What Does Driving Mean to You? (Photo heavy)

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley) 03/03/2020 at 15:40 • Filed to: None

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Unemployment leaves lots of time to think. I was driving today in the Sportwagen, stuck in traffic and thought “this is why people hate driving”.

That got me thinking, how do you describe the feeling you look for when driving or being around cars?

For me, I would liken it to feeling like you’re in a car commercial, movie or video game. Everything has to come together: music, the road, the scenery, the weather and how you are feeling. It’s an amazing high, but short lived usually.

It’s a big part of the reason I keep my cars so clean. Something about driving through the rain, snow, or sunshine with a spotless interior and freshly waxed exterior adds to the experience .

I went through my photos and pulled some of the photos that, to me, reflect this feeling. All taken in stunning places on great drives. Photos that, to me, look staged/edited.

What do you look for in driving?

MACKBA > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 15:56

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The FiST is adorable.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > MACKBA 03/03/2020 at 15:58

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Thanks!

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 16:20

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Nothing quite like the feeling of holding an awesome wheelie or dragging knee on the perfect line. 

412GTI > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 16:26

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For me true driving means peace. Separation from the worries & stresses of everyday life. No agenda - it can come in different ways whether that be super focused on technique (autocross/track day) or relaxing and cruising with friends or someone you love. That’s driving for me.

I agree on the cleaning aspect. I just did mine on Sunday even though I knew it would rain today. The enjoyment of having it clean for a little while was worth the time spent.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 16:33

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I don’t get to see much of the open road. O r even see new places for that matter.

Or get to drive exotic cars. Or even see anything that interesting.

All I have at my disposal is s small underpowered compact painted a vexing shade of red. For the life of me I can’t keep it clean, even washing it multiple times a month.

But to say I don’ t get anything out of it is a fallacy. I drink up knowledge so I can appreciate what I do see. And when I do, it is glorious.

Windows down, perfect song on, rowing my way through the paddle shifters, expertly timing the delay on the upshifts, no one else can see the tranquility I feel. And that is priceless.

Running into a fellow enthusiast is even better.

And the break downs? I haven’t had to experience many, but it often results in closer bonding with your car and the friends who see you through it.

I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

Jim Spanfeller > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 16:39

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It’s hard to describe, but there are definitely moments were various things just come together to take your mind off of whatever else is happening and make you realize that right now you’re driving, you’re enjoying it, and it feels good. For me, when I’m driving my Thunderbird, I like to describe those magical moments as “suddenly it’s 1966" , where I feel like I’m living those nostalgic moments in the past that people fondly look back on with perhaps slightly rose- tinted glasses. There’s one morning I remember where I was driving my Thunderbird and noticed how beautiful the reflection of the sunrise on my car’s hood looked, and at that moment I felt like I was having the perfect drive. The sensation of movement, the burble of the 390 V8, the beautiful morning... It was practically  perfect.

CobraJoe > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 16:50

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Freedom.

When you’re driving, you’re free to go wherever, whenever, via any path that you choose.

Though it doesn’t feel quite as free when I’m driving the daily driver through traffic on the morning commute.  

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 17:09

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Couldn’t agree more on the clean car part. I genuinely get stressed out when there’s trash or just stuff in my car. Also, because I drive “spiritedly” I can hear  it move around so much more clearly and it’s annoying.

My most enjoyable moments are on smooth pavement (hard to find in MN) zipping around sweepers along the bluffs by the Mississippi River on a 77.5 degree day with all of the windows down.

vondon302 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 17:13

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Freedom to wander

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 17:19

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Freedom, independence, and peace of mind.

Just Jeepin' > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 19:14

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Well, I’ve made no secret: for me, it’s all about discovery and meandering. Mainly meandering.

Maxima Speed > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 19:24

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Driving, for me, is special because its an interfacing with a machine. Im most at home when a machine is an extension of my body almost. My ‘73 Honda Motorcycle is raw, its visceral, and im connected to the machine as if its alive. Its as if I’m riding a horse, but instead of the horse doing its own thing I and the horse think as one. Also the enjoyment of  doing something well. Driving smooth, driving fast, driving safe, its a pride in doing something well and concentrating on it. E verything else melts away because its just me, the vehicle, and the road.

Urambo Tauro > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 19:26

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I have two thoughts on this:

1) Driving, to me, is freedom. Not just the freedom of being able to travel anywhere I please, but freedom from other responsibilities. Because when you’re driving, nothing else matters. Ringing phone, noisy passengers, ticking clock... none of those matter more than operating that heavy machinery safely. You’ll get there when you get there. And then you can deal with those other things.

2) Every time I’m behind the wheel, no matter how bad traffic is, I enjoy the challenge of “hitting my marks”. This goes beyond just apexing the corners of my lane or testing my reaction time when the light turns green. Every minute of driving has marks to hit. Whether it’s staying as centered as possible in my lane, or choosing the right amount of consistent braking force that will land me precisely at the stop/limit line with minimal adjustments, or timing when exactly to activate & deactivate my turn signal, or parking... I’m always looking for opportunities to implement the best inputs to put my car right where I want it to be. It’s a lot like the racer’s dream of performing the “perfect lap”.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Urambo Tauro 03/03/2020 at 19:40

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I’ve been there, but never quite got the perfect signal or the minimum acceptable head turn when changing lanes. That can put fun back into a dreary drive. The perfect radio station change is out there!

ST80MND > Urambo Tauro 03/03/2020 at 20:20

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This absolutely. Driving, like cooking and life in general is a craft, upon which every single aspect is an opportunity to practice. Perfection is ( in reality) the domain of the truly gifted, legends and pioneers of motorized conveyance. But driving presents all of us that chance of internal gratification of the nailed heel-toe, and the occasional thrill of threshold braking.

XJDano > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 20:20

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driving is a chore. I don’t have very many nice things, I mainly drive box trucks for work or the family van. Riding my motorcycle is a bit different, the open feeling, freedom,  looking up at the stars, an occasional ride with the honey holding on to me. I have to look out for those who aren’t looking for me, but it’s a battle I’m still here to take on. I may be riding tomorrow, getting a half day at work  

Jesus Arias > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/03/2020 at 20:39

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In a word freedom. There is nothing like it. It’s like you’re unstoppable , l ike nothing nor anyone can catch up to you. Your worries fade away as you hear the roar of your engine and the world becomes peaceful .

pip bip - choose Corrour > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/04/2020 at 01:42

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freedom

ability to clear ones mind