One regular topic that is guaranteed to start a heated discussion in any pub is that of modern automatic scooters and whether they should be included in 'our' scooter scene. We're not talking about the cheap Chinese 50's that are currently flooding the market by the way, but those with either the performance, styling, cruising or technological enhancements that scooterists enjoy.
But what is 'The Darkside'?.. Mark (a.k.a Freestyler) will try and explain...in as few words as possible !
"Its basically scooterists who've been in the Scooter scene for over 20 years and riding Lambrettas and Vespas since they were kids, and doing Scooter rallies in this country and all over Europe. Being part of a massive underground scene that's been going on in this country since the 60's. If you can imagine the 'purists' and 'traditionalists' who still ride Lambrettas and Vespas think we are bad Motherf*kers! and outcast us for riding and loving auto's!
- and that's basically it - as far as they are concerned we have 'gone over to the Darkside'. And we're having more and more fun as more of them 'come over to the Darkside' and having more fun than we did all those years ago! I am definitely guilty of influencing a few of them, as I was one of the first with an auto on rallies - and took loads of **** for it.
But now i'm loving it... as now we have the 'Darkside' !!... and it's getting bigger all the time. It's easily done... just let a traditionalist ride an auto...and they will turn...just like that! I know... 'cos we've done it!" Laters, Mark
The Darkside is now one of the first and biggest internet based scooter clubs / collectives with over 300 members. In 2006 we organised our first European trip to Oudenburg in Belgium. The event was such a success that a return trip took place in June 2007. Images and feedback of these events can found here (2006 event) and here (2007 event). Plans for the 2008 event have already started.. watch this space!
Both the 2006 & 2007 events were filmed and will feature in the next DVD release from Scooterfilm and can expected at the end of 2007.
For information on how to join the darkside and benefit from discounts associated with being a member, please take a look at the membership information page.
To join the Darkside now, please click the button below.
Paid members have access to the Darkside shop where additional T-shirts, Stickers and Badges can be purchased. New lines of merchandise are being created all the time, so keep your eye out for new additions.
