My first "long" scooter ride

I took my first long ride today.
After riding back and forth across town (2 miles one way) for over a month, I decided to bite the bullet and go for a longer ride -- on back roads -- today (Monday, Memorial Day 2005).
I now have about 300 miles on my Yamaha Zuma (50cc) scooter and my 600-mile service visit to the dealer will be coming up soon. Someone told my wife Rio Grande Road, north of Brazil, Ind., where we live, goes to Fruitridge Ave. in Terre Haute. Note: it does not and my trip turned out to be much longer than I expected, 40-50 miles altogether.
I knew when I reached the end of Rio Grande I should go south instead of north. By doing so I
should find U.S. 40, somewhere between Brazil and Terre Haute. Instead, after winding through the country, I saw Sky King Airport. Note: old time radio fans, there really is a Sky King Airport in Terre Haute, Ind. Don't know if the Songbird flies out of there or not.
So, I started recognizing some landmarks north of Terre Haute and I decided to stop and ask
directions. Note: women, this is one guy not afriad to ask directions.
I was north of Terre Haute. So, I drove back south and saw a sign that said "25th St". I knew
U.S. 40 was close to 3rd St., so I kept heading south.
By now it was getting dark. Note to self: When you go riding, take wallet (at least I could have
bought a hot drink) and wear more than a t-shirt -- take a sweat shirt or jacket, even in the
summer.
Eventually I found the Indiana State University campus. Following directions from two young men I presumed to be students (they were standing still while a third person drove around them in circles in a parking lot), I found Wabash Ave. (U.S. 40 in Terre Haute), I started home. I drove by a bar with outdoor seating and returned a friendly wave with a beep-beep of my Herbie-like horn when I stopped at a traffic signal. The group raised a cheer that was unbelievable! I laughed and raised both arms in victory.
At the next light I called home.
"Honey," I told my wife. "Everything is OK. My ride just took a little longer than I expected.
I'll explain when I get home. But, tell your friend -- Rio Grande does NOT connect with
Fruitridge!"
By then, it was completely dark. I was really cold but thought, "I'll stop at Seelyville and warm
up."
I knew that was a lie because it would only get colder and I wanted to get home. But the mind
game got me to Seelyville.
Note to other newbies: riding a scooter may feel like you are riding a bicycle (you have two
wheels a rather small frame beneath you), but the miles fly by a lot faster. Note to people who
wonder about the Zuma's speed: I am pretty hefty and my Zuma flew along at 38 mph on level roads with no problem.
At State Road 340, I made a left turn because I don't feel all that safe on U.S. 40. I knew 340
would be a more direct route than U.S. 40 and the speed limit is lower.
At the Brazil city limit sign I shouted, "Yes! I made it!"
All in all, it was a great ride! I wonder if my 40- to 50-mile excursion gave me a euphoria
typical of all such trips. If so, I am ready to go again!
I've been reading about a lady who rode her 50cc scooter around Australia. It's true you can go
cruising on 50cc scooter! I had a great time on Memorial Day.