Austin Hill Country Classic 4

Scooterists are more spread out in the USA, so it can be challenging to hold a rally, much less attend one that doesn’t mean hauling across state lines to participate (Texas alone is three times the size of the UK). So it seemed apt that perhaps the only classic (metal bodied, geared) scooter rally in Texas would be in the state capital, Austin. Proceedings began and coincided with the grand reopening of Bat City Scooters’ relocation. Owner, chief mechanic and tea boy Nic Barton runs Bat City Scooters and works mainly on classic Vespas and Lambrettas, serving the Austin area. Spinning tunes on Friday were Topper, Carlos and Stephanie and with the new premises being fairly remote, the party kept going until 4am. Saturday saw a 35-mile ride out, various events including scooter gymkhana, cylinder toss and slow race with most participants blaming ruts in the field rather than the increasing alcohol consumption for spilling their rides! Prizes for different categories and even a raffle scooter (PX125 with DR kit) were testament that the rally may be small but it had big ideas. Thanks to Kimberly and other members of the Austin Metro Vintage Scooter Club for pulling it together on a shoestring budget!