On my first spring journey several years ago on Scoot, a Vespa LX150, I was riding a long stretch in the back woods of Georgia. Boring is not quite the right word, maybe less than interesting, but in reality everything is interesting if you want it to be. Anyway, I began thinking when I get home I may just trade up to a Vespa 250 which has a larger motor. As I traveled on down the highway, I decided I really should not do that. I was afraid I might lose the most important part of these travels and that is the fact that with the small engine I have no choice but to go slow. It creates the mindset that is the basis for all the joy I get out of these adventures. When I have to go slow making a U-turn to see something or talk with someone,it won't make that much difference at the end of the day time wise. With a larger motor, if I am bored, I just twist the throttle a little more and zoom on down the road possibly missing the most interesting place on the whole trip.

On my 6558 mile odyssey across America this spring, that slow part got put to the test. 20 mph for a couple of hours going over 10,000 foot passes with 40 mph winds was interesting...the first 5 times. On the way home, someplace in Arkansas I think, I decided to look for a nice red Vespa 250. I decided I had to lose 100# or get the 250 for riding really long distances- and I am not going to lose the weight. Too lazy. I have told myself that I am mature enough as a rider now that I can keep my hand from just twisting the throttle and blowing by the world. Well, with 250cc, I don't think I will blow by real fast, but faster than with Scoot. Having gone slow for the last 3 years and about 11,000 miles of road trips, I know what is there if you go slow and I don't want to miss that.

So, I started a search for Vespa 250. There were several nice ones on the market, but the best price on the best scooter is in Redding, Ca. I am off on Friday to close the deal and begin yet another ride across America. I should start updates on the blog this weekend, so stay tuned.