Friday, November 23, 2012

segue movement

Or is it the segway moment? 

Our recent trip to North Carolina included a visit to the Biltmore Estate with my sister and her husband. First time visit for my wife and I. I had thought the Biltmore was all about the mansion and the gardens. 

They offer segway tours there. The four of us signed up for a mid-afternoon ride or glide. The X2 model segways we rode are impressive machines. 

We weighed in (there is a weight restriction so check first) and got our helmets. Our group then walked over to a training spot and received our individual instructions. We all passed the training.



My segway experience take away - 
It’s fun but a little scary at first. The X2 model has two speed modes, turtle and rabbit. Of course, you should start with the turtle mode.

Like many first timers, I had a minute or two of back and forth movement when I first stepped up on the machine. The instructor was there to steady it. It only took about 5 minutes to get the feel of it.

I’m glad that our tour was over a path without many pedestrians or cyclists. We passed a few people without incident but stopping and turning quickly does not come easily so a tour around a crowded tourist area might not be much fun. (I would like to hear from any reader’s segway experience)

That night we toured the George Vanderbilt’s crib (did you know MTV Cribs moved to CMT Cribs a few years ago?) that night. The doorway has a cool looking lion on it. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside so you’ll need to trust me that the place is awesome.




oh forgot to mention - they have wine tasting too


15 comments:

Lisa said...

Sounds awesome. My neighbours own two! I never rode it and would like to. The visit sounds wonderful.

TGL said...

Ha! That looks like such a cool way to tour. I always saw security people on them in chicago, but this seems like a much better idea!

Kathy said...

I hope the wine tasting wasn't during the segway tour or I'd be in trouble! lol! Sounds like a great way to see everything and have some fun!

jnoragon said...

I see I missed a generation or two. Is "crib" a slang term for a famous person's home. As in the person slept there. George Washington's crib is Mt. Vernon.
remedial education required here.

lisleman said...

Yes slang from the street. I never really used the term myself but the MTV show became a hit. I find it impossible to keep up with slang.

lisleman said...

Very good point. We were responsible and did the wine tasting after the segway tour. thanks

lisleman said...

I have also seen them used by police and security. They are very expensive so the tours is a good way to take a ride. thanks

lisleman said...

Hey if you are on good terms with them you should try to get a ride. Just don't go too close to the water. It would make a great blog post.

unknownmami said...

I've always wanted to try out a Segway. They have lots of tours on them here.

Lisa said...

Bill, come up with a meme or a game like we used to do!

longhollow said...

I've heard the Biltmore is gorgeous. How fun to see it on a segway!!

lisleman said...

You could try one. I don't have any ideas at the moment.

lisleman said...

With the hills, tourists and water of SF I would pick my tour carefully there. What's the park over on the Pacific side? That would be a scenic place with plenty of room I would think.

lisleman said...

Yes, the tour was around the grounds. There is a river that runs through the property and much of the trail followed that.

Lisa said...

I'll think on the ones you already got or an old memes. Or I need to go out more.

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