Monday, March 10, 2008

On the Other Hand... (Cars part II)

I was trying to park in the three-level parking structure at work today. The lines are painted close enough that the PT Cruiser is a tight fit. You are warned there is only 6'8" clearance. But for some reason this morning there was a noticeable number of REALLY BIG pickup trucks. (I'm 5'10" and they towered above me, so they were really pushing the height limit, and both tires were on the yellow lines.) I had to wonder what is the rationale? Up where I live (50 miles north of here), it might make slightly more sense: a lot of people do haul a load of firewood, or a boat, or a deer they've just shot, at least a couple times a year. But in Westchester? Just sounds like a bear to park and maneuver, never mind the gas.

5 Comments:

Blogger John Hornor said...

D'ya'll have rednecks up there in New York?

I attended Bennington writers workshop in New Hampshire and there were rednecks everywhere. Canuck-necks I guess. But I'm curious about New York.

You see, the indigenous American Ruby-throated Hick -- commonly known as the Redneck -- is attracted to trucks as part of his mating plumage. Oft times you'll see him cruising the thoroughfares between Sonic and Auto-Audio, sounding his mating call, the dulcet strains of Poison, Hank Jr and Kid Rock while revving his engines and dangling a tattooed arm out of the drivers window. This indicates to the female redneck that he is available to mate.

Maybe some rednecks are nesting near your office or your parking space?

4:23 PM  
Blogger Ed Turner said...

While I doubt this is true for most people, I'm 6'5" and 300 lbs, and so far a pickup is the most comfortable bit of car I've ever come across. 'Course, I can't afford it, so I don't have one, but if I had the money to spare I'd be driving one.

... that being said, I'm sure most of them were bought by average guys who just wanted the Biggest Car, and we may only speculate why.

4:36 PM  
Blogger KPaffenroth said...

Oh, we have that species covered, just outside of Westchester. Ask anyone around here about the Dutchess Mall Flea Market (which was an awesome piece of Americana that only went out of business last year - and I miss it!) and you'll be surprised that we're not all latte-sipping, Birkenstock-wearing college prof types. I was just surprised to see monster trucks as far down as Westchester.

4:38 PM  
Blogger John Hornor said...

Funny story. When I was in college, I inherited my grandfather's Bronco and got rid of my Volvo. This was in the early nineties and I was going to school at Lyon College, a little liberal arts college in the Ozarks.

Once behind the Bronco's wheel, I noticed all the folk I'd pass driving in other trucks would raise a finger or two from their steering wheels in greeting. This didn't happen when driving the Volvo. In the Bronco, I suddenly became worthy of greeting. I can't lie and say I didn't enjoy that. I'm wondering if the Truck Club -- that's how I came to think of it -- is just a strange southern phenomenon.

I did love that Bronco, though. Stepping up into a cab is nice. Twelve miles to the gallon is not, even back then.

And I'm 6'2 and 250 lbs, so I hear what you're saying Ed. 10-4 good buddy.

4:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The best car I've ever owned happens to be a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. It may tear to bits tomorrow, but it has been one of the most reliable, dependable vehicles I've ever owned.

Another reliable vehicle is a Toyota Camry. They're sporty, cheap on gas and won't break your bank account. I'll probably invest in another Pontiac Grand Prix (with the 3800 engine V-6) as I've had great luck with the brand.

1:27 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home



Masken





Triumph of The Walking Dead