P.E.A.C.E Scooter here, on West Coast

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 5:32 pm

Hey all
Well, the journey continues...I am finally on the friendly West Coast after 6,200 miles.

Just want to reach out and see if any riders along my route would like to meet up-show me your town or ride out with me.
I am leaving Seattle today, the first rainy day since my arrival on Friday, and heading to Portland. There are many great things to do in Portland, but I need to get some miles behind me.
I plan on leaving Thursday (Friday at the latest) for Eugene.
Then I cut over to the Coast via 101, this part of the ride ROCKS! I will be along the Coast all the way to Long Beach, CA.
Updates are posted on www.peacescooter.com, under "Routes/ETA's"

Been meaning to post more over here about Scooter performance, routes, road conditions, gas stations, etc.-but I am keeping a little log with info. to be posted later or if anyone has questions. My Buddy125, Audrey, has impressively tackled all kinds of terrain and weather conditions. We took on at least a 6,000 feet elevation mountain pass the other day, and GPS had her at 45-a good climb with all my gear.

Anyhow, hope livin' is good for all!
Ride ON!
Alix

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 1:42 am

Alix,

Over the last couple of weeks I've checked out some of your photos. Looks like it has been an awesome trip. You have seen so much and visited some historic places. Thanks for sharing it with us! How was the ride through Leavenworth? I love that area. You'll also love the ride down the coast of CA on 101. Looking forward to reading your thoughts and outcomes at the end of the ride. God's peace to you as you finish your journey!

MonsterGirl · Post by **MonsterGirl** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 4:26 am

I hope you had a good visit in Seattle, despite the rain, and found some tickets to Bumbershoot! Have a safe ride down to Portland and Eugene, it's all beautiful down there!

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:39 pm

Rain, what rain?

No rain until the day I left for Portland. Hadn't needed the raingear for quite some time....

Did get to see Bumbershoot, exchanged volunteer work for a ticker. 3 hours in the am for a $35 tix.

Leavenworth-yes, who knew a Bavarian village existed there in the mountains of W. Washington? Charming little place, it looked like it was made of candy. I wonder if the person who created the Bavarian concept was a woodworker? Woodworkers there must make a lot of money. I love that all the big corps have to modify their signage into a Bavarian font. Very funny.
Anyways, the drive from Wenatachee to Seattle was truly one of the best yet.

Yes- me and Audrey can't wait to hit the Ocean Route, 101, after visiting Eugene. To think of it, I haven't seen an ocean all summer, so this will be nice. I love the Pacific!

Ride On!

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:02 pm

It's a beautiful, sunny day in Portland. This more than makes up for the ride yesterday. I felt ill equipped with the STP bike route directions, google directions and AAA map. Mainly, roads were not clearly marked. Traffic was horrible around Kent. I considered driving on sidewalks versus sucking up exhaust, but restrained myself. Rain started falling and I drove well into the dark night. But, I did see my first ever double rainbow, complete arc, in the town of Centralia. And now I am in P-land until Friday.

Cheers

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:44 am

Enjoy Portland - a great city! Will you be able to ride through the wine country around Salem on your way south? That's a nice area too. Can't wait to see your photos from this leg of the trip and along the coast of Oregon.

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:07 pm

Finally made over the state line into California. Today I'm in Arcata. Will be in San Fransisco by thursday or friday. The drive down the coast will be a bit of a hustle, been on the road more than 2 months now.
Anyone around?

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:13 pm

Alix— I know you're destined for San Luis Obispo, then heading down to Long Beach. Is your route planned yet? Would love to meet you if possible as you come through LA.

Also, there's a rally in Santa Barbara Sept. 21-23 if you'll be in that area:
http://www.vesparados.com/rally/index.html

Lots of scooterists riding up from LA or down from the north.

jaded · Post by **jaded** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 3:23 am

If you are in SF Thursday evening, the San Francisco Scooter Girls will be having a meeting and would love you to join us and share your experiences.
We meet at the Homestead, Folsom and 19th, at 7:15 pm. The meeting is open to all.

redcass · Post by **redcass** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:13 pm

I recently visited Oregon for the first time, and I think it's the most beautiful place in our country--I love all the trees and mountains. I've also enjoyed your site updates. What a great trip!

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 11:33 pm

So, any suggestions about this Bridge? It's windy and shaky from what I remember, from a cage perspective.

How many ride it on their Buddy125? Is it steel grated?

It looks like I have to go through some big re routing if I don't take it.

Lemme know soon, will arrive SF tomorrow!

Peace
Alix

jaded · Post by **jaded** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:23 am

Alix B wrote:So, any suggestions about this Bridge? It's windy and shaky from what I remember, from a cage perspective.

How many ride it on their Buddy125? Is it steel grated?

It looks like I have to go through some big re routing if I don't take it.

Lemme know soon, will arrive SF tomorrow!

Peace
Alix

Are you talking the Bay Bridge or Golden Gate?
They are both do-able on the Buddy, both windy, some grating. Bay Bridge is very long with more traffic.

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:06 am

Do the Golden Gate - speed limit is only 45 (I think) and a lot shorter than the Bay Bridge. It won't feel quite as much like a freeway. Plus, it's just a lot sweeter to cross on the GG on a trip like yours. I'd rather deal with the wind at slower speeds than the speeding traffic on the BB. You might want to ask this question over on ModernVespa.com. There are several Bay Area riders over there that have bridge experience.

I know you're thinking "Why is a guy in Cincinnati giving me advice on bridges in SF?" I grew up a little south of SF and moved away just a few years ago.

Enjoy the City!

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:31 am

Here's some of the discussion about crossing bridges in the Bay Area from ModernVespa. Sounds like there are several pros and cons for either.

http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9682

http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1981

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 4:50 am

Cool. I was comfortable assuming you might have lived somewhere besides Cincinnati! Thanks for the tips. Looks like the GG is my bridge!

Peace
ALix

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:28 pm

Anyone located along the Prescoot, Sedona, Flagstaff AZ route?
From Flagstaff I scoot on over to Santa Fe.
WOuld love some couches to sleep on, or even just a backyard to pitch my tent.
ANd scooter company always welcomed!
Peace!
Alix

hit 8,500 miles. Who else has such high mileage on their Buddy?

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 12:53 am

Um, I have 12,600 miles on mine...

--Keys

jperkins · Post by **jperkins** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:48 am

yeah, 8,500 not really that high....I have a car and another scooter and have over 6,000 on mine.

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:55 am

yeah. i just re read my post. i guess it could sound like i'm bragging. thats not what i meant. most mechanics around the country just say they haven't seen that mileage on a Buddy. It's a lot for 2 months though.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 4:35 pm

And that's pretty much 2 months of doing little but riding! It is quite an accomplishment, Alix.

Sorry I missed you on your way through SoCal. My job is taking over my life! Dang.

Modern Buddy