Crossing Segways Off My Bucket List
by Jenners • 04/13/2012 • Travels • 90 Comments
Hi there!
I’ve back home from our recent jaunt to Arizona but got walloped by a banging head cold upon our return and have been miserable ever since (which accounts for my lack of posting and blog visiting). I’m limping along trying to get caught up so forgive me for not visiting in a while and for not responding to the comments you’ve left. At this point, I’m just going to start fresh and not try to get “caught up” as this seems too formidable and somewhat unnecessary. (After all, if I responded to a comment you left a week ago, you’d probably think I was nuts.)
Anyhoosie, the big news is that I finally got to ride a Segway (an item on my wildly unrealistic bucket list). I’ve been dying to try these gizmos ever since I first saw them (a desire that got more pronounced after seeing Kevin James’s Segway work in Mall Cop). They were just as fun as I imagined though I do admit to having foot cramps during the first half hour or so from stress and tension after realizing that 12 mph feels much faster on a Segway than in a car. Here are some photos from the excursion, which involved rocketing around Old Town Scottsdale this past Monday morning. It was a total kick, and if you ever have an opportunity to try a Segway, I’d highly recommend it.
Mr. Jenners and I posing in front of the LOVE statue. I always thought Philadelphia was the only city that had this statue but apparently they are in cities all over the place.
Toodling along at breakneck speeds!
I'm laughing like a maniac because I could not keep my Segway still. No matter how hard I tried, I'd always be inching forward bit by bit. Fine for when you're getting a photo taken. Not good when you're stopped at a red light near a busy street.
By the way, if you’re ever in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and want to ride Segways, I’d highly recommend Scottsdale Segway Tours. The price is affordable, the tour is fantastic and they take photos of you so you don’t have to take the chance of killing yourself to do it on your own.
Oh, that looks like so much fun! I love the pics of you and Mr. Jenners, especially that last one!
It was sooooo much fun. And I’m thinking of blowing up that last photo and framing it for the wall.
Now that’s my kind of fun! I’m glad you got that marked off your bucket list–maybe you should have a tab at the top of your page for things on your bucket list and then you could blog about them as you do them. just a thought
That is a great idea! It would totally keep them in my mind and help me work toward them. I’m so going to try and remember to work on this!
Oh my, this is too cute and too funny! Glad you got to cross that off you bucket list
Jason is highly amused that Segway Tours even existed.
We have one of those LOVE thingys here in Tokyo too.
The LOVE thingys are everywhere! I love that. I suspect that the top usage of Segways is tours. You never see them otherwise (at least I don’t).
The Segway was the best part of Mall Cop! It looks like you two are having a blast and now I’ll have to look into Segway tours on our next vacation. Never would have thought about tha before.
Yay … another person who loved the Mall Cop Segway sections! I agree … it was the best part of the movie! (Not that it has a lot of competition!) And I hope you get to do one someday. They are a kick!
This looks like so much fun and I’ve also always wanted to try one out. But, I must say “Mall Cop” is not what inspired me!
I think not many people are inspired by Mall Cop. I might be alone in that! : )
Woo hoo! You guys are awesome! Actually, the LOVE sculpture is an Indiana thing. The original has been displayed at the Indiana Museum of Art since 1970, the rest are copies!
That’s what I learned when I researched the LOVE sculpture more. And the artist’s name is Robert Indiana! You guys have the original. I really always thought it was a Philadelphia thing because that is where I saw it and because Philly is the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Yay you! I’ve always wanted to try a Segaway too. They look like a ton of fun.
They are tons of fun. I hope you get to try one someday!
Love it! That does look like fun. I think I would be gripping on like a crazy person too.
I pretty much had that thing in a death grip!!
Cool…and fun looking. But can’t say it is on my bucket list. Ok, I don’t have a bucket list….
With all the traveling you do, I bet your bucket list doesn’t have too many items on it! ; )
Your smile says it all! The ear-to-ear grin shows just how much you enjoyed your trip. Now I want to ride a Segway! I am SO glad you had a wonderful trip and hope you are feeling better!
They really are that fun!! I had a blast and wished I could have kept on riding.
Love your bucket list — and definitely try the zipline, it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I did it in Costa Rica but I’m sure there are other places — like Hawaii! You could combine a whole bunch of bucket items. And I have 11 states left to go too! I’m missing Alaska and Arkansas too.
I’m hoping to get the zipline done within the next year or so. Now that Segways are crossed off, I can work on getting that done. I need to concentrate on getting Hawaii and Alaska crossed off too!
Oh my gosh, you two are so cute!
That isn’t a word that is used to describe us too often so THANKS!
I’m so glad you did that. where is the BB? I tried to convince my sister to do this when we were away, but she was a no go. Welcome back.
BB couldn’t ride (you have to be 16). He was at the kid’s camp at the hotel, which was the only reason we were able to do this. I was in shock he wanted to go to the camp but he had tons of fun and it made for a nice adult break in the vacation. I hope you get to do these one day!
There was a segway tour in Grand Cayman that we could have gone on (I think that was where it was) but we were too busy snorkeling. We did have a friend in Wisconsin when we lived there that rode his segway EVERYWHERE. You’d see him in his suit for work or church zooming around on that thing all through town.
I wish I could have a Segway and ride them everywhere but I think you need to live in a certain type of place. And I think you made the right call by snorkeling!!! You can do Segways almost anywhere and you can’t snorkel almost anywhere!
That looks like fun! You look like a pro! And that first pic of you and hubby is too cute. I’ve never been on a Segway and I didn’t even kno they were called that until you mentioned Mall Cop
I think they were calling them something other than Segways at one point but I don’t remember what. I’m thinking I need to frame that first photo of us.
Okay, now I am TOTALLY offended that you didn’t Segway down the 101 Freeway in Scottsdale to see me!! I would have come and taken more photos of you as well.(My daughter had some of her engagement photos hanging right on that very LOVE statue. We consider it our own personal statue now.) Seriously, you look like you had a blast.
We really enjoy riding Segways. My husband has wanted one for a long time but I keep saying no. Cha-ching for a toy with big nerdy wheels!! They were a blast tho when we rode them in Puerto Rico and especially fun at Garden of the Gods in Colorado. We went off-roading on the ones in Colorado and it was a mighty fun way to spend a few hours in the Rocky Mountains. They are soooo sexy…it’s the helmet that makes me laugh.
While you were here did you hang in Scottsdale alone or did you venture further? Take in any baseball or the Poisoned Pen bookstore? Today we’re holding fast at 64 degrees and rainy….guess you took the warm weather home with you.
Keep sharing photos….and get well.
I’m sorry I didn’t realize we were so close to you!! I saw the Poisoned Pen when we drove by but didn’t get to visit. We did lots of kid-oriented stuff and were actually staying further out in Phoenix. Next time we visit, I’ll have to try and let you know.
Hard to believe you guys have rain. Sorry we took the good weather with us. We just fell in love with the desert while we were there.
And I didn’t realize you could “off road” on Segways!! That would be an experience!!!
Aww, you look so cute together! Glad to know you had so much fun. Not sure how I would fare on one myself, I have an, ahem, issue with keeping my balance on things.
You’d be surprised how easy they were to control once you get the hang of it. It balances for you somehow … don’t ask me. I don’t really know much except they were super fun.
OMG, I SO share your excitement with Segways!! My daughter and I signed up for a Segway tour during our stay in New Orleans. We both were terribly anxious (nervous) thinking how embarrassing it would be if we couldn’t balance/control the thing but, like you said, they do provide a great practice session before heading out. I LOVED it!!! Each time our guide would stop to point out some historical building or share some interesting facts, I would be riding around in circles or back and forth just wanting to get on with it. If I had had the money, I would have bought one on the spot!! Got a good deal recently on a Segway tour in Seattle for four — and can’t wait to mount that baby again!!!
I asked the guy how much they cost because I thought they were a hoot. I know what you mean … I just wanted to ride and ride. Afterwards, I wished we had signed up for the longer tour. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open to try these again!
Obviously more difficult than it looks, you look so professional kitted out in all the gear.
I’m so far from a “pro” that it cracks me up you said that. : )
I can’t remember where I was recently, but they were having a Segway tour and it was hilarious! It’s only funny because all the sudden you see a giant train of them on the road and it just looks so crazy! Glad you got a kick out of the experience.
You do look kind of goofy on them … and a whole train of people riding them looks even sillier. But who cares … it is fun!
My husband and I rode these at Disney…it is INSANE!!! Let’s just say that my husband was…challenged. I really thought he was going to break his neck. This is a worthy bucket list item. Everyone should try it!
I was the challenged one in our party. It is totally worth it though. I wish I could somehow justify having one in real life.
So sorry to hear about your cold. Hope you can rest and recover from it soon.
Segways look fun! I keep trying to persuade my husband, but he thinks they are too dangerous. Yeah – he’s a party pooper!
He is a party pooper!!! If you get a good teacher and a nice open space to practice, I think they are perfectly safe. It just requires getting the hang of it and not being around too much stuff that you could hit.
I, too, recently road a segway for the first time. In fact, I need to see if I posted those photos of T Rex doing so, too. I felt like a total spaz – it does take a bit of getting used to. Looks like a fun place to go for a ride.
Wasn’t it fun? I felt like a spaz too. I had the “bar jams into your stomach when you exceed the speed” thing happen quite a few times. DUH! They let kids ride Segways? On our tour, you had to be 16. Maybe you meant T-Rex Dad…
Actually, T Rex road with the help of an assistant. T Rex Dad road, too, but the little one was more entertaining to photograph. I’ll be posting on his blog later this week and you can see. I think the only reason he agreed to the adventure was because a lovely lady was the assistant.
Oh how fun!! I’ve been wanting to ride one too but I think I’d be scared! Like you said, I can totally imagine that 12 mph would be super scary when it’s a thing I’m standing on that is going that fast, LOL!
You don’t HAVE to go 12 mph but you can (and I did … not totally on purpose but I’m a spaz.)
I’m not sure I’m brave enough…!!!!
Sure you are!!! They’re super fun!
lol, you don’t know me if you’ think I’m brave to go on one of those things! LOL
Last year when we went to DC, my cousin was after us the whole time to do a Segway tour. They do look like a ton of fun, but I gotta say I was too intimidated by the thought of controlling it out among the city traffic to give it a shot. Maybe someday!
I think I would hesitate in riding them in a really busy area. Downtown Scottsdale on a early Monday morning was pretty low key and empty so I felt pretty safe. Plus we didn’t ride in the road too much. If you get a chance to ride one though, I’d highly recommend it. They are a kick!
Awesome! You must frame the pic of you and Mr. Jenners in front of the LOVE statue! We did a Segway tour in Nassau, and I agree with you – 12 mph is really fast!
I hope your cold is on its way out!
You’re right … that photo would be pretty good to frame. Glad you got to experience the fun of Segways! And this cold is just sticking around way too long!
I haven’t been on one yet, but you two sure look like you were having fun! Was it BB taking pictures?
BB wasn’t allowed … you have to be 16. The Segway tour people take the photos and give them to you afterwards! Isn’t that cool?
You are so brave! I’ve never mustered up the courage to ride a segway bc my balance is somewhat debatable. Y’all look like you had such a great time! I adore Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Scottsdale was a kick … so much art in one place. I love how focused they are on art and artists. It is nice change of pace. And it nice to see a downtown area that looks busy and thriving and fun. I think you could totally do the Segways. I’m not the most graceful and balanced person and I managed!
I’ve always wanted to give Segways a try too. The pictures are great and it sounds like overall it was a lot of fun!
It was so much fun. With your adventuresome spirit, I’m surprised you haven’t done them already. Be sure to give them a go!
Aren’t those things controlled by leaning this way and that? I have horrible balance issues from all those joint issues I had long ago. I’d careen right into an oncoming car, or a bike or something.
You don’t have to lean much … you can do it by moving your ankles back and forth (for speed and stopping) and you move the handle to the left or right to turn. Once you get the hang of it, it was pretty easy. I did pick up some speed at times but that is because I got a little too enthusiastic. You really wouldn’t have to lean a whole bunch. In fact, the tour guide just looks like he is standing all the time. They are pretty responsive to subtle movements.
On my list for this year is to take a segway tour of San Francisco. The ultimate would be a segway tour of all the chocolate shops and places of interest in San Francisco!
That does sound fantastic!! (Heck, I’d do the chocolate shop tour on foot if I had to.) I imagine they would make tackling all those SF hills much easier. Hope you get to do it and have as much fun as we did!!!
You’re the second person I’ve heard say how much fun those seqways are! I just don’t know if I could really control one of those things. You both look like you’re having a great time.
Sorry about the cold. The older I get, the fewer I get…but when I do, boy they take their toll on me!
They really are fun and once you get the hang of how to control them, it isn’t all that hard. They are actually pretty easy once you get the feel for them. If you get a chance, I encourage you to give them a try.
I love it! Such fun looking pictures and do you know, we saw people on Segways when we were in Scottsdale in March. Not for me I don’t think, but good to know a place to rent them if I get brave on another trip. Isn’t Scottsdale beautiful at this time of year? One of my favorite places.
Scottsdale was beautiful! The desert was in bloom in many areas and the weather was gorgeous. We had a great time. I wish we had more time to explore but Segways were a wonderful way to cover a lot of the downtown area in style. When you go back, give the Segway tour a try. It was great fun and the area seems well-suited to it.
You pictures tickle me…I’ve seen policemen on these things from time to time and something about it just takes away that tough guy/gal image
You are so right about police looking less official/tough on them … though I could see the advantage of having them. They do have a goofy aspect to them, which is probably why I love them so much.
It looks like you’re having a ball!!
I totally did! They were just tons of fun to ride. I wanted to take one home with me.
Looks like a lot of fun — although I’m not sure you’re supposed to admit to modeling anything in your life after Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
You make a very good point. I think I should have kept the whole Paul Blart thing to myself!
I’d be too chicken to try one, I am notoriously klutzy – and 12mph would feel like breakneck speed to me on something like that!
I’ve never tried snow skiing because of the lack of actual brakes…give me 3000 lbs. of steel and composite (and airbags), and I’d give it a go.
They do start you out on “turtle” mode (an actual setting) until you get the hang of it. I’m klutzy too but with a good training session, I’m sure you could master it.
Love the photos!! Looks like you both had a great time. I passed up a chance to ride one of those a few years back. Now I’m sorry I did. Next time I see them, I’m trying one!
Don’t miss it next time. They are a kick to ride and I wish they were more practical as I’d use them all the time if I had the chance.
SO JEALOUS!
This is on my bucket list, too. In fact, I keep bugging my hub (who will NOT attempt) and he actually offered to buy me one. He was kidding of course…
Just go ahead without him!! They are way fun. And they cost $7,000 (I asked) so I suspect he really won’t be buying you one any time soon. They are pretty easy to get the hang of so he shouldn’t be afraid to try. Trust me … if I can do it, anyone can.
Awesome! I’ve wanted to try them but been too intimidated by the idea of going that fast on something I don’t know how to control.
And don’t feel bad about not responding to comments. Starting fresh is a good thing. I wouldn’t think you’re weird if you did reply to an old comment though. Sometimes I’ll be in the middle of cleaning and remember something I was going to reply to from days or weeks prior and will be kicking myself for not responding – and then if I really have it together I’ll dash off a note before I forget.
It was intimidating at first but they gave us a good training and practice session. That helps! They are fairly easy to control once you get the hang of them. I encourage you to try them one day!
This looks like too much fun! I’ve seen Segways here, and have wondered about them. Now I feel “educated”.
It is too much fun. You should give it a go if you get a chance.
I am jealous. Totes. {That’s totally for short}
Thanks for the slang lesson.
This looks like a lot of fun, I’ve never tried one before but definitely want to
It was so fun. I wish I could somehow getting one for regular life.