Tags
adversity, documentary, film, living in the moment, Segway PT, slow, travel
An entertaining and thought-provoking documentary, 10 MPH follows a couple of wannabe filmmakers who quit their mainstream jobs and pooled their financial resources to document their friend’s journey across the United States on a Segway in 2004. The goal, Seattle to Boston in 100 days, at Pony Express speed, is as wacky as it sounds. But sometimes actively participating in our brief lives on this planet requires a certain amount of wacky dreaming. In this case, the journey teaches life lessons about:
- finances
- friendship
- the enormous variety and beauty of the landscape
- dealing with difficult people
- trusting strangers
- how to push past fatigue, illness, and discomfort—just to mention a few
It is fascinating to watch the American landscape morph as the crew’s images trace their infinitesimal progress from west coast to east coast. Seeing what images and experiences survived the editing room floor from the states I know intimately: Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado, particularly quickened my heart. Likewise, it is interesting to note that as the landscape changes, so do the people—in the way they talk, dress, and make a living—however curiosity, interest, and hospitality follow the crew across the country—except in the case of one ridiculously tight-assed cop somewhere in Illinois. Was it my imagination or did the western part of the trip result in far more landscape images than the character driven last half of the journey? Hmmm, I wonder why.
Its easy to get caught up in the energy and spirit of people who “just get out there and do stuff. People who forget about corporate constipation and roll up their sleeves to do what needs to be done,” to dream big, to live each day fully engaged in the moment. It inspires me want to pursue my dream of driving the small roads across the country some day, but I think I’ll leave the Segway at home. 10 mph trailer
This kind of thing exemplifies the idea that it’s about the journey and not the destination. I used to love road trips with no itineraries or schedules…just climbing into the truck and heading in a general direction, then exploring everything along the way. Ah, the good ole’ days.
Yes, me to. Also something I had expected to do more of in retirement. Perhaps when I no longer have a kitty-tether.
I could absolutely NOT do a long trip on a Segway. I just don’t have enough patience! With limited time, I’m always looking for ways to get places fast. I guess I should stop and smell the roses a bit more. Think I’ve gotten derailed lately, trying to get too many things done. Thanks for the reminder to slow down.
Yes, life is short. It’s tempting to try cramming to much into too little time. But I always think about, what if this were my last day? Would my current activities satisfy me or would I wish I had done other things that would mean more? It’s a balancing act, to be sure.
Quite funny, here in Sal one of the more adventurous expats has just imported a few of these things for the tourists to cruise around on. As opposed to a lot of other useless holiday pastimes (such as quads or jetskis) they are pleasantly noiseless, their speed is just right for the quaint town of Santa Maria where the motto “No stress” adorns every souvenir shop, and the weather here (no rain or snow or hail or …) is just perfect for them. I think I’ll do a free trial this weekend
Oh boy, Sandra, I hope you have fun. And don’t crash! I rode one briefly many years ago. It was a wee bit tricky at first. They are very responsive. Like little sports cars on two wheels. Santa Maria sounds like Shangri La!
I agree with dinkerson. Without crazy ideas, there’d be no way to discover the real un-crazy.
Plus, crazy ideas keep us all entertained!
The Segway was supposed to be the next big thing, but it never seemed to happen. Was it the price? I love the idea of crossing the country on one — just the right speed to make some progress, but slow enough to notice the details.
I like the title of this post.
Cool. I was afraid it was a corny title. Yes, I think the Segways may have been too expensive. They are cool. I occasionally see people using them on the greenbelt here and there is (or was) a little tourist rental place downtown. They are great for sightseeing because you are upright, rather than hunched over a bicycle. Who knows, maybe they will make a comeback.
You know, I’m sure, that the USPS tried to introduce them in cities. I’m not sure they were very effective. Where does one store the mail in transit? Bad weather? Wind? I love the concept though. Always liked the idea of tooling about Europe on a Vespa!
It’s true. I remember hearing about a plan to try the Segways. But it was laughed out of existence, I assumed. At least in my area, where carriers are presumed too clumsy to deliver via bike, we couldn’t imagine the safety ramifications of the Segway. But, I suspect money was spent on a prototype anyway. Hmmmm. How’s it going for you, btw? I feel pain for all of my still working Postal friends.
Vespa through Europe. That sounds cool. My dream is Eurail through Europe. But Vespas on the little country roads? Splendid idea.
I started watching the documentary, but I did not finish it. The segway just doesn’t move quick enough for me. (smile) I like the thought of horseback, though. I second Sybil’s idea.
Think I’d rather be on horseback.
Well, I must say, you have an excellent point, there.
I’m lovin’ the play on the word Segway (the unit used for their travel) and
segue /ˈsegwā/
Verb
(in music and film) Move without interruption from one song, melody, or scene to another.
Noun
An uninterrupted transition from one piece of music or film scene to another.
You’ll have to excuse me, Linda, I get all turned on when there’s a clever use of words like this… The company that named the little unit was brilliant!
Okay…back to my porridge – but one more thing…imagine two young men crossing our continent at 10 MPH. They had a lot of time to drive each other bananas!
Yes, the name is intriguing. It took great effort to not misspell it! And yes, in the movie, their exasperation with each other shows.
Me too! Did you watch the film? I loved the photography. Many familiar sights. Now if I could just pull me arse away from the brand new laptop…grrr. It’s as taxing as moving into a new house!
I like this idea. Without guys like this, following through with their crazy plans, many others would never be inpelled to get up off their lazy arses.
People like this exude a particularly contagious energy. I love that.