January 2010.  I've just returned from a nice little four day trip to Madrid, Spain.  I've never been to Madrid, and heard it was a beautiful city.  It's only a six hour flight from NYC.  It was freezing cold when I left NY, and I was pleasantly surprised that it was in the mid 50's in Madrid.

Madrid has an awesome Metro-subway system that's clean and very easy to use right out of the aeropuerto.  It only took me 35 minutes and 2 Euro to take the Metro down town (vs. a $45 Euro cab ride). The people are very friendly, but do not speak a lot of English. 

Down Town Madrid is a pedestrian and scooter friendly city.  It's almost like a giant 3rd St. Promenade.  Plaza's and shopping street everywhere, and with an ancient flair of architecture.  

The thing I thought was really cool about Madrid (and most Metropolitan cites for that matter) is that you can ride your scooter right up onto the sidewalk and park it there.  Los Angeles needs to take a hint from how these cities operate and make some scooter friendly laws for us here.  If you keep traffic flowing, commerce can flow too.  Make it easy for people to make fuel efficient choices. 

Could you image what would happen if you rode your Vespa onto 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica?  If you didn't get shot by LAPD, you'd defintely get a ticket.  Seriously, what an amazing experience to be in a fully crowded Plaza DelSol (Madrid's version of NYC's Time Square only a few hundred years older), and seeing people ride up on their scooters and park right there in the center of the plaza.  

 After a couple of days my feet were starting to feel the effects of wandering down town Madrid into all hours of day and night.

I rented a Piaggio MP3 400cc.  I've ridden one of these before back in Los Angeles during the press release of the new MP3 250cc model, and whereas, I found the 250cc to be lacking in power for a machine this size, the MP3 400 felt just right.   These are great handling machines once you get used to them, but you wont be splitting any lanes in L.A. traffic with them.  

It didn't take me long to figure out how to order red wine though.  I had heard about the Spanish Riojas wines, and I know the Spanish word for red is rojo, but in Madrid they say tinto for red... After tres riojas I had made some new friends at the local pub. 

 This city is all about staying up late.   It wasn't difficult for me to adjust my jetlagged body clock to the fun of Madrid.  You sleep from 1pm-4pm, then get up and go out.  The city is vibrant with life after 11pm.  If you are walking around while the city is in the afternoon siesta, all the shop doors are rolled down closed and there is some really fantastic urban art sprayed oto the outer doors.  One of my past times is photographing "Urban Art" 

(to be continued)

 Mods N' Hogs

Scooter or Harley, we've got your fashion

I was looking at some old pics a friend of mine had recently posted on his Face Book.  They were mostly from the late 1980's, back  in the day when people who rode Harleys were still considered dangerous degenerates.  I couldn't get over how old everything looked in these photos.  I turned 21 in 1988, I still had a baby face, and I was riding Harleys with some bad asses in Hollywood.   Up until seeing these photos from 20 years ago, I hadn't fully realized how the 80's are such a bygone era.  Now, that's an obvious understatement , but  hear me out for a minute.    I'm not stuck in my glory days, nor am I still wearing the same high wasted jeans, black T-shirt, leather jacket and a mullet (I of course still have a few favorite black leather Harley jackets in my closet.)

Intellectually, I of course comprehend the close of that era (especially when K-Earth 101 is playing Billy Joel's Up Town Girl as an Oldie), but its not until you "feel" it in your body that it truly becomes real to you.   Like finding old pictures of your mom and dad from when they first started dating... those pictures from that era have an ancient psychological feel to them.  Well, that's exactly how I felt when checking out these Face Book pics my friend posted of us from "back in the day". 

Back then my main staple of daily attire was Rock & Roll... blue jeans, a T-shirt, black leather jacket, black boots. Today, I'm happy to say that my ward robe is a bit more diverse.  I've learned to stay away from the disposable trendy styles, and go with some apparel classics.  A classic is never out of style in any era.  Now, try not to get the impression that I spend most of my time reading GQ for the latest sartorial trends.  I grew up with American bread and butter, but I'm mostly influenced by more European flavors these days.  In essence I've gone from being a Harley Rocker to a Mod.

The MODS were a British counter culture movement in the 1960’s, these werefashion-obsessed young adults who lived in metropolitan London and rode Italian motor scooters.   Italian motorscooters were preferred, due to their clean lined, curving shapes and gleaming chrome. For The Mods, Italian motorscooters were the "embodiment” of continental style.

Two factions ofmale Mod culture had developed by the mid sixties; the mainstreamslickly styled Mods and the Scooter Boy Mods. Both groups wore theJohn Smedley type polo knit (also copied and homaged by the Mod RevivalFred Perry Polos), but it was the Scooter Boys who would usually pairthem with plaid or checked trousers, bringing plaid and checks in asiconic Mod styles. Later, in the Mod Revival period it would be thesepatterns and styles that became the staples of Mod clothing in everyarea, including footwear and accessories. 

Today there's some really cool scoot clubs out there keeping this bygone era alive.   Vintage scooter riders who are part of todays Mod scene are all about the scent of 2-stroke exhaust, the fashion style of the era, riding vintage Vespas and Lambrettas, and dancing to the music. Guys like Marv Mack from West Side Scoot Club are still spinning Northern Soul and SKA in a  groovy, British, dance, lounge atmosphere.

As I discovered vintage Vespas, I also discovered the British fashion that goes with them like peas and carrots.  And with stores like Ben Sherman  bringing  mod style to every major metropolis, I'd say we have the makings of a Mod revival going on.  Not that every main stream American is going to be wearing Drain Pipe Jeans, and Winklepickers to work every day, but more importanly by purchasing Modern Classics that will never go out of style, you are making an investment in your wardrobe, rather than throwing money away on a fashion that will be so 5 minutes ago before next week.  

      Gibson Untouchable       Mod Reefer Peacoat by FLY53     Mod dress by Marmalade    Woman's PeaCoat by Ben Sherman

 One of my favorite new online stores has become Atom Retro

http://www.atomretro.com/index.cfm?afid=scooterguru66

These guys have all the classic Mod styles.  Some of the latest additions to my wardrobe include Ben Sherman, Gabicci, Gibson London, Fred Perry, John Smedly, and Merc.

Our new affiliate program with Atom Retro lets you shop directly on their site. Click the link or banner and checkout all the cool  Mod styles.  And its not just for guys, there are plenty of ladies Mod fashions to chose from as well.  My girlfriend Christel is pictured here with a black and white Mod dress by Marmalade and I'm wearing my Gibson London, Hunter, military style, jacket.  The Gibson Hunter jacket even comes with a hidden "storm flap" that buttons the collar around your neck, for keeping warm during night riding.

 Ok, so the hot asian chick in the Ms.Santa Clause suit isn't exactly Mod, but the image is quite fitting for the holidays, don't you think?  On my right, Anna is wearing... well, I dont really know who or what she's wearing, but she sure does look hot!  I'm wearing my merino wool, roll neck jumper by Baracuta, the same people who created the iconic Harrington G9 jacket worn by just about every major, celebrity icon since the 1960's.  G-9, worn by Elvis, Sinatra, the new 007, Daniel Craig, but most famously Steve McQueen... The Kings of Cool all wear the Baracuta Harrington G9 jacket.  When are you getting yours?  

In 1958, a group of youngmen in East London began to adopt a new smooth, stylish, sophisticatednew look, heavily influenced by contemporary late fifties French andItalian fashions. This was the emergence of the quintessential Mod Suit. Italian styled with narrow lapels, tailoring was the key.

The Parka:

Another functional jacketthat has become synonymous with Mod Culture is the Parka. Again, it wasthe practicalities of the jacket as scooter wear coupled withthe possiblity of getting a good looking one on a budget (as opposed tothe tailored, made to measure suit or the designer BaracutaHarrington) that gave rise to its popularity. The Parka was furtherimmortalised and inextricably made Mod by the 1979 film, Quadropheniaand the cover of the same titled 1973 album by The Who, depicting aParka clad Mod on a scooter - but it was earlier, in the late fifties,that the Parka first became a Mod icon.

To finish the Mod Suit look, Winklepicker shoes and later in the sixties, Chelsea Boots were the Mod footwear of choice.

The defining aspect of theWinklepicker is the elongated toe which comes to a point and giving theshoes their name, by resembling the type of pin used to eatperiwinkles. As the Winklepicker became a mod icon, so the designs andstyles becames more daring, dashing and sharp. Pictured above are someof Atom Retro's range of Winklepickers - each carefully chosen fortheir authentic Sixties vintage design and style and made in England.They include the classic Black Winklepicker Shoes in either patentleather or crimped, patterned leather, Paul Weller - Jam -esque blackand white 'Carnaby' Winklepicker and the ultimate Mod Winklepicker -White leather.

Here at Route 66 Modern Classics we've got you covered for leather should you decide to rent a HOG for a day.  If you're a scooter rider looking to CYA, then we also have the latest scooter protective riding gear from Corazzo, First Gear, Joe Rocket, and Prima. 

For those who want the most style and function regardless of the economy we're in, we will soon be carrying a line Barbour (left) and Bellstaff riding jackets.  These are some of the finest, stylish, riding jackets in the world.

If you've actually read down this far... Wow, I'm impressed... I've been told I'm a bit verbose...

As a matter of fact if you email me and say "Glenn You're too Verbose", I'll send you a FREE Gift!

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Enjoy Your Christmas Holidays                                                                             

Glenn Alan Bartels

The Scooter Guru

 SCOOTERING NEW YORK CITY

I've just returned from a nice trip to NYC.   I truly enjoy visiting a metropolitan city, and NYC is as close to Europe as I can get without having to buy Euros.  Some of you may not be aware, but the exchange rate of Euro versus the Dollar is almost 1.5 to 1.  This is great for Europeans coming to America, they get an extra 50 cents on every Euro... that means a grande soy latte at Starbucks which would cost you $3.80 only cost them 2.54 Euro. Conversely, if I were to go to Paris and order a Grande Soy Latte (something I would never do!), but it would none-the-less cost me $5.67  for the same drink!  Have I digressed enough about exchange rates!?!?!  I think we were talking about Scootering NYC!

To my casual art of observation, there are four main modes of transport in NYC.

1. Walking...  It is entirely possible to walk 20-30 blocks no problem, just wear comfortable walking shoes.
2. Taxi-Cab...  The most expensive and slowest.  You're sure to get stuck in traffic somewhere.
3. Sub-way... Between the sub-way system and walking, you can get anywhere on the island of Manhattan (or beyond) in no time at all.
4. Vespa!  It's true, Vespas are now one of the most prevalent mode of transport in NYC I've seenso far.

Every block there are multiple Vespas parked on street corners, sidewalks, in between cars, under stairwells.  My personal ride is my girlfriend's black, 2003, Vespa ET4.  It has been equipped with a Malossi 190cc cylinder kit, and performance variator.  It's light and quick enough to merge in NYC traffic with two people riding.  I've always been a big believer that more horsepower can get you out of harms way rather than braking in many instances. 

As crazy as NYC traffic can be, the good thing about it is that all the streets are One Way, so everyone is going the same direction as you.  Remember that 70% of all motor-scooter related accidents occur because of a vehicle making a left turn in front of you!  However, in NYC, you do have to watch the Taxi Cabs... they will cut across 3 lanes of traffic right in front of you to pick up a haling cab fare on either side of the street.  Keep your eyes open and have multiple escape routes pre-planned wherever you may be riding.

One of the things I like about NYC is that you'll never get a Jay Walking ticket like in Los Angeles, and although lane splitting is not particularly legal like it is here, you wont be stopped for it either.  Keep traffic and commerce flowing.  The City is amazingly clean and safe at any hour of the day or night and Time Square has become a virtual Disney Land complete with a "walk street" similar to 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.  People thought Mayor Bloomberg was crazy for blocking off this intersection, but its quite cool if you ask me.

Here in West Los Angeles, at Route 66 Modern Classics we sell the Genuine Buddy scooter as well as Vespa.  For us the Genuine outsells the Vespa 10 to 1.  While in NYC last weekend I saw only one Buddy scooter the entire time I was there.  Vespas are obviously the scooter of choice in NYC.  And whereas, here in Los Angeles I see many clean low mileage Vespas, the New Yorkers actually ride theirs daily.  The Vespas in NYC all seem to wear their battle scars of daily urban life in a not so mediterranean climate.

I've been to Italy and this seems to be the way a Vespa is meant to be treated.  It is a utilitarian device, you can park anywhere and leave it out in the rain or shine.  Here in California its a little different.  People seem to buy the Genuine Buddy as their utilitarean work horse, and ride their shiny, Vespas on weekends.

I once heard someone say "Things are created here in California, validated in NYC, taken credit for in France, archived in England, and celebrated in Italy."  Although much of the rest of the country think of us as the land of fruits and nuts, we Californians are creative innovators here in this State.  New Yorkers tend to think they are superior to Angelenos.  I can almost see how they think that... we're pretty laid back here in this state, and we have a beautiful year round climate and we only ride our scooters when its above 66 degrees.  We may be laid back, but we know how to get things done without being in such a rush!  

I think I'm digressing again...

I think there's a challenge for some of you fair weather California riders.  I for one plan on celebrating the fact that I can ride anyone of my scoots just about year round.  I like pretending I'm more than half Italian no matter which coast I'm on.  We have a young lady customer who just stopped by the other day to show us her Corazzo lap apron and winter gloves.  Way to go Allison!  We sell Corazzo, and many other fine scootering products here at Route 66.

So, whether you ride a Genuine Buddy for daily transportation, or you ride a vintage Vespa for recreation, we can tune it, polish it, make it go faster, or stop quicker. Stop by and see us and get ready for the winter riding season. Let's show these New Yawkers, they're not so superior after all!

 Glenn Alan Bartels

We specialize in 1960's era Vespa models.  These timeless classics have been fully restored to the highest Europeanstandards, and upgraded to The GS (Vespa Grand Sport ) style with 12v ignition system & 10 inchwheels.

VESPA is Italian for WASP and the vintage designis Molto Bella. Vespa is not just a scooter, it is one of the greaticons of Italian style and elegance, and with more than 16 millionunits produced, it is well known throughout the world.


Prices Starting at Only $3995.00!

There are two kinds of people in this world, those whoare Italian, and those who wish they were Italian.  Owning a vintageVespa instantly makes you Italian.    CIAO BELLO! 

 

"Sembra unaVespa!" ("It looks like a wasp!") Thesewere the words first exclaimed in 1946 by Enrico Piaggio after seeingthe newly created personal mobility unit designed by his chief engineer, Corradino D'Ascanio.

 
D'Ascanio, an ingenious aeronautical engineerwho designed, constructed and flew the first modern helicopter, set out to design a simple, and economical vehiclethat was also comfortable and elegant. Utilizing the latest aeronauticaltechnology, he created a vehicle built on a unibody steel chassis. Furthermore, the front fork,like a plane's landing gear, allowed for easy wheel changing. Theresult was an aircraft-inspired design that emanated class and elegance. 

                            
Scooter riding is a great way to get around, save gas, and look stylish,  Especially if you're riding a vintage Vespa. 

Thosewho aren't inclined to clutch n' shift through gears, mix oil n' gas,or change spark plugs, may want to consider a vintage styled newautomatic scooter.  New Vespa scooters are being imported to the U.S.by Piaggio, but the sticker shock of the new Italian imports can turnoff a few buyers with economy in mind.

Welcome To The Genuine Modern World

The Genuine Buddyis one of the most popular of the new automatic scooters on the markettoday.  It has the classic Italian Vespa style, but with a moreaffordable price tag.  It comes in either a clean burning 50cc 2-strokeor a 125cc 4-stroke engine, and it carries one of the best industryleading warranties, 2 years unlimited miles! This is a top qualitymachine from a great company~ Starting at Only $1999.00!

Route66 is proud to carry the full 2008 model line of Genuine products.  Wecan also customize your new Buddy with accessories and performanceproducts from Genuine and Malossi.  

The 2008 Buddy International models feature a 150cc engine, two-tone paint, color matched wheels and wide white wall tires. 

    Buddy International Models $3,199.00

1. Series Italia ~  Italy Green & Crème
2. Saint-Tropez~ France Blue & Grey
3. Pamplona~ España  Red & Crème                        

                   CUSTOM SCOOTS

 We build custom scoots too!  Our MP6 Venice Rat features Faro Basso '40's styling, Denim Black paint, and a powerful P200 engine! 

Let's not forget the British Mods.

The Mod counter Culture movement took place in the U.K. throughout the 1960's and was made famous in the 1979 movie Quadrophenia. The MOD symbol is the red, white & Blue “mod target,” aka “Royal Air Force Rondel”.  

 The Mod Scene

ModScooter riders wore stylish suits and "Pimped Out" their rides withexcessive lights and mirrors.  Back in the Day, the Mods were alwaysclashing with the Rockers.  Today, whether you're a black leather cladHarley Rocker, a sophisticated Suit Scootin' Mod, or an automatic"Twist and Go" new scooter rider, everyone is welcome at RT66.

Choose your scoot and Let's Ride!

Enter The Back Door To HARLEYWOOD

Weare located in the very heart of Harleywood, California.  Well, we'reactually a bit closer to the beach than Hollywood, but we are Harleypeople as much as we are Scooter enthusiasts.

Route 66 also features Harley-Davidson Authorized Motorcycle Rentals. Our location in Marina Del Rey, CA is directly adjacent to Bartels'Harley-Davidson, one of the worlds premier Harley Dealerships.  We'rebringing our experience with customizing Harley-Davidson Motorcyclesalong with a whole lot of passion for power sports into the scooterworld.  JOIN US!

So please contact us.  We are located in West Los Angeles (next to Bartels' Harley-Davidson), 4161 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey, California.

If you've ever had the oportunity to visit the beautiful city of Amsterdam in The Netherlands (Holland), then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. 

I spent a few weeks there in June of 2004.  I stayed in a friends apartment in De Pijp (Pronounced De Pipe)  and lived life as a local.  The Dutch people are very friendly, and they typically speak several languages very well, including English, making communication easy for an American traveler.

During the 17th Century Amsterdam was considered the richest city in the world.  Having the most advanced shipping lanes, Amsterdam was the financial center of the known world at that time.  Today, I think they are more well known for their Red Light Districts, and Coffee (Hash) houses.

Living life as a local ment I didn't spend much time checking out the typical tourist destinations such as; the tulips, the Rijks Museum, or the Anne Frank House.  I would walk for hours through this magical city at all hours of day or night.  I would visit the daily market, sample fresh haringkar (herring), meet Leo and Derek for a mint tea at Chocolate, and sometimes pop into a coffee house to sample some cannabis from the menu.  

Holland was a major contendor in the European Soccer Cup that summer and there were Oranged garbed celebrators cheering in the streets after a victory against Sweden. I'm not a major soccer fan, but as they say... when in Rome... so I enjoyed some celebratory beers with my new Dutch friends at many local pubs.

There's something magical about being in this ancient city.  More than just their 700 year history, and beautiful architecture, its an emotion that's difficult to articulate.  I felt really comfortable walking the brick lined canals, and especially when I was riding my bicycle throughout the city.

Amsterdam is a city filled with about a half a million bicycles.  It is the primary mode of trasportation rain or shine.  Coming from the land of eternal sunshine it was necessary for me to adapt to the fact that it rains quite often even in summer in most parts of the world.  Fortunately, adapting to foreign cultures is my specialty.

Which leads me to the ultimate point of this particular Blog.  Venice is becoming the Amsterdam of the West side.  I live in Playa Del Rey, and my Harley/Scoot Shop is in Marina Del Rey. I've always enjoyed cycling for recreation, exercise and transportation.

I have a collection of bicycles that I ride to and from work and often to lunch in Venice.  I have a stretched aperhanger chopper cycle with an 80cc engine in it, a vintage Schwinn Beach Cruiser, an electric bike and several other interesting pieces.  These bicycles are actually for rent  as well for anyone who would like to sample our "Local Amsterdam".

I love riding down Abbot Kinney past the Herbal Pharmaceutical company adn seeing all the variety of bicycles.  Venice is a real cycle community.  It's more of a status symbol in this community to have a cool bicycle, than a Bentley!  And by "Cool" I am refering to the 1954 J.C. Higgins bicycle I saw parked on abbot Kinney with more rust than metal showing.  Obviously, still in daily use... AWESOME!

I see this trend continuing... as our nations economy is re-birthed Americans are discovering the "cool" toys they can have that are not only better for the environment, but are affordable and fun to own, help keep you in shape, and are easy to park. 

As gas prices continue to rise, I see the continual proliferation of economical transportation choices.  I for one plan to keep offering unique vehicles to the puyblic either to rent or to buy.  RT66MC is a hobby shop for cool people who want something unique and fun to ride.

We're currently working on putting an electric engine in a 1956 Vespa, building beach cruisers with gas engines, and soon to come will be a vintage looking bicycle with an electric motor.

Stay tuned folks it only gets better from here!

Glenn Alan Bartels... The Scooter Guru

1) RIDING A SCOOTER IS EARTH FRIENDLY

Riding a scooter is not only über chic, but it’s also eco-friendly and easy on the earth! You can do your part to stop global warming by riding a scooter instead of your SUV.  Actually, you don't have to trade in your car, truck or SUV for scooter, but did you know that just by switching 10% of your anual comute to a scooter, you can help to save almost 325 million tons of carbon dioxide and 15 million gallons of gas per year!?!?

2) OH! THE PLACES YOU WILL GO!

These scooters are easy to drive and can literally get you to places that you normally can’t in traffic.  In fact, remind me to tell you how I get to my office in record time while avoiding the congested Lincoln Blvd. from Playa del Rey to Marina del Rey.

3) DID I MENTION THE GAS SAVINGS?

Ok, let’s say it together:  “Gas prices will only continue to go up.”  Now that you’ve embraced the reality of fuel costs, just know that if you own a scooter, you will never have that issue again.  Ev-er.  The average cost to fill up a scooter tank is $6.40 Getting you 140 miles...  Now who’s looking smart?

4) DON’T JUST LOOK SMOOTH, RIDE SMOOTH.

Your new scooter will perform better by applying control pressures smoothly. One of the most important lessons of riding is that your scooter will perform best by accelerating, turning, and braking more smoothly. Smooth control action also makes your passenger more comfortable, so practice it every time you ride (this is good to know if on a first date).  This is especially true in the rain, when smooth techniques are essential.  PS~ we can help you with any questions on scootin’ techniques you might have… just ask!

5) THE SCOOTER IS NOW HIP AND STYLISH

Economic necessity has made scooters more mpopular than ever, but if you're riding a vintage Vespa, you ahve a responsibility to be stylish too, so make srue your shoes match!  Think of it as driving a “work of art” on wheels.  It is like road jewelry that will continue to only get praise from on-looker’s every time you straddle it and rev it up for a ride. 

6)  ITS AFFORDABLE

From the Buddy Scooters which start at $1,999. to the vintage Vespa’s that start at $3995., there is one for every budget. 

7) BECAUSE IT’S TIME TO TRY A DIFFERENT POSITION

Ready to try something new?  The position I’m talking about is “Lane Position” for safe driving.  Once you get your scooter, try to position yourself so that you are in the most visible spot in the lane; this may be the right, left, or center of the lane.  Never ride in a car driver’s blind spot.  When merging onto a highway, do not pull in too close in front of large vehicle, which may weigh as much as 40 tons and can not stop as quickly as you can.  Safe scootin’ is muy importante!!

8) IT IS A FASHION DO!

Ladies, there is a scooter made in every color to match every color of shoes or outfit that you have in your closet!  And if you want a scooter in a custom made color, we can do that for you too.

9) REAL MEN SCOOT

That's right! Approximately 60% of men purchase scooters. (They might say that they are buying it for their wives or girlfriends, but the real truth is that THEY are the ones riding the scooters).  Motorcycle guys like me never thought scooters would end up being the "New Cool."  I used to think that only Italians could look good riding scooters, but today’s fashion statement is also measured by your environmental consciousness... Trading the daily commute on my gas guzzling HOG for an Italian styled scooter that sips fuel at 90mpg gets me the same compliments and female attention these days that I used to get riding my Custom Harley Chopper. Maybe I'm just getting older!

10) PARKING IS A SNAP 

Where there's traffic there is also NO Parking!  The scooter can be parked just about anywhere.  Although certain parking ordinances may apply depending on the city you live in, scooters tend to be non-threatening and only slightly bigger than a bicycle.  I ususally can find a safe place to park on the sidewalk where my scoot is out of pedestrian traffic's way and close to where I'm going.