A Widow's Ride

The countdown has officially begun! In just 30 short days, I’ll be kicking off what promises to be one of the most challenging and exhilarating adventures of my life: the Scooter Cannonball. For the past six months, my garage has been a hub of activity, transforming my trusty scooter into a long-haul machine, ready to tackle 400 to 500 grueling miles per day for eight consecutive days.

My initial shakedown rides were a blast – a scavenger hunt for local roadside attractions and those incredible, greasy-spoon diners that serve up delicious food. These shorter jaunts were crucial for breaking in the scooter and getting that first oil change under my belt. But they also brought a crucial realization to light: a one-gallon gas tank just isn’t going to cut it. The thought of being stranded between gas stations in the middle of nowhere was a real concern, and I knew I needed a reliable way to carry extra fuel.

My first attempt at a solution involved the stock front rack. I zip-tied it open (a slight design flaw, in my opinion) and then relied on bungee cords to secure a gas can. While it worked, it was a far cry from practical. After one short ride, I realized how much time and effort it took to unstrap the can, fill up, and then re-secure everything. I needed something quick, easy, and most importantly, secure without a million tie-downs.

My next idea was to commission a local fabricator to build a custom rack, based on a design I’d found online that was no longer in production. The quote I received was a swift dose of reality: $250! While I appreciate quality craftsmanship, that felt a bit steep for a piece of equipment I’d primarily use for the Cannonball and not for my everyday commutes. Back to the drawing board I went, determined to find a more budget-friendly solution.

Then, I stumbled upon a potential game-changer: a Moose Utility Can Carrier designed for ATVs, priced at a much more palatable $75. My initial thought was that it might be too bulky, but a quick chat with my husband, Mark, sparked an idea. He’s a wizard with fabrication and offered to take it to work, cut it down to perfectly fit my 1.5-gallon gas can, and even build a custom bracket to utilize the existing bolt points on the front of the scooter.

And that, my friends, is the current plan! With Mark’s ingenuity, I’m confident we’ll have a quick-release, secure, and perfectly sized solution for my extra fuel needs. One less thing to worry about as the clock ticks down to the Scooter Cannonball. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to prep for the ride of a lifetime!