And . . .
A woman who I used to see regularly at the cafe in the mornings, but lately not so much, was exiting the cafe as I was entering. She gave me the biggest smile I ever remember seeing on her face. "Did you see my new ride?"
"No," I said, "Where is it?" She pointed over to the corner of the parking lot near the bicycle rack. "Is that your white Buddy?" She nodded. "Is it a 125cc?"
"No," She replied, "It's just a 50."
This is where in my mind's eye I would have imagined me saying, "Cool." Instead I said, "I think you should have gotten the 125."
"Oh, you biker types are all the same. I'll upgrade to bigger one when the time comes and if I want to."
At least I was graceful enough not to get defensive and point out to her my daily ride is only a 100cc and that I am hardly a "biker type"; and I was discerning enough to notice I was doing what I myself hate when some riders disparage me for the size of my rides. As it was, we chatted on about where she got her Buddy and how much she was loving having it in her life.She got a big laugh out of me sharing how a certain blogger friend (you know who you are) had pointed out to me the front end of the Buddy looks much like a codpiece. Happily our conversation ended well and hopefully I will hear marvelous things about her further adventures.
Speaking of my daily ride, Mike came and hauled Billie to his shop. Ironically, he was able to get it kickstarted. Oh well, I don't feel badly about that. We figure it is the start button itself that's not working and the oil change should take care of the clutch slippage that was making her difficult for me to kickstart. There's a decent chance I may have her back by Monday. It has been a nice change riding Isabelle, but I will be happy to be reunited with my little gas miser.
- 69F/ and clear for the start of the ride to work, but foggy Downtown.
- 84F/ with some clouds for the home ride.
I don't like having the term Biker used for me....I always say in return: I prefer the term: motorcyclist....oh well.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I like the term Biker much, but I thought she used it appropriately. I think I had it coming. I guess I tend to describe myself as, "I ride a motorcycle" or "I ride a scooter".
DeleteWhat a cute story. I can see it all happening and the smiles and conversation.
ReplyDeleteI may be getting a call from the Buddy people if this gets around any more...
...I saw a white Buddy yesterday and they still irk me.
I must admit you have transformed the way I see Buddy's :^)
DeleteI don't like the term biker either, to many negative images. However I can understand your reaction to her telling you she got a smaller cc machine. As you gain more experience you begin to realize that sometimes more power is needed to keep you safe. Thus your reaction. I'm glad that another one has been "corrupted" however and that it ended in smiles.
ReplyDeleteYou put your finger on it. It was both my personal experience and my experience of watching others quickly become dissatisfied with the smaller scooter which prompted my comment. There is something else about my experience I forgot, which was I probably wouldn't have become "corrupted" without it being a 50cc scooter. I am positive I wouldn't have bought a larger one. It was only after I got my feet wet (literally) that I became hooked.
DeleteHer comment made me smile; I can't count the number of times I've heard that advice given.
ReplyDeleteSo there was a problem with my pink Buddy? Who knew?
Coop,
DeleteI actually almost bought a pink scooter as my first. It was a little cheaper than the blue one. It didn't matter to me, but Heather said she'd disown me if I got the pink one. I didn't ask why, I liked the blue one better anyway.
I'm sure you looked majestic on a pink Buddy.
I bet you got a chuckle over being called a biker type. You're so tough.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I prefer the term motorcycle enthusiast.
Brandy,
DeleteI believe it was the first time I'd been called a biker type and as I mentioned above I think I had it coming. I hope she loves her little scooter as much as I loved my little blue one. There are days I still miss it, but never when I'm going up a hill or long grade :^)
Yeah, yeah. Still saying that the 49cc scoots have their place in a "biker's life" too!
ReplyDeleteI built a blog around it, didn't I? LOL
www.49ccscooterlife.blogspot.com
And I'm having damn fun too! ;=)
Cheers!
And, I'm totally glad you are. I hope you find your way to add another to your stable and be able to feast on even more riding experiences. I even made it onto the Interstate for the first time this past weekend. I think it will take a long time for me to get comfortable at 70mph, but who knows :^)
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