Do you hate cars?

[outerheaven]

I love cars and motorcycles, and knowing how to do your own repairs is an awesome feeling of empowerment -- and will save you a ton of money very quickly. Half the job is having the right tools, so start collecting . Once you've found your way under the hood of one car, you've basically seen them all.

But I'm not a big fan of driving, actually; at least not on town/city streets, because other people's driving scares the crap out of me. But it's rare that I get mad behind the wheel. When I drive, I operate under the assumption that every other driver out there is paying 0 attention, does not see me, and in fact is on a mission to kill me -- so react accordingly! (Just kidding. Sort of.)

But this is a useful mindset for riding a motorcycle. Too many times I've seen cars blow through a stop, or merge without even seeing me on my bike -- and the sight is always accompanied by a sickening feeling that if I wasn't a defensive rider, I would've been nailed. I sold my last motorcycle in '09 because that feeling started to overshadow my enjoyment. I guess I'm just not 'crazy' enough to ride anymore. My girlfriend misses it though.

I also love riding bicycles. Despite my packed garage, bicycles were actually my primary mode of transportation for three years. But a series of bike-related 'catalyst,' and then moving to NYC where hellnoIwillnotride, shook my confidence. It's mostly a leisure activity for me now. Also, see above RE: distracted drivers, those wonderful zombies who can't stop staring at their cell phones.

... Cell phones, though, those I hate.