Sunday 22 August 2010

Hot Wheels in The City

I've been on a motorcycle once, maybe twice in my life. I was the passenger, of course, clinging the the coat of the driver and closing my mouth, for fear of losing my tongue in the hard whipping wind. I clung to him for dear life and shut my eyes tight. We were driving from one village in France to another, which took us approximately 7 minutes by bike, instead of taking us around 16 minutes by car. We took the scenic route, he told me. I saw none of it. At the end of our journey, I hopped off, well more like, let myself be carried off, and promised myself never to experience this again. 


So when my friend informed me yesterday that Addison Lee's cab services offered a taxibike service, which he had tried last week, I shrieked at the idea of it. "But is it safe?" I asked. "Extremely, they are chauffeured by these expert motorcyclists or something." he answered. "Do they go fast?" "They are twice as fast, and it's awesome, they'll take you anywhere you want for half the time." I couldn't believe my ears. I rely on Addison Lee almost once a week, when too lazy to grab the 390 bus back to Notting Hill from Central London. But this is different. Would I ever consider putting my life in someone else's hands again? Would you, zesties? I'm thinking long and hard about this, still this morning as I write this post. The last time I rode on a motorcycle, I was brought into the harbour safe and sound.  What could happen to me now, with one of London's most reliable taxicab and courier services? I mean, yes, motorcycles are dangerous, and they do kill thousands of drivers each year in this country. It's terrifying how you can feel so powerful and yet so vulnerable on these vehicles. But oh, how exhilarating!

Addison Lee Taxibike Services
www.addisonlee.com/services/taxybikes/
020 7255 4269

9 comments:

  1. I really don't think I could go on one! I bet loads of people will be using them come Fashion Week!

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  2. I have never been on a motorcycle. It's one thing when you know the driver well, but for public transportation? I may have to stick to the bus or taxi. :)

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  3. I've been on a motorbike three times. Once with a boyfriend many many years ago, just down our street - not very exciting really. 2nd time was in Greece - 3 of us on one bike! 3rd time was a Vespa in Spain with a bunch of girlsfriends. Loads of fun. Huzz plans to buy a Harley one day so we can ride off into the sunset together. Go for it.

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  4. I've never been on a motorcycle but this sounds fun, although I'm not sure where you would grip? do you cling on to the driver? If so that could be a little odd... To say the least! Still if it was fast and cheap perhaps well worth a shot!

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  5. If it wasn't for little L, I'd still be scooting around London on my red little Vespa. Wroooaaaam... :)
    PS: Falling off really hurts!!

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  6. Hi Emily! I LOVE your blog concept! So cool, I know exactly what you mean, I left Atlanta for NYC after I knew EVERYTHING about Atlanta, I couldn't go anywhere without seeing someone I knew, etc.! So here's to your quest to discover London, I will be following along as your newest follower!
    Shari
    www.littlebluedeer.com

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  7. Rock on, baby. You're doing great !!

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  8. Would they provide helmets and if they did I would be more afraid of "sharing" strangers hair products or creatures more than fear the actual bike ride.

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  9. i say no, I have seen one too many ugly motorbike accidents in the streets of Bangkok. Of course london traffic is quite a bit safer, but I would stick to booking cars! xxx

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