Meanderings Of An Abject Fool

I woke after a text from Wendy. With time difference it was 4 on west coast clock. Her second text apologized for the hour of first. While not awake I was on that edge all night. Anxious yes but anxiety no. Never really asleep but once fully awake not tired and excited for the future events.

My friend Pat had truly been a wonderful host. We had several great meals I got to see many if not most of the standouts in the extremely walkable town and yes a shower two days in a row! The only problem with a walkable town is not the walking but doing so with head down eyes only on a phone it seems such a waste and of course there’s the occasional opportunity to get run over.

Awake showered and finally checking traffic patterns as things here get crowded and do so quick.

Tardiness I’ve always considered rude and have always done my best to not be. There is one method I’ve found to never be late and have not once have seen it fail and it’s simple. It’s absolutely impossible to be late if you’re always early. Try it you can’t flummox this it works every time. There have been times when I’m less than a hundred yards from an appointment with 20 minutes to go before it’s scheduled. That’s perfectly acceptable and I’ve always got a book to keep me occupied in the meantime.

The drive was over and due to Monday traffic I was only 30 minutes early. This meant I could get bout a chapter in one of the book I’m currently reading on the history and importance of the pencil.

Bout 15 till appointment I could wait no longer I want the car. Failing that I at least want to see the car to ride in the car.

This was a surprise indeed. I’ve never really thought about YouTube fame and social media. Drew from Tailosive network at least in a limited way was/is famous. I’d been watching truckloads(ha) of videos on electric cars since I started taking care of parents during Covid. I’ve seen most content creators especially those interested in the Telo and Aptera. Problem being while they share most of my interests at least concerning the cars most are generally and genuinely bad. No concept of trimming the fat, little to do with any preparation, and a a lack of professionalism.

I had mentioned to Drew the problem with most of these were either too vitriolic or were sycophantic. He then mentioned he was a fanboy like many. I hadn’t thought of it before but he was correct he was a fanboy not hiding his admiration for both my proposed vehicles. Why did I hold him apart then? After our meeting I thought and decided while digging both vehicles he explained why in rational, cogent manner. It was his professionalism that stood out. Took time to make a decent presentation not just gushing on about things he knew little about. Editing, research, deliberation et al this is professionalism. This is why I was happy to speak with him.

First time for test ride in the prototype. Like all, changes will be made for production and I think for the better.

Back to test drive. Truck easy in and out in spite of small size. Admittedly I’m no Goliath but many have been in and saw no issues. I certainly didn’t.

Great access to all necessary, great dash which I’m sure will be upgraded for production. This is what engineers do.

We take for a spin and I was asked what do you want power or just regular round town? How bout bit of both. Told me to put head/ neck against the neck rest I assumed to get me thinking of some sort of aviation g force effect. It certainly worked that thing is torquey as hell. Quick and grippy. Huge responsive off line. It also does excellent in the more useful driving round town. Nothing wasted indeed.

The big notice for me is the utility. While speaking with Drew that word was front and center from both of us. It seems to me they designed it for using all space available. Not in a wasteful faux manor. Purposeful and lean I imagine them throwing out idea after idea as they didn’t have enough purpose. I think of the term gild the lily..it’s considered something extra even especially if it serves no purpose…think of gold plating a toilet.

For those things not able to throw out due to some design engineering necessity it seems they look to dual purpose. The perfect example being the monster under the bed. Lots of space there and no way not to have it. It a smallish truck so they repurposed that empty space for more storage. Again nothing wasted.

I’m thinking hoping this brings back an old idea. The right to repair again comes that word UTILITY. Telo is a right to repair company and so is Aptera. Newer vehicles have software that prevents proper repair unless done by them at your cost and their convenience. For all intents and purposes they own your vehicle you just rent with huge down payment and pay for all repairs that they tell you are needed. I’m thinking the subscription economy is another nail in the coffin that will be a sort of techno feudalism. We are short sighted and this is to our detriment.

I told him I’ve my car camping plans. He dug as he does the same and again the word utility popped up.

I’m thinking on the road (me) or round town. Especially large urban areas where space is limited it’s kinda, don’t wanna say perfect, but it does fit many molds and does so extremely well.

To Telo I had a great day my truck is reserved. Don’t let my impatience sway your thinking, but damnit can I have yesterday?

Left Drew after he gave me some swag stickers hoodie blah blah and I left my water bottle. Not a concern as I’ll pickup when I pickup Telo.

With the weather getting warmer, so much so my phone had to cool down twice, it seems like the perfect time for a trip to Death Valley. Thanks to all at Telo in particular to Louise (she got me in door and can’t be thanked enough) and Drew,knowledgeable, witty, and most importantly seems to agree with me, for giving me an impressive peek. Please HURRY.