Born To Be Mild
For the past two and a half years, Ashley and I have been sharing a single car. In California. Yes, it’s been a bit of challenge in a state where public transit is non-functional, and walking puts you into one of four categories (courtesy of Hari Kunzru):
- Poor
- Foreign
- Mentally imbalanced
- Jogging
I’ve always been pretty lucky about my commutes – most of my jobs have been within 20 minutes by either foot or public transit – so actually needing to drive to work was a pretty big change. Between me wanting to leave for work earlier and staying later, it was getting to be a real pain for Ashley and me to keep carpooling.
So I chose the most economical way to address my commuting need: a 2006 Yamaha Vino 125 scooter. I dub thee “Scooty Puff Senior“.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Two-wheeled vehicles are notoriously dangerous, a fact my parents insisted on telling me over dinners in graphic terms that can only be informed by first-person experiences dealing with the occasional wishboned motorcyclist in the emergency room. I guess I’ll just have to drive really carefully. Promise.
Actually, you don’t have to drive too carefully, that thing doesn’t really have enough juice to get you into any *real* trouble. What you will have to worry about is the cell-phone-talking-cheese-burger-eating-distracted-“cager”.
Seriously, take a motorcycle course. I did; it’s worth it. It was awesome and there were many scooter folk in the class. They taught me how to deal with rain, idiots, dogs, and the like. Worth it when you consider I almost got killed by other drivers a good bunch of times (all from their inattention!) in my first few months of riding.
Finally, spend some money on a good full face helmet, full length leather gloves and armored/padded leather/tech jacket. It’s hot down there and you want something comfortable. Arai makes good helmets. They cost more, feel better, but in the long run won’t protect you much better than the cheepo models. Same goes for the clothing and gloves.
Have fun B.
Shiny side up.
E/.