They Facebooked it
Meetin’ and geetin’ in Duvall, Wash. (Orin O’Neill photos)
I can’t decide if this story is an example of the power of social media, or one of the tendency of people in Seattle to go “OMG THE SUN’S OUT! WE’VE GOT TO GO DO SOMETHING!!!
The weather in these parts has been great, featuring a near-record string of warm, sunny, dry days (which ended Sunday night at 48, three short of the record). Great riding weather, for sure, especially with lots of new groups forming, and lots of new rides.
Red Pepper Pizzeria was the meetup spot
One of those new groups rides Ruckuses in eastern King County. The idea of a meet ‘n greet for local scooterists was hatched, the first one succeeding in introducing riders to one another. “How ’bout a ride?” someone suggested for the next one, and that went over well.
This time, Roti created an even on Facebook.
Finding an analogy for how that went over is difficult. Spread like wildfire (lots of those in eastern Washington at the moment)? Grew like kudzu (no, this isn’t the South)? Went viral (sounds like a disease)?
No matter what analogy you choose, this thing got very big in a very short period of time. Not that anyone was complaining.
The group of scooters was quite diverse. Lots of Rucks, and a fair number of tricked-out Zumas, too. “The Ruckus is such a great blank canvas,” noted Roti about the popularity of Honda’s naked scooter. That it is. Lots of clubs represented, too.
What impressed me most was how organized the ride was. There were lots of blockers, and while the route was long, there were well-spaced regroup points along the way. 50cc-friendly was most certainly NOT an empty phrase on this day. Heck, I can’t remember the last time there was a pre-ride meeting on any ride I’ve been on.
However, I could not go on this one, not having a scooter and all.
I do find interesting the growing interest in 50cc scooters; in Bellingham the 2UP SC attracted several new folks on small-bore bikes for a recent Saturday ride. While low prices and fewer requirements for 50s are surely an attractive point, lots will do ~50 mph out of the box, or with a very small amount of tweaking.
Oh, and the weather folks say we’re in an El Niño pattern. Another meet ‘n greet in Duvall in October may be quite possible. 
You can see lots more pix on Facebook
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So its true – you can’t have too much sunshine? I hope you get back on two wheels soon. I hate not riding so I empathize.
Dear Orin:
My jeans have more than 50ccs. Neat ride report.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads
And there is that Morphus again!!
Yeah trying desperately to keep a club going in this town, the only new riders seem to be on 50cc. They are however more passionate about riding and every day riders at that.