Kickstart Karen

All Summer Long

2012-01-18T00:33:00.000-08:00

It's snowing in Portland, Oregon right now and like a lot of people I'm longing for summer. But it's not because of the weather. My friend, Al Drake and Flat Out Press recently reprinted his "Lents Collection" featuring three of the hot rod author's publications that take place in the Lents district of Portland. The collection includes Beyond the Pavement, One Summer, and Tillamook Burn.

Al is most well known for his books that document 1950s Portland hot rod culture and drive-ins. His Fifties Flashback will make you want to jump into a time machine to cruise Sandy Blvd and savor a Tik Tok burger.

Over my Christmas break, I enjoyed reading the re-released "Lents Collection" and have to say my favorite of the trio is One Summer. It takes us to '40s Portland where protagonist Chris is spending his last summer before he starts high school. The events of the summer have an effect on his character and shape the man he becomes. It was interesting to read about the boy, who would later become a hot-rodder, shopping with friends at Goodwill for go-cart wheels. Or picturing the "Lents gang" walking through the S.E. neighborhood to the Mt. Scott drugstore for phosphates and comic book reading.

Above: Al Drake at Jim Dandys.

After reading his books, you will feel how much love Al has for the 1940s and 50s. He likes to joke about being stuck in that time. All of his hot rod magazine columns and books are still typed up on his 1958 Royal Heritage that he received new from his sister Bonnie.

Above: Al's trusty 1958 Royal Heritage

So, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that his books are now available on Kindle through Amazon. It is exciting to think that these once out of print books are now finding a new audience online. Flat Out Press also has a Facebook page and blog. Sounds like Al Drake and Flat Out are cruising along with the times.

Put A Zine On It

2011-08-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Portlandia creators, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein at In Other Words bookstore benefit.

I was there covering this benefit for a future Portland State Vanguard issue, but couldn't resist this Bumpstart photo op. During the Q + A, I asked what their favorite zines are. Fred said his music bible during high school was Maximum RocknRoll. Carrie mentioned living in Olympia where there are a lot of great zines. Her favorite fanzine is Jigsaw.

11th Annual Portland Zine Festival

2011-08-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings

2011-04-07T23:41:00.000-07:00

Scootering brings people from all walks of life together, people we might not get to know

otherwise, but because of our shared love of motor-scooters they enter our lives and if

we are lucky enough they become part of our scooter family. Tomorrow, Portland bids a

sad bon voyage to Orlando Subia, James and Deb Boehne who are setting off for new

adventures beyond the Pacific Northwest.

I will miss seeing Orlando’s smiling face at scooter events and hope to see him at future

rallies. I can’t help but think what my life would be like if I hadn’t met the Boehnes in the

hallway of Freightliner Corporation eight years ago. James not so gently nudged me for

a year about buying a scooter and invited me to my very first scooter rally. And I don’t

know if there would have been a Bumpstart if our paths hadn’t crossed at the 18

Wheelers Club. Thank you James and Deb for your encouragement and Canadian

kindness you’ve shown me over the years.

Good luck on your new adventures and remember to call your scooter family in Portland

every now and again.

Calling All Cannonballers!

2011-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Calling all Scooter Cannonballers!

I'm planning a Cannonball-themed issue for Bumpstart # 6 and would love to hear from all my fellow Cannonballers, past and present. Regardless of how well you placed or if you even finished, you all are freakin' badasses who should let the scooter community hear your tales from the road. I would also love to hear from those driving support vehicles and the film crew who joined us this past summer.

I know how creative you guys got during this endurance event, now express your Cannonball Run tales by word, photos, haiku, dirty limericks, interviews, personal ads, missed connections, police tickets.....

Looking forward to hearing from you crazy bastards, uh I mean road warriors....

Karen G
xoxo

Getting Crafty with Amy Sedaris

2010-11-23T14:37:00.001-08:00

Amy Sedaris with her copy of Bumpstart!

On Our Way to Bumpstart #5...

2010-10-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big fan of vintage print advertisements, especially if they involve scooters. Here's one of my favorites, the Phillips 66 Gasoline ad featuring the Pony Express man using a handlebar Vespa. For our upcoming issue #5 of Bumpstart, I was inspired by this ad after riding my Vespa, Olive to San Antonio, Texas from Portland, Oregon for Amerivespa.

The lovely and talented Mr. Noah Pfarr has done it once again and created another beautiful illustration for my publication. Here's our sneakie peek at our special wrap-around Bumpstart # 5 cover.

Thanks to all for being patient while we had technical difficulties and "shit happens" moments that delayed the 'zine's publishing date. I have also gone back to college and am trying my best to work on Bumpstart and American Scooterist when I have any free time. I haven't forgotten about you guys. Every issue is done with tlc and always worth the wait, I promise.

Cheers,
Karen G.
xoxo

Goodbye East Coast

2010-09-22T09:24:00.001-07:00

Goodbye BBQ

2010-09-22T09:10:00.001-07:00

Scooted an hour over to New Hampshire and decompressed over BBQ with Helix Geoff, Jim T. Murray & Lynn, and Matt. The best meal we had the entire Cannonball trip.

Jim T.

New York Matt - 2010 CBR 150cc Winner

Helix Geoff

The Floridians heading South. See you in 2012.

The Morning After

2010-09-22T08:51:00.001-07:00

Woke up the morning after Cannonball in Portland, Maine. Weird not having to saddle up the scoots and ride 300 + miles. Instead, Murray, Lynn, Matt, and I scooted to the waterfront for brekkie at Becky's Diner.

Cannonball Finish Line - Part 2

2010-09-20T16:33:00.001-07:00

Cannonball Finish Line -Part 1

2010-09-20T16:25:00.001-07:00

The Home Stretch

2010-09-19T19:50:00.001-07:00

Final Riders Meeting (featuring the Evel Knievel Twins)

2010-09-19T19:31:00.001-07:00

Crossing into New York

2010-09-19T19:20:00.001-07:00

Food Stops

2010-09-19T19:06:00.001-07:00

Say Ya to Da U.P, eh.

2010-09-16T21:18:00.001-07:00

Maintenance day

2010-09-16T20:57:00.001-07:00

Day 4 - 5

2010-09-16T20:40:00.001-07:00

Meet the Cannonballers

2010-09-15T22:15:00.001-07:00

Day 3

2010-09-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

Nighty night Olive.

2010-09-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

After a support truck got stolen, I put Olive in for the night.

Day 2 - The 12 Gates of Hell aka Logging Road

2010-09-14T23:02:00.001-07:00

Day 2 - Glacier National Park (part 1)

2010-09-14T21:39:00.001-07:00

Day two was a mix of scenic wonder and personal challenge. The start of the day had us riding through the visually stunning and mystical Glacier National Park. I rode with the Northeast boys (Matt, Murray, and Simon) and Naked Alice for the day. High winds caused one rider's scooter to fall over, but no damage except for some scratches.

Cannonball - Day 1

2010-09-09T18:37:00.001-07:00

Vancouver, B.C.

2010-09-08T02:12:00.001-07:00

Rainy Days and Mondays

2010-09-08T02:04:00.001-07:00

I headed out for Vancouver on Monday partially to avoid the rain heading to Portland the following day. Just as I was passing through Seattle it found me and wouldn't let up as I headed north. It continued dumping on me for a couple hours forcing me to stop for the night on Fir Island at Blake's RV and Marina. I found the place by mistake and am so glad I did.

I don't have an RV or boat, but hoped they'd take pity on me and let me use a cabin. All cabins were booked, but they said I could either sleep on their boat currently being restoring as a B & B or with the owners in their home. Yes, please. Either option worked for me.

The Shanna Lee is a fishing boat built by the owner's father and named for his daughter. Shanna and her husband Tony said it was too cold to sleep on the boat so instead I got a warm bed in their home, seafood and veggie chili from the kind couple. I couldn't believe they would welcome a complete and soggy stranger into their home. This reminded me of the Texas hospitality I received during Amerivespa.

I want to come back next Summer and stay on their refurbished B & B Boat. Their park and marina would also make for a great scooter camping site.

Location:Sophia St,Vancouver,Canada

Sponsor Thanks

2010-09-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

August was a really busy month for me and now it's only a few days till the starting line of Scooter Cannonball Run. Where'd summer go? Still have so much to do, but I wanted to stop and take a moment to thank my sponsors. Your support, encouragement and donations have helped me immensely. In a time of current economical uncertainty your generosity meant a lot. The money you donated will be going to my Rally Against Depression charity with the funds going to a group home for the mentally ill.

Thanks to:
Bell Helmets
Chad Stockdale
Corazzo
Flat Out Press
GoGo Gear
Independent Publishing Resource Center
Lucky Bastards SC
Kean Hanley
Ming Koh
Matt O'Connor
Modified
Motorsport Scooters
Ojala Family
People at Portland Zine Symposium who donated to my tip jar
Rudy Perez
Rogue SC
Those Darn McCabes
Vespa of Milwaukie
Vespa Club of America

I apologize if I left anyone out. There's still time if you want to donate. Just click HERE.

Portland Zine Symposium

2010-09-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos from last weekend's Portland Zine Symposium. This was the biggest year for the symposium so far, with over a hundred and thirty tablers. The symposium's location was moved to the PSU Stott Center due to the increased amount of tablers this year.
.
The PZS organizers did an awesome job and even allowed me to display Olive at center court. Had a great time and met some other zinesters who happen to ride scooters. One couple even rode their Stella with sidecar all the way from Seattle for the event.

Above photo: Cynthia Graham surprised me and volunteered to be my Bumpstart spokesmodel. While Cynthia pitched the zine, I was able to check out the other tables.

Above Photo: Kevin Cross of Monkey Mod and tablemate Green Monk.

Above Photo: Droppin' The F-Bomb

Above Photo: Allie and Jeremy, owners of Guapo Comics.

Bump's First Tee

2010-08-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today I received one of the coolest's birthday gifts ever: Bumpstart's first t-shirt. I feel so legit. Bumpstart's a real boy.

Here's Johnny P. of Modified modeling the Bumpstart logo t-shirt available in serene green. They'll be at the Portland Zine Symposium and available online when I get back from Cannonball Run. Thanks Ben, Johnny, and Tori for making this a really great birthday.

Copper, Caddies, and the Kang

2010-08-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I scooted to Vespa Milwaukie to photograph their top dog, Copper the Airedale for an upcoming Bumpstart ad. Copper was a pro and hit his marks without much hassle.

Above photo: Copper checking out the inventory.

I bought Olive, my Vespa GTV from Copper's owner, Bill Place and have been happy with the treatment my scoot and I have received so far from his shop. They will even come to your house and pickup your scooter for service. This was a big help when I scooted back from San Antonio and had to get Olive serviced from the long trip and to finish up some remaining repairs from my Texas-size concrete chunk highway mishap.

Above photo: Amerivespa San Antonio, The Motorcycle Shop

Vespa Milwaukie is my latest Scooter Cannonball Run sponsor and couldn't be happier to have them in my corner.

When I was scooting home I noticed a vintage Cadillac show going on at Hot Rod Pizza and pulled over to check out the show. Lots of pristine restoration jobs and fins for miles.

At the show an Elvis impersonator took a liking to Olive. How could he resist. After all, she is the Cadillac of Scooters.

House Guest

2010-08-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Wetzel, a fellow 2010 Cannonballer was passing through Portland and crashed at my place for the night. I did the Portland tour guide thing and showed her a little of my town's unique spots. She got in late from California, so we went to Montage where they happen to serve the Cannonball Run (iced coffee, Kahlua, vodka). The very creatively dressed Lady GaGa fans sharing our table made for an interesting dinner. Before she headed out the next day, we did a quick stop at Voodoo Doughnuts then onto Modified. I love going to the Eastbank Esplanade for photos, but the homeless man we passed on the sidewalk wasn't too happy when we scooted by him, shaking his fist at us. Thanks to the shirtless, sweaty man who stopped jogging to snap our photo.

Scooter Cannonball the Movie.

2010-08-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

A film crew will be documenting Scooter Cannonball this year. They will be interviewing the riders and filming our scooters as we ride from Vancouver, BC to Portland, ME with the end result being Scooter Cannonball the Movie.

I'm still looking for Cannonball sponsors. If you have anything you want to promote email me at: bumpstart at me dot com. My Vespa can be your traveling advertising space across North America and it'll be your chance to promote and preserve your product, scooter club, favorite summer school student, whatever on film.

Vancouver to Portland or Bust!

2010-08-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Final Route of Scooter Cannonball Run ---->>> HERE.

Scooter Cannonball Run - Rally Against Depression

2010-04-10T01:34:00.001-07:00

It's official, I'm doing Scooter Cannonball Run! I'm excited to be taking part in this epic ten day scooter ride across North America. To see Canada and the USA on a Vespa will be so rewarding on many levels. I'm also riding to raise awareness for those suffering from Mental Illness. I have friends and family who are afflicted by this illness, so this charity is close to my heart. I've been working with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn more about mental health programs that lack funding. To learn more about NAMI click here. Money raised will be going to a group home for the mentally ill.

Large monetary donations will get advertisement space on my Vespa and Website.
To donate online go to my Paypal Rally Against Depression account.I know times are tough for many of us, but anything you can give is appreciated.

I'm also looking for some Cannonball Run trainers, so anyone looking to go for long scooter or bicycle rides give me a shout.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2010-03-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

"Fresh Up" with Seven-Up

2010-02-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

I've been doing alot of research lately on Portland-based soda pop companies for a future 'zine. Like alot of people in my city, I was saddened to read that the Portland Bottling Co. replaced the iconic 7-UP neon sign on top of their building. Such a beautiful sign and building. I hope to find out more on the building's history, but for now enjoy this 1958 7-UP ad complete with a Vespa.

Happy Valentine's Day from Bumpstart!

2010-02-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

Hey lovahs, have a great Valentine's Day.

Love,
Karen, Steve, and Harvey the mutant rabbit.
xoxo

Bumpstart # 4

2010-02-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

5..4..3..2..1, we have lift off. Here's our fantastic voyage-themed cover for Bumpstart #4. Thanks to Bryan Bedell of 2strokebuzz for creating the cover and Emily Schaller for being our cover girl. I hope to get this issue back from the printers next week.

Have a cosmic weekend,
Karen

Lammys Know All the Angles

2010-02-04T17:28:00.001-08:00

This vintage Lambretta ad would look great over my drafting board. Note to self, unearth said board from my parent's basement.

Stooges Scootabout

2010-01-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

The Three Stooges on the 1941 American-made, Scootabout. Surprised Moe let Curly be in the driver's seat. The engine was manufactured by Lawson and had 2.3 h.p. air cooled by blower, and a flywheel magneto ignition.

Crocker Motorcycles was known for their custom built racing motorcycles, but also made and sold small scooters. With collaboration from the renowned Floyd Clymer of Clymer Motors, Albert Crocker came up with the "Scootabout" around 1939. The "Scootabout" was considered a forerunner at the time it was released. Scooters of the time were very plain, no nonsense fun machines, Crocker gave them style with a streamlined design including two-toned paint jobs and skirted fenders even before Indian made that look famous. Crocker furthered scooter design by adding a crude suspension to the front end in 1941. The machine differed in many respects from conventional type scooters in that it had knee action spring frame and large balloon tires for easy riding, co-pilot steering and a low center of engine location which gave a new easy balance.

Simplicity of operation was obtained thru the use of an automatic clutch which engaged as the foot throttle was depressed. Removing the foot from the throttle quickly, disengaged the clutch. The operation is said to be somewhat similar to fluid drive such as used on some makes of 1941 cars. A foot lever operated an internal expanding brake band on which was mounted Ferodo lining. Choke and compression release are combined in one lever on the right handlebar. Standard color was black with red panels.A Tow-Back attachment was available for use in attaching the unit to car bumpers.

The "Scootabout" sold for $139.00 in 1941. Unfortunately with the war underway the supply of the Lawson air cooled engines dried up and the project was abandoned. It is thought that less than 100 of these little scooters were ever produced. Floyd Clymer put out a "Crocker Scootabout" sales brochure, sales poster, and a "Crocker Scootabout Bulletin" in Oct.-Nov. 1940 ready to sell dealerships across the U.S.A.. Around the same time he also retagged the Crocker V-Twin brochure (From 1939) with his company name, "Clymer Motors" (1941) and appeared to be ready to take over sales of that venerable classic, too bad World War II intervened.

A telegraph cable delivery man uses the Scootabout in the 1942 film, Talk of the Town.

Cold War Skooter Love

2010-01-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Early '60's East German motorskooter, Simson Schwalbe and German couple feelin' the love, even during the cold war.
Look for my feature article on the Simson skooter brand in a future Bumpstart issue.

Bumpstart, my Heart!

2010-01-17T13:42:00.001-08:00

What better way to show your love by taking out a valentine gram in the next issue of Bumpstart. For just $1, you can let the scooter world know who/what gets your engine running. Scooter boys and girls, celebrate your love tonight in my scooter 'zine.

Valentine grams and Paypal payment can be emailed to: bumpstart@me.com

Te amo, je t'aime, te quiero, kocham was
Karen
xoxo

P.S. Thanks to Chris and Jess for use of your cute and awesome scooter valentine find!

Hrog and Me

2010-01-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

I met him at my second drafting job in the Winter of 1987. I was going to college at the time and was one of Ford Motor Company's new co-op students/drafters in Dearborn, MI. My drafting table was located in the Engine and Electrical Engineering Building, aka the "EEE". Hrog "Roger" Kabodian was my checker.

Roger was of Armenian descent, had bushy grey eyebrows, the physique and temperament of a cuddly teddy bear. He had worked at Ford for thirty-plus years and experienced the highs and lows of the automotive design industry. During lunch, he and the other old school board jockeys would hold court at their "Table of Brutality" playing cards and verbally abusing each other in the company lunchroom. Roger was 62 and starting to develop glaucoma - the guys loved calling him "Blinky". Roger could hold his own though and would give as good as he got. On occasion he would forego the table though and take me out to lunch instead.

I was only 19 and relatively green to the wonderful world of automotive design. Having Roger as my first real checker was worth more than all my years of high school and college drafting put together. Besides giving me drawing tips and teaching me the ins and outs of the biz, he encouraged other interests in my life, specifically photography, writing, and travel. He was always giving me advice and supportive of all my creative aspirations. He was protective of me and called me angel. Roger was my drafting dad and mentor.
Once he even got me a company car to drive for a week when I needed school transportation. I'll never forget pulling out of the Ford parking lot in a brand spanking new 1988 Lincoln Town Car, trying to see over the steering wheel. As I glanced in my rear view mirror, I remember seeing Roger shake his head, laugh and do the sign of the cross.

Christmas at Ford was always a big deal with tons of decorations in the lobby and poinsettias being delivered to the secretaries. Roger surmised that you could tell how well the company was doing by the size of the poinsettia plants. He also liked to say that "Designers know all the angles". One of my favorite Rogerisms.

After graduation, I always kept in touch with Roger. Every new city I worked in meant a postcard and phone call to him. I remember going to his retirement party and videotaping the roast portion of it. When it was Roger's turn to speak, he launched into the bosses and ripped them a new one and they still loved him. He also spoke about the new generation of designers and what a sharp bunch we were.
Last week I found that videotape and after viewing it, I thought I'd contact Roger. I wanted to catch up and tell him about Bumpstart and how I was still writing. When I moved to Portland, I had lost touch with him and couldn't find his phone number. After a quick search on Google, sadly his obituary came up instead. He would have been 84 years old now. In my mind he never aged, or rather I didn't want him to age. He was such an important person in my life and creative development. I miss him and wonder what he would have thought of scooters, 'zines, and Portland.

Trimming the Scooter Tree

2009-12-16T00:35:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Through the Back Door.

2009-11-22T00:19:00.000-08:00

I went to Edmonds, Washington for the day to hear Rick Steves do some travel lectures. Packed house, with tons of people taking notes as he spoke. Couldn't believe it when I bumped into him on the street later in the day. Nice guy and he graciously snapped a photo for me.

Here's his new Italian phrase book & dictionary with Vespa on the cover

If you're ever in Edmonds, you should definitely go to the Edmonds Historical Musuem.

The first floor is currently housing a collection of residents' playthings.
I loved the wall of cameras.

In the basement, there is a huge assortment of historical collections-everything from washing machines, typewriters, switchboards to nautical dodads.

A Hot Rod Christmas

2009-11-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

Bumpstart friend and contributor, Al Drake has added a new book to the Flat Out Press Catalog.

Christmas at Ed's Richfield (and Other Stories for Guys) is a collection of stories that recall memories of childhood Christmases during World War II, to the teen years in the 50's, and holidays with children and grandchildren.

Here's an excerpt from Christmas at Ed's Richfield:
I got to Ed’s Richfield shortly after dinner, and I was surprised none of the guys were around. It was already dark, and I was thinking about the impossibility of snow at Christmas, just two days away. It never snowed in Portland at Christmas, but my mother, who was from North Dakota, yearned for snow. It was just not Christmas without snow, she always said. She had a small glass globe with a farm scene, and when she shook it white flakes appeared in the solution to remind her of what she had left behind. Now, as I got out of my car, I noticed that the air had a metallic sharpness, but it was too warm for snow, almost as if the weather hovered between seasons.

I had expected some of the guys to be at the station as well as a bunch of customers, people out Christmas shopping, but the place was empty. From the office Ed saw me pull up and he waddled out the door to his car, calling over his shoulder, “Guide me on the rack.” Less than a month earlier he had traded his pristine ’53 Mercury in on a new ’55 Mercury Monterey hardtop, charcoal and salmon. As Ed backed the car up and maneuvered it into the building, the salmon paint glowed pink under the station’s fluorescent lights. I gestured him forward, guiding him onto the lube rack, although I wasn’t sure he needed help. It was typical of Ed, giving me something to do. I worked in a garage all day, but had to take a second job nights and weekends and Ed was good enough to let me work about 20 hours a week. I hoped that, with the extra money, I could buy some Christmas presents for my mother and sister.

Pick up a copy for your dad or favorite grease monkey here.

Those handsome Men of Scootering.

2009-10-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do a scooter calendar for a couple years now, but never seemed to have the time to put one together. Recently while I was cleaning, I found the Vespa Club of Canada's 2000 Calendar (i.e. "those handsome Men of Scootering") that a friend loaned to me for inspiration. The VCOC always does a great job with their club merchandise - I'll be breaking out my VCOC scarf pretty soon that fall is here.

They did a great job on the calendar and the photos and bios are keepers. Let's go back in time and take a look at Canada's handsome Men of Scootering 2000.

Mr. January - Mike Sexsmith

Mr. February - Psychic Sphincter

Mr. March - Garth Cox

Mr. April - Jay Croft

Mr. May - Colin Bates

Mr. June - Christian Jahrsdoerfer

Mr. July - Joe Drechsler

Mr. September - Gift Enchantment

Mr. October - Ford Madison

Mr. November - Glenn William Daigle

Mr. December - Ska-t

Emily Rocks CF

2009-09-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

When Emily Schaller was 18 months old, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis; doctors told her parents that she wouldn't live long enough to graduate from high school. Now 27 years old, this native Detroiter proved them wrong. When not playing drums in her band, Hellen, she is busy raising awareness and funds to help fight cystic fibrosis through her foundation, Rock CF. I talked with Emily as she headed out on a cross-country bike/Vespa ride from Detroit to LA, where she hopes to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and raise awareness of CF with a national audience.

Karen: Hi Emily. Who came up with the idea to ride cross country to the Ellen Show to promote Rock CF? Could you talk about your organization?

Emily: Hey Karen. I've been trying for years to get on the Ellen show to share my story and to help bring cystic fibrosis (CF), which I have, into the mainstream. CF is an orphan disease only affecting 30,000 people but it is the #1 genetic killer of children and young adults. With the help of friends, family and many others, we launched a campaign to "Put Emily on Ellen." You've got to have a gimmick.. so riding cross country from Detroit to Burbank, CA spreading CF awareness and raising funds would be the best way to do this. Anyone can fly or drive. Why not ride a Vespa and bicycle?

Karen: Have you heard from the show?

Emily: I have a good feeling that Ellen's producers know who I am...

Karen: You were originally going to bicycle cross country, but your doc nixed that. Is he ok with you riding the Vespa on the trip instead?

Emily: Everyone's feeling good about my decision to take the Vespa cross country. After I injured my achilles tendon on the Detroit to Chicago ride I was devastated, but immediately I thought a Vespa would make a great and fun substitute. Luckily physical therapy has been paying off so I should be up to riding 30-40 miles each day.

Karen: How far are you riding each day? How long will the trip take?

Emily: Each day I'll be traveling 180-250 miles. The trip west will take 14 days total but of course weather can change that.

Karen: What route are you taking? Do you have designated city stops?

Emily: I have planned stops along the way. Major cities will be Lincoln,NE, Denver-CO, Salt Lake City-UT, Vegas and into LA. We'll stay at smaller towns along the way...like right now I am in Davenport, Iowa! The major cities coordinate with one of my sponsors, Lululemon Athletica who has stores in each of those cities.

Karen: Do you have a support crew/truck for the trip? Will it be difficult to manage your CF during the trip?

Emily: My mom and dad graciously donated their Chevy pick up truck to use as my support. It's perfect because we can load the Vespa, my bicycle, food coolers, all my med equipment and luggage in it. Plus the truck allows us to hang banners and advertisements for CF and my adventure. One of my uncles from New Jersey will be driving the support for the first week and a half. My dad is flying into Denver to meet us and finish off the trip. A great daddy daughter bonding experience will be fun! Luckily we will be staying in hotels every night so I can keep my daily CF routine under control. Loading and unloading all of my luggage and equipment will be the hardest part of the trip! Keeping up with my nutritional needs will also be very important since I'll be biking a few hours a day, every day.

Karen: Have you ridden scooters before?

Emily: I'd never ridden a Vespa or any scooter prior to deciding to buy one! When I was a kid I rode mini bikes a ton. That was fun!

Karen: How did you choose that Vespa to ride?

Emily: I have always had a thing for Vespa scooters. A few years ago I was nosing around for a vintage Vespa to ride around town but it never came through. When I was in Europe last year I saw tons of Vespa's and it made me crazy for one. Things happen for a reason, so my dream came true and I am now the proud owner of "Gesundheit Blitz", an LX 150!

Karen: Is there a website where people can follow your trip progress or make donations?

Emily: There are a few websites that will have blogs, pics and video updates each day. Donations can be made at the Emily to Ellen website. Let's Rock CF will host my blog and some pics. Spin Magazine is hosting a page that is tracking me too. I'm all over the world wide web.

Sidenote: Before Emily and her crew left Chicago, they helped track down a mugger. In Emily's words, 'Good start to the day.'

When Old was New

2009-08-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

In every subculture there are divisions or groups that we, as individuals naturally gravitate to. The scooter community is no different. We have the vintage scooter enthusiasts and there are the modern-styled scooter fans. There was a time, however, when vintage scooters were the new kids on the block.

In the latest issue of Bumpstart, I feature a scooterist from that time, Vern Lee. Vern is a walking, talking piece of scooter history and a helluva of a nice guy.

Above photo: Vern with his Vespa GS, San Francisco (1960's)

He's also an excellent professional photographer, who documented that time. Vern generously supplied me with photos of the original Vespa Portland dealership, where he bought his first scooter. I don't know anyone else who has any photo documentation of this. Luckily, Vern kept all his photos and Vespa artifacts in such pristine condition. Today we have the privilige of viewing them. Thanks Vern.

Photos: Vespa Portland (circa 1960's) was located on Sandy Blvd. across from Colonial Mortuary.

It was owned by the Meyer Brothers, Gordon and Bob. I was told that Gordon also owned a Vespa 400.

Pick up a copy of Bumpstart # 3 to read the rest of the story....

Portland 'Zine Symposium '09, July 24 - 26

2009-07-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

'Zinesters from all over the world will be heading to Portland State University this weekend for the 2009 Portland 'Zine Symposium. It runs Friday - Sunday and admission is FREE! Besides a ballroom full of great 'zines to check out, there will also be free workshops through out the event's run.

I'll be there! Be sure to stop by the Bumpstart table and say Hi!

P-town's Show & Shine - July 25th

2009-07-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Portland, it's time once again to spit and polish those scoots and mopeds!

P-town Scooters will be hosting their 2nd Annual Show and Shine on July 25th.

Show categories include:

BEST VESPA
BEST LAMBRETTA
BEST MODERN MOPED
BEST MOPED
BEST RAT BIKE
PATRICK'S PICK

To enter your scoot or moped, please contact Jim Smith via email: Jim@PtownScooters.com or call the shop at 503.241.4745

Hmmm, wonder if the Simson Schwalbe could make it to P-town.

Burning the Midnight Oil with the Jewel T Man

2009-06-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Years ago when Mom and Dad first heard I got a scooter, they weren’t too happy. No one in my family ever rode motorcycles or scooters. Even though I’m a grown adult, being overprotective parents they were afraid I would hurt myself. The “s word” wasn’t mentioned unless I broached the subject. Whenever they came to visit me in Oregon, I’d make sure they saw me ride my scooter to break the ice. See, I scooted and lived to tell the tale. Gradually, they became more receptive to the idea - I also never bothered to mention dumping my Kymco, landing a teeter-totter jump during a gymkhana. I can hear my Dad now, ‘Who do you think you are Steve McQueen in The Great Escape?’
I know they still worry, but now whenever my Dad sees any kind of scooter photo or article he’s quick to send me the news clippings instead of lecture me.

I’m up late many nights working on Bumpstart and occasionally I’ll call my Dad, as he’s a night owl like me. One night I was having trouble with a story, so I took a phone break and called home, knowing he’d be awake watching Law and Order re-runs. He’s not much of a phone person, but that night he was feeling chatty. I told him the ‘zine was taking longer to complete than I had hoped and I was feeling anxious about the reaction it would receive when it saw the light of day.

For some reason, he launched into a story about his days as a Jewel T salesman. During the mid 70’s, Dad had a route selling the Jewel T product line, which featured everything from cleaning products to clothing, food, and china. His brown delivery truck parked in our driveway was a veritable general store on wheels. Mom had to literarily keep the kids out of the Jewel T cookie jar as to prevent profits from being eaten. The company was mainly known for their Autumn Leaf china pattern, but in the Winter of ’74 Jewel T came out with their unbreakable china line. You could drop it, smack it against a surface and it wouldn’t break.

Dad went out to show off the new product to his clientele. The housewives will just love it he thought. Right out of the gate, first house the unthinkable happened. The unbreakable china broke. In fact, it shattered. Dad had left the box of china in his delivery truck overnight and being winter, it froze. Surprisingly, he actually got the housewife to buy the product even though it actually did the opposite of what he had previously touted. I don’t know how he did it, but he let any embarrassment he may have had just roll off and made the sale.

Ok, it’s a cute story I told him, but how is this suppose to help me? What’s the moral to the story?

“I never said there’s a moral,” he replied. “I dunno, never leave china out in the car during winter months.”

Great, thanks Dad. Words to live by.

I said goodnight to him and went back to the story I was having trouble with. I kept thinking about my Dad’s quirky story with no moral. It made me to rethink the direction I was going in and I actually finished my story.

Garage Sale Rally

2009-05-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

When I was in Victoria, British Columbia for the 25th Annual Garden City Rally, I hung out with the Apocalypse SC. Their club drove all the way from Calgary with a trailer full of 10 Vespas to attend the rally. It was quit a sight watching them load and unload their scooters in The Surf's small parking lot.

Over the course of the Garden City Rally they pretty much adopted me and I can't thank them enough for their kind Canadian hospitality. This summer they are having their Garage Sale Rally in Calgary and you all are invited. I know it's a long way to Calgary (15 hrs from Seattle, 20 hrs from Portland), but Apocalypse President, Kory Haggert told me they'll billet any Americans willing to make the trip. I'll be there and hope to see all you Pacific Northwest scooterists at the Garage Sale.

A Monkey a Day...

2009-05-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Kevin Cross is drawing a monkey-a-day in preparation for the launch of his new Monkey Mod web-comic. He was kind enough to draw a fantastic Tiki monkey just for me. Mahalo, Kevin!

Thanks Stumpy!

2009-04-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Stumptown was as fun as usual, but this year I was super-geeked they let me ride my scooter into the event BOTH days. On the first day of the comicfest I dazzled the attendees waiting to get in, as I scooted past them...and through the Doubletree doors, wearing my "Kickstart Karen" superhero essemble. It was hilarious to see the looks I got. Second day, I left the cape and boots at home and came as the mild mannered publisher of Bumpstart.
One of the many highlights of Stumptown was meeting the creators of other scooter-related publications. It was nice seeing other scooter enthusiasts in attendance.

Otis Singletary and Nate Murphy, creators of The Two Percent Solution and fellow scooterists, stopped by the Bumpstart table to say Hi. See you at Monkey Run; there better be Monkey bingo this year!

Kevin Cross and the Monkey MOD table. The cover of Monkey MOD was printed on a Gocco! Kevin is also co-host of The Big Illustration Party Time podcast. Be sure to check it out on iTunes.

David Lasky, the creator of Urban Hipster stopped by the table. Thanks for the copy of UH, David!

On Sunday, I took a break from my table and did a quick walk around. I wish I had more time to look around. It was a weekend of sensory overload at the Doubletree. Towards the end of the day, I had the pleasure of meeting Gail Simone, writer of Wonder Woman. I gave her a copy of American Scooterist's "Beat Issue", which she just loved. I recently became the new publisher of the Vespa Club of America's magazine and I have to say that this double-issue is going to be a tough act to follow.

Thanks for a swell time, Stumpy. Stay cool, see ya next year..

Stumptown Comic Fest '09!

2009-04-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you all at Stumptown Comic Fest this weekend. I'll be sitting at table # 89. Be sure to stop by and say Hi!

I will be twittering Stumptown updates throughout the weekend.

Lake Como Flea Market

2009-04-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

While I was in Lake Como, I didn't spot George Clooney. But, I did go to a fun market where they sold everything from parakets to underwear by the pound.

I also spied a cute scooter kid's T-shirt. I was running low on Euros, so I decided to pass on it. Sorry, scooter kids no "Miss Monella Vagabonda" T-shirt for you.

Spotted in Lake Como

2009-03-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Photo Friday: Venice Shopkeeper

2009-03-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

A Night at Powells...

2009-03-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

It was a great night for local and national small press at Powell's Books, this past Monday. Smallpressapalooza's audience was kept entertained with five, full hours of non-stop readings.

Me and my fellow 'zinesters were in full force that night.Our 'zines look pretty sweet on a Powell's podium, don't ya think.
Moe Bowstern reading from her 'zine, Xtra Tuf.

After a nice intro from Justin Hocking of IPRC, I read my story, Behind the Label, from Bumpstart #2. I uncorked a bottle of Barbera 'd Asti for the thirsty audience before my reading. Much love to Powells for allowing me to serve wine in their fine establishment. I was told that only Douglas Coupland and I have quaffed wine during our readings at Powell's Books.

Never miss a photo op.

The wine went fast that night.

Portland scooterists hobnobing at Powells.

James and Debbie Boehne, Canadian scooterists who introduced me to the Portland scooter community pose with some fine wine. Thanks to all who attended the reading; it was a great evening.

Smallpressapalooza 2009!!!

2009-03-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

Powell's City of Books is hosting their annual Smallpressapalooza this coming Monday.

What's Smallpressapalooza, you maybe asking yourself?
It's a five-hour marathon reading session by local and national small press publications.

I'm very excited to be taking part in the event and will be reading from my latest issue of Bumpstart at 7:15pm. There may be "scooter wine" available for quaffing. Come on by, it starts at 5 and goes to 10pm.

Photo Friday: Piaggio Museum

2009-03-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

For Bumpstart #2, I tried squeezing in as many photos as possible from my scooter adventures in Italy. Some didn't make it into the issue, so I'm going to post a few here every Friday. For this Photo Friday, I will be taking you on a virtual tour of the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera.
The museum is housed in Piaggio's old tool and die shop.Piaggio didn't just make scooters. Here's their train in the front entrance to the museum.This is the famous "Dali Vespa". Two Spanish students rode this Vespa around the world in 79 days. During their travels, they met Salvador Dali who went to town on their scooter with his paint brush.

In this photo, you can see his crown signature. "Gala" was Salvador Dali's wife and muse.

A small portion of the Piaggio Archives.

Here's some of the Vespa models on display. They almost look like toy models stacked on top of each other.

Overhead view of the museum's array of Piaggio goodies on display.

Hmm, wonder if they're hiring...

Be sure to hit the gift shop before you leave.
Ciao for now. Karen

Into the Facebook Vortex

2009-03-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't blogged lately, February and March have been busy months for me and Bumpstart. I also got sucked into the Facebook vortex. Since I'm on there so much playing Mafia Wars, I made a group for Bumpstart Magazine. If you're on Facebook, be sure to join in on the fun.

Bumpstart # 2

2009-02-05T02:28:00.000-08:00

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2008-12-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

Team Bumpstart braved "Snow Apocalypse" and gathered for our annual Xmas do. We also briefly discussed the upcoming second issue of Bumpstart. It's looking really good! Captain 8 Ball and I traded our favorite holiday drink recipes and we snapped our staff Xmas photo. Always the fashion bug, Captain 8 Ball outshines Steve and I with his new silver parka and Modified scarf.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Scootin' New Year!
Team Bumpstart
xoxo

IPRC's December Zine of the Month!!!!

2008-11-26T23:11:00.000-08:00

I just got an early Christmas present courtesy of Portland's most excellent Independent Publishing Resource Center. Bumpstart was named their December Zine of the Month! Thanks, IPRC. You rock! I'm really honored to be a part of your zine club! The IPRC will be mailing out copies of Bumpstart to their club members. Unlike other monthly clubs, like your typical Fruit of the Month clubs, IPRC's monthly deliveries won't go bad AND get better with age.

IPRC is also featured in this year's Willamette Week's 5th Annual Give! Guide. It's just one of 55 incredible non-profits featured that give year round to us Portlanders. Be sure to check out all the Give! Guide's free incentives you will get back if you donate to any of these deserving organizations. FREE COFFEE...FREE HAIRCUTS....FREE WINE....FREE GELATO, anyone????

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

2008-11-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Happy World Pasta Day!

2008-10-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hey, guess what tomorrow is. It's World Pasta Day! Yup, and here I thought it only happened on Wednesdays.

To celebrate this carbolicious day, please enjoy some foodie photos from my recent trip to Italy. The below photo may just appear to be a plate of nicely presented pasta, but when I look at it I remember dining in Verona during opera season and hearing arias lofting overhead from the nearby coliseum.
Verona was also the first place I saw an Ape putting around. I was so excited when I saw it going around the square collecting garbage. Throughout my time in Italy, I came across countless numbers of Apes. In Florence, I even saw some electric powered ones. The Italians use their Apes to transport all kinds of things from luggage to huge wine casks. And I hear in Cinque Terra a certain Aussie tourist named Jannelle got a ride in one, but I'll let her tell that story in Bumpstart. (cough, cough hint hint Janelle).
While I was visiting the scooter motherland, I met up with Scooterbella, a Vespa touring company in Tuscany.

My Vespa tour group (Photo from left to right: Melanie from Australia, Bill from Boston, Tour guides Sagra from Spain and Elizabeth, an expat from PA, and Janelle aka "Ginger" from Australia)

One of my favorite restaurants we stopped at was L Alto Chianti.

Their ravioli with truffle slices was so good.

Besides the great food, their restaurant had a roof terrace that provided spectacular views of Chianti.
I see now why so many tourists have a hard time leaving Tuscany.

Tuscan Scooter Rally

2008-10-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

During my second week in Italy, I toured Tuscany by Vespa. At the start of our riding day, we would occasionally stop for some espresso. One morning as we pulled into town we came upon the start of a scooter rally. What great luck! The Italian scooterists enjoyed showing off their scooters to me. One of them spoke English, so I was able to communicate without the aid of my Rick Steves phrase book! There were lots of great scooters and Fiat cars in attendance, but I was really taken with this Lambretta.
It's a Lambretta 150 D in pristine condition that actually runs.
The group quickly threw back some espressos before heading to their next stop, but I managed to snap a couple photos.

Reading Frenzy

2008-10-02T23:52:00.001-07:00

I was walking to IPRC the other night and as I passed Reading Frenzy's window, I couldn't believe my eyes. In their window display was Bumpstart!
It's right next to Mineshaft (featuring R.Crumb) and below Craig Thompson's Carnet De Voyage. My first time in a widow display and I'm in such good company!

You can also find it in the Zine Section at Powells....

Zinesters Talking 2008

2008-10-02T21:27:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I participated in Multnomah Library's Zinesters Talking Series. I was really honored, and a little nervous when they asked me to be one of this year's featured zinesters. I joined Kate Lopresti, creator of Constant Rider as part of their transportation themed night, which was held in the US Bank Room of the Central Library. I asked if I could ride my scooter into the reading, but they mentioned some crazy regulation against bringing in two-wheeled transportation. Oh well, I tried. (above photo) Emily-Jane Dawson, Multnomah County Librarian introducing Kate and I before our readings.

It was my first ever reading and I scored the US Bank Room. Wow! I was nervous, but the library staff helped put me at ease. It really was a fun night. I gave an emotional account of flying to Italy and meeting Maria Borio, owner of Cascina Castlet. I also spoke of how doing 'zines has enriched my life and taken me places I never thought I'd go.(above photo) Here I am holding a bottle of Maria's famous Barbara 'd Asti "scooter wine".

Kate did a great reading from Constant Rider. She's a really poised reader and told some great stories involving Portland's public transportation. I just finished reading about her cross-country train ride home to Wisconsin and loved it.
(above photo) Posing with our beverages of choice for the night.

The library bought some copies of Bumpstart to place in their zine collection. I'm really excited that people will be able to check out copies of my zine from the library very soon. It's great that our library system is so supportive of local independent publishers. Thanks to all the awesome library staff and everyone who showed up for the reading. You made it a memorable night!

My visit to Cascina Castlet

2008-09-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

The highlight of my time in Italy had to be meeting Mauriccia Borio aka the "scooter wine" lady. She's the little girl in the pink dress on the Barbara 'd Asti wine label. I interviewed her in my premiere issue of Bumpstart and she graciously invited me to tour her winery, Cascina Castlet.

I was really excited to meet her and tour the winery that produces Barbara 'd Asti and many other great wines. She also makes Grappa!
When Mauriccia told me there was something outside she wanted to show me, I couldn't believe my eyes. Parked in the exact same spot it had been some 50+ plus years for the family photo was THE Vespa that graces the label of her 'scooter wine'.

We had a great visit and I can't wait for you all to read about in the next issue of Bumpstart! I was very honored and a little verklempt when she asked me to pose with the Vespa for a photo. I think I have my Christmas card photo.From left to right: Elena Borio(Mamma Borio), Mauriccia Borio (Scooter Wine Lady), me, and the family's 1951 "faro basso" Vespa featured on their Barbara 'd Asti wine label.

In Fair Verona...

2008-09-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

...I spotted the first of many Apes..

...and Vespas I would come across in Italy.

Bumpstart Goes to Italy

2008-09-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody. I just got back from my Italian holiday and am gradually getting over my jet lag. So, I can start posting a couple photos from my trip. Italy was amazing and I have lots of great stories and photos to share. The Italian hospitality is unequaled and I plan on returning very soon. My first stop was in Venice. In the above photo, Giovanni, my charming gondoleer is posing with a copy of Bumpstart! He wouldn't sing, but when he wouldn't stop talking about Vespas, I knew I picked the right gondoleer.

More photos to come....

Karen

Baby Bump

2008-08-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Bumpstart arrived today. She's available at Powell's Books, Reading Frenzy, and many other fine establishments. Welcome to the world.

Scootin' Animals

2008-08-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here's some of my favorite sketches from this past Stumptown.

A monkey on scooter that featured retractable swinging arms. Kool!!!! I want one.

Stunt Monkey showing off.

A sketch for Captain 8 Ball.

I have lots of sketches and will post more when I get time. Back to editing.

Get Well Steve!

2008-07-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Steve Sellers, a mechanic at P-town Scooters was recently diagnosed with Congential Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy. He's currently in the hospital racking up some major bills and doesn't have any insurance. Steve has always been there to take care of our scooter needs, lets help ease his financial burden by donating to his fund. To donate, just click on the widget below or go to Scooter-Relief.org.

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Blog buddies. Happy Independence Day to you!
Long time no post, I know. I haven't had much free time lately, sorry. My day job has been keeping me busy, did some traveling, and I'm working on my new scooter magazine.

For those who don't know, I stepped down as editor of Kickstart recently. While I loved creating and editing the magazine for the past 2 1/2 years, I didn't want it to be a financial burden for the club. The good news is that Rick Fletcher has picked up the baton and is doing an online version of Kickstart on the OSC website. I wish him much fun and success with it!

Doing Kickstart was really a gift; it brought out an artistic side that I usually kept to myself. I'm appreciative to OSC for giving me the opportunity to express it. Steve feels the same way as I do. Like me, he also caught the bug. So Steve will be working with me to create our own scooter publication... in between his bocce games and babysitting gigs of course! We'll keep you posted when we're ready to launch it.

Happy 4th of July everybody!
Kickstart Karen

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2008-05-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Add One More to the Talley

2008-04-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Winston(I think), Frosti, Chewie, and Steve

Congratulations are in order for Steve and Frosti Talley. Their first grandchild and future curler/scooterist, Fiona Rose arrived late last night, weighing 8lbs, 6oz, and is 21 inches long.

Grandpa Talley was a little tired when I saw him, but reported that all is well with everyone. He said Fiona was active but not fussy, just wondering what it was all about. I'm sure when Fiona is big enough, Steve will have her out on the ice curling in no time flat. Congrats Grandpa and Grandma Talley!

In between hospital runs, Steve managed to deliver our baby, Kickstart. He just got # 8 back from the printers. It looks great! Steve and I would like to thank everyone who were a part of the issue, especially Gary Cochran, James Boehne, Arden Collins, Phil Oliver, Mary Ann Schelb, and Miles TeSelle. Special thanks to P-town Scooters for their ad and constant support!

I think we all need a nap now. Have a great weekend.
Scooter Aunt Karen

Colour me Happy!

2008-03-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well colour me very happy indeed, the latest issue of Classic Scooterist Scene is on the newstands! The UK scootering magazine has updated their layout and this issue's cover story is my very own Super Mod interview with Dave Gibbons. Dave even did the cover for them! It's my first time in an international publication and I couldn't ask for a better way to kick it off.

Kickin' it with Tim Sale

2008-03-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

Tim Sale, awesome comic book illustrator and staff artist for NBC's Heroes, poses with Kickstart.

Happy Anniversary Cutters!

2008-03-11T02:11:00.000-07:00

The PuddleCutters Moped Gang celebrated their second year of swarmin' and destroyin' with a ride this past Saturday.

Seattle's Mosquito Fleet buzzed on down to join in on the fun.

If you want to see more rad mopeds, visit my Flickr account.

Shutterbug

2008-03-07T11:57:00.001-08:00

Recently, I was lucky enough to have professional photographer, Peter Dickson shoot some photos for me. He's a fellow Portland scooterist and very accomplished photographer, who has done ad work for Nike and many other big name companies.
I was blown away at the level of care and amount of time Peter devoted for the photos. He definitely went beyond the call of duty and I'll always appreciate it.

Scooterist in Need

2008-03-03T14:39:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend, Josh Rogers from Scoot! was hit head-on by a Lexus during the Los Gatos' monthly ride. Josh sustained serious injuries, including a broken femur, a dislocated wrist and will have to undergo therapy for at least six months.

I was really sorry to hear about the accident and am glad he was wearing a full face helmet and protective riding gear at the time of collision or it could of been worse.

Donations towards his medical bills can be made by going to Scooter Relief.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Josh.

Birthday Boy

2008-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Matt O!

You'll always be Mark Trail to me!

The Italians are coming...

2008-02-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

From the 1979 Oscar winning film, Breaking Away. I haven't seen it in so long that I completely forgot about the Vespa scene, an added bonus to a really terrific film.

Mmmm, Paczki!

2008-02-05T11:42:00.001-08:00

Happy Fat Tuesday! Per Polish tradition, I made paczki last night.

The CAD monkeys seemed to like them.

Kickin' it with Talley

2008-01-30T05:25:00.000-08:00

The Talleys aboard their Piaggio X9

He's the man behind the scenes quietly toiling away at Kick's layout; the Tonto to my Lone Ranger. Together, Steve Talley and I make up Team Kickstart. Steve is a pretty unassuming man and I felt it was high time I cast the spotlight on my friend.

So, Mr. Talley, I am going to ask you some questions and you can answer accordingly.

Karen: Do you have any aliases?
Steve: My wife has several for me, but I'm not publishing them.
Karen: Fare enough, Talley Man.

K: What turns you on?
S: Scooters, curling, bocce, history

K: Any turn offs?
S: Vehicles with studded tires; drivers who don't use turn signals

K: What was your first scooter?
S: Piaggio X9

K: Tell me a little known fact about yourself.
S: I rode submarines in the navy.
K: Well, anchors away! I never knew that. Here's another little know Talley tidbit: He's a semi-retired technical writer and was published in the New York Times!

K: OK, finish these sentences (When I'm on my scooter... Kickstart is... Curling and bocce are... Karen G is.... If I had a monkey...)
S: When I'm on my scooter, I'm enjoying the trip.
Kickstart is fun to work on.
Curling and bocce are non-contact sports where men and women of all ages compete equally.
Karen G is the generative force behind Kickstart.
If I had a monkey, I'd trade it for a bullmastiff.

Well, there you have it. Steve is quite the renaissance man and Kickstart wouldn't be half as fun without him!

If you'd like to find out more about curling and bocce in Portland,
click here:
Curling
Bocce

Happy Anniversary!

2008-01-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

The God Squad

2008-01-20T21:55:00.001-08:00

Recently, I spotted a calendar at the store called Nuns Having Fun. Its August month features nuns in habits and helmets posing alongside a scooter and moped. Seeing it reminded me of Sister Mary Vespa. Who's Sister Mary Vespa you ask?
Well....a couple years ago, I was at PDX airport waiting on a delayed Christmas flight home to Dee-tway when a fellow traveler and I struck up a conversation. She had noticed a Kickstart sticking out of my bag and wanted to know all about it. When I mentioned it was about scooters, she preceded to share some wonderful stories of her neighbor, "the Vespa-riding ex-nun and Pussy, her cat! The neighbor chuckled recalling Sister Mary Vespa yelling for her Pussy to come in for the night. “Pussssy.....Pussssy. Where’s my Pusssy?,” the Sister would yell for all the neighbors to hear.

Her neighbor was the freaking Singing Nun! Well, I didn’t know if she could sing, but I knew that she loved her Vespa and rode it every day, rain or shine! I wanted to know all about her and why she was an ex-nun now worshiping at the altar of Vespa. I passed on some Kickstarts for her to give to Sister Mary Vespa and in return I got her address.

I wrote to the good Sister, but never heard from her. When I mentioned this to my own sister Sandy, she said the centerfolds might have turned the nun off and that knowing me, I’d try and get Sister Mary Vespa to pose for one. I reminded Sandy that I had more tact than that. But, hey what a good idea! AND Sister Mary Vespa was an EX-nun, it’s not like she’s married to the church anymore. She didn’t need their blessing. I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

People from all walks of life and religions ride scooters and that’s just a small part of what makes our shared hobby so great! I'm bummed that I never got to speak to her, but knowing that she is out there somewhere happily scootin’ along makes me smile. Godspeed Sister Mary Vespa!

From Life Magazine 1957:

Nuns in an auto-rickshaw!

Smurfy Birthday!

2008-01-15T08:21:00.001-08:00

La-la-la-la-la!
The Smurfs hit the big 5-0!
Smurfette hasn't aged a bit. I wonder how Gargamel and Azreal have fared.

Head over to www.happysmurfday.com for the celebration. Maybe Baker Smurf will have a smurferrific smurfberry cake! Hopefully Greedy hasn't smurfed it. Yeah, I know. I'm a smurfin' nerd.

Clickety Clack

2008-01-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

Isn't this 1956 Life Magazine Royal typewriter ad too cool? This is from the scooter ad collection of Susan Goodwin. She really has quite an impressive array of vintage ads and was kind enough to let me peruse them. Susan was also responsible for putting out the kick-ass Portland scooter zine, P-town Uncensored from 1999 - 2002.

It may seem like I have been hibernating a lot lately, but I've actually been really, really busy. For the past six weeks, I've been participating in a writing workshop and have been behind the keyboard for most of my free time. So far, the workshop has been a positive experience and filled with lots of great feedback and conversations. This time around the group is a mix of Chuck Palahniuk and Ariel Gore influenced writers, so needless to say, there has been a wide variety of subject matter covered and well written, I might add. I've written more than I thought I would over the holidays and almost hate to see the class end, but it will be nice to get to bed at a decent hour.

Now don't think I've forgotten about Kickstart. In between workshop assignments, I've also been researching and cultivating material for our # 8 issue. It'll be hard to top our last issue, but I'm working on some fun leads and think you'll dig it.

Diva

2007-12-26T23:34:00.000-08:00

Diva, the 1981 French film featuring one of the coolest moped chase scenes EVER, is showing at Cinema 21 here in Portland. It goes till tomorrow, so run or moped on down there before it's gone.

Holly Jolly from Kickstart!

2007-12-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Photo from left to right: Mike Einis, me, and Steve Talley
Kickstart crew, Year 1

It's coming up on our second year anniversary at Kickstart and my thoughts turn to that time two years ago. Mike Einis had volunteered to take the helm of OSC’s newsletter and I agreed to lend a hand. At the time, I had no idea how big a part of my life it would become. Mike and I had no experience with graphic design and needed someone to become our layout guru. After holding an open call meeting, in walked Steve Talley and our 'zine staff was born. Having been a fan of the Vespa Club of Canada’s newsletter, The Indicator, and the local Portland scooter ‘zines, I knew that we just had to name our baby. After brainstorming such names as The Spanner and The Cruciform, we came up with the beautiful name of Kickstart.

Thanks to all who have helped us along the way!

This year we didn't have time to pose for an ugly Xmas sweater Christmas card, so I'm posting a photo from the patch jacket shoot.

Happy Holidays to all and here's wishing you a healthy, happy, scootin' new year!

Too Much Coffee Man

2007-12-11T02:11:00.001-08:00

This looks like a job for Too Much Coffee Man!

TMCM is a satirical comic strip created by Shannon Wheeler. It's a parody of superheroes and TMCM even wears full body underwear with a buttoned flap on the back. Shannon and composer Daniel Steven Crafts adapted the comic strip into an opera that debuted at Brunish Hall here in Portland last year.

To find out more about Too Much Coffee Man visit Shannon Wheeler at: www.tmcm.com

Ice Ice Scooter

2007-12-11T00:54:00.000-08:00

Finding inspiration from his Whiteout series, Steve Leiber drew this ice Vespa for me. He is a founding member of Mercury Studio and has been published by Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, and Oni to name a few.

To see more from this 9 time Eisner nominated artist, visit his website: www.stevelieber.com

Brybox

2007-12-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

Bryan Fleming aka "Brybox" sketched this great scooter action drawing for me during Stumptown. Like "Big Time" he is also attending Pacific Northwest College of Art and a member of the Robopocalypse comic collective.
Check out his website: www.brybox.com. Or you can also catch him at www.robopocalypse.com

Big Time

2007-12-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

Know as BT Livermore or simply "Big Time", this handlebar mustacheoed man digs robots and drawing. His two-wheeled transportation is Crusher, his bicycle. When he's not busy attending Pacific Northwest College of Art, he's collaborating on a children's book project with 59 other comic artists. The proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Check out this very talented Minnesotan's websites: www.robopocalypse.com and www.bigtimeillustration.com.