Today I took a ride on my scooter out down south of Livermore on Mines Rd. You can see the route I took here. It ended up being about 70 miles roundtrip – which was the longest ride I’ve gone on yet. One thing I learned was if you’re going on a ride that long in the blaring sun – it’s probably wise to put on sunscreen or else you end up with a pretty good burn, which is what I think I got. And because of my gloves, I have some sweet tan lines now. The road was pretty twisty and so I was being pretty cautious on the ride out. The speed limit was 45mph but I was probably going around 25mph, and I was lucky to not really encounter any traffic so I could take my time, feel comfortable on the bike and not hold up traffic.
It was a really beautiful ride out in the mountains south of Livermore, and I put some photos up here that you can take a look at. The highlight of the ride was being pulled over by 3 cops in 2 police cars. I rode by a bunch of cops out in the middle of nowhere, toward the end of my ride, and then all of a sudden they came up behind me with their lights on. I couldn’t figure out what in the world I was being pulled over for. And our conversation went something like this:
- Police Officer: You from around these parts?
- Adam: No, sir. Just out for a ride.
- Police Officer: Hmm, a ride with no license plate huh? Can you explain that to me?
- Adam: Oh yes. Sorry. I just bought this last week and the DMV hasn’t sent a plate yet – but I can show you my registration and information.
- Police Officer: Yes, that’d be good. [Looks at information] Okay – no problem.
- Adam: I mean – it’s okay for me to be out here, right?
- Police Officer: Oh yes….of course it is. Where you from?
- Adam: Livermore – was just going for a ride today.
- Police Officer: So….nice ride. Is that gas or electric?
- Adam: Oh. It’s gas.
- Police Officer: [Walking over and taking a look at my scooter] This is very cool…150cc huh?
- Adam: Yes. It is fun.
- Police Officer: [Still looking at scooter] Very nice…
- Adam: [Debates asking police officer if it’s okay if I get a picture of him ‘pretending’ to arrest me…I decide not to]
- Police Officer: Alright – well. This might happen again until you get a plate.
- Adam: Okay – that’s fine. Have a good day.
- Police Officer: Enjoy your ride…
I really enjoyed the feel of the open road (again, it feels so cliché to say that – but still – it was). It was great – minus the burn that I’ll have tomorrow. Although, there are times that I forget I’m riding on a scooter. Earlier today I posted a “Scooter Confession” that I thought perhaps you should see:
For example: take the photo at the top – Sarah got a good laugh at it when I showed her – I think when I took the photo I was having one of my “wait – is this a scooter or a Harley” moments…? I’m looking forward to my next long ride (though I’ll keep my long-sleeved shirt on I think – less glove tan lines and burn. So, it’s been over a week and I’m still really enjoying the scooter. Oh, and did I mention that my scooter got 81mpg?
