Category: Life

I passed the motorcycle knowledge test and I got my M1 Class licence. I got three questions wrong. Two I knew, I just had a brain freeze and pushed the wrong buttons. I really didn’t know the answer to one — it had to do with shifting gears in a turn on a motorcycle — not something I ever plan to do.

I know some of my friends are worried about me (this makes me feel warm inside) and I wanted to advise that I don’t plan on getting on any roadway until I take a scooter training course. If I pass and feel comfortable, I will begin to practice on smaller roadways at off hours and weekends.

Then — and only if I feel confident and skillful — will I try to scoot to a destination such as work.

If I don’t feel like this is for me, I will sell the scooter. I want to have fun and save money on transportation but I won’t force myself to do anything that scares me or that I don’t enjoy.

I have a feeling I will succeed but fear not, I have not suddenly lost my marbles!

I’m getting more set in my ways every year. I take vitamins and drink herbal things with antioxidants to ward off the imminent collapse of my youth. And despite the fact that I’m engaged in a battle to look and feel more youthful, young people drive me crazy — perhaps because I’m no longer one of them.

The cliché for men nearing midlife (or in the throes of it) is to run out and buy a red sports car. My dream car is not new and out of my price range. I won’t be getting one soon.

But I did get something to celebrate the fact that I still have all my own teeth.

Her name is Mimi. She’s a 50cc Sym Mio.

I don’t plan on wearing those shoes when I’m scooting. They were just for the photoshoot.

By the way, my new Mio was purchased at Totally Scooters, located at 715 Queen Street West in Toronto. I note this because of the friendly service and professionalism of the owners. There’s no “attitude” in their shop — unlike some others I visited — they are not scooter snobs. They just want to share their love of scooting and it shows. No, they don’t sell Vespas but so what — their products are excellent and nowhere near the price. Anyone looking to shell out $4295 for a Vespa LX50 would be wise to check out the alternatives. I’m a label slut myself but for about half the price you can get a fine machine with cute styling.

If you are in the market, I can’t encourage you enough to visit them.