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The Things I Carried

This post is to talk about the things that rode with me on the scooter.  I want to emphasize that what follows is simply how I managed things on my scooter, with my limited experience.  There are lots of folks out there who have spent years developing their “kit” and are anxious to share what they’ve learned.  I did my best to utilize their knowledge as I prepared for my own ride.  The test rides I did as preparation for the trip were very helpful, although I made some big changes during the first week of the trip and smaller ones on-going that contributed to my enjoyment of the ride.  So, front to back…

Blue Bag under the front rack:
This was a 20-plus year old SealLine 20 liter dry bag that contained my clothes, shaving kit, chargers for all the electrical devices and a plastic bag that was the equivalent of your “junk drawer” at home.  The Blue Bag started out the trip behind the leg shield, but on Day 7 got moved to the front rack.  It’s contents were not expensive but were things I needed to access on a daily basis.  So it stayed on the scooter during the day, even when I was away from it, and came into the motel with me at night.  In the “junk drawer,” within their own sub-compartments were a couple of survival blankets, hand warmers, insect repellent, sugar and tea and spare plastic bags.

Gasoline:
I am very glad that I carried two gallons of spare fuel.  I used it frequently, sometimes because I needed to and sometimes because it was more convenient than stopping at a service station.  In any case, it always brought me peace of mind.  While it is possible to plan a route that doesn’t require spare gas, I didn’t want fuel to be the determining factor in what road or byway I chose to explore.  Until just a few days before the trip started I had planned to use the one-liter red cylinder under the top case as my only spare gas.  Happily, a couple of people at the Modern Vespa web site changed my mind.
Not all fuel cans are created equal.  I started out the trip with a “no-spill” container from Ace Hardware.  It may work for a lawn mower, but on my scooter it spilled gas every time.  In Cody, Wyoming I switched to a less-expensive gas can from Wal-Mart and had only one spill during the remaining 53 days of the trip.  Plus, the spout on the Wall-Mart can could be stored within the can, instead of always sticking out.  It’s interesting how small things can bring us joy.

Glove Compartment in the leg shield:
In this small lockable space I kept my passport, a hard disk drive for digital photo back-ups, spare glasses, and insurance and registration paperwork for the scooter.

Black and White Bags behind the leg shield:
The Black Bag is a two-person tent and the White Waterproof Bag contains a sleeping bag and a mattress.  They sit on an after-market floor rack from Classic Racks, and are held secure by two Rok-Straps.  The White Bag was another of the Day 7 Wall-Mart purchases.  It allowed me to re-distribute items amongst the packages and to re-locate the Blue Bag to the front rack.  Life became much easier after that.
More than any of the other items, the Black Bag and White Bag gave the scooter the appearance of being over-burdened and inconvenient to ride.  In actual practice they were not at all inconvenient.  The two bags were lightweight, did not interfere with positioning of my lower legs or feet, and in fact helped keep my legs and feet warm in cold or wet weather by minimizing their exposure to air turbulence.
I only camped twice during the trip.  The first time was a planned camping event at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho.  The very next night I had planned to stay at an undetermined motel in Jackson, Wyoming, but the motels were all full, and the camping gear was what came between me and a cold homeless night.  The camping gear wasn’t used again the rest of the trip, but it brought me peace of mind, allowed me to be a bit cavalier about planning my daily route and destination, and I was always glad I had it along.  Without the camping gear, a mechanical failure on some of the roads and in some of the conditions I traveled could have been life-threatening rather than merely inconvenient.

A Note Regarding Camping:
Before the trip started I imagined that some nights on the road would be spent at a campsite picnic table happily tapping away at my blog while enjoying the serenity of the great outdoors.  What my fantasy omitted was the lack of internet connectivity, cold wind and the fact that I couldn’t download my photos or type in the dark.  So early on I decided that it was either camp or blog, and blog won.

Black Seat Cushion:
The Black Seat Cushion you see in all the pictures is the modification of an AirHawk Model R.  I could ride all day long on it in perfect comfort.  But don’t go out and buy one just yet.  If you’re interested in the subject, read on…
_JMH4650_LR_800_WM-3I’m actually fairly happy with the stock Vespa seat, but my body dimensions place me on the downward slope of that seat, midway between the rider and passenger placements, so that I feel like I’m sliding down an incline.  Two or three hours of this is OK, but all day, day after day, might be too much.  So before the trip I explored the many options.  To make a long story not as short as you’d like, I settled on the popular AirHawk brand as the cushion most likely to please me.  It has an inflatable multi-cell air bladder inserted into a fabric cover.  First I bought and tried out an AirHawk Model DS.  It was small and lumpy, so I returned it.  Then I bought and tried the AirHawk Model R.  It was big and lumpy.  I was about to return it and be happy with the stock seat, when I decided to try placing a piece of sheepskin over the air bladder, within the cloth cover.  Violà!  Now I could be happy.  The moral of this story is that what worked well for others did not work for me, and what pleases me may not satisfy you…a lesson applicable to both seat covers and life.

Black Stuff Sack strapped to the seat:
This Black Stuff Sack strapped to the back of the seat contained the scooter cover and my rain gear.  There was extra room in this sack so sometimes I’d add in an item like a layer of clothing I no longer needed for the day.  Also under these straps is where I’d  keep my fleece jacket if I wasn’t wearing it.  A very important aspect of this arrangement (to Vespa owners) was that the straps were attached to the seat (by way of aftermarket Aerostich hooks) rather than to the rails, so that the seat could be opened to re-fuel the scooter without removing and replacing the straps.

A Note Regarding the Scooter Cover:
I always covered the scooter at night, both to protect the scooter from the weather and as a mild security measure.  Most of the nights I secured the cover with a 3/16″ cable lock.  After about a week into the trip, except in Philadelphia, I left the camping bags on the scooter overnight.  Nothing was ever taken from the scooter.

Under-Seat Storage:
The Under-Seat Storage is where I kept the heavy stuff like tools and spare parts, plus my riding gloves.  I generally didn’t need to access these items during the day, except to change gloves.  Here’s a picture of it all spread out…
_JMH4648-Edit_LR_800_WMThis picture should be adjusted by the elimination of one pair of gloves that would be on my hands and the addition of a 20 oz. aluminum water bottle that was kept in the Under-Seat Storage.  The one package of earplugs shown is to represent the 25 pairs I started out with and the 20 pair replenishment along the way.  Most of the items shown in the picture were packaged in some manner and not free-floating in the storage space.  The silver thing below the spoon is an insulated aluminum drinking cup.  The four bottles in a group are cleansers of some sort.  The only other things that may not be discernible are an air mattress patch kit and first aid kit in plastic bags, and a red bottle of Super Miracle Bubbles given to me by Sister-in-Law Vicky in case a tire developed a leak that I needed to locate.
I don’t think it is a benefit to list all of the specific tools, as different scooters have different tool requirements.  It’s probably enough to say that the tools are those necessary to remove either wheel, change the oil, replace the spark plug, change the belt, rollers and shoes in the CVT, remove the windshield and take apart the steering headset.  With the exception of the tire plug kit, I used all the tools I took plus some I purchased along the way (12V air pump, 1/2″ breaker bar, 1/4″ sockets and extension for the exhaust manifold, and magnetic tipped phillips screw driver).
The spare parts I used were rollers and shoes for the CVT, spark plug, an exhaust gasket and oil filters(2).  Twice the headlamp low beam burned out and was replaced with something I purchased along the way.  I think the off-road side trips I took may have shaken the headlamp filaments too much.
The front tire was replaced just before the trip started.  At the finish of the 10,015 miles it had 3K to 4K miles of tread left.  The rear tire, which I had planned to replace in Minnesota after about 4,400 miles of use, blew out with lots of tread left at 4,200 miles.  Its replacement finished the trip with 7,400 miles on it, and the wear bars aren’t yet showing (but close).

Top Case:
The Top Case was mostly for my laptop computer and camera bag.  I would also put incidentals in there for easy access or temporary storage, like a layer of clothes.  Here’s a picture of the camera bag…
IMG_0006_LR_800_WMWithin the camera bag was a Mini iPad (not shown), lens cleaning kit, small tripod (not used much), my paper notebook, “business” cards, the gold Nexto hard drive (the blue drive was actually kept in the glove compartment), Vespa Owner’s Manual, list of torque settings, and other small items.  The camera bag always went with me whenever I left the scooter.

“Business” Cards:
I brought along some of these to give to people I met if they seemed interested in the trip.  It was easier than writing the blog address down on whatever scrap of paper might be available, and it was the closest thing I had to a gift that I could give them to memorialize our meeting.  My hope was that they might check in on the blog and may-be contact me.  Some of them did, and I liked that.
IMG_0005-Edit_LR_800_WMThat’s all I can think of right now, and probably lots more than you wanted to know.  You’ll hear from me again in the Epilogue post.  Take Care.

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19 Comments

  1. Richard Lewis Richard Lewis

    Hi Mike, WOW! Could not imagine how all this fit on your scooter. What a great job you did of packing, and then explaining things. How neat! Looking forward to your next post. Until then , have a great day and hugs to Marion. 😎

  2. Bill Hughes Bill Hughes

    Again Mike, welcome home safely from your wonderful journey that you have graciously let your “fans” travel along with you. And many thanks for your trip debriefing which will be read and studied over and over again by those of us who dream of a similar adventure ourselves, even if only for a fraction of your miles traveled.

    Job well done.

    Thank you,
    Bill Hughes

  3. Bob Clem Bob Clem

    Great job of planning and execution, Mike. I was surprised at how many things you actually needed to use of what you took. And still you needed to buy a few things along the way. For anyone planning any kind of PTW trip your info is invaluable.

  4. Tom Lucas Tom Lucas

    Mike, Thanks so much. Very interesting. I’m not very mechanical where it comes to my scooter, going through a carborator problem right now, but getting a hold of a tire and being able to change it plus a belt change seems difficult on the road. What a trip though. Don’t disappear.

  5. Being an avid Vespa rider myself, albeit not with as epic trips as yours under my belt, I also learned appreciate the storage capacity of that lil’ scoot. However I doubt that I will ever carry as much tools and spares as you did, because there is always an abundance of scooter garages and dealers around in Europe…

    Thanks for documenting your fantastic journey, it was well narrated and the pics were awesome. I enjoyed very much tagging along, and wonder… what’s next?

  6. CtMac CtMac

    In your epilogue, will you please let us know of your future scooter/ motorcycle ownership plans?
    Thank you for taking us along..

  7. Summer Smith Summer Smith

    I have lived vicariously through your blog here, and via your posts on Modern Vespa. Our scooters are amazingly capable, but I don’t think I want too many to know!
    I love our big rides on improbable machines. I am profoundly blessed to have friends that have joined in the great “why not?” We have gone to the Four Corners, Yellowstone, South Dakota, and Calgary via Glacier NP. These have all been such amazing times of discovery.

    I’m curious that your fuel canister leaked. Sergei’s looks so nice tucked under his top case.

    Thank you for sharing your ride and discovery! I hope you fill in those Southeastern states on your ride map! If you’re ever in Denver, there are friends here that you haven’t yet met.

    Keep the rubber down…and all best wishes,
    Summer

  8. Nice wrap up report on touring gear.

    I’ll add your blog to the blogs I follow on my blog.

    Now I need to go back to the beggining and read the posts on your trip.

  9. Great write-up on both the contents of what you hauled and why you decided to have those things. I’ve gone on overnight trips and save for the fuel, I seemed to have more stuff along than you did. I’m not organized and would have to really apply myself to get things pared down as you have.

    The question to camp or blog is an interesting one which I’ve wondered about myself as I daydream of an epic trip. Not sure where I come down though I’ve thought I would want to write in a journal and then relive the trip on the blog later. But I have to say it was special to be able to be following you along in near real time.

    Thanks again for sharing your experience.

    steve

  10. jim mandle jim mandle

    Mike:
    Many thanks for this detailed explanation of what you carried and where. Extremely helpful for all of us “dreamers”. Your packing system and alterations will be studied in depth but make a lot of sense.
    Again, great write and many thanks!
    Jim

  11. Randy Pfyl Concord, CA Randy Pfyl Concord, CA

    Hi Mike,
    Thanks again for reaching out the way you did. That was thoughtful and by posting your travels it minimized worry for all. Very early in this trip I knew you were in control and had planned well. I am impressed at all the stuff you were able to pack. Also – I enjoy your writing, it’s easy to read (ex. “So early on I decided that it was either camp or blog, and blog won.”).

    This trip was so daring – Bravo! You deserve to feel good about this accomplishment.
    So – Nice Work! Glad you’re back safe. Please keep me in loop on future adventures.

  12. You did a great job of logistical planning with very limited space! I really love the business card idea and might steal that for my rides. Hope you keep posting local trips and thoughts!

  13. Great adventure. I’m retiring next year and would love to do a vespa tour of the USA

    • Mike Hermens Mike Hermens

      Best wishes for the trip Eric. Please send a photo/note from the road.

  14. Bob Bob

    Hello there,
    So, you have gone cross country than, I found your blog by accident and I love it.
    I am starting my cross country journey in two months, July and I love what you have done. I am doing mine on a Burgman 400 and would love to talk to you about your adventures.

    Bob

  15. Greg Marquez Greg Marquez

    I just came across your blog. I’m getting a new 150cc Vespa and am thinking a road trip from Chicago is in order. Þbis first entry is already going to be tons of help on what needs to be done! I can’t wait to read the rest of your adventures.

    • Mike Hermens Mike Hermens

      Greg,

      I’m glad the site has been helpful, people like you are the reason I made that post. I’m sure you will enjoy your ride. Take care.

      Mike

  16. Casey Casebeer Casey Casebeer

    Mike, like Greg, i stumbled on your blog while looking for information on scooter touring. I have an ‘04 Honda Helix (250Ccc) with almost 30K miles, and LOVE it! In SEP2019 I trailered the Helix to Michigan’s upper peninsula and rode 1400mi around Lake Superior … certainly got me stoked to do some more scooter touring!
    I retired many years ago, and hope there are at least a couple more Adventures to pursue before my son takes the scooter keys.
    Your blog was a Blessing – thank you!

    • Mike Hermens Mike Hermens

      Casey,
      Thanks for contacting me. It makes me happy to see that the blog is still useful and appreciated. Glad to see you’ve already done some touring and hope you will send me a picture from a past or future ride. Take care.
      Mike

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