Genuine Stellauto foul weather test

     Finally, a warm day! Snow melting, glacial ice receding, its time to RIDE. The roads around here have been horrid for days, and the local scooter club, TMISC, is having a dinner/bowling night at the Coliseum. The temps are in the 40's it is pouring rain and is supposed to change to snow by 10:00PM. We are usually done bowling by 9:30, and it take 25 minutes to get back to the shop...SURE, it will be fine!

     So, being a bike shop owner with a myriad of two-wheeled machines to choose from; just what would I take? There are motorcycles, scooters, fast, slow, old, new; I think the Genuine scooter Stellauto hasn't been tested in the rain and cold by us yet. So, why not?

                                                                              

 

    The ride to the Coliseum wasn't too bad, a good full face helmet, a Firstgear jacket and a Cheeky seats scooter cape did the trick. I arrived warm and dry.

     A fun night of food, bowling and laughs was in order. We had about a dozen members in attendance. The stellauto WAS the only ride in the parking lot. Everyone else arrived on 4 wheels tonight, even a few of our other die-hard riders who were in attendance, but who could blame them with the snow coming.

    When it was time to leave, the stellauto fired right up and settled into a steady fast idle. The conditions were about as bad as they get. It was raining steadily and in the low 30's. There were several heavy looking rain drops that appeared to catch the headlight just a bit brighter. Those aren't snow are they?

                                                                      

 

    A few extra bits of gear piled on underneath the previous layers for some added warmth and we were ready to go. Stella seemed to not mind any more than her pilot, so off we went into the night (secretly hoping the white stuff would hold off till we got back). The added reflective piping from the scooter cape and rain gear were a welcome addition on such a dark night.

 

 

 

   The Stellauto did not miss a bit on the entire return trip. These were some of the coldest and  wettest conditions she could be subjected to. If the weather was any worse it would have been snow under her wheels. The true test of this new design from Genuine was to get her as wet and miserable as possible and see how she held up. Stella arrived at her destination purring happily as she would on a summer day.

     The test had been a success, and everyone arrived back at the shop safe and warm, if a bit damp. Both rider and Stella ready for their next adventure.

 

 

 

 

Second Annual Two-digit ride Sunday May 24

     We started the first one last year as just something silly to do and make use of all our small displacement machines. We had a small group, but the fastest machine was a Kymco 125, and we all had a great day riding to Centralia, PA. on small machines.

                                         Waiting to cross the river ferry in Millersburg last year
                                                           

                                                                               


    Almost everyone has a 50 or an old 80 in the garage; a fast moped, a 50cc pit bike, a 49cc scooter you bought for the campsite. When was the last time you went somewhere for a ride with it?

                                                                 

Time to dig it out, freshen up the fluids, air up the tires and get ready to ride.

Why you ask? We are doing it AGAIN. It is time to pull out your calender and highlight Sunday May 24 at Noon. We will be leaving Carlisle Cycle and Scooter just after noon and going on a 70ish mile loop over 50cc friendly roads. The ride is targeted at bikes under 100cc, BUT feel free to come along if you only have a larger bike, but you just have to ride along at a 50cc pace ( or lack thereof). If you have a moped, make sure it is a fast one and will do 40 MPH, as there will be some mountain climbs.

The ride will head out to a suprise location for the "kids" that is more fun than a puppy and as sweet as candy. After a stop there, we will give the bikes a chance to stretch their legs as we make the run into Gettysburg for lunch at the famous Lincoln Diner. Then we will set a leisurely pace back to Scoot Carlisle to refuel, buy more two-stroke pre-mix , and maybe tell stories and have a few laughs. 

Yes, many of us will be on 50's! The ride will have several stops to allow the bikes and riders to catch their breath. There may even be a few good spots for photos along the way. The pace will be slow, and FUN is on the list. If you think you are too big for a 50, let us try to change your mind.

The rider is 6'3" and the passenger is 6'4" and we made the first one just fine. The uphills just might take a while. See you there! Feel free to call the shop for details or with any questions!

Open house

    We can say our first open house was a great success. There were lots of friends and a few new faces who came out on a cold day. A special hat tip goes out to all the people who rode in! The shop had four bikes in the parking lot at one time! I hope we got a chance to talk to everyone and welcome them to the new shop. It was nice to see folks from as far away as Philadelphia and Baltimore.We look forward to the next one.
      We even had a visit from the R&D team at Cheeky seats. So, if you were there you may have gotten to handle or test some new products coming out in the spring. For those of you not able to make it. They will be available at Amerivespa, MON rally, and other events such as the TMISC meltdown. Of course, the best place to find their products is right in Carlisle and our shop.

    It is amazing what a difference a year makes:
                                                    Shrinky Dink1

                                                    Shrinky Dink II
                                                                              

There is NO BS  going on in this photo!

Just too good of a photo of the new shirts to pass up.

Sure, we are always this busy in January.

Yes, we start them that young whenever possible.

Shrinky Dink II

    Welcome to the 2nd annual Shrinky Dink Ride. This is just a simple bit of fun to keep the hardy/ foolhardy riders enthused through the cold months of the year, and provide some fun to the others who want to watch the rest of us freeze. The rules are pretty simple and loosely followed at best.

1) BE SAFE! You all know your limits, but don't risk life and limb, too much, for a good result. This is supposed to be fun.

2.) The ride will start on December 25th and run through March 21st.

3.) The ride will have two classes. Motorcycles and Scooters; if you have one of those wierd in between bikes we will make it up as we go. DON'T WORRY! We have this covered; just ride SOMETHING!

4.) This pretty simple, the coldest temperature wins, sort of. TRY to take a pic in front of a temperature sign somewhere. We realize this isn't always possible, so you CAN use your phone in a pinch. NO CHEATING! We are putting you on your honour to be fair.

5.) The ride has to be 10 miles or longer to count (total length). The longer the ride the more points it gets. We have a formula worked out for this. It's math stuff, don't worry we have that under control. So, if you do 11 miles in -2 and some nut does 80 miles in 3 degrees. He/she MIGHT just beat you. There are extra points for stupidity (just remember rule#1)

6.) This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only.

7.)If you think it is too warm where you live? Do it anyway, remember points are awarded for originality, stupidity, and bravery. This is supposed to be fun. Last year the first shirinky dink ride was won by a southern rider who got lucky on a cold snap in the south.

     That's it for the rules we think. Ride. email your pics to us atcarlislecycleandscooter@gmail.com. We will post a few for fun, but will save the results till the end. There will be a chat about the rides here on our Facebook page during the event. Also feel free to post comments here.

Yes, there will be prizes. They may or may not be amazing. Ride now. ride often.

   There will be an open house at Carlisle Cycle and Scooter on Saturday January 31st.  It is part of our winter riding contest. There will be some snacks and lots of warm beverages to keep you toasty. IF the weather is decent some folks will ride in. If you want to arrive on 4 wheels that is just fine,too. Stop by and enjoy the people riding in. There will be lots of shenanigans, and some short rides around the block as well. The sidecar rig will be out and running no matter what the weather (we have snow tires). The shop will be staying open late; stop by, laugh, ask questions, talk bikes and scooters. There will be movies later in the evening on the projector if you would like to stay.

    The weather looks like it is ready. Remember, BE SAFE out there, and have fun.Remember, you don't have to win for this to be fun. It is all about the ride!

 

 

     

Ballistic Backpack

    Sounds pretty good doesn't it? Now, what is it?

 

    Only the BEST gadget you have ever seen in the modern world of electronics. It is a small handheld power pack for electronic devices. You can use it to run a laptop, recharge a cell phone, or just about any other electronic device. It comes with adaptors for almost every device used today.

                                     

 

The power this thing stores is amazing. Did you notice the jumper cables? Think it will jumpstart your motorcycle or scooter? That's cute. Our Rep jump started a CAR with this thing. To say we were impressed was an understatement. Did we mention it was handheld?

 

Yes, it is that small.

 

The specs on this little guy are impressive. It weighs less than one pound and can generate up to 400 amps of current for a jump start (5 seconds max.) and can put out 200 amps. Its USB output is a solid 2 amps. In other words, when you need to power a laptop or recharge your phone for using the GPS all weekend. This guy will do the job. It also has a built in high output LED flashlight as well as emergency flashers and a signaling feature. It can be put under your seat, in a saddlebag or even a coat pocket for when you need it.

 

 

 If you are looking for a good gift for a two-wheeled traveler this is it. It is handy to have and does the job amazingly well.

 

 

 

 

Cheeky Seats

     Every so often we feel a need to talk about one of our vendors and just how much we like their products. This time it is Cheeky seats.  This dynamic duo from a small town in Pennsylvania makes a great line of products, gear and generally great stuff. They build everything from fantastic slip-on seat covers, and tire covers, to capes for keeping you warm in the cold.

      Is your bike seat a little dull and boring in its lifeless black cover? Do you need a little style for your ride? Then you need to check out the amazing choice of styles and fabrics you have to choose from. Cheeky seats has so many options to choose from that it can be hard to make up your mind. That's the great thing about their seats covers. They really are custom fitted covers that can installed and removed in about 15 seconds. Feel like having the tiger fur on your stella? You can stretch the fitted cover (made just for your seat pattern) over your stock seat in about 30 seconds. Its a rainy night and you want to run the checked pattern one instead of the fur? Easy, strip the old cover off in 10 seconds and install the waterproof checked one for a rainy night. It really is that easy; here we can show you.

See how easy? Did we mention that you can own more than one? OH YES, if you need a good practical waterproof cover for daily driving with a little style. They have you covered (see what we did there?)

Think you are headed to a rally this weekend and want something a little more  eye-catching for your ride? They might just be able to help.

Their newest addition to the line is the Scooter cape, a great idea to keep you warm and dry on these cool days, and this one has great style

 There is even some safety built into this guy for riding at night, check out the reflective piping under light. We have been testing the prototype here at Scoot Carlisle for quite some time and have had several comments on just how bright this stuff is in the dark.

If you want to check one of these scooter capes out in person we have them IN STOCK at the shop ready to go home with you. We have several of their seat covers in stock and even some on our bikes. Be sure to click on some of the links and check out some of what they have to offer. If you are local to us, we are a dealer for all they sell and you can get it from us. If you read our blog from afar be sure to send them your business. You will be supporting a small business, and some great folks who are part of the scooter community. This is all they do at Cheeky seats; make us look good with quality made products and great customer service.

Holiday specials

      It is the Holiday season, and whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, or even Festivus. We have something for you at Carlisle Cycle and Scooter.

     This is our first December open in the new place and we are going to start a tradition. We are going to do a sale on a different item EVERY day we are open in the month. The sale will be posted on Our Facebook page before we close each day. As the customer, you will need to call or stop before Christmas to get the sale goody. We are going to try and make them better each day; so it should get pretty good towards the end of the month.

     There is still plenty of good riding for those hardy fools who enjoy the cold.

 

                                                                

 

We have lots of ideas for gifts from inexpensive all the way to a new scooter. So, if you aren't riding till spring, or need something to put under the tree for your riding friends; keep an eye on the daily specials.