So I'm driving down Blanding Blvd. sitting up pretty high in my 4x4 Chevy
Ex-Cab tow vehicle, and I'm coming up to a red light. Now I'm busy checking
out the cute blonde in the new silver Miata in the lane next to me. But out
of my peripheral vision, I'm also paying close attention to the speed & my
distance to the 2-wheeler in front off me as we come to a stop. But I'm not
using my capacity for attention to detail on the cyclist.
After the light turns green & traffic starts to move, I observe that the
ponytailed and bearded rider in front of me is wearing one of those 1/2 shell
helmets, with "biker" stickers all over it. (i.e., "Ride to live, live to
ride," "Helmet Laws Suck," etc.) And he's a really husky fella with the
"full sleeve" tattoos that start at the wrist and disappear up into his
shirt; a tie-dyed effect T-shirt that says "Daytona 1999, 58th Bike Week",
and has a big Harley-esque logo.
As we start moving, the cyclist wobbles & weaves so that I get a good look
at the bike from a rear 3/4's view. And I realize that he's riding a Vespa,
of all things, & a full dresser no less- all the scoops & poops, flares &
chairs, mirrors & geegaws. In like new condition. Shades of the "Flying Nun"
or the moped scenes from "Quadrophenia". The paradox of the vehicles' image
vs. that of the rider was just more than I could stand.
I've been home for half an hour & I'm still chuckling. Thought it was
funny, so I'm taking this chance that at least some of you will appreciate
the irony enough to forgive the waste of bandwidth.
OBLIGATORY AX CONTENT:
The Buccaneer Region, Jax Chapter will be holding an AX on Sunday the 11th
at the UNF campus. Registration should open around 8:30 & run until 10:30.
Come on out, the last one we had there was a blast even though it rained most
of the morning.
Joe (digest mode) Anderson
#33 CS 944
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