Today we learned a valuable lesson about why we should take our car for regular exercise…
Having decided that we needed to go out to HomeBase to buy some bits and pieces for the flat, we hopped into the car (which has been in its space right near our stairs since before Christmas) and tried to start it. And all that came out was that very pathetic “I’m too weak to even turn the motor” sound.
After several goes, it was time to see if it could be push-started.
Fortunately the spaces in front and behind us were free, so there was lots of room to perform the pushing manoeuvres. And our 2-door hatchback is fairly light so it wasn’t too hard to push on the exceedingly flat road.
I took the first turn at pushing. First backwards, and then forwards. Then backwards again – pause to ward off some people trying to take the spot in front of us! – then forwards again. Each time with occasional shoulder-shuddering jerks as Tom eases the clutch out. No luck. Tom decides to give it a go so we swap. And backwards 2 car lengths, and forwards. Repeat a time or two. This seems to be getting up slightly more momentum than it was with me, but Tom is now tired. A Jag pulls in and takes the space behind us, and the long, straight strip of Westwick Gardens starts to look more inviting.
Back to me pushing, and Tom swings us out into the road. Not much room to get up speed before the first speed hump – annoying things! – but then there’s a long flat stretch and so I really put in some effort. Several dozen meters and a few more false starts and I am now completely fagged. We’re almost out of road as well. Tom and I rack our brains for the nearest strip of downhill. We live in a very flat area, and we’re now even further from the closest vague hill about 3 blocks away.
Fortunately, at that moment, a lanky chap sees our plight and wanders over to offer his help. Let’s see if this makes a difference.
I’m still feeling worn out, so get in the driving seat with the car in reverse and let our two heroes do the pushing. Off we roll, and I just hope that it carries on going straight because I haven’t unfolded the wing mirror on the passenger side from its customary rest position so it’s a bit hard to be 100% sure. After a little while it seems like a good time to jerk out the clutch and hallelujah, the engine coughs into life.
Our lanky stranger waves his goodbye and Tom resumes the driver’s seat panting with his exertions. This has certainly been the most energetic car trip we’ve ever made and should definitely be all the motivation we need to take the car out more often!
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