Wednesday, September 14, 2011

BMW's New Electric Scooter Unveiled


The BMW Motorrad E concept electric scooter was unveiled this week at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany.

It seems the front of the scooter is mimicking one of their motorcycles. So it seems like the front 3/4 of it looks like an auto motorcycle, whereas the back looks like a scooter. Except for the exhaust pipe! As one of the comments on one of the articles I've seen about it says: "it looks like an evil robot's sphincter." Ha ha ha.


I don't think I like that neon side panel, but I know they were just trying to make it seem very futuristic. IMHO, if it was a colorized carbon fiber one, then we might be in the ball park.

Some TECH SPECS: The scooter charges via standard household power sockets, attaining a full charge in under three hours. Once charged, it provides a driving range of around 60+ miles or 100 kilometers. These numbers are made feasible by it's intelligent battery management and brake energy recuperation systems, built alongside performance technology that lets the 'motorrad' equal the acceleration rates and continuous output characteristic of a combustion engine maxi scooter.

COOL FACTOR: What's trippy/cool is that the side mirrors are replaced by two rear video cameras that feed to two LCD monitors installed in the cockpit. The central digital display depicts speed, fuel usage, and other relevant data.

Check out this video to see the scooter in action:


To see other pics, check out the post on designboom.

.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Swerve N Curve #12 Wrap-up

Just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone who came out for the 12th edition of our famous SWERVE 'N' CURVE SCOOTER RALLY. It is now the longest-running rally still going on in all of SoCal. Over 120 scooters cruised out for this rally, making it our best turnout in years.

WRAP-UP:


We met Friday night at the Palos Verdes Bowl, a cool bowling alley that has been around since 1958. The bar/lounge area made for a perfect old school location for the traditional rally Meet 'N' Greet.

Big thanks to Mary Ann and Babette for selling our rally packs at the Bowl. Much appreciated, girls!

Then, we went for a quick, but cool night ride. We stopped just after passing La Venta Inn, in order to get a great view of the L.A. basin at night. You can see from Ventura all the way to the Inland Empire from up there, and the lights make it that much better.

We ended the night ride at one of our favorite watering holes, a place we've been going to as a club for years, Hennessey's Tavern in Redondo Beach. After some good suds 'n' grub, we all headed home to get ready for the next day's big ride.

Saturday morning, we all headed to the day ride meet spot which was The Shellback Tavern, a pub that was right in front of the Manhattan Beach Pier, in Manhattan Beach. This is the ride that everyone and their mom seemed to come out to, as we reached, and some say far surpassed, the century mark, in terms of number of attending scooters. It was amazing!

@ the Manhattan Beach Pier

When we took off from Manhattan Beach, we headed south through the South Bay beach cities, hitting Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and up and into Palos Verdes for the famous Swerve N Curve route. Plus, we actually picked up even more scooters and riders along the way who were waiting for us, and who just joined in on the spur of the moment!! As for the ride, we mixed it up a bit this year, as we dipped into San Pedro and hung out at the Korean Friendship Bell for some time.

Cruising the Esplanade in Redondo Beach
Cruising the PV Swerve N Curve route
in San Pedro
Korean Bell parking lot
@ the Korean Bell parking lot

After the break in San Pedro, we doubled back a bit and came back to ride the "switchback," better know as PV Drive East. This is a nice steep road, with lots of twisties, that skirts along the east side of the Palos Verdes peninsula. It's got great views of the L.A. Harbor, if you slow down long enough to view them, and can afford to do so on such a twisty road.

After heading down the hill and into Torrance, we headed for Alpine Village, home of "Oktoberfest" and great imported beers on tap and good food. Once there, we had a scooter show and contest. Judging took place and awards were given. Congrats to Rich Sihilling for winning the "Best Vintage Scooter" award with his chrome, black and pink-flamed vintage Vespa Rally. Congrats, also, to Bret Ingraham for winning the "Best Modern Scooter" award with his custom and Malossi equipped modern Vespa LX150. Thanks again, to Mary Ann and Renee, for practically selling all of the remaining rally packs for us - you guys were awesome. Gracias also goes out to all of our traffic blockers - the ride could not have gone as smoothly as it did without you!!

Winner: Best Vintage Scooter Award! Congrats to Rich!!
Bret's

Saturday's day ride ended up taking so much out of everyone, that not as many people showed up for the Saturday night ride. Still we had a good group that again met at the PV Bowl in Torrance, then rode to Ashley's Bar in Long Beach. Special thanks goes out to Jesse Trejo and the Long Beach Sound Society for hosting a cool Saturday night event to end the rally on a good note.

If you'd like to see some more pics from the rally, just click on this link.

Again, thanks to all who came out, helped out, and enjoyed another fun Swerve N Curve. We'll see you all next year for "Lucky Thirteen."

Sunday, August 14, 2011

SWERVE N CURVE #12 this coming weekend - August 19-20

Swerve N Curve #12

SWERVE 'N' CURVE #12 SCOOTER RALLY
THIS WEEKEND
August 19-20, 2011

Here is the FINAL ITINERARY for the rally:

FRIDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 19:

7PM: “Meet ‘N’ Greet”
at the PALOS VERDES BOWL, 24600 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505, (310) 326-5120. Early comers can get the first crack at getting rally packs here. We'll be in the bar/lounge area if not outside.

8PM: Leave for the Night time Beach Ride in the South Bay.

9PM: End the ride at Hennessey’s Tavern Redondo Beach, 1712 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, CA, (310) 540-8443.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20:

11AM: Meet at the SHELLBACK TAVERN (@ the Manhattan Beach Pier), 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (park in the free motorcycle parking area in front of the tavern)**.

**Those who need to unload off of trailers or trucks can park them in the Target parking lot, located east of the pier, at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Blvd and N. Sepulveda Blvd. After unloading your scooters, you'll just have to ride west on Manhattan Beach Blvd until you get to the pier.

Be sure to get your RIDE MAP for the day's ride, which will be handed out here. Rally packs will not be available here but will be at the end of the ride (see below).

12noon: Ride leaves for the famous South Bay Swerve 'N' Curve route around Palos Verdes.

Alpine Village
2/3PM:
Ride will end at the world-famous ALPINE VILLAGE INN, "home of Oktoberfest," 833 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90502, (310) 327-4384. Park your scooters along the north side of the restaurant, on the bricks. SCOOTER SHOW & Judging to take place upon arrival; Trophies for "BEST VINTAGE" & "BEST MODERN" Scooters will be awarded within the first hour. Rally packs will be available. Enjoy some mod/ska/scooter tunes while you're sampling Alpine Village's great assortment of German, Belgian and craft beers on tap.

SATURDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 20:


6:30PM: Meet at the PALOS VERDES BOWL, 24600 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505, (310) 326-5120.

7:30PM: We leave for the NIGHT RIDE to
The Long Beach Sound Society's Swerve N Curve Event at Ashley's Bar & Grill, 1734 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA. 21 & over; $5 Cover. Last chance to get rally packs, if there are any left. For all the event details, go to this link.

End of Rally.

PLEASE GAS UP BEFORE ALL RIDES!

*The image at the top is the design that the patches and t-shirts in the rally packs will have on them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please keep visiting the Swerve N Curve #12 info page:
http://www.southbayscooterclub.com/sbsc/events/snc12.html

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Official Lambretta website

So, if you haven't noticed, the official Lambretta website, at lambretta.com, has recently gotten a facelift and a whole bunch of content. With it's simple, yet somewhat elegant design, it comes across as very straightforward and elemental.

I really like the "History" section, especially the section "Models", which lists all Lambretta models. Added bonus is that it does not only just list them with a picture, but if you click on the thumbnail, it will open a new page with a wealth of information on the specified model. For example, it gives you a small tidbit of model info, then goes into the model specs, ID details of each year that model was produced, the frame numbers by year, the different color schemes it came in, chromed parts, nickel parts, burnished parts, polished parts, and maintenance data.

OTHER STUFF
It's also interesting to see the different merchandise that the Lambretta name is now attached to, as well. Did you know they now make bicycles? I didn't know that. They look pretty nice, but I don't enough about cycling to determine whether or not they are really good or bad.
On the other hand, I do know about watches, and they seem to also make some really nice watches, now. They also make mod-styled clothing, footwear, helmets, eyewear, bags and a fragrance. Each one of these different Lambretta "collections", btw, have their own website (except for the bags and the fragrance) - so click on their links, above, to check them out.
Interesting opening statement on their index page, though. Check it out, below, and see if you can read something between the lines. IMHO, it seems like it is saying something like "here is the new Lambretta, and if you don't like it, just know that it is an officially approved Lambretta product". On one hand, I don't really like the warning tone of the message. If I don't like it, I don't have to like it, even though I am an old Lambretta enthusiast. On the other hand, I understand that they are trying to head off some negative feedback from those who won't like that it is plastic and a TnG. Of coarse, this is directed at "buyers", which I assume are those who would distribute it. But, it could mean everyone in general, as well. Like I said, interesting....

Here is that statement on their index / home page:

"Official Statement

Lambretta enthusiasts will undoubted be encouraged by the news of the introduction into the market of the new Lambretta LS and LN models as reported. Buyers must however be very careful that they are indeed witnessing the launch of a true, authentic and legitimate Lambretta, approved by the Lambretta Consortium, who are the owners of the Lambretta brand.

The two new models, the Lambretta LS and LN, have been produced by two companies, CLAG International Limited and Motom Electronics Spa respectively. Both these models are currently unlicensed for the global market as a full inspection of their authenticity or quality has not yet been conducted by the Lambretta Consortium and because contractual issues still remain to be resolved. While it is hoped that approval of both models will occur in the near future, buyers and distributors must take care to ensure approval from the Lambretta Consortium is obtained before entering into any financial arrangements to acquire or distribute these models. We obviously cannot afford to allow unlicensed scooter models in the market.

Please be assured that the Lambretta Consortium will do all it can to bring you a genuine, high quality, Lambretta scooter in the best traditions of the Lambretta heritage as soon as it can. We are endeavouring to clarify the situation on both models with both parties in the very near future and hope to issue a statement which ratifies both models. If you require further clarification or information please contact info@lambrettadistribution.com or visit www.lambretta.com.

Lambretta Consortium"

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Big Scooter exhibit at the Peterson Auto Museum!

Below are several Press Releases from the Peterson Automotive Museum, in Los Angeles, CA. There will be a year-long scooter exhibit that will highlight the history of scooters, showing different models throughout the last century. Many of these models have come from local scooter collections (including mine!).

There will also be a Scooters & Supercars Day at the Peterson, on July 9th. This will be a show of scooters and cars. To be a part of the show, you will be able to join one of three L.A. county rides going there that morning. Details for the rides, below the press releases from the Peterson
.


For Immediate Release: Contact: Chris Brown, cbrown@petersen.org, 323-964-6320

SCOOTERS AND SUPERCARS DAY
Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the 3rd Level Petersen Parking Structure

In conjunction with its summer feature exhibitions “Supercars: When Too Much Is Almost Enough” (3/5/11-10/16/11) and “Scooters” (6/18/11-2/5/12), the Petersen Automotive Museum is hosting "Scooters and Supercars Day." The highlight of Scooters and Supercars Day will be the public super car and scooter show. Only at the Petersen will you see vehicles by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Vespa, and Honda all proudly parked next to one another! Guest of Honor Steve Saleen will speak about his racing and manufacturing endeavors and technical how-to sessions with Griot’s Garage, The Official Car Care Product Provider of the Petersen Automotive Museum throughout the day will have you polishing your vehicle of choice like never before.

You can PRE-REGISTER your scooter for the show. Price will be $15 pre-registered, $20 the day of the show. To pre-register, go to this link, fill out the form, and either call, e-mail or fax your info to the Peterson (info on how to do that is at that link).

For the SHOW, please aim to arrive between 9-10 a.m. to ensure everyone is in place and the area is safe for pedestrians when the museum opens at 10 a.m. I am aware of some folks traveling long distances that morning, so just do your best to arrive as early as possible, we won’t turn anyone away.

Because the show area is open to pedestrians, we ask that you not move your vehicle once you arrive until the “official” end of the show at approximately 2:00pm. But the museum is open until 6pm, so feel free to stay all afternoon.

The show will be held on the THIRD LEVEL of the museum’s parking structure. The entrance to the parking structure is on Fairfax just south of Wilshire. If you are taking the 10 freeway here, exit Fairfax, go north for a couple miles (past Olympic/San Vicente) and the entrance will be on your right just north of the 8th St stoplight. Our address is 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Scooters: there is a 3 or 4 foot gap around the parking gate, if you feel like you can slip through, do so. If not, simply push the button on the parking machine and take a ticket. You will all receive an exit ticket if needed. Then proceed to the THIRD LEVEL of the parking structure.

Staff will direct you where to park. The third level is covered so the show will be in the cool(er) shade. Once you have parked your vehicle, proceed to the Petersen booth (bright red table cloth) to check-in and/or pay registration (if not pre-paid) and receive your admission wristband(s) and information kit for the day. With your admission wristband on you will be able to explore the museum car show and exhibits throughout the day! Johnny Rockets at the Petersen will be fully staffed for a quick and tasty lunch; you can even order to-go and bring it out to the show area. At 11:30, Steve Saleen will be speaking about his S7 supercar and racecars, winners of multiple Grand Am and Le Mans-series races in the early 2000s as well as his involvement in the Ford GT project. Be sure to catch his talk! The Auto Gallery will have a display of their vehicles as well and Griot’s Garage Car Care Products will be offering car and scooter detailing clinics for free all day.

This is a non-judged show, but you may choose to participate in the “People’s Choice” contest, a category for both scooters and cars. Just pick up an identification sign from the Petersen Booth. Car show participants and the general public can vote for “People’s Choice” at the Petersen booth until 1:30pm. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter. The lucky winners in each category will receive a special Griot’s Garage detailing package from the Museum Store.

We will accept registrations day-of, but earlier is always better, no one like lines!

UPDATED:
RIDES TO THE SCOOTERS AND SUPERCARS DAY:


There will be three scooter rides leaving for the "Scooters and Supercars Day" on July 9th. Pre – registration is $15 per vehicle and includes free parking for the vehicle and admission for two to the museum and all it's exhibits. To pre-register, fill out the form at this link and send it in with your payment. There is contact info at that link if you prefer to give your payment details over the phone.

One ride will be leaving from Kai Sushi Sports Bar, in Torrance, at 9am. Kai Sushi Sports Bar is located at 24215 Crenshaw Boulevard (cross street Lomita Blvd), Torrance, CA 90505, (310) 325-7979. There is a ride that will be going to meet-up with this one in Torrance. That will leave from the CVS Drugstore parking lot in Lakewood at 8:15am. The CVS is located at the intersection of Del Amo and Paramount Blvds, in Lakewood.

Another ride will be leaving from the Trails Cafe, near Griffith Park, at 9am. The Trails Cafe is located at 2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles, California 90068, (323) 871-2102.

The third will be leaving from the Cock 'n' Bull Pub at 9:30am. The Cock 'n' Bull is at 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (310) 399-9696.


EXHIBIT INFORMATION:
"SCOOTERS: SIZE DOESN'T ALWAYS MATTER"

OPENING JUNE 18, 2011, AT THE PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

Scooters form around the world will be on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum

(LOS ANGELES, May 10, 2011) The Petersen Automotive Museum’s latest exhibition Scooters: Size Doesn’t Always Matter will take museum visitors through a fascinating chronological tour of motor scooter development beginning with the simple Autoped of the mid-1910s to the alternative power vehicles of today.

Over 90 vehicles will be on display in this colorful and quirky exhibit of miniscule motoring. The exhibition opens June 18, 2011, and runs through May 28, 2012.

Smaller, more affordable, and easier to maneuver than motorcycles, motor scooters offer an efficient and stylish means to run quick errands and travel short distances. Scooters will show how this genre of motor bike has evolved from simple tube frames with motors to the sophisticated, comfortable, aerodynamic vehicles of today. The exhibit will also illustrate how scooters have been adapted to business and industrial uses, how they have been utilized by the movie and television industry, and how Southern California was once a major scooter manufacturing hub.

Wild or tame, foreign or domestic, old or new, scooters continue to offer a viable and economical alternative to other more traditional vehicles in our motoring landscape and provide a desirable means for free spirited motorists to boldly express themselves without saying a word.

1958 Rumi Prototype: scooter and photo courtesy of Mario Artavia

1955 Allstate, sold by Sears, manufactured by Vespa

1962 Fuji Rabbit, Ferrari F-40, Ferrari F-50

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles. Admission prices are $10 for general admission adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for active military and students with ID, and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum members and children under five are admitted free. Covered parking is available for $2 per half hour with an $8 maximum for Museum visitors. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS or visit the Museum’s Web site at: www.petersen.org.

####

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

New Scooter-Center catalog

The Scooter-Center has just updated their parts catalog for 2011. They always have some fun and innovative stuff, just like SIP. Check out all their new and regular offerings at the following, interactive link: http://issuu.com/scooter-center.com/docs/vespa-update-2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Goodbye Scoot! magazine, hello, Scoot! Club.

This just in from the editor(s) of Scoot! Magazine:

A New Chapter for Scoot! Magazine...hello, Scoot! Club!

by Scoot! Magazine on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 12:11am

From the Editor
[An expanded version of this notice runs in issue #60]

Scoot! Magazine's 60th issue is an impressive feat, especially when you consider that for many years Scoot! was a quarterly. Josh and I (and Mike) took over in December of 2003. Over the next 7 years, we made many improvements, but now it is time for yet another change at Scoot!.

It is with this great enthusiasm that we announce the debut of Scoot! Club, an all-new member organization for scooter enthusiasts. Scoot! Club aims to bring scooterists together by providing an overarching club with membership benefits, support for the scootering lifestyle, and unique interactive opportunities. Scoot! Club membership entitles members to special discounts at various scooter-related businesses. Depending upon membership level, members will receive Scoot! Club items like patches, buttons, t-shirts and access to roadside assistance. The Scoot! Club will host and sponsor events.

Scoot! Magazine will also be part of that membership, albeit in a different form. Starting with the next issue, Scoot! will cease to be a print publication, but continue as a digital magazine.

It has been our dream to be a more integral component of the scootering community, but the economic realities of the past few years have made it hard to be in the magazine business. We have struggled in this economy, and a few recent issues were held up until we were able to collect on just enough back due invoices to cover the printing. The printing and shipping is roughly 80% of our budget. By eliminating the majority of these costs, we hope to have enough actual revenue to pursue some of our goals. You should know that this is not a flippant decision. As 2010 drew to a close, the choices that faced us were to either go digital or shutter the magazine completely. After some thought we came up with a third choice–to evolve the magazine and make it something bigger. Thus, Scoot! Club was born and the idea that we could actually achieve some of our greater goals was encouraging. In the link above you'll find more information on Scoot! Club. I hope that you will check it out, and consider joining. All current subscribers will automatically receive membership, and soon will receive letters describing the transition.

While this change may be uncomfortable, and I'm sure that we will experience some growing pains, I think that the possibilities are exciting. I hope that you will join us in writing this next chapter in Scoot's story.

Let's ride!
April Whitney
for the Scoot! Team"

Saturday, January 29, 2011

BMW's New Scooter!

So, after seeing this scooter in prototype form in one way or another for a little while now, here are some pics and the official BMW newsletter link about it's unveiling. Interesting two-tone wheel, imho. What do you think...???





Saturday, January 22, 2011

Lambretta Club of Los Angeles Winter Ride 2011 • HMP©2011

On Sunday, January 16th, 2011, the Lambretta Club of Los Angeles had it's Winter 2011 Ride. Good number of Lambrettas and Servetas came out. Here is a nice video, created by Honest Mike, of the ride:



For pics of the ride, click on this link to see them.

The next ride for the Lambretta Club of Los Angeles is set for April 17, 2011. For details, visit their website at www.lambrettaclubla.com.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Vespa Announces New Eco-Smart Engine Family

THIS JUST IN FROM VESPA USA:

Just in time for Earth Day, Vespa unveils its new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engine family.

Recognized for ground-breaking technology and legendary style, the 2011 Vespa S 150, LX 150 and LXV 150 models sip 15 percent less fuel and don’t compromise your speed!



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VESPA ANNOUNCES NEW 150cc i.e. ECO-SMART ENGINE FAMILY

2011 Vespa S, LX and LXV 150 models sip 15 percent less fuel than prior generation

NEW YORK, April 1, 2010 – Italian manufacturer Piaggio, recognized for ground-breaking technology and legendary style, has equipped its 2011 Vespa S 150, LX 150 and LXV 150 models with new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engines that are even more miserly at the gas pump than the previous generation. Consuming 15 percent less fuel than its predecessor, the new powerplant wrings up to 85 miles out of each gallon of gas, all the while delivering an endless supply of fun and riding thrills. In addition, the new engine design also provides stronger, smoother acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, an especially important performance trait for metro commuters.

Green Isn’t a Trend – It’s a Commitment
While fuel price peaks and valleys have introduced thousands of consumers to the benefits of scooter ownership, choosing to swap some driving miles for riding miles isn’t just a trend when gas costs spike. For environmentally conscious consumers, it’s a lifelong commitment. The addition of the new 150cc injected engine family within the popular mid-range category adds even more reasons for consumers devoted to reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions and congestion to make the switch to two wheels.

The electronic fuel injection system on the new 150cc injected engine ensures the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is optimized at all times and allows the single cylinder unit to pick up more smoothly and progressively from lower engine speeds. As a result, riders enjoy strong and smooth power delivery, especially in the relentless stop-start conditions of urban riding. The benefits of the new engines can also be appreciated on longer journeys where extended stretches of roadway come into play. And, owners who want a fast getaway will notice improved cold-starts, thanks to fuel injection.

Strong, clean and well-mannered at any speed, the 150cc i.e. equipped Vespa models are capable of zooming up to 60 mph. The unique, steel unibody Vespa frame provides greater rigidity and a more stable ride, while the superior trailing link suspension is designed to better handle potholes and other hazardous conditions. The front-disc braking system allows riders to safely make sudden stops on a dime, which is great for cities where traffic rules the road.

“Vespas are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to contribute toward a cleaner, greener transportation landscape, and our new fuel-injected 150cc engine range makes it even simpler,” said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA. “Mid-scooters like the Vespa S 150 i.e., LX 150 i.e. and LXV 150 i.e. are tailor-made for confident urban commuting, and a 15 percent increase in fuel-efficiency is yet another great reason to add a scooter to your garage this Spring.”

Vespa has been and continues to be synonymous with fuel-efficiency and performance in North America and Europe. The new 150cc i.e. family upgrades the most popular models into a powerful league of their own, without compromising the long list of premium features. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Vespa 150 i.e. models starts at $4,399 for the 2011 Vespa S 150 i.e. For more information, visit www.vespausa.com.

About The Piaggio Group
Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, and based out of Pontedera in Pisa, Italy; the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 610,000 vehicles in 2009, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in Europe and Asia and operations in more than 50 countries - the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Ride for Kids 2010

I've been contacted by Cicely Salatino at Honda HQ in Torrance about their upcoming Ride for Kids that will happening on May 2nd. This benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Great cause and good ride. Here are the details, given to me by Mrs. Salatino:

"The ride starts at the Honda campus (1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501) at 10am, and registration opens at 8am. I know some of your riders trailer their scooters in, and you can definitely do that for this ride. The tough part is that they line the bikes up in the parking lot as you arrive, so if you want to ride with your group you need to arrive together. Those that trailer their scooters can come straight to Honda and get set up in the car parking area. Most groups plan a meeting spot and then arrive together, usually closer to 9am. But as I mentioned the later you arrive the farther back you'll be in the line so I recommend getting there as early as possible.

As soon as you arrive on campus you'll be asked to sign an AMA waiver and receive a wristband. Then you'll have to walk over to the registration tent to register and turn in any donations. The minimum donation is $35 per motorcycle/scooter and you'll receive a ride pin in addition to being able to participate in the ride. They have pretty cool premiums if you raise more money. It takes $50 to get a ride shirt and then they have hats & vests & jackets, etc.. For every $300 in donations you bring you receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a new Honda motorcycle.

After registration your group will also want to register their donations with your club. They keep track of all the different clubs that participate, and the top three clubs receive recognition at the post-ride celebration. Last year the top fund-raiser, Scotty's Riders Club, raised $57,000 and the second place club raised $13,000.

There's food (bagels, bread, pastries) and coffee available in the morning and the Victor McLaglen group does a cool stunt show. Then at 9:45am everyone suits up and gets ready to start. I think this year we head down Torrance Blvd. to Catalina, then the Esplanade, then up to PV Blvd, around the peninsula, and straight down Western back to Honda.

The ride ends around 11:30am, and after parking everyone heads back to the tent for a free lunch (from Subway this year) and the celebration. They introduce some of the kids (brain tumor survivors), announce the top fund-raisers, and draw the winning raffle ticket. It ends by around 1pm.

This is one of 40 rides they coordinate across the country every year. The funds raised go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, which raises money for research grants, family support, and college scholarships for children affected by brain tumors. It's a wonderful cause and the spirit at the event is just amazing.

If anyone under 18 wants to participate as a rider or passenger a legal guardian MUST be there to sign the consent form. They don't have to ride with the guardian, we just need the release signed.

Let me know if you need any more info as well. Check out the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/rideforkids
Website: http://www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/calendar/2010/losangeles.html

Thanks!

Cicely Salatino
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501

Vespa Shop Night at the Addidas Store!

The Addidas ORIGINALS Store in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, is releasing a Vespa/Addidas collaboration line on April 1st. THEY HAVE MADE A COUPON AVAILABLE TO ALL READERS OF THE SOCAL SCOOTER NEWSLETTER for a 15% merchandise discount for a "Vespa Shop Night", the evening of April 1st [click here for the coupon]. There will be a DJ spinning, and refreshments provided, as well. Although the party is in the evening, you may go into the store any time that day to use the discount coupon. Below is a sneak peek of some of the Vespa/Addidas items:







I, for one am eying those shoes and jacket. It'd be cool to see what else they will have...

Friday, November 13, 2009

Win a pink Vespa & Diamonds while supporting a worthy cause!

‘V’ is for Victory over Breast Cancer Fertility Challenges at MyVision.org

A pink Vespa, diamonds and Visionary Girls get the (fund-raising) party started

LOS ANGELES – Nov. 12, 2009 – The change of the calendar from October to November doesn’t mean breast cancer research and education comes to a stop. To the contrary: at My Vision, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit agency devoted to preserving the fertility of young women affected by cancer, the fight continues in high gear with a special charity auction of a pink Vespa LX 50, accessorized by a V-shaped diamond necklace. Anyone can bid starting Nov. 12 through Dec. 3, 2009, by visiting www.MyVision.org/Vespa.


One-hundred percent of the online auction proceeds will support My Vision’s unique work. Breast cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in the age 18 to 45 reproductive years. Chemotherapy, surgery and other cancer treatments can make it extremely difficult for a woman to ever have children and can even cause sterility.


“Women have just two to six weeks to consider their fertility options prior to treatment,” said Alice Crisci, founder of My Vision. “And sadly, only 10 percent of oncologists discuss fertility options with their patients. My hope is to give all women a chance to preserve their eggs before undergoing cancer treatment.”


Crisci was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 31. Knowing she wanted to be a mother, she immediately sought answers to her infertility concerns and found very few medical or financial resources to help. Prior to her double mastectomy, she decided to have one round of in vitro fertilization done at the Southern California Reproductive Center. After retrieving 31 eggs, Alice’s doctors where able to preserve 14 frozen embryos with donor sperm from the California Cryobank (CCB) and 11 frozen eggs. Undergoing the fertility process and subsequent cancer treatments inspired Alice to start My Vision.


“At My Vision the letter “V” symbolizes vitality, vision and victory against the disease,” said Crisci. “It also represents Venus the goddess of love, beauty and fertility; so I decided to choose five inspiring breast cancer survivors who personify these characteristics to be our Visionary Girls.”


The Visionary Girls, all of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer in their late 20s to early 40s, are lending their energy to launch the auction and will also star in the 2010 My Vision calendar. Like breast cancer survivors around the world, they come from every walk of life. Lisa Hochberg is a Wharton Business School graduate, business consultant and karaoke lover; Christine Romer is an avid golfer and MBA candidate at Pepperdine University; Sylvie Forrest is a french actress, award-winning sculptor, trained precious jewelry maker, and speaks four languages; Amanda Cassel is a real estate analyst and supporter of Western/Eastern integrated medicine; Ito Maya is a Japanese interpreter; and Alice Crisci is an entrepreneur who frequently lectures and speaks about business topics. Uniting them is a cancer diagnosis that threatened their chances of becoming mothers. My Vision’s mission is to share their success stories with the thousands of women who face similar challenges to motherhood.


The “V” auction begins Nov. 12, 2009, and runs through 3 p.m. EST on Dec. 3, 2009. In addition to the pink Vespa LX 50 and the V-shaped diamond necklace, the winning bidder also receives an autographed, framed photo of all the Visionary Girls. More details can be found on My Vision’s Web site atwww.MyVision.org/Vespa or on Vespa USA’s Web site at www.VespaUSA.com.


About My Vision

My Vision is a breast cancer awareness project of community partners. The charity educates women touched by breast cancer during their reproductive years about the risk chemo poses to their fertility as well as the fertility preservation options available to patients prior to treatment. Founded by Alice Crisci a few weeks after her own cancer diagnosis, My Vision is a nonprofit organization that relies on the support of private donors to help protect the vision of each young woman's future when she is diagnosed with breast cancer or learns she carries the breast cancer gene. For more information visit their Web site at www.MyVision.org.


About the Piaggio Group

Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, and based in Pontedera (Pisa), Italy, the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 708,000 vehicles in 2007, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in more than 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.

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Media Contact:

For Vespa USA

Elke Martin

770.649.0880 x 305

emartin@brandwaregroup.com

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

South Bay SC in a NY Times article!!

Well, two weeks and two different articles where the South Bay Scooter Club was mentioned in the month of October. The newest article came out in the October 22 printing of the famed New York Times!! It appeared on Page F12 of the Automobile section. An overall article about scootering, the South Bay SC had a quick mention, and some cool photos of the club were shown, to highlight the article, written by Dexter Ford. To check it out online, click this link. The article also appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, at this link, though it does not have the accompanying photos online.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

South Bay Scooter Club featured in Beach Magazine!

The South Bay Scooter Club has been featured in an article in the Easy Reader's "Beach" Magazine this week. If you live in the South Bay, you can pick one up at any newstand (included inside the Easy Reader), or download the PDF version here. The article and accompanying photos are on pages 26 & 27.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Vespa supports fight against breast cancer!

This just in from Vespa USA:

Vespa Pink Campaign Supports Fight Against Breast Cancer

A partnership with Lifetime Networks helps boost fund-raising horsepower for
a diverse group of non-profit agencies passionate about changing breast
cancer statistics

NEW YORK – Sept. 9, 2009 – The next time you see a distinctively pink Vespa
zooming by, it might just be one of the Vespa LX 50 scooters that more than
a dozen non-profit agencies devoted to battling breast cancer are adding to
their autumn Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives. Through a partnership with
Lifetime Networks’ 15th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
campaign, “Stop Breast Cancer for Life: The Power of 15,” Vespa USA
(www.vespausa.com), is bringing a boost of extra horsepower to each of the
participating agencies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Month programs by donating a
limited-edition pink Vespa. Each agency, from internationally known
organizations like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Dr. Susan
Love Research Foundation to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, My Vision
Foundation, BreastCancer.org and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, is creating
its own unique Vespa-fueled fund-raising initiative, from online auctions to
special events and membership incentives.

“In today’s economy, people are being more and more selective about how they
donate, which means we are always considering creative ways to connect with
new audiences,” said Dr. Susan Love, President of the Dr. Susan Love
Research Foundation. “While the color pink is now universally associated
with breast cancer awareness, simply being aware is not enough. Our mission
is to move breast cancer beyond a cure and we are doing it by recruiting one
million women nationwide to sign up and be part of our Army of Women
initiative. We welcome Vespa to our arsenal and plan to use our pink Vespa
to ignite all women to reach out and recruit every woman in their life to
sign up and be part of the movement to find the cause and prevent breast
cancer once and for all.”

The Vespa Pink Campaign invites all current and future scooter fans to
actively participate in one or all the Breast Cancer Awareness Month
programs. The agencies adding a pink Vespa to their October fund-raising
initiatives are: Breast Cancer Network of Strength, The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation, BreastCancer.org, Bright Pink, Cup With Love, Dr. Susan
Love Research Foundation, The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure, My Vision Foundation, Nueva Vida, Prevent Cancer
Foundation, SHARE and the Young Survival Coalition.

Since its post-World War II debut in Italy, Vespa has been a symbol of
freedom – a perfect match for the organizations whose mission it is to help
the millions of women and men touched by the disease to prevent, manage and
survive its indiscriminate reach. Prior to the launch of October’s Vespa
Pink Campaign, Vespa USA dealers already ordered 1,000 limited-edition pink
Vespa LX 50s, some of which were purchased by local supporters of breast
cancer-related causes. Vespa aims to build on the popularity of the retail
models by offering the donated scooters as a platform for catching the eyes
– and donation dollars – of even more supporters.

“There are so many unique needs in the fight against breast cancer, and
we’re happy to play a small part in helping these agencies get the word out
about their special work,” said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio
Group Americas. “For instance, Nueva Vida’s efforts focus on the Latina
community, Breast Cancer Network of Strength provides information from a
survivor’s perspective and the Young Survival coalition is devoted to
education and supporting young women affected by breast cancer – these
organizations and their missions are as diverse as the people who ride
Vespas.”

Here is the current list of charity events and activities that feature a
pink Vespa LX 50:

• Breast Cancer Network of Strength www.networkofstrength.org will host an
event on October 6 at the Hard Rock Café in Chicago, IL;

• BreastCancer.org will host an event in Philadelphia November 14 with
Fuelthecure.net;

• The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s www.bcrfcure.org auction,
including the pink Vespa LX 50, goes live on charitybuzz.com September 29
and ends October 22, 2009;

• Bright Pink www.BeBrightPink.org will list its pink Vespa on eBay during
the month of October with eBay’s Giving Works;

• Cup with Love www.cupwithlove.org will conduct a raffle from October 1 –
31, 2009

• Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation www.dslrf.org will launch a social
media contest titled “How Would You Recruit an Army of Women?,” October
through November, 2009;

• The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.komennyc.org will offer the Vespa as a reward incentive to fundraisers
who exceed their Komen NYC
Race for the Cure pledge goals between September 14 and October 31;

• My Vision Foundation www.myvision.org make a minimum $100 donation through
October for a chance to win the pink Vespa LX 50;

• Nueva Vida www.nueva-vida.org will conduct a raffle from September 23
through October 31;

• Prevent Cancer Foundation www.preventcancer.org Sign up for “Screen Your
Boobs” alerts through October and participants are automatically entered to
win the pink Vespa;

• SHARE’s www.sharecancersupport.org sixth annual “A Second Helping of Life”
tasting and live auction event features leading female chefs and chance to
bid on the pink Vespa LX 50. The event is scheduled for September 21, 2009
from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Tickets can be
purchased by calling (212) 719-0364, ext. 239;

• Young Survival Coalition www.youngsurvival.org Through November 16, become
a “fan” on the Young Survival Coalition’s Facebook page and you can have a
chance to win the pink Vespa LX 50;

Vespa USA will announce the final details concerning each of the charities’
pink Vespa fundraising initiatives during the middle of September.
Information about the charities and their programs can also be found on the
Vespa USA Web site (www.VespaUSA.com).

For 15 years, Lifetime’s Stop Breast Cancer for Life initiative has been
dedicated to offering women the most up-to-date, comprehensive information
about breast cancer. Lifetime has also collected more than 24 million
petition signatures on myLifetime.com, and for 13 years has fought to urge
Congress to pass the bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act. The
bi-partisan bill would end the practice of “drive-through mastectomies,”
which refers to the practice where women are sometimes forced to leave the
hospital just hours after invasive breast surgery.

Breast cancer affects everyone. This year alone, 192,370 new cases of
invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States.
It is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 54, and almost
half of all Vespa riders are women. A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer
every three minutes and the disease claims a life every 13 minutes. These
women are mothers, sisters, wives – but breast cancers also directly touches
men. Every year almost 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and 440
will die.

About The Piaggio Group:

Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera (Pisa), Italy,
the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor
vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than
650,000 vehicles in 2008, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in
Europe and Asia, and operations in more than 50 countries, the Piaggio Group
has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The
company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc
displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi,
Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three-
and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo
ranges. For more information about Piaggio USA, visit: www.piaggiousa.com.


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Contact:
Elke Martin
For Vespa USA
770.649.0880
emartin@brandwarepr.com