Since I’ve posted Pyke’s then impending repainting , I feel that an update is in order for readers of this blog.  Here are some pics taken by photographer, Carlo Cecilio of Imagine Nation Photography one afternoon before the adidas House Party in Manila.

close up of Vespa Pilipinas’ legshield

Pyke’s rear and the reflective Vespa Club flag

Now see Pyke in full view after the jump.front view

right side view

me & my tri-color steed

• For a (not so) complete photo documentation of Pyke’s restoration, you may view my Facebook album.

Vespatriotic!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

It is a given that Vespa enthusiasts love their respective scooters.  That is to be expected.  I’ve even heard of stories from riding buddies with significant others getting jealous with the attention they’re giving their beloved steeds. There’s even a tale going around where the wife threatened the husband to sleep in the garage since he loves his Vespa more anyway. bwahaha!

May the clip below remind us to give the one we truly love the attention she deserves, especially in a day like today.

Director: Massimo Sbaraccani
Editor: Massimo Sbaraccani
Art director: Sara Scamarcia

But of course, my real Valentine’s Day message can be found here.

Happy Valentine!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

1. Get the Golden Ticket

Last week, the 20 Golden Tickets (admits 2 pax/tix) was sent to me for distribution to interested Vespa Club members.

This week, they texted me for to ask around for anyone who’s willing to lend their Vintage-looking (I suppose they meant PX or earlier models) and show-quality (any color) Vespa scooter.  It will be displayed at the House Party at Embassy on Feb. 27-28 from 10AM of Feb. 27 until 3AM of Feb.28 (17 hours total).  No monetary return, only bragging rights!  The owner of the scoot will also get the House Party pack (woven bag with a limited edition shirt, sticker and a golden ticket inside).  Email or text me if you’re interested.

2. Buy adidas Originals

Cumulative purchase entitles the customer a House Party Pack with the Golden Ticket as an invite to the grandest celebration of 60 YEARS OF SOLES AND STRIPES.  Invite is good for two persons.

3. Join the Vespa Design Contest

“Celebrate Originality” and customize your Vespa anyway you want.  If you think it already is of show quality, then join!

Aside for the free pass during the House Party, here’s what the winners will get:

• 1st Prize - Php 16,500 adidas Originals voucher + entry to the Area Grand Finals
• 2nd Prize - Php 9,900 adidas Originals voucher
• 3rd Prize - Php 6,600 adidas Originals voucher

Area Grand Finals is the next and final level participated in by the Vespa Design Contest 1st Prize winners from these participating countries:  Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

• Area Grand Prize - 3 days / 2 nights Trip for 2 to Italy (the Vespa motherland!)

Read the mechanics here:

Simply download, print, fill-up and submit the entry below if you’re sure to join.

I wanna go to Italy!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

adidas Originals celebrates “60 Years of Soles and Stripes”

[PRESS RELEASE] MANILA, Philippines, January 16, 2009 – 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the adidas Originals iconic 3-Stripes Trefoil mark introduced by company founder Adi Dassler. To celebrate this colossal anniversary, adidas Originals will host the 6009 House Party Celebrating Originality on February 27, 2009, 7pm @ Embassy Superclub to kick-start a year-long celebration of Originality. Four other countries - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore – will also host their respective local House Parties concurrently with Manila’s event.

For the last 60 years, the adidas Originals products and people who wore them have cemented the Trefoil as the icon of sport style around the globe. In Spring/Summer 2009, adidas Originals truly celebrates the past 60 years of originality in different interpretations of products, offering a broad spectrum of highlight themes including an anniversary range of “60 Years of Soles and Stripes” plus a captivating Women’s Collection topped off by a new partnership with Italian pop icon scooter manufacturer Vespa.

At the House Party, the guests will get to see the Spring/Summer collection Fashion Showdown  featuring top models, style influencers, and celebrities. They will show off the “60 Years of Soles and Stripes”, the anniversary range for both men and women, comprising of footwear and apparel products that have become timeless classic styles through the last six decades and different eras.

“Vespa,” aptly named after adidas partnership with Vespa, is a collection for men inspired by the preppy street style of Milan and the mod club looks of Brighton with products referencing classic and contemporary men’s looks and colors that serve the needs of both classic scooter riders and all fans of casual and clean design.

The Women’s Collection, on the other hand, is adidas’ take on providing feminine executions of already existing apparel and footwear silhouettes. The Sleek Series, for instance, features sexier lines that celebrate the uniqueness of the modern urban woman.

Bringing the beats to the party is internationally renowned DJ Roxy Cottontail. She has performed with other world class DJ’s such as Steve Aoki, DJ AM, Stretch Armstrong, and A-Trak just to name a few.

For consumers, 2009 will mean a year-long introduction of products that celebrate Originality. As part of the 60th Anniversary celebration, adidas will be offering Philippine consumers a 20% discount on all its Originals products. For more details on the said promo visit adidas Originals Concept Store at Trinoma.

- - - - - - - - -

What’s more exciting is that there’s even gonna be a Vespa Design Contest contest during the event! I’ll post the details here on the next update.

Celebrate originality!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

It’s been almost three years since I acquired PYKE and I feel that it’s time to sport a new look especially with the rust and corrosion that’s starting to show at the floorboard and glovebox.  I had fun with my black & white theme but it’s time to try something new.

The design that I thought of was inspired by the numerous Vespa Italia and Vespa Union Jack paintjobs I’ve seen online.  But my particular color scheme was of course based on the Philippine tri-color (red, white & blue) with the three stars & the sun.

Here’s the left perspective.

(click image to enlarge)

I did the design in photoshop using three identical press photos of three Vespa PXs in while, blue and red.  I just added the racing stripes, the sun and the stars.

The right side would look like this.

(click image to enlarge)

My scooter has been completely disassembled now and will bring to the paintshop the parts that need repainting later today.  If everything goes well, the project will be finished in, give or take, in two weeks.

Noyping noypi!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Fastest Vespa ever zooms into maxi scooter category with timeless Italian style and craftsmanship

[PRESS RELEASE] NEW YORK, January 16, 2009 – Italian manufacturer Piaggio, renowned for revolutionary ideas in personal transportation, announces the U.S. debut of
the 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super, the newest evolution of its best-selling mid-size scooter, the GTS 250.  Sporting a new high-displacement engine and a collection of racing-inspired components and exterior treatments that complement its high-performance character, the GTS 300 Super has been designed to set pulse points pounding whether in motion or at rest.

As the fastest Vespa in the company’s U.S. product portfolio, the new GTS 300 Super is always ready to stir up excitement.  New styling elements that signal its sporty intentions include an eye-catching side grille on the rear engine panel, two-tone alloy wheel rims, a racing red suspension cover on the front spring and a black-rimmed headlight. A new front shield features a stylish chrome air intake, reinforcing its sporty personality and stylish stance.

“The GTS 300 Super doesn’t just stand out in the crowd – it gets you out of the crowd,” says Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “Whether you need to accelerate away from traffic or take advantage of parking spaces that others only dream about fitting in, the GTS 300 Super does it with Vespa’s unique mix of Italian attitude and style.”

Vespas have always been the preferred scooters for those who want to send a message about the importance of personal choice, freedom and authenticity. The company has produced over 17 million scooters since its debut in 1946 and the brand has been immortalized by artists and individualists through the decades.
Nerves of Steel, Born to Perform

Like all Vespa scooters, the GTS 300 Super features the company’s exclusive steel frame design.  This unique feature has set Vespa apart from other two wheelers ever since the first model debuted in 1946.  By using a steel unibody versus a welded plastic-covered tube frame, every Vespa delivers superior torsional rigidity – up to 250% more than other scooters.  The result is a machine that’s not only a thrill to look at, but one that provides exceptional precision in handling and response.

Underneath the tough steel exterior of the GTS 300 Super is a 278cc four-stroke single cylinder, liquid-cooled, electronic injection engine. Boasting a high level of torque and few revolutions per minute, the GTS 300 Super provides peak flexibility and maximum acceleration - making it an exceptional choice for city commuters. The twist-and-go continuously
variable automatic transmission (CVT) allows smooth and easy operation for hassle-free navigation through even the toughest stop-and-go traffic.

Twelve-inch wheels insure a stable ride over pot-hole scarred streets and double-disc brakes allow riders to stop quickly, with confidence.  Like all Vespas, the GTS 300 Super sips fuel.  Its carbon footprint is pint-size and it exceeds strict U.S. CARB emission standards.  And, while owners save fuel and the environment, the scooter’s slim stance also helps reduce congestion – it will happily share one full-size SUV parking space with six of its scooter siblings.

Despite its streamlined stance, the GTS 300 Super is big on cargo capacity. Plentiful under-seat storage space is sufficient for storing helmets, groceries - you name it! And, a broad range of accessories, such as a rear top case and soft luggage, add to the scooter’s functionality.

The 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super is available at U.S. Vespa retailers starting in March.  Color choices include Shiny Black or Optic White.  The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $6,199.  [source: Brandware PR for Piaggio Group Americas]

- - - - -

Most poweful Vespa ever!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

As Vespa Club’s very first ride for 2009, the new officers organized and open breakfast ride to Sierra Madre via the Marilaque twisties.  It’s a short out-of-town ride scheduled on the first weekend after the first workweek of the new year.  We were actually expecting a turnout of 20+ riders based on those who signed up in the forum.  And boy, we were sooo wrong!

I’ve joined several Vespa rides to Sierra Madre in the past, but last weekend’s turnout was the biggest I’ve joined so far. Forty two riders showed up and that’s not counting the dog who tagged along with its master and sat comfortably on the scooter’s floorboard during the ride.  Here’s our group shot.

Can you spot the doggie?

Aside from our club members, Vespa groups from Makati, Binondo, Angono and Las Pinas also joined us that chilly morning.  Some even jokingly dubbed the ride as Vespa Attack 4.1 with the number of scoots that time.  The club treated everyone for a free breakfast and coffee!  What a great way to start the new riding year!

You may view the numerous pictures taken that day posted in the following albums:

• Vespa Club of the Philiipines at Sierra Madre (Darwin Andres)
• New Year Vespa Ride (Wawel Mercado)
• Vespa Attack 4.1 (Jun Amber)
• Sierra Madre 2009 (Marvin Montecillo)

brrr & burp!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Since October of last year, the local Vespa community has been abuzz of the impending arrival of the adidas X Vespa collection.

True to it’s promise of the collection’s availability around the world beginning January 2009 , word came out in this Vespinoy thread that the sneakers are already available in the Adidas Originals store in Trinoma.

When I was there two days ago for a meeting, I made it a point to visit the store to see the ‘new arrivals’ for myself.  Here’s what I’ve found.

These are the only four designs available so far.  The choices is not as varied as those shown here, but its a start.  Since the design of the black model at bottom is hardly visible, I took another pic up-close using my cam phone.  Here it is.

I asked the store personnel attending to me if and when the apparels will arrive but said they have yet to get a feedback from the head office.  The said the Vespa shoes were just out a few days ago but they were already running out of the big sizes.

Among the four styles, I personally like the black with the tan 3-stripes and the one on display is the last stock for my size. Here’s my new purchase out-of-the-box…. The Vespa Sprint Veloce!

I’ve heard of more exciting news about the adidas X Vespa collection. I’ll post it here as soon as official info is available.

Soles and Stripes!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Corinne Burgos is one of the very few local female Vespa riders. Just last weekend, she participated in the 1st Petron Econo-Endurance Run — a motorcycling event mounted to determine two things; [1] the most economical 4-stoke motorcycles available in the Philippines and, [2] the best endurance riders in the country.

The event, which is in line with the governments Department of Energy move to conserve energy and promote the clean air act, had its participants ride the distance of 1,000 kms. The route will start in Manila and end in Baguio City via Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Ilocos, & La Union province.  A fellow Vespa Club member — Joseph Santos — also joined the run but as an unofficial participant since he rode his 2-stroke Piaggio Skipper.

Support from the local Vespa community were felt by the two participating Piaggio riders; from the send-off in Manila, to the mandatory stop in Ilocos, upto the finish line in Baguio. Truly, the Vespistis showed up in vital points during the run for practically a Meet & Greet and photo ops with Team Vespa.

Below is Corinne’s re-telling of her most tiring and rewarding motorcycling experience as of yet.

- - - - - - - - - -

Corinne says…

I joined The Petron Economy Enduro Race, sponsored by Petron and organized by AMDG Motorcycle Club because I believe that I could satisfy the endurance requirement and my Vespa GTSie was the most economical scooter in its class, bar none. It was not a simple race against time, because a rider was to complete the course in a given time with fuel consumption requirements. My Vespa GTS was in class 4, and had a 26 km/ liter consumption requirement and completion time of 17.5 hours. It sounded simple enough, to complete a 1000 plus km course at an average of 56kmh.

After registering, I went over to 2211 Works to consult the doctor, Nani Juarez. He was also excited, especially when I told him that the GTS averages 32km/liter on long rides and it takes about 230kms before the fuel light goes on. We looked at the rules and point system of the race (the organizers later modified the point system on time…if they did not, it was mathematically impossible to beat this rider in terms of points) and devised a plan. We talked about what speeds to maintain at the long stretches and where to gas up. It was amazing because the GTS only needed 4 fill-ups to complete the course!

The GTS needed the least amount of preparation for the race, why it’s practically new! I went to 2211 for an oil change, and also asked Romy to install my new vanity grips. I figured, if I were going to ride my Vespa for 24 hours straight then it should feel comfortable and nice where I touch it. The vanity grips were not cheap, but they were worth it. I had two practice rides before the event: the Newbie Ride to Lucban where my fuel consumption was 33 km/ liter. A week before I had a practice ride with one of my two buddies to Angeles.

I did not know how to prepare my body for the long ride. I did not think working out or running would make a difference but I dropped 10 pounds in December, and it made my riding gear fit better. I bought some snickers and cereal bars to take on the trip. I bought a Camelbak but ditched it the morning of the race. I made sure that I had good sleep for the week before the race.

The take off was Saturday morning, 3AM of January 3. On January 2, I woke up at my usual time, cleaned the bike, attached the Petron stickers, watched some DVD’s, had a steak dinner at 5PM and slept at 8PM. I woke up at 1230AM, had breakfast and went to Petron C-5 to register and to take off at 3AM.

We took off at the designated time, by the time I crossed Bulacan into Nueva Ecija I was alone. One of my ride buddies sped off and the slower one lagged behind. It was cold and I was glad that I wore surgical gloves with my riding gloves, I wore a medium thick long sleeve shirt I used to wear in the US under my mesh riding jacket. It was cold but I was used to it. I did not think the other riders had my spring, fall and winter riding experience. I had to make an unplanned stop to Sta. Fe, Nueva Ecija to use the restroom. I saw the other bikes in my class gas-up.

I went up to Dalton Pass a little after dawn. It was beautiful and cold, as I read 15 degrees Celsius on the digital display of the GTS. My slower riding buddy caught up with me and together we arrived at my first gas stop in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Our faster riding buddy was there waiting for us. Both were disappointed that their fuel consumption of their SYM scooters were below the prescribed 26kms/liter. I was beaming as I computed mine at 34 kms/liter! I was leading our group of three when I arrived at the turn off to Isabela. I waited for them because they might go to Banaue. I waited for 1 minute and went back. The two scooters were parked at the side road and my friends were ordering two buco pies to eat. Realizing their intention, I honked my horn, gave them the sign that I was not stopping to eat the best buco pie on earth.

I sped off into Isabela, not at all uneasy that I was to traverse these roads for the very first time. The ride was enjoyable because of the cool weather. I looked forward to the next stop: check-in at Ilagan, Isabela. Gas-up is not required, and it was not in my ride plan. When I reached Ilagan, after a difficult detour caused by a broken bridge on the way to Echauge, I decided to fill up anyway. I used the rest room, ate a snickers bar and hydrated. I saw Joseph on his 2-stroker Piaggio Skipper. He wanted to do the loop but couldn’t qualify because of the 4-stroke requirement of the race. He asked me join them but I said I wanted to stay longer in Ilagan to rest. He was with two SYM scooter riders who were leading Class 4. I reviewed my plan, and readjusted my next gas stop to Ballesteros, Cagayan.

The roads in Isabela and Cagayan had very few vehicles and to improve my mileage, I would set my speed at 90-100, taking my left hand off the handlebar and cruise for very long stretches. I passed Gattaran, Cagayan and started seeing signs that announced Jollibee Aparri. I knew that a turn off leading to Ilocos Norte should be soon in sight. Of course I made the wrong choice at the fork and drove further into Aparri. I got off the bike and asked the very enthusiastic locals and they told me to go back where I came from. I stopped at the fork where I made a mistake and asked again, confirming the wrong decision I made earlier. I thought, locals in the provinces are always sitting by the roadsides just waiting to be asked. They are so cute!!

I saw a sign that pointed to Laoag, and felt that I was on the right road. I checked my gauge and I knew that the fuel light was going to go on soon, so I slowed down to 80kph. Daytime, my speed was almost always 90-100kph. I go 120-135kph in my carefree moments. I was a woman on a Vespa, in a hurry. I reached Ballesteros and gladly gassed up, my fuel light was on for 15 minutes already. I checked with the attendants and saw that a few bikes gassed up ahead of me. I lost a chunk of time driving in the wrong direction, and I was mentally kicking myself for the mistake. With this is mind, and knowing that I had a full tank I charged in the direction of Laoag, passing a group of Petron riders by the roadside smoking and chatting. I found out later that this was the leading scooter group that was with Joseph.

I approached the mountains in Claveria and Sta. Praxedes in Cagayan feeling like Frodo going to Mordor in Lord of the Rings. The mountains were covered with dark clouds. I would have to ride in the rain. I decided not to stop to put on rain gear. The mesh pants and jacket would soak water but will also dry up just as quickly. I carefully maneuvered the mountain roads, with scattered gasoline and oil spots, and dug up concrete blocks and screamed into my helmet as I entered Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. I knew that I was going to look for the tiny Patron service station in Bangui to gas up. Failing to gas up there will lead to an empty tank in the long Ilocos Norte stretch were there were no participating Petron stations. I was the first to gas up there, and I was the first scooter and small displacement motorcycle to arrive at the 3rd mandatory stop, a beach resort in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

An Ilocos Norte-based Vespa rider, Glynson Cua was there to meet me. He was glad but also sort of pissed that I was an hour late from my estimate of 3PM. I arrived sometime before 4PM. I screamed, don’t you see, I’m the first one here who’s actually ‘small’?? Before I left Pasuquin, I saw Joseph and leading SYM scooters arrive. With my buddies experience with their SYM scooters earlier in the day, I knew my GTS can’t be beat on fuel consumption by other scooters. I knew that I had an overwhelming time advantage against the geared motorcycles in my class. I slowed down when it got dark and the roads became busier. I made my last fuel stop, as planned in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

I rode into the night, sometimes having nobody to follow and nobody following me. If I could turn off my headlights and it would be completely dark! I proceeded carefully and climbed to Baguio via the unlit Naguillan Road. When I arrived in Baguio City, I was cold, tired and hungry and could not figure out how to get to Kisad Road. I pulled up next to an FX taxi and ask him how to get to the roundabout. He gave me directions and I entered Kisad Road, seeing the huge Petron lighted sign.  As I pulled into the station, it took two seconds before ride officials realized that I had arrived. But when they did, they were all so excited and led me towards the pumps. I felt my knees weaken and almost give way. I had my helmet on and many came to shake my hand and congratulate me. I felt like I was a watching a silent movie inside my helmet. The lighting in Petron seemed so bright, because I came from a dark road, it felt surreal. At the corner of my eye, I saw my significant other, digicam in hand taking pictures of my arrival.

As I took off my helmet, I talked to the ride officials. They were beaming at this huge feat I pulled off. I signed my passport after the fill up, parked my bike and ate the siopao asado my partner had for me. It was cold, as she was waiting for more than an hour for my arrival, but it was the best tasting siopao I’ve had in my life.

- - - - - - - - - -

Technical details how Corrine managed her is posted in the Vespinoy blog.

[above pics nicked from Mon S. (Manila), Cuakks (Ilocos)  & Vesvicoy (Baguio)]

IDOL!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Below is Stoplight.TV’s coverage of Vespa Attack 4 held November of last year.  Aside from showing the various colorful scooters on display, the segment also features Dominic Ochoa’s interview of the different club presidents — me for Vespa Club, Edgen Dy-Liacco of Scoot66 and Randy Villa who’s the current VP of EuroScoot.

This episode was first aired last Jan. 04, 2009. Special thanks to Eggay Quesada and DJ Matt Montoya for the coverage.  Watch it here:

[about Stoplight TV]

STOPLIGHT TV is the Philippine’s most viewed motoring show!

It’s on air every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on UHF Free TV, on STUDIO 23!

You can also catch us on cable and satellite nationwide every Monday to Friday at 10:00 p.m. on CUBE TV (on SkyCable ch. 67 and affiliates nationwide) as well as every Mon. at 10:00 p.m., Thurs. at 1:30 p.m., Fri. at 8:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. on the VIVA-PRIME CHANNEL (on Destiny Cable ch. 79 and affiliates nationwide)

For those in the U.S. and Canada, STOPLIGHT TV is on NBN AMERICA via the Dish Network every Tuesday & Thursday at 2:00 p.m., Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m. - PST.

For viewers in Japan, STOPLIGHT TV is on NBN JAPAN via the World-On-Demand network every Monday at 1:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m., local time.

For schedules on The Filipino Channel (TFC), pls. refer to the TFC service in your community.

STOPLIGHT TV — the Philippines premiere motoring and motorsports show!

Next year ulit!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites