997 satisfied customers.
3... not so much.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Elk and Traffic
Just wait a minute and let them pass. Are you in such a hurry that you have to rush past these beast and split up families?
2 hours ago, a large heard of female elk and their young crossed the road in front of the shop. On lookers and anxious traffic prevented one very young elk not to make it across with the heard. Then, a sea of cars proceeded to follow the heard back into the neighborhood pushing the heard from this youngster further and further apart.
10 minutes later, that young elk was still on my side of the street, and the heard was long gone into the properties beyond.
Now, 2 hours later, a female Elk has come back looking for her young. She's literally screaming back her behind my shop for the missing young.
Last I saw, the young elk was headed toward the marina down 34.
SWEET! As I type that last sentence, I now see the momma and little one headed across the street for the heard.
I realize these guys are experts at finding one another, but traffic on 34 is hairy. Lets not make it harder.
(I just don't want to have to go out there and drag a dead baby elk off the road.)
2 hours ago, a large heard of female elk and their young crossed the road in front of the shop. On lookers and anxious traffic prevented one very young elk not to make it across with the heard. Then, a sea of cars proceeded to follow the heard back into the neighborhood pushing the heard from this youngster further and further apart.
10 minutes later, that young elk was still on my side of the street, and the heard was long gone into the properties beyond.
Now, 2 hours later, a female Elk has come back looking for her young. She's literally screaming back her behind my shop for the missing young.
Last I saw, the young elk was headed toward the marina down 34.
SWEET! As I type that last sentence, I now see the momma and little one headed across the street for the heard.
I realize these guys are experts at finding one another, but traffic on 34 is hairy. Lets not make it harder.
(I just don't want to have to go out there and drag a dead baby elk off the road.)
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Busy Busy Town... FULL!
Things are now at a peak. This is the heart of tourist season. Weekends are bumper to bumper traffic and people hustling and bustling everywhere.
I recommend that if you want to ride in Rocky Mountain National Park, that you do it during the week, as early in the morning as possible. If you have to get into the park on weekends, after 11pm, the I recommend only those with some 2 wheeled experience and a high confidence level go for it.
Reason being is that it's just so crowded, and there are few turn offs to let traffic pass. Sharp switchbacks, steep inclines, and the challenge of driving with all the other sight seers in cars just make the route to be deemed DIFFICULT on weekends.
This will probably hold true until Labor Day Weekend.
There is one ZootScoot Route that has a very low traffic rate MAP and that is route #2. It takes about 25 minutes to get around the thing, and some people even just turn around and take the same way back which brings the ride darn close to an hour.
You can always call to talk about your riding abilities, so we can help find a route that is appropriate for your skill level.
I recommend that if you want to ride in Rocky Mountain National Park, that you do it during the week, as early in the morning as possible. If you have to get into the park on weekends, after 11pm, the I recommend only those with some 2 wheeled experience and a high confidence level go for it.
Reason being is that it's just so crowded, and there are few turn offs to let traffic pass. Sharp switchbacks, steep inclines, and the challenge of driving with all the other sight seers in cars just make the route to be deemed DIFFICULT on weekends.
This will probably hold true until Labor Day Weekend.
There is one ZootScoot Route that has a very low traffic rate MAP and that is route #2. It takes about 25 minutes to get around the thing, and some people even just turn around and take the same way back which brings the ride darn close to an hour.
You can always call to talk about your riding abilities, so we can help find a route that is appropriate for your skill level.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Is this your vacation?
Complain about the sunshine
Complain about traffic
Complain about dusty sunglasses
Complain about paperwork
Complain about maps
Complain about roadsigns
Complain about directions
Complain about going to far,
and then complain about not going far enough.
Break the rules
Swear at the locals
Swear at me, and threaten not to pay.
Shall I call the police?
Fine, just let me pay.
Throw a pen at me.
Throw the keys in the bushes.
Swear at me on the phone.
How many waitresses and hotel desk clerks will get it next?
Going thru life angry and abusive is no way to live.
Complain about traffic
Complain about dusty sunglasses
Complain about paperwork
Complain about maps
Complain about roadsigns
Complain about directions
Complain about going to far,
and then complain about not going far enough.
Break the rules
Swear at the locals
Swear at me, and threaten not to pay.
Shall I call the police?
Fine, just let me pay.
Throw a pen at me.
Throw the keys in the bushes.
Swear at me on the phone.
How many waitresses and hotel desk clerks will get it next?
Going thru life angry and abusive is no way to live.
Friday, July 20, 2007
What's up with people?
To day was a great day. Sun was shining, people visiting, scooters renting... It was all fine until someone drove up to the shop with one of my Big Ruckus in the back of his pickup.
First, I must say this matter is being dealt with, and there are abosolutely no problems.
Family takes out a bunch of scooters including 2 Big Ruckus. Rider without a motorcycle license decides to take one of the BR for a spin. Why not? He's ridden motorcycles all his life. This is no big deal.
Well, he went into the park, was sightseeing, didn't pay attention to the switch back he was on and went over the side.
Not listed on the contract, and no motorcycle endorsement.
Again, this matter is being taken care of in a very positive way. Let's just say, there is a $3,000 deposit on the the damage for this scooter. A new Big Ruckus costs $5,5oo.
Oh, and the guy who wrecked... broken ribs. Hospital visit.
Just because you think you can, doesn't mean you should.
First, I must say this matter is being dealt with, and there are abosolutely no problems.
Family takes out a bunch of scooters including 2 Big Ruckus. Rider without a motorcycle license decides to take one of the BR for a spin. Why not? He's ridden motorcycles all his life. This is no big deal.
Well, he went into the park, was sightseeing, didn't pay attention to the switch back he was on and went over the side.
Not listed on the contract, and no motorcycle endorsement.
Again, this matter is being taken care of in a very positive way. Let's just say, there is a $3,000 deposit on the the damage for this scooter. A new Big Ruckus costs $5,5oo.
Oh, and the guy who wrecked... broken ribs. Hospital visit.
Just because you think you can, doesn't mean you should.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Future Scooter Rally and Quadrophenia
When I get back to Austin, Texas in October, I will be meeting with the owner of the Alamo Drafthouse (Austin's premiere movie theater) to plan an event with the Rolling Road show. http://www.originalalamo.com/RRS/index.html I've attended many a Road Show, and it's a blast.
The general plan is there will be a scooter meet (somewhere) with rally, ride, and then an outdoor viewing of the movie Quadrophenia. I'm picturing everyone sitting on scooters as they view the movie.
This event should be dated for late March/early April, but we'll see.
It's a very exciting thing for me, ever since I went to my first Rolling Road Show event. I went on the Deliverance Canoe Trip. Spent the afternoon paddling a river in Texas, to the site where there was a pig roast, beer, and a strange cutout... you know the type... where you put your head thru the hole and someone takes a photo of you with your head appearing to be "someone else". Well, this photo op was with the guy who played Ned Beatty's molester in the movie. He was on hand for autographs and photo op.
So, you put your head in the hole which gives you the appearance of Ned Beatty's charater being bent over... and of course, the guy who plays the molester puts his head in the hole that depicts.. the molester.
Check out the road show site for all the events they've pulled off in the past.
Once the planning stages start, there will be more posts on this topic.
Very exciting.
The general plan is there will be a scooter meet (somewhere) with rally, ride, and then an outdoor viewing of the movie Quadrophenia. I'm picturing everyone sitting on scooters as they view the movie.
This event should be dated for late March/early April, but we'll see.
It's a very exciting thing for me, ever since I went to my first Rolling Road Show event. I went on the Deliverance Canoe Trip. Spent the afternoon paddling a river in Texas, to the site where there was a pig roast, beer, and a strange cutout... you know the type... where you put your head thru the hole and someone takes a photo of you with your head appearing to be "someone else". Well, this photo op was with the guy who played Ned Beatty's molester in the movie. He was on hand for autographs and photo op.
So, you put your head in the hole which gives you the appearance of Ned Beatty's charater being bent over... and of course, the guy who plays the molester puts his head in the hole that depicts.. the molester.
Check out the road show site for all the events they've pulled off in the past.
Once the planning stages start, there will be more posts on this topic.
Very exciting.
Renter has bad wreck in Rocky Mountain National Park
Of course, with all the good stuff that happens at ZootScoot Scooter Rental LLC, so does the bad. I got a call from a ranger in the park who reported that one of my scooters was involved in an accident, and it's at the bottom of a 40ft ravine... and I would have to call a wrecker.
I immediately asked how the rider was, but the ranger did not know.
I hopped on a Big Ruckus and headed into the park. When I got to the gate, I asked the station ranger where the accident was. 1 mile west past Deer Ridge. That's Trail Ridge Road! The Metropolitan Scooters are not aloud past Deer Ridge. Trail Ridge Road is OFF LIMITS. Out of Bounds! You lose your $100 deposit if you are on Trail Ridge.
Upon arrival to the sight, I had no idea the condition of the rider. Looking down at the scooter, which was laying on a small boulder (or big ass rock) and it crossed my mind that this rider could be dead. I stepped down the slope which was very steep. A bit difficult because the soil was very loose and soft. Very thankful for this, as hopefully cusion the fall of the rider.
I looked at the helmet first. A good size gash along the side of the helmet... just above her ear on the left hand side. That would have been her skull with a gash in it.
Colorado state law does not demand the use of helmets, but my insurance company does, and I do. Locals in Estes do call me and report riders not wearing helmets. I will go out and find you, tell you to come back. RIDE OVER. Lose your deposit, and you will not be doing business with ZootScoot Scooter Rental LLC ever again.
The scooter was in really bad shape, but oh well.
It was interesting to see how Bob's Towing was going to retrieve the wrecked scooter. I didn't stick around, to see it play out, but later in the parking lot, Bob said it was a winch and sling deal. Like fishing.
Later I found out that She was having tests done. XRay, MRI... Shoulder very banged up. Banged up in general.
Upon release they came by the shop before going on to the medical facility in Ft. Collins. I knew she was in a lot of pain, and she was soooo very sorry for wrecking my scooter... it was reported that she had over corrected coming thru a curve and went into on coming traffic. To avoid being hit by a car, she went over the 40ft ravine.
So, as of yesterday morning, it was reported to me that she is doing a bit better, her shoulder wasn't fractured or broke, and on the mend. Poor girl will be extremely sore for at least a week.
And to the credit to the couple!! Absolutely took full responsibility with in 48 hours. The scooter was deemed totaled, and I used the funds agreed upon to buy a scooter from somewhere south of Denver.
I know they have been thru a lot. It has consumed the last 3 days of my life.
No one else is permitted to wreck my scooters.
General tip: Be careful, take it slow. Most of the time you are cruising around full throttle just to get up the mountains. Give it a break and lay off the throttle going down the mountain.
Be alert. On rocky mountain high alert. There are surprises everywhere. Sand, Elk, Rocks, kids, tourists, marmot, cars, sharp turns and everything else.
Enjoy the ride.
Riding a scooter can be one of the best things you can do as an activity up here, but it can also change your life in a heart beat. There are other scooter rentals in the country that have had deaths. Death. Because you wanted to do something cool while visiting a cool place, you could die.
There was also a Raft company in Colorado this weekend that had a fatality.
All we can do is provide the tools and information to you, but the rest...
Wear your helmet. Be safe.
I immediately asked how the rider was, but the ranger did not know.
I hopped on a Big Ruckus and headed into the park. When I got to the gate, I asked the station ranger where the accident was. 1 mile west past Deer Ridge. That's Trail Ridge Road! The Metropolitan Scooters are not aloud past Deer Ridge. Trail Ridge Road is OFF LIMITS. Out of Bounds! You lose your $100 deposit if you are on Trail Ridge.
Upon arrival to the sight, I had no idea the condition of the rider. Looking down at the scooter, which was laying on a small boulder (or big ass rock) and it crossed my mind that this rider could be dead. I stepped down the slope which was very steep. A bit difficult because the soil was very loose and soft. Very thankful for this, as hopefully cusion the fall of the rider.
I looked at the helmet first. A good size gash along the side of the helmet... just above her ear on the left hand side. That would have been her skull with a gash in it.
Colorado state law does not demand the use of helmets, but my insurance company does, and I do. Locals in Estes do call me and report riders not wearing helmets. I will go out and find you, tell you to come back. RIDE OVER. Lose your deposit, and you will not be doing business with ZootScoot Scooter Rental LLC ever again.
The scooter was in really bad shape, but oh well.
It was interesting to see how Bob's Towing was going to retrieve the wrecked scooter. I didn't stick around, to see it play out, but later in the parking lot, Bob said it was a winch and sling deal. Like fishing.
Later I found out that She was having tests done. XRay, MRI... Shoulder very banged up. Banged up in general.
Upon release they came by the shop before going on to the medical facility in Ft. Collins. I knew she was in a lot of pain, and she was soooo very sorry for wrecking my scooter... it was reported that she had over corrected coming thru a curve and went into on coming traffic. To avoid being hit by a car, she went over the 40ft ravine.
So, as of yesterday morning, it was reported to me that she is doing a bit better, her shoulder wasn't fractured or broke, and on the mend. Poor girl will be extremely sore for at least a week.
And to the credit to the couple!! Absolutely took full responsibility with in 48 hours. The scooter was deemed totaled, and I used the funds agreed upon to buy a scooter from somewhere south of Denver.
I know they have been thru a lot. It has consumed the last 3 days of my life.
No one else is permitted to wreck my scooters.
General tip: Be careful, take it slow. Most of the time you are cruising around full throttle just to get up the mountains. Give it a break and lay off the throttle going down the mountain.
Be alert. On rocky mountain high alert. There are surprises everywhere. Sand, Elk, Rocks, kids, tourists, marmot, cars, sharp turns and everything else.
Enjoy the ride.
Riding a scooter can be one of the best things you can do as an activity up here, but it can also change your life in a heart beat. There are other scooter rentals in the country that have had deaths. Death. Because you wanted to do something cool while visiting a cool place, you could die.
There was also a Raft company in Colorado this weekend that had a fatality.
All we can do is provide the tools and information to you, but the rest...
Wear your helmet. Be safe.
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