Continental drift
As I type this introduction to the October edition, I’ve still to unpack from our trip to the Scooterist Weekender in Cologne. For me this was the first post-Covid trip overseas and I don’t mind admitting that, combined with the fact that we were travelling as ‘trade’, filled me with apprehension. Much to my delight the only delay we encountered was at British customs on the way out and that was only because the Border Agency chap wanted to take a photo of our scooters for his son to look at.
Any anxiety that I’d felt was more than offset by the welcome we received in Cologne. There’s something very special about a German rally but Scooter Centre’s birthday party took things up to a whole new level. So much, that we’ve had to split our coverage over two months.
Having made the leap across the Channel I’m now looking forward to the Paris Vespa
Parade and have already begun planning next year’s adventures. In the world we currently live there are plenty of reasons, or more accurately excuses, available not to do things. However, life is there to be lived.
We love sharing your adventures with other riders and a memorable adventure doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact it doesn’t even have to be far from home – British scooter rallies are among the most affordable events out there. Winter’s coming and that means the planning season is upon us. If you’ve taken a trip that could inspire someone to pop on their helmet and head into the sunset, please let us know.
stan@scootering.com
This month
We’ve taken Halloween to heart with a selection of mutants that’ll chill you to the core. Whether you fancy a GP that’s fuelled by nitro, your Heinkel’s powered by YPVS or your PX is painted to thrill, we’ve got something to please you. Elsewhere we’ve rally reports from the legend that is the Isle of Wight International, together with Oddballs and a selection of your reports on smaller events. Tom keeps our riding skills honed, Nik continues his evaluation of Vespa’s GTS and Dan enters the ‘best oil’ debate (I can’t wait for the postbag on that one!) That’s not to mention all our usual features and a cheeky peek at Casa Lambretta’s new 250cc twin. Pour a brew, grab a biscuit and enjoy.