August
07
Tags
Where You Can Stick that Heel-Toe
I have met my Waterloo.
On the advice of my driving instructors, I have been practicing heel-toe downshifting every time I drive: at stop signs, traffic lights, turns. Hell, I’ll even brake in the middle of the street to downshift. Heel-toe first rattled my consciousness on Saturday. It is now Wednesday. My rattled-ness is not better.
I think I possibly executed one heel-toe downshift this morning, somewhat by accident. Regardless, I felt very proud, like I should get on Twitter and announce my Nobel-worthy accomplishment to the universe. Except I only have three followers. Sigh.
And I have not performed a successful heel-toe since, whether accidentally or otherwise. I have lurched, ridden the clutch and generated a small orchestra (more like an ensemble, really) of unfortunate noises, from both the Red MINI and me. I may also have uttered some profanities. I thought that might be helpful, but it isn’t yet.
I even turned to YouTube for help, which is definitely an indicator that I have reached the end of my rope. I did stumble upon this fairly helpful video. If anyone can teach me heel-toe, it’s Hurley Haywood. If anyone can. This is not at all certain.
Short of pedal adjustments or foot-expansion surgery, anybody got any ideas? Or soothing words of encouragement? Or a car I can practice in without ruining mine?
In the alternative, I will accept vodka.
Morosely,
Motorista
MOTORista 
I’ve always found that things like this start coming to me when I least expect them (not saying I know how to heel-toe, though.) I put in a bunch of concentration and effort at first, get frustrated, cool off, focus my mind on something else, and then what I was trying to understand in the first place slowly starts sinking in. Sometimes things just have to “marinate” and your mind begins working them out in the background. Just be patient.
Mmmm…marinate. In addition to being wise, your words are making me think about food instead. Thanks, Derek! 🙂
I was trying to think of something very helpful…or witty…or encouraging. I think I’ll just send you the vodka.
I will gladly accept.
Unfortunately, I can’t console or advise you on this one either, but wanted to comment about the really cute foot in the photo! (the foot on the left)
If I had the Sasquatch foot, this technique might be easier!
There are now 4 of us following you! It’s a tidal wave of twitter love ❤
a/b
😀