Friday, August 20, 2010

Not Meant to be

Yesterday was an interesting day. I've been trying to get my motorcycle license for some time now! I passed the written test Fall 2009, but the weather went bad shortly after so I was never able to take the driving test. I procrastinated it again over the summer, but my second temporary license was about to expire September 1st so I figured it was now or never.
I had my test scheduled for 3:45 because I got off work at 2:00! Just enough time to do a little birthday shopping for Alyssa and then eat some lunch before driving over to FINALLY get my motorcycle license.
The day didn't start out so well because it rained all morning. I figured the rain would foil my plan because I wasn't about to drive around on my scooter in the rain! I'm not even sure if they'd let me take the test in that weather if I wanted to. Luckily it stopped raining about 1:00 and appeared to be clearing up. I was back in business!!
I got off work and shopped like I had planned, but it took a bit longer than expected. I figured I would run over to my Dad's and grab his scooter on the way home. My Dad's scooter is bigger than mine so if I passed the test using his I would be certified for more powerful motorcycles. I figured I might as well get certified for higher power just in case I ended up with a different scooter or motorcycle later on. Smart plan eh!
I get to my Dad's about 3:00. "Just enough time to ride around for a bit and get used to the feel of this scooter." My brain said to itself.
I get the key and hop on the scooter and try to fire it up but it sounds ill. I let it rest for a few minutes hoping to let the gas line fill up a little bit. Still nothing! This went on for about 20 minutes (with a bowel movement in between my efforts), but it wasn't happening.
It's okay though. We'll just have to move on to plan B. I still have a perfectly good scooter sitting in my garage at home!
Get home and change out of my work clothes. I've got to hustle now! Run out to the garage and hop on my scooter. Turn the key hit the start button...... silence!
This scooter isn't just sick, it's dead! My last option is the kick start. At this point I've got about 5 minutes to get to the testing location so time is of the essence. I'm kicking furiously but it's not starting. "Turn the key to start dummy!" I'm muttering obscenities to myself in my mind now! I kick it and the engine struggles to a start. I gas it to make sure it doesn't die on me again. Whew! Just enough time to get over there thank heaven.
I get onto the road and think to myself, "Man I'm rusty. Don't have very good control of this thing right now!" I get a few blocks further and a hear a weird squeeky sound. I get off and feel the front tire! FLAT! Obscenities begin vocally this time. I take the drive of shame back to my house. Tuck the junk-of-a-kind scooter back into the garage. It will surely sit there untouched for the remainder of the year. Some things just aren't meant to be I guess!
I did drive back and renew my license without the motorcycle licensure. Guess that will have to do.

1 comment:

Rachel said...

:( That IS a sad little story. I hate those days

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