Pedals of Fire, Pedals for Hire- Episode II "The Phantom Pedicab"

@essigmw 49181 wrote:

Last night marked my second foray into the pedal (much) for profit (little) world of the pedicab driver. This time I worked a full day at my regular job as a Naval Engineer first. I left work at 4:00pm and rode a quick 2 miles up New Jersey Ave to D then up 2nd to Mass ave to Union Station to pick out a birthday gift for my youngest son. He had eyed a cute cherry blossom festival stuffed panda bear at the Smithsonian shop the last time we were there and his birthday is Sunday. With the first pitch 2 1/2 hours away I left Columbus circle down to E then up 7th to F over to 13th to K then over to Farragut square to pick up the Pedicab. I retraced my steps, mostly and was back in Near Southeast by 5:15. My first fare was a co-worker of mine and his girlfriend from outside of the Navy yard to Gordon Beirch at 1st and M.

The rain earlier on the day had cooled things off quite nicely, so I tried TwoWheels DC’s recommended route up to 8th street. At the corner of 8 and Virginia I picked up three Atlanta fans and screamed downhill to the stadium, without even having to pedal (poetic license alert). I think they had fun, with the girlfriend sitting in one of the guys lap, because they gave me a $20 for the agreed upon fare of $15. I picked up about 6 more couples between 6th and M to Nats park and settled in near the park for stragglers who would need a ride back to their car. At 8:15 I called my wife and we agreed that I would take one more fare then head home. She was a little worried about me being out late with a lot of cash on the trail heading home. I rode a woman a few blocks down to the navy yard Metro station, then headed back up 1st to I then 4th to the Mall to 7th. I took 7th up past the Verizon center to G then up 8th to H, then over to 11th to K and back to Farragut square.

I had a little tussle with the garage automatic door but by 9:15 I was back on my own bike and heading to the Orange line metro at Farragut west for home. The funny thing is that I have to consciously remind myself to ride a 2-wheeler when I dismount the pedicab, because on the pedicab you lean your body away from a turn but on my commuter you turn by leaning into the turn. I just about ate it my first night but last night I was a little more coordinated. I caught the metro and was out in Vienna by 10:30, then rode the last 6.5 miles home (uphill) to Fairfax.

I’m getting stronger. Last night I was the only pedicabber on M street so my fares had no one to compare me to. I didn’t feel as winded or drained but I have to admit sitting on the Metro after 13 hours of work and pedicabbing I was exhausted. In 2weeks I’ll try again.

How did you get started in it?