YES!! I've joined the Revolution against high petrol prices!
It began with the realization that there were some very nice-looking Chinese-made scooters out there at very good prices. Sitting helplessly in peak hour traffic, watching the fuel guage drop, inflamed the itch. The advent of planned power cuts, set to continue for the forseeable future, and even worse traffic snarl-ups in the face of the dark, lifeless traffic lights, made scratching an obsession.
Well, that's the excuse, anyhow.
But .... well, scooters with those little wheels and Johannesburg roads with all those potholes - (not filled with "pot", if you suddenly thought of immigrating) - well, I hestitated. Then I discovered that Honda had come to the party with a very neat little 125cc bike, called the e-Storm, at a price to compete with the scooters. Classy little bike, great quality. Good reviews. Not an open-road bike, but perfect for commuting.
Problem is, it's a bike that the youngsters like, not a mid-life crisis kind of bike. (Dunno where I was when I should have been having a mid-life crisis, but I'm much too old for that now. I think. Probably just couldn't afford it.) But, of course, with a full-face helmet, who is going to know that astride that sexy little bike is a helmet containing nothing but wrinkles? Until I dismount at the Mall, of course. But in the traffic I can behave like a teenager, with nothing but contempt for the establishment!
Up the Revolution!
It can be tough for a teenager, trying to raise a father respectably these days......
2 comments:
I'd like to have something like that. I have a gas guzzling extended cab pickup and while I don't have far to drive, it's too far to walk and be there within a half days time. lol
Problem is, I can't fit two kids on the back. : P
I think we'll start to see more and more of these little bikes/scooters around as the prices of oil continue to rise. If it's this bad or worse in a couple of years, then I'll get one for the kids as well and we'll just chuck the truck.
I giggled when I read your helmet full of wrinkles.. now, don't be so hard on yourself. We all age and just like wine, we just get better!
I guess the only "bike" way to accommodate two kids at this stage would be to get one of those motorised tricycles that they use as taxis in Asia. Put the kids in the cab, strap them in, and have a sign in the cab that says: "Please keep your seatbelts fastened at all times, and do not fight until the vehicle comes to a complete stop"
Thanks, I'll try to be a good red wine and not turn sour ....
Actually, you have a point. May those who appreciate us become light-hearted and happy - and those who abuse us suffer serious headaches and nausea!
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