Happy 4th!
Drivers Incorporated wants to wish everyone a 
happy 4th! Go see some fireworks and have fun! Bars will be open later because of the holiday Monday, and there are innumerable Independence day parties all around the city. The best combination of open bar and fireworks (sounds flammable) will probably be from the W Hotel's P.O.V. Roof Terrace, with one of the best views of the fireworks in town. They're hosting a ticketed party that won't be open to the public until the fireworks are over, so it may be at least a little less crazy than going to the Mall.
And don't forget, this is a big weekend for the World Cup, too. It would be wonderful to watch the US, but we'll make do with our other favorites. Once you're done watching the Germany - Argentina match at Biergarten Haus tomorrow, head on over to the Soccer Mansion, a temporary soccer club overlooking Meridian Hill Park. There you can sip cocktails and smoke cigars while you watch Spain and Paraguay face off. If the game gives you a craving for some paella, head to Taberna del Alabardero, one of DC's top Spanish restaurants. The restaurant also offers a comprehensive cocktail menu and wine list, with a huge selection of Spanish wines, organized by region (out of nostalgia for my Spanish days, I'm partial to red wines from around Alicante).
On a completely unrelated note, I was recently introduced to Virgina's Starr Hill brewery and their absolutely amazing summer ale, the Lucy. Now that it's officially summer, it's good to seek out the summer brews. A lot of bars in Virginia stock this one, and I think quite a few in DC do as well. If you see it on a beer list, check it out!
As always, we will have drivers all weekend, and we hope everyone stays happy and safe!
Another Miserable Week for Bus Stops – Written by a Guest Contributor
Well, it has been another gray week in the DC area. I have to admit that I like snow much more than this persistent rain.
Life would be so much easier if I could just drive my car. To add insult to injury, I sent out a check for my car insurance for a car that I don't even drive.
If only I had used Drivers Incorporated, I would not be in this mess. The worst thing about it is that I am unable to drive during the worst weather of the year. If it were summer, I would at least be able to ride a bike around. This winter has been just awful, with three major snow storms, high winds and below average temperatures.
You and your friends don't have to repeat my mistake. Drivers Incorporated offers a service that I certainly should have used. To think that a $40 bill could have saved me from all of this aggravation is beyond belief.
Until next time, take care.
New Transportation options – Folding electric bicycle
Today we purchased our first electric bike. For the past few years I have been using a Dahon folding bicycle. Although I had finally worked most of the kinks out of the Dahon, I felt the convenience of an electric bike was well worth the investment. The Dahon spent a significant amount of time in the shop cooling its heels and waiting for service - not useful.
The electric bike that I purchased is a Pedego Umbrella with 12 inch wheels. The childlike wheels make me feel like I am riding something out of The Jetsons. They make the bike smaller and lighter than the standard folding bike (which has 16 in wheels), which is key to fitting into a variety of cars. However, fitting these Umbrellas into cars is much harder than the typical folding bike. The large lithium ion battery adds a substantial amount of weight to the top of the bike. I also have to push the handlebars and seat down to fit it into smaller trunks.
The differences between the 12 inch and the standard models extend beyond the folding design and the electric assist. The Umbrella I received is white, a terrible color for a working bicycle. Every spot of dirt and grime is rubbed into the white leather and rubber accents that make the bike so cute.
The Pedego folding design is substantially different from the 16 in Dahon Speed 7 that I bought when originally starting the business. The Dahon has a center bracket that folds the bike in half, lining up the wheels next to each other. The Pedego folds by putting the wheels one in front of another so you can still roll the bicycle forward while it is collapsed. Even though the bike is harder to get into cars and shows much more dirt, the first hill you hit with the electric assist makes it all worthwhile.
Another beautiful day not to drink and drive – Written by a Guest Contributor
Well it looks like the worst of winter is over. Grass is finally starting to peek out from under a blanket of snow. I can't wait until the remainder of the snow melts and I am able to give my bike a good workout. One of the best things about losing your drivers license is the increase in exercise you get. I have also noticed that my consumption of fast food is way down. Without the means to go to a drive-through it actually becomes more convenient to cook for myself.
Until next time - I hope you have a safe week.
Great News – Written by a guest contributor
So I went to my ASAP class on Saturday and my class will not be extended the extra two weeks as a result of the snow days. Thanks to scheduling issues, we will be making up the two missed classes on Sundays. This means that the class will only go for the allotted eight weeks and not ten.
This is great news for me - it means I will get my drivers license two weeks earlier than expected. I can't wait to be on the road again.
Drinking and driving is just not worth the hassle.
The worst timing for snow EVER
Winter (the time that your designated drivers make all their money, BTW) has been a schoolkids dream. Every time that I see the snow on the ground the little kid inside of me grins with pleasure. Actually, I grin a little on the outside too.
All this snow on Friday and Saturday nights has played unhappy havoc with driving. We try our best to avoid surcharges and extra fees, and so driving in the snow reduces our drivers income by about 50%. Even so, we get there on time because we know that you are counting on us.
Let's hope that all this forced confinement won't result in a disastrously busy weekend in the coming months - but we are already stocking up on more drivers so that we can cover that possibility. So, give us a call as you dig yourself out of the snow, and let us help you celebrate a winter wonderland.
Trying to complete A.S.A.P. ASAP – written by a guest contributor
Well my contact at the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program is back in town as of yesterday. I have already left two messages with her and can't wait until she gets back with me so I can know when I can complete the requirements to get my license back.
in the mean time, I have found a friend who has agreed to drive me to the class when it starts - for $20 a ride. This is a great deal as a taxi would cost twice as much and public transit would take hours.
Even though I am not driving now, I decided some time ago to keep my insurance current. This is so that when I finally do get my license back, I won't be denied insurance coverage.
This DUI has become much more than just an inconvenience. It is downright expensive.
I will let you guys know as soon as I am able to contact the ASAP program. Until then be safe
