Genuine Scooters Wishes Alix Good Luck

Hey y'all
I've been on the road 5 days now and have traveled 725 miles on the scooter. My experience from last year made packing the scoot much easier. I had to stop and shift some weight around the first day, as I hit really strong crosswinds (which are not friendly to heavily-loaded scooters). I was riding top heavy with sleeping bag, ground cover, rainsuit, and towel all on the front, but switched most of it to the saddlebags. I seemed to have packed just the right amount, except for socks.

So far, all is smooth, although big storms are in the forecast tomorrow. That's the challenge to traveling the South in May, but I’m doing it now as to avoid the heat of Texas in June.

One thing I haven't been able to avoid is the cost of gas, but my trusty steed makes the cost more bearable. I do promote (not brag about) the fuel efficiency of scooters as I'm getting all the stares at the pumping station; making small talk that it's gonna cost me $4.22 to fill up. It's enjoyable to drive off leaving a small total for the next person to see and scratch their head. Now that I'm getting further away from home, I've started getting the proverbial question; "You drove THAT from THERE?" I've even seen more scooters on the road, makes sense, since we are all getting slammed at the pump.

I'm in the third state now, Georgia, and have only spent $33.77 on gas. Once I crossed into North Carolina, my odometer hit 12,000, all but about 550 miles of that has gone into the P.E.A.C.E. SCOOT TOUR.

I took my time in Asheville, NC, staying two days with my good friends, Hannah and Jaymii. It felt like home because I was still in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tuesday it came time to reach Atlanta, as Alice Walker was giving a speech. Bags packed, coffee consumed and then I was off. It was an ideal day of riding until I reached the outskirts of ATL and faced traffic. It was much better than the confusing ride into Asheville, on the back roads of rural nowhere America. I zoomed up and down the Appalachian Highway, with Blue Ridge Mountain crests surrounding me and curves seducing me. There weren't as many as I might like, but it was fun nonetheless.

Even with all the gear, the scoot is handling impressively. Dave at Scoot Richmond gave her a full "spa treatment," much needed after last years long haul. The top speed seems about 3 miles faster; I've been keeping it open at around 65mph. The route, US 23/US 441 is worth driving if in the NC area. It is scoot friendly, 125cc and up. There appears to be a lot of camping available and the scenery is spectacular. It could be a good day jaunt, as a second choice to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs the other direction, north and east. I made great time time to ATL, since it was a straight shot, speed limit 55-65.

Memories were flashing through my head since I went this way last year, however I was a very "green" rider. I enjoyed the ride much more this time, not tensing up whenever a truck loomed in my mirror. ATL is notorious for their traffic since experiencing a population boom since 1992. Once actually moving, not gridlocked, the pace is fast and furious. Glad to have on my gear and glad to be in the Sunny, Warm South-but those two aren't the best combination. Arriving in town I was dehydrated and couldn't wait to strip off the long johns I had needed in the morning and to wrestle off the leg armor.

I've already had great, random conversations with people; about art, Peace, presidents, social justice, community, activism, freedom, environmental awareness. I approach a lot of people, some approach me. Still, I find myself surprised how honest and humorous total strangers can be with one another. Right now in Atlanta I'm being hosted by total strangers, who, as it turns out, have a house better than what most hotels offer, in downtown Little Five Points. They are also incredibly kind folks and I only hope to have more hosts like this. Over the next few days I will visit with family in Birmingham, AL and Jackson, MS-they seem to be a bit mystified that anyone in our family is this adventurous. I'm also looking forward to volunteering at a couple of organizations, like Birmingham Community Kitchens and Habitat for Humanity!

Ride On!
Alix
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I would rather us make history by creating Peace, than become history in its absence.
www.peacescooter.com