We just spent another enjoyable weekend with scooter friends. As always, the folks in Baltimore put on a good time. Our meet and greet was downtown at De Kleine Duivel a Belgian beer hall with a good atmosphere and some amazing beers on hand. The scene outside was friendly with plenty of cool scoots to look at and quite a few mopeds on hand.
A small crew from TMISC made the 100+ mile trek ON small scoots. Riding is the best part, even with a little precipitation in the mix. Good rainsuits and good technique still make for a fun ride.
If you found yourself hungry, there were plenty of places to eat on The Avenue. There were even some coupons for Cafe Hon which was right up the street.
We had a 4H rocket launch to run, so sadly, the Scoot Carlisle crew had to miss brunch and the rides for the day. Don't worry, although hot; we had a great day too. Over 100 rockets flew with dozens of smiling faces in attendance.
The weather was quite hot, but our hosts had a good plan. The Clipper Mill Pool was provided by the event hosts for some serious cool-down after the rides.
Speaking of eating. The folks at Supersonic Kitchen did an amazing job putting out some great food!
Who doesn't love a smiling spinner of tunes.
Of course there is always time for some hooligans to have a slow race!
Good food, good beer, and good friends. What more could a fella ask for? a raffle too? Sure, we have that covered!
We missed the Sunday morning Brunch as we had parts to move North. A great rally. If you didn't make it, make sure you catch the next one! If not, this guy may come to your house and make sure you know about it.
We had a great ride. We enjoyed seeing many old faces and a few new ones. We will be sure to see you at the next one! There are still ways to get things done at a rally (note $20 bill).
Thanks to Christine Newell, Norm Hess, Alex Szymanik, Chef Jeremy, and Jennifer Lyon for some of the pics.
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This years weather was certainly better than last years. Last year we had snow, sleet, rain, lightning strikes and water filled air boxes on a few bikes. This year? We had beautiful weather, sunshine and only one bike with a vacuum lock issue, which was easily remedied with a little help from great folks at Dunham's do it center hardware.
Our farthest rider out this year was Todd who journeyed all the way from the Philly area to Carlisle the night before the ride started on a 50 cc Genuine RH50. He did over 100 miles on a 50cc before the ride even started!
Carl was lucky enough to start a day early as well and had the genius idea of camping at Mahoning drive-in for an all night vampire feature.
The ride "officially" started Saturday morning at Carlisle Cycle and Scooter. From there we headed North to pick up more riders.
Nothing like climbing the mountains on PA rt. 74 on a small displacement scooter to set the mood for the weekend.
We arrived in Port Royal PA to pick up sidecar #2 for the trip.
Now we were set;
We had our race winners.
And our male models
Time for fuel, drinks, and to set out on a long drive. Well, not so long, but at 50cc speeds everything takes a bit longer than it should.
There were some slow uphill climbs.
And some major temptations.
"but it's NOT a motorcycle"
We did make it to Wellsboro before dark; so some white table clothes and fine food were in order at The Penn Wells.
The streets in Wellsboro are still lit by gas lighting. It's a beautiful sight after dark.
The Rangers at Hills Creek state park had everything ready for our arrival and the rooms were clean and dry.
While at the cabin we had Adam taking good care of us on coffee duty. We only bring the essentials...like a French press and coffee from BRCC.
Saturday morning we headed to the Wellsboro Diner for breakfast. The things you will see while sitting at the breakfast table!
Yes, that is a John Deere toilet train. Now, I HAVE seen it all.
We headed out to Colton Point State park (otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania). The weather was clear and provided for some great pictures.
We even had a bike pick up a nail during the ride, but Todd was prepared with the tools to get it back on the road and we all learned the value of a good plug and air kit.
We picked up food on the way back to our home in the woods, and some firewood was needed for cooking dinner. Well supplied on scooters (you just have to use what you have).
We did some back road exploring, a gravity race or two, and generally enjoyed a day to ourselves. Todd found some wonderful views for the sunset.
Dinner was grand, stories were told, and we had the most relaxing evening some of us have had in a while. Just friends and no schedule for the weekend.
Todd had to get back early Monday morning, but he may have had some help from Black Rifle Coffee Company to get him up and running early.
The ride home is always the tough part, but we made sure to make an adventure out of it. That means dirt roads, kids. We even found a great spot for a break and to use the last of our spare fuel.
I think we wore some of the guys out :). He just took the re route as an opportunity to catch a few zzz's.
We did all arrive home safely and without incident. I was ready to head out and do some more....soon.
We set out Friday morning to take the long way up. A trusty Stella scooter and a Genuine buddy 125. Cody and I took Gold Mine Rd. over the mountain, found some rabbit trails, goat paths, and some dirt/coal dust roads (we ride dirt bikes too) to play on while attempting to get lost. Even a little roadside stop for a special pic.
We pulled into the hotel with almost 200 miles on the clocks, ready for dinner. JUST IN TIME. Eric was getting the group ready to go. No rain as of yet, warm air and a bunch of oil burning two-strokes. What better way to ride to dinner.
I must say, it is ALWAYS a wonderful thing when you pull up to a rally, and get greetings of handshakes, hugs, warm wishes and the sound of your name being called out. That has never gotten old in all my years of riding on two-wheels and the scooter crowd does not disappoint.
We all rode out to The Original Pocono Pub who took good care of us on a Friday night. The food was good, the staff friendly. The weather even treated us all nicely until we arrived back at the hotel.
Ah, the smell of pre-mix in the air. (Thanks Tim for the video)
Some of us hung in the pool quietly enjoying the warm water till the wee hours of the morning, while others turned in early for a good nights rest.
Saturday morning we were greeted with the rain that had so nicely held off the night before. Not to worry, the scooters didn't melt over night.
There was even a short ride organized out to The Beer Stein for some lunch.
If you ever wanted to see a well set-up gymkhana at a scooter rally; well, I was impressed. Yes, it was raining, and YES we had a blast anyway. We shower every day, what's the big deal doing it a little early.
We started off by riding in through the saloon doors.
Then you needed to grab your dynamite and knock off the bank teller.
From there an escape down the railroad tracks.
There were some obstacles to navigate, and then it was time to "blow" the safe (it would be better if you didn't ask).
From there you had to escape by crossing the river on the ferry. And just like Bucklebury this wasn't easy.
Then you had to lasso a bull on your way out.
He was mean, but easy to get a rope on if you took your time.
Dinner had been prepared for us, and there was a new sheriff in town explaining things.
Saturday night awards are always fun. The Corsa IFP (look for an upcoming blog) winners came up to accept their trophies (we wanted to see Carl get that back on his bike).
The Carlisle Cycle and scooter crew won longest distance ridden again, and we are so proud of Cody wining the Gymkhana for the 2nd year in a row.
We even had a local schoolgirl that stopped by to check out the cool scooters.
Remember that kid in school with the dunce cap?...well.
Of course, afterwards it was time for some bull in the pool.
We even saw a rare unicorn.
Leaving Sunday is always bittersweet. You have to say goodbye to old friends, and usually a few new ones,too. This picture sums up not just scootering , but all two-wheeled riding for me. The young ones are the future of this sport/hobby/lifestyle. If we don't welcome them in and show them why we enjoy this so much. It will disappear forever. I was glad to have these guys along.
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