Mopeds and Me : A Love Story

DYLAN!!! (September 14, 2009)

2010-02-02T13:55:00.001-05:00

Keeping in the tradition of posting my branch members' narratives, this one comes from Dylan Chubb who, incidentally, is becoming one of my best friends and whom I love with all my heart. He's the youngest member of Motion Left and possibly one of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever met.

I'm not editing this at all as I really like picking on his grammar and spelling.

Enjoy!

Well, ever since i was 10 all i ever wanted was an old vespa scooter. On 2/17/07 at the age of 15 i finally got my hands on my first ever scooter, a red beat to hell piece of crap Yamaha Jog for the awesome price of $25. Within a month i was making my own high flow filters and drilling the baffles out of the exhaust trying to get every last MPH i could. A few months passed and i bought a 92 Honda Elite and learned about Big Bore kit, performance exhaust and general 2 stroke tuning.
A year later i was living in scooter tuning heaven, i had honda elites, chines scooters, and i was buying/selling 24/7. Around the middle of 2008 a friend emailed me some info on this 'Kalamazoo Moped Rally'. So me and a few friends loaded up our scooters and went to check out this crazy event. We got there and realized quickly that our scooter are hated by the moped army. Looking around all i saw was a bunch of snobs and hipsters, and all they saw in me was some kid on a scooter trying to fit in. Lucky for me, Matt Schmitz jumped in and helped me understand the moped army. He explained to me for hours all about mopeds, moped culture and answered every question i could throw at him.
I headed home after the rally and found myself a moped right away. First bike was an 84 Trac Image, Shortly followed by the 91 Tomos Targa that everybody has seen me ride. I have been buying, selling and trading mopeds and scooter for about a year now. I have traded off all but one of my scooters, moving to mostly mopeds.
After the first rally, i wasn't to happy with the moped community. Seemed like everybody hated me just because i rode 10in wheels instead of 14-17in's. However, as time went on i realized that they didn't hate me because the scooter, they just general dislike 'scooter people'. People who buy a brand new bike, and take it in to be repaired for small problems instead of fixing the bikes themselves. Plus, even being a total outsider at the next few rallies, i had a blast. For the most part everybody is very welcoming and nice. I know i dont really fit the moped community, but its still an awesome place to be.

So here i am now, a few bikes later, and with a few Rallies under my belt. Finally starting to make a few moped friends while hanging out awkwardly at Motion Left Mopeds.

My New Tomos!

2010-02-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

Last Friday Dylan alerted me to a Craigslist post about a '94 Tomos Sprint that was for sale for $250. I couldn't really afford it but decided to go check it out anyway. We ended up driving to some tiny town called Kimmel and met Ryan, owner of said Tomos. The bike was totally adorable and now I will be eating nothing but sushi rice and bananas for the next month. I love this moped SO MUCH!

It needs a new back tube and a little work, but it started right up at Ryan's place and is pretty much the cheesiest, cutest moped on the planet. I'm thinking about powdercoating the rims red and getting some red pedals for it but, other than that, I think I will leave it as it is for a while.

Devin said he can totally see Marky Mark riding something like this. :)

New Motion Left Shop!

2009-12-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

The new Motion Left shop is delightful and full of potential, regardless of the fact that it is in Goshen and almost an hour away from my job. Here are some pics that I took before all the stuff that was already there got moved out and all our moped stuff got moved in. Enjoy!

OH BOY!

2009-12-03T12:36:00.004-05:00

Rally dates are posted!!!

Motion Left will be holding our fantastic rally on May 14th, 15th, and 16th. You have no idea how excited I am. SO EXCITED!!!

Aaron Summers Effler

2009-10-05T09:14:00.000-04:00

Here is another brilliant narrative from one of my fellow Motion Lefties. Aaron is probably one of my favorite people in the universe and his narritive captures the spirit of what it is like to begin the wondrous hobby of Moped collecting...enjoy!

I had been interested in alternative transportation for some time, and was looking for something low-speed and energy efficient for my 1.5 mile commute to work. I considered electric bicycles, scooters, electric cars, and small motorcycles. During my research I spent a lot of time thinking about maintenance, knowing that whichever way I go I'd end up with something that most mechanics don't know what to do with. Something I could maintain myself became a criteria, and considering the kind of mechanical moron I am, I went for the simplest motor I could find (and afford). This landed me squarely at the "vintage moped" doorstep...and the rest is history.

I followed ebay and craigslist for about a month before I found the Motobecane Model 7 (which was my first bike). I didn't know anyone who had a moped at the time, so I found Motion Left Mopeds on moped army's web site, and (figuring this would be my emergency mechanic) called the number to ask whether the bike I found was worth buying and whether the price was right. Devin, who I didn't know yet, said that the price sounded right and if it was already running it wouldn't be too difficult to keep it that way. I loved the bike, and rode it all over the place. Within five months I had started spending some time out at the shop, and had bought another four mopeds with Kolin (who at the time was riding his Vespa P200 on a regular basis). Our original idea was to flip them or part them out, and use the profits to maintain and increase our own moped collections. Instead we've just kept them all...and I turned one of them into my second bike: the Motobecane Model 50V (made from parts and a non-running Model 50L). The Puch Maxi was a bike I found on ebay right after I got my tax return, and just couldn't pass up at that price...

The rest, you know.

It's Official...

2009-10-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

I am now a proud member of Elkhart, Indiana's Motion Left branch of the Moped Army. SQUEEEE!!!

My First "Official" Mopednesday?

2009-09-30T12:24:00.001-04:00

Tonight I find out if I have been voted in as an official member of the MA branch Motion Left. When I first started getting into mopeds I told myself, as well as a few others, that it did not really matter whether or not I was ever an official branch member as long as I was able to 1. hang out with these kids, B. get help fixing my Gaddy, and 3. could store my 'ped at the shop during the shitastic Elkhart winter season. Devin Biek, captian and owner of Motion Left Mopeds, said that was fine.

Last week, Joey Smith informed me that I had been nominated, by Kelly Crowder, and asked if I wanted to be a part of their group. It was at that moment that I knew I was totally lying to myself (and a few others) and that I did, indeed, want to be a branch member after all. Now I'm totally excited to find out the verdict tonight and also a little nervous and, honestly, I really really do not want to be at work today. Hurry up, 6:00!

Kelly!

2009-09-30T10:58:00.001-04:00

This narrative comes to you from Motion Left's treasurer, Kelly Crowder. Kelly is not only a wicked hair stylist, but she is also a wonderful lady and very quickly becoming one of my favorite people.

Enjoy!

For as long as I can remember, probably about 8 or 9, I've wanted two things; a vespa scooter and a purple gremlin. I wanted to be self-sufficent enough to work on them my self and do complete restorations. I don't really remember where the fascination came from.

So about 8 years ago I worked at the Daily Grind in Elkhart. I met Devin there. I thought he was the most interesting person I've ever met. He came in there almost everyday, several times a day and we would talk about all kinds of things. One day he told me about mopeds, and that his brother had got one and how awesome they were and some of his friends would ride together. I asked him if I had a Vespa, if I could ride with them. He said no, because mopeds DO NOT ride with scooters. I told him that was stupid, but I was very interested in seeing his bike. About a year or so later he had his clubhouse and he showed me all these crazy old mopeds. I found a new interest. I fell in love with Puch Maxis.

By then, I was getting married and my soon-to-be-husband wanted me to have no part in mopeds and he would buy me a Vespa and a motorcycle, none of which he did. First big purchase after my divorce, my Maxi.

There is nothing like riding a moped. The first time I rode one, it felt like I was born to do it. I smile everytime I think about them. They aren't too fast, so you can really see your surroundings, and they omit the most wonderful smell. It makes my heart race. I have had many epiphanies while riding. They are a great way to learn small engine repair. As much as I hate to admit it, I love working on them. I have cried so many times in frustration, but it is always worth it just to get back on and ride.

Now, the Moped Army, that's another story. I love the Moped Army. I have met some of my favorite people of my life here. I don't know what I would do if I had to leave it. I have spent the last 2 years of free weekends at rallies or just meeting up randomly. I wish I would have done this when I wanted to years ago, but it's better late then never.

Image Originally Uploaded by Kelly Crowder

Bombourbon Run Rally!

2009-09-28T17:12:00.001-04:00

The fourth annual Bombourbon Run moped ride and camp out will be held Saturday and Sunday the 17th and 18th of October at General Buttler state park in Carrollton Kentucky.

You will choose which city you want to ride to Carrollton from either Cincinnati or Louisville then ride north or south to meet in the middle at General Buttler State park.

Its gonna go something like this:

Friday Night: Show up early in the city of your choice and party with your rally hosts.

Saturday Morning: Eat something and then get on the road to the park, it's a long ride.

Saturday Evening: Set up camp, get grub going and your booze flowing.

Sunday Morning: Break camp, eat something and ride home.

Sunday Evening: Get gone, or stay and break bread one last time.

Things you should know about Bombourbon Run:
It is a long ass ride (60+miles each way), and there will be *NO* or very limited chase available. So bring your BEST bike not your fastest.

There is NO alcohol allowed in Kentucky state parks, so you have to conceal the dink. It also means you can't get bat shit crazy. If you piss off some old folks you could very well get us all booted from the camp site.

It is going to be cold! We say this every year, and every year someone comes unprepared with one blanket, or ends up sleeping in the bathroom. GOOD SLEEPING BAGS, bring em.

To Register Email Jake from TBS or Nate from the Bandits, and also let them know any other questions you have.

Cincinnati: jaker@mopedarmy.com

Louisville: nathaneversole@mopedarmy.com

Original Post

(I fixed a little grammar, other than that this is the original post.)
Man, I wish I could go to this...

Last Wednesday

2009-09-28T11:32:00.000-04:00

Last week I was able to fix my four-stroking problem with the help of Joey, Motion Left co-captain and all around great guy. It was also a perfect night for a really long night ride AND a free hair-cut by Kelly! Wednesdays (Mopednesdays) are very quickly becoming one of my favorite days...

Dave from The Decepticons

2009-09-28T11:20:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is one narrative about getting into mopeds that a friend and member of the Moped Army so graciously submitted for my class project. Dave Brzezicki is from Kalamazoo, MI, and is a member of the branch known as the Decepticons. All narratives have been left as-is. Mostly because I don't really feel like fixing stuff. Enjoy!

I was very resistant to get into mopeds, I remember Dan and Simon had picked up matching Motobecanes off ebay in Pennsylvania somewhere and were riding them around k-zoo, hitting up the coffee shops and basically just showing off. They'd stop anyone on 2 wheels and ask if they wanted to "join their gang" and any friends they came across they insisted they take a ride. I thought it was silly and I wasn't interested, until Moped Bill came along. A crazy kid from Delton who drove 20 miles just to see what this gang was about. Considering the moped skill level in kalamazoo at the time this was like driving from Russia. Bill ended up with a Puch MK2 with a 70cc TCCD kit and a 2 speed engine. By this time maybe 8 or so of my friends had fallen to the "moped army" (which started as a joke, because how could anyone take any of this seriously) and they were all freaking out about this ped, so I asked if i could take it around the block. The front forks were loose and the throttle was sticky and I was sure I was going to crash as I careened from one pothole to the next on what felt like a rocket with handlebars scotch taped on. I had to take it a little further and see how it did on hills. Blasted up Oakland drive, found out the brakes sucked half way down Austin, damn near dumped it into the guard rail at the bottom of the hill, but one ride was all it took. I asked Bill to find me a moped as soon as I got back to Moped Manor. I don't think I'll ever be done learning about them, or looking for the next build. I've seen hundreds of people come and go, seen the culture come from 2 guys w stock Motobecanes, to probably thousands registered on the MA site, and every mod under the sun. It'd be quicker to list the rallies i've missed than the one's i've attended. I think it's fair to say that Mopeds have become a pretty significant part of my life. I feel like the culture pulls people in because it's like we're all in on the same joke. Moped's are thought of as old and slow, but we know better. There is so much that can not be explained so I won't even try, but once you become a part of it, it's like finding out you are a member of a family of the craziest most amazing people you've ever dreamt up, and they are all having a weekend long party where they'll unveil the secret projects they've been working on all winter. It's a hell of a lot of fun, and I can't imagine what i'd be doing without it.

The 1980 Gadabout

2009-09-21T14:11:00.000-04:00

Consider this the "before" picture. The "after" picture will [hopefully] be ready to post by spring...

Useful Websites for Moped Fanatics

2009-09-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Throughout my process of learning more about mopeds and moped culture, I have found that the following websites and blogs provided me with the most interesting and/or relevant information. Check it out:

Bill Hambleton's Moped Mayhem 50cc Racing Page - Website devoted to moped racing.
British Motorcycle Manufacturers - A detailed listing of manufacturer's histories. (Some manufacturers on the website also made mopeds).
Get Out & Ride Magazine - Blog and independent magazine devoted to moped culture. Also has links to other blogs.
Handy Bikes USA - From what I have been told, this is the best place to go to get parts for your moped.
Moped Archive - Extensive index of moped and moped related articles.
Moped Army - This website is pretty much the most valuable resource that I have found on the Internet thus far. It is chock full or forums, moped maintenance help, and also has its own wiki.
Moped Wiki (Wikipedia) : Useful tool to get started when learning about mopeds. The moped wiki also provides links to other moped related websites.
Moped2 -Website includes many moped related entries, including but not limited to photos, articles, other website links, moped laws by state, and a buy/sell section.
1977 Mopeds - Created by members of the moped army, this website is an extremely valuable resource for all things moped. Not only do they have shops across the country, but this site has pretty much everything else you ever wanted to know about mopeds but did not know who to ask.
Toronto Mopeds - Moped history, galleries, and much, much more.

Get Out & Ride Magazine

2009-09-20T12:53:00.000-04:00

A representative from Get Out & Ride Magazine contacted me to ask if I would like to write an article for them. How cool is that?

This blog was originally used for two separate MLS classes, so after finishing my last project I decided to keep my random moped-related ramblings going. The reason the rep from Get Out & Ride Magazine contacted me in the first place was because he somehow found this blog and was interested in my thoughts about my school project. I ended up submitting the article as my project assignment and got a pretty decent grade on it. Now we just wait and see if they actually publish it!

Photo originally uploaded by Kelly Crowder

A Word About Photographs...

2009-09-19T13:17:00.000-04:00

Since I started my moped obsession, I have taken a lot of digital photographs during my time with my moped and also with my friends from the Motion Left Moped branch. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs are mine and were taken by me.

Four-Stroking is No Fun At All

2009-09-17T12:04:00.001-04:00

One of the things that I learned this week is that my engine is "four stroking". I plan on [hopefully] fixing this next Wednesday. Four stroking basically means that your carburetor is spitting out too much gas and causes your bike to ride a little rough. It also seems to slow my moped down and that is just no fun at all.

Moped Tuning Sheet - Google Docs

2009-09-16T11:16:00.000-04:00

During my investigation of moped related sources I came across this handy moped tuning sheet created by a member of the Moped Army which includes tuning information for specific moped models, carburetor manufactures, types, and also carb sizes as well as engine types for many different brands of mopeds. The information is a very moped enthusiast specific, so a lot of people may not know what to make of it unless they have experience with moped maintenance.

Moped Army Branches

2009-09-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

Today I had a chance to talk with a member of the Motion Left branch of the Moped Army (located in Elkhart, IN). I was curious, for personal as well as professional reasons, how one becomes a member. The individual I spoke with did not have a very clear answer for me, as apparently there is not a certain set of criteria for becoming a member. Basically you must present a distinct interest in mopeds, live in the area, and hang out long enough to show the other branch members that you are going to stick around for a while. He also mentioned that it helps that you are not an asshole.

During my personal inquiry about mopeds I have realized, more and more, that I am really beginning to love every aspect of moped culture. I recently decided to send out emails to many of the members of Motion Left, as well as posting one on the Moped Army site's general forum, to find out what other members think about moped culture and to share what this experience means to them. So far the results are amazing. I am going to post the narratives, from time to time, on my blog so all two people reading this can see how great the personal moped experience can be.

Obsessed

2009-09-14T14:32:00.000-04:00

During the past few months I have been on a personal quest to learn all there is to learn about moped maintenance and have been following the activities and hi-jinks of "biker gangs" of the Moped Army, one branch specifically known as Motion Left. I have been reading a lot of literature on moped maintenance, have been working on my own moped, and have also been following the news about rallies in different states.

I realized last night, while I was avoiding other responsibilities by reading Moped Maintenance & Repair by Morris Fraser, that I have developed quite an obsession with mopeds and moped culture. What was once a weekly night hanging out at a shit-hole bar in downtown Mishawaka, Wednesday nights have now become my "Mopednesday" with my Motion Left peeps, working on and riding mopeds around the city of Elkhart. I no longer spend money on random things to keep me occupied...all my spare cash (what we call in my family my "allowance") is now going towards my little green piece-of-shit Gadabout. For the first time in my life I have found a hobby that I can stick with that actually makes me use my brain and allows me to learn things that I am extremely interested in while giving me a sense of pride in what I have accomplished. I like this feeling a lot.