And how! And I'm not even referring to the insanely stringent rules now surrounding new permit holders. That's a whole other kettle of fish!
No, I'm talking about driving – really driving. In my day (jeez, that sounds horrible!), I had to prevent wheels from locking up myself. If I put a car in harm's way, the door or roof pillar would cushion the impact. If it was slippery outside, I'd have to feather the throttle myself in order to avoid wheel spin. Forget about intelligent cruise control, navigation or creature comforts like A/C or heated seats!
I had to fend for myself. I did, and I'm better because of it.
I get to drive squeaky new cars every week so I know them well, very well. I also own a 20-year-old Volkswagen Jetta which I've called my own for 10 years. I've also been the proprietor of several cars from the '80s as well as one from the '70s.
I recently took the Jetta out for a spin, and once again came face-to-face with what driving really is. It's like comparing Juan Manual Fangio's driving to that of today's F1 drivers. It's just not the same.
Everything important takes place between the driver and the mechanical components. There are very few electronics involved; injection and a knock sensor. That's about it. There are no safety nets or variable-assist this and computers to analyze if you've had a bowel movement this morning.
It's an amazing feeling, and I find myself having a hard time describing it. Here's a silly example: How many of today's new drivers will ever get to experience the feedback from a throttle cable?
Here's a piece of advice for said new drivers: Participate in a performance driving lesson at schools like Jim Russell or any other. This will at least give you a sense of what it is to “drive” in the realest sense of the word.
Although this revelation makes me happy, it also depresses the poop out of me; at 35 years old... I'm old! I guess I might as well start shopping for an electric old-people scooter. At least they don't make any noise...
No, I'm talking about driving – really driving. In my day (jeez, that sounds horrible!), I had to prevent wheels from locking up myself. If I put a car in harm's way, the door or roof pillar would cushion the impact. If it was slippery outside, I'd have to feather the throttle myself in order to avoid wheel spin. Forget about intelligent cruise control, navigation or creature comforts like A/C or heated seats!
I had to fend for myself. I did, and I'm better because of it.
I get to drive squeaky new cars every week so I know them well, very well. I also own a 20-year-old Volkswagen Jetta which I've called my own for 10 years. I've also been the proprietor of several cars from the '80s as well as one from the '70s.
I recently took the Jetta out for a spin, and once again came face-to-face with what driving really is. It's like comparing Juan Manual Fangio's driving to that of today's F1 drivers. It's just not the same.
Everything important takes place between the driver and the mechanical components. There are very few electronics involved; injection and a knock sensor. That's about it. There are no safety nets or variable-assist this and computers to analyze if you've had a bowel movement this morning.
It's an amazing feeling, and I find myself having a hard time describing it. Here's a silly example: How many of today's new drivers will ever get to experience the feedback from a throttle cable?
Here's a piece of advice for said new drivers: Participate in a performance driving lesson at schools like Jim Russell or any other. This will at least give you a sense of what it is to “drive” in the realest sense of the word.
Although this revelation makes me happy, it also depresses the poop out of me; at 35 years old... I'm old! I guess I might as well start shopping for an electric old-people scooter. At least they don't make any noise...