The document describes the author's joy ride experience of receiving their first scooter at age 18 after passing their driving test. It allowed them independence from relying on others for transportation. The scooter was comfortable, efficient getting 40+ miles per gallon, and provided safety features like mirrors and a sturdy black helmet. Owning the scooter opened up opportunities to spend time with friends exploring the local area. Even after marriage and children, the author has continued using scooters for their low cost and convenience for transportation needs.

1. My Joy Ride
Born in later seventies and to a middle class couple, my father bought me my own
ride(A two wheeler) as soonI got eighteen. He was a man of principals and did not
bow to my earlier requests for my own vehicle. He made sure I passed the driving
test and I had properdriving license. A famous Japanese company in collaboration
with Indian two wheeler manufacturer had launched this scooterin two wheeler
segment. It was being widely advertised .The 40+ mileage, its eye catchy sparkling
colors, gearless and automatic drive, comfortable, jerk less ride for the driver and
the pillion rider were talk of the town. Two front mirrors on each side provided
complete and clear rear view making it very convenient for the rider to perceive in
heavy traffic rush hours or at sharp or blind turns. It meant liberation for females
from their dependence on male counterparts. My heart was all over this scooter.
As soonmy senior secondary results were out in which I scored highly, no excuse
could keep me away from my passion.
At last God heard my prayers and my father bought me a brand new Scooter. Yes
along came a trendy but a sturdy black colored Helmet with a front transparent
plastic covering.
Initially I found it a bit heavy but once I got the hold of driving it, my joy knew no
boundaries. I flew like a bird, chirped like a sparrow; after all I found my best
companion and my partner in crime.
To me my own ride meant a medium to independence. It became my first step to
climb a steep ladder called struggle in my youth.
During my coaching classes in early morning, I was no more dependent on my
father, for picking and dropping to centers.
Its Front cabinet and under seat spacewere optimum to carry my books, asmall
bag and lunch box and water bottle.
I gave ride to friends who enjoyed the pillion ride.
Almost all of us had bought our scooters bythe time we started graduation.
Famous Geri routes, Pizzas shops, archies galleries, movie theatres, Boy College
campuses were checked by us. All thanks to our two wheelers.

2. Indian weather can some time becomeharsh when you are driving a two wheeler.
A pair good goggle, gloves till forearm provide relief in summers. Mufflers,
gloves, ear mittens, woolen caps do the same in winters. A helmet is must in all
seasons. Not only it provides safety from head injuries, it saves our hair, skin, ear,
nose from harm by external environmental factors.
My love for my scooterremained and I got new one even after I got married .It
was easy on pocketand had very low maintenance cost. In all these years,
manufacturer had improvised it, to suit Indian road and population. With a two
wheeler I found commuting within the residential areas, main shopping centers
very easy. There were almost zero parking issues. Dropped my kids to their
preschools on it, carried heavy loads of weekly grocery on it. Sometimes just drove
alone on empty roads to beat low mood. A few bucks very well spent on refueling
it, servicing it. Still enjoy driving it. Just made my ride life worthy.