TheScooterScoop

SAN JOSE, CA (TSS)_ Long distance rider, Binh Cheung has just begun the longest ride of his career. Today, Binh leaves San Jose, CA headed for the Arctic Circle 8,000 miles away, on his 110cc SYM Symba.

“In the scooter community I’m mainly known for riding a 50cc scooter everywhere”, says Binh. “So far the Symba has been a joy to ride, could actually keep up with traffic now compared to my Metropolitan.” That’s great. I see from the photo that you’ve come prepared.

So how does this trip stack up against Binh’s previous journeys? “My longest scooter trips are from San Jose to Denver (Ruckus) and San Jose to Seattle (Metropolitan). Both trips were about 2500 miles round trip and took 3 days there, three days back. My longest day on a scooter ride was about 540 miles on the first day’s ride to Denver on my then Ruckus.”

I know some guys who would say “Why don’t you get you a REAL motorcycle!”, are there times that you do these tours on something bigger like a motorcycle? “I also do long rides on my motorcycle but find that it is too easy and isn’t as enjoyable as a small bike. The reason I like to go on trips with a small bike is the slow pace that is very relaxing and I’m able to see things around me while on the move. Originally I was going to do this trip on my Metropolitan but Pete (from Carter Brothers) heard about me riding to Alaska so we worked out a deal for me to ride the Symba.” Excellent! It’s good to see someone over there pushing the Symba. It comes from a bulletproof bloodline (see: Honda Cub).

So, a month of 300 mile days and roadside camping, eh?  Are you going to have a riding partner or chase truck on this long adventure? “I’m self reliant so this trip is a self sustain one. No chase vehicle, no riding partner, everything I need will be carried with me or can be had along the way. Pete McIntosh and the folks at Carter Bros. is there to send me anything I need for the Symba if it comes to that but I believe the Symba is capable of a trip like this.” I see! Well I hope your journey goes off without a hitch. There are also lots of great scooter shops along the way who can help you out. Be sure to stop by P-Town Scooters when you get to Portland! Maybe they’ll buy you a hotdog or something. :)

Now I have to ask this… Why Alaska? Hrm… Isn’t that their state motto? I kid. But seriously… why? “I always wanted to go to Alaska to see it before it gets muck up more then it already has. Alaska is sort of “the last frontier” for us and is considered to be about as adventurous as you can get without leaving the country or at least the developed world for a motorbike ride. Many think of it as a wilderness but along the roads it is more developed then most undeveloped countries. Almost everyone thinks I’m crazy to do this trip on such a small bike but that is what I find challenging and adventurous. When I go on trips, I like to keep it as simple and spontaneous as possible. No real plan or destination really cause the journey is the soul of the trip. I’d pick the arctic circle/ocean cause that gives me more of a journey. I’m very confident in my abilities and resourcefulness and live in the moment as much as I can hence I have no real itinerary or plan except to the make the trip. Too much planning takes the adventure out of a trip like this.
This trip like any of my trips is an accumulation of years of experience traveling, riding, camping and adventuring. I have always had a desire, a need, a drive to wander and explore.” WOW! You just brought a tear to my eye, man. I salute you and your immense wanderlust, my friend!

How can we keep up with your adventures? “I don’t have a web site or blog or any such thing. I mainly use forums (advrider.com, ModernVespa.com, UrbanScootin.com, TotalRuckus.com, ScooterCannonBall.com, SYMforum.com, SouthBayRiders.com, Honda599.com – User name DaBinChe). On this trip I’ll be loading pictures onto Photobucket every few days when there is internet available. Once pass Vancouver internet availability or any modern communications is on the low side.”

Any words of advice for other scooterists thinking about pulling off such a trek? “For the folks that want to do long rides, multi-day rides you only need the desire and to free your mind of constraints. I’m leaving today and will be in Seattle by Sunday night. I’ll update you then.”

GREAT! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us Binh! We’ll keep tabs on your journey as it progresses! Let us know if you need anything!