some of the loud noise from the extended riding one may experience. With good venting, a full-face helmet does not feel excessively hot when one is under way. The other benefits of a full-face helmet are greater protection in case of an accident and protection from the elements such as bugs, road debris and rain.

Suggestions for scooter and motorcycle seats are varied and everyone has their favorite. The cheapest solution is a sheepskin pads at: http://www.alaskaleather.com/. These cost up to $45.00. Another is an Air Hawk inflatable cushion at: http://www.therohogroup.com/, which can cost up to $190.00. Finally, there are several seat makers such as Corbin at http://www.corbin.com/ that have special seats with a more ergonomic feel. The total custom deluxe solution for seats is Russell Day Long at: http://www.day-long.com/. You typically send in your stock seat with picture of yourself in your typical riding position. They tailor your existing seat pan into an ergonomic masterpiece. It usually takes about two weeks from the shipping date before your seat is returned. Russell is known for their Iron Butt (http://www.ironbutt.com/) quality and comfort.

Besides theses suggestions, adding a larger windshield to one’s
scooter or motorcycle can make a big impact on overall comfort. A cheap solution is from a company called Laminar Lip at: http://www.laminarlip.com/. They provide an aftermarket screen that attaches to your existing one increasing the airflow over the rider. Another more expensive option is to order a custom windshield from an established manufacturer such as GIVI at: http://www.giviusa.com/ or my favorite, Clearview at: http://www.clearviewshields.com/. Many times, if you have a unique scooter or motorcycle, Clearview can custom design one in a few weeks based on your specs. As well, many of the scooter and motorcycle manufacturers sell additional windshield protection options for your bike.

May 27, 2006 Ride Details

Due to the length of the ride, we will meet a little earlier at 7:45 am at the Scooter’s Coffee Shop (formerly Trianon Coffee) located on 3742 Far West Blvd. In Austin, Texas 78731 near MOPAC. (See Map at: http://maps.google.com/)

This ride takes a route that offers the best of the Texas Hill Country has to offer. We also planned the route so there are plenty of locations where one can jump in and enjoy the cool waters of a local river and or lake. Make sure and bring a bathing suit! We plan to go near the Devil’s backbone area before continuing to the hilly and twisty roads west of Bandera. We plan to stop for early dinner in Fredericksburg before continuing on to Austin.

For those concerned that the Devil’s backbone might be the location of an infamous cult sacrificial ground, don’t worry. The Devil’s Backbone is one of Texas’ most scenic drives, officially RM 32, the “Devil’s Backbone” is a winding, razor-backed ridge overlooking Hill Country vistas. It extends from RM 12 just south of Wimberley, Texas west some 24 miles to near Blanco.

Due to the length of the ride, it is suggested you bring sunscreen, a camera for contributions for the scooter web site, effective sunglasses, water or Gatorade and some snacks to eat along the way. In order to ensure that we maintain a decent pace, it is recommended all riders fuel to capacity before the ride. All riders should also refuel when one member stops in order to create continuity regardless of what your fuel gauge indicates.

We are looking forward to seeing all the returning riders plus folks joining us for the first time.

Happy Trails,
The Shiftless