I feel like I’ve been drowning lately. It’s been grey and damp forever, at least it feels that way. The sun made a brief appearance this morning for a few hours and I decided to take advantage of the nice weather to get out for a scoot and take a few photos. Down low the sun actually provided some warmth, but I ended up spending most of my time up high, near the tree line. It’s fun to explore some of the high roads on the North Shore, it’s amazing what a view you can get from up there.
Well, I may have wimped out on scooting yesterday, but today was colder and I DID go out. And it was great fun. Had my new thermals and my nice warm new gloves so I survived, but it was brisk.
I had the best scooting moment today. I got “The Wave” from two big guys on their bikes. If you’ve ever driven on back roads in a 4×4, you know what I mean. The lift of the hand. Just a simple and subtle gesture acknowledging that you are kindred spirits.
And I got the two wheeled wave today. Pretty cool!
Almost gave a woman in her car a different type of gesture though. At a stoplight I looked in my mirror and I couldn’t believe it… I actually had to turn around and look… she was literally about 2 inches off my rear tire. It was tempting to kick back, but I just gave her a withering stare and shook my head at her. She was behind me for a bit but kept a bit better distance after being glowered at.
Seriously, I’ve been thinking that everyone ought to spend a day in traffic on a scooter. Then maybe drivers would realize how vulnerable it is on two wheels and they might be a little more respectful of space. I know I am more aware since being on one.
The sun has returned to Vancouver and although it was December 2nd and the temperature had dropped…that sun drew me out. I put on three layers and fired up the scooter. Put on a lined pair of leather gloved and some warm boots and off I went. I whizzed over to the gas station for a fill up (the second one since I’ve owned the scooter) to the tune of $5.75. Had to really work to get that much in! This thing sure isn’t going to break the bank on fuel costs!
I had my camera with em and thought it might be a nice day for a ride through the park so over the bridge I went. Bit chilly. As I turned into the park the first thing that caught my eye was frost. At two in the afternoon! OK, suddenly scooting a little more cautiously. No slipping please.
I pulled over and took a few frost shots and headed off again. Pretty soon I couldn’t feel my fingers and my thighs felt like blocks of ice. Yes, it is Vancouver, but travelling at between 30-70 km/hr in a pair of jeans… maybe not the smartest decision.
Coming back across the Lion’s Gate was cold and a bit breezy and after a short scoot up Capilano Road and through Pemberton Heights I decided that I needed to get a bit of feeling back in my extremities.
So, today’s agenda includes buying a pair of hot chillies for under my jeans on sunny cold days, and a more insulated pair of gloves.
Cold, but definitely fun!
Have I mentioned that I love my scooter? Oh, I have? Oh well, sorry, but I have to say it again. I LOVE my scooter!
Today was a gorgeous, albeit crisp, november afternoon and so I tossed the camera under the seat and zoomed off to North Shore parts unknown. I got myself thoroughly and delightfully lost up in the British Properties and poked around West Vancouver from Ambleside to 28th before zooming back over to North Vancouver and visiting Park and Tilford Gardens. I scooted for about two and a half hours this afternoon and loved every minute. Even saw someone I knew and stopped for a chat. He loved my scooter too.
You know how when you become interested in a new car you suddenly see a million of them? Well, I only saw two scooters today, so that’s not the point. What is the point is that I hear them now. I can hear a scooter coming blocks away.
So far I’ve gone almost 150 km on this tank of gas…and it only cost me $5.68 the last time I filled it….which was…oh…a couple of weeks ago….
Yes, I love my scooter!
I had emailed Kyle at Urban Wasp about the engine hesitation and he responded pretty quickly. I gave him the details on when and what was happening with the engine hesitation and he passed it on to their mechanic who said come on in anytime and we’ll sort it out immediately!
So I did.
And they did!
He plugged a Game Boy into it, and took it out for a rip and when he came back he tweaked a bit more. (Seriously,.. this is what they use to interface with the on-board computer!) He remapped the ECU with the Game Boy to improve the performance. It took him a few minutes and then he asked me to take it for a ride and come back and let him know how it ran.
Night and Day!!
She practically leapt out from underneath me when I started off from the line. MUCH better! Now I’m not so nervous entering an intersection, I know I can goose it and jump out of the way if I need to. It feels like the power has jumped on it.
I love my scooter, and I love the people at Urban Wasp!
Wheeeeee!