scooter withdrawal

I have found something I love almost as much as my cat: riding around SF on a scooter. My neighbor took it in for servicing yesterday, and probably won't get it back until Monday. I am in deep scooter withdrawal. How can I go to work and not pay for parking? I can't. Going downtown? Forget it. It's public trasit, baby. And when I go to my acupuncture appt this afternoon, I'll have to make sure to park in a 2-hour zone, or it's a $50 ticket. Cars are a total pain in the rear in this city.

So I'm thinking of getting a scoot of my own. Considering the $10k Vectrix, which is a big maxi-bike, and electric with a range of 50 miles. Also looking at small gas-powered ones: The Aprilia Scarabeo 150cc and the Kymco People 50. SO far nothing is perfect. A $3500 electric 150cc would be perfect.

This week I bought a Shoei helmet. I spet a lot because it is, after all, my head. And it occurred to me that all the money I've ever earned I've done with the help of that most important organ. Did you know that helmets have little valves you open? I didn't. Also a chin curtain, to keep air from blowing up at high speeds, and my neighbor Ash confided that you have to actually clean the air intake slots on occasion, when they get gunky. I have full-finger leather gloves and a highly visible (used) white leather jacket. Just a pair of sturdy boots, and I am fully equipped.

They say you can't be unhappy riding a bicycle, and it's true. It's even more true on a scoot!