The Snow White Effect

When I train drivers to operate pedicab I stress to them the importance of having fun. I explain to them that if they set the bar at having fun when they drive that they will not only have fun but they will make money too. Of course, there are those drivers that climb upon their pedicabs with the sole intent of making money, to hell with the simplistic notions of having fun. If it works for them, so be it. I don’t begrudge those drivers

Well that last sentence isn’t all that true. I do have one caveat. I do begrudge those drivers when they work an event or venue and start bitching and bemoaning the fact that they can’t get any rides, and they aren’t making any money. And then at the end of the night when they are called upon to pay their rental fee the bitching starts all over. I’m sure you have heard it before, especially those drivers that have been around longer than me.

From where I sit in the “cheap seats” these drivers chase away potential fares. I started thinking about the various venues where the drivers interested in making money are always first to start complaining about how they aren’t making any money. And all it takes is one…it spreads like a virus, infecting other drivers and the way they think. The smiles tend to vanish, and what you are left with are drivers with chips on their shoulders and they all want a “break” on their rental fee.

So like I was saying, I started thinking about these drivers and these situation and I came up with my own theory. (Yeah, I know…I know…you have a theory too.) I call it the Snow White effect.

Everyone should be familiar with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Well, in my theory, there are some drivers that take on the characteristics of several of the dwarfs. The first and the most obvious is:

"Grumpy:" Never smiles, scares away potential fares, the last person anyone wants a ride from is the driver that doesn’t look like they are having fun. First to bitch and bemoan. The last person you call when you need a second pedicab.

"Bashful:" Too quiet for their own good. Relies on the kindness of passer-bys rather than soliciting potential fares. Needs encouragement. Usually available when a second cab is needed. Easily swayed to the “Grumpy” side.

"Sleepy:" You guessed it! They are the ones that spend more time on the backseat than the front seat. When roused they can get the job done. Capable of transforming into “Grumpy.”

"Dopey:" Just can’t seem to get it together. One and done. Can talk the talk, but can’t pedal the pedal.

"Happy:" They smile, they are the one’s having a good time and that people remember and look for after the game, after the concert etc. Encourages “Bashful” and “Dopey.“ They are often disliked by “Grumpy.”

“Doc:” An older and wiser “Happy.”


Well, there you have it, The Snow White Effect. I’d classify myself as “Happy.”

Which dwarf are you?

Pedicabbie experience after dark

This is a fantastic article written by a pedicab driver in Columbia, Missouri, and published in Urban Velo. I am only posting an excerpt of the article with a link to the rest, but I just think it gives such great insight into his experience, that I encourage you to read it in its entirety. Definitely go to the original article to read it and check out the great photos. Thanks, Johnny in Columbia, for such a thoughtful article.

Pedicabs After Dark (excerpt)
By Johnny Tarr

While the pedicab itself is humble, a ride on it is amazing in contrast. A three-hour shift makes the whole day perfect. I adjust the seat, check the lights, and then the moment I roll off the lot I’m Superman. This must be how it feels to command a kingdom, or walk on water. Traffic treats me royally. Everybody waves back. The cab itself is an eye-magnet that makes its riders instant celebrities.

I feel people on the sidewalks getting excited as the cab rolls down the street, so I invite them on. Some folks hop right on, exclaiming how I’ve come at just the right moment, but some potential riders need convincing. They might give nonsense excuses about how they’re only going two blocks, and surely that’s too near or too far. Or the mothers, bless their hearts, say that they would feel terrible about making me work. Nothing but a show of machismo beats that fallacy, so I tell them I’m the strongest man in Columbia. They don’t really believe me but that’s fine because I believe myself and that’s the important thing, so they get in anyway.

Read the entire article at UrbanVelo.com...

Q: Does size really matter?

We've been having this discussion off and on. Does size matter? I mean, is bigger really better? Do bigger pedicabs get you bigger tips? In other words, does having more people in your cab get you more money? Is it really worth it to overload your cab?

A Happy Holiday to you all!

A Happy Holiday to you all!

The holiday season is upon us, which in some schools means significantly more money, and for others it means an increase but not a huge one.

My blog today consists of part two to "selling the freakin' ride." As it is the holidays have approached, (remember Denver does not close for the winter), we have all anticipated a bit of holiday cheer even the Carolers, trumpeters, and our favorite ever-improving bagpiper.

I came upon a fellow driver the other day, who was a consistent driver, and on the job for about 6 months or less. This driver has been coached and taught over these months, and has seen the chaos of our favorite sporting venue at Invesco Field. It was a bit cold this particular evening in question.

I rolled up to a great looking couple of girls and asked them if they wanted a ride. He was busy adjusting himself, and I didn't realize that I may have taken his ride. The situation came awash anyway, as your humble hero was rejected. It seemed that the driver was busy doing something else. Nevertheless, I felt badly about potentially taking his ride. But, it comes to another point in our everlasting question of how to sell the ride.

I know that some drivers have different styles. I know that some haphazardly approach people for a ride, while others wait for the ride. What is the best way of executing and maximizing your profit in the pedicab world?

My opinion (albeit, strong) is that the more number of potential rides you approach and take, the greater your profit will be. I had a situation that further proved that one cannot be afraid of taking the ride. It has become increasingly colder at night, with wind, in the Mile High City. As everyone grumbled about how slow it was, number of rides this night: 21. Number of free-holiday cheer rides: 5. Thus, $150 dollars later, on a $250 night is tough. But, nights like this, calls for some hustle. A local horse-carriage driver said "why are you working so hard- the whole night, I haven't seen you stop!" Here is your lesson. Unless you are lucky enough to get the golden ticket of $500 bucks, some nights are just slower than others. But, it may not behoove you to work just as hard. It pays off. If for nothing else, it absolutely makes you more than able to kill your friends on a weekend mountain-bike trip.

Our fellow driver approached and said "I had some guys try to tell me that X location was only 3 blocks away! I quoted X price and they turned me away." I interjected: "Yeah, but as slow as it is tonight, having one ride is better than none." He readily agreed.

Pedicabbers, in the Summer and Winter, it doesn't change- it is certainly effort that changes, but on a Summer night versus a winter night, all is possible.

I may suggest getting a hand counter- just for your own statistics. It gives you a little gauge of effort. In leaner times, the hustle is important. In times of Summer, it is wonderful. But, as I said, take the good with the bad.


Happy Holidays, and Happy hustling.

beefsteak.

Q: Does your pedicab company close for the winter?

Believe it or not, in Denver, Colorado, land of snow and cold, pedicabs operate year-round. In fact, this is a very, very busy time for us. Denver is such a hot sports town that the snowiest weather can't cool us off for long. We just finished up with baseball with our own Colorado Rockies making their first appearance in the World Series. We continue with Bronco football, Avalanche hockey and Nuggets basketball along with several other sports teams and events in the area. Pedicabbing slows down at the beginning of the year, but with the exception of the huge holiday blizzards last winter, never completely shuts down.

What about pedicabs in your area? Will they continue to operate all year? If so, what issues does that create and how do you handle them? If not, why not?

Well, how do you sell the ride?

In the near recent past, we have noticed a problem with selling the ride. This little gem of a blog isn't teaching anything or spitting on different methods of selling the ride. It does, however, examine the not-so popular ways of getting your passengers into the cab.

1. "I'm going to sit on this comfortable vinyl seat with my feet on the seat." This is the ultimate lazy salesperson. They seem to think that if they look bored enough, some poor sap will sell their ride for them, or some disabled passenger will do anything for a ride.

I have some news: Sitting on your arse, looking bored doesn't sell the ride whether 20,000 people flow out of given stadium, or the occasional stumbling drunk asks for your assistance. The truth is, that with this job, you have to *gasp* work. You may have to talk, you may have to stand up, or you may have to actually sell the ride for another poorly trained dorko, who thinks he (or she) is a pedicab driver.

2. The "cell phone ride." Nothing angers your vets more than trying to sell a ride with the cell phone or bluetooth, ipod, or any other handset-electronics in your ear. Especially in the front of the line. You aren't techno, you aren't efficient, I think you just think that people will want to talk to you, have a conversation with you, or even give you money for your services in good faith, with you having something obviously better to do- like listen to your ipod. Please, don't fall into this category. It makes you look dumb.

3. The "ding-dong" ride. You know what I am talking about...Ding-Dong...FYI- I should enlighten you- no one rides because you ring your bell or honk your horn and not say a word. In fact, they are more annoyed with you because you are doing nothing but using a non-assertive voice to sell the ride.

Just the other day, I had some pudwacker try to tell me that by talking to potential business that I was scaring business away. Which leads me to:

4. "I know this job is easy and you owe me a ride, because I am transportation out of chaos." Folks, we encounter this kind of arrogance and idiocy because truthfully, some riders seem to think that the higher the prices, the less the number of riders, the better the business. Drivers, owners, and otherwise, please do not fall into this trap. This philosophy is dumb. Talk as much as you can, and I guess, annoy the front of the line enough to make it move.

5. The "overcharge." We all know the dicks that will charge far too much to milk the customer. Just because they will pay for it, would you like to keep good faith with passengers or use them for their money. All, I must say, you will always have the morons who overcharge. Don't overcharge, police your lines, and sell the ride. Those who are overcharging will only be jealous if you can move a line and they can't. On a recent Sunday, I made about 20 trips. The Sunday before that, 30 rides. I made money doing it. The fact is that the more rides you get, the higher your return...that is...if you aren't willing to work that hard.

6. The "carnie" ride. We are not carnies. In fact, Google "Carnie" and see what comes back. We don't want our passengers to step right up on Sunday...Sunday...Sunday. We don't ask you for your tickets or money. We are in the transportation business. We serve a valuable purpose. We move people. But don't treat the passengers like a piece of cotton candy or a hot dog. They are people and need to go somewhere. Get them there with style, skill and integrity. But you are bound to annoy them with your carnival-freakshow style. Ask them if they want a ride. If they tell you no, there must have been a reason. Eye contact and a direct address is all anyone wants.

7. "Water-Cooler Talk" If you are at the front of a line, sell the damn ride. Don't converse or flirt. It only takes one interested person ask price. If you aren't ready, then you lose the potential for that Unicorn ride. Folks, please, sell your rides. If you have to beg, borrow, or underbid, go for it. just sell the damn ride in the front of a line. Don't price gouge. Just sell it. You will return for another when the rest of the line is still standing there.

Happy selling!

beefsteak

Q: What do you do when you've lost your mojo?

Can you help this driver get his mojo back?

A couple weekends ago, we met up with a very frustrated pedicab driver on a busy Friday evening. The last few times he was out he really struggled to get rides while everyone else was rockin' and rollin'. He wanted a discount on his rent because he wasn't doing well.

He'd been pedicabbing off and on for almost a year, but hadn't been out regularly in recent months. Whenever he did ride, he complained about the condition of the cab he was riding, pointing out every little squeek and rattle. When he first started driving he rocked, but it seemed he'd lost his mojo. Some new bills at home and fewer hours at his regular job made him more desparate to make money on his pedicab. It seemed the harder he tried, the fewer rides he got.

What would you do with this driver? What would you tell him? Would you give him a discount? Have you had a similar experience? Can you help him get his mojo back?

I'll tell you what we did later on, but first I want your opinion. Please click on comments below and tell us how you would solve this mojo dilemma.

Karma Rides...

OK, everyone is familiar with the concept of a karma ride. It is usually a short ride that takes place at least once in a shift. Then there are free rides that turn into a trip for a tip. I have spent afternoons offering rides "on the house" that are just as profitable as nights when I tell customers that I work for tips. (And I know that there are others who could say the same.)

Well last Saturday night I met an elderly lady who missed her bus and was stuck downtown. (She was frail, and walked with what I would describe as a slow and wobbly step. She reminded me of Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.) It was 8 pm and the buses stopped running at 7 pm. I asked the woman if she could call someone to pick her up. She said that she had just moved and had no phone and no one to call to pick her up. I asked her how far away she lived and she said that it was not that far and gave me the name of one major street by her home.

I seriously considered taking her to a taxi and having the taxi driver take her home at my expense. I quickly discarded this notion as I replayed her climbing into my cab with my assistance. Could I trust a taxicab driver with my passenger? I decided that I could not. Now that I was committed to taking the old woman home I started asking her what landmarks she could remember were near her new home. She narrowed down my options by informing me that she lived near a corner liquor store located next to a small restaurant.

Taking what I know of the area where she lives I started riding for the street she could remember the name of. I figured that if I started riding that she would eventually see the liquor store and/or the restaurant and we'd find her home in no time. I figured that she lived in one of two places and started riding hoping that I was correct. As we entered the first intersection I thought might be the correct one I asked her if she saw anything that looked familiar. She responded that she did not. I told her not to worry because it was just a matter of time before we arrived at her home.

Well, about a 1/2 mile later we approached the second intersection that fit her criteria. I again asked her if anything looked familiar. She paused, squinted and then recognized the two corner businesses. I asked her which way did I needed to drive and she told me to turn left, which I did as soon as the light turned green.

After a left turn and then another right turn we approached her home. I pulled up along side the curb next to her residence and dismounted from my pedicab. As I reached out to help my passenger off the pedicab she started crying. Through her tears she thanked me and apologized for having no money to give me. I explained that I didn't want her money and that I was just glad that she was home now. After helping her down off my cab she continued to cry as she gave me the tightest hug she could offer.

I am by no means the nicest man in the world, but for a moment last Saturday night, I was the nicest man in the world for an elderly woman who I have never met. And that is the best tip of all.

Q: Whatever gets you through the (summer) night

Summer is officially here, and we just made it through a HOT first weekend of summer here in Denver. There was a lot going on downtown -- A LOT -- which meant there were a bunch of drivers braving the heat. Yeah . . . but it's a dry heat.

I asked this one before in the frigid temps of winter. Now I'm asking again in the sweltering heat of the summer.

What are the items you couldn't do without when you ride in the summer heat?

Is it a particular hat (I hope you're wearing a hat during the day)? Maybe a certain brand of energy drink or sunscreen? Do you have a favorite brand of energy bar that holds up in the heat? What would you recommend to other drivers?

Please add your comments and tell us about your "must haves" that get you through a tough summer shift.

Green transit in Durham, NC

Pedicabs seek market niche
Is Durham ready for a 'green' taxi service that runs on leg power? Greenway Transit hopes so

The evening was to be a launch, of sorts. The Durham Bulls were opening an eight-game home stand June 14. What better way to promote the wind-in-your-face fun of a pedicab ride than offering free pregame rides from the parking lot to the ballpark?

"A limited audience, I guess, " Dana Di Maio said as he sat on his dark blue pedicab after the game started. "I took three rides total ... no, four."

Di Maio is the part-time pedicab coordinator for Greenway Transit, part of a Durham nonprofit pushing a variety of "green" initiatives ranging from its fleet of biodiesel buses and vans to biofuels to Third World fair trade.

Right now Di Maio is also the only driver for the two pedicabs that over time he hopes will become part of the streetscape linking the American Tobacco Historic District, downtown Durham, Brightleaf Square and Ninth Street. He's looking for drivers and exposure, some of which the pedicabs will get Saturday in the parade that accompanies Durham Rising.

Di Maio's first riders of the evening last week couldn't pass up the free novelty, which came with their confession: "I'm lazy," said both Curtis Walker, 18, and Michael Leathers, 19, before jumping into the pedicab for a brisk three-minute ride from the East Pettigrew Street parking deck around the corner to the ballpark's front entrance on Blackwell Street. Among the other riders were a middle-aged couple and two younger women.

"The people seemed to like it," Di Maio said. "One person said it was like New York."

But the 30 minutes of pregame pedaling had the 23-year-old Guilford College graduate scratching his head about how to position a business that has little precedent in Durham (though a bit more in Raleigh and Chapel Hill).

He needs at least four drivers to commit to pedaling four weeks or more. One compensation model would have the driver rent the pedicab for $30 for a four-hour evening and pocket fees and tips.

The fee scale has the first 10 minutes costing $5 for one rider, $7 for two and $11 for three. Everything over 10 minutes is $1 per minute. An hour costs $55. Shirts, caps and brochures pushing the pedicabs have yet to surface.

Di Maio is contemplating flat fees for university functions and conferences. He says conferences focusing on environmental issues might be fertile ground. Likewise "green" weddings and history tours.

The focus of Di Maio's strategizing is two $4,500 tricycles with padded benches (two- and three-seaters) over the two rear wheels and an awning (no fringe). From his perch in front, the driver grinds through 21 gears and flicks lighted turn signals. The body is fiberglass. The frame is aluminum. The whole ensemble is 80 pounds on balloon tires and is so tight and light it almost hums along the street.

The two pedicabs and insurance were purchased through a $13,000 grant this spring from John Sall, co-founder of SAS Institute.

From Greenway Transit's base at 1404 Angier Ave., Di Maio's boss, Marc Dreyfors, 45, sees pedicabs as not only an ecologically sensible and responsible transportation alternative in congested cities, but just plain fun.

"When you go through East Durham neighborhoods [on a pedicab], it's like being a rock star," he said. "People yell from their porches. It's heartfelt. It doesn't make money, but it's really cool."

Now Greenway Transit is searching for a business model to turn its fledgling "green" pedicab efforts into something that generates the folding green of dollars.

"It's a Catch-22," Di Maio said about building a customer base. "You have to be popular to be popular."

Getting started with a new, unfamiliar business is tough. It's important to be seen with people in your cab -- even if those people are your kids or your neighbors. People like to do what they see other people doing.

A Rainy Night in Denver

One evening awhile back, the skies opened up and the rain poured down. But that didn't stop some hardcore MHP drivers.

Damien Rice was at the Paramount Theater, which is a hit-or-miss venue for pedicabs. It's right on the pedestrian mall, and most people plan to walk before and after.

That night the Paramount was a very big hit! People who poured out of the Theater after the concert, expecting to walk to their cars, were surprised to find a deluge from above.

Pedicabs to the rescue!!!

Canopies and rain curtains came in handy. The drivers out that night made a big splash with concert-goers -- and good cash too.

Just remember... bad weather for strolling is great weather for pedicabbing.

Q: What's your favorite energy drink?

Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are a pedicabby's best friend -- especially during a long night in the saddle. When the Monster marketing truck or Red Bull sample carts roll by, drivers can be seen chasing them down the street like kids after the ice cream man.

When I go into the gas station, I'm blown away by the number of choices. Personally, I like a a local, but hard-to-find, energy drink called Go Fast. Maybe you prefer coffee or juice, tea or Gatorade.

So this week, I want to know. . .

What's your favorite energy drink, and why?

What gets you going and keeps you going? Any particular flavor you favor? There are so many choices these days, what would you recommend?

A bit of everything

Hello everyone!

I wanted to post a note to say "thanks" for the kind hospitality. I am only sorry that I wasn't able to enjoy it for more than a few hours! The drive back to the "No" wasn't as fast as I was hoping. I did learn that one can drive across the state of Utah in a little over five hours. (Torn canopy be damned.) The new cabs work great...so I was told. I haven't had a chance to ride them yet. My day will come...


Since this is a blog about pedicabbing, I thought that I'd share a recent event that I and a fellow senior rider participated in last Saturday. We were invited to work a wedding shower for the soon to be bride and groom in the swanky north side of town. The theme of the party was a three ring circus. Pedicabs, scuba divers in the indoor pool and a three piece band. According to the hostess we were the talk of the party.

Well, our role was to pick up the attendees and ride them to the front door of the house and then wait around till it was time for everyone to go home. On one occasion we were carrying two couples to the door and it turned into a race. And then I hear one of the lady passengers announce with utter glee in her voice, "I feel like I am in the movie Ben Hur!"

I know, she meant it as a compliment. (This is the second time I have been compared to a horse and I have mixed feelings on being compared to a four legged animal.) Well shortly after our Roman chariot race I shared with my fellow rider the gist a certain article in the New Yorker posted on this blog. In our best poor boy English accents we started thinking of ways to offer rides to the feudal lords and ladies. "Care for a ride guvnah?" We even concocted outfits fitting of our "roles."

The best fare of the evening was when I gave three older women, two who were very, very intoxicated, a ride to a house down the street. It seems that they wanted to leave and they could not find their husbands anywhere. (I figured that their husbands sneaked out of the party to watch the Mayweather/De La Hoya fight on pay-per-view.) So, with a little prodding from the hostess the ladies climbed into my cab and we were off. One woman was convinced that I was going the wrong way. A second was firing off directions and a third said I should look for a certain street (the name escapes me) at which time I was to turn right.

After 10 minutes or so we arrived at their destination. After the ladies exited my cab I received a generous tip, and then a generous hug, followed by another generous tip and three more generous hugs. Did I tell you that I love my job! The ladies thanked me for my services and I in turn thanked them for their generosity.


After Saturday it looks like there will be other events on the north side of town, parties, fund raisers and such. And to tell the truth, I am kind of excited by the prospects of giving the lords and ladies a ride.

You take the good with the bad.

I just finished another night on the street. It was about to the point of ludicrous, but, I quit. A former blog talked about knowing when to hold 'em and knowing when to fold 'em. Well, I have something to say.

In watching and making an attempt to bike this evening, I found something out: I have nothing to prove and and that riding a pedicab is about attitude, but there are things you can't control, one of which being weather.

I knew it was going to rain. It was acting like it might be an off-and-on night, with a little rain. Nevertheless, it became downpour that lasted several hours. Lesson: Take the good with the bad.

I quit early. I got sick of my hands being cold, trying to pedal a pedicab in the rain for a few dollars more. I was cold. wet, and soaked to the bone. So, I reminisced about my days as a rookie driver (rookie tatoos and chain bites), and thought about my soaking feet. It happens to us all. The silver lining in this is that even I, who worked several hours and made half of what I wanted to, realized that the terrible circumstances are terrible. However, I know that when I have a sunny, perfect day (like St. Paddy's day, which, I may remind you was an epic day in itself, moreso than New Year's eve) absolutely giving the power to make money, there is nothing better.

I won't just ride big events or ride nice days. I ride when I can, to make the money I need to make. But, those days aren't always perfect. Entre' tonight. Lesson here: Those who come out in the cold, rain, negative temps, or snow (and I have the numbness in my hands to prove it) are the backbone of this industry! They are trying to make something out of nothing. Take this as a lesson: when it is cold, who is going to take the inebreated to their respective hotels and destinations? The people out tonight were soldiers and warriors in the pedicab game. They were willing to brave it and see if they could make a few dollars. But, I say, dedication and sheer stubbornness make a driver go out in the most dire of circumstances for return.

Keep this in mind, budding drivers and companies. Take the good with the bad. When it is good, it is great. When it is bad, don't bitch or complain. We all know that slowness is a payback for Broncos games, St. Paddy's day, or New Years. Take it all, because otherwise, you just become another driver with complaints that can't be solved. Off to the dryer!

Pedicab alchemy

Where else can you get exercise and make $0 in your pocket turn into $500 in a weekend? I would bet not many places.
~~ M H Pedicab driver

On the subject of lines

Riders:

I came across a ludicrous situation the other day. Yours truly was out riding on a warm Denver day, when, a wave of people come to hopefully take advantage of pedicab services.

There was one line formed, with three cabs in it. I moved to the other side of the line, creating a second line, when there was clearly enough volume to support such an action. I created my own line, and proceeded to assume 'first up' position. Suddenly, another rider, (we'll call her schoolmarm), told me that I wasn't allowed to create another line, and that she was first up by virtue of the fact she got there before me. I heartily laughed and disagreed. She cut in front of me and ordered me to back up.

In all of the days I have ridden, over several years, in comparison to ye schoolmarm, if there is enough room for 2 lines, and the rider behind first up isn't smart enough to figure out that there is enough flow of people for everybody, does she 'deserve' first up, even though she was a sheep and followed herself into line A? Feedback is appreciated.

Expectations

When they're fishing around looking for a quarter don't look for a big tip.
~~ PedicabMan

On macho posturing and fighting for no reason.

Good Day drivers and enthusiasts,

I come home last night tired. My legs and back ache, my head buzzing with the images of macho posturing whether it be a car tricked out with stupid after market exhaust and nitrous or some macho, drunk ape posturing with his buddies.

Last weekend, I witnessed an assault. Who knew what warranted the assault, but it was still a crime, nevertheless.

Throughout the last several years, I have seen far too many interactions with violence involved. It actually kinda makes me want to quit. Whether it be New Years Eve, where I saw a group of what looked like gang members attack (surround and prey on) just another drunk idiot being an idiot. They kicked, knocked over, and knocked what little sense he had in him, out of him. I have seen people completely cold-cocked for walking away. This past weekend, I saw a guy walk out a door, and knocked from his feet, surrounded and kicked repeatedly. This happens, people.

As I said before, it really makes me upset when I see this happen. The bar is the supplier of our magic tonics and mind numbing devices, and we are the witnesses, and sometimes saviors for those people who are either in the wrong place at the wrong time, or deserve to be put in their place. But, I contend that no matter the circumstance (times of war excluded, in a self-preservative sense), I would still never wish on anyone what I have seen. True, I was at a concert the other night and some drunk idiot kept pushing his way to the front regardless of who was in his way. I stood stoic and firm and was awaiting his antics. I envisioned myself grabbing the guy by the throat and putting him in his place. I didn't, and in fact heard his stupid dork friend say something to the effect of "Oh, all of these people just don't know how to drink and have fun." Last time I checked the revenues at this venue were largely ticket sales and booze. I shouldn't tell you of all of the puffing of the herb we encountered, either, moi excluded. But n'er everyone was sober and didn't know how to have a good time. Ass.

I have had plenty of pedicab encounters with street violence and mob mentality. Heck, I hate to say it, but I have been blocks away from guns being pulled. It happens. Denver Police are actually somewhat on top of it, but you can't cover all areas at once. It is much like putting out fires, and when one stops, another is extingushed.

I won't scare you with stories, but liquid courage does this: frightens the intelligent out of having a good time, and encourages the arrogant and cocky to be even more out of control. What do you do about it?

The first is to avoid trouble areas. In my experience, the second I see scuffles, I move directly away from the trouble. No matter how bad I want to play referree and either stop the fight, tell the parties to go home, or tell them to go suit up and meet on the field or gladiator ring of battle, I move away from the trouble. There will always be people who are mean drunks, and out of hand. It would take an extreme situation for me to intrude on their posturing displays. I call them that because that is really all they are- primitive, primordial apes, who seem to think that they own their streets and their pride is the most important thing. FYI, apes, if you can understand me, it isn't.

Second, if someone is really getting pounded on, find some kind of vehicle with flashing lights and be a calm, collected informant. I have said "Officer (address them like this, they deserve that much), there is a nasty fight down the street and you might want to go down there." There, fire starting to be extighuished.

Third, try not to be a witness, in the true sense. It will waste your time unless you have license plates, full descriptions, or ways of direction. Don't be a hero, it will only lose you money and burn you out to the point of fear of the streets. Don't let that happen.

Fourth, if the incident was handled by either mobs of partiers or the police, pick out a point person to ask if everything was handled. Kindly ask the police if they intervened and if there is anything you can do. Chances are, there will be nothing, but good will never hurts anyone.

Fifth, chalk it up for experience and walk away. Just remember, most of these guys (I have seen some nasty girl fights too) are drunk.

This brings me to an additonal point: The women are the main motivation for this. It isn't their fault, but their short skirts, tight jeans, and their scantily clad ways can be a cause. At least it is for the guys. I wonder why men do what they do (catcall, fight), and I wonder if any of these people have mothers, fathers, and grandparents to drop the ball of common sense on them, or at least not let some out of the house wearing what they do. Ick.

The truth is that the partying crowd will always be out of hand. Mob mentality is and always has been sickening, like that. The French Revolution, the Boston Massacre, and any old Sunday football game might give some something to live for, but deep down, is as visceral and hateful, and tribal, I might add, as it comes. My only piece of advice, stay sober and alert- someone may want a ride away from the scuffling.

Peas.

Interrogatory

Good Day Pedicab Drivers,

It is Friday, yet another, and I gear up for another Friday night on the streets of Denver. I have been graciously invited to participate in the Mile High Pedicab Blog, which I am actually pretty excited about.

What shall we talk about this week? Time permitting, lets talk about our fair weather. No, I am not talking about our weather in Denver. God knows it has not been ideal pedicab weather, but somehow, cabs are still out. This is a good thing.

I recall last fall an uprising of sorts, which was short lived and shortly thought out. It was your standard, obnoxious group of rantings, aimed at the big company in town. You can see some back and forth commentary at the Mile High pedicab Blog at www.milehighpedicabs.com.

Nevertheless, I stand and wonder what the deal is with these companies and riders that are out there, riding without insurance, without regard to rules, or any sound practices at all. I suppose they are the individuals who are the emo-punk-neo age bike gurus, who, seem to hate anyone with authority. I get very tired of the pseudo-community, where everyone is invited to the party. I guess they figure that if they provide beer for their little friends, they figure that they may buy loyalty. This might be a little far fetched, since none of them have any money, and gush about the fact of how badass they are in riding their bikes around the streets.

Lo and behold, be aware of the fact that the second that the weather decides to shape up, these rivals will show up with their bandanas around their wrists, studded belts in hand, not withstanding their Mao-Tse-Dong hats, and be out to prove how badass they are on their funky fixed gear bikes. I would love to have a fixed gear bike, but the minimalist approach is a bit much.

In fact, I do begin to question their sincerity, and even their integrity in taking rides, just to make a quick buck. There are several companies out there that play by the rules and participate in an orderly business downtown, where there is enough wealth downtown, and little need for a cute little community.

This machination of this little community, is actually contributing to numerous complaints from the constabulary and the like, about "those renegade pedicab drivers." I only ask, as a driver, that if we all play by some generally accepted rules and not let our egos and pedicab community alliances get out of whack, we can continue to grow this business to a true business, where we don't pollute, and become the preferred way of transport in metro areas, or at least in downtown areas.

I think that is the bottom line, here. Guys that show up with cabs and pedals in hand, and say "I am just riding a bike," are included in this. By the way, you can't ride on our pedestrian mall, except on Sundays. Get your license, figure out your insurance, quit shirking responsibility, pony up, and do the right thing. If you get into an accident, at least you won't be buried by legal bills, ruin the business for everyone else, and selfishly take everyone down with you in your blaze if indy-emo glory. Some food for thought.

I think this has been heard, and truly, it seems that they actually have insurance, which is fair. Glad to see we have an understanding.

Spring is around the corner, and that being said, only the strong survive the winter. The pine beetles come out of the trees, the indy-emo bike geeks come out of the...I wouldn't know. Anywho, This recurring issue of licensing will happen again, and please, do the right thing.

This winter has been a lesser riding winter for me, but I can recall several winters ago getting cold, suiting up for a long night, and coming away with hard earned money. One thing I will always love about the business is the potential to make money and actually market yourself and prove you are in awesome shape and can work hard. Many have this mentality, and so, I salute you. Dude!

I may also say that the more you sit, the more you will see me ride by you with rides. Sometimes I do sit. But, this is for one of two reasons: I am needing a break or I just feel like sitting. But, don't let me dissuade you from sitting. It is much like fishing. But, as a dear friend and roommate said, "Flyfishing from a boat is hella-better than standing and wading around."

So, you sit. Then you get cold. Then you give me evil looks for blowing by you with beautiful girls in my cab, who happen to be grabbing my backside and shouting my name. Talk about motivation.

Yes, this is work. I believe that people call the chit-chat "water cooler talk". This is only a way of showing the rest of the world how good of a screw off you are. Cheers to that! I have a job I don't have to work for. Yippee! Just do us a favor, quit congregating 5 cabs at a time. It gets in the way of people conducting business. If not, it at least provides me with a medium to spray the icy slush or snow dust at your handmade signs. Hey! I think I am getting a ride...and it seems to be two beautiful women. Gotta go!

A Decent Proposal

Hello everyone.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name/handle is MAF The Stache and I will be an occasional contributor to the Pedicab Blog. I did go by the name, The Stache because a certain pedicab driver (who shall remain nameless to protect his guilt) refers to me as The Stache. (And while I no longer have the same name, I still have my mustache.)

Before I go any further I wanted to thank the other Pedicab bloggers for inviting me to participate.


A Decent Proposal

I thought that I'd share with you my first experience riding on Valentine's Day. But first let me go back to the previous day (the 13th) when I spoke to a very nice gentleman who was interested in meeting me in front of the main office of the police department downtown where his girlfriend works.

As it turns out, the gentleman in question and his girlfriend had the pleasure of riding on a pedicab about five months earlier when they were on their first date. Now, five months later the man wanted to surprise his girlfriend on Valentine's Day with another pedicab ride and to ask her to marry him. After getting the particulars, of where (police department) and when (3:20 pm) to meet him the next day. So with the particulars written down, I waited to make my appointed round.

So, there I was, 3:10 in the afternoon, sitting on my pedicab and I started to wonder if I was waiting at the right place. A tall man approached from the south, calling out to me, "You must be The Stache. MAF." I replied that I was.

The tall gentleman climbed into the pedicab and directed me to the parking lot behind the police station and began telling me of his plan, including the route that I was to pedal that afternoon. His girlfriend was to get off work at 3:30 pm, he was going to meet her and make some small talk. After several minutes of talking with her he was to to signal to me and I would pull up and they were to climb into the cab and the journey would begin. I nodded in agreement and told him that I would wait for his signal as he walked off towards the front of the building.

It was 3:20 pm and I was getting nervous.

3:30 pm: The nice gentleman was walking back to me where I was waiting and he told me that his girlfriend was probably working later and that it would be a little while longer. I asked him how he was feeling, and he said "Really nervous." (I couldn't tell.) I reassured him (as any pedicab driver would) as he walked back to his post.

3:35 pm: The gentleman is now talking on his cell phone, and I am having my doubts. I kept thinking "The best laid plans of mice and men." He starts walking over to me and I am wondering if his Valentine's Day suprise was turning into his Valentine's Day nightmare. Despite his being nervous, he said that things weren't going according to the plan. He asked my if I had another engagement to which I replied "No." (I was in this for the long haul. I was going to see the tall gentleman crash and burn or soar with eagles.

3:40 pm: The tall gentleman is once again talking on his cell phone and I start worrying that things aren't going well. Perhaps I was showing my worry as he waved in my direction.

3:45 pm: The tall gentleman is talking with a very petite woman. I start getting nervous, going over the route that I am to take. And then he signaled me (not the raised hand I was expecting but what the hell) to pick them up. He introduced me to his girlfriend, who shook my hand and proceeded to jump into the pedicab and announced, "After today, I really could use a ride back to the car."

Ah, she was completely unaware of what was to take place over the next 15-20 minutes. I started riding as the two sat together talking to each other. (I was definately hard of hearing that afternoon.) The tall gentleman handed her a Valentine's Day card as I rode through the courthouse park, passing squirrels who interrupted their afternoon meals to watch us pass.

We exited the park and followed the planned route which included the spot where they boarded the pedicab for the first time some five months earlier. We winded our way through the downtown as we approached the cafe where they dined on that first date, after their first pedicab ride.

I stopped the cab, and without saying a word I dismounted the pedicab and walked away to allow them some privacy. (I mean really would you want the pedicab rider sitting right there during your proposal of marriage? I don't think so.)

I must admit it was rather embarrassing standing around, waiting for the recently engaged couple to invite me back to continue the ride. I did enjoy watching the people walking downtown as they stared at the couple sharing a warm embrace in the back of my pedicab.

After she wiped away her tears of happiness I congratulated the very happy couple. They were both very happy. The tall gentleman asked if I would take several photographs to mark this momentous occasion. After the photo session which included one of her showing off her rock (It was huge!) I hopped on the pedicab to continue the last stage of the afternoon together.

The route backtracked the original route taken on this day, (and on their first date) back to where the trip began. Well back to the parking lot where her car was parked. After exiting the pedicab I congratulated the happy couple once more. They thanked me for a wonderful afternoon, and I them.

I love riding my pedicab!


UPDATE:
I just learned that my other blogger identity has overtaken "The Stache" identity. And to think I was going for a little anonymity in my posts here at the Pedicab Blog...