Three, Two or None

 Our old lady dog

Grumbles and twitches throughout

The early morning.

Friday, March 12, 2021

 Now that vaccinations are moving along there is a possibility that we may need a second car as the wellness program we work for is likely to re-open its second location.

 Even without that posing a problem I’m kind of getting a hankering for a second vehicle anyway. It’s just that they’re so damned expensive it’s been a financial blessing to get by with just one car.

 If we do go down that road I’m tinkering with the idea of getting something other than your traditional car.

 Why? Both for practical reasons and just because I like to be different.

 On the practical side, we are not allotted the space for parking another car.And, as mentioned previously, cars are damned expensive.

 I rode a motorcycle for 30 years until giving that up at 58 almost 5 years ago. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have ended up in one piece and doubt I have the skills, reflexes or luck to hop on one of those beasts again.

 I’ve had scooters before, and I toyed with the idea of looking at a Suzuki Burgman 400 but it’s still just two wheels and even less visible than a traditional M.C. so that’s not a likely alternative. At about $8k they’re far less than a car, but not worth the stress factor in my opinion.

 I was hoping the Meccanica Solo, a three wheeled electric car, would provide the practicality and buzz I was looking for, but at nearly $20k and with only a 100 mile range, I can’t see it happening unless they drop the price dramatically. It does provide protection from the elements and drives like a traditional car, which are plusses, but it’s size and low stance leaves you pretty vulnerable, and even the car like feel may be a hindrance as it’ll like provide a false sense of security.

 That leaves me gazing in the direction of the Can Am Ryker 900. Kind of the open air M.C. experience without the worries of just two wheels. The mileage isn’t great – only about 35 mpg, but the fun factor looks awesome. And at roughly $10k that’s not much more than a scooter with the extra stability of another wheel and more power and fun factor to boot. You are exposed to the elements, unlike the Solo, but again that could work as a plus as on a motorcycle, you’re vulnerable and might as well be aware of that.

 I’ll give the Ryker a test ride through Can Am’s ride – learn – and try program in May and go from there.

 
If we end up not needing another vehicle that may work out just fine. Driving isn’t as fun as it once was and it’s much more expensive than it’s ever been.