Just like it's supposed to be...

We picked up the new scooters today.  We made the deal via internet, went to look at them in person, and no game-playing.  We dealt with the sales manager, the whole thing took just a few minutes.  When we went to pick up the bikes today, it went just as smooth.  The price was right.

The dealer is about 40 minutes away (if the traffic is flowing).  Rather than drive over there twice (to retrieve the vehicle we drove over), we picked up a U-Haul ramp-type trailer, and hauled the bikes home.  Less running, the fuel savings off-set the cost of the trailer, and we didn't have to drive the new bikes through the crazy city traffic.

It went about as fast as possible at the dealership.  It took us longer to get the bikes strapped down in the trailer than it did to finish the paperwork.  Since all our riding gear is 1348 miles away, we picked up some new helmets.  We are ready to ride...

We decided on one red one and one black... not wanting to do that matchy-matchy stuff.  Joan picked first and decided on the black one.  Red or black, either goes good with blonde.

We got back to the 5th wheel, unstrapped the bikes and rolled them out of the trailer.  No ride, yet; we had to return the trailer.  Then, we get to ride.  Getting used to new bikes, we decided to take them on some back roads first.

For those not familiar with the difference between scooters and motorcycles - OK, besides the fact that they are small and lightweight - no shifting!  My left hand and both feet felt like they weren't doing their share... just twist the throttle and go.  They are surprisingly peppy for their size... not flatten-your-eyeballs fast like many motorcycles, but... OK, I'm going to say it: fun.

We rode out to the next town to the west... getting used to where the controls are; trading the lead.  It was pretty effortless.  And, did I mention: fun!  Who knew?  After four and a half decades of motorcycles, scooters aren't just "a lesser motorcycle"... this is a different animal.  We won't be eating up miles of Interstate or dragging pegs on twisty mountain roads; but, I'm looking forward to some easy sight-seeing and errand running.

On the Taylor Guitar forum, one of the participants said, "You can't be sad when you're playing a ukulele."  At first blush, I am feeling the same way about these scooters - they just make me smile.

:-)

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We rode the scooters to Steph and Dan's house this evening... had to show off our new "big iron," before we head out to supper.  Steph's birthday is next week, and they will be on Kauai - tonight is fake birthday night, since the 4 of us won't be together.

They picked the restaurant, and off we went... in their SUV.  A fine meal and some birthday cards...

Back to their house after supper, and a quick ride through the desert night air back to our 5th wheel.  Yep, I was smiling in the dark.

:-)

Happy almost birthday to Steph!  We'll be kitty-sitting while they are on the beach.