Jun 02 2008
Episode 61 - Vespadition Crashes and Burns
Show notes: I have been obsessing for about a week on what to say about the meteoric fall of Vespadition. I know that it’s hard to draw a line between truth and fiction, especially on the Internet and I have toyed with saying nothing or reporting on dirty details, accusations and counter claims. Some of you may remember my interview back in March with Peter Ramstine. At the time he was planning a scooter ride across America and Canada, and was promoting his plan to do the ride with the help of a few sponsors, while relying mostly on the generosity of the scooter community. It was amazing how quickly Vespadition came to a screeching halt. Literally, within three days the Vespa GTS was parked in West Virginia, the scooter forums were blazing with reasonable questions and flaming accusations and what had sounded like an admirable venture turned into a pile of steaming s**t. I began writing myself little mental notes, that is the way I start preparing for the show and by yesterday my perspective had crystalized. What I have gotten out of all this is just how generous the scooter community really is, how we tend to look out for each other and for the most part presume the best about each other. It shows every time someone crashes, gets in over their head with a mechanical project (I sure know about that) or someone new shows up at a ride-out with a brand new 50cc moped. We run an amazingly open and inclusive community. Here in Richmond at the 7hills scooter club, I am probably one of the older members and I certainly don’t have the tattoos or piercings, let along the stamina to keep up with everyone. But at the same time, I am welcomed at every event, feel comfortable hanging at the local scooter shop and can even speak about my mechanical blunders without feeling like a big dumb ass. So regardless of what is true or untrue about Vespadition, I look forward to continuing to be a part of a scooter community that does have an altruistic outlook on life and as for me, I will be looking forward to this summers scooter rallies and events, where I am sure to meet more people who share this value and appreciate the kindness inherent in community we have created.
Next week I will be at the other end of the country, so expect a remote show from the oft times drizzly pacific northwest. Port Angeles should be starting to perk up with lots of flowers and greenery and of course I will check in with Bill Sommers to see what is cooking on the local scooter scene. Port Angeles also has an Internet celebrity who sometimes shows his face in town. If you are a techie you will recognize the name, John C Dvorák. Although he still lives most of the year in northern California, he and his wife own and operate a Deli, or maybe more accurately a spice store in Port Angeles. I am a dedicated listener to all things Dvorák, including podcasts like TWIT, No Agenda, Tec5 and Cranky Geeks and I must return to see what John is raving about, like the deli meats, the spices and the wines.
Blog Posts and bloggers
- From my point of view the biggest blogging news this past was Steve Guzman’s post over at The Scooter Scoop, reporting on his own split with LS Motor Sports. My best wishes go out to Steve as he moves on. Make sure you get over to the Scooter Scoop to check out the source for all the changes.
- I still get emails asking about recommending a scooter or questions about comparing one scooter to another. But it occurred to me that I have been remiss on not talking about some of the non-European scooter blog and wanted to refer you to a blog called Kymco Jones. The posts are informative and often include pictures.
- I have mentioned Jeremy a blogger who has been documenting his restoration of a Vespa 180ss for many months now. One of his latest post has a short with him taking the scoot for a test ride. It looks to be an accurate and beautiful restoration.
- It seems that Vespa has scored another product placement winner, putting a Vespa LX in the middle of the story line of the upcoming Get Smart movie.
Music for this show features blues harmonica player Sugar Blue. You can find his music on the Podsafe Music Network, at Ariel Publicity or at Sugar Blues’ website.
I was very late in finding out about the demise of Vespadition and like you felt it was an exciting undertaking. Regardless of what happened I think you are exactly right in your assessment of the scooter community. God help the fellow had he been the supported child of HOG or other biker organizations….
Great show Dave!
Steve Williams
Scooter “>http://vespalx150.blogspot.com“>Scooter in the Sticks