Meet, Paolo. He's a wee bit smaller in cc's than Bella, hence the name: Paolo, the little one.
The lady-ridden 2006 Vespa Granturismo 200 has 5,000k on the clock, and a few battle scars, but otherwise been kept in shipshape through regular maintenance at
the other neighbourhood dealer.
Due to the cosmetic damage obtained by a reckless driver backing into the two-wheeler, kicking it over and fleeing the scene, the bike was very reasonably priced, and bonus: it came with a Givi top case (not cheap!).
Paolo was supposed to be hubby's training wheels but now it rather looks like I am getting it as a commuter (and winter) bike.
Traditionally the first ride (with any bike so far) would take us out to Buntzen Lake.
Alas, the lake is barricaded. BC Hydro is obviously still conducting repairs to the turbines of the hydro power station, leading to unusually high and dangerous water levels, flooding the beach and parts of the forest. This is as close as we get.
Next stop: Belcarra Regional Park, where we stroll along the shore and enjoy the view.
And every so often we think, it can't get better than this. Life is good!
Now with the stable growing my fellow traveler rented a second parking spot. And through my crystal ball I can see the potential to fill up the lot in the not so far away future.
