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Wow, the 24 hr countdown has now started. Although today I have the most incredible list to accomplish-I still owe a report about 4 more LDS. (long distance scooterists)

“PJ is a great fellow. He was the inspiration for what I’m doing scooter-wise. I hope I eventually get to meet him. Thanks, PJ!”

The above is a response to the last LDS. From a nice fellow named Eric, who just started his trip, Scoot 66. I thought you should know you will have many chances to host a wayward traveling scooterist this summer, between him, Matua, and myself-one of us will be coming to a town near you.

Eric is a really cool guy, his life always seems very interesting. We’ve never met, but I read his blog and enjoy the photos, journals and poetry. He brings a great dynamic to the scooterist legions.

Go run fast to check him out, HERE. It feels unusually cold out here on the East Coast and after reading his first posts, I’m considering my heavier jacket for the first leg.

Just a reminder that there are two days left in the raffle. For a chance to get the goods, hit this link.

I’m excited to draw the names at noon E.S.T on May 1 and will immediately let YOU know if yours was the golden tix. Prizes in my possession will be shipped that day-and then I will be getting on the road! Crystal (of girlbike) will take care of the scooter seat cover and Scooterworks will ship their donated prizes. There are nine banging prizes in all, including a sweet Garmin GPS. The odds are still really good and many thanks to those who have entered already!

If you would like to know what the raffle is for, in addition to raising money for charitable donation to 4 organizations, you can read about it here

You have a chance to help reach the fund raising goal all summer, with raffles each week, new ones starting on Mondays each week! You are also invited to sponsor a piece of the Peace map, make at least $1 donation and it puts your name or scooter club on the map.

Thanks y’all- keep the shiny side up and shiny! Will post updates soon, I’m in Richmond waiting on the scooter so I can zoom home and take care of all the last minute details….

The other two wheel traveler for today’s honorable mention is Matua, of Vespadition. Actually, it is in his honor that the one long distance scooterist a day for two weeks even came about, as I heard him say in an interview that, “there is a reason no one has done this before.” And so I set out to see, well, who has?

Here is a link to his videos and take a look around his site. I’ve written about him before, here.

http://vespadition.com/?page_id=8

Wow, what is this?

P.E.A.CE tour shirts? Why, you betcha! Proceeds from these go towards the fuel fund and towards the fundraising pot for nonprofit organizations. Basically, purchasing one of these swell designs is helping to fuel many good things. And of course the support is deeply appreciated!

The classy designs are the product of both PJ Chmiel’s genius and Eric over at Genuine Scooter Company. Thank you both and anyone else who helped. The way it worked is that I bugged them to help create a particular vision and they delivered that PLUS MORE.

Designs will be printed on American Apparel shirts and easily available for purchase through Scooterworks, at a low price under $20. Soon, though, not yet. I’m hopeful they will arrive in time for me to pack my saddlebags with them!

I’m searching for quotes, at work, for our quote board. I just came across this laughable gem by Ken Olson,

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”

– Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977

 I hope that 30 years from now people can’t remember life before their scooter…..

The coolest Easter gift I’ve ever been given-a virtual gift at that. Daphne made these from 700 miles away and sent me the pictures. Take that Easter Bunny!

I’m not a girl who asks for help often, this is a new thing. But, hey, I’ve just been smacked in the head with a realization. Maybe you want to help me. Maybe you aren’t sure if you want to help, but have some time on your hands and think, “Aw, what the heck.”

Great, I would love your help. The “list” is growing daily. In between paid work and not for profit Peace work, I barely have time to walk the dog, or even take a bubble bath. No worries, I love what I do. I’m here at it everyday to help make a difference and make the world better, because I love people. So who better to ask for help, than, you the people???

Contact me if you can help.  The most specific assistance is contacting Peace organizations so that we can have a critical mass.  Our interdependence is what secures attention and mobilizes the hearts and minds of citizens.  I already have a letter written that I can send off to you! Also, suggesting Peace organizations, who are need of donations would be helpful. My hope is to fundraise at least 10,000 for donation to those orgs who need help keeping the lights on.

Donations here are always lovingly accepted, and we can put your name up on the Peace map in thanks.  

 Why not? We have a Department of Defense.

reposted from Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice:

Charlottesville City Council meets at 7 p.m. on Monday March 17 and Monday April 7. On March 17 a group of local high school students will urge the City Council to pass a resolution in support of a bill in Congress to create a cabinet-level national Department of Peace. The resolution will be sponsored by Charlottesvile Mayor Dave Norris, who agreed to sponsor it at the request of Congressman Dennis Kucinich when he visited Charlottesville last December. The City Council will vote on the measure on April 7.

The Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice supports the creation of a Department of Peace and urges everyone interested to attend one or both of these upcoming City Council meetings. The meetings are held at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Information on the Department of Peace is available at: http://www.thepeacealliance.org

GO CHARLOTTESVILLE!

Welcome to P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER upgrade, thanks to the help of zeitgeist agency.

More to come, but for now, espressos to make….people awake…

What is the common denominator between those things you ask? I just tucked Audre, the P.E.A.C.E SCOOT, away after a spontaneous winter night ride through Charlottesville. I’m shivering a bit, frozen ovaries I think, typing away while dressed clumsily in about 14 layers.

I don’t have the gloves on, which didn’t work worth a damn anyhow in this weather, so any typos are my own sloppinesssss. The ride was nice, annoyed at first to pull Audre out-battery drained from winter weather, resisting the start. Nothing big happened my first two miles. Where was I headed? A CLAW meeting.Charlottesville Ladies Arm Wrestling. That’s right. No guns in the streets, schools, or Iraq-but at the pullin’ table it’s a whole other story!

About 6 weeks ago, sitting in my new hairdressers chair (who happens to share the same exact Leo birthday as mine), I hear tale of ladies arm wrestling. Not just for high camp and fierce sport, but to raise money for women initiated causes. Invited to give it a go, I attended the first shop meeting at the local diner, Blue Moon.

That went well and I picked a superhero name, “Peace-A-Mia.” Two days before the big event went down, yours truly fell victim to the respiratory plague terrorizing Cville. The show went on, and as I can tell from the pictures, a grand event ensued. So, you’ve got it by now, right?

Recap: 8 wrastlin’ ladies in costume, one referee, a hot nurse, two celebrity judges, a emcee deluxe and a loser’s lounge to boot. $600 raised for the Fluvana Women’s Voice Project. The audience cashes in real money for CLAW cash so that they can shamelessly bribe the judges and bet on the wrastlers, or pullers. Now this is just one of the few reasons I’m proud to live in Cville. CLAW is currently reminding me that for livin in a red state, we are some kinky blue progressives.

Tonight we gathered to discuss rules and regulations for those of us who were plagued last month, pick a new charity case, drink wine, and test out the wrastlin’ table. P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER grabbed a piece of action up on the table, with Tragedy Ann and Sintaur. Tragedy Ann got lucky that her soft hands distracted me, while Sintaur left hoof marks all over me. Earlier in the night we discussed the recipient of March fundraising. Community Bikes was chosen for March and Roller Derby was chosen for May. Seeing a wheel theme emerging and recognizing my own need for funding, I mentioned P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER. I must say that felt really awkward for me, but it seemed well received, if not anticipated. Hey, even $200 bones gets me about 8,000 miles down the road for this cause. I did worry that they might be thinking, “hell no,” but were too polite to say anything.

Meeting adjourned and I suited back up, tucking a sexy CLAW shirt into my pocket. Starting up the scoot I was already nostalgic for the cozy atmosphere and warm fire. Once I started riding though, there seemed no good reason to turn left onto Goodman street; so I proceeded forward. Being that I already had on the 14 layers, might as well. Riding through town, taking oh so tight curves and breaking speed laws, some thoughts smacked me in the head. And it had nothing to do with slowing down…..

I’m riding for Peace, yea, because if Peace doesn’t matter today, how is tomorrow worth anything? I’m also riding in honor of really conscious, dedicated souls that came before me, and those who are now working fervently-those who recognize the worlds needed change and who guard our rights. I’m riding for Peace because I think most all souls possess the ability to make the world a better place, and the best place to start is your own life. And while most Americans aren’t going to attend an anti-war protest, a freaky Carnival like Shentai, or even watch a progressive documentary-they still possess the much needed voices to demand change. Heck, last night I asked the Moms if she though there were any problems in America. Her loud chortle caught me off guard. Shoot, if my Moms knows there is something wrong with our country-you better starting Acting up!

I said, “Mom, tell me two things that are wrong.”

“Well, people aren’t treated fairly or equally, ” she says. Hmm. I expected crime to be her first answer. Or something insurance related for that matter.

“And there is just too much lying.” Whoah. That shocked me. Her thoughtful answers really surprised me and I was glad to have asked.

Basically, my Moms is reiterating the sentiments of most anti-war protestors-that Bush lied and has proceeded to manipulate our Constitution to the elite’s advantage and the average’s demise. Our citizen’s rights have been unfairly whittled away. Now, my Moms is NEVER going to a protest and unfortunately, she probably voted for Bush. BUT we found a COMMON GROUND. Navigating the common ground and embracing diversity in opinion is the FIRST step to unify the people. Unifying the People is the ONLY thing that will change our political lot right now. It is PROVEN over and over in our history that social/political change ONLY comes from the people’s movements-which in turn pressures our government into action. Non-violence, non-compliance, compassion, kindness, Peace-sure all that. Putting aside frustrations with the big fish to LISTEN to the other small fish.

This is not just about Peace; I’m also acknowledging there are systematic formulas in place, socially and politically, that distract most people from identifying exactly how important their own inner revolution is. Something happens out there on the road-when I play with people, when I mow their lawn, when I listen to them, when I say define Peace for me, or when they simply recognize that I’m doing nothing but trying to make the world a more just, fun, Peaceful place. The stories I heard last year were so precious-they are inspirational, they are unique. Those stories convince me that the world is NOT the one projected onto your TV screens. So what’s my cause? Peace, inner and outer Peace baby. Generating T.A.C.T among the people: Thinking, Action, Co-Creating, Teaching. This isn’t just about getting us out of Iraq-it’s about us preventing more war in the future. And I realized it’s worth asking for donations to complete the ride.

March 11th baby, Blue Moon Diner. Bring money, bring Band-aids, these ladies are cut. Come out to support good, sexy causes and to support the Community Bikes project. Which isn’t as sexy as CLAW, but it’s a damn good organization that teaches people how to work on their own bicycles. Which keeps bicycles on the streets, instead of gas guzzling cages.

Gnight!

Help support P.E.A.C.E.-share this video with your friends, family, and Peace waging organizations!

I am so happy to present this uber compressed video to you. This is my first real editing venture-trying to get experience for the 2008 trip since there will be more video blogging! It’s a shame that my fancy hi-def files wind up looking so pixelated from the compression process, but if you know that jargon and have some advice, PLEASE contact me.

Help me get a lot of clicks!
Enjoy!

I came across this video while researching organizations that might need the donations I raise this summer.

The below video illustrates how our tax dollars could be better spent. I like it because it isn’t an assault on one’s conscience. It’s a short, no nonsense, practical video that offers alternatives to war. Instead of spending our hard earned tax money destroying a country, we can build our country’s infrastructure. People here in America are suffering. What’s freedom in the midst of suffering and hypocrisy, afterall? Check it out:

New to me this year, maybe new to you, but something we can put under our belts-the MBI Awards. MBI is working hard to make sure the motorcycle industry is serving the rider’s.
You get to cast your vote for various categories: favorite manufacturer, motorcycle, scooter, and more at the Motorcycle Bloggers International Riders Choice Awards web site. Voting is an honest, no-holds-barred expression-topics range from “Object of lust,” to “What were they thinking?”

Although the site is mostly motorcycle oriented, there are a few scooters and scooter companies mentioned. I was disappointed that the Genuine Scooter Company did not receive a nod of honor. Next year I will be casting votes for them and so will you. C’mon, the Buddy125cc is the sizzling new scooter-with a lock on performance and presentation. Philip Mccaleb works hard to keep “America’s Smallest Scooter Company,” making big waves in the scooter community.

None of my favorite scooterists were up for blog awards-although the deserving Crystal Waters was nominated. I did read through the sites of the, “Women rider booster of the year,” and found them all really interesting. I decided to ask Lois, of Lois is on the Loose, for an interview. Stay tuned for that piece, she quickly answered my questions-must be one determined lady.

After finding my way to MBI through Crystal’s website, I decided to apply for membership and am now a happy member of this cool online blog community. Which means I’m hoping for some votes next year….wink…wink……

This summer I will complete “The Missing Peace,” which is a 8,000 mile ride to complete an 19,000 mile Peace sign on the U.S. map. This symbol directly acknowledges that however different the climate and culture in America, our future is interconnected and we create the change we wish to see in the world. Last summer I rode 11,000 miles on a 125CC scooter to complete most of it.

I believe the ability to express meaning through language is a powerful tool and that progress is made when dialog, empathy and insights are cultivated and exchanged within a society. It is obvious that our nation is hungry for change. This change occurs at a social level and moves upward. Change only becomes entrenched in our government policy when we, THE PEOPLE, believe and take responsibility for these beliefs. I believe that while political leaders have worked hard to consciously create a divide among the people, even those working at a grassroots level, it is only the people who can consciously chose to be divided. I have seen almost every person I ask struggle with defining Peace. Before we can achieve real Peace, lasting justice, in the world, we must consciously explore, define and share our vision of what we believe Peace is. Then we must create that vision

As I travel the many miles along this route, I interview people and ask these three questions; “What does Peace mean to you?,” “How do you define it?” and “How would you teach it to your children?” By asking important questions, listening to thousands of people, and sharing the responses through my website, www.peacescooter.com, I am generating awareness that Peace is possible. “The Missing Peace,” is an activists exhibition showing that through principles of non violence and compassion, we can have challenging conversations with our fellow Americans. It is also an activist’s Peace ride in service of her country; encouraging us that these times call for direct action.

I need your support this summer. It is my hope to reach many people and accomplish the most good. I will be leaving Washington D.C. on May 1, 2008 and ending back there in August 2008. Along the way I will need places to stay, food, and gasoline-although at 90mpg, gas goes a long way. However, my deepest hope is for a Critical Mass around the country, that through organizing in the cities I visit, our voices will be represented in solidarity. Your help is needed in promoting P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, The Missing Peace-a button can be placed on your website, a link to my website, notify your contacts and help with donations. I want to reach as many people and do as much good as possible-your support is key.

The final mile will create this:

And I hope to meet you along the way!
Peace and Respect
Alix Bryan

Wow, I LOVE this picture. I’m thinking this lady, Jenn Babbcock of Wisconsin, has found the ONE dress I MIGHT possibly wear! Ooh, she’s has such a timeless look too, one that never goes out of style. I wouldn’t know what era this was from without the Obama cues. Obama needs to give this lady a regular campaign appearance slot! It looks as though she could leap from buildings, raise bake sale money, lead the PTA and wrastle Hilary Clinton-all before noon and without breaking a sweat!

Thanks to Pete, an independent reporter from Racine, WI for this picture!

Hey y’all. You know I’ve got the Peace fire lit under me, but this week the fire has been inside-as I fight against a horrible flu.

When not shuffling and hacking my way over to work, I’ve been in bed-thinking, thinking.
I need your help, people.

Please suggest Peace organizations for me to research. The rest of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, aka “The Missing Peace,” will be completed this spring/summer. Along the way, I’m going to fundraise for a worthy Peace waging, progressive nonprofit.

At the forefront right now is the U.S. Department of Peace, http://www.thepeacealliance.org/

The lines are open………..

I sent this letter out to many people and realized there are readers who might not be on the mailing list, so here it is:

The observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and legacy was a day of reflection for me. I thought of the time on my journey when I spent my birthday in Selma, AL. Particularly, about my walk across the Edmund Pettus bridge and the letter I wrote our President from the s teps of the Brown A.M.E. Church. I also thought about the time I spent with all of you and how my life has been nourished by many strangers and the overall experience of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER. So many wonderful people came into my life and confirmed that we share a similar dream of liberation.

A warm bow for your presence here, and your role,whether relative or direct, which contributes to my transformational journey. Back home after finishing a 12 week ride for Peace, I’ve had some time to heal, to reflect and to give thanks for the beauty I discovered and created in the world. So many people in my life have given me the inspiration to delve deeply into my own pursuits and also to appreciate the interconnectivity in our world. One can learn a lot from making a 11,000 mile epic ride, on a little scooter. For now, the most important thing to emphasize is the grace I felt always, each day, while witnessing the convergence of many teachings/beliefs and the reliance on them to surpass obstacles. It wasn’t easy, and I think about that now that the miles are mostly behind me.

On one hand, it seems like time is inching past in comparison to my time on the road, but on the other hand it seems I have barely had time to catch my breath and maintain responsibilities at home/work. Before I know it, another month has passed without extending my gratitude to each of you. I came to you empty-handed and left with my heart full of gratitude.

You offered me your homes, your scooter repair services, and your time. You gave me laughs, your advice, your blessings, and your donations. You shared with me cups of coffee, your definitions of Peace, and your vision for our future. In so many ways, you inspired and encouraged me to keep going. This month, as I compiled the statistics from P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2007, I was overwhelmed by how many blessings I received in 11,198 miles and 85 days. I am especially thankful to Philip McCaleb and Genuine Scooter Company for fully supporting the ride, bringing me in touch with the scooter community and helping raise awareness about Peace.

I will ride again this summer to finish the “Missing Peace”. P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2008 will consist of a approximately 1,500 miles from Washington, DC to Fargo, ND, with more emphasis on video blogging- PeaceTV. The following passage, by MLK, represents the compass that leads me again into service, uniting with others in our nation, our global community, as we work together tirelessly for Peace.
“During these days of human travail we must encourage creative dissenters…As they spread the propaganda of war, we must spread the propaganda of Peace…We must demonstrate, teach, and preach, until the very foundations of our nation are shaken…I have tried to be honest. To be honest is to confront the truth. However unpleasant and incovenient the truth may be, I believe we must expose and face it if we are to achieve a better quality of American life.”

It is obvious there is a confluence of people already embodying the change that is beginning to be demanded from those in power. There is no better time to continue working for peace (peacing) zealously, and I do hope you will work with me!

Thank you for the support you have given. Speak Your Peace has developed from the Peace ride, it is a social art project to host One Billion words of Peace through my website. Cruising through the magical terrain of Joshua Tree National Park, I realized that it was the words of John Lennon, “If a billion people were thinking about Peace, there would be Peace in our world,” which first inspired the Peace Ride, so it seems only fitting to seek One Billion Peace Definitions. Crazy? Maybe, but the Iraq War budget nears One Trillion.

I’m determined to generate income through my art; it is a worth pursuit for everyone to experience an intersection between their passion and income. For now, I’m working hard, though enjoyably, as a barista back home in Charlottesville, VA. In my spare time I’ve been doing some video editing of last summer’s footage and so I created a youtube account where you can not just view those entries, but ADD YOUR OWN. Perhaps your Peace definition video will make it into the documentary I am creating.

Please keep in touch and contribute your words of Peace, but most of all : envision Peace and enjoy your time. Everyday.

With Gratitude and Respect, and pointing TWO fingers, not one,
Alix “Peace Scootergirl” Bryan
Charlottesville, VA

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us walk together…” Australian Aboriginal Activist Group, 1970s

*****VIDEO AT BOTTOM*****

July 15, 2007 was an exciting day, I shot up out of bed and gleefully donned my riding gear. Good ol’ Southern thermostat registered in at 91 degrees. Checking my tire pressure and adding air in full gear provoked some dramatic cussing under the helmet. Even us “peacers” have their moments.

116 miles stretched ahead on a perfectly sunny day. This was it. The kick off day for P.E.A.C.E, after 45 days of intense planning, gears were switching. Now it was time to learn how to ride.

232 miles round trip-my longest ride yet. Before that-120-but on a little 50c-and only to train for P.EA.C.E SCOOTER. Most of the drive to D.C. winds through rural areas. I had just long enough to smell the flowers, ogle the landscape and revel in the adventure ahead. Then, after passing several Civil War battlefields, traffic began dumping onto the road, and then the road dumped into what way to closely resembled a interstate.

In those days, I was a jittery rider. Not just because of my inexperience riding 4 inches above the ground on 12 inch wheels, but the nature of my ride. Riding alone. Riding 11,000 miles. Riding for Peace. Quite possibly, riding off to do the most brazen jackass thing of my life-with the idea I could serve my country. A tour of Peace. Yea. That and the four shots of espresso had me jittery.

Scooting into the nation’s Capitol, I thought about the people who fill its streets with a call for justice; those who fill its halls with injustice; those who visit in awe; those who just live there in a glaring state of poverty. I felt a rush while navigating the streets of D.C. At least if I was hit by a car on the way home- the journey had been brought from seed to stalk. A rush because I hoped this idea would reach many people around the world. A rush because P.E.A.C.E Scooter felt like the most genuine, direct action I could make as an extension of my personal beliefs- walking my talk.

I navigated the obnoxious streets of D.C. to meet Denise, at the Busboys and Poets Cafe. Denise had contacted me via Crystal Waters. Crystal, ever thoughtful and ever responsive, had posted an announcement on scooter boards to rally up support. I wasn’t disappointed that no one showed up for a ride. Well, not that disappointed. Denise had agreed to meet me and I had decided that the departure date was not about ME, not about the long RIDE, but about the CAUSE. The intention was simply to leave behind the corruption and confusion generated in D.C. Politics and reach the people around America. To ask them to say what they really want for our future. To encourage them to speak it, demand it and practice it. No wonder it felt weird to be in D.C.-in a sense I was working through feelings of futility-distrust and disappointment in my nations government.

Some of those general ideas came up over a cup of coffee with Denise. She was so enthusiastic, so smart and kind. I don’t think she agreed or understand some of the points I made, but it was really exciting to meet her. I was expressing that certain anti-war organizations seem to pandering to the left and working for Peace, while in actuality they are doing little to bring solidarity to the movement-which results in strengthening the right, the conservatives. And to me, its the worse kind of “slight of hand,” magic trick.

Anyhow, she’s a lawyer, and gave me some good advice and also did an interview for the documentary. Now, she would have been the first on film, but the opportunity to interview Samuel, a random “peacer”, arose unexpectedly. Denise did offer her house for the night (thanks) but I had no arrangements set up for Marco Polo, so we went our separate ways and I haven’t heard from her since. I ran into intense rain after stopping by the President’s office on Constitution Street. It felt like a baptism though and I was beaming through it all. While stopped and eating samosas until the lighting passed, I created the helmet face out of reflective tape………………………..So, the rest of the story is to be continued at another time……………..

For now, enjoy the UBER COMPRESSED, uber pixelated video I put on youtube. It was filmed in High Def and the files are just too big to really use youtube. Love ya. P.S. The video features orange as a tribute to Denise, she drives the Sunset Buddy.