More than 450 scooter riders from across the country and beyond will be taking to the streets this Thursday through Sunday for Vespa Club of America’s Amerivespa 2008. Amerivespa is the country’s largest scooter rally; it travels to a new city each year.

This year VCOA teamed with Hill City United Scooter Club to organize and host this event. After a year of planning and with support of local and national sponsors, organizers expect this to be an event that brings quite a bit of attention to Chattanooga.

“I have visited Chattanooga several times in the past few years, and through those trips I knew this was a city I wanted to bring Amerivespa to,” said J.D. Merryweather, president of Vespa Club of America. “We have an amazing schedule planned, and I encourage anyone interested in riding a scooter, no matter what brand it is, to join us this weekend.”

Schedule of events:
Thursday
8 a.m. breakfast at Scenic City Scooters
9 a.m. ride to Deal’s Gap led by Hill City United SC
6:30 p.m. meet and greet on the Walnut Street Bridge presented by Corazzo

Friday (at the Chattanooga Choo Choo)
8 a.m. breakfast presented by Scootlanta
10 a.m. VCOA annual meeting
10:30 a.m. presentation by legendary scooter tuner Norrie Kerr from the UK
1:30 p.m. mountain ride with a stop at Coker Tire led by Hill City United SC
4:30 p.m. long mountain ride led by Hill City United SC
8:30 p.m. pub crawl with stops at Lamar’s, Caffeine, and Pickle Barrel sponsored by Scenic City Scooters

Saturday (at the First Tennessee Pavilion)
9 a.m. breakfast presented by Vespa Chattanooga
10 a.m. tech session presented by Vespa Chattanooga
11:30 a.m. mountain ride led by Hill City United SC
1:30 p.m. tech session presented by White Lion Scooter Repair
1:30 p.m. councours scooter show
2:30 p.m. tech session presented by Vespa Chattanooga
4 p.m gymkhana and slow race presented by Tampa Two Stroke
7 p.m. happy hour
8 p.m. awards banquet and gala

Sunday
morning open to visiting Chattanooga attractions
1:30 p.m. Southern Belle cruise
3 p.m. grand raffle with two scooters being raffled

“We have organized a wonderful event that celebrates all brands and ages of scooters,” said Mr. Merryweather. “Our Saturday events are perfect for anyone who wants to better understand these stylish and economical modes of transportation.”

All open aspects of Amerivespa are free to the public; however, people must be registered to participate in the rides, meals, and raffle. VCOA and Hill City United SC encourage the community to come to the First Tennessee Pavilion on Saturday to watch the biggest scooter concours in the county. A variety of vendors will also be set up, providing everything from scooter demo rides and protective riding gear to food, artwork, T-shirts, and more. McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center representatives also will be on hand.

For more information, please call Noelle Omer at (407) 929-7122 or e-mail xscooterbabex@aol.com.