That's right. It's been something I've thought of off and on for the past few years. It's a cycling thing, you know. I'm thoroughly fascinated with bikes of many kinds. Anyway, I took the above photo in New York three years ago, when I was there for a conference to remind me that some day I'm going to be that driver.
In my dream world, here's what it would look like:
First of all, I'll paint my pedicab a shiny blue. It's my favorite color. My handlebars will have a horn and fringe, just because that would be fun. And I'll wear a helmet when I ride -- for safety reasons, and so I don't have to do my hair. Awesome!
And here's how I imagine the getting passengers scene would play out:
ME: Hey, there! You guys need a ride to your destination?
THEM: Maybe. How much does it cost?
ME: It won't be cheaper than the Yellow Cab, but I'll be your guide, too. I'm pretty knowledgeable about the area. You need to know restaurants? I got you covered? You're looking for a boutique? I'll take you there. Just heading over to the game? I'll get you there on time.
THEM: Cool! How much?
ME: $10 per ride.
THEM: Let's go!
In the real world, however, I posted my information on a pedicab site and never heard back. I did it twice, and no word. Seriously. I was disappointed. In the real world, I probably wouldn't be strong enough to pull another adult sitting in the back seat, anyway. I could carry your kids. But who's going to let a stranger carry her kids without riding along? Yeah, I'd definitely need to train for this job.
Yes, there are a few obstacles getting in my way. Since I haven't decided how much I really want to drive a pedicab, I haven't done much to change this situation, such as picking up the phone and making a call to follow up on my pedicab driver inquiry. No, I haven't done that.
Maybe this is just a silly fantasy to live out on paper and nothing else. I'm not sure. But after I took the Certified Travel Ambassador class last year and became a CTA -- basically, someone trained to answer pertinent travel information about specific areas (in my case, Phoenix) -- I thought I'd have a leg up on the competition. I even had the pin to wear on my lapel! I thought I'd make a great choice for such a job. And then, the city stopped partnering with the CTA program officials and my leg up went down. Perhaps that's a sign -- a sign that I'm not supposed to head in that direction. And you know how I like signs...
Have you ever dreamed of doing something that seemed really outrageous? Did you ever do it? What happened afterward?
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4 comments:
My favorite line: "I'll wear a helmet when I ride -- for safety reasons, and so I don't have to do my hair."
I've put off buying a helmet for years (I know, bad Mom!), but you, Ms. BIKE Lady, just sold me in the idea!
Ha! So you don't have to do your hair, either?! Too funny.
I think you'd make a great pedicab driving. You'd make a nice guide plus a great cyclist all rolled into one! :)
So, yes, I remember contacting the fellow in NYC who started it there. He was a lawyer and we had several backs and forths. I think he told me it was safe to assume I'd earn about $23/hr (this was a good 10 years ago.) My mom, who was in her 80s and who had watched me take on lots of occupations, put her foot down about this one. I suppose in the end I don't blame her. But if you were pedaling, I'd hire you, Jackie.
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