50cc Scooter Conquers Tallest Bridge In Texas!
Rainbow Bridge, completed in 1938. (Photo: Aren Cambre)
(Location: Rainbow Bridge, Texas. Wind condition: S/E, 10mph)
Today, with help from our good friend Ed “The Scare Bear” riding escort in his Scarabeo 250, I was able to successfully climb the tallest bridge in the Texas Highway System, the 177-ft-tall Rainbow Bridge, which spans between Pt. Arthur and Bridge City. As I approached the bridge, the maximum indicated speed was near 50mph; however, shortly before reaching the peak, the little 50cc Aprilia had slowed down to a crawl, about 25mph.
Veterans Memorial Bridge, completed in 1990. (Photo: Aren Cambre)
The Aprilia SR50 performed much better climbing the 143-ft-tall Veterans Memorial Bridge going the opposite direction, racing to the peak at about 52mph (with a slightly favorable tailwind).
During each of the descents, I had to throttle back, being careful not to exceed 60mph for fear of an engine blow-out. Everything went flawlessly. Thank you Ed for watching my back and helping me conquer my fear. Definitely need a bigger scooter next time!–Lawrence
The ‘01 Aprilia SR50 DiTech that did it (and it still gets 80~120 miles/gallon)! (Building in the background has since been demolished in the name of progress.)
That’s quite a feat!
If you don’t mind answering, even in a vague sense, what do you weigh? I’m trying to figure out of a 50cc will be enough to get me to work and back or not. (Short commute, little to far from walk, a few short hills, and I’m a decent sized guy of about 250lbs)
Hi, Mike
Thanks for the comment. I believe you will find more commuting enjoyment with a 150cc, like the Vespa LX; or a 250cc, such as the Aprilia SportCity, or a Piaggio MP3. The key to a good commuter scooter is its reliability record and its ability to stay ahead, or at least keep up with the traffic. Realistically, it all comes down to your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Ideally, there is a perfect scooter for every price points. Set aside some money that you’re comfortable with, and I will help you with finding a suitable scooter.
By the way, I weigh about 170-lb and I really think a 50cc scooter is just perfect for the city streets; hills are tough and highway is illegal. Look in our Resource Guide or click HERE for more help in making that all-important decision.
Please come by our weekend club ride if you’re in our neck of the woods.
Scoot Happy!!–Lorenzo
Hey thats crazy. I did it on my Home built scooter i made from a gelly engine and “Various other parts” and i went up it at like 31 mph? sure i had to get a shitload of speed but yeah i tryed it! wont do it agine but i tryed it!
I made a wrong turn and had to go over the Rainbow Bridge in Bridge City Texas. That was the WORST driving experience I’ve ever had. I had several nightmares that night regarding that bridge. Lucky for me my husband showed me another way to leave Port Arthur without having to go over Miss Rainbow otherwise I would have driven all the way to Houston to get back to Mississippi because I was not going back over it. That bridge demands ultimate respect: so I now call her Queen Rainbow.
I agree, Fran. Rainbow Bridge deserves all the respect we can give it whenever we cross over it. Many have died building the bridge and their ghosts are, I hope, resting in peace.
–Lorenzo
I was just wondering where you can get the smaller number plate holders from? I have a sr50 2004 lc and want to purchase one like you have. Cheers.
Hey, Rob
The smaller frame came stock with my scooter. But there are many online such as this one. Good luck!
–Lorenzo