Last Wed was really slow and Thursday picked up and Friday was pretty busy. I had my first "tour" which for about 35 minutes I got a $36 tip. That's the highest tip so far and the tour was fun. Out of town passengers seem to be the most fun. I think Austin people are just used to us now.
One thing that is kind of bothering me that really shouldn't is that some people opt to call us "ricksha's" when in fact a ricksha is, by definition, a small covered 2-wheeled vehicle usually for one passenger that is pulled by one man and that was used originally in Japan, which means not a bicycle but running or walking with a two wheeled carriage. I don't waste my time to correct them, I'll just keep letting them sound uneducated.
Friday went pretty well. It was still a little slow but I made out better financially than I did on Thursday. I met some really nice and fun people and let met some really drunk people. I did learn that those uphills are a little bit longer uphills when you are pedaling two drunk frat boys that don't tip very well. But what can I do it's part of the job.
Thanks to Foundry Clothing I should wearing some custom shirts for my new pedicab career. I'll have the shirt design up on my site soon. I'll be working this week so look me up.
Well my first night went well. The fellow cabbies for the company I am working with were all really cool, funny, and helpful guys. They were all very open with telling me all the do's and dont's and what works and what doesn't. All in all I had a great time and look forward to more night's out. Also I made back my expenses on getting my license and then some, so I'm already ahead.
I'll be out there tonight for Friday night fun so if you see me give me a WOOOOOOT WOOOOOOO!!!
Today I passed the test and recieved my City of Austin Pedicab License. This blog was created on the same day to share my pedicab adventures and stories.
I started the process last Friday by going to DPS to get a copy of my driving record and criminal histroy. I picked up the criminal history paperwork monday (takes 1 overnight). Tuesday I got the driver application from the company I will be riding for. Wed (today) got the application notarized, took the test, and recieved my license.
My cost so far:
certified copy of driving record $10
copy of criminal history $15
notary for application $5
chauffer test fee $10
TOTAL
$40
I hope to at least make that back my first night or two. Training is scheduled for Thursday (tomorrow) night 8pm.
