Sunday, January 27, 2013

Shop Stop: Geiger Works, Philadelphia PA

Theres just something about walking into a warehouse for the very first time and having your vision clogged up with the site of old bikes floor to ceiling. It's a lot to take in and more questions are raised then answered. Where did all this stuff come from? Who owned these? What are the stories behind each and every item. It's a very romantic notion, I know, but I'm a hopeless romantic at heart - what can I say?

John Geiger's romance with Italian motor scooters started over 20 years ago and like me he's a polygamist with his machines. An ex girlfriend turned him onto Vespa's and while she faded out of the picture, the relationship with scooters grew from an infatuation to a way of life. It's not often that someone can earn a living working on the things one loves, but it's even rarer to be able to have such a tight focus on one particular machine such as old Vespas and Lambretta's and still earn a living. 

As a side story, I first got my '74 Vespa in the late 90's. I loved the styling of the scooters and I loved the folklore of Mods riding through London in the early 60's. I found my Vespa resting in a barn in Western Mass with a seized engine and a heavy blanket of dust and splattered paint. Though it was rough, it was complete and the price was right (free). I had owned two motorcycles prior to this, a 70's Honda XR75 as a kid and later a Triumph TR25 - both of which came to me in running order. Finding a machine in need of love (and a whole lot of sorting out) was a whole new experience for me. With the help of my father (who was building a Triton Cafe Racer at the time - perfect irony - see mods vs rockers)  we got the piston unstuck from the cylinder and had the scooter running in a few hours. For the next month I tracked down tires, fuel line, petcock  and carburetor parts all while doing my best to clean and restore the Vespa's appearance. Working on that machine gave me a sense of ownership, understanding and love that I never experienced with a motorcycle before. I also had one of the best bonding moments with my father that I can ever recall. This moment carried forward and I still love rescuing beaten bikes to this day. It just makes it so much more special.

Over the years my Vespa served me well but wear and tear on the engine began to set in and I knew it needed an overhaul, complete with boring, honing and rewiring (if you've ever wired a vespa than I don't have to tell you about fishing wires through the pressed steel frame). The bike eventually went into the corner of my garage and began to gather dust. After many failed attempts to breathe new life into the old girl, I threw my hands up and took her down to Geiger Works in the Kensington section of Philsdelphia.

Jon is one of those guys who loves riding small displacement vehicles on journeys that some would think twice about even on a large motorcycle. He builds his engines to be fast and reliable so when the need to ride 500 miles on a scooter arrises, he's ready. I met Jon at a motorcycle rally a few Novembers ago up near Reading PA. He was on his P200 all the way from Philly (a 120 mile round trip on an icy day). I knew he was the man to take on my engine's reconditioning. When I went down to his shop to drop off my bike I was pleased to see he was an even bigger hoarder than I am. Scooters and motorcycles covering every inch of floorspace and stacked to the ceiling on large industrial shelves. An old lathe sat on a crate in one corner "I found that in the trash" Jon boasted to me "I couldn't let it get scrapped". I could certainly relate.

Jon started working on scooters like anyone else: He found an old Vespa that needed work, so he took it apart - though that bike is still apart and up on a shelf. The passion for mechanics definite;y stuck because soon Jon was working as a mechanic for Philadelphia Vespa.  As scooters gained popularity, Jon and his crew of avid riders became the centerpiece for scooter rallies and events. After leaving Hostile City scooter club (because too many new plastic scooters were showing up), Jon helped co-found The Rabble Rousers - a hardcore group of vintage scooter riding, beer swilling hooligans from the City of Brotherly Love. Again I could relate to the passion of keeping it all vintage - I was in the right spot.

I talked to Jon for a few hours from bikes, machining tools to punk rock. Turns out we both had a fondness for the Bad Brains and we both were at many of the same shows throughout our days. I can't recommend Jon Geiger enough for reviving your old two stroke, he's a nice, honest guy with a solid reputation. I've seen pictures of his work on his site - but more importantly I've seen his scooters in action... and they're usually a long way from home.

John Geiger, 2013
There are absolutely no shortage of parts here.


Like two lost souls, one consoling the other.

66 comments:

  1. It permits through a straightforward handheld gadget to give precise radiation tallies. The Counter readings are the best accessible available at this point. Estimating a wide cluster of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, and x-radiation). It is currently the most ideal path for you and your family to shield yourself from unsafe zones and assess your current condition.Best geiger counters

    ReplyDelete


  2. Undoubtedly buying the best air purifier is challenging nowadays. There are hundreds of products available in the market, and selecting the one having all the required features is difficult. It would be best if you roamed here and there to find the best Honeywell air purifier. To Get Best Air Purifiers Best To Buy In 2020

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, your blog is amazing. I feel happy after visting your blog. thanks for sharing such type of info. keep it continue and share some other amazing tips and tricks kinemaster mod fname without watermarkc

    ReplyDelete
  4. zzzoomer Good blog post. I definitely appreciate this site. Continue the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you should write zzzoomer more on this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people don't talk about such issues. To the next! Many thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice to see such a great article with pictures. Latest Remote Jobs

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am having issues with your RSS. Canon EOS M100 I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having similar RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You did an excellent job.
    https://crackvip.com/nch-clickcharts-pro-crack/

    ReplyDelete
  9. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It's the little changes that produce the most important changes. Thanks for sharing!
    language-courses

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.
    Zong new sim offer 2021
    zong mega data offer 2021
    zong imo package 2021

    ReplyDelete
  11. I blog frequently and I really appreciate your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking psykiater for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I blog frequently and I really appreciate your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking psykiater for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.
    NutraBurst

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.
    sa gaming

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. 918kissme

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is an awesome motivating article.I am practically satisfied with your great work.You put truly extremely supportive data. Keep it up. vorzeitiger Samenerguss Medikament

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information.
    money

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is an awesome motivating article.I am practically satisfied with your great work.You put truly extremely supportive data. Keep it up. web

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me. There is obviously a multiple to understand about this. I feel you made few salubrious points in Attributes moreover. บาคาร่าออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. casino online

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too taking time and real hard work to make a great article but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. คาสิโนออนไลน์ได้เงินจริงมือถือ

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. buy diamond jewelry online

    ReplyDelete
  23. Suplement yang baik dengan tubuh klik info lebih banyak, Testimoni Utsukushhii AFC

    ReplyDelete
  24. http://www.smokeandthrottle.com/2013/05/the-quail-2013-motorcycle-gathering.html?showComment=1625341754051#c6235992051997542430

    ReplyDelete
  25. situs slot online terpercaya

    MBS88 - SITUS JUDI ONLINE 24JAM TERPERCAYA Dan Juga AGEN JUDI SLOT ONLINE Resmi Terbesar Sebagai Pemegang Lisensi Judi Poker Online Casino Bacarrat QQ Terpopuler Di Indonesia!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. shein similar websites

    ReplyDelete
  27. For getting power equipment parts, accessories, tactical bags and tools for travel and tourism visit website. digital marketing Jacksonville FL

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is an awesome motivating article.I am practically satisfied with your great work.You put truly extremely supportive data. Keep it up. Ativador Office 2019

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also. Portia Antonia Alexis Economics

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. Buy Payoneer MasterCard

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dazzling post. I Have Been examining about this issue. So a commitment of thankfulness is all together to post. Totally cool post. It 's incredibly exceptionally OK and Useful post.Thanks Buy USA Passport

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is an awesome motivating article.I am practically satisfied with your great work.You put truly extremely supportive data. Keep it up. 컴퓨터수리

    ReplyDelete
  33. Initial You got a awesome blog. I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. I view you got truly very functional matters. I determination be always checking your blog blesss. Private Equity

    ReplyDelete
  34. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! Ghana

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am upbeat to locate your recognized method for composing the post. Presently you make it simple for me to comprehend and execute the idea. Much obliged to you for the post. Ventilons for sale

    ReplyDelete
  36. Initial You got a awesome blog. I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. I view you got truly very functional matters. I determination be always checking your blog blesss. Goldshell

    ReplyDelete
  37. You have done a great job. I will definitely dig it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site. ยูฟ่า

    ReplyDelete
  38. Such an enlightening website. An obligation of appreciation is all together for sharing. Furniture is a thing that we in general need in our home or workplace. In case you thinking about obtaining new goods, by then I propose you buy victorian decorations. Since it's altogether pleasing and the arrangement is so impeccable. social media

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. social media marketing

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. step by step drawings

    ReplyDelete
  41. Excellent! Amazing! I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also. I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. cool drawings

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me. There is obviously a multiple to understand about this. I feel you made few salubrious points in Attributes moreover. car rental wellington airport

    ReplyDelete
  43. บาคาร่า ยิ่งเล่นยิ่งมันยิ่งฟันกำไร
    เกมเดิมพันออนไลน์แต่ละชนิดไม่ได้เป็นเพียงแค่แหล่งทำเงินเท่านั้น แต่มันเป็นแหล่งหาความสุขของนักเสี่ยงโชค บาคาร่า แม้ว่าหลายคนจะมองว่าต้องใช้สมาธิในการเข้าเล่นพอสมควร แต่ตลอดการเล่นเดิมพันมันก็ช่วยสร้างความเพลิดเพลินให้แก่นักพนันได้ไม่น้อยทีเดียว ยิ่งหากเราสนุกกับการเดิมพันมากเท่าไหร่เราก็จะเล่นได้ดียิ่งขึ้นและตมมาด้วยกำไรจำนวนมาก นักพนันหลายคนที่มาแชร์ประสบการณ์ในการเล่นเดิมพันจึงมักจะเตือนไว้เสมอว่าอย่าใช้อารมณ์ในการเล่นเดิมพัน
    ทำอย่างไรให้การเดิมพันสนุกอยู่เสมอ
    การที่จะทำให้นักเล่นเดิมพัน คาสิโนออนไลน์ มีความสุขได้ที่สุด ก็คือการสามารถเอาชนะการวางเดิมพันได้นั้นเอง ยิ่งชนะต่อเนื่องก็จะยิ่งสนุก เราจึงต้องพยายามที่จะเล่นให้ชนะให้ได้ พยายามหาวิธีเล่นที่ทำให้เสียน้อยที่สุดเท่าที่จะทำได้ หากอยากเข้าเล่นเดิมพันแล้วเกิดความเพลิดเพลินอยู่เสมอ และการเล่นเดิมพันให้มีความสุขไม่ใช่เพียงแค่กับการเล่น บาคาร่า เท่านั้น แต่ควรทำให้ได้กับทุกเกมเดิมพันที่คุณกดเข้าไปเล่น
    แม้ว่าจะต้องการความสนุกแต่ก็ไม่ควรสนุกจนเกินเหตุ
    การเล่นเดิมพันบาคาร่า ให้มีความสุขและสนุกอยู่เสมอ มันคือข้อดีในการเล่นที่จะช่วยทำเงินให้แก่ทุกคนได้ง่าย ๆ แต่ในความสนุกก็ต้องมีขอบเขตเช่นเดียวกัน นักพนันไม่ควรคิดถึงเพียงแค่ความสนุกเพียงอย่างเดียว แต่ต้องไม่ลืมว่าทุกความสนุกที่ได้มาแลกมาด้วยเงินทุนของเราทั้งนั้น หากยังไม่รีบกลับไปให้ความสนใจในการเล่นเดิมพันยังคงปล่อยไปตามความเพลิดเพลินที่เกิดขึ้น ทุกอย่างที่คุณค่อย ๆ สร้างมาอาจจะหายไปในพริบตาได้
    สิ่งที่ไม่ควรทำหากอยากเล่นเดิมพันทำเงิน บาคาร่า
    นักคาสิโนส่วนใหญ่เรียนรู้แค่สิ่งที่ตัวเองควรทำ ควรนำไปใช้ในการเล่นบาคาร่า sagaming จนมักจะลืมกันไปว่า มันก็มีสิ่งที่ไม่ควรทำอยู่เช่นกันในการเล่นเดิมพันเหล่านี้ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น
    • การเล่นเดิมพันแบบเทหน้าตักหรือการวัดดวง
    การใช้เงินทั้งหมดที่มีในการเล่นเดิมพันแบบวัดดวง เป็นความคิดที่ผิดมากเพราะหากคุณเสียก็จะเสียทั้งหมดไป ไม่เหลือแม้เงินทุนที่จะเข้าเล่นตามทุนคืนได้ ดังนั้นค่อย ๆ เล่นจะเป็นวิธีที่ดีกว่า
    • อย่าเปลี่ยนเกมเดิมพันไปมา
    การเล่นเกมหลาย ๆ เกมพร้อมกันมันทำให้สมองต้องใช้งานหนักขึ้น และสมาธิของคนเราโดยส่วนใหญ่จะจดจ่อได้เพียงแค่ครั้งละ 1 อย่างเท่านั้น หากเกมเดิมพันที่เล่นอยู่สามารถทำเงินให้ได้ก็ไม่ควรที่จะเปลี่ยนสลับเล่นกับเกมอื่นให้เสียเวลา

    ReplyDelete
  44. This post was extremely motivating, I appreciate your information in this article. It's smart, well-written, and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing such valuable information I'll keep coming on your site and looking for more good posts. please visit my website OKBET

    ReplyDelete
  45. Absolutely mesmerized by the exquisite pieces showcased at SJ Studio! 💎
    Each design is a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance. ✨
    If you're on the lookout for jewelry that effortlessly combines sophistication with style,
    SJ Studio is the place to be. 👑✨ Dive into a world of beauty and treat yourself or a loved one to something truly special.
    Don't miss out—visit SJ Studio and let their stunning creations speak to your unique taste! 💖

    visit our jewelry store jewellery set for wedding at sjstudio

    ReplyDelete