h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I suddenly had the most terrible thought earlier that had me crying my eyes out. How will I ever see the countryside again ie those places I know that no bus or train goes near, without a car?

I can't imagine being able to drive a car again..it feels too big as a vehicle to control now. I wouldn't feel safe for others, and Hoo made that clear last year in any case.

But I don't know how I'll cope psychologically with that loss. And christ I've had enough loss. None of my friends have cars.

It hasn't mattered in the winter.

The only thing I can think is to get a scooter. I could easily imagine driving one of those and controlling it.

I haven't been to the countryside in 2 years...but I can't imagine another year not visiting...and the thought that I'll never go again is unbearable. The places I like are remote, that I got to know when I lived in Sussex. I need it this year.

What about a bicycle? You could take it on the train, and then cycle somewhere remote?

I hate all the hassle of stuff like that...Plus I think I'd feel too vulnerable on a bicycle. I rode motorbikes for years and felt completely at home with that mode of transport.

I looked earlier on the web and modern scooters are automatic and apparently incredibly easy to ride...much easier than motorbikes...I wouldn't want one of those again.

It's been a massive knock to my ego not driving. I've driven all kinds of vehicles since I was 18. I like freedom a vehicle gives you. It might help my self-confidence as well..and one of the students next door rides a scooter, he'd be able to help me with any problems with it. He has in fact suggested I get one.

A 125 has a maximum speed of 60 mph. I'd probably be very much slower than that though...but it would easily cope with the 30 miles or so down to the Ashdown Forest area where I used to live.

I have to do something. This year I've stirred in myself so much unhappiness about my parents taking the countryside away from me when I was 7....more than I ever have in my life continually. And that was happening when I was still on the meds. It started when the BBC announced h2g2 was being sold. I think it did something to my unconscious...that hasn't gone away.

z why didn't you say you thought a scooter was a great idea? Don't you think I'm able.

I need to get some self belief and confidence that I can *drive* again. There's no physical reason why not...And I'm just not a bicycle type.

I'm just scared of the concept of driving for some reason. There's some block. And the more I think about it a scooter is the most psychologically thinkable thing. Plus they deliver to your door.

And then one sunny May morning..I could think hey today's the day...jump on it and just go.

Even writing this here is helping make me think it can be real.

Why didn't I say I thought a scooter was a great idea? I'm sure it is. But I just wanted to give another suggestion that you may not have thought of.

I find that I feel I am outside more when I'm on my bike or walking than when I'm in my car.

Okay.

Yeah well maybe bicycles suit your psyche better.

I once nearly threw one in a canal when I was in Amsterdam I got so fed up with the damn thing. Admittedly that was one of the strangest designed things imaginable, where by you pedalled backwards to brake..

Also for me the act of driving itself is important to my self worth. I have numerous dreams still about driving..but it always goes wrong in the dreams these days. I still mostly dream about riding motorbikes.

Anyway I appreciate you taking the trouble to post here and giving input. You are helping me crystalise my thinking.

But I certainly won't mention it to my mother next week when I have to see them. She'll just look terrified and smash my confidence. Just because her brother was killed in a motorbike crash.

I had the use of a scooter for a couple of months a few years ago and it was sheer bliss (for the most part).

I never took it out of the city, but it would have been fun.

I can't hel`p but think of this book: http://www.wheelsofitaly.com/wiki/images/7/75/SpyWhoLovedMeNew.jpg

Love the link.

Sheer bliss Now I really like the sound of that

I'm torn between something called the Viper or Sport...then there's the colour scheme...I'm going a British design though..(See I can be a typical Brit sometimes ) I don't know I want to feel re-assured somehow...Italian feels too risky for someone with my temperement

Here you go.

http://www.scooter.co.uk/125cc-scooter.html

Probably go for orange and black.

I just discovered they are mopeds. I hate that name...but I've read a few reviews now and the whole range is hugely recommended. Also they make the point that a 125 is much safer than a 50 because you can keep up with traffic. That's another reason I don't like bicycles...you are in the gutter and being overtaken all the time.

Mopeds are in the motorbike family...so I'd still be a rocker and not a mod

Of course now I'm obsessed with them. I'm pleased.

Gone off those bikes. Having done a lot more research. They are very cheap because they are Chinese imports...but you have to register them yourself with DVLA for use in the UK...which can weeks, then send off for number plates..it sounds like the kind of bureacracy I'm not going to want. And they are a bit tacky somehow.

I'm now thinking a proper stylish Italian scooter. Need to talk with Ollie next door, plus research myself.

This is my latest love...and its pretty strong. The Aprilla Mojito custom 125

Here a review and pics. I'd go for pale blue metallic one I think...if you scroll down you'll see it

http://scootermatic.com/2011/10/24/aprilia-mojito-custom-125-review/

This part of the review really made me laugh though.

'.. If you a lady riders, Aprilia Mojito Custom 125 is perfect for you, This is because this scooter has easy control, so you’ll be able to cope...'

Sounds perfect for me.

Wow! A scooter that gives you the ability to cope! A lot of people could use those!


And it's not just decent, it's *very* decent!

Actually the pale blue one in that series looks like a different model. Why can't they get these things right.

Yes just looked up that's the 2008 model.

Here's the latest one I'm thinking of.

http://www.webrobogo.net/images/product_images/2010/05/12/4beb162fd289a_uniqe_Mojito-Custom-125-2.jpg

There's a big scooter company I discovered on a bus route from here down to the river..that specialise in all Italian bikes and scooters.

But I should talk with Olly first. And the way I change my mind...who knows? But its fun

Lots more research and a chat with a guy called Angel, up the road who has a Lambretta. He advised against that Asprilia as the handgrips curve inwards which will affect your turning circle.

I've decided it has to be a Vespa...they are all the be all and end all of Italian scooters and have never been taken over and gone out of business..they have endured for a reason, and they have the nippiness that was built for the Roman traffic....and certainly it won't be some cheap Chinese made replica ish ones that are coming onto the market with a lot more platic in them...and zero tradition. They don't sell them in Italy.

So it's a chat with Ollie next..when he's actually in. He now works in a local pub in the evenings...and is one of those people who is forever out and about...on his Vespa of course

And in any case I had already gone off the Aprilia with its affected American /Italian hybrid looks and that silly 'Custom' graphic on the back.

This is the baby now. And I want *this* colour. Vespa LX125

http://static.zigwheels.com/media/content/2011/Jan/16-vespa-lx-125-ie_2_560x420.jpg

Effers on her scooter (particularly at 3 minutes in): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DEayA6UV0A

That's brilliant.

Here's the place Angel recommended I go to buy one..he said that other place are over priced and unfriendly.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=67+Enid+Street,+London+Borough+of+Southwark&hl=en&ll=51.497877,-0.073053&spn=0.005003,0.0134&sll=51.497854,-0.072987&layer=c&cbp=13,23.18,,0,18.89&cbll=51.497855,-0.073017&hnear=67+Enid+St,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=17&panoid=nQ2lDoG1FaBYIN5-wMFlOA

Judging by that picture and going to be falling in love with a lot more babies..before I get one home at last...

It says vintage but they sell new as well he said...but knowing me I'll end up getting something 'difficult'.

I love those shops tucked under the old railway lines.