Sunday, December 9, 2018

Heavy lyfting... Tales from the road-Thanksgiving

12/8/18

Hi all!

I haven't driven a lot lately, but have had some interesting rides.

I thought Thanksgiving weekend would be busy but there was tons of drivers. On Thanksgiving night, Ii was beckoned by a guy at Tonic in Ankeny. It's amazing what one can find out in ten minutes...

So this dude is divorced, talking to seven different gals. He said to me he has had to resort to copy paste for his text answers. He was going to the Iowa Nebraska game the next day with one lady. He had a date later that night with another. That night he was going home to shower before meeting another. Lol.

He though had endured struggles. His daughter died of cancer. He said he helped build a playground in her honor. He also belongs to a gym in Ankeny and is working on being 165 pounds...

I dropped him off and had a ring to go back to North ankeny... Time to take three people to the Yankee clipper. They were in high spirits. I had mentioned as had just gotten back from Denver.

 "You carry anything back?" They inquired.
 " No. "
 "Well get this story..."

 They proceed to tell me about fun in Jamaica. When leaving they made sure they had smoked everything. In Charlotte on the way home, they noticed a drug dog about attack a guy with five suitcases... So they kept going and got home. A
apparently a week later, they were at the pool. The lady was checking her purse for sunblock... And there's a joint. Somehow they made it all the way to Iowa without being detected. They were great, ten dollar tippers.

Last Friday I did four rides... Took a guy to work,  drove a dude who was the new shred it salesman home... Then had 3 ladies who were on the prowl. They were headed to Denny Arthur's to tear it up.

I ended the night taking a couple back to Ankeny. They needed sonic first. Must've had munchies as they spent 20 bucks on cheese curds and hot dogs.

We will see what tonight brings. Take care out there

Chuck

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Heavy Lyfting--tales from the road. Intro

11/23/18

Happy day after Thanksgiving!!!

I can't believe it's been four years since I last blogged. Well I have stories from the road. Today's first post will serve as a reintroduction. We've been back nearly four years now. A little over a year ago, I thought I'd drive for uber. It was fun and I made some coin. Now I drive for Lyft. It's basically the same. Still fun. I enjoy meeting people. I get to meet all sorts. I call them 10 minute friends. Once they are dropped off, time for a new The .gov friend.

The purpose of today's blog is to give some riding and driving pointers. Subsequent blogs will be my stories from the previous trip with an old uber story tossed in. A couple of you friends are drivers also, so any added tips or tidbits is welcomed.

In no particular order, here are five best practices for driving and five best practices for being a good rider.

Tips for being a good driver

1.  Keep a clean car. Sure this seems like a no brainer. A clean car sets a great impression. It also its always followed by drivers. I do a once over prior to driving. I also use a febreze scent which gets many compliments.

2. Be prepared, keep necessities. In the trunk I keep a small box with cleaning supplies, jumper cables and miscellaneous stuff. Just in case. Umbrellas come in handy when it's raining.

3.  Some riders want to talk. Some don't. It's important to be flexible. Be patient with the riders. Communication before hand can help too, especially in busy times.

4.  Keep the trunk available. Plenty of times a trip will involve luggage. Having space in the trunk is great.

5.  be prompt, have fun, and create a unique experience. I do not usually Bring water unless it's a really not summer day. I will however, being candy for holidays or keep extra coozies for extra great riders. I try to get to the rider asap to maximize everyone's time.

How to be a great rider

1. Be ready to go.  Sure, waiting time is paid time, but if its going to be a couple minutes, text or call.

2.  Be polite. Yes, one is paying for a service,   but practice kindness to the person opening up their car to get you where you need to be.

3.  Don't puke. Seriously. Don't. It ruins the driver's night and will put an added charge on the bill.

4.  Be prepared. If youngsters are traveling, make sure they have proper restraints.comfort of service animal? Great by me, but make sure they are behaved. Do a check to make sure nothing is left.

5.  Tip. Drivers don't make millions. An extra buck or two especially in certain circumstances is really appreciated. I tip 5 generally. That's me. I take care of service industry people. That isn't for everyone so a buck or two is great.

So there you go... I'm sure there's a lot more out there. Feel free to add in the comments.

As always, thank you for reading. Take care out there...

Chuck