There are two major scooter clubs in Philly: Hostile City and Rabble Rouser. But if you're envisioning some sort of West Side Story-on-Vespas rivalry shit, it ain't happening. The two groups team up every year for a huge charity event that draws riders from around the country. This weekend's Revolution II rally includes a Toys for Tots ride, a charity raffle for Katrina victims and social gatherings at Medusa Lounge and Tritone. All proceeds from the rally will be donated to ASPCA and Scooter Relief, a national nonprofit that helps riders in need.

Don Haring Jr., a freelance illustrator (occasionally for City Paper) and associate professor at Drexel, is active in both clubs and has been riding for close to 15 years. He explains that "scooterfolk" are quite different from your average commuter. "There's a counterculture spin to it, and it attracts the weirdo-creative types," he says. He has also noticed a surge in scooter popularity over the past few years. "There are lots of new riders. Thankfully, they seem to be taking the bikes seriously. That's how we like it. We won't ride with someone wearing flip-flops."

According to Haring, the best part of the rally is the group ride, which starts at Double Shots Espresso Bar in Old City and runs throughout the Northeast. "A big group of motorcycles together is scary for most people. A big pack of scooters is just weird," says Haring. "People are totally confused by it. It's like an angry swarm of lawn mowers. I hope people see us and scream, 'What the hell is going on?'"

Revolution II scooter rally, Fri.-Sun., Nov. 4-6, visit www.rabblerousersc.com for the schedule of events.