Date: Sun, 4 Apr 2004 18:33:25 -0500
Reply-To: pete owsianowski <pnocean@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: pete owsianowski <pnocean@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: I get no respect
In-Reply-To: <FCC9A046-8684-11D8-9290-000393582910@usadatanet.net>
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I have piloted a bus for only 2 years. It became clear our first trip
driving a bus is a different experience for someone who driven American
horsepower for a lifetime. We have made a few trips from South Bend,
Indiana up to Buses by the Beach near Grand Rapids on 94. Traffic there
usually flies along at 75 to 80. Our first trip up, I felt like a gnat in
windstorm until I realized there was no way to keep up with traffic and
anything over 3500 rpm was not good for the WBX. I now sit back in the seat,
dial the armrests to comfortable let the "Wolfpack" fly by at their usual
speed. It is a very pleasant drive, with no worries of passing anyone. If
we do happen to pass someone, Mom yells out: "Hey kids, we're actually
going to pass someone!" We all cheer for Joe's Van.
It's a good life on Bus Time...
Pete
'87 Westy
"Joe's Van"
> Hence my license plate: "WAIT4ME".
>
> I drive in and around Boston as a part of my job (not in Supervan) and
> I am usually going pretty fast (75-80), and I still get tail-gated and
> passed all the time. People are on a mission when they get behind the
> wheel, and this blocks out politeness and logic (I almost always catch
> up with them eventually). Why do I drive so fast? 'Round here you'll
> get hit if you don't pay attention and stay out of the way - too many
> cell phones/makeup artists/book readers (really!!)/ etc going on.
> ...JMM
>
> Justin M. Mayrand
> 1980 Westy "SuperVan"
>
> On Apr 4, 2004, at 1:02 PM, Gary Goldey wrote:
>
>> Just as a rusty old Pinto attracts police like a donut shop, the
>> Vanagon
>> seems to enlist other drivers to speed up and tailgate, give the the
>> quick pass
>> then get in front of you, invoke the horn or even the 'finger'. I
>> have even
>> found a bunch of repeat offenders or 'regulars' as I call them. (I
>> hope it's
>> not my driving) I take it all in stride and get a good laugh on the
>> way to work
>> every morning. They should know it's a Vanagon, not a NASCAR.
>> In my opinion I don't think the older air-cooled vans get
>> disrespected by
>> the general gum-chewing public as much as the Vanagon.
>> I get no respect.
>>
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