Meet George Jetson

I don't have any photographic evidence to prove it (because I'm an idiot and forgot to bring the camera) but today I took a Segway for a spin. Oh and a Vespa. Oh and a Think. All courtesy of two guys who enjoy their toys. And best of all, they share.

The Segway: Simply amazing. First we were asked to watch the 20 minute "safety" video, which showed all of the really really STUPID things one should not attempt, like going down a flight of stairs. Or girl watching while driving. Or trying to answer your cell phone. They never showed an actual person falling off, but it kinda freak me out. Yes, you can get hurt on one of these things. It will get away from you if you're not paying attention.

Finally armed with useful sunny desert climate riding knowledge, like how NOT to climb a grassy knoll in the rain, we headed out to the street to take them for a spin. Yes, they bought 2 because Segways really should come in pairs. It's much more fun to have a buddy to scoot around with.

Bottom line? It is so fucking cool - beyond fucking cool - I can't even begin to describe the sensation. Getting on and off takes some practice but within about 5 mins the missus and I were zooming along at a whopping 12 mph (which actually felt much faster) doing figure eights and slalom maneuvers. There were only a few "Jane! Stop this crazy thing!" moments and noone got hurt. I'm imagining that someday soon there will be a new sport called "Synchronized Segway Ballet" because they really almost dance. Now, if I could just figure out how to justify spending $5K just before tax time... ah, never mind. It was an amazing experience and if you ever get a chance to try one out - DO IT!

Next he insisted that I take his Tiffany Blue (with matching helmet) Vespa for a spin. I used to have a motorcycle (1972 Honda CB550-4) and I've ridden scooters before, but after the alien sensation of the Segway, I really had to be extra careful. The two machines do not respond the same way. Once I got my bike legs back, I took it up to the gas station and put a whopping $2.50 in the tank to fill it up. Now, Tiffany Blue is not really my color, but I quickly got over it once I was cruising along. The thing really moves - I was surprised. I got it up to 50mph. He said it will go 60, but 50 was good enough for me. While driving down the main drag, all I could think about was Eddie Izzard saying "Ciao!"

Once I brought the Vespa back, we took his Think for a ride. Now picture this... Two single file Segways being followed by a Think puttering around the neighborhood. We looked like an alternative transportation ad. Very funny. What a great day!