Scooterdude's Apologia, or "Why I Scoot"

In which the Artist explains:
The Discovery, Cultivation of the Craft and Development of the Sport
The Design, Advantage, and Innovations of the K2 Kick-Two
Beginnings, Chronology, Innovations
Introduction to the sports of Figure-Scooting, Trash Quidditch and Scooter-Sailing
Outlook and Final Observations


I got rid of my last car almost a decade ago. I'd been gradually reducing my reliance upon the automobile, preferring public transportation, or simply walking.

Then, it was the Spring, 2003.
Nice weather was finally with us for real.
I stopped by Blades, a store at the far end of Newbury St. which no longer exists but offered stuff for roller-blading, skateboards, and occasional sorts of odd equipment. I'd thought for some time of getting something to use for the commute to work in the Copley Square area. One of the salespeople there convinced me to try the K2 Kick-board. I'll never forget my first ride out of the store onto Newbury St.
I was unbalanced and shaky.

Eventually, something like a month, I felt the correct balance. It took another few months to get enough strength in my legs to be confident of riding it regularly.
But, as soon as I was out and about, I felt an exhilaration, unmistakable delight, grabbing hold of me. It's grown ever since.
What I can do on it!
How maneuverable it is!
How exquisitely suited for the city through which I daily pass!

Originally, I weighed in at 180lbs. and easily tested it's structural capability.
Currently, I'm at 165lbs. Due to my regular exercise on the board, I've managed to impress family, friends, and my doctor with this change.

Within a few months, I realized the plastic rims on the wheels were cracking and coming apart. (This, I later concluded, is the primary design-defect of the device discussed later.) So, I returned to the shop where I'd bought it and bought another, but I also heard the bad news that not only were they not carrying the K2 Kick-board anymore but that K2 had discontinued production, and that the shop was going out of business.
Suddenly, just a few months after discovering this great vehicle and its potential, the supply, the store, and the company all at once were gone!

Amazing!

The joy I'd so recently come to know was sharply and suddenly cut short.

But since that day of terrible news, I continued to be so rocked with thrill by this remarkable craft. I can't understand how or why it was discontinued.

It is, for this middle-aged man, the perfect mode of transportation, a compliment to pedestrian traffic and at the same time able to handle auto traffic.
I ride it year round. In fact, I prefer the Winter, when the ice and snow fill in pavement roughness and cracks. I have a smoother ride when the weather is somewhere in the low to mid 20 degrees!

There is a growing political dimension in all of this, a view that this little scooter serves as a reproach to our current auto culture, a culture I've come to loathe for its brutishness, it's oil-gluttony, it's record of homicide and road-rage, it's domination in people lives and economies, it's waste and residue of pavements, strip-malls, parking-lots, etc.

---Figure-Scooting---
Though, meanwhile, I,
with grace,
and would have music
with which to likewise move,
and thus, as Figure-Scooter-Extraordinaire,
would also, demonstrate, there is something beyond the crude automobile consciousness.
(cf. the videos found at:
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=scooterdudeofcopley

or my blog at: http://www.scooterdudeboston.blogspot.com

---'Trash-Quidditch'---
As I also, seek to pick up the trash of Copley Square, as I ride so smoothly, and now so freely, so effortlessly gliding. It is a game of what I call 'Trash-Quidditch' (similar rules as in Harry Potter). The object of the game is to gather the loose trash, the smallest of which is the greatest challenge!, and place it all in a pile in front of the church. When there is finally a substantial grouping, either the wind will blow it about for a final approach, or the Seeker will attempt to seize as much of the pile as possible and successfully throw it all in the bin (trash barrels).
It is a game. But, it is art. It is also a demonstration of responsibility.
It is payment for the privilege of using and sharing the space.
It is work. It is play. I forget whatever matters in it, except to perfect my game.

---Scooter-Sailing---
Sometimes, the wind around the Hancock Tower, around Trinity Church is so intense, strong enough to blow down the barrels, stop people in their tracks, and...
whisk away a Scooter-sailor!
I fashioned a sail using a over-sized clear plastic bag. Attaching it to the frame of the scooter, I discovered an amazing vehicle, light and responsive to the wind and will of the sailor!
With the control I have, I easily manage to maneuver around the pedestrians and obstacles. I glide down the city streets on windy days. Such an incredible thrill!

My hope is that the device will soon be returned to production and the market-place. I'm continuing efforts in this direction.
I'm earnestly seeking other enthusiasts and believers who'll assist me in making the Scooter-future possible.

I see, that day,
people of all ages,
with smiles,
with laughter and glee,
passing each other,
gliding with joy,
with either the energy of their own strength,
or the wind upon them.
Perhaps as well,
they'll be able, at some future time, to mount up,
into the sky!
And, we'll all fly on our wonderful vehicles of dream and fantasy!