I met up with a few members of EPSP at the North Market today for a ride. I forgot to track how many miles we rode. We stopped by the Easton Town Center on the way home for a bite to eat at Fado Irish Pub. It was a great first experience for me riding in a group. We even had a couple Harley riders inquire into where they can pick up a scooter.

Today was another record high at the gas pumps ($4.01). My Piaggio held up well on gas. I filled up first thing in the morning and had 3/4 a tank of gas when we made our stop to turn around and come back to Columbus. When I got back home I was still a little above 1/2 tank.

I added blue ground effect lights to my Piaggio today. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, thanks to my brother-n-law for helping me out. Three little screws on the handle bar cover and you can find all the lighting electrical components. I drilled out a new hole near my headlight switch and added a toggle switch for the ground effect lights.

I also found some tire lights that screw onto the air nozzle. I took it for a spin around the neighbor hood and lost the one on the back tire. I think it stuck out to far and hit the muffler. Bummer
 

Interesting little video about the rise of scooter sales in America. With the spike in gas prices, I am starting to see more and more scoots around Columbus. I still get the chuckles from co-workers, but I have to laugh back when I fill up my tank for about $5 and their cost is about $60. I am filling up less often.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut7jYZPoMHA

Took a little trip up to Buckeye lake with Gary from EPSP. It was a nice ride and great weather! I managed to put a few miles onto my scoot. Traffic was good and the sppeds ranged from 25 to 50 so I got a good little tour to break in my Piaggio Fly.

We found this little pizza place called Catfish Charleys Pizza, so we stopped there for lunch. I have to say, other than my own strombolis these were the best I have had in Ohio. The ice tea however tasted like they dropped the bucket into the lake and pulled the water up to make the tea. I think this route would be a good rally ride. Sometime I would like to hold a rally for the troops. “Scoot for the Troops” or something. Ride to Buckeye Lake, and then have a cook out and drinks, maybe even do a little one night camp out.

Route: From Motohio go up Tussing Rd and cross over SR 256. Go straight on SR 204 East (Blacklick Rd) for about 16 miles.  Turn Right onto Lancaster Newark Rd and head down to the first stop light. Turn Left and head into Millersport. At the light in Millersport turn left and head down to Leibs Island. That is the Buckeye Lake main entrance. If you go pass there and ride around a bit on SR 79 you will stumble upon Catfish Charleys.

I saw a couple little hangout spots for food and drinks along the lake that might be interesting to stop at as well. Great day to have off and it finally not rain on my day off

Why is it that on my days off… it always rains! I guess I will put up with it for now. I looked out my window this morning and over night all the trees sprung nice green leaves. Just the other day I was looking at them and they were still bare. Every year I tell myself I will notice the day they first pop out. I never do, its “Bam” here we are all of a sudden.

The Easy Peasey Scooter Posse is meeting up for a ride. The ride is planned for Sunday, 4/27/08, meet at the North Market at noon. Bring a friend, this ride is for anyone, not just posse members.

I went out and bought some Blue Ground Effects lights to pimp my scoot with. Now to figure out how to hook them up! With all my gear on, I look like the Blue Power Ranger rolling down the street so while I was out today, I found a retro looking brown jacket that I can sew my patches onto. Go speed racer, go…

I met up with a few members of the Easy Peasey Scooter Posse at the Ravari Room. We went there to check out the band Lords of the Highway. They were a great band, however I think the Whiskey Daredevils rocked the house!

Sunday I ventured out of the burbs and rode my scoot on an actual highway for a bit. It was a nice little spin except for stopping at red lights. Cars seem to want to park their bumbers right on my back tire. I think from now on when they do that, I will reach back and play with stuff on their vehicle so they can get the point.

Maybe I should get a patch made for the back of my jacket that says “If you can read this… back the heck up!” I purchased a Power Trip TT Textile Jacket from NewEnough.com , and a full face helmet and gloves from ASK. At first I thought all this gear makes me look kind of silly for a scoot. However, seeing how cars react around you I think its a good idea to wear it all. I will sacrafice looks for safety. Its kind of funny all the looks I get from other motorist.

I purchased my Piaggio Fly 150 about 2 weeks ago. I just took the written test today and passed. Kind of funny, I went to the BMV and purchased my plates and picked up my test packet. I glanced through it and thought “what the heck” might as well go take the test also. I plugged the address into my GPS and headed over. I was in and out fairly quick. I was surprised, thought I would wait in line forever. Took the test and passed and now I can get out on the road and learn to ride. Scary thought huh? ….