Last question first: If the 4-year-old wants to ride, you explain to dad that it is a casual ride around the block. No double up lap rides in the interest of safety. If you don't have a car seat for the little kids or a switchable passenger airbag, forget it. Even a nice ride around the block doesn't account for grandma when she pulls out in front of you and your airbag injures (or worse) the joy rider. As with ANY rider, realize that you are liable if they are injured.
As to rides, I have given a few to those that truly seem like they will appreciate it. The last guy had a shaved head, pierced nose, and could recite any Mopar fact that he was asked. Dreams of Vipers but never saw one up close. Pretty obvious that he was a Mopar nut and just seeing a Viper was making his day. I offered a ride and thought he would faint. Even took off his chains around his belt so he wouldn't screw up the interior. I didn't hesitate and he grinned so much I almost started laughing. Guarantee it was a ride he will never forget.
On the flip side, I was at the Kansas Speedway yesterday with 19 other Vipers. Went out to the car to get something and noticed a family milling around and snapping tons of pictures. I offered to let them sit in mine as long as I was out there. I took digital pictures of them in the car and e-mailed them. Later on, I went into the media center to talk to the guys from Richard Petty. Lo and behold, I hear "Chris! Chris!" It is the dad from the earlier encounter. He then introduced me to the other family they came with and told me that they were really upset that they missed the chance to sit in a Viper. Of course, I offered to let them come out and give it a try. They said they only had one picture left on their camera and I offered to shoot a digital shot or two and e-mail them.
The problem was this: They had a teenage exchange student who was, at the risk of sounding like a dirty old man, one of the most attractive and buxom young ladies I have ever seen in my life. She was very excited and showed it. Unfortunately, my beautiful bride and many of the other Viper owners were gathered at this point. I knew this going out, but had no idea that one of the people accompanying me would be a worthy candidate for the best pin up calendars out there. My wife gave me the evil eye in a BIG way and when this young lady climbed into the car I was pretty sure I was dead meat. One of my friends in the club unwittingly sealed my fate when he leaned over to my wife and said, "He sure is lucky to have a wife that is so understanding." She said it was one of the most humiliating times in her life and cried most of the way home. The Viper almost ended up for sale last night.
So, long story short (whew!), pick your rides carefully, but choose those that you feel will really enjoy it the most. For those that say in a monotone voice, "Gee, I always wanted to ride in a Viper", forget it. It always helps if you leave from a crowd on the very, very off chance you picked a lunatic (never heard of one yet). As to photos, I do two things:
1. Carry a Polaroid camera by the spare tire so you can pass out pictures to the kids of them in the car and
2. Carry a digital camera on trips and for events (car shows, cruises, etc.) so that you can e-mail adults their pictures (cheaper and better quality).
Just be sure that if your significant other is there that you do NOT let any pretty girls (or guys) near your car and ignore them if they get friendly. I tried to balance out the cute European with the Hells Angel that I gave the ride to, but my wife wouldn't hear of it. I had embarrassed her in front of a bunch of people and I am still in the dog house. Thanks Matthew!
Chris
