SCOOT-N-SHOOT OJAI VALLEY GUN CLUB RIDE

--SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 2010--

























































This was definitely the most fun ride yet! The ride over to the gun club and back was amazing, and firing the cowboy guns on the Black Powder range was an even bigger blast! There were a few different pistols, shotguns and my favorite, Dave's Marlin 1894C lever-action carbine rifle. Paul taught us about the parts of a round of ammunition and various firearms, as well as safety procedures and the proper way to handle a pistol and rifle, from loading to aiming and firing, to emptying shells and reloading. Dave, who is also a member of the Ojai Valley Gun Club, also gave me some pointers. Oh, did I mention tomahawk throwing? Their buddy (Bill?) was also there and he let us throw his tomahawk. It's not as easy as it looks in those old westerns either.
Tricia drove her truck and brought a barbecue and hotdogs, drinks and snacks. She also had with her some gasoline and a ramp and tie downs just in case one of us needed it. She took some awesome pictures of the ride, as she was right behind us the whole way.

Original Message:



"S C O O T - N - S H O O T"
What could be more fun than scooters and guns?

THIS RIDE WILL COST $10 PER 'CREW MEMBER TO SHOOT, but shoot, it's worth it!

This will be a ride from Ventura to Ojai, and will include a little shootin' action.
Riders, bring sack lunches and bottled water, your camera, and your sidearm, if of course you have a permit to carry. Otherwise, guns will be provided.
Also bring ten bucks to give to Paul Fielding to cover your non-member fees for the shooting range.
General Route:
Meet at Citrus & Wells. Proceed West on Foothill, which turns into Poli, Right on Cedar, Left on Kellogg, Right on Ventura Ave, Left on Canada Larga, Right on Santa Ana, Right on 150. Left on La Luna, Left on Maricopa Hwy, Right on Rose Valley Rd. The total distance is approximately 48 miles from meet-up spot. There is a large covered patio area where we could eat lunch. The fee per shooter is $10 for non-members of the Ojai Valley Gun Club. Carl Wade, Dave Grassel, and myself are all members of the OVGC."
-Paul

Proposed Time-table:
This will be an all-day event, being one of the longer rides and since we will be doing an activity at our destination. Mark your calendars and we'll get this one planned nice and early this time.

Go Here to Join/RSVP:
http://www.meetup.com/Ventura-County-Ventures-Scooter-Crew/

December 19 Ride Around Camarillo

MEET AT: ROLLING PIN DONUTS @ 10:00

The Loop, Steep Slow and Curvy, Fast and Straight, Eat/Drink, and be Merry!

ROUTE: We will ride "the Loop" by taking West Loop from the Rolling Pin Donuts parking lot. We will continue riding up West Loop to Catalina Ave., and turn right on Catalina. Then we will turn left onto E Loop and it will take us to Mission Rd. We will take Mission Rd. to West Highland Drive. This is a very small, windy, curvy and slow (15 MPH) road that winds its way up to the top of a big hill. It is a residential road with many nice homes and driveways leading from the road. We will ride to the top of the hill until we reach the "Road Ends" sign, enjoy the view, turn around and ride back down. We will then take a left on Mission road back to E Loop, and make a left onto Las Posas Rd. Then, we will make a right on Lewis Rd. and do a little fast riding straight to Ventura Blvd. and make a right turn to go to downtown Camarillo. We might eat lunch or a coffee. Then, if anyone wants to, we could stay on Ventura Blvd, and ride over to the Camarillo Outlets Center to do some holiday window shopping or even catch a movie at the Theater next door. Sorry for such a simple ride, but I've been extremely busy this past couple weeks and have had no time to plan a bigger ride. This will be fun, though. So, hope to see all those who RSVPed "Yes" at Rolling Pin Donuts at 10:00 AM.

Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 Neptune's Net Rally II

This time we met at Element Coffee before heading out.

Ventura County Ventures SC Rendezvous with L.A. Scooterists at CSUCI Library parking lot.

Scooterists united will never be divided!


The riding conditions were perfect. It was sunny, but not hot.

New member Pam and her pink scooter.

Cadillac Zac



Scooters on the Sea-side and Motorcycles on the other.

Scooterists enter the biker-infested seafood restaurant in pursuit of...lunch!


For additional pictures of this ride, click the link below:
http://www.meetup.com/LAScooterGroup/photos/764074/#11806107
"Fall Canyon Twisty-Turny Riding Funfest!"
(Los Angeles Scooter Meetup Group's Pictures)

Neptune's Net Rally II

Original Message:

General Route:
Riders North of Camarillo: Meet at the 76 Station on Wells Rd. and Citrus in Ventura located at: 11008 Citrus Dr & S Wells Rd at 12:25 Noon
ALL Ventures Scooter Crew Riders: Meet in back parking lot behind Element Coffee located at: 2364 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA. 93010.
We will ride from Element Coffee located on Ventura Blvd to Lewis Road to CSUCI to meet our scooter friends from L.A. between 1:45 and 2:00 PM. We might need to ride over to the filling station on Pleasant Valley Rd.like last time before heading out to the PCH.
Then out Las Posas to the PCH and all the way up to Neptune's Net, located at: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu.

Proposed Timetable:
Element Coffee: Meeting Time: 1:00-1:15p
Depart from Element Coffee to CSUCI at 1:15p
Arrive at CSUCI at 1:45p
Depart from CSUCI to Neptune's Net at: 2:15-2:30p
Arrive at Neptune's Net between 3:45 and 4:00p
Eat a late lunch or early dinner, or just socialize a while and have an appetizer and rehydrate. Take some pictures, etc.
Leave early enough to get back with plenty of sunlight. (It gets dark much earlier now)
L.A. folks will probably go south from here, and we'll go north.

**PLEASE RSVP (VIA EMAIL TO: CAMAROLLERS.SC@GMAIL.COM) IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE SO ALREADY SO WE KNOW TO WAIT FOR YOU. THANKS- SEE YOU SATURDAY!

October 31, 2009 Spooky Scootin' Scare (Halloween Day)

HAUNTED TIKI ISLAND













Original Message:
Meetup Time:
ALL RIDERS: Meet at the 76 Station on Wells Rd. and Citrus at 9:00 AM
76 STATION ADDRESS: 11008 Citrus Dr & S Wells Rd
DEPARTING FROM THE 76 STATION AT 9:15 AM

PLEASE RSVP VIA EMAIL SO WE KNOW TO WAIT FOR YOU: camarollers.sc@gmail.com

The route:
We will take the 118 all the way to Moorpark, make a right on Tierra Rejada (The first light once you get out of the fields and into houses)
Tierra Rejada turns into Los Angeles Avenue- follow it into Simi
(We will meet up with riders Jim and Tommie on L.A. Ave., just before Madera)
Make a right on Erringer Rd.
Make a left onto Elizondo St. (There is no light, but it is the first street after the bridge over the wash)
2134 is on a corner at a stop sign a few blocks down on the right. You won't be able to miss it. :)

ABOUT THIS EVENT:
The last Saturday of the month of October just so happens to fall on Halloween. Two of our members, Zac and Tricia have an awesome neighborhood Halloween haunted house at their parents' house in Simi Valley. This is something that they work on all year- a lot goes into it. We will ride out to Simi Valley to check out their haunted house and hang out for a while. Bring your camera. There are a lot of spooky creations waiting to give you a scare.

There will be coffee and doughnuts there.


Address of haunted house:
Haunted Tiki Island is located at 2134 Elizondo, Simi Valley, CA. 93065

Visit the homepage of Haunted Tiki Island:
http://hauntedtikiisland.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=22

See it on the map here:http://www.venturacountystar.com/localhaunts/

Lambrettas FOR SALE!

Ride to Carpinteria & Lake Casitas

Scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2009









New Meeting Times:
Camarillo Folks: Meet at Rolling Pin Donuts at 9:00 AM
Everyone: Meet at the 76 Station on Wells Rd. and Citrus at 9:30 AM

Ride Plan:
The general ride would go 1) through Ventura or 2), to Santa Paula and Ojai, then over Casitas Pass to Carpenteria and return. In Carpinteria we could hit a restaurant (Zac has some ideas) or picnic at Viola Fields (a nice, free, cliff side park with restrooms).

None of the ride need go on any freeways. For the most part the route is two lane, winding and often scenic. There are several good spots to regroup in case there are lagers. And mid-way, a bathroom spot if appropriate.

Beginning from the gas station in Saticoy where "Lorrain's group" usually starts:

Alternative 1 would head for Santa Paula on Foothill road, turn North on Hwy 150 to Ojai (the same way we rode on the Ojai loop ride a few months ago).

Alternative 2 would head for Ventura on Foothill road, turn North on Ventura Avenue,then Santa Ana Road, connecting to Hwy 150 at the entrance to Lake Casitas.

In either alternative the ride would then head West on Hwy 150 past Lake Casitas, up over Casitas Pass and into Carpinteria. If we want to go to a restaurant we'd take a turn onto 192 for a couple of miles and then into town on Casitas Pass Road or Linden St. If we want to go picnic at Viola Fields, we stay on 150 right to the cliff side park.

The return route could take the same way back, or at Ojai, take the "alturnative ride" back.

Rough mileage calculations from Saticoy to Saticoy:

Heading first to Ventura, then to Carpenteria and returning the same way: Approx 75 miles.

Heading to Santa Paula/Ojai, then to Carpenteria and returning via Ventura: Approx 83 miles.

Folks would need to add the miles/time from where they start, such as you in Camarillo, to/from Saticoy.

So that's an idea. If you like it, my personal preference would be the 1st alturnative: Santa Paula/Ojai and then return via Ventura.

If the return ride is via Ventura, at that time of day, a little course change in Ventura to Harbor Blvd, Olivas Park Rd and Telegraph Road to Saticoy is recommended (and the way we returned on the Ojai loop a couple of months ago).

Ride to Thousand Oaks Vespa, Sun. Aug. 30th

Besides the rides and food, these guys were my favorite part of the day!

On Sunday, August 30th, Vespa of Thousand Oaks was having their 3rd Anniversary Celebration. So, naturally, it became our ride for the month of August. After much debate, I decided to go, even though I don't drive a true "Vespa". There were just a few off brands like mine, but we all had two very exciting and fun rides! The rides went around the lake. It was a beautiful view. One thing I really liked about this ride, was there were escort runner scooters that rode along the sides and helped keep the intersections clear and safe. A couple of our own crew members did this on the ride to the Simi car show, and I was impressed and felt safer because of it.
I was greeted with a warm handshake from none other than the owner, David. He didn't remember me, but I was quite alright with that. A Paris Hilton look-alike was giving out free Vespa T-shirts when we signed in. The design was pretty neat with a retro looking pin-up girl and a faro baso Vespa.
We enjoyed free Mexican food and live blues entertainment. They had several raffles and at the last one, Lorraine won a set of yellow suede Corazzo "gardening gloves". The main raffle was a scooter, of course. The winner of that scooter was the owner of the "ugliest car". Of course, there weren't many cars there, so the winner had a good chance of winning. The so called ugliest car was an all-terrain 4x4 vehicle that I thought wasn't ugly at all. It looked cool to me.
It was an extremely hot day at a record 111 degrees F and shade was limited. The intense heat and being in the bright sunlight made me nauseous and I was guzzling down water bottles like crazy. The sweat pouring down my forehead got salt in my eyes and made it hard to see on the rides. But, check out the pictures. We actually had a lot of fun. I only wish more of us went.

Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival

Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival
I went to Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop, had a Judge Wapner Root Beer and ordered a slice of pizza from Tony's NY. After I gobbled it down, and nobody showed up, I figured I'd just cruise up the street and check out the festival for a bit. Then I heard the sound of SKA music playing! I couldn't believe it, mon! I rode my scooter around a backstreet, parked and caught the show. The next performance was a modern jazz band. The bassist's wife sang the song "Summertime" as performed by the George Benson Quartet among others.

Check out "The Gritty's" a budding ska band from Oxnard, CA.
This performance was right in our backyard at Rock City:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLdjjALhvqA

Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival AND Vespa T.O. 3rd Anniversary Celebration and Rides

Dear Crew Members,
I'm planning on showing up early afternoon. Maybe we can grab a bite to eat at Tony's New York Pizza right next to Rocket Fizz Candy and Soda Shop, and then head up the hill to catch the art and music. There is also a great coffee shop across the street and up a bit called Element Coffee.
If you would like to go to the Jazz Festival, please send me a quick email. We could meet at the back of Rocket Fizz and head up together.
Address for Rocket Fizz, Camarillo: 2619 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010

Meeting time for Jazz Festival ride event: on Saturday, Aug. 29. @12:30 NOON We will get a quick lunch- the slice of pizza and drink special, and be off.

The Vespa T.O. ride will be this Sunday the 30th. Any crew members north of Camarillo, please meet up with Lorraine at the 76 gas station on Wells Road and Citrus as usual. From there, we will all meet-up at the Rolling Pin Donuts parking lot like last time. But we won't visit. We'll leave quickly and visit at VTO.

Meeting time for ride to Vespa T.O. Anniversary Celebration: on Sunday, Aug. 30. @9:45 AM / 76 Station @10:00 AM / Rolling Pin Donuts

This month, we will have two rides- back-to-back. There will be a ride on Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th. So far, the Saturday ride destination hasn't been decided, but the Sunday ride will be to Vespa of Thousand Oaks for their 3rd Anniversary Celebration. A few of our members have been to the last ones, and they say it's a blast. There will be free food, raffle prizes, and scooter rides. In the past, there have been as many as 70 scooters riding together. The people come from all around to attend this event. We won't miss it.
Plans are underway to meet at Element Coffee in Camarillo, located on Ventura Blvd in downtown Camarillo. Owned by a friend named Mike who's a scooter guy himself.

Element Coffee
2364 Ventura Blvd
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 482-0036

The Saturday preceding the above Sunday ride to Vespa T.O. will be (if anyone's interested) to go catch the Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival. It will be taking place on Ventura Blvd. in downtown Camarillo from noon until 5PM. Of course, we don't have to stay for the whole thing, unless you feel like it. I don't know how good the music or art will be, but I do know it's free, and you know free is a good thing!
The streets might be blockaded, and we might have to park somewhere funky, so I'm gonna check with the city or chamber on that.

Event Description
Art & Jazz throughout Old Town Camarillo all day
Daytime activities are free to the public.
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Professional artists will be part of juried art show on the sidewalks along Camarillo’s historic old Town district, including art displays in various participating shops and restaurants.
Noon to 5:00 PM - Professional musicians will perform jazz from swing to Latin to smooth jazz styles on five outdoor stages throughout the day

July 25th Ride to Lake Piru

View into Lake Piru: Pretty nice! Too bad we didn't stop for a picture!


Crew members all met at Somis Market for breakfast and coffee before heading out.


We had scrum-diddly-umptious breakfast burritos and coffee here.


The burritos were delicious. Just don't buy their chicken salad sandwiches!


The Crew's very own Chief Warrant Officer 4 performed a safety check on our scoots.


It was too hot to stop short of the entrance for a picnic as planned.


So we entered the park at a whopping $10/head just for a little shade and rest.


But we got to visit a while and use the head, so it was kinda worth it.
Kelly covered me since I blew most of my money on Somis Market
breakfast and a gross chicken salad sandwich that not even the birds would eat!
It was a very long journey back, and we got somewhat separated towards the end
of our ride, but we all had a safe and very fun ride.



Original Message:

MEET-UP LOCATION: 9:00 AM - 76 Station (on Wells Road)
For those of you North of Camarillo, please meet with Lorraine at the 76 Gas Station on Wells Road as usual. Here's the address: 11008 Citrus Dr & S Wells Rd

MEET-UP LOCATION: (Entire Crew)
We will meet at Somis Market, located at: 3319 Somis Rd, Somis, CA 93066
Meet-up time at Somis Market: 9:30 AM
We will have breakfast burritos and coffee and leave from there to Lake Piru.

WHAT TO BRING:
* $10.00 - If you are planning on entering the Lake Piru park. Otherwise, we will just pull off to the side of the road in the grassy area just before the entrance.
(It costs $10/per vehicle to enter)
Bottled Water
Sack Lunch
Camera
Extra Fuel (if you've got some. There is a filling station along the way, though.)

EXTRA WORD OF CAUTION:
This route is long and arduous. It is considered by bikers to be the equivalent of a double-black diamond in level of difficulty. This is due to some hair-pin turns and drastic changes in elevation. WE WILL RIDE SLOWLY on the twists and turns and on the steep hills. Also remember to wear all your gear! (ATG-ATT: "All the gear, all the time) Safety first.

ROUTE:
Start address: Somis, California
End address: Sta Felicia Canyon Rd

Start at: Somis, California

1. Head north on CA-34/Somis Rd toward North St - 0.5 mi
2. Turn left at CA-118/E Los Angeles Ave - 0.9 mi
3. Turn right at Bradley Rd - 4.5 mi
4. Turn left at Balcom Canyon Rd - 3.2 mi

Arrive at: Balcom Canyon Rd

5. Head east on S Mountain Rd toward Petit Rd - 2.4 mi
6. Slight left at S Sespe St - 0.5 mi
7. Turn right at Bardsdale Ave - 1.3 mi
8. Turn left at Bellevue Ave/CA-23 Continue to follow CA-23 - 0.8 mi

Arrive at: CA-23/Chambersburg Rd

9. Head south on CA-23/Chambersburg Rd toward Riverside Ave - 0.2 mi
10. Turn left at W Guiberson Rd - 3.3 mi
11. Turn right at E Guiberson Rd - 0.1 mi
12. Turn right to stay on E Guiberson Rd - 3.6 mi
13. Turn left at Torrey Rd - 0.8 mi
14. Slight right at Howe Rd - 0.2 mi
15. Turn left at Torrey Rd - 0.3 mi
16. Continue on N Main St - 1.2 mi
17. Continue on Piru Canyon Rd - 1.8 mi
18. Slight left to stay on Piru Canyon Rd - 1.5 mi
19. Slight left to stay on Piru Canyon Rd - 0.3 mi
20. Continue on Sta Felicia Canyon Rd - 0.7 mi
21. Slight left to stay on Sta Felicia Canyon Rd Destination will be on the left - 1.6 mi

Arrive at: Sta Felicia Canyon Rd

See you all at Somis Market!

SAT., MAY 16, 2009 SIMI VALLEY CAR SHOW RIDE

"Moorpark Jonny"


The Meet-up At Rolling Pin


Different Flavored GT Scooters





The Crew Lineup at the Car Show


Cool Lookin' White & Red Highboy


Almost Vespa-looking Faro basso Headlamp Detail


Very Mod looking Dual mirror detail on this Hudson!




The Coolest Car at the Show ('50 Hudson Commodore)

This was a fantastic ride, organized by Moorpark Jonny. It was a ride all the way in to Simi Valley for a classic car show. We didn't have the full crew, but still met at Rolling Pin Donuts and had a good ride. The worst part of the ride was Santa Rosa Road, with all the cagers trying to go 70 MPH, on a two-lane highway. We got over onto the shoulder several times to let the speeders go, and then returned to our positions. Then, as we made the turn up Moorpark Road, there was something slithery in the road. Yep, it was a snake! It kinda took me by surprise. At first, I thought it was a piece of rope, until it tried to bite me- jk. We took Tierra Rejada into Los Angeles Avenue, and eventually met up with the Wild Wood "Wild-Ones" on their beautiful Vespa LXV's. When we got to First St., we made a left to go to the car show.
The car show had some cool looking rides. There were several Chevy's and roadsters and a very mint restored Hudson Commodore. I took a lot of pictures because my dad's a car guy. Most of them were worth taking pictures of, except the mass-produced Cobras and the not-so original lowriders, I didn't care for much.
We took off promptly at noon and rode off the back way, stopping at Chuy's of Moorpark, honking and yelling as we rode by the Harley Davidson shop. Inside Chuy's, there was a biker or two who had to wait in line behind us. He was looking at us, probably thinking, "What is this, some kind of scooter Hell's Angels?" But it was all in good humor. We're only out to have fun. And fun we had. The food tasted good after the long ride and car show. We had a very fun ride back home. New member, Harold and I took a fun little route through the estates on Central and took Crestview back home.

Original Post:

MAY 16, 2009 Simi Valley Car Show Ride

Dear fellow Crew members,

PLEASE RSVP by emailing the club at: Camarollers.SC@Gmail.com

We will be riding to Simi Valley to go to the Car Show. We will not be eating at the Italian Restaurant as previously believed, but we will still be stopping along the way to eat lunch. Below is the proposed time table:

D E T A I L S --- & --- P R O P O S E D --- T I M E ---T A B L E

Ventura Group Meeting Place:
All Crew members north of Camarillo will meet at their regular designated spot- the Valero Gas Station at 11005 Citrus Dr, Ventura, CA 93004.
Meet-up Time: 9:00 AM

All Crew Members Meeting Place:
We will all meet at the Rolling Pin Donut parking lot like last time- located at 2153 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Meet-up Time: 9:30 AM

We will depart from Rolling Pin Donuts at approximately 9:45 AM

Route:
Turning (L) at the traffic light onto Las Posas,
Las Posas Rd. to Somis Rd/Lewis Rd. (R)
Somis Rd./Lewis Rd. to Adolfo (L)
Cross the railroad tracks
Continue on Adolfo all the way to Santa Rosa (L)
Santa Rosa all the way to the light at Moorpark Rd. (L)
Moorpark Rd. will take us up to Tierra Rejada (R)
Continue on Tierra Rejada, pass the freeway,
Tierra Rejada becomes Las Angeles Ave., Continue straight
Las Angeles Ave. to First Street (L)
Car Show will be in the Center parking lot of the Simi Valley Town Center.

We will enjoy the Car Show until we get hungry and want to go grab lunch. Then,
we will return the same way we came, unless someone has something else they would like to do before returning home.

Please RSVP so we know to wait for you. It's going to be fun!

~Matt

Ventura County
VENTURES SCOOTER CREW

Simi Valley Car Show Ride, Sat., May 16th

We will be riding to a car show at the Simi Valley Mall parking lot.

Riders from anywhere north of Camarillo will meet up at the usual gas station location (11005 Citrus Dr & S Wells Rd, Ventura, CA). Time TBA

Our whole group will meet up at the Rolling Pin Donuts like last time (2153 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA.) Time TBA

We will ride from Rolling Pin Donuts down Las Posas, turning right on Somis/Lewis Rd., and turn left on Adolfo Rd. We will take Adolfo Rd. to Santa Rosa and make a left onto Santa Rosa. We will stay on Santa Rosa until we reach the light at Moorpark Rd., turning left and going up to Tierra Rejada Rd. and turn right onto Tierra Rejada. We will stay on Tierra Rejada Rd. and it will become Los Angeles Ave. From there, we will go to the Simi Valley Mall parking lot to enjoy the free car show. Then, we will return going the same route, or a different one if anyone has a good idea. We will be stopping for lunch on the way home. So far, we were considering Italian food or perhaps Chuy's, another biker hangout. Maybe there will be more leather clad rockers there.

Check back for specific times.

Neptune's Net Scooter Rally - April 11, 2009 (New Meet-up at RollingPin)

NEPTUNE'S NET SCOOTER RALLY

Well, this was a huge success! It was the greatest turn out yet, with at least 24 scooters. We met up with some scooterists from Los Angeles for this one. The north Ventura County folks met up at their usual location at the gas station, and then they met up with a few of us Camarillo and Somis folks at the Rolling Pin Donuts. There were some new faces and it was exciting to see the club growing.
We had a rendezvous with the Los Angeles scooterists at the CSUCI library, had some pictures taken, visited and checked out each-others' scooters, and were off to fill up. After visiting the gas station on Pleasant Valley Road, we caravanned out west on Lewis Road and took the Pacific Coast Highway up into Malibu. Our destination, the famed Biker hangout, "Neptune's Net". It was a bit comical when we road in. Immediately, the security ushered us to park our scoots across the street. They were already at the limit of bikes parked in their motorcycle parking. We had to cross the street and walk through a swarm of bikers in black leather and motorcycles. It was a bit intimidating, but we were glad we made it there safely. It was so crowded, that we didn't all sit together like we usually do. We had to search to find a seat. The food was good, but the atmosphere's really why you go to a place like this. But we made it a quick lunch. Some members had other engagements and had to take off after arriving there. It was nice to have them with us for the ride there anyway. On the way back, we all went our separate ways. That's when the busy PCH traffic started piling up behind me. I had to get over many times to let the speeding cagers by.










Original Message:

Dear Crew Members,
Our scheduled ride to Neptune's Net in Malibu on April 11, will now meet at Rolling Pin Doughnuts- not the New Camarillo Library Parking Lot. We're going to try out this new meet-up location, and maybe even grab a coffee and/or a doughnut, or my favorite- eclair, before leaving to Cal State University Channel Islands library parking lot.

Any crew member who lives north of Camarillo, you will be meeting with Lorraine at the 76 Station on Wells/Citrus by the 26 freeway (11008 Citrus Dr, Ventura, CA 93004):
Meet-up Date and time: April 11 @ 12:30
Departing time: 12:40


Meet at the 76 gas station on Wells Rd. and the 26 freeway.
Leave Wells Rd. head out toward the 118, Los Angeles Ave.
Turn right on Santa Clara Ave.
Turn Left on Central Ave.
Go Over the 101 Freeway to W. Ventura Blvd. toward the Camarillo outlets.
Make a left on to Las Posas Rd.
Go over the freeway, follow Las Posas Rd. to the doughnut shop.(on left)

All Crew Members will Meet-up at the following location:

Rolling Pin Doughnuts
2153 Las Posas Rd
Camarillo, CA 93010
Meet-up Date and time: April 11 @ 1:11
Departure time: 1:33
Est. Arrival time: 2:00
Arrival Location:
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) Library parking lot.
1 University Drive, Camarillo CA 93012

Meeting Up With: LA Group scooterists
Departing Again from CSUCI with the LA Group at 2:30
Arriving at Neptune's Net at 3:00/3:15

Neptune's Net Arrival Location:
42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA‎


Remember, this is a biker hang-out. Harley Davidsons, Hell's Angels, etc. We treat them with respect, they treat us with respect. Please don't try to start a mod vs. rocker riot! ;)


--
Ventura County
VENTURES SCOOTER CREW

Thousand Oaks Ride

Original Message:

Hey Everyone,
Thousand Oaks Powersports (which currently carries Yamaha, Kawasaki and Ktm) is now a Genuine dealer. Their grand opening is this Saturday and I was hoping everyone could show up. Tricia and I will likely make the trek out to my mom's house in Simi Valley in the morning (around & 7:30-8:00 AM) and head out to the dealership around 10:00 or so. Any one interested in joining us is welcomed (my mom is very hospitible) and we could even take the back roads into Moorpark and then to Simi (very scenic and enjoyable) so we wouldn't have to run full throttle down the old 118. I look foward to seeing all who can make it. There will likely be a ride afterwards- I was thinking through Hidden Valley into Newbury Park.
Best regards,
Zac


O.k.
We will meet up with Paul at around 8:15-8:30 at the Wells Rd. 76 station.
(A new rider named Johnny will be meeting up with the riders at the 76 station. He will be riding with his friend. Look for an old 1953 Vespa and a Yamaha Vino.) From the 76 station, riders will ride into Camarillo, and will meet up with Matt at the library in Camarillo and head back out to the back roads that run through Somis and into Moorpark dumping us out on High St. From there, it's a pretty simple city drive going through Moorpark past the college and into Simi. We will then meet up with my mom and stepdad and head out to T.O. I got a rundown of the route to Simi from mapquest...

1: Start out going EAST on LAS POSAS RD toward VIA NOGAL RD. 0.3 mi

2: Turn LEFT onto SOMIS RD/ CA-34. 1.8 mi

3: Turn LEFT onto E LOS ANGELES AVE/ CA-118. 0.9 mi

4: Turn RIGHT onto BRADLEY RD. 4.5 mi

5: BRADLEY RD becomes BALCOM CANYON RD. 0.7 mi

6: Turn RIGHT to stay on BALCOM CANYON RD. 1.8 mi

7: Turn LEFT onto STOCKTON RD. 4.3 mi

8: Turn LEFT onto BROADWAY RD. 1.1 mi

9: Turn RIGHT onto CA-23. 3.4 mi

10: Turn RIGHT onto W HIGH ST. 0.0 mi

11: End at [1-99] W High St Moorpark, CA 93021

Ventura County Ventures Scooter Crew (VCVSC)

Welcome to the official blog of the Ventura County Ventures Scooter Crew (VCVSC). Here, you will find the latest news about our crew activities. You will be updated with any future scooter rides or meet-ups, photos of scooter rides and routes, members' scooters, etc. Please feel free to leave your input and ideas for rides.
Currently we are comprised of scooterists from all over Ventura County in the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Somis, Moorpark, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks.

JAN. 31 - RIDE TO OJAI (New Rescheduled Date)

THE RIDE TO OJAI

To the Scooter Crew,
It occurred to me that I wished to write up my thoughts on our Saturday ride (Jan 31) as we were passing Lake Casitas. This half day road trip has to be one of the best things that I enjoy doing. Foothill Road with the hills on the left and the farmlands of the Santa Clara River valley on the right was just the thing to get us settled into our ride. The ride through the City of Santa Paula on Santa Paula Street with it's old style houses was quite a treat. The ride up Hwy 150 was an easy and enjoyable ride with a few surprises for us. One surprise was the pocket of cold air we went through. The other was the "uneven pavement" sign. I'm not sure what that was suppose to mean to me but about the time I read that it felt like the elevator was going down. Then it was just slow down and hold on. Going up and down the "twisties" is getting easier each time I do it. There on the main drag of Ojai, I did feel a little twinge as I rode right on past the ice cream shop without stopping. Continuing on out of Ojai and past the Deer Lodge (a famous biker hangout) is where I had my "senior moment" and forgot the turn on North La Luna Avenue to take us to Baldwin Road. The peaceful lake scenery is just wonderful. The ride down Santa Ana Road was easy and with little or no traffic. I was not expecting the turn onto Crooked Palm Drive. It joined back up to the same road we left and added a STOP sign to our trip. I was surprised to see the fog bank laying just off the beach. As we rode closer to the harbor we encountered more of the fog and it's coolness. When we turned on to Olivas Park Drive and later on to Telephone Road, there were only three of us. For Paul Fielding and Matt, the ride down Telephone Road to Wells Road was uneventful. I came as close to having a wreck as I ever have. We were approaching the block where Scandia Liquor Store is located. Paul, Matt, and I were single file in the number 1 lane with maybe a car length or more between us. Our number 1 lane was going slightly faster than the traffic in the number 2 lane to my right. The big tan SUV traveling beside Matt apparently decided to move to the number 1 lane when Matt was clear ahead of him. He didn't see me and pulled into the #1 lane where I was. I could hardly believe he didn't make contact with my bike. I was so close to the center median that I couldn't believe my tire didn't rub the curb. I accelerated ahead and as soon as he saw me right beside him, he jerked back over to the #2 lane. I was able to get my heart out of my throat and back dawn into my chest and continue to Wells Road where Matt waved goodbye. As Paul and I turned north on to Well Road, Paul tried to shout something to me before he waved and rode off. I'm sorry that I don't hear very well, even without a full face helmet. I returned to the 76 station and then decided to have lunch at the Jack in the Box next door.
Anytime, I will gladly go on that ride in either direction. Just say the word.
Carl

JAN. 24th - RIDE TO OJAI (Weather Permitting!)

January 24, 2009 (Ride may move to Sat, Jan. 31 if we get rained out.)
WELL, THE WEATHER DIDN'T PERMIT AND WE GOT RAINED OUT!
RIDE TO OJAI HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN MOVED TO SAT., JAN. 31, 2009.



RIDE TO OJAI

MEETING POINTS:
Riders in Camarillo/Somis area will meet at 8:15 AM, and depart from the new Camarillo Library parking lot at 8:30 AM and go down Las Posas to Crest View and through the Las Posas Estates, directly to the 76 Gas Station at Wells Road to meet up with riders from Ventura/Oxnard area at 9:00 AM. We shall proceed by following the route as described below.

THE GENERAL ROUTE:
North on Wells Rd. Over the 126 Fwy. (Meet up with fellow riders at the 76 Gas Station on Wells Road) Turn right onto Foothill Rd. approximately 6 mi.,
Right on Peck Rd., Left on Santa Paula St. Left on Tenth St. which turns into Hwy 150. It is a little windy in some parts but once you get onto the flat lands it is beautiful and green. Bring your cameras. It is a straight shot into Ojai.

The directions on the blog are very sketchy for the return half of the trip. It indicates Hwy 33 will take us through Oak View down to Ventura. Hwy 33 at Foster Park becomes a freeway. Are all of our riders freeway legal?

WE WILL TAKE THE SCENIC, (AND SAFER) RIDE HOME:

I usually take a more scenic route. Coming west on Hwy 150 out of Ojai, I continue past Hwy 33, past Nordhoff HS, past the Deer Lodge, and turn left on Santa Ana Road. I ride past Lake Casitas (sometimes stopping to enjoy the view) continuing on past Foster Park (it cost money to enter) and down Ventura Avenue in Ventura. At the end of Ventura Avenue you must turn left on Thompson Blvd. I continue on Thompson Blvd and turn right on California Street. South bound California Street does not have a STOP sign and we would continue, non-stop, through a left turn and down Harbor Blvd. (Harbor Blvd to our right and left do have STOP signs.) With the Pacific Ocean on your right, we continue on and make a left on Olivas Park Drive. Continue on Olivas Park Drive and make a left on Telephone Road. Continue on Telephone Road until we arrive at Well Road. The 76 station is about a quarter mile to the left and Camarillo is to the right.

PROPOSED TIME-TABLE:
Ride to 76 station on Wells Road: 20-30 Minutes
Ride to Santa Paula from Meet-up Location: 10 Minutes
Ride from Santa Paula to Ojai: 20-30 Minutes
Lunch at Pizza Restaurant: 30-45 Minutes
Ride from Restaurant in Ojai to Santa Paula: 20-30 Minutes
Ride from Santa Paula to Camarillo: 20 Minutes.
Ride from Camarillo to Oxnard/Ventura: 30-40 Minutes
Estimated riding time To and Fro = 3.5 Hours

Dec 21st Santa Paula Breakfast Ride

On December 21st, We decided to venture out to Santa Paula. The route went up Crestview and cut across the Las Posas Estates, past the school, bringing us to the 118 Freeway. Curtis and I rode out to meet up with Lorraine. I topped off my tiny tank at the Valero station where we met, and we stopped for breakfast at Vince's Cafe where we had coffee and tasty breakfast burritos. With the exception of the 118 Freeway, there were almost no cars on the roads. Some of the highlights of the ride were the beautiful citrus groves and winding countryside, as well as the historic picturesque downtown Santa Paula. We plan on doing this ride again with the whole crew in January.

Christmas Parade on Sat., Dec. 13, 2008

On the morning of Saturday December 13, 2008 there will be a Christmas parade. We might consider riding together in the parade. This could be an opportunity for us to gain more public recognition. I'm pretty sure I'll have to be in it one way or another, since I'm responsible for designing the B&GC float.

O.K., so it looks like that's out of the question. Dang, I should have acted sooner on that parade. Well, it looks like the 13th is out while the parade is in session. A few members won't be able to make it on that day also. However, I'm available for a ride the rest of Saturday and also even on Sunday after church. If anyone wants to get together during those times, we can still do that.

I'm looking at Ojai for a ride in January. There's that good Italian pizza restaurant on the main road that Kelly told me about. How does this sound to you all? What weekend of January works best for us all?

Ride To WWII Aviation Museum & WayPoint Cafe

November 22, 2008
This was a very nice ride indeed. We met at the same place as last time: the new Camarillo Library parking lot, and got to meet a few new people and check out their scooters. I was pleased to see a couple vintage rides this time: an 80's Vespa PX200 and a 60's Vespa Super. There were also a couple brand new Vespa 250 GTS's, one of which was a GTS Super. This is what makes our club great: the variety of scooters from the old classics to the moderns, the 50cc range to the 400cc.

We left the library parking lot headed westbound, crossed the freeway and merged right onto Pleasant Valley Road, turning right into our destination: the Camarillo WWII Aviation Museum. There, we were lead by one of the Docents through the gate and onto the grounds. We were allowed to park our scooters alongside the hanger. After a few pictures, we were lead by our Guide, Russ Drosendahl, a former World War II flight instructor and retired TWA pilot. He showed us some World War II era planes, and we got to go inside a Curtiss C-46 China Doll Commando "hump" transport plane. This had seats for the paratroopers. We all got a scare when the plane tipped a bit while inside. This was normal, though. Russ was very knowledgeable about the planes, as were all the docents and guides in the museum.

After viewing all of the interesting artifacts, including World War II era firearms and model planes, we rode across the driveway to the Way-Point Cafe, where we all crowded around a small table and had lunch. The food was good, especially the potato salad, which had been recommended by a friend of mine. After that, we rode through the gate, which a guard opened for us, and stopped for another picture in front of the Cafe sign. Then, the members from Ventura headed back home, and those of us from Camarillo and Somis headed back. It was a very nice ride indeed.

Ride No. 2

Dear "Crew" Members,
How's about another ride? This is that Air Museum ride that I mentioned in a previous email. Nobody could make it, so we moved it to Saturday, November 22, 2008. We will meet at the Same spot we did the first time: The new Camarillo Library parking lot.

RIDE #2: WWII AVIATION MUSEUM & WAYPOINT CAFE

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Where: Meet at the new Camarillo Library parking lot entrance. (4101 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, CA 93010)
to ride to the WWII Aviation Museum at Camarillo (455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010)

How: Via Scooter, riding from the new Camarillo Library parking lot, turn left out of the driveway and turn an immediate...
-RIGHT on Las Posas.
-Take Las Posas all the way to Las Posas again, and turn LEFT.
-Pass the Ralph's supermarket plaza, pass the Carl's Jr. and cross over the freeway on Las Posas (Exactly like last ride to Hueneme).
-From Las Posas, turn RIGHT onto Pleasant Valley Road.
-Take Pleasant Valley Road to Eubanks St. and turn RIGHT to end.

When: Meet-up time 9:00 AM, Depart time: 9:30 AM

What: Ride together over to the Air Museum, visit the museum (Opens at 10:00 AM), and afterward, have lunch at the WayPoint Cafe, located adjacent to the hangar.

Cost: $5 Suggested Museum Admission, and cash to cover lunch.

Just Reply to the email I sent to RSVP so I know it's a go-ahead.

~Matt

I don't think there is any closer relative to the original scooter than the airplane. Piaggio was building Italian war planes before he created the Vespa, and he still kept many of the aeronautical features, such as the unique wheel system. That's why scooters are so dang cool!

Scooter Crew Patches Available Now!

The patches arrived today! There are two options: black and white or red white and blue. All club members will receive patches. I am not charging anything, but will gladly accept donations to help cover the cost of embroidery.

You can see them here:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y115/americanmod/FuelCanNewPatches.jpg

As you can see, they turned out nice. Also, Paul will notice I've copied his on-board spare fuel.

Club News

January 24, 2009
RIDE TO OJAI
This one has been on the drawing table for quite some time, but we haven't done it yet, at least as a group. The directions are as follows:

North on Wells Rd. Over the 126 Fwy. Turn right onto Foothill Rd. approximatly 6 mi. Right on Peck Rd., Left on Santa Paula St. Left on Tenth St. which turns into Hwy 150. It is a little windy in some parts but once you get onto the flat lands it is beautiful and green. Bring your cameras. It is a straight shot into Ojai. Leaving Ojai the 150 turns into Hwy 33 which will take us through Oak View down to Ventura.






Ride to the Air Museum with lunch at the Waypoint Cafe
We're planning a ride soon, weather permitting. Paul's idea, and it's a good one, is to scoot on over to the Air Museum at the Camarillo Airport, and have lunch at the Waypoint Cafe, located at the airport. From there, we might ride over to the downtown Camarillo area of Ventura Blvd. and have our pictures taken with Adolfo Camarillo, and of course, our scooters.

We will have the specifics up very soon, but we could meet at the same place as last time, the new Camarillo Library parking lot, or in the MacDonald's parking lot on Las Posas, near Carl's Jr. and across from the Ralph's supermarket parking lot. This would make it real easy to ride past the freeway on Las Posas and out to the Airport. Then, we'd return, turning right on Ventura Rd., past Carmen, and right into downtown Camarillo.

Official Club Status
I'm trying to get our club recognized by the City of Camarillo. City Hall didn't know much about this, but they said to go to the Chamber of Commerce. That building is located right in the downtown on Ventura Blvd. I went there between jobs today, and picked up some information on becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

If we want to advertise the scooter club through the Chamber of Commerce, our club needs to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce. It's not exactly cheap. For us, it would cost $199 annually since we fall in the category, "Non-profit community organization of 0 to 2 employees". Even though we really don't have 'employees'. I'm going to call the Director of Operations at the Chamber tomorrow and explain to her what we are. Maybe she'll cut us a deal, since we're nonprofit and do not have employees. We offer the city yet another recreational activity; something we should be paid for.
With a membership, we could run an ad in the Camarillo Business Journal. It would cost $135 to run a 1/8 page (business card size) ad for 12 months. So, I'm looking at going another route. The ads we have used so far have either been in the Ventura County Star newspaper, or on Craig's List. These are mostly free if we just call it a "club event".

I know at least two people in our club who have a graphic design background, and might be able to help us out with some advertising- be it print or online: myself and another member's girlfriend. He also has a photography background, so hopefully he'll come out for a ride soon.
Right now, I'm working on maybe getting a website. But for now, this blog works just fine. If anyone of you are super good at managing blogs or even websites, I would appreciate any help.

Crew Patches
Our patches are being made right now, and will be available to you at the next meet-up. The color version looks like the one that appears at the top of this blog. There is also a simple black and white version. Personally, I like the whole two-tone black and white thing. The patches will look nice on your jacket, hat or duffel bag. The exact measurements are 6" W X 3.125" H.

That's all for now. Check back again soon for any updates.

Scooter Meet-up Sat., Morning, Oct. 11th

The Ride to

Port Hueneme

Well, it was a great first ride! We had a good turn out. There was a nice variety of scooters, including two Vespa LX 150's, three Genuine Buddy 150's, a Piaggio Aprilia Scarabeo 250 and my Bajaj Chetak 150. I was very pleased to see them all arriving at the library driveway riding in single file. The ride went smoothly. We all stayed together in staggered formation as we scooted over to our destination point, beautiful Port Hueneme Wharf Plaza, where we stopped for some pictures. We didn't stay long due to the wind. Then, we all had breakfast at Friend's Cafe, which was perfect, since we're all new friends! Then, we took a different route home, lead by Paul, and parted ways at Central Avenue.

This club ride was in loving memory of the late Krista Romero (11-8-88 -- 6-9-07) Together, we will keep her dream alive.







Sat., October 11th 2008

Meeting Place: Parking Lot of the new Camarillo Library
4101 Las Posas Rd
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 388-5222

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Departure Time: 9:30 AM

Things to Bring:
Sack lunch, Bottled Water, Your Camera, Money for gas.
Also, the Santa Ana winds are starting to blow, so jackets, etc.

Food Places:
There's a Subway right on the way on Pleasant Valley Rd. Maybe
we could stop there to pick up a $5 Foot Long? There's also a Taco Bell,
Jack-in-the-Box and a Wendy's all on Ventura Rd. and Pleasant Valley.

Gas:
I spotted only two gas stations on Pleasant Valley Rd. They are both USA Gasoline.
Let's make sure we all have a full tank before we get on Pleasant Valley, though.

Safety:
If any of us have to pull off the road for any reason, we should all pull off with them. Pleasant Valley Rd. doesn't seem to have much of a shoulder to pull off onto, and there is actually a drainage trench. Use caution. Never move over to let a car pass until there is an actual lane for the car to pass. I don't want to ride off into a drainage ditch.
ATG-ATT: "All the gear, all the time"

This weekend, Saturday Oct. 11th at 9:00 AM, we will meet up at the new Camarillo Library located at 4101 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, CA 93010, library phone # (805) 388-5222.
We will depart at 9:30 AM. The idea is to ride to Pt. Hueneme Wharf Plaza. It looks like a nice place to relax and maybe have a picnic. This would be a ride going North/West on Las Posas, and then taking Las Posas again, going left, passing Ralph's supermarket, and crossing the freeway. Then turning right on Pleasant Valley Rd. and going to Ventura Rd. and turning left. Then a right turn into the Pt. Hueneme Wharf Plaza (Surfside Dr.) and we could all park along the road for a photo with the ocean in the background. There's also those cubical picnic areas and the Pier.
So, I think it will be fun. Then, we can go back the same way we came, or if anyone really knows the area well, we take a different route. Of course, those living in Ventura might want to cruise home from there, but either way, it will be fun. So, we'll see how everyone feels about this route. I would like to hear what everyone else has to say. I'm sure we all have some really great ideas. See you Saturday!