You will be loved!

Miss Love (I kid you not!) came into Paolo's life not long after I had put up the Vespa for sale.

I knew the looks she was giving him. 

It was love at first sight. 

It was meant to be. 

She didn't hesitate, and took him home. 

With a big happy smile on her face. 

A last embrace, a last round in the parkade for me. 

Then he was gone.

Bon voyage my little scoot. 

I'm sad.

Paolo's new Owner (Pics courtesy of Ms. L.)

The new V(espa)-Team.

 All geared up.

 And ready to conquer the world (or maybe Vancouver for starters).

Hard Decisions

Probably everyone basically knows what a packrat or the more extreme case of a hoarder is. But what is the opposite? I am! I am a minimalist, and will very likely throw out whatever comes in my way of Ordnung. So, besides charity and garbage cans, Ebay and Craigslist are my best friends when it comes to getting rid of (to me) surplus items.

Until recently I wasn’t aware that there is actually a clinical term for this disorder, too. It’s called Obsessive Compulsive Spartanism (OCS) or Ataxophobia. It manifests itself in the need to limit one's possessions in order to keep life simple, organized and under control. I get pleasure out of the fact that my worldly possessions fit in a few boxes, and pride myself in being able to react flexible to any kind of change in life.

The above goes to explain the following. Recently it started bugging me that the husband’s red Vespa hadn’t been on the road as much since he upgraded to Whitey, his Suzuki Burgman 400. Naturally for me it raised the question, what to do with two small scooters, if only one is needed, really. I pondered a lot about the pros and cons of whether to keep Paolo, my 2006 Vespa GT200 or stick with Bella, the 2008 Vespa GTS250.

Both two-wheelers have been equally upgraded; both are mechanically sound and well maintained. Bella however has a bit more power, is fuel injected; it sports a front rack, a higher windshield, and a hard box, plus it has two years and 8,000 km less under its belt. Decision was tough but settled in favour of Bella. Now I need to find a new home for Paolo. There, I said it. I will sell the rugged trusty old battle scooter and continue my commute on the beautiful dragon red Italian diva.

Riding Wet Coast Style

It didn't stop raining for weeks, at least that's what it feels like. I go for a hike, I get wet, I go for a ride, I get wet. I go shopping... you get the picture.

Daylight Saving Time gives me the benefit of an extra hour, which I gladly spend on taking out Paolo for a spin around the block.

Leaves and water make for a slippery surface. It is just one more road hazard to be aware of come this time of the year.

There is moss everywhere, as a constant reminder of the humid air. The naked branches of the moss covered trees seem to want to grab my little scoot. And more of the nasty green stuff on the ground wants to see me slip and fall.

Despite the dreadful grey of the day there is beauty. Empty roads are one of the many advantages of season's ending. And sometimes the clouds part to give way to a nice view on a mountain or a lake. So, it's not all bad.

I just wonder why people keep staring at me and my Vespa? Is it so unusual to go for a ride in the rain and have fun jumping through some puddles? This is how I clean my bike.

Paolo playing hide-and-seek. Doesn't he seem to fit right in with the colours of the fall foliage?

And while I am continuing my journey through the rain with dark clouds hovering I am dreaming... not of a white Christmas, but of dry roads, and blue skies.

Nothing new under the Sun

Sun? Which sun? I haven't seen this thing since my return from the lands of Trolls and Huldre (not that we met either of those). Meanwhile I have been served a typical week of work, eat, sleep, repeat, while fighting off the jet lag and the spousal unit's man flu.

A dry spell on a coldish Saturday afternoon gives us the opportunity for a little out and about. We only ride for about sixty kilometers, but use back roads to make it last longer.

It is wrap-up season. The outfitters haul in their equipment and shut down the facilities. We are also painfully aware that there will not be much mileage happening on two wheels between now and maybe March/April next year.

Nature repeats itself. While passing by a stream we notice that the salmon is back. I had visited the place before but it was the first time for Roland to see the deadly attempt of reproduction in full force.

The fish were fighting over the best spawning position. Due to the recent rain falls the water levels were higher than usual, and the silver bodies moved swiftly through the current.

Some were resting for the next attempt to reach a higher vantage point.

Here is one propelling himself over the pebbles into the next little pool of deeper waters.

Although salmon season is in full force we haven't seen one bear on our little ride-out, only deer. We must visit again as this show will go on for another ten to fifteen days.

The Don't-Worry-Be-Happy Loop

We didn't think epic today, we just wanted to put in a little Vespa ride for a change. Bella, the spouse's lately somewhat neglected red scooter was excited to play outside.

So we chugged along to Buntzen Lake and Belcarra enjoying a mild gossamer afternoon.

Today's loop was just the right mix of small roads, abutter traffic only, combined with being close to nature (we spotted deer today) and water to turn any brooding mind into having happy thoughts.

There was an unsettling moment for both me and Paolo, when we purposefully abandoned the scooter in the parking lot. Roland wanted to gain some experience riding two up. One never knows when it might come in handy.

And he did a great job, and Bella didn't complain, but the scooter shocks were certainly put to their limit with this little experiment.

Autumn is becoming visible in the trees. I love this time of the year, when the leaves change their colours.

Although season ending is inevitably coming closer we might still get lucky to squeeze in a few quick rides on our 'Happy Loop' before putting the bikes into hibernation.

Bike Night

I hadn't been on EMS Bike Night for a very long time but I found myself in need of two-wheeled company tonight and scootered to the motorcycle service shop after work. The shop does everything service related, only way cheaper than any dealer would do. Also, you don't have to make an appointment, you ride there and get it done. And it is probably the only shop that employs female mechanics.

Bikes kept rolling in and the shop talk began.

Soon the lot was full of bikes, and cars became a visible minority (I wish we could have this ratio on the road more often.).

Paolo felt a little out of place surrounded all those high powered bikes. He remained the only scooter that evening.

People kept lining up for the barbeque. Not me though. But going meatless didn't mean I couldn't enjoy the mouthwatering smells of hamburgers and sausages.

Kelly checking out my Vespa. Not sure I could convince him to buy a scooter for commuting though.

The Three Stooges, members of the Vancouver Scootering Club.

The light began to fade and I was cold so I headed home, not without seizing a quick photo ops at Fraser River.

Half an hour later, I was on my last leg home it started raining. As it was getting dark quickly now I was really thankful for my hi-viz Olympia jacket and my brand new head lamp.

Paolo's bright eye! Burning like fire...

Paolo's on the Road again

Paolo's front tire was giving me grief. Brand new, and already flat the very next day. I had pumped it up to check for punctures, and it hold its air until... it was flat again.

Richard was on the right track, a damaged valve core was the culprit. Hence, yesterday evening the Vespa dealer of my choice picked up the scooter, replaced the faulty valve, and today we are back on air and on the road again.

Located west of the Olympic Village at False Creek sits the Vancouver Mill Machinery Building. Hopefully the rusty reminiscence of a once busy industrial area will be restored and preserved similar to the Salt Building below because it makes for a beautiful contrast between old and new.

This district has been completely reshaped with condo developments and waterfront walkways.

Not the worst place to live if you ask me. There is still a lot of construction ongoing but once that's gone, it will be a prime area for those who can afford to pay the price.

It's Nice to have Options

 Honda Jazz spotted while going by.

Yesterday I had to chauffeur the better half to the airport, hence the use of the car was necessary. Paolo must have taken it the wrong way, and became all huffy and sported a flat front tire this morning, which is quite annoying because the rubber is brand new (<100 km)! I checked for punctures but couldn't detect anything. Maybe it's the valve. 

Eventually I had to get going. I wasn't even thinking of taking the car (or one of the other bikes for that matter). Without further ado I went upstairs, grabbed Bella's key and took her to work and back and around the block.

It surprises me every time how different the red Vespa is. One instantly feels the 50cc's extra when accelerating. Also, Bella speaks with a 'softer voice', and is a much smoother ride. Paolo's rough character reminds me more of a plumber (Super Mario comes to mind), while Bella would be Princess Peach.

Needless to say that I enjoyed riding the red beauty as much as my other two-wheeled companions. And the husband will be delighted to hear that Bella got some exercise during the week.

A Spa Day for Paolo

... and a lazy day for us. It has been almost a year since Paolo got a well deserved service. This time he got an extra goodie: a Wolo Bad Boy airhorn. Soundbite here. Cagers, can you here me NOW? While saying my good-byes to Paolo I stumbled upon this pretty piece.

I sure shouldn't be eying other scooters while Paolo gets his guts pulled out. Bad Sonja.

Soon we left the bike in the good hands of Will, the master mechanic at Urban Wasp. For those familiar with Enterprise (TOS) Will is for Vespa what Scotty is for the Enterprise, a miracle worker and often playing on the Scotty Factor.

For breakfast the hubby found a fantastic vegan/vegetarian food place just down the road. Vancouver is a great spot for healthy food choices. We got Sejuiced. We ordered some booster juices, an omelette for Roland and scrambled tofu with spinach for me. De-li-cious!

After breakfast we walked off the calories in the neighbourhood. Vancouver has a project of community gardens going on, and we were fascinated by how it changes the cityscapes.

 A previous railroad track transformed into a little paradise.

I am not known for my green thumb, but I can certainly appreciate the time and effort that all those volunteer gardeners put into this little oasis.

Our stroll continued down to the water passing totem poles. At Kits beach we occupied a bench and spent an hour (or more) watching people and the water doing nothing.

I really love this guy.

Although we are in the city, it doesn't look like it. Don't we live in a beautiful place?

I am wearing a birthday present from hubby: my new leather jacket ordered from England by way of Germany to Canada (and yet half the price of what one would have payed when bought in town).

 Taking a closer look:

The sculptures are some leftovers from the Vancouver Biennale. I am fascinated by the simplicity of this one:

 That piece is called "Frozen Water".

 Often photographed.

 Isn't it beautiful?

Roland meanwhile was drawn to satisfying some more basic needs, a.k.a. a coffee break.

And I got to eat my cookie ration from Edible Flours, a vegan (and gluten free) bakery.

No, kitty, I am not sharing! (This one climbed up my leg but no harm done thanks to my Kevlar jeans.)

Before returning to the Vespa shop I got sidetracked by a Honda dealer in the vicinity, and checked out the new NC700X.

Good upright seating position, and feet almost flat on the ground. The bike is well balanced, and I am pleased to see that it comes with ABS.

It is not the tank, it is a trunk that fits a full face helmet.

 The gas tank is hidden under the seat.

I actually like the bike. Maybe I am going to give it a try and book a test ride just to see what it can do.

Meanwhile back at the shop, the work on Paolo is finished, and the scooter is ready to go.

And off we go, meeting some friends at our most favourite part of the city: the pier at Steveston, where we always get a prime parking spot for scooters.

Good times!