What I did for French Fries... yeah, it's relevant

[god1138]

Well, well, well. I have yet another yarn to spin concerning a McDonald's franchise location. As some of you may or may not recall, I've had one poor experience with McDonald's concerning my Segway to date, and just when I thought it was all an anomaly, well, I tell you, I just don't get no respect!

Granted, that prior incident (In which a manager came running out from behind the counter, screaming at me to leave and that I knew better to bring my "thing" in the restaurant -- even though I wasn't RIDING it in!) happened at a different McDonald's in a neighboring city in which I work, but let's get to the chase, shall we?

11pm. Hankering for fast food french fries. Hot, fresh, salty, french fries. Don't ask me why... I don't know. I just wanted fries. So I grab the Seg, out the door, down the street, around the corner, and bam I'm in McDonald's parking lot. Everything's still lit up, inside and out. There's a young lady in the drive thru in her car, awaiting her food. So I pull up behind her. The manager walks up to the window, takes her money, and I ask "Can I order some fries -- you are open, right?" The guy says "NO" and walks around the corner where I can no longer see him or talk to him (presumably to fetch said young lady's food) and the conversation's apparently over. Ok, fine... I didn't want to spend my money there anyway. So I go to Burger King, conveniently enough being next door to Mickey D's.

At BK... two cars in drive-thru. First placing his order. I decide to check the door first, sometimes our drive-thru's remain open here in town rather late, but you can't go inside at all to order or dine. No biggie whatsoever, but I check the door just in case. Locked. Pull back over to the drive thru line. Finally get to the order window, and across the intercom comes "Please don't ride your bicycle through the drive-thru."

Ok, I'm caught off-guard by this remark and I start thinking "What in the hell does it take to get some french fries in this town???" but I handle it with kindness instead and tell the lady "This isn't a bicycle!" She didn't hesitate a bit to apologize "Sorry, sir, would you like to place your order?" Yeah, why not? At least she apologized. I figured so much would one day happen, so now was my chance to shine!

So I placed my order, and then drove up behind the two vehicles ahead of me.

Now that's a funny feeling. Being on a Segway in a drive through for fries at 11:05pm on a Saturday night. What else does one have to do?

Even funnier, both drivers ahead of me kept watching me in their rear view windows. The guy directly in front of me... gosh he was moving his head up and down, trying to see all the wheelbase or something I suppose. Finally made eye contact with him and asked him how he was doing. He said "fine!" back at me. Thought that was funny, too. Talking to people in other vehicles in a drive through line. Not something any of us are accustomed to in our cars.

So I finally get up to the window, hand the lady my money, and she apologizes again. She said something about sometimes, they get 12 year old kids who sneak out of their parents houses late at night and bicycle to get food and it's a real problem. I said something along the lines of "I understand... but I'm 26 and this thing cost more than most people's cars..." and then thanked her for serving me. She said something about how great my machine was, and asked if it was good for the environment, asked where I took it, so forth and so on. Wasn't any cars or trucks behind me awaiting food orders, so we talked for a few minutes and then I left for the house to eat my fries. That bag comes in so handy for french fries -- they were still warm when I got home.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention this next part: while I was awaiting my fries at BK, I glanced over at McDonald's. Kid you not, I counted four cars get food from the drive thru at McDonald's while I waited for my fries, thanks in part to the two restaurants being next door to one another. I thought about going to say something to the manager who had turned me away only minutes earlier and said they were closed, but I thought better of it. Why were they closed, because I didn't pull up at my car and demand they make me some food? I let it slide, blew it off. Next time, I'll take my pollut-o-mobile. And raise a fit, too!

Anyway, there's my segging adventure for the day. Whoo-hoo!
; )

-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

[dhugger]

I don't know if it's because it's 1:05 in the morning here & I'm not really thinking straight right now or what, but I thought that your story was hilarious! If I were you (and if I had nothing else to do) I probably would have gone and said something to the McDonald's guy. Oh well, thanks for a great laugh!

-Derek Hugger-

[god1138]

You're welcome, Derek. I thought it was a pretty funny situation, too. Figured this forum needs a healthy dose of god-humor. And it does raise all those interesting questions about "Should I drive-thru or go inside during normal business hours?" and what have you.

Being in a drive-thru is odd on a Segway, for sure. I felt like a sore thumb.

-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

[hubbahbubbah]

quote:Originally posted by god1138

You're welcome, Derek. I thought it was a pretty funny situation, too. Figured this forum needs a healthy dose of god-humor. And it does raise all those interesting questions about "Should I drive-thru or go inside during normal business hours?" and what have you.

Being in a drive-thru is odd on a Segway, for sure. I felt like a sore thumb.

-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"


Godd1138,

Your story raises many important questions, most notably: which fries taste better? I prefer McD's.

Hubbah

::: http://stinkyshorts.blogspot.com :::

[god1138]

I've noticed the texture difference between the two, and I must say BK's are more crunchy. Personally, I prefer them, but McD's is ok, too. ; )


-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

[pt]

i usually park my ht, lock it, walk in to the store / resturant and go.

never had a problem.

cheers,
pt



======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

[Burke]

Your story touched a big nerve with me.

We were staying a nice hotel in Surprise, Arizona. It was a Sunday night. 10 p.m. Sopranos just got over. Hadn't had dinner. Wanted SOMETHING to eat. Several fast food joints practically outside the door. Would have been silly to take the car, so I just walked. But everyone was closed except for Wendy's; only their drive-thru was still open, and when I looked in the front door, someone pointed toward the drive thru. I thought I should use the speaker (I don't usually use drive thrus but seemed like I should do it the "right way.") They wouldn't acknowledge me. Someone came through in a car. I asked him to tell them I was also waiting. He did. They still wouldn't acknowledge me. So I went to the window. There I was told I could not order. You cannot walk through a Wendy's drive thru and order! The young kid even checked with the manager and said no, it's policy, we can't serve you; the manager could lose her job if we did. He could not give me any other reason. Here I am a harmless, hungry middle-aged woman. So I got huffy and said that sucked and if I have to go get the car, I'll go somewhere else. By then I was so mad I went hungry. But bottom line: Maybe McDonald's just wouldn't serve anyone who wasn't in a car. And if anyone can give me a good reason, I'd appreciate it.

Janice B.

[pt]

janice-

i would drive your car there, and put it in neutral. then push it to the speaker and the drive through area.

:-]

cheers,
pt

======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

[god1138]

In this case, pt, I couldn't go inside. Doors were locked! Drive thru was my only option.

Sorry to hear about your poor experience at Wendy's, Janice. I've seen signs at certain places about how they won't serve people on coasting devices or foot or bicycles before. That's pretty sad that they put you through all that!


-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

[pt]

robert (and all)-

that's amazing-- i had no idea they were that strict (seattle isn't like that) so basically they're saying-- please only drive cars to get fast food. here's your food, now go operate that 2,500lb thing at 65 mph while you sharf down fries and a shake, lovely.

ya know, all it would take is for one of them to say walkers, cyclist / segway owners are welcome and they'd see a large number of people seek them out. mcdonalds is trying to be healhy now with all the vegetarian and salad stuff, that could go a long way.

cheers,
pt



======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

[Brooster]

I've never tried going through a drive-through at a fast-food place on the HT (I ride right inside my local burger joint ... they love it). I'd suggest that you guys print this thread, do a little research and find out who the CEOs of McDonalds and Wendy's are, and mail them a nice letter along with what we've read so far. Also, make specific note of dates, times, and locations. This isn't right.

Brooster

[hubbahbubbah]

Guys, I think the reason drive-thru window employees are reluctant to serve is because their companies have policies against serving pedestrians (or anyone not in a car).

Why do they have that policy? There are legitimate safety issues involved, it seems to me. So I'd view this incident not as a Segway-snub, but as a sensible safety policy being followed (perhaps unwisely, considering the circumstances) to the letter.

Hubbah

[pt]

um, please folks...carefully consider any "fight" for gaining segway ht use for ordering fast food.

ya'll know what i mean :-]

cheers,
pt



======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

[Brooster]

Going inside is one thing, PT ... but a drive-through? Our money is just as good as the next person's. Failure of service at a drive-through window is ... and I hate to use this word ... discrimination.

Brooster

[Brooster]

Our toughest enemy is the status quo. People resist things that are new and unfamiliar ... especially when they don't or can't have one.

Brooster

[GlideMaster]

<center>
Brooster I see you found that 20%! New, unfamiliar and can't have one.</center>

<center>The GlideMaster</center>
<center>http://www.geocities.co.jp/Athlete/1267/gif/segway.gif</center>
<center>If You’re Not Graceful In Your Glide, You Must Just Be Out For A Ride. </center>
<center>Looking To Provide A Glide To And For The Rest Of The World</center>
<center>Glide On</center>


quote:Originally posted by Brooster

Our toughest enemy is the status quo. People resist things that are new and unfamiliar ... especially when they don't or can't have one.

Brooster

[pam]

Well, IMHO, if they want to have that rule, it should be relaxed for times when the only thing available is the drive-through. I am lucky here in that the BEST hamburger joint in town is ONLY drive through. Much better than all the other franchises, and we have one of everything. I seg through there every so often. The only problem I have is with the gas fumes of the cars, standing in line.
Pam

[fathertime]

LadyTime has McD's Vice President of Food Developement as one of her customers. She will ask him about this situation and get the straight skinny from the horse's mouth. He's a great guy and was responsible for getting Paul Newman to place his salad dressings in McD's to benefit Paul's charity. Maybe we can get Paul out for a demo! Anyway I'll let you all know what transpires.[^]

JR

[dexter]

I agree it is a safety issue. Banks have the same policy with their drive-through tellers. They won't let you use them on foot or on a bike. I would assume a Segway would be off-limits.

&gt;&gt;Well, IMHO, if they want to have that rule, it should be relaxed for times when the only thing available is the drive-through.

If it is a safety issue, then it is even MORE of a safety issue very late, when it is dark and people are tired. If it is a safety rule, they can't say, "Well it is a safety rule, but we will slack on the safety during certain hours for the sake customer convenience."

I've been bitten by the "drive thru only" policy at times. At those times, I just consider the store closed. The drive-thru remains open a while longer as a practical perk for drivers...

The worst part about G1138's story was the rudeness. The McD keeper could have been polite and explained that their policy (for whatever reason) is to not let bikes, pedestrians, OR Segways through the drive-thru. Instead of blatantly lying. Then again, most fast-food employees are young and may not have sufficient experience or be properly trained to handle situations like these. They only know what they're not allowed to do, and maybe this guy thought that saying "we're closed" was the only way to get you off his back. Maybe they didn't show him the 30 minute training video when he was hired. Oops I mean "orientation" video. &lt;g&gt;

Dave C.
me: www.idexter.com
work: www.idealjacobs.com
play: www.nyline.org

[dhugger]

I think the biggest issue in all this is all the STUPID lawsuits going around in today's society. "I spilled McDonald's coffee on myself. It hurt, so I'm gonna sue them for millions of dollars!" Stuff like this is RIDICULOUS!!! People need to take responsibility for their own actions. If people want to ride their bike through a drive though late at night b/c the drive though is the only thing open, they should know that this is a risk. Yes, a car could pull up, not see them and hit them... but how likely is that?? How many cars drive over 10 mph in a drive though anyway? I mean, the distance between the little clown face where your order and the window where you pick up your food is only 50 - 100 feet in most places that I've seen. There's no way the drivers could too fast, there just isn't enough distance half the time. I don't know. I guess it's just my opinion that as long as people aren't hurting anyone else, they should be able to do whatever the wish. If they want to "take a risk" by walking though a drive though, why not? If something happens, they should only have themselves (and maybe the irresponsible driver who hit them) to blame... but NOT the fast food joint they were at.

Also, this thread makes me think of when I went to Shaw's to ask and see if they had any Segway policies. The manager that was there told me that he personally had no problem with the HT. However, because some random shopper could be watching me, not paying attention to what they're doing, then accidentally walk into a shelf of... i dunno... pickles, knock over the shelf, slip on the pickle juice, fall break an arm, and get cut on the broken glass, of course it's obviously going to be Shaw's fault. Isn't this funny? Instead of Shaw's charging the dumb shopper for all the broken pickle jars, a damaged shelf, and paying an employee to clean up the mess, the dumb shopper can sue because he/she got hurt. I dunno, I just don't get it!

Again, as far as I'm concerned, people need to lean to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, and not put the blame on someone else.

-Derek Hugger-

[toybuilder]

It's a stupid restaurant design... The older In-N-Out's have walk up and drive through windows. Perfect. Alas, some newer In-N-Out's also suffer from not having a walk-up window...

http://www.pasadenasegway.com/
A bicycle in 1897 cost $25 ($2,200 today adjusted for inflation).
A Ford Model-T cost $850 in 1908 ($75,000 today adjusted for inflation).

[ElectraGlide]

I have a great relationship with my local bank branch......been going there for years. Well, they werent too excited about the Segway in their drive-up. I tried to explain to the drive up teller that I was also a motorized vehicle like the others, but they asked that I not come back to the drive-thru but rather come indoors and I am welcome to bring the segway inside ( not driven )for safe keeping. And you know, I agree with them.....they explained that on one occaision a motorist hit the accelerator and smashed into cyclist causing injury and property damage.They dont mind me in the outside ATM lane...just not to enter the teller lanes........and forget about the safety deposit box !
At McDonalds I just park outside...with their big windows I dont even need a lock when I can watch it from every table....same with Starbucks and many of my other stops

Steve

[god1138]

Geez, I posted this story to be funny at first. You guys took the ball and ran...

I mean, yes, there are very real issues at hand here and yes I did feel slighted by McD's and even BK a little at first, but all I really wanted were some french fries! ; )

I was hoping to get you all to laugh a little... hopefully, you did that at least!


-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

[segwayowner]

why wouldnt they want a bike ro Seg in the drive up lane?

DES: Segway owner

[god1138]

re-read my initial post, Segwayowner... you'll see I had no other option!

-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

[terryp]

Hey - It's a 'Drive Thru', not a 'Glide Thru'. (Just kidding - I've been wanting to try that here too!)

Practicing Safe Segs in Seattle

[Sid Viscous]

"In which a manager came running out from behind the counter, screaming at me to leave and that I knew better to bring my "thing" in the restaurant -- even though I wasn't RIDING it in!"

You were pushing it in and the manager freaked?!?!?!?! I would go back (if it was in your city which you said it wasn't) and get the general manager or find out how to contact the owner. A bicycle would be awkward, but I bet they wouldn't complain about that. Pushing a segway is less innocuous than a baby stroller.

[BruceWright]

If they're going to close their doors to all non-car customers, this is discrimination. Stores do it out of fear of crime, but really it amounts to a discrimination.

They don't want poor people to be in their stores. If you're rich enough to own a car, then you are a desirable customer. If not, who cares about you anyway?

A walk-up window would eliminate the social inequity, and address the late-night crime issue. But notice that they don't offer that.

This is the kind of situation our car-obsessed culture has created.
Someone isn't a human being worthy of buying food, if they aren't in a car.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[Sid Viscous]

" walk-up window would eliminate the social inequity"

I've actually seen them in Rio De Janerio, but it tdidn't have a drive up window. Was in the city, but had a walk up window for ice cream.