Monday, March 26, 2012

My New Ride

I opted not to drive across country when I moved to Florida. I didn't really have the time to waste, it was an expensive journey, and I hate driving, so basically it just didn't make much sense. For the past couple of weeks I've had a rental car but that was definitely a short-term solution because the rates were simply atrocious. Since Daytona Beach is a small, quiet town and I don't have much use for transportation besides going to the track for training, a good option seemed to be a scooter. You see them on the road all over the place out here, and if you get one that doesn't go fast you don't even need a special license, you just need to be 16 years old and they will let you right on the road. Supposedly it's just like riding a bike, and I knew how to ride a bike at one point in my life so I figured I was good since riding a bike is supposed to be one of those things you never forget. Turns out I was probably never that good of a bike rider because the first time I got on a scooter and tried to turn onto a quiet side street I ended up on the sidewalk and onto someones front yard. Oops.

I've been practicing the last couple of days and have finally mastered the art of turning, so now I feel confident venturing out of my neighborhood and not waiting until there isn't a single car in sight. I still plan on taking the back streets everywhere I go, but it really does seem quite simple once you get the hang of it. What also is simple after you get the hang of it is unlocking the fuel cap. Unfortunately for me though, I didn't practice this skill in the privacy of my own garage and so when I arrived at the gas station to fill up my brand new scooter, and stuck the key in, I was met with an unmoving cap and a key that seemed stuck. I tried to play it off and work on it secretly, but after what seemed to be 47 minutes and becoming drenched in sweat because of my anxiety, I finally mustered up the nerve to ask the shirtless biker filling up his Harley next to me. I admitted that I was new to the whole biker world and couldn't figure out how to remove my fuel cap. So, he graciously came and did it for me, then put it back on and made me do it while he supervised. Turns out if you line up the arrows and it pops right off. Easy Peasy. Fortunately for me, I did not die from my embarrassment, and $3 dollars later my tank was full.

So, this will be me putting around. If you see me, don't drive too close and maybe get off the sidewalk.


11 comments:

Jake said...

Hilarious...oh and you may want to keep that thing in the garage when NASCAR is in town.

Arie Jones said...

This is the cutest story yet!!

Jasmine said...

This? THIS? this is our photo of you in all your scooter glory?!? I need to fly to Daytona.

Anonymous said...

OMGoodness...Love Love Love your scooter! But you listen to your Aunt now Bri....GET YOURSELF A HELMET ON AND NEVER RIDE WITHOUT IT!!!! Love you..Aunt S

Allen W said...

Oh my goodness. Do get a helmet, even if it looks dorky. Continue to have fun and take care.

Anonymous said...

Bri,
Please get rid of this thing.!!? People do not respect cyclist here. We have accidents all the time. They do not prosecute these idiots. You can not afford to be in accident now. Scooters and bikes are risky for regulars. Top athlete in the olympic year.?? OMG

Anonymous said...

Ditto on trashing this scooter. I am a great driver of scooters and these idiots side swipe me all the time. Run you off the road. twisted ankles. brother broke his collar boe. etc...
Get yourself a tank and keep healthy. THis is your best year to become a LJ star and you are allowing these bad drivers a chance to stop you. PLEASSSEEEE drop this scooter thing. You are not a local yoco. Drive a SUV/Truck protecting those million dollar legs!

Anonymous said...

Sorry guys, BUT a helmet is not the issue here.
We love our Olympic hopefuls! Don't we people????
If that is so, I join the previous posts saying drop this scooter now! You have your whole life to ride a scooter, but 4 months to get to the Olympic trials. Priortize BRI!!
Remember, you are learning to drive a scooter. Many a diver is learning to drive cars. You will surely have a small fender bender, like falling off the scooter yourself. Dont risk your real dream on being COOL on scooter. Please DROP the scooter!!

Luv ya.

Brianna said...

I didn't get the scooter to be cool. I got it because I couldn't afford anything else. Renting a car was too expensive as was shipping my car out here. I live 6 miles from the track so walking isn't really an option

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reply Bri.
I may sound brisk with the COOL caps, but again, that is not the point of the reply. Concerned like a Parent. That's all.

I really see you and several other young stars blooming this year and making the big team.
Scooters are cheap YES, so I see your point. Yet, the realist in me sees the everyday chances I take on my cycle and scooter, are because I have nothing like the OLY to loose. Get your people to buy you a car until June.
HELP Family and Friends of Bri. (Ditch the scooter.)

Luv Ya dearly

Kara Winger said...

I LOVE imagining you riding this around. LOLing so much!