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Today was a perfect day to take L’Azzura out for a spin to the local market. Inevitably, riding a scooter attracts a lot of attention these days since America discovered that gas can costs real money. Since you always get asked the same question, I compiled a list with answers for those of you with Vespa envy.

Can you go on the freeway?

Yes you can. The LX150 is a 150 cc engine that can go up to 65 mph. The question is why would you? The whole point is to have fun and discover local roads, not get stuck on 4 lanes of bumper to bumper traffic.

How many miles do you get?

About 60-65 miles per gallon. The tank capacity is 2 gallons.

How much does it cost?

The MSRP for a Vespa LX150 is $4,299

Where can you get it?

North America Vespa Dealers

Oh and by the way, you need a motorcycle license to ride it.

I’ve recently published the first installment of a series of posts about Songbird’s path to Agility. Check it out and get out of your own waterfall.

On Saturday I completed a big training ride with Joe. It concluded with about 85 miles and 9,000 feet of climbing. I felt pretty good at the end and was amazed to be getting somewhat of a second wind during the last climb up OLH. I’m starting to think that I might be ready enough to finish the Death Ride, but yet again, I don’t know where I’ll get what it takes to tack on another 40 miles and 6,000 feet. It was pretty exhilarating to realize that our training ride is now somewhat comparable to an average supported Century. I was amazed that it only took a couple of bars, some dates and of course one mandatory massive cinnamon bun from the bakery at Norm’s Market in Pescadero to fuel me.

If grinding uphill early morning on Old La Honda wasn’t tough enough training, doing it while drafting behind a garbage truck makes it even worse. After several hundred painful feet of being engulfed in the foul smell, I finally was able to maneuver around it. At that point, I was determined to not be caught up, so I cranked harder. Flashbacks of Duel played in my head at every screech and clunk emerging from behind me. All in all, not so such a bad motivation. Certainly better than coming face to face with the stopped truck while zipping around a corner on your way down. I’m looking forward to do it again next Friday.