day three: 149 miles, 1 dead Vespa.
Published by Crystal August 22nd, 2007 in Long Haul to the Last Mile Ride.So, our day started out pretty well, considering I was so tired that we got a later start than we had planned. We only got lost once and ended up somehow on the expressway to the Wilkes-Barre airport, but soon got back on track. It took quite awhile to get through the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area and once we were out of town, the roads were clear, there was no rain, the riding was easy, and the scenery was beautiful.
We had a great lunch at Henry’s Drive-In, “the biggest little diner in Afton,” and met George and friends.
149 miles into our day, though, as I pulled up to a stop light, my Vespa ET4 died. It didn’t sputter or cough, it just stopped and I couldn’t get it started again. Pascal went off to search for help, and found Pete, one of the owners of the local Arctic Cat shop who is also a motorcycle mechanic. While they were on their way back to rescue my scooter and replace the spark plug (the original suspect), I discovered that the fuel line and vacuum lines both were pretty frazzled. Pete replaced them, but it turns out that they weren’t the culprit. The spark plug appeared fine, but it wouldn’t spark. After at least a couple of hours of trying everything he could think of, Pete decided that the only thing it could be is something electrical, like the CDI or other culprit. Basically, I’m out of luck.
We all think Pete went way beyond the call of duty trying to help us out, and can’t thank him enough.
Pascal and Susan are fast asleep while I’m posting this. They need the sleep, since they’ll be continuing the Long Haul ride tomorrow and hopefully will hit Randolph in the late afternoon. I’ll be waiting with my Vespa for Dwayne to pick us up on Friday. I’m trying not to feel too sad, telling myself that it’s not about me, or the ride - it’s about remembering Shod, and raising money for the cause. The actual ride is the luxury part, and it’s been a good one, even considering the rain and the scooter problem. So I hope you’ll join me in cheering on Pascal and Susan as they hit the road in the morning, and help me cheer on the riders on Saturday at the Last Mile Ride.
Hey Crystal,
Sorry on hearing about your Vespa issue but good wishes to Soozn and Pascal on their continuation for a safe journey forward for a good cause.
Good wishes to you, Susan, and Pascal.
Phil
Crystal…you are a real trooper. Poor you and poor Rosa. I hope you get her fixed up. If you were in NJ I could lend you my LX to finish your journey.
BUMMER, Crystal!! I have to admire your pluck to take this hit so bravely and cheer the others on. Hoping you get that Vespa fixed fast and can ride for Shod when you get to Vermont with Dwayne. I’ll still be rooting for you all.
That’s a total drag about your scoot. Well if you can’t get it fixed for the Saturday ride Beth and I will be there to cheer along with you.
damn! well, it’s good that your partners can continue the ride for you and that you’re not stranded in the wilderness somewhere!
get home safe.
Oh, Crystal, that is just awful! Wish I could hop in the car and bring you my Buddy to finish the ride. What a heartbreaking development.
Darn, I am so sorry to hear about your Vespa and the end to your ride
Good luck to Pascal and Susan!! Look forward to hearing about their journey.
Oh no!!!!!!!! That’s just awful!!!!!