My "new" bike is not new. Although it is a 2005, by Indian standards that is ancient. I think the road and weather conditions are so rough that bikes don't usually last 10 years, if that.
So I have wanted a scooter for the last 2 years. However, it just didn't make sense to have one in Philly. I tried driving a scooter in Ankleshwar a month ago. It was super fun, so I was revitalized to get one. Then 2 weekends ago my fiend Krupal let me try driving his bike. This was my first tme driving a real motorcycle. I was not a great student, but I was able to drive.
So on a whim this weekend I decided to buy a bike, a real one! I found some used bike dealers in the old city using justdial.com. I took a friend with me and picked a small old bike. As expected, everyone encouraged me to get a scooter instead of a bike, or at least a newer bike that would be easier to manage. I said no! I want an old beater!
So I drove for 3 hours in the last 2 days. Some with a friend on the back (good for signalling turns and telling me when to go through intersections), and some alone (easier to manage bike without the extra weight). I got hot (it is 110F here), dirty, and sunburned, but it was so much fun. So far I have taken mostly left turns only, to avoid going through large intersections (traffic lights are just suggestions here). I love that everyone laughs and waves at me, since I am a whitey. Even when I stall in intersections, the people just laugh and drive around. I am given forgiveness for my poor skills since I am so obviously not from here.
I have trouble starting the bike (it is a kick start), and trouble getting it into neutral. I tipped the bike over once when I was taking it off the stand, but I am strong enough to pick it back up. If I were in the US, I would have no trouble driving around, but the "rules" are different here. I hope I get better at it. I also have no license yet, no helmet yet. I make sure to carry a few hundred rupees whenever I ride, as that is the way to handle trouble if a cop stops me. :)
I am badass!
So I have wanted a scooter for the last 2 years. However, it just didn't make sense to have one in Philly. I tried driving a scooter in Ankleshwar a month ago. It was super fun, so I was revitalized to get one. Then 2 weekends ago my fiend Krupal let me try driving his bike. This was my first tme driving a real motorcycle. I was not a great student, but I was able to drive.
So on a whim this weekend I decided to buy a bike, a real one! I found some used bike dealers in the old city using justdial.com. I took a friend with me and picked a small old bike. As expected, everyone encouraged me to get a scooter instead of a bike, or at least a newer bike that would be easier to manage. I said no! I want an old beater!
So I drove for 3 hours in the last 2 days. Some with a friend on the back (good for signalling turns and telling me when to go through intersections), and some alone (easier to manage bike without the extra weight). I got hot (it is 110F here), dirty, and sunburned, but it was so much fun. So far I have taken mostly left turns only, to avoid going through large intersections (traffic lights are just suggestions here). I love that everyone laughs and waves at me, since I am a whitey. Even when I stall in intersections, the people just laugh and drive around. I am given forgiveness for my poor skills since I am so obviously not from here.
I have trouble starting the bike (it is a kick start), and trouble getting it into neutral. I tipped the bike over once when I was taking it off the stand, but I am strong enough to pick it back up. If I were in the US, I would have no trouble driving around, but the "rules" are different here. I hope I get better at it. I also have no license yet, no helmet yet. I make sure to carry a few hundred rupees whenever I ride, as that is the way to handle trouble if a cop stops me. :)
I am badass!
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