High Rollers Red Rock Ride

Saturday in Las Vegas was the annual ride to Red Rock state park. I was looking forward to this ride since the year before my scooter died a couple of miles into it.The ride left on "scooter" time. For those who have never heard this term before; it means 45 to 60 minutes late.

It's amazing to see and be part of 100+ scooters all heading out at the same time.

We all started out with a big cloud of two stroke smoke. Through Las Vegas and out of town. It's almost as much fun to watch the faces of people on the side walk as to ride. They smile & wave; and in my mind wish they could be riding with us. As I ride past the spot where my scooter died last year I smile and think; I'm still riding!

The ride was a blast. Being the oldes scooter on the ride I was proud o the old girl. We held our own pretty well. On the hills we're slower, but we made it. Red rock is a beautiful place and a nice ride on the curvy roads through the park. We made several stops along the way to enjoy the views and scooters. Here is a video I shot.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR6FrzRdeDU

High Rollers 10 Las Vegas

After 13 hours of driving my friend Sue and I made it to the Las Vegas KOA where we had reserved a new Airstream trailer to stay in for 5 days. We arrived much earlier than expected; so we unloaded the scooters and decided to go for a ride across town to the Tropicana. It was about 10:00 pm Thursday by the time we got there. Other scooterists were out in the parking lot visiting and looking at scooters. The Rolletta was running great and I was was happy as a clam.

I was greeted by Morgan from San Fransisco. We had never met in person, but new of each other from the "odd" scoot board. It was nice to meet him face to face and talk scooters.

Sue's friend Michele was flying in to meet us so she headed back to the Airstream to get her.

After an hour or so of looking at scooters and visiting I decide to head back. A couple of kicks, the Rolletta starts right up! I head out proud that my old scooter is running strong. Just as I round the corner of the parking lot out of site of everyone she dies. I had forgotten to turn the gas back on. When I turn the petcock it makes a snapping sound and gas starts running out uncontrollably. Needles to say I'm not happy about this. I try to get the gas to stop but it won't.

So much gas is leaking out, that the scooter wouldn't run. I push it up onto a rock filled divider in the parking lot and call Sue. I ask her to bring the van and pick me up. I had thoughts of last year when my scooter died on the first ride and I missed the all of the rides.

When Sue and Michele arrived I got out the tools and started to take things apart. While I was at work the girls went off to socialize. When I take out the fuel tap I find the O ring was shot. Relieved; I loaded the scooter knowing it was just a trip to the parts house for an easy fix.

In the morning I get the O ring and repair the tap before breakfast and in time for the first ride.

When we get to the Tropicana the parking lot is a buzz of scooters and people. Quite a site to see for a scooter junkie like myself.

When I pull in and park, the first thing I get asked is "What is that?

I wish that I had a dime for every time since. It would probably pay for my trip.

Everyone seemed to like seeing her. I think the spray can paint job on the rear body made a big improvement.

High Rollers Weekend Las Vegas

I made it to Las Vegas!! Lots of cool scoots to see. The Rolletta is running great. Did a 75 mile ride out to Red Rock and back. She seems to be running better & better.

I just bought a new lap top and will be able post up along the way during my trip.

Getting The Rolletta Ready

Well; here it is again. Almost time to head for Las Vegas & the High Rollers scooter Rally. I've made my reservations and am going to be staying in a new Airstream trailer. This is perfect for me as I love to camp and usually have my teardrop.

All along the plan has been to take my 1954 Rohr Rolletta. Many think I'm crazy for taking such an old scooter. Maybe they're right. But; I just have to do it. The new scooters just don't do it for me. I must need that little bit of "will I make it?" to enjoy myself. Most of the time I do; and that's the joy of it for me. Even when I'm broken down on the side of the road it's still fun for me. The only time it's a bummer is if I'm slowing someone else down.

Sorry I digress.

As usual I have hundred things going and am down to the wire on having the Rolletta ready. When getting the scooter home after picking it up in San Diego CA. it had been rattle can primered over the original paint. I decided to try sanding the primer off & get back to the paint. After several hours of sanding very carefully doing my best not to go through the original paint; the leg shield was done. I then took buffed it with rubbing compound and then a coat of wax. I was happy with this so on to the main body. As I started sanding it was obvious the same process wouldn't work as the original paint had been sanded mostly off.

I decided to paint the rear body in an attempt to make it more presentable. After trying several off the shelf colors that stank. I drove 20 mile to a paint store and had some paint mixed to match the spare tire mount. The store can put this paint into rattle cans for you. After painting the body (over dents and all) it has just been sitting in my dining room. That is untill last night. I made a lisence plate bracket, fixed & mounted the tail light, changed the oil, and put on the few pieces of trim I have for it.

This evening I took it for a short shake down ride and every thing seems in working order. This scooter had been sitting several years before I got it. Now I'm taking it to Las Vegas then San Diego and then a ride up the California coast to San Louis Obispo. I thinks she will make it. I haven't taken any pictures with the body painted but will and put them up later. I don't have a lap top but will try to post up here during my trip. These videos are three months old & poor quality but show you the Rohr.

Rare Honda N360 With a Laverda Twist Part 2

After we got down the hill we decide to go by the radio station and see if we can meet the radio show host ( I’ll call him mike) we get there early and he hasn’t arrived yet. Not wanting to sit around for an hour we head out to cruise the side streets in search of treasure.

The first stop is to be two cab over Jeep trucks Alan spotted while on the way in. When we arrive they’re sitting back off of the road about 50 yards near a garage sized shed amongst the grape vines.

Coincidence, fate, I don’t know but on the gate post; Mike the radio hosts last name. Could it be mikes house and his Jeeps? We both wonder. Not wanting to trespass we decide to go over to a nearby house and ask. We end up talking to a renter and he informs us that yes; those are mike the radio hosts Jeeps. He would call Mike and see if it was OK to check out the trucks.

Mike said it was fine for us to have a look. We walked back and took a look at the Jeeps. Sitting there behind the Jeeps in the shed were a vintage BMW motorcycle, a small Yamaha dirt bike, and next to them a partially covered 1961 Laverda 50cc scooter. A true barn find!

Alan and I both looked at each other, knowing each of us wanted that scooter. LOL

This Laverda scooter had only 574 miles on the odometer and an original California Black and yellow license plate with an encircled E . Meaning this was a state or municipal owned scooter when new. It also still has the dealer sticker on the side.

One thing for sure we had to go back to the radio station to ask Mike about it. On our way there Alan said he could see how bad I wanted the scooter and I could buy it if it was for sale. But; I would owe him one.

Along the way back we (mostly me) stop and look through the fence at an old fire truck. Common sense kicks in and we drive on.

In another blog I will write of some other oversized cars in my possession.

We get to the radio station before mike and wait. When he arrives Alan introduces himself and Mike remembers him right away. They talk about the Jeep trucks. I’m introduced by Alan who informs mike I want to buy his scooter. Mike says he had it running at one time only not very well. It turns out he will sell it. He now has only a couple of minutes to be on the air, so I pay him real fast and we say our good byes.

Now; happy as a clam off to pick up the Laverda. We arrive at the shed, load the scooter, and head home along the way picking up some delicious Thai food for lunch.

After getting home I spend a couple of hours scrubbing the moss & lichen from the Honda n360. Another forty five minutes cleaning the dirt and oil off of the Laverda. It’s amazing what a little elbow grease will do. In the next few days I plan to wax them both.

I hope this story was enjoyable and not too long.

Lee

Laverda movie link; http://www.laverdaforhealth.org/laverda-video.wmv

Rare Honda N360 With a Laverda Twist Part 1

Yesterday I mentioned an outing for today. This story has the micro car guy or gal as well as the scooter guy or gal covered.

About two or three months ago a friend of mine (Bill) asked if I would be interested in an early Honda car his friend had. Of course I was. He knows my ability to say no to old junkers is limited. Bill told me the phone number of Richard who owned the car. It was located in Boonville about an hour and ten minutes away.

I had recently brought home a Crosley station wagon had no more room; so I didn't act right away. A month goes by and I decide to call Richard about the car but have lost his phone number. A few more weeks go by. I call Bill, get Richards number and call. This brings us to March 12,2009, two days ago. I call and talk with Richard & set up a time to come over . Saturday the 14th is chosen.

I had mentioned the possibility of making a the trip to my friend Alan and he was up for going along. At this point no real detail about the car was known. Alan and I figured it must be Honda 600 like the one I had in the past but had sold. Alan said it can't be the Honda 360, they were never imported to the United States.

Not wanting to take my gas hog truck, I was considering my van and small trailer. I new a 600 would just barely fit on the trailer. I gave Richard another call to ask just what was I coming over to get? he said a Honda 360. A Honda 360? Are you sure? Yes; he says. It's a bit smaller than the 600. The van and trailer it would be.

I'm super excited about this car being a 360! Not sure if it really is but still excited. This could be a super find! I call Alan tell him and he's just as jazzed as I am.

So; today at 8am we head out for Boonville. On the way Alan asks if I wouldn't mind stopping buy the local public radio station KZYX to see if the host of Trading Time (a live call in and sell your goods show) was in. Alan had called in several times and had a friendly repore. but had never met the host in person & would like to. I was up for it; on days like this there's no hurry.

We follow the directions up the to Richards house out a couple miles on dirt road. No address, just about two miles to the yellow gate. When we get there I turn at what once must have been a yellow gate. Turns out to be the right place.

Sitting there on nice flat ground with a million dollar view was the Honda. It was the N360! Amazing. None were supposed to be imported to the United States. yet; here one is right in front of us. First thing you notice is the hood is mangled. Other than that it's in good shape

Richard came out to greet us and told us about the car. Again; we meet another super nice person. He explains that the Honda was brought in buy a local man. Who while stationed in Korea bought the car new and had it shipped home with him.
When cleaning the car tonight I found the original bill of sale.
It's dated January 7,1970 with a selling price of $865.00 out the door. Cool huh!
Anyways, back to the story. We back the trailer up to the car hook up the come along and start to pull her on. We have it just about all the way on and it's too long. The rear wheels are still on the ramps and we need about four more inches.
We talk about turning the car around, but decide it would put all the weight on the back of the trailer making it hard to tow. So; we decide to borrow a saw and cut the metal railing off the front of the trailer. After this it's a perfect fit.
Once again here I am cranking on the come along, and here is a shot of the car loaded and on it's way down theHill.
To be continued.

Myth Of The Woody Wagon Part 3

Here are some more pictures of the 1948 Plymouth woody and some of the other interesting cars we found on the property. This 1939-40 Ford Deluxe sedan still had the flat head V8 in it. It almost came home as yard art. One friend wanted to get it running and drive it like it is.
To the left is the 1929 model A ford Pickup. It's a runner.

I am going on a new hunt tomorrow March 14th. I will tell you the details in my next post.

Again: Click on the pictures for the large version.