Back in Action....

"Keyboard?"
"Check!"
"Monitor?"
"Check!"
"Blogger interface?"
"Check!"
"Motivation?"
"Check!"
"All systems go - and start blogging..... now!"

It seems that this is my regular blogging behaviour nowadays - blogging around whatever adventures I have during the summer and then nothing for the rest of the year. I will try to change that but there are no guarantees....

Today's post is divided into three parts - past, present and future (sounds like my Grade 10 French class).

During the last year, I have ridden my wonderful Vespa GTS 250 a lot. We have moved from two cars to one so the Vespa is currently my main mode of transportation. Many trips have been taken to Vancouver or points East or down to White Rock. Through it all, my Vespa has run very well - no problems with the engine or performance on the road.

The one minor problem was my battery which took a bit of figuring. The problem was my Vespa was becoming hard to start - not typical at all. I ended up having to give it some gas while starting it up - not cool! Finally, I killed the battery trying to get it to start and had to walk it home, humiliated, from school.

I charged up the battery with a charger bought from Canadian Tire and took it to Vespa Metro and the mechanic was very helpful. It turns out that the low battery affected the performance of the fuel pump which made it hard to start. After installing the new battery, the Vespa started like a dream and I haven't had a problem since.

Interestingly, when I questioned the mechanic if I should get another oil change, he responded that I should stick with the maintenance schedule and not bother changing the oil too frequently. Surprised!

I have ordered a GoPro camera and a Ram Mount. I want to try some footage both on the scooter and on my bicycle. I just wish it would hurry up and get here from Mississauga, Ontario!

Planning my long distance trip. I'm looking at going to Longview, WA for my first leg - 7 hours or so which is similar to my ride to Aberdeen last year. It would mean a really early departure but would be a good long ride. Additionally, once I get there, I can sing the Green Day song as I wander the streets.

During day two, I plan to go to Mt. St. Helen's and see the volcano. It's still smoking and gasping, so I won't be that close but should make for some nice pics. After that, I will head to Seattle.

My final day, day three, I will head north from Seattle through Whidbey Island on a route that I took the other way on the LX50 a few years ago. I will make sure that I stop by and pick up some duty free on the way home.....

I was hoping that my GoPro camera would be here in time, but it looks like the expected date is next Tuesday and I want to head out this weekend. The weather is nice and my wife is visiting her sister so I will have to go Pro-less this weekend.

I have to say, as always when I am planning a trip like this, I'm a little bit excited!