Monday, March 11, 2013

Not Really A Book Review

Early Sunday morning I stumbled upon a book that caught my eye after seeing a review on a scooter website.  I grabbed the image only to share with you here; there is no link to "Look Inside".


I wasn't aware of BJ Strass or his Scooter Rider magazine but I'm certainly enjoying this little book.  I 'borrowed' it as a Kindle Prime customer.  Mr. Strass, at least at one time, began his riding from Corvallis, OR, a place that I know a couple of other people begin their rides from as well.  The first story in the book is about his departure from Corvallis, heading west and when he gets to salt water, he turns "right".  Vancouver and surroundings are part of his quest before heading south again to his home in Oregon.

The author freely admits that he takes a few liberties with the English language and I appreciate that, though he doesn't abuse it like I do.  His tours/rides are often extensive, sometimes done alone, often with his wife.  He uses mid-size scooters, machines he's moved towards not unlike I have, from larger displacement motorcycles.

He mentions various gear he's tested which is fun but the very best part of the book for me is having an open map beside the chair while reading.  I've never been a fast reader, but I slowly savor the descriptions and mention of places as I follow along using my maps.

Like the author, I'd jump on one of my 250cc scooters and head for either coast at any time.  Here in the Midwest I've got more choices about avoiding busy roads than he's sometimes had along the busier edges of our country.

6 comments:

  1. Coop:

    It would be just great if you could hop onto your 250cc and point West. I can tell you that when you hit our mountains, the 250cc will be a bit inadequate for our mountain highways. Much better on a Burgman 400 or other maxi-scoot.

    http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.ca/2009/07/okanagan-weekend-july-2009.html

    sorry that webshots shut down and my photos got deleted
    http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.ca/2008/07/ride-report-feed-bear-scooter-rally.html

    I know you like maps so I included one for you last time

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob, thanks for the map and the reviews of your rides as well as the scooter comparison. A friend has a Kymco 500 and she loves it. I've only spent a short time on a Burgman 400; haven't ridden any of the bigger Maxi's

      Delete
  2. Someone wrote a book on scootering from Corvallis? Who knew.

    Thanks for the tip on the book. I'd never heard of it and I am intrigued.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trobairitz, I got a nice start on the book Sunday, then ended up spending too much time outside on the driveway and didn't get back to it. That's where I'm headed next :)

      Delete
  3. Trobairitz/Coop:

    found the author for you

    http://www.burgmanusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60125

    bob

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bob, it's been a long time since I last visited the Burgman Forum....certainly would have missed the book info.

      Delete