I have piloted a bus for only 2 years.  It became clear our first trip
driving a bus is a different experience for someone who driven American
horsepower for a lifetime.  We have made a few trips from South Bend,
Indiana up to Buses by the Beach near Grand Rapids on 94.  Traffic there
usually flies along at 75 to 80.  Our first trip up, I felt like a gnat in
windstorm until I realized there was no way to keep up with traffic and
anything over 3500 rpm was not good for the WBX. I now sit back in the seat,
dial the armrests to comfortable let the "Wolfpack" fly by at their usual
speed.  It is a very pleasant drive, with no worries of passing anyone.  If
we do happen to pass someone, Mom yells out:  "Hey kids, we're actually
going to pass someone!"  We all cheer for Joe's Van.

It's a good life on Bus Time...

Pete
'87 Westy
"Joe's Van"

> Hence my license plate: "WAIT4ME".
>
> I drive in and around Boston as a part of my job (not in Supervan) and
> I am usually going pretty fast (75-80), and I still get tail-gated and
> passed all the time. People are on a mission when they get behind the
> wheel, and this blocks out politeness and logic (I almost always catch
> up with them eventually). Why do I drive so fast? 'Round here you'll
> get hit if you don't pay attention and stay out of the way - too many
> cell phones/makeup artists/book readers (really!!)/ etc going on.
> ...JMM
>
> Justin M. Mayrand
> 1980 Westy "SuperVan"
>
> On Apr 4, 2004, at 1:02 PM, Gary Goldey wrote:
>
>>   Just as a rusty old Pinto attracts police like a donut shop, the
>> Vanagon
>> seems to enlist other drivers to speed up and tailgate, give the the
>> quick pass
>> then get in front of you, invoke the horn or even the 'finger'.  I
>> have even
>> found a bunch of repeat offenders or 'regulars' as I call them. (I
>> hope it's
>> not my driving) I take it all in stride and get a good laugh on the
>> way to work
>> every morning.  They should know it's a Vanagon, not a NASCAR.
>>   In my opinion I don't think the older air-cooled vans get
>> disrespected by
>> the general gum-chewing public as much as the Vanagon.
>>   I get no respect.
>>