If you recognize the names of Vespa, Stella, Zuma and Lambretta, you may know your types of motor scooters.

If you love the wind on your face, enjoy the natural scenery on Baldwin County back roads or just like to ride a scooter, you may want to check out the Baldwin County Scooter Club who met at the Fairhope Pier on Saturday to go on their first ride together.

Cindy Cazalas decided to start the club after she bought a Vespa scooter, which she has been riding for nearly three years. After her scooter purchase, many people told Cazalas they would like to become members of a scooter club — if one was available.

Motor scooters are two-wheeled motor vehicles with a step-through frame, according to Wikipedia. In 2006, scooter sales went up 19.7 percent compared to the previous year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Scooters have always held a fascination for Cazalas ever since she was a child, even though her parents would not buy her one. Cazalas realized that many men buy a lot of toys and fun recreational items, like cars and boats.

She said, “If the men can go out and buy a boat, then I think I'm going to get myself a scooter.”

Cazalas rides her scooter every day. Once she straps on her helmet, she heads out on her Vespa to work or to leisure activities. She is often surprised by other females who roll down their car windows and shout out questions about her scooter while she is driving or stopped at a light. Questions vary from how long has Cazalas been riding, where she bought her scooter, and if the scooter is street legal. Most of the women just want to know where they can purchase one, Cazalas said with a laugh.

Scooters start at approximately $2,500 and up and there are about 400 different models. Foley resident Lawson Chapman said saving money on gas is a plus, as his scooter gets approximately 80 miles to the gallon. Chapman has been hitting the roads on his Zuma scooter since last summer. He bought the scooter as a toy, but he has found he has more fun riding the scooter than the motorcycle.

Joe Scott has been riding scooters since he was 14 years old. He prefers a scooter to other forms of transportation because scooters are a lot of fun to ride, he said. “About 99 percent of the time I have to watch out for cars,” he said.

Safety and respect for scooter riders is a big concern, and Scott said he has to try to read what motorists are going to do. But, Cazalas said that she actually feels she gets more respect from the public and feels safer on her scooter than when she rides her bicycle.

The routes of the BC Scooter Club will vary. Slower scooter riders will set the pace, Cazalas said, and will ride in front for the relaxed group ride The group will be loosely formed and play it by ear.

“We will get to know each other and maybe stop for coffee,” she said. “It's about fellowship.”

Cazalas said there are already 10 people who have signed up for the club, but believes that more people will join when more scooter enthusiasts find out about the club.

As membership grows, the club may eventually participate in raising money for charitable organizations or causes. Members include riders from all over Baldwin County including Stockton, Fairhope, Daphne, Orange Beach and Foley.

The club will meet the first Saturday of each month at 8:50 a.m. at the Fairhope Pier. Routes will be determined prior to the ride, with no formal meetings or dues. Scooter drivers must follow all the safety guidelines and licensing that automobile drivers have to follow.

For more information, contact Cindy Cazalas at 454-7773 or e-mail her at ccaz@bellsouth.net.