MAINE: my final frontier. These are the voyages of the Scooter Vespa 250 i.e. Super. Its continuing mission - to explore America's most heavily forested state - to roam the vast coastline, numberless lakes, and mighty mountains. To boldly go where no scooter has gone before!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Well, it seemed like a good idea...

It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny, dry roads, so Mike and I rode down to Biddeford, then back up through Old Orchard Beach. So inviting was that marvelous seven-mile-long stretch of golden sand that I decided that riding right on down to the sea was a really good idea.

It wasn't

Mike examined the situation with a straight face - for about 30 seconds. If laughter is the best medicine, Mike won't be sick for a decade, so great was his giggle fit.

It took the two of us about 10 minutes to wiggle, jiggle, lift and coax the Vespa to safety

I'm sure this will a funny to me as it was to Mike, and to Kathy, one day. I'll let you know.

 

20 comments:

  1. Not only Mike and Kathy will be healthy...Chris and I are busting a gut down here. Glad you both dug it out safely.

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    Replies
    1. Lori,

      Safely, yes - but I'm still shaking sand out of my helmet!

      Tom

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  2. Oilburner wanted to add:

    1. You obviously didn't reach escape velocity
    2. It's a good thing tide didn't come in
    3. Do Vespa's float?

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    Replies
    1. Chris,

      Not - but damn close, I must say

      The tide was coming in, and I told Mike that if we couldn't get it out soon, I was going to put a "For Sale" on the Vespa and walk home

      Regarding floating scooters, I hope I've learned my lesson and won't be riding close enough to water for it to become an issue

      Tom

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  3. Thomas:

    Lucky thing you were wearing all your riding gear. That way you can remain anonymous.

    think of it this way, we are laughing with you, not at you

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

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    Replies
    1. Bob,

      Well, the things that happen at Old Orchard Beach don't stay on the Beach. Plus, my name is on the blog...

      But I'm pleased that my predicament produced laughs for others, and will in time tickle my own funny bone.

      Tom

      Delete
  4. Some day you'll look back and laugh and laugh.

    Bikes and scooters are always harder to push with all that gear on too. At least you got some exercise. What else would you have been doing right?

    The things you endure to amuse your adoring readers (fans).....thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Trobairitz,

      Thank you for the very kind words. True, we got our exercise, but I blew the benefit when Mike and I stopped for lunch.

      I treated myself to a non-diet Moxie, a grilled corned beef sandwich, and French fries. Mike had a muffin and coffee, on me, for he did after save the day!

      Tom

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  5. I've only done the clam thing a few times but we used shovels and I don't remember ever finding them arranged in nice straight lines.

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    1. Coop,

      I haven't checked, but I think clamming with a Vespa is illegal. Well, no matter, for I won't be doing it again.

      Tom

      Delete
  6. You must be used to being stuck. And it seems to me, not too long ago Mike was toying with his scooter in the snow...

    However, it does point out my complaint that any scooter of considerable weight for me will be very difficult or impossible to push (if needed) on anything other than pavement. And it took you two hardy men to drag that Vespa to safety. Looks like it was a lovely day, though.

    Thanks for that illustration of my point. ;^ )

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    Replies
    1. Martha,

      Actually, I'm more used to getting lost than stuck! Regarding bike size, you're certainly wise to avoid something to big and heavy.

      But remember, scooters aren't designed for the beach!

      Tom

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  7. that is kinda funny..:-). I'll be sure not to try it!

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  8. Patricia,

    I am pleased that my little adventure has convinced other riders not to explore sand riding! But while it lasted, I was really enjoying every short second.

    What I would have done had I reached the sea, I will never know, but I'm determined to let some other scooterer find out.

    Tom

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  9. You guys are so funny!!!!!!!!!! Wish I was there to laugh my butt off too! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Tina,

      Thank you - but I'm very glad that the beach was sparsely populated on that day. The fewer the merrier, I always say.

      Tom

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  10. Yeah that is way too funny. So sorry about it though its an incredible adventure. I hope you guys succeeded in pulling the bike out safely.(Motorcycle Street Bikes)

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    1. Janet,

      We did get it out of sand, with Mike, who is a slender gentleman, riding and laughing, while I, twice Mike's size, pushed and sobbed. It took a while, and we had to stop several times for Mike to regain control of his emotions.

      Tom

      Delete
  11. Sorry to be late to the party.

    Still, I laughed.

    The laws of low ground clearance can be a bitch!

    ~Keith

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  12. Keith,

    It's not only the laws of low clearance that I broke - it's illegal to drive or ride a motor vehicle on the beach. Oddly, though, it is not illegal to ride a horse on the beach.

    Well, I won't be doing that again, and I am afraid of heights, so the horse adventure is out of the question.

    Tom

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