Scooterdude

Scooterdude reports some of the less-than-favorable reactions he gets from people, including the ever popular "get a job!" and motorists who scream at him about taking up valuable road space. Also:

There's the 'deer-in-the-headlights' reaction when a pedestrian crossing against the traffic light steps right in front of the Wind-scooter, stops and, stunned, waits for there to be a collision. Fortunately, both my skill and the braking feature of the scooter secures my immediate halt.

Scooterdude, who normally plies the air currents around the Hancock with his sail-equipped scooter, goes over to Castle Island with his new sail, only to run into immediate opposition from park rangers:

"THERE'S NONE OF THAT HERE. YOU CAN SKATEBOARD (dubious!) on the walk or sail out there on the water, but you can't do both. We just sent two to the hospital for doing this and another one we caught and sent him away." (dubious, even more so! These types of fabrications in the comments tend to reveal a total unfamiliarity of how unique my craft and skill is. They're usually speaking out of real ignorance of what I've been doing for over five years and much more out of their own fear.)

Scooterdude updates us on the impending arrival of his new multi-colored, professional-grade sail.

Most people, when a fast-moving rain line comes racing right at you, would seek shelter. But where's the challenge in that? Scooterdude (you know, the guy who flies around Copley Square on his sail-equipped scooter) reports he rode that wave:

... The best way to describe it - catching a huge wave of 'surf' and managing to ride it four to five blocks before an unfortunate fall at Arlington St. atop a manhole cover. There was just enough time to pick one's self up, see the solid sheet of water approaching, and race to the shelter of the T stop.

Scooterdude discusses the challenges of sailing around Copley Square on a scooter when the wind chill is below zero:

... It should be noted here that a secondary invention was extremely useful in keeping my nose and the rest of my exposed face from the bitter cold. I've discovered that the plastic sail provides an excellent temporary solar-warmed, wind-protective 'tent' as I headed back into the wind for my next gust-ride. It causes me to wonder why something of this sort is not devised for people subjected to Arctic conditions, whether on mountain summits or enduring polar climates. This kind of plastic 'Bubble' proved extremely useful and a great relieve from the steady punch of frigid wind. ...

Photoessay on Richard Coit, a.k.a. Scooterdude, the guy you can see on windy days sailing around the square with a scooter and plastic sail - who reports he lost 20 pounds when he first took up his hobby.

Scooterdude, the guy you see sailing around Copley Square with his plastic sail, was out yesterday enjoying a ride (yes, in the rain), when a family got out of a car and walked to the center of the park with a flag and then stood there:

... I approached them and asked about the flag and their purpose.

They explained that it was the flag of Iran and that they were there to continue a witness to the ordeal the Iranian people are currently suffering in their homeland.

I couldn't help but admire their solitary witness, their commitment and resolution that, despite this dismal day of wind and wetness, they came out to stand for their people and for the democratic principles that all of us share. ...

Scooterdude (the guy you see sailing around Copley Square on the wind-powered scooter) reports yesterday was a great day for sailing - aside from the two spills caused by a collapsing sail:

... The gusts were sustained but also in the correct direction. For long rides and skillful maneuvers there’s nothing that can beat a strong westerly flow from the Tower, across the front of the church and then down Boylston St. ...

Scooterdude, the guy you see floating around Copley Square on a scooter powered by wind filling his plastic-bag sail, reports on conditions during a ride yesterday evening:

... The physical pressure of the strong winds combined with the visual of red lights flashing and the audio of the horns [from passing firetrucks] made for the perfect effect that everything had been choreographed and timed. I wasn't prepared for all of it at once nor could I seize the chance at what might have been the greatest 'surf' yet!

I was only able to grab hold of the wind-scooter and hold on tight so we both wouldn't be toppled over and capsize.

Scooterdude, that guy you see sailing around Copley Square on a scooter and a sail made out of a plastic bag, reports a Tokyo news crew spent some time videoing him recently:

... Perfect weather, gusty winds, to catch the scooter-sailing on video and carry the images off to Japan. ...

He's the guy you see sailing around Copley Square on a skateboard with a plastic sail. He reports on his excursion late Saturday night:

I found it strange that there were more than the usual number of detractors and disbelievers, the ones who only have comments like, "Try getting a better sail! Ha!" or, "As if that's going to work, you idiot! You suck!"

I have a hard time understanding people who can so freely and readily speak out of ignorance. Why can't these few insecure and fear-driven people even consider that, after all these years I've been succeeding in this and found it a perfect delight and joy, that any objection or problem they may suggest I've already dealt with and moved on? ...

He dances with his scooter, sometimes with it on his head.

Scooterdude, the guy you see floating around Copley Square on a scooter powered by a windblown plastic sail, has a blog. And he does more than just scoot.

Chicago? Hah! Here's how windy it was in Copley Square early this evening: