They are a rough looking bunch. I'm in no-man's land, the rough border country where Fremont ends and Ballard begins, heading to a meeting involving a woman in a donut shop, some maps and plans that I'd rather not reveal at this point. But these hombres have taken over the sidewalk and a chunk of the street. Maybe I can scoot on by.
"Oh, I'm sorry," one of of the wild bunch calls out, "Let me get this out of your way." He goes to move his bike.
"No worries," I say, "I've got plenty of room. Nice bike."
"Nice scooter," the dude replies, "Ya got a motor on it?"
"Nah, just me. You guys mind if I take a few pictures?"
The guys don't mind at all. The chatty dude explains their club, The Road Hazzards Motorized Bicycle Club. "No membership dues, but you need a bike with a motor. Heck, a scooter with a motor would be OK." The dude isn't quite sure on this last point and consults with his pals. "Yeah, it doesn't have to be a bike, a scooter would be fine. But it really should have a motor. Gas is fine, electric's fine. The important thing is having fun."
The guys do have awesome jackets and great bikes. A couple of the bikes are heavily modified 1954 Firestones.
I have to be on my way but I snap these pictures before I scoot off. "Check out our website, one of them says as I leave, "and join us for a ride if you ever decide to put a motor on that thing!"
Keep 'em rolling,
Kent "Mountain Turtle" Peterson
Issaquah, WA USA
I've seen a few of the whizzer replicas cruising around here.
ReplyDeleteI think these motorized bikes are cool in a historical perspective. These were the very first motorcycles.
But for me if I don't feel like pedals I'll ride my Triumph. Much more fun whacking open the throttle on that thing. On the other hand if the guys of the Road Hazzards Club break down they can just pedal on home.
Love the crankiness of motorised bicycles ;) I prefer to pedal, largely because it helps my mind expel what it no longer needs.
ReplyDeleteI had a moped once. It couldn't go fast enough to keep up with traffic (unless I was going downhill in a 25mph zone)and pedaling it was really a workout. Cars really weren't sure where I should be. I sold it.
ReplyDeleteI am much happier on my pedals with my body as the engine!
I love these bikes, do you need a license to drive most of them?
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice information about the Road Hazzards Motorized Bicycle Club.Thanks for your great information about it.
ReplyDeletehttp://heliobikes.com/
You need a license in most states if the engine is over 50cc and the bicycle reaches speeds of over 25 miles per hours.
ReplyDeleteA it's incredible to have a motorized bicycle club around Seattle Washington yes myself has a 100cc motorized bicycle in the Lake City Northeast Washington area around Northgate.!
ReplyDeleteHow do u start and what do you need for a motorized bicycle club
ReplyDeleteYou need a couple of bikes with motors & a couple of folks willing to form a club.
ReplyDelete