Vespa Ride to Estes Park

Scenic ride in N. Colorado's front range.
Loveland - Estes Park - Rocky Mountain National Park - Fort Collins.
Use the chapter markers below to skip around if you have a short attention span and don't enjoy pretty scenery, LOL!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:38 Entering Big Thompson Canyon
2:41 Answering the question, "Is the Vespa fast/powerful enough?"
8:05 Thank you for your comments
10:05 Answering the question, "Does your Vespa use oil?"
12:05 Entering Estes Park, Colorado
13:00 Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park
13:50 Stopping at a mountain stream
15:36 Low water level at Horsetooth Reservoir

[@nadaname391]

I don't ride anymore, so it's fun to put your video's on my big screen and ride along with you. 😁

[@Tulipstravels]

Being a vespa rider from the UK just love the uncongested open roads and big open sky's. Be my heaven to ride where you live, enjoying the watch keep it up

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you! I’m lucky to be where I am right now. It really is pretty. No old Mods or Vespa clubs though. 😉

[@stevelynes8058]

Best wishes from one of your subscribers across the pond in the UK. Great video with fantastic scenery. Had my GTS 300 for just over a month and managed to put 1800 miles on it. touring around the West Country in the UK - Loving it. Keep going with the Vespa videos - they're great😄

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks Steve!

[@rkbeswick]

Hi Steve, how comfortable or otherwise do you find the saddle of the GTS on longer rides? Thanks.

[@stevelynes8058]

@@rkbeswick Hi I don’t have any particular problem with the saddle but I guess we’re all different shapes and sizes. That said, I have found that the more I ride the more comfortable the saddle becomes and my theory is that they’ll take a bit of breaking in b.

[@VespaRiderenPaysdAuge]

Hello from France where Vespas, here too, are seen a bit like wandering ghosts ... lol ... let's have compassion for all those who do not dare cross the threshold of happiness in a VESPA... Magnificent images, excellent sound and always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you! Sorry for the tardy reply. For some reason KZbin flagged your comment for review and I just saw it.

[@VespaRiderenPaysdAuge]

That must be the word: "ghost", KZbin panicked and probably thought I was one ... lol ... no problem at all and see you soon for your next video! 👍

[@MrDiemme]

Hi, your videos are really interesting and relaxing. it's nice to see that an Italian product travels the American roads and is so much appreciated in other countries. Vespa is a myth for us Italians and represents an important part of my country and I am proud of it. Thanks for your videos and thanks for showing us how beautiful your country is. Greetings from Italy

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the videos. In my Vespa I’ve enjoyed a little piece of Italian culture that seems to always bring a smile to people’s faces! It’s a classic piece of Italian design that will never go out of style. 👍

[@MrDiemme]

@@flatgrindrides yes it's true, Vespa is a small piece of Italian culture in the world and it's nice to see that it is appreciated even in a distant country. moreover the way you drive it shows great respect and mastery of the vehicle, those wonderful smooth and unobstructed roads make you want to travel endlessly. I don't love mountains (I was born by the sea and my city is by the sea) but I must say that your mountains are wonderful and offer breathtaking views. vespa seems to be the ideal vehicle for traveling on those immense and infinite ribbons of asphalt and your driving is really attentive and pleasant. it seems to be there with you as you go on your beautiful hikes. congratulations again for everything, I wish you all the best and I will continue to follow your travels aboard a piece of my beloved Italy.

[@ricksanchez2983]

Good stuff. Just pre-ordered the 2023 GTS Super Sport 300 HPE and now to wait until next spring before I can ride it. So I'll keep looking for your vids to pass the time and imagine myself and wifey doing our own thing next year. Cheers!

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! The new 2023's look nice. Congratulations!

[@ricksanchez2983]

@@flatgrindrides Thanks, Cheers!

[@Scootphoria]

This video is making my throttle hand itch. It's been 7 years since my last ride in Colorado. That canyon ride reminded me of the ride on Wy 20 going N to Thermopolis. Thanks for the upload!!!

[@vincentvancoch7603]

I love vespas and your voice is relaxing it sends me to sleep 😴 please do more videos 😊

[@rkbeswick]

I'm working my way through your Vespa videos and you haven't mentioned the saddle yet, so I assume you're happy with the level of comfort. Fantastic scenery by the way.

[@andyanders58]

Great person to listen to. I injoy it. Thanks again for a trip ride. Mike maryland

[@MillieonaVespa]

Looks like great roads for a spin, and lovely scenery too ! ….love a few hours out on a ride ..it’s just so therapeutic

[@sonkaldo]

Another enjoyable video.🇦🇺

[@user-kr9vr8ub4r]

Enjoy your Video's on the Vespa..Great location (and weather ha) Been thinking of getting one. Had a few in my youth.. Then bikes.. keep the vids coming bud Ride safe .. Stewart.. Glasgow..Scotland

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! Hope you get one. Doing some family history and lots of Scots popping up!

[@user-kr9vr8ub4r]

@@flatgrindrides Yeah,Thats probably where you get your wandering bug from!! They say there's not a graveyard in the world without a scot in it!! Ha ha

[@a7xunlimited1]

The view is just breath taking. Nice video!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Enjoyed the ride, thanks for taking us along.

[@galaxies7426]

smooth road, gorgeous view, beautiful town. enjoyed!

[@paulbyrumii2155]

Hi,I just bought a Vespa 250 gts yesterday,I live in Pismo Beach Ca and thought about camping local on it.I found your camping video and it blew my mind.Your camping gear all fits under the seat and one little bag om the hook,goves me hope and promise to do the same here in California.Pismo Paul

[@flatgrindrides]

You are gonna have so much fun.

[@BeTouring_Bulgaria]

Absolutely enjoying your videos mate! Greetings from far far away - Bulgaria. Love your camping videos. Recently my wife picked a 250 GTS and I absolutely adore riding it ;)

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! Enjoy your (wife's) new ride!

[@lisaheinrich7708]

Very nice and entertaining video from a nice ride. I used to live in the US for over a decade, befor returning to Germany. I also ride motorcycles and a Vespa here, but I miss the beautiful countryside and many other things in the US. So it is nice to follow you along on your trips. Thanks for sharing.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks Lisa! I rode a bicycle through Germany along the Rhine river. There are some really beautiful places there too. Enjoy!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Some fine-looking scenery in Colorado, is so different than what I encounter here in Central Pennsylvania. As autumn approaches, everything is still green and the creeks and rivers full. Your much newer GTS scooter makes me wonder if I shouldn't be thinking about a replacement for mine. At least until I get on the scooter and say to myself, "Wow, it's so smooth and quiet." I was a little disappointed that you didn't blast onto that dirt road. It's not the perfect environment for the Vespa but it will take it on. But it will damage the patina... Another fine video. Thanks for sharing.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you. It’s a different landscape, but your Pennsylvania videos are really pretty too. We had a foggy morning here this morning, not unlike the video you posted recently. I didn’t get out and shoot anything though. As for the dirt road, I wasn’t sure where it went, and the best bet is still too shiny and new for me to want to take it on the dirt. Plus I have a dual sport bike that needs to get exercised sometimes too 😉

[@joamon559]

Another enjoyable vid. Thank you. This thing where car drivers drive well under the speed limit then speed up when you go to pass them happens very frequently. It’s really annoying and occasionally dangerous. Sometimes they feel the need to drift over towards you as well. This is bad too.

[@brucebillb]

Love this vlogging format

[@volhv1973]

Wow… missed you there. Next time stop by my store on moraine Ave, the Circle Gift Corner!

[@flatgrindrides]

Next time I’ll have to stop in!

[@vetteb96c]

Looks like a nice ride. I pick up my GTS 300 Supertech in two weeks! Can you make a video of your gear? Jacket, Helmet, gloves, shoes and any other important safety gear you have? Thanks!

[@CL-gp3pw]

Greetings from Texas! I just got my first Vespa about 5 weeks ago. We are color buddies! LOL I got my Primavera 150 in orange, too. :) I am having way too much fun with it. I can't take it on the highways like you can, so I'm enjoying your videos a lot, especially these scenic ones.

[@flatgrindrides]

Awesome! Hope you have many happy miles on that orange beauty!

[@richardsimpson3943]

hi from the uk really enjoy your videos

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks Richard!

[@NoFrictionZone]

I'm a new subscriber, so catching up on your great videos. Love the GTS. I'm selling my GTS 250 because I bought a Piaggio BV 400... which I love.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! BV400 are nice bikes. 👍

[@erikryde7879]

Greetings from one of your 'internationals' -> Antwerp, Belgium. Love to 'ride with you'!!! Absolutely gorgeous scenery! Little bit jealous. I bought my GTS 125 late in the season (august), rode just over a 1000 miles, but now the wheater is sh*t. 😢 But your videos are giving me a goog feeling. Thx!

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks Erik. Glad you enjoyed it! The weather here is about to get cold too, but we usually still have quite a few sunny days in the winter here in Fort Collins. Hopefully I can keep making videos and bringing you along. 👍

[@rolandpotter479]

Hello from England! The scenery is good, but to my eyes a little dry I guess I'm used to green old England and the rain😲

[@flatgrindrides]

We are certainly high desert compared to jolly old England!

[@edwardsp1916]

Great video. Is that a tourist town you rode through. I ask as in all the US based videos I've watched, I've seen very few pedestrians, yet in this video there were a lot of people crossing in front of you. Lovely area and a great Vespa, love the colour.

[@flatgrindrides]

Yes Estes Park is a very touristy town. That downtown area is mostly tourist shops. Candy, ice cream, fudge, souvenirs…

[@CindyAndrade100]

I have been wondering what the ride to Estes would be like . I live in Greeley. Looks like you picked a great day to ride!

[@flatgrindrides]

It's a nice ride. I think the Poudre Canyon (CO 14) ride is a little prettier, but they are different. You should give it a shot!

[@Diap842IV]

I’m amazed it can operate as well at that altitude. My GTV 250 isn’t too peppy over 4,000 feet.

[@flatgrindrides]

I hadn’t really thought about it but I don’t think I’ve had this thing below about 4500-5000 feet. I guess the ECU and fuel injection is doing a pretty good job but now I’m wondering what it would be like at sea level! 😂

[@monstercockus69]

It would be nice if you recorded in 60FPS. It looks like its lagging. 4K is fine but please record in 60FPS

[@ebbeollman1198]

I envy your beautiful Colorado roads. I don't envy driving on them in the winter. Here in Sweden around Stockholm, there is ice and snow too in the wintertime but most often the snowy weather is given in mild and moderate proportions, due to climate changes I suppose. After an accident, a crash into a car approaching from the left in a main road crossing, I'm considering changing the front-end brake caliper on my new Vespa to a Brembo unit, bolt-on, costing about $300. A semi-high windscreen is very comfortable and isn't compromising top speed.

[@flatgrindrides]

Hopefully the crash wasn’t too bad? I would be curious to hear your thoughts about the brake caliper if you do make the change. Good luck and hope you have a mild winter! 😉

[@ebbeollman1198]

@@flatgrindrides Brembo P4 30/34 C including an adapter bracket. The price is a bit north of $300 here in Europe and the installation should be rather straightforward using the original brake line.

[@secretariat-13]

Awesome roads for scoots, I’d be out there myself if I lived near by, I recently visited a Vespa dealer, they’re larger than they appear on video, looking to purchase one but I live in downtown LA where everyone drives 80plus on the freeways so I don’t know if it’s a good idea to own one here, bummer, I like your channel plus you’re a soft speaker and people tend to like that..

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you. Yeah, I think that’s gonna be a personal call in terms of how comfortable you are and how much freeway riding you would be doing. You might check out one of the motorcycle rental websites like riders share to see if you could rent one for a day or two to try it out and see what you think. Seems like it would be perfect for the non-freeway parts of LA!

[@Kbaileyaudio]

When you came to the ‘Horse Crossing’ sign, had you continued up the dirt road you would have connected with Hwy 34 back near the Dam Store. If you took a right onto that bridge, that would have taken you back to Co Rd 27 which would lead you back to 38E around Horsetooth. The Vespa can handle that dirt road, if you’re ever curious about it. 👍

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! I don’t show it in on the video, but I did cross the bridge and head up to Horsetooth. I need to learn my way around! On my other bike I have a phone mount and use that for GPS but on the Vespa I just look at the direction of the sun and go for it. 😂

[@sophieclarke6814]

I’m getting a Vespa primavera 150 is that good for like daily roads going 60km/h? Also love the videos

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you! I’ve never ridden the Primavera 150, but I would expect it to be very good at those speeds. Good luck!

[@alexitosonixx8737]

Hi, I enjoy your videos and I love my GTS 300 super a lot just like you do yours and I was watching one of your videos you were mention things you don't like about your 300 and I have a question for you, do you think the 300 GTS could be better on 13 inches wheels? because I think the 300 GTS is a motorcycle hiding in a scooter name is fast and ready for high ways the only disadvantage for me is the 12 inches wheels may be on 13 " would be more inspiring for me to take longer rides let me know what you think Thanks

[@flatgrindrides]

I've never been on 13's so I can't really say. The 12" doesn't bother me at all. I have a "full sized" motorcycle too, so for me the Vespa is what it is and I'm happy with it. Sorry I can't add more insight, maybe you can find some videos of people who have added 13" wheels and see what they say. Good luck!

[@alexitosonixx8737]

Thanks for your reply and me too. I'm happy with the 12 inches rims may be a little intimidated for the unknown roads, but so far, I am ok with the 12 ..

[@Darthmed0516]

In your opinion, is there plenty of power for a ride to alpine visitors center/Pikes Peak highway/Mt. Evans From an incline and elevation standpoint?

[@flatgrindrides]

I’m going to have to make a trip down there and find out. I’ve never been there so I don’t know. I’ve only been in Colorado about a year, and I’ve only had the Vespa for a few months.

[@Darthmed0516]

@@flatgrindrides I’m interested. I live in Midwest but spend a lot of time in CO. I’ve never taken the bike…

[@robertbelasco3859]

the BV 400 is about the same price as the vespa 300, with 16 inch wheels and about 10-12 more HP which should make if feel more stable at 70-75 mph. When I tested the vespa , the handling felt very unstable at those speeds. My own conditions require me to be on 70 mph highways for a few miles to get to work , etc so this aspect is important to me. Since the price is about the same I wonder whether you considered the Piaggio bv 400?

[@flatgrindrides]

I considered it briefly. There was a used one for sale in my area but it sold before I could look at it. In the end I bought this one based on classic styling and availability.

[@ebbeollman1198]

I would like a GTS with the BV 400 engine and 13" wheels.

[@joseadavila7445]

Last time I went to Colorado enter from Albuquerque NM then I turn on a state rd towards Aspen COLORADO ended up next to a river past twin lakes co ? On trip from Sierra Vista AZ where I live then from twin lakes co went to Colorado springs CO hotel the plan was a 3 day weekend trip .it was beautiful ❤️ Summer Trip the plan was to go to rocky Mt nat park . But only did one day because the long drive and altitude made me a bit sick ? But next summer ? To Mt Evans on my mp 3 500 ? OR Suzuki burgman 400 ? My Kawasaki Vulcan s 650 . Or a Vespa GTS 300 hpe ? . Turns out at showroom they have 3 . Yellow 💛 orange 🍊 and Blue 💙 hard choice ? I trailer them up there . No iron butt for me ? Come in Winter do the montezuma adv trail on your Suzuki 200 for snowbird trip sunny warm Winter in Sierra Vista AZ ? We get lot's from Colorado . I retired here from NYC 2 year's ago .

[@flatgrindrides]

Good move, retiring down here from NYC! Sounds like you have lots of choices.

[@Diap842IV]

Have you clocked your indicated speed against a GPS? In my case, “indicated” is consistently 5mph faster than actual. The needle rests on its peg at 5mph! What were they thinking? Mine is a 2007 model.

[@flatgrindrides]

No I’ve never clocked it with GPS. We have a few speed limit signs that have the integrated radar and when you ride towards them they show your speed. On those it seems that my clocked speed is 3 to 5 mph below what my speedometer says.

[@jackbeltane]

Another great video, so dry up your end of the planet and down here we can’t stop flooding

[@flatgrindrides]

Yup. And global warming aside, the last 600 years seems to show a 90 year climate cycle that we are about to hit again and may result in more crazy weather. Who knows? Time to get some good rides in!

[@timetravela9578]

Hi think you play the speed of these thing down they are very rapid they go anywhere a car can go at Same speeds, I haven’t lost a race off the line yet against cars from green lights….I love myGTE 300😊

[@austinbarber7580]

What do u like best motorcycle or vespa?

[@flatgrindrides]

I think they both have their strengths and weaknesses. It would be hard to choose. I like the motorcycle for longer highway trips and off-road. I like the Vespa for zipping around town and relaxing little short trips. What do you prefer?

[@user-di7kz4fo9p]

Is it a 4 stroke engline on that Vespa Sir?

[@flatgrindrides]

Yes it is

[@budlistar5312]

The view we get from your videos is like we’re riding the bike ourselves. I’m assuming the camera is on the helmet chin bar. When people put the camera on top of the helmet gives an out of perspective view and makes me nauseous. Thanks.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you. Yes, the camera is mounted on the middle of the chin bar of the helmet. It gives the perspective that I like the most.