gerisullivan | Human-on-a-stick

I've been wanting to try out a Segway ever since they came out. Thanks to

minnehaha K's brilliant idea of including Segway tours in the weekend's festivities, I've now done so. Big fun! And we had a lovely tour of Minneapolis' Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum, and Nicollet Island in the process.

The Segway was instant fun. We each tried one out in the rental shop for just a minute or two. Stepping on and off was easier than I expected, and the way body position translates into motion is a blast. Apparently, I looked apprehensive during the group outdoor practice session that followed. Our tour guide tagged me to be the leader of the pack, following directly behind her so she could keep a close eye on me. I didn't feel particularly nervous, though it did take more concentration moving with a group "out in the real world" than rolling around in our practice area.

We rolled over to the Mill City Museum, then went inside where drinks and cookies were available. That was a nice touch, and so were the free passes good for a later visit. I hope to get there on Tuesday.

We upgraded to the yellow key when we left the museum. Segways operate at 3 speeds, based on which key you use. We started with the black beginner keys. I was one of the few people who had a red key -- supposedly only the guides got those Segways. I wish I'd thought to switch Segways with

minnehaha B. at the museum. He was in a different group, but we were all at the museum at the same time. I'm so rules abiding that I didn't use the red key, and he at least would have had the fun of it.

More Segway adventures followed and I need to upload photos, too. But right now, the shower is calling. We're picking up Mike Glicksohn and Susan Manchester in a little over an hour, then heading downtown for the evening's festivities.

It should surprise no one reading this that at the end of the Segway ride, I simply couldn't resist picking up a Human-on-a-Stick sweatshirt. It truly was the Thing To Do.