As bad as I drive she could beat me driving backwards whilst blindfolded...On a scooter...In the dark...A scooter with a broken wheel...
As far as Theresa goes, she's going to drive it with far more delicacy than YOU would!
angela
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As bad as I drive she could beat me driving backwards whilst blindfolded...On a scooter...In the dark...A scooter with a broken wheel...
As far as Theresa goes, she's going to drive it with far more delicacy than YOU would!
angela
As far as Theresa goes, she's going to drive it with far more delicacy than YOU would!
angela
I'm in Virginia. My car's in Maryland.
Teresa's in Maryland, and she's got my car.
I've called Alan already and asked him what he'd do in my position; something close to abject terror. He said he'd sh*t his pants -- but that was before I told him I was kidding and what the reason was for the question.
So, long story short, Teresa's been familiarizing herself with the Hoopty for several hours. I've gotten a couple text messages and a few phone calls. The first one was with regard to the turn signals, and the second was about the little plastic ear that locks the fuel cap. No catastrophies to report, and she's having a ball learning about the car.
She said she'd been taking pictures while she was out, so we'll all see them together when she puts them up. She sent the image below from her phone a few minutes ago.
My goal is to see her racing against Angela at Carlisle. So far, so good.
Teresa's in Maryland, and she's got my car.
I've called Alan already and asked him what he'd do in my position; something close to abject terror. He said he'd sh*t his pants -- but that was before I told him I was kidding and what the reason was for the question.
So, long story short, Teresa's been familiarizing herself with the Hoopty for several hours. I've gotten a couple text messages and a few phone calls. The first one was with regard to the turn signals, and the second was about the little plastic ear that locks the fuel cap. No catastrophies to report, and she's having a ball learning about the car.
She said she'd been taking pictures while she was out, so we'll all see them together when she puts them up. She sent the image below from her phone a few minutes ago.
My goal is to see her racing against Angela at Carlisle. So far, so good.
I doubt it, Angela. I don't think you'd run-and-gun that amazing six of yours if you didn't think you could drive the snot out of it.
Teresa has -- like you -- a tool bag and some mad skills. And we already know she can drive like a madwoman.
She was a bit nervous about taking it out solo today, but her comfort level is improving with every mile. Just got another call from her. She's about 20 miles from the house ...
;)
Teresa has -- like you -- a tool bag and some mad skills. And we already know she can drive like a madwoman.
She was a bit nervous about taking it out solo today, but her comfort level is improving with every mile. Just got another call from her. She's about 20 miles from the house ...
;)
That's cool Brother Cory!! A car loving girlfriend!!
It's 7:00 p.m. Eastern, and she's still out tooling around in the Hoopty.
Ambient air temperature is 41 degrees, wind-chilled to 37. Clear night, dry roads. No reports on the scanner.
Assuming all is well ... Preparing to launch the Alert Five, callsign "FrazerK" ...
Ambient air temperature is 41 degrees, wind-chilled to 37. Clear night, dry roads. No reports on the scanner.
Assuming all is well ... Preparing to launch the Alert Five, callsign "FrazerK" ...
Eight p.m. Eastern; ambient air temperature 38 degrees, wind-chilled to 31.
She just called. Apparently she did a lap around South Baltimore and navigated back to the first-alarm area. She's at a Denny's near the house for tea and a meal.
She reports BallmerHon (that's how locals say it, honest) beat the crap out of the body panels, but that she had a riot. I don't want to know how fast she took the potholes up there ... or look to see if anything broke.
Bottom line for me ... She's not home yet. More than six hours now, and she's freezing her assets off. Did I mention she's still not in front of the homestaad?
FrazerK One, stand by on the catapult. Pressurize the Red Baron for launch, old pal.
Can anybody tell me why haven't I married this girl yet?
She just called. Apparently she did a lap around South Baltimore and navigated back to the first-alarm area. She's at a Denny's near the house for tea and a meal.
She reports BallmerHon (that's how locals say it, honest) beat the crap out of the body panels, but that she had a riot. I don't want to know how fast she took the potholes up there ... or look to see if anything broke.
Bottom line for me ... She's not home yet. More than six hours now, and she's freezing her assets off. Did I mention she's still not in front of the homestaad?
FrazerK One, stand by on the catapult. Pressurize the Red Baron for launch, old pal.
Can anybody tell me why haven't I married this girl yet?
It's now closing in on 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Ambient air temperature approaching the dew point of 28 degrees. Wind chill unknown. Girl and car still on the loose.
"...she's freezing her assets off."
Bad, very bad.
Bad, very bad.
i just saw it listed on ebay! $5000.00
Where art thou........ Teresa ?
Everyone can rest easy!
Kelly, you can stand down, my friend!
The Hoopty and I are safe at home.
And I think you skipped a zero in the price of the car on eBay. I won't let that thing go for a dime less than $50,000.00!
Posts about my adventure to follow ...
...
...
Kelly, you can stand down, my friend!
The Hoopty and I are safe at home.
And I think you skipped a zero in the price of the car on eBay. I won't let that thing go for a dime less than $50,000.00!
Posts about my adventure to follow ...
...
...
I was never worried "Blue Eyes".
Cory,
Sorry I didn't get back to you the other day, been running my rear off with the two places and trying to get my kart together (it's in a million pieces in two seperate places, first race of the season is in 6 weeks)and doing a bunch of other things to boot. Did you say you two will be coming through on tuesday? Let me know what time so I make sure I keep my schedule open.
Cory,
Sorry I didn't get back to you the other day, been running my rear off with the two places and trying to get my kart together (it's in a million pieces in two seperate places, first race of the season is in 6 weeks)and doing a bunch of other things to boot. Did you say you two will be coming through on tuesday? Let me know what time so I make sure I keep my schedule open.
Cory's been at work since Wednesday morning. The last time he was at work, I railed on him about NOT leaving me the key to the Hoopty. So Wednesday, I didn't let him leave the house without leaving me the key.
Unfortunately, while the temperature was GREAT on Wednesday, the threat of rain was very high. So I did not venture out with the car. -- Actually, Mother Nature was just giving me a viable excuse to not have to go out on my first Solo Flight.
This morning, it was a little cloudy, and I was getting weak-kneed again. Mother Nature didn't let me wuss out though ... it was blue skies and sunshine after noon. Cory was also very encouraging.
He told me all sorts of things about how to drive it and what to bring with me and where to go ... but I'm me, so I just did what I wanted to do.
Nothing with that little car is easy to figure out how to do for myself.
Cory said to stuff the covers into a nylon stuff sack that he had left on the couch inside. I worked SO HARD to get those two covers in there! I would have thought that I was on candid camera! I finally got them in there, but I'm not sure that they'll ever come out with out sectioning the bag.
Then I had to start it ... I suck at starting the Hoopty when it's cold. I have never done it successfully. Either Cory or I get too frustrated with my struggling, and Cory just starts it. I eventually got it started, and may have even learned a thing or two about how grumpy the engine is when it's cold.
So, like a good driver in an unfamiliar car, I proceeded to check the lights. Headlights, ok. Fog lights, ok. Brake lights, I don't know (either my legs or my neck is not long enough). Turn signals, NADA! Crap! I call Cory.
I tell him that I got it started, and we are proud of me. Then I tell him that it's broken: No turn signals. He says that I should check the fuses. I ask him where the fuse box is. He talks me through how to open the front half of the car -- but I first have to get out the tool bag to get a screwdriver. We get off the phone and I get out my electrical meter (I'm an electrician, remember?). All the fuses are fine -- even though they're NOT LABELLED!!! It just seems like the circuit isn't getting any power. I call Cory.
Cory is dumbfounded. Then he asks, "Which way did you turn the ignition key?" I tell him that I turned it counter-clockwise, and that lights on the dash had come on, and that the car was running. Turns out, I turned the darned thing the WRONG WAY! Who knew? So, with the car still running, I turned the ignition clockwise past off to the "other ON". The engine didn't even stutter. Turn signals, ok! Geesh!
I haven't even put the car in gear yet!
Unfortunately, while the temperature was GREAT on Wednesday, the threat of rain was very high. So I did not venture out with the car. -- Actually, Mother Nature was just giving me a viable excuse to not have to go out on my first Solo Flight.
This morning, it was a little cloudy, and I was getting weak-kneed again. Mother Nature didn't let me wuss out though ... it was blue skies and sunshine after noon. Cory was also very encouraging.
He told me all sorts of things about how to drive it and what to bring with me and where to go ... but I'm me, so I just did what I wanted to do.
Nothing with that little car is easy to figure out how to do for myself.
Cory said to stuff the covers into a nylon stuff sack that he had left on the couch inside. I worked SO HARD to get those two covers in there! I would have thought that I was on candid camera! I finally got them in there, but I'm not sure that they'll ever come out with out sectioning the bag.
Then I had to start it ... I suck at starting the Hoopty when it's cold. I have never done it successfully. Either Cory or I get too frustrated with my struggling, and Cory just starts it. I eventually got it started, and may have even learned a thing or two about how grumpy the engine is when it's cold.
So, like a good driver in an unfamiliar car, I proceeded to check the lights. Headlights, ok. Fog lights, ok. Brake lights, I don't know (either my legs or my neck is not long enough). Turn signals, NADA! Crap! I call Cory.
I tell him that I got it started, and we are proud of me. Then I tell him that it's broken: No turn signals. He says that I should check the fuses. I ask him where the fuse box is. He talks me through how to open the front half of the car -- but I first have to get out the tool bag to get a screwdriver. We get off the phone and I get out my electrical meter (I'm an electrician, remember?). All the fuses are fine -- even though they're NOT LABELLED!!! It just seems like the circuit isn't getting any power. I call Cory.
Cory is dumbfounded. Then he asks, "Which way did you turn the ignition key?" I tell him that I turned it counter-clockwise, and that lights on the dash had come on, and that the car was running. Turns out, I turned the darned thing the WRONG WAY! Who knew? So, with the car still running, I turned the ignition clockwise past off to the "other ON". The engine didn't even stutter. Turn signals, ok! Geesh!
I haven't even put the car in gear yet!
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my daughter is also car crazy, in fact when I bought the speedster the idea was that it was going to be her car. she was't 18 yet so I said I would drive the car for a couple of months and sort any problems. Bad idea now I can't give the car to her. She was a bit concerned about driving the car when it rains and that it might be a bit cold in winter (very mild by your standards (snow once every twenty years or so!) Any way she always comes and chats to me while I am working on the car and asks a million questions, mostly good ones i must add. One day she took the car out and had a break down, it turned out that the accelerator cabe broke. She was able to give me this information over the phone. I explained to her how to wedge the throttle open with a shoping bag to give her about 2500rpm to get her home. She has it all, looks, brains and a love of cars. one day she will make some guy very happy! she's in the middle! Sorry just had to brag a bit!
In order to get the speedster for myself I bought her a new mazda 2
In order to get the speedster for myself I bought her a new mazda 2
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I'm telling you guys (and gals) - give someone a ride in a speedster or a spyder and they are converted for LIFE!!! Let them drive the car and you will probably NEVER get sole custody of it again! This is Barry's wife Kinau (Goofycat) with their first spyder. They now have a different one (subie power)! Kinau is a spyder nut! This was two years ago on the way to Paso Robles!
Theresa - you are ONE COOL CHICK!
angela
Theresa - you are ONE COOL CHICK!
angela
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Angela, I'm sure there's more to come today. She said there was a second post, but it looks like it was too long -- she'll have to try pasting it back into a couple posts instead of a long one.
She said there was more to tell, but she ran out of steam last night ...
She said there was more to tell, but she ran out of steam last night ...
Since I was able to get all the systems running, I was almost ready to head out for a drive. I'm new to Maryland, so I hardly venture out on my own without Jill (a Garmin GPS). But there was the difficulty of finding a place for Jill to ride. Everywhere I tried to get the suction cup to stick, it would fall off. Either the surface wasn't smooth enough (brushed aluminum of the dash) or the surface was too curved (windshield and any parts of the chasis or framing). So Jill rode in the passenger seat for the a bit.
First stop: Food. I loaded back up all the tools (putting the tool bag IN the car with me behind the seats) and locked up the house. I went around the corner to Panera for some lunch. Nothing thrilling about the trip -- people stared, smiled and waved. A Speedster is such a FRIENDLY car!
Next stop: get zip-ties to be able to mount Jill to the dash. As I said, I'm not too familiar with the area. And without Jill in a good place to navigate me, I was on my own to find a hardware store or auto-parts store. I'm SURE I didn't go to the closest place, but isn't that was driving a Speedster is all about?? I got a little bag of small black zip-ties from an Advanced Auto-Parts that was past Cory's volunteer firehouse in Odenton.
Eight zip-ties later, and Jill's mounting bracket is secured to the fiberglass in the middle of the car, above the dash.
I cruised around for another hour, getting lost. Then I told Jill that I wanted to go back to Cory's. I was getting cold.
I ran in the house to put on long-johns and grab another jacket, then it was right back out the door. I considered heading down to Fort Myer, where Cory works, for a visit. But Cory talked me out of it. So told Jill that I wanted to go to a Hobby Shop in Laurel.
The fuel gauge, which had started at 3/8 of a tank was almost on E, so I stopped in for gas. Lots of looksies at the gas station! It was trying to get the hood off, since I'd never done that before. Cory described it to me, but there's nothing like doing it for the first time -- especially when I hadn't been paying very close attention when he had done it before! It took me a while to realize that in addition to pulling the "plunger", I also had to release the latch.
Then there's the gas cap. I couldn't get it off. I was nervous about using too much force because it's plastic and has a flippy handle. But the nerves didn't stop me from BREAKING that sucker! K-Pow! Little red bits went flying. I called Cory.
"I broke your car," I said. "The gas cap's handle is in a bunch of bits, and I can't get the gas cap off." He wasn't mad, and he assured me that it was OK. He talked me through how to pry off the gas cap. He encouraged me to find the pieces of the broken part, but I told him that was impossible ... I heard it break, and I saw pieces go flying everywhere, but I couldn't see where a single thing landed. I guess we'll be fabricating a new [non-plastic] handle for the gas cap!
First stop: Food. I loaded back up all the tools (putting the tool bag IN the car with me behind the seats) and locked up the house. I went around the corner to Panera for some lunch. Nothing thrilling about the trip -- people stared, smiled and waved. A Speedster is such a FRIENDLY car!
Next stop: get zip-ties to be able to mount Jill to the dash. As I said, I'm not too familiar with the area. And without Jill in a good place to navigate me, I was on my own to find a hardware store or auto-parts store. I'm SURE I didn't go to the closest place, but isn't that was driving a Speedster is all about?? I got a little bag of small black zip-ties from an Advanced Auto-Parts that was past Cory's volunteer firehouse in Odenton.
Eight zip-ties later, and Jill's mounting bracket is secured to the fiberglass in the middle of the car, above the dash.
I cruised around for another hour, getting lost. Then I told Jill that I wanted to go back to Cory's. I was getting cold.
I ran in the house to put on long-johns and grab another jacket, then it was right back out the door. I considered heading down to Fort Myer, where Cory works, for a visit. But Cory talked me out of it. So told Jill that I wanted to go to a Hobby Shop in Laurel.
The fuel gauge, which had started at 3/8 of a tank was almost on E, so I stopped in for gas. Lots of looksies at the gas station! It was trying to get the hood off, since I'd never done that before. Cory described it to me, but there's nothing like doing it for the first time -- especially when I hadn't been paying very close attention when he had done it before! It took me a while to realize that in addition to pulling the "plunger", I also had to release the latch.
Then there's the gas cap. I couldn't get it off. I was nervous about using too much force because it's plastic and has a flippy handle. But the nerves didn't stop me from BREAKING that sucker! K-Pow! Little red bits went flying. I called Cory.
"I broke your car," I said. "The gas cap's handle is in a bunch of bits, and I can't get the gas cap off." He wasn't mad, and he assured me that it was OK. He talked me through how to pry off the gas cap. He encouraged me to find the pieces of the broken part, but I told him that was impossible ... I heard it break, and I saw pieces go flying everywhere, but I couldn't see where a single thing landed. I guess we'll be fabricating a new [non-plastic] handle for the gas cap!
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Cory!
Goom-Bah!!!!!
What's with that POS plastic Gas Cap?!?!?!?
Only Snow Mobiles have plastic gas caps, and NEVER a resto-race car!!!
Shame, shame........
No wonder she broke it - "T" was just doing you a favor ;>)
Goom-Bah!!!!!
What's with that POS plastic Gas Cap?!?!?!?
Only Snow Mobiles have plastic gas caps, and NEVER a resto-race car!!!
Shame, shame........
No wonder she broke it - "T" was just doing you a favor ;>)
Hey Cory, The oil light is on the RIGHT!
Time to have a Bilet one made. at Bilet specialites some thing very unbreakeable.
But I havent seen that kind before eather So the odds are I would have also busted it.
I have to say The KID did good And Cory Your a Brave soul.
But I havent seen that kind before eather So the odds are I would have also busted it.
I have to say The KID did good And Cory Your a Brave soul.
After the gas station fiasco, I was back out on the road to Laurel. It was nice to get on a parkway after all the suburban driving I had been doing. I was careful not to get too carried away with myself, but it was fun to let the Hoopty open up a bit!
My biggest problem with driving was that I couldn't get the mirrors adjusted to how I wanted them. So the only way to see behind me was to turn and look. I didn't want to force the mirrors too much, for fear of breaking anything else on the car!
When I got back on surface roads, near my destination of the Hobby Shop, I got lots of comments from other cars when we were stopped at traffic lights. When I have driven the Hoopty with Cory, people don't say much; they just smile and wave. Being alone in the car seems to be an invitation for people to strike up conversation ... in traffic!
I arrived at my destination and did my shopping for a birthday present for the five-year-old son of a battalion chief. After shopping, I called Cory to give him an update. I also told him about my trouble with the mirrors. He gave me some advice about adjusting them (hopefully without breaking them).
Driving after getting the mirrors properly adjusted was a BREEZE! Even though it was dark out and MUCH COLDER, I couldn't just go home. I got on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, heading towards Baltimore. I kept going (even though the roads got really bumpy and I had to slow WAY down) until I was on the city streets of Baltimore.
I decided to turn around and have Jill get me back on the parkway when it seemed like I was getting into a no-so-good part of town. It's usually a bad sign when there are no street lights and no businesses open, but yet there are people on the streets, right?
Back on the open road, it seemed like I got back to Cory's area all too quickly. I wasn't driving too fast ... only clocking a top speed of 80 mph, according to Jill ... but I was having fun!
I stopped in at Denny's near the house to get some warmth in me before going home to tuck the Hoopty in for the night. I hadn't realized how cold I was until I tried to warm up!
The drive home from Denny's was pretty uneventful, except that I was playing with how the car handles a bit. I'm getting used to how it drives, a little at a time. I think it could use a visit to an alignment shop!
My biggest problem with driving was that I couldn't get the mirrors adjusted to how I wanted them. So the only way to see behind me was to turn and look. I didn't want to force the mirrors too much, for fear of breaking anything else on the car!
When I got back on surface roads, near my destination of the Hobby Shop, I got lots of comments from other cars when we were stopped at traffic lights. When I have driven the Hoopty with Cory, people don't say much; they just smile and wave. Being alone in the car seems to be an invitation for people to strike up conversation ... in traffic!
I arrived at my destination and did my shopping for a birthday present for the five-year-old son of a battalion chief. After shopping, I called Cory to give him an update. I also told him about my trouble with the mirrors. He gave me some advice about adjusting them (hopefully without breaking them).
Driving after getting the mirrors properly adjusted was a BREEZE! Even though it was dark out and MUCH COLDER, I couldn't just go home. I got on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, heading towards Baltimore. I kept going (even though the roads got really bumpy and I had to slow WAY down) until I was on the city streets of Baltimore.
I decided to turn around and have Jill get me back on the parkway when it seemed like I was getting into a no-so-good part of town. It's usually a bad sign when there are no street lights and no businesses open, but yet there are people on the streets, right?
Back on the open road, it seemed like I got back to Cory's area all too quickly. I wasn't driving too fast ... only clocking a top speed of 80 mph, according to Jill ... but I was having fun!
I stopped in at Denny's near the house to get some warmth in me before going home to tuck the Hoopty in for the night. I hadn't realized how cold I was until I tried to warm up!
The drive home from Denny's was pretty uneventful, except that I was playing with how the car handles a bit. I'm getting used to how it drives, a little at a time. I think it could use a visit to an alignment shop!
Cory You Have Keeper??? Don't let this one get away.
And thank you Both, This was Very intertaining.
And thank you Both, This was Very intertaining.
Teresa,
Being new to the area, I have found myself in many bad parts of town many times. It is not hard to do around here. Only difference is I can roll up windows and lock doors, and thats a BIG difference. When I get my speedster ill try and set up a cruise through Baltimore. I know plenty of "good parts". Glad to hear you and the hoopty made it home safe and relatively unscathed.
paul
Being new to the area, I have found myself in many bad parts of town many times. It is not hard to do around here. Only difference is I can roll up windows and lock doors, and thats a BIG difference. When I get my speedster ill try and set up a cruise through Baltimore. I know plenty of "good parts". Glad to hear you and the hoopty made it home safe and relatively unscathed.
paul
Bert, Cory,
You guys are TFA. And driving a Speedster these days -- let alone that wild and crazy ride called "Hoopty" -- can be a very social event. Part of the madness, no doubt about it. Driving solo like that, you gotta allow some extra time. I am properly entertained, BTW, w/ the account. Also, I appologize for being AWOL, as was not around for roadside assistance while all was playing out. Would have responded if needed and able. I took a long week-end to Seven Springs to do a little skiing. Next time give me a shout ahead of time. But seeing how well this went, I'm guessing there will be no need -- unless you want company. And we can do some eductation about Baltimore neighborhoods. The streets? That's another problem entirely. Have been there (southern part of the city, Harbor, etc.) in my car a couple of times and the surfaces can amount to pure torture. Lots of pitching and heaving, even when going real slow, hon. Also been in and around DC, and not much better there. Conclusion: Speedsters are country mice, not city mice.
I am now even more psyched about Carlisle: The Bert v. Angela shoot-out. Gonna be cool.
You guys are TFA. And driving a Speedster these days -- let alone that wild and crazy ride called "Hoopty" -- can be a very social event. Part of the madness, no doubt about it. Driving solo like that, you gotta allow some extra time. I am properly entertained, BTW, w/ the account. Also, I appologize for being AWOL, as was not around for roadside assistance while all was playing out. Would have responded if needed and able. I took a long week-end to Seven Springs to do a little skiing. Next time give me a shout ahead of time. But seeing how well this went, I'm guessing there will be no need -- unless you want company. And we can do some eductation about Baltimore neighborhoods. The streets? That's another problem entirely. Have been there (southern part of the city, Harbor, etc.) in my car a couple of times and the surfaces can amount to pure torture. Lots of pitching and heaving, even when going real slow, hon. Also been in and around DC, and not much better there. Conclusion: Speedsters are country mice, not city mice.
I am now even more psyched about Carlisle: The Bert v. Angela shoot-out. Gonna be cool.
You mean that the "Inner Harbor" ISN'T the nicest part of the city??
Well, the Inner Harbor is nice enough -- very touristy, of course. It only takes about three blocks in the right direction to run into warehouses, and such, and another six or so to find -- how shall I say? -- less expensive Baltimore rowhouses with white marble steps and folks w/ limited means. Anyway, the issue was street condition, and Baltimore's are rather well used, suffer winter, and are not routinely, or should I say adequately, repaired. Boston, or any other major US city, is likely no better, and probably worse.