Auf Wiedersehen, Barbara

We are sad to say goodbye to a vital Battalion member. Barbara has moved back to her native Austria to be with her family. She showed all of us (especially the boys) a thing or two about fast riding and scooter mechanics. Riding vintage Vespas and going to rallies all over Europe (and more recently Texas) is something Babara has enjoyed for over 15 years. Although I am sad to say goodbye, I look forward to scooting through the vineyards of her hometown next year. Thank you, Barbara, for being a dedicated friend and leader. You will be missed by all of us.

The ScooterScoop also posted a goodbye blog. To visit click here.

Crazy House Ride Video

We have some professional filmmakers among the Battalion! This one comes from Aaron a.k.a. Mr. Projector.

It was a Crazy House Ride

Is it just me or are the rides getting better and better??? Thanks again to Dmitry for hosting the tour and Barbara for creating the route. We visited 4 unusual houses and met one unusual Flower Man. It was also great to see our friends from the Scooter Club of the Golden Triangle, who rode out from Beaumont. You can view photos of this ride in our July gallery. If you have any other cool ideas for future routes, please let me know.

Learning Scooter Safety the Hard Way

I was hit by a drunk driver at 2:30 AM last Saturday. Not only was he drunk but also on his cell phone and in a large SUV. Triple Whammy! I am OK, just some bruises and aches, but the Emily is Strange scoot has some serious damage. I was wearing my helmet and a jean jacket which saved me from some serious road rash. Unfortunately, the drunk driver took off before the police arrived, but I did get the license plate number. Since the police could not find him that night, he was only charged with leaving the scene of a major accident. Good thing I have a great attorney.

To help prevent accidents like these:
* Always wear you helmet, protective clothing, and closed toe shoes!
* Make sure you are visible. Wear reflective jackets or buy a cheap safety vest for night riding.
* Ride in groups.
* Avoid the drunks on the road during peak hours (Fri & Sat from 12 - 4 AM).

If you are in an accident, immediately follow these steps in order:
1) write down their license plate number
2) call 911 and say you need an ambulance (no matter how you feel) (EMT will arrive much faster than the police)
3) ID the driver and write down DL #
4) exchange insurance info.
5) get witnesses!

We have created a post on the HSB Forum where you can vent about anything scooter related. Tell us about the time you almost got hit by a car. How you can't stand the "cagers." If you have some beef, a story, or something you just want to share....click here

July 1st Ride Canceled

Today's ride is canceled due to inclement weather. The Crazy House Ride is rescheduled for July 8th, meeting at 3 PM at Beer Island.

If you still want to get out of the house and socialize today, a few of us will be at Beer Island for burgers and drinks only.