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August 15, 2007
Monterey Vespa Club brings motor-scooter enthusiasts together
Believe it or not, Vespa riders get plenty of love from Harley-Davidson riders.
Just ask Roger Vandevert, president of the Vespa Club of Monterey, who recently went on a ride with fellow Vespa and scooter owners to the Fourth of July bike rally in Hollister.
"There's a fun kind of attraction between Harley guys and Vespas," said Vandevert, noting that whenever he shows up to a bike rally on his Vespa, he is usually besieged by one or two Harley riders. "Sports-bike guys, not so much."
The Italian-made motor scooters were originally built after World War II, when the Piaggio warplane factories were bombed out.
A strong need existed for transportation and for the country to get back on its feet — and on the road. The Vespa engine was the original airplane starter motor and the small wheels were aircraft landing gear.
Vespas range in price from $3,199 for the LX 50 model to as much as $7,299 for the limited edition GT 60. Locals can purchase the bikes at Vespa Monterey in the Seaside Auto Mall.
On the Peninsula, Vespa club riders can be seen cruising to Diva Dulce near Fisherman's Wharf, or parked outside the Starbucks at Stone Creek Center off Highway 68, sipping lattes rather than pounding a few cold ones.
Posted by Frank at August 15, 2007 7:48 AM
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