In the beginning…

I’m not sure when my love of scooters began however over the years I’ve accumulated all sorts of scooter related things including models, pictures, notebooks, keyrings, stamps and pizza cutters.

This year I raised the bar. Fuelled by having to celebrate a BIG birthday, I became the owner of my very first Vespa. The real deal! Thanks hubby! She’s a Primavera 150 and I’ve named her “Giorga” (feminine of George, farmer). She isn’t the classic that I have my heart set on but until I learn more she sure will give me plenty to smile about and take me on many adventures. Being a 150cc, this meant that I had to get my motorbike licence. This involved a 2 day pre-learner course, 3 months being followed around by hubby on his DR, a couple of 1on1 training sessions and then a 1 day course to actually get my licence. I was certainly committed.

It wasn’t long after we purchased my Vespa that I read “Vroom with a View” by Peter Moore.  I loved this book.  On turning 40, the author from Australia purchased a Vespa on eBay from Milan in Italy.  The book is about his travels on this vintage Vespa he named ‘Sophia’ through Italy.  I couldn’t help but laugh. This was my Vespa dream. I just didn’t get the classic Vespa & the streets of Italy this time round. Maybe I hadn’t raised the bar high enough and hubby got off way too lightly!

I have to say in the early days, as excited as I was to own my very own Vespa, I did think to myself several times – “what in the world am I doing?”. My family and hubby were very supportive.  I think some of my close friends secretly thought I was having a mid-life crisis and I mean, I even joked about it.  The whole concept of me on a bike is a far cry from my general nature.  However, the fact of the matter is – I love it!  I love the freedom, I love that hubby and I can go riding together now (I think he enjoys it too) and I love that I’m exploring the Scenic Rim from one gorgeous scenery to the next and one cafe at a time.

Fast forward to today. I have since convinced my hubby to buy a Vespa and join me on rides that involve leaving the DR at home (sometimes).  He is now the “proud” owner of a GTS 250 that we bought second hand.  I think he was quite happy that she came with scratches the previous owner had the misfortune of bestowing on her. We’ve joined the Vespa Club of Brisbane and join in on club rides when we can and we’ve been enjoying seeing our greater backyard through new eyes from the Vespa perspective.

Stay tuned for our adventures in the Scenic Rim and beyond.