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Reunited and it feels so good

So where has my scooter been for 6 weeks? Did anything happen to it?
Nope. Something happened to my sanity without having it to ride for 6 weeks, but that’s another story. Today I was reunited with Audre.
As a flashback for y’all, my trip started and ended in Washington D.C. and my family and friends were still in VA. That meant I was still 1,000 miles from Maine, where I moved before the trip.

My partner and the kid met me at the finish line and wanted me to ride home with them. Understood. That and I was exhausted. I felt pretty lucky I just covered 22,683 miles without incident. I didn’t want to push my luck–I started imagining a crappy ending to the whole thing. I was told to ship it home and so I did.

That said, today J showed up at the house, heard the situation and got N to loan me his truck. 3 hours later I was in Boston. They loaded the crate into the truck. 3 hours later we were back home and dove into the crate.

MAD PROPS TO SCOOT RICHMOND. They are heroic. They built a crate to withstand a hurricane. They said I would need a crowbar–but really it took a drill. After popping off one side, there she was–Audre.

And she was nestled in so snug, with brilliant reinforcement at every compromising point. Really, the thought that went into the crate was obvious–topped off with two huge spray painted Peace signs.

On top of it, I find a glove compartment organizer decked out with Peace signs, a surprise from Rob Taylor. THANKS ROB!!!

The four of us realized that even if we tossed the crate out of the truckbed–the contents would be fine. But, of course, we just gingerly slid the back end off, and then drove the truck forward for the remaining part to slide off. Easy Peasey.

20 minutes later, after sawing through the reinforcements and releasing the tires–Audre was free.

I checked the oil, poured in some gas. Tried to start her–no diggity.
I checked the fuel valve and it was undone. Put it together, tightened the clamps. Attempted start again, no luck.

For some reason, after loosening the nut above the fuel valve, she started.

And the back tire spun like a caged Kentucky Derby horse pawing the ground. After a 10 minute warm up–the jacket, gloves, and helmet were on and we were off.

It was a chilly, short and BLISSFUL ride home. So good to finally have all my things in one place. It’s the first time I’ve ridden here in Maine, and I’m glad to have a couple weeks of decent weather left to explore.

N was also a hero today, probably because he rides a motorcycle and can empathize with my withdrawals–he helped unload tonight. Did the majority of it actually.

I think he wants me to teach his lady to ride my scooter so she can get one!!!!
Thanks Scoot Richmond. That was an impressive piece of work!
Look forward to those final posts–I’ve had writers block without the scoot!
Finally, all is good again.

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Countdown is on

My friends, a package containing 2,000 postcards arrived on Friday. 2,000 PostcardsThat just so happened to start the clock ticking-the official 4 week countdown has now started. When they arrived I had a total rush of excitement. Wow, this is really going to happen in just one month. I remember how astounded I was last year-giddy and delirious from just 40 days of planning.

While I don’t feel like there is a moment to spare, I also don’t feel panicked. Fortunately, worked ended for me on Monday. I have now joined the ranks of broke Peace crusaders.

Things are coming together in quite an amazing way. Definitely want to thank everyone who is dropping by to check out the page. Wondering how people are hearing about it? Sadly, a few people have written to tell me I’m missing their town/state. I know, I know. The U.S. map is a bit unwieldy to create a peace sign and visit every state. My apologies to those whom I won’t meet, but stay tuned through the website and let your friends/family know about it.

Of course this year I’ve enjoyed having months to plan ahead. While many sponsorship requests have gone unanswered, some very fine people have jumped on board to donate needed supplies. Today my community Whole Foods sent me a letter confirming their willingness (and joy) to prepare me a care package. This means that I can save expenses on food, but most importantly, I can keep eating healthy. Last year my nutrition suffered a little, so their gift is a great comfort. They have generously offered a $100 gift card, coffee, soap, lotion, trail mix, multi-vitamins, and Liquid Braggs. It’s exciting news!

I might as well go ahead and announce that raffles will start next week. One of my main sponsors, Scooterworks, has agreed to provide prizes once a week, more than half the money raised will be donated. Don’t forget that P.E.A.C.E Scooter 08 has a goal to raise $1 per 1 mile driven. New raffles will go up weekly, starting Monday. Winners will be drawn every Sunday, the ENTIRE 12 weeks that I am riding! Now the raffle that starts next week will run for 2 weeks and there is a variety of prizes in the mix. A sneak peek you ask? Sure.

A garmin GPS, but that’s the only surprise I will unveil as of yet. Trust me, there are some sweet prizes that have been kindly donated from a few people-even from a swell guy all the way over in Brussels.

Big thanks to those offering places to stay and to all the lovely town folk here in Cville trying to contact their friends around the country. The past week I’ve stopped often to reflect on just how great my hometown is. Many people have come forward with encouragement and big hugs that just set me blushing.
And they’ve come forward with press and donations. Big donations. To be continued…..

Polarized

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Riding with the Shield

Ladies and gents: I am very happy and grateful to announce the GREAT news that Corazzo is supporting P.E.A.C.E Scoot by providing three crucial items for the long miles ahead.

Corazzo never ceases to amaze me. This young company is skyrocketing because their product is “By scooterists for scooterists,” and because it has superior design that all two-wheel riders need. But you know what really finished it all off?? They are all around solid guys/gals. They scoot hard, work hard and have a lot of laughs.

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Each product they design raises the bar in style, function and purpose. If you are new to scooters or are considering buying a scooter, let me emphasize the importance of good gear.

Corazzo offers riding apparel that delivers “abrasion protection, CE rated impact protection and increased visibility while offering an award winning style. In short, our jackets are just as cool in the coffee shop as they are on your bike.”

And that’s a true statement….

I’ve worn my jacket to many a coffeshop…..
Oh and last summer, when I flew off the scooter and slid across gravel-there were no rips. (did I ever mention that to anyone?)

At the last minute before the trip last year, I purchased a 5.0 jacket from Corazzo. I fretted for 2 days that the size would be wrong, or that it wouldn’t arrive in time. No worries, they got it to me, they were encouraging and the jacket was perfect. I’m looking forward to another 9,000 miles in it.

Box of Goodies

I finally reclaimed the Corazzo box from a sketchy neighbor, who had actually OPENED it. While the jerk might have taken away the excitement about opening a package-I’m the one who gets to keep the AMAZING GOODIES INSIDE. Said items are Gloves, Underhoody and Messenger Bag. How did I survive without the messenger bag last year?? I’ll film a little video of me packing it up right before I leave-it has more room than I estimated!!!

The underhoody is excellently constructed. It’s lightweight, it’s soft and there are thumbholes in the sleeves-so it doesn’t get all phooey and caught up when you slip on your jacket.

It’s going to be so useful on those chillier days when the ride must go on. Like all the way up the foggy Pacific Coastal Highway…… all the way up an over to Portland to visit the shop again, hang out with some great peeps and give thanks. Oh, and to challenge a certain salesman to some foozball. Stay tuned for news about other P.E.A.C.E supporters, coming up soon. And ya know, some Genuine props are always in order-America’s Smallest, but Bestest Scooter Company!

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p.e.a.c.e happenings

Warning, there are many plugs in this blog. They all represent good things and people, (except for the part about the sponsor who dissed me) so it is safe and enjoyable to proceed.

Today I met with Brendan, who works at our cutting edge local weekly paper, C-ville news. He had previously expressed interest in covering P.E.A.C.E Scooter. However, true serendipity lies in the fact that the news wanted to cover the recipient of next weeks CLAW tournament. I’m so friggin excited that it’s ME, allowing me a chance to talk about my favorite things; arm wrasslin and peace scootin’. The only downside of the video below is that you can not see the little jack-e-lope over my head-which is stealing my mojo. Can’t explain it-tattoo me, spank me, make me run 5 miles or ride a scooter 20,000-but jack-e-lopes freak me out. Watch for a glimpse of it at the end-if you can take your eyes away from the exciting thumbwrastling match!

Last week I cut a little video trailer for you about the upcoming podcast with Dave Mangano, of SCTRCST.COM. He did a really amazing job, of listening, as I rattle on and on. But there are some pretty hilarious exchanges between us and I hope you take some time to sit back and listen to it. While you are on his site, poke around and explore the other notable podcasts he has up; like interviews with Peter Moore (Vroom with a View) and Matua, from Vespadition.

The past week has yielded some progress with P.E.A.C.E Scoot planning. The grapevine has been buzzing and more kind people are contacting me about housing and even offering donations. The Peace map has seen three new additions this week: Dave Mangano, Steven Davis and Heinz Kramp-thank you all kindly. A friend contacted me and said she has a lawn and I can mow it into a Peace sign. That takes care of North Cackalacky. PJ Chmiel offered up a shiny new 2008 tour postcard that tells the story through last years photos. They should arrive this week.

Three new sponsors have confirmed interest-although I’m not counting the chickens yet. Two weeks ago I had a very promising, great chat with the head distributor from Nolan helmets. He confirmed that CIMA/Nolan would enthusiastically support the tour with a delicious, fancy intercom helmet. And since then he has left the line cold-no returned emails or phone calls. Very sad indeed. Now the search for a good helmet continues.

I sent very few sponsorship requests-I need very little. Instead I’m trying to contact peace, community, and environmental organizations around the country and also companies who can help fundraise. The few I’ve sent out for actual goods have scored about 2-5. At least people are writing me back immediately with their NO’s-the waiting game requires a lot of patience. All in all-I have a feeling that every thing will work out smoothly, no need for worry.

As of now I need a helmet, good lightweight travel stove, camelbak, camping towel, raingear, and hopefully some type of grocery store gift card. And phone-great David-my piece of crap refurbished phone can barely make it down the street.

Barista work has all but ceased starting this week-just two shifts this week-a massive relief. I think I might just be able to rejuvenate before the long haul starts. At least my sanity will be preserved. Perhaps no one knows that I have been suffering through shifts since the new cook started. I now work with the chattiest man I’ve EVER met-and I can talk a lot. I lost my voice the week he started.

OH- but good news is that I picked up a new job today, one that I can actually do from the road. I am excited to announce that team lalala has hired me on as a beta-tester. It’s a great team of people whom I admire and who have good energy. Since the software is in the works, I won’t offer details. I’m just really interested in the project and happy to generate a wee little income while traveling. Great opportunity, for reals.

In other news my favorite scooter company owner and vegetarian, Philip, should be back in country soon and I will hear news on the engine plans for Audre. Today-weather gloomy, cold and wet. Good night to watch a flick. Ciao!

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Gear, Gardens and Subleasers

Hope everyone had a good “Interdependence Day.” Me, the highlight was playing with white gas, not fireworks. I tested out my traveling barista kit: one stove, one Bodum French Press tumbler, a collapasible pan set, and some fair-trade, organic Ethiopia Yirgacheffe beans. It’s amazing how technology creates these wonderfully small gadgets. Bless Mountain Research for designing the Whispa Lite stove. I am quite fond of powerful things in small packaging. Scooter travel packing makes me feel like Luke Skywalker meets Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. It’s cool, I’m ready for my metrosexual Jedi status and have already accepted that the Juiceman and Wok just can’t come along. But, with the camping stove donation I will be able to have my morning oats and Mud! Still trying to figure out the rest of the gear. Really hoping someone in town can trade tents with me-my three person Eureka Sunrise for a 1 person. Then I still have to figure out top cases, saddlebags,racks, oh my! I will post some pics as soon as I get it figured out and in place! Ahar, today the roomie Wendy leaves for her summer adventures. She be heading North to run the Omega Teen Camp Kitchen and those thar rabble rousing children. I can’t wait to see her again in September, when we take over the lease together! She came to stay here about 3 weeks ago and transformed the house. Within an hour of her arrival there were herbs planted and bread baking. In exchange for the lodging she has kept me sane and fed-encouragement and homemade goodies galore. This girl has skills! Now there is an garden right outside my bedroom window with basil, tomato plant, cucumber plant, oregano and chives. Hopefully the new tenants will feed it and be fed from it. On July Fourth, the final sublease deals were taken care of, a big relief. Not only are these angels watching over the house, they are Marco Polo’s new auntie-mommas. I offered them some reduced rent in exchange. A lot of other things happened this week, the stickers and postcards are being printed, a news article came out about the trip and Genuine put up a link to my website. It means so much to me that people support this-the PEACE cause! Also, PJ has been great with his late night design endeavors. The postcard is now up on this website, so feel free to print it out. I leave in one week/2days and still have a bunch of things to do and things to acquire. I will keep you posted! Feel free to check out my wish list under “donate”-to see if you have any of that stuff laying around the house…..