That there is Big Red Ugly, next to another local scooterist's recent acquisition of a 1998 Yamaha Riva 125. Both are illegally parked on a sidewalk in Five Points, in East Nashville, at the start of the
Save Cowboy Keith Poker Run. He and I even have the same Shad (!) 29L top case.
The Poker Run was a success. No spills, no breakdowns, no one got lost and no hassles from the fuzz. :) Oliver led 21 riders on a merry route throughout east and south Nashville, stopping at four different businesses, and drawing cards at each stop. Then, the final card back at Five Points, where we arrived later than expected, but still with an hour to spare for the silent auction. I had three 10s, and was beat by a Jack-high straight (which the winner put back into the benefit fund... good guy, that Gene).
Much fun was had by all, and hopefully this will help defray some of Keith's expenses. Well done, Nashville!
There's a metric buttload of photos over at
the ESS Fun page, for those interested.
UPDATE:
Bill Power got a shot of me during our stop at Grimey's. As always, standin' around with my thumb up my ass. :)
UPDATE II:
Nashville Scene's Steve Cross snapped this photo of the Poker Run pack returning to Five Points. Can you spot Big Red Ugly?
.
That there is Big Red Ugly, next to another local scooterist's recent acquisition of a 1998 Yamaha Riva 125. Both are illegally parked on a sidewalk in Five Points, in East Nashville, at the start of the Save Cowboy Keith Poker Run. He and I even have the same Shad (!) 29L top case.
UPDATE II: Nashville Scene's Steve Cross snapped this photo of the Poker Run pack returning to Five Points. Can you spot Big Red Ugly?
If you're in or near Nashville, please consider coming for this Sunday's benefit to help defray Keith Thompson's medical bills. 
He's the proud new owner of my 2004 Yamaha Vino Classic 50.
... for the Big Red Ugly one, today. 7472km. Probably sixth of its life, if Scott did his part. :) 
... doesn't get you very far in Vietnam -- it's about $1000US. But BBC decided to put their Top Gear hosts to the test: They had to go from Saigon to Ha Long (~1000 miles) in eight days, using their $1000 each to buy suitable transportation. 
That's me, on the Vino, on O'Brien Avenue, which runs parallel to I-40, about 25 yards away.
Yes, our friends at ESS hired me to do a li'l spring cleanin'. It's ready for your critiques and recommendations, now. So... let me have it! And if you have any scooter stories, videos or photos of your own that you want to have included on the "Fun" page, shoot me an e-mail. 
It was overcast and threatening rain, all afternoon, but warm, and a great day for a group ride. So... we done did it.
Brother Willy leads the Heck's Rejects on the ride.
Some of the miscreants.
Michael and Nora, atop the noble steed, SYM Fiddle II. Btw, Nora's cape rawks.
Button Dood.
Old Vespas.
A super (Kymco) Super 8, in Kawasaki Green.
We're waiting on someone who broke down, mid-ride.
More waiting, and smoking.
ESS James and gang at Centennial Park.
More of the gang at Centennial Park.
... and besides enjoying the excellent scootin' weather, I'm doing a bit of a re-vamp for a well-known scooter shoppe here in Gnashvegas. Call it a spring cleaning. On tap: Videos (both tutorial, as in basic maintenance, safety, etc., and community-based), a new area for alerts on local rides and events, community photos and stories, and expanded areas to display the latest accessories and gear available.
