After what seems like weeks on end of no riding I took to streets of Spokane and rode 40 some miles around the back woods. In fact It was a very invigorating a beautiful scenic drive. I call it the Indian Trail ride, as it's midway point is the Indian trail that is a favorite stop for hikers and wildlife onlookers. I should include this trip in the must haves. It's super winding and scenic, I saw a doe today crossing the road and it was no more then 10-15 feet and without a care in the world... I even honked as I went by. The road is slow but twisting and narrow in all sorts of directions something that would challenge any rider! It ends across the bridge of the little Spokane river and then on to the North side of Spokane (which is under construction). It was actually fun to ride today especially since I've waited so long to get out of the house.
Soon I shall have maps and record my trips with the minions and solo expeditions across Spokane and neighboring cities so subscribe to keep updated!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
New Gear
This Is my new gear, The pant's and jacket are both from Xelements. The pants are lightweight 38x32 They only make pants that are 32" long :( However they are bigger so I can use them as over-pants. The Jacket is a racing armor jacket. I really like the added shoulder padding on the outside it looks really cool. It's also armored with a Rubber back, shoulder, and elbow protection. The Jacket is an XL which is a little tight but it is adjustable with the side straps. It also has a Waterproof liner that is removable in the hot summer heat... if we ever get any.
After riding in the rain and getting soaked from shoulder to toes I looked online to find something suitable. There was plenty and in different colors but every jacket I liked was sold out! So Craigslist to the rescue as I found a seller that had his business fail recently and was practically giving them away. I got both Jacket and Pants for $110 which is a steal in my opinion.
The Pant's work great and with a little customization I can affix the knee pads so they won't move around as much but they do fit almost perfectly at the bend. The bottoms of the pants are adjustable with velcro but the cold air rushes up because it's short about 2 inches. So I will have to strap them close somehow in the rain and cold riding. There is also air vents that can be open and closed by zippers in the front and back.
The Jacket like I said is a little tight. I have a 46-48" chest and a "gut" just under that. I do plan on loosing some wight this summer so I can expect this jacket to fit better soon. There are 2 pockets for your hands and an inside pocket located on the left side right next to the zipper for a wallet and cellphone. The liner can be removed and it too has pockets for your hands. I'm guessing if you don't want to be wearing something bulky but need a jacket when you stop you can just wear the liner.
From the reviews I've read this jacket is good up to 60F then you need a sweater and a scarf to keep the chill at bay. But it's excelent for hot weather riding and again it's waterproof (if you wear the liner) and very breathable.
I think when I get my next bike I'll buy a new jacket that's a little warmer.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Wind and Rain
OK, so today I rode to Post Falls Idaho, first off I got lost getting there and coming back...(stupid Google maps.) I had to stop in Rathdrum to ask for directions which was simple enough, all I had to do was turn right at the corner ahead and go 6 miles so it worked out! On the way back I tried to go backwards to the directions I was supposed to follow but I again was lost. The street has a different name going one direction, and something else the opposite directions. once I figured that out it was much easier to go home. However... it started to rain and not only that, it was windy! I had a head wind all the way there and the streets I was on 55mph I couldn't keep up, there were times I had to pull off the road three times to let traffic go because the wind was just that strong against me. Also I had to pull off the road because my trunk case flew open and my shit started to fly out, it was closed but I guess a bump caused it to open unexpectedly. I lost a blue Walmart bag :( it was my favorite bag.
On the way back it started to rain and I've never driven in the rain with my scooter before so I was praying that I wouldn't go down on the way home. Not only that but I had cross winds all the way home which really dragged me all over the place trying to stay rubber side down! With wind, rain, and on top of that NO RAIN GEAR! I was forced to travel 40 miles home soaking wet from the top down. My fingers were numb, my crotch was as cold as an icicle, and the only parts of me that was dry was my toes, my head and my ass!
Other then that it was... Interesting. I never went to another city like that before and I never rode in the rain either. If I had another bike I would try to go harder in the rain to see how the bike handles but I need to have this one last for the rest of the year without any major repair.
I saw 3 Harley bikers dressed in leather vests with no helmets out in the rain (dumb mother fuckers) smiling and probably thinking... oh well. Then I passed a biker bar with a sign saying " Don't be stupid, pull over". I laugh because if I pulled over I would be stupid. No I went home on my scooter soaking wet from pouring rain and winds that would second guess my choice in vehicles. At first It was like jumping into a river but soon the cold soaked to my bones and I was rushing to get home to warm up next to my lovely wife! Nonetheless I survived and I hope to get some rain gear for when this happens again here soon.
On the way back it started to rain and I've never driven in the rain with my scooter before so I was praying that I wouldn't go down on the way home. Not only that but I had cross winds all the way home which really dragged me all over the place trying to stay rubber side down! With wind, rain, and on top of that NO RAIN GEAR! I was forced to travel 40 miles home soaking wet from the top down. My fingers were numb, my crotch was as cold as an icicle, and the only parts of me that was dry was my toes, my head and my ass!
Other then that it was... Interesting. I never went to another city like that before and I never rode in the rain either. If I had another bike I would try to go harder in the rain to see how the bike handles but I need to have this one last for the rest of the year without any major repair.
I saw 3 Harley bikers dressed in leather vests with no helmets out in the rain (dumb mother fuckers) smiling and probably thinking... oh well. Then I passed a biker bar with a sign saying " Don't be stupid, pull over". I laugh because if I pulled over I would be stupid. No I went home on my scooter soaking wet from pouring rain and winds that would second guess my choice in vehicles. At first It was like jumping into a river but soon the cold soaked to my bones and I was rushing to get home to warm up next to my lovely wife! Nonetheless I survived and I hope to get some rain gear for when this happens again here soon.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
The Minion's
Last week on a beautiful and warm Saturday morning my wife and I geared and rode downtown to the Magic Lantern Theater. This was the spot that all the fellow scooterers will join us, although more then just the minions joined us that day. This was one of many hopefully events that I or my wife would like to attend, hopefully leading to an invitation to join the group. My wife also would like to own a scooter (even though she wants a motorcycle more) so we can ride together and have even more fun.
 |
| Just like skittles every scooter has a different flavor... go ahead, lick one! |
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Breaking in the scooter
Well I'm happy to report that all is (still) running well. I just got back from a quick ride around Spokane. This time I went up north around Little Spokane River drive and tried to cross into greenbluff. I didn't feel like tackling some gravel roads they have where I was at so I turned around and took a different street on the way back home.
I'ts was windy today and going over 50 with a side wind was scary. I managed to take it up on hwy 2 with 50mph uphill. Last time I did that I could only get under 45 full throttle. So my scooter is breaking in nicely and I'm looking forward to changing the break-in gear and engine oil at 300miles... I'm now on 226miles.
On a further note I adjusted the idle from 3000rpm to 1700rpm according to my manual. However, I notice that I now have to give it more gas before the clutch engages. so a fellow Youtube subscriber (Scootergothtrash ) advised me to increase the rpm just below the clutch would engage the wheel... which is about 2600rpm I guess. Now I have quicker launches at stop lights instead of feeling like it's a 50cc.
Also this Saturday the 19th up at the Spokane house is the Minion's Spring Scooter Rally 2012. Now that I have a scooter I am excited of hanging out with them (and possible membership )when they go for their rides and meet-ups. My wife will be going too so she will get to see what all the fuss is about. I plan on taking some good pictures and video along the way so don't forget to subscribe, or you'll miss all the action.
On a further note I adjusted the idle from 3000rpm to 1700rpm according to my manual. However, I notice that I now have to give it more gas before the clutch engages. so a fellow Youtube subscriber (Scootergothtrash ) advised me to increase the rpm just below the clutch would engage the wheel... which is about 2600rpm I guess. Now I have quicker launches at stop lights instead of feeling like it's a 50cc.
Also this Saturday the 19th up at the Spokane house is the Minion's Spring Scooter Rally 2012. Now that I have a scooter I am excited of hanging out with them (and possible membership )when they go for their rides and meet-ups. My wife will be going too so she will get to see what all the fuss is about. I plan on taking some good pictures and video along the way so don't forget to subscribe, or you'll miss all the action.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
My First Scooter
.jpg) |
| This is my 2012 Roketa 150cc Scooter.
This is me on my '12 Roketa Scooter MC-04Y 150cc. I chose this bike because of the size for my height (6'2") and that it would generously seat 2 people. Fortunately for me I got a good color... Red. There are blue, black, red, and yellow to choose from and this is the only one they had. I got this scooter from Affordable Motorsports. |
Thursday, May 10, 2012
A new journey
Welcome to my third blog. I am sure that as time goes on I will have more thoughtful and creative views and exciting pictures and videos to share.
About me, I took a trip to Long beach Washington back in 1999 with my class in band to support our girls high school basketball team. It was an exciting and wonderful vacation during which we had spent a 2 days in Seattle, 2 days in Long beach, and 1 day in the Tri-city area. There was scooter rentals which piqued my interests. $350 deposit and $60 for 4hours later I was hooked... although it was just a 50cc it still got up to 40. Ever since then I've tried and failed to obtain one for one reason or another. As the making of this post I still don't have one...YET!
About me, I took a trip to Long beach Washington back in 1999 with my class in band to support our girls high school basketball team. It was an exciting and wonderful vacation during which we had spent a 2 days in Seattle, 2 days in Long beach, and 1 day in the Tri-city area. There was scooter rentals which piqued my interests. $350 deposit and $60 for 4hours later I was hooked... although it was just a 50cc it still got up to 40. Ever since then I've tried and failed to obtain one for one reason or another. As the making of this post I still don't have one...YET!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)