Ride With Johnny

Lyft Driver in Las Vegas

[ridewithjohnny]

All those who follow me or have left comments I have left Tumblr and moved my blogs to ridewithjohnny.blogspot.com if you want to keep following me and my Vegas stories. Thanks for support.

[ridewithjohnny]

Happy New Year to everyone who reads my blogs about my Lyft rides throughout Las Vegas.

Today was the first of many days ahead where I work some hours in the morning and some in the afternoon/evening.

My first ride this afternoon was a couple from Aliante Hotel going to the airport, and it was a scheduled ride. I am a guy who is always early or on time; this particular ride. At the conclusion of it, they mention, "We appreciate you being on time." This is one of many reasons I love what I do. Thank you, Sterling, for generous added tip at the end of the ride.

There was another ride that I was able to help save my passenger some $$. I picked up two gals from the airport, and they wanted to go to Walgreens first and then to Paris Hotel. But, they selected a Walgreens by the stratosphere hotel, so I asked them, "Did it have to be that one and did it have to be Walgreens, or could it be a CVS?" Melissa, then said it could be anywhere. So, I told them, "There was a CVS 2 min from the airport and it would save time and money for them." They were all for it. Yes, it made my ride less money for my pocket, but I always look out for my passengers first since I know the area better. Melissa, thank you for generous tip as well at the end of the ride for my honesty and help.

I love it when passengers actually read my whiteboard out loud during the ride, and I'm able to explain the website. This particular couple from Brazil did just that and saw my blog, then pulled up the website, and the couple said they liked it. Thanks, Bruno. Great ride.

All other rides were great as well. Thank you all for being nice passengers and making my day uneventful yet full of good conversations.

[ridewithjohnny]

This will be my last post of 2021 as it is the last day of the year. Overall been a good year, lots of progress and change in my life. Looking forward to 2022 and a great year. Happy New Years to everyone!!

This morning was busy as usual with ride after ride and nice conversation after nice conversation. No particular ride stood out more than the next; just all were relaxed passengers either going to work, to home from work, or going home after staying at a friends place. Might work tonight, we'll see. Watching college football playoff games now. Everyone be safe tonight and talk to you in 2022.

[ridewithjohnny]

Monday Dec 27th was a fulfilled, windy, and very cold day, but the rides were steady from 445am to 930am, then it became 30 minutes in-between rides for 1.5 hours, odd but whatever. Overall day was amazing.

One of my riders was a repeat customer, which I picked up, I think, last month. Nice gal, who is store manager at one of the Pinkbox Dougnuts locations here in Las Vegas. It doesn't happen as much as you think but always nice when it does, especially when that someone appreciates how you drive and tips you according to that. Thank you, Kimberly.

Most of the riders today were locals going to work. Some of them it was there Mondays, but others it was their Thursdays, and they were looking forward to tomorrow being their Friday.

One ride was a group of 4 from Baltimore out in Vegas for holidays as kids were out of school. They were seeing some shows and had good conversation from NFL to Mariners and Ken Griffey. Fun conversation, and thanks for a nice ride with your family, David.

Another ride was a couple from the Dallas area out here in Vegas for the food and seeing some shows. They saw MJ One circa show. Wife didn't like it much, so I recommend MJ Live at Stratosphere how I feel it's best MJ impersonator in town, and she was excited for that info. Then I told her you could get discount stickers from my website and she smiled.

Ending the day as I have hit my daily goal and dark stormy clouds start to head toward the city. Thank you all for a great, safe day.

[ridewithjohnny]

It's great to be back on the road and driving around this fabulous city of Las Vegas I live. I've been only working/driving a few hours a day the last few days. I don't really call my job work because I love what I do.

Today was 7 hours day, 18 rides and full of fun, exciting conversations, and learned something new as well. I love it.

I had a passenger who has 2 music albums and started a 3rd. It was a great song that he had me listen to during the ride. I wish him the best during his journey in life ahead.

I had a drug addict who wanted to go to rehab facility to help her get clean and off the stuff that she was on to better get life. It really takes a lot to omit your problems and seek help. I was grateful to be her driver and give her some helpful advice that I hope will carry her through her journey of getting better.

All other rides were amazing, safe, fun, good laughs, and good insight into those visiting to enjoy the great city of Las Vegas.

Stay warm and stay safe. See you tomorrow!!

[ridewithjohnny]

Yesterday, Thursday, Dec 16th, was an amazing day of 19 rides over 8 hour day. I had a couple celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary, another couple the guy proposed the night before to his now fiance as she said yes. Everyone was fun and enjoyed their conversation. More to come tonight, as I am about to start me Friday. Sunny, cold, and a little windy here in Las Vegas.

[ridewithjohnny]

Life is all about the choices you make every single moment of every day. This morning, I almost didn't work all because of what happened on my last ride on Saturday night. I love driving, I love talking to others, I live smiling and asking questions as I feel that a simple smile can change a person's day and by asking questions it shows that you care for other which can also change a person day. From driving taxi, limo, party bus, and Uber & Lyft, the best part is always not knowing who you are picking up and where they are going; I always love the adventure. But on the flip side of not knowing can be dangerous as well because you do not know who they are, what mental state they are in, or what is going on in their lives that could possibly harm you.

With all the above being said, my last ride on Saturday night was my 2nd of 3 rides in a bonus streak for an extra $30 where you can't cancel or else you lose the streak $. So, after waiting full 5 minutes for this particular pickup, I came close to canceling but before I did, I saw a guy walking out of his apartment, i asked if he was Brandon, and he nodded his head, after repeating and confirm address without response another 3 min goes by he finally says yes. Red flags are going up in my head, but we proceed to the destination to CVS 5 miles away. As we got to the first light, there was a CVS to my left. he says, "Go there," I say, "that isn't on the app." He says,"I want to go there then to another address" (more red flags). He seems to be troubled, but he won't answer any of my questions. As I wait for him to come out of CVS, I start thinking ahead on an exit strategy because my gut is always right, plus best to be safe, then sorry. When he got back in the car, he told me he didn't want to go to the other CVS but rather to meet a friend down the street. I say, "I need an address," he says. "it's just 2 minutes away on Charleston." As we started driving and coming up on where he said it was, he then said "no, It's a little further up," then a gas station comes up, and I said "I am not comfortable with this ride anymore", I pull into gas station and ended the ride without any altercation (thank goodness). He said he was sorry and understood how I could perceive all the miscommunication.

Sunday came, and as always, a new day means new opportunities to meet new people and see where the day leads me. All rides were amazing, lots of laughs, insights, advice, information about Vegas, and then one particular ride stood out more than others.

I picked this couple up from a hotel just off the strip going to the airport. As I always do, I ask my passengers where they are from; this couple said, "Spokane, Washington." I replied,"Go Zags!" So, then we started talking about them for a while. Then, I asked, "What brought you to Vegas?" The wife answers, "To watch my daughter WIN THE TITLE IN UFC!!" They were so happy, such excitement the rest of the ride!! As I dropped them off, they gave me a very generous tip and thanked me for a fun, talkative, and safe ride to the airport.

All in all, one ride isn't going to stop me from doing what I love, but it will make me even more aware and be more cautious to everything, plus that extra money isn't worth saving your life from a what if.

Thank you all for reading my blogs. And in case you didn't get who I had, it was the new UFC Champ Julianna Pena's mom and dad.

[ridewithjohnny]

Every day is a new day to create new memories and learn something new from my passengers. Today was no exception. My first ride was gal, who is a manager at Pinkbox Dougnuts at 5am. There are 5 Pinkbox locations in the Valley, and they do custom orders. I will have to try one someday. It was a nice ride with some conversation and not much traffic on the road. Another ride was a gal in Henderson who needed to pick up her car from dealership. This gal has lived in Vegas since 1968 and originally was from Japan. She asked if she could sit in the front seat, and I always say YES. Easier to talk to someone when they are right next to you. Great conversation, and one of many topics we talked about, she mentioned she had just sold her house , which she bought in 1994 or $70,000 and sold it for $500,000. After listening to all her stories, her and her husband still married after 53 years of have bought/sold many properties in those years. Her generous tip at the end of the ride made me smile, and she told me she enjoyed the ride too. Always makes my day when I hear that from a passenger that they "enjoyed the ride." I had a drunk guy, short ride, and no issues. All rides were good, lots going to work, and it was there Monday, not much to talk about as they seemed like they weren't excited to go back to work.

Thank you for reading.

Johnny

[ridewithjohnny]

Oh, what a day this Sunday, December 5th was!! I finally got a great night sleep and was ready to go at 7 am. Of the 18 rides I did today in 7 hours of driving, all were fun and great conversation, and the following rides stood out a little more than the others. In advance, thank you all for enjoying my blogs.

One of my early morning rides was a couple from the airport wearing Raider gear go to MGM, season ticket holders, and going to game. They got a laugh when they saw me in my Bronco sweatshirt. Good insight on season ticket holders and other information, plus learning more about their story.

Two other rides were fun, and a gal from the East Coast came to Vegas for a modeling gig, and she had a blast on her first trip to Vegas. Another first timer was a gal from Oregon, who came to Vegas on a work trip as she worked for Boot Barn. Boot Barn is one of top sponsors for NFR, and she had a blast. Both rides were nice and good conversations.

Another ride was an older couple; forget where they were from, but they don't destroy getting a good quality sleep is healthy to be behind the wheel. After telling them about my 3 neighbors, that all have dogs and keep me up at night because they don't respect other people sleeping time. I mean, these dogs bark at 11 p.m., midnight, 1am, etc, and these people are home. So, when I told this couple I was thinking about getting an Air Horn, they both laugh so hard their eyes teared up. I said I probably won't get, but they I sister I should, just to make sure I get ear plugs for myself. As they got out of the car, the gentleman told me, "Thanks for the laugh. It was a good ride."

Last but not least was a couple decked out in Steelers colors from Resort World to Noreens Lounge (Steeler Bar). They were so stoked to go even if they knew Big Ben and their team had struggled all year. True fans wear their team colors even when their team struggles. There were lots of laughs and good gabs back and forth. Excellent ride; the girlfriend knew her stats and stuff about football. Awesome ride, and I told them, "Miracles happen every day." They ended up beating/upsetting the Ravens today. I'm sure they are going nuts.

Thank you all for making my day fun and easy.

[ridewithjohnny]

This week has been crazy busy. Sorry for the late posts, and I will just write a few as I am about to start my Saturday.

A few days ago, I picked up a profession boxer (picture above). He is from India and has a record of 13-2, he fights in Vegas Dec 25th. Great conversation and he is still trying to get on the map sort of speak. The best insight I could give him was that many years ago, when I was driving taxi here in Las Vegas, I was able to be the driver for Gennadiy Gennadyevich Golovkin known as Triple G. I picked him up, his manager, his corner guy, and his marketing guy and took them to get flyers from FedEx Office to promote himself. At this time, he was trying to get on the map too; currently, Triple G is 43-1-1. As I dropped Sharma off, I wished him luck, and he was smiling ear to ear. This is one of many things I love about my work of driving is that I never know who I am picking up, what their story is, and where we are going!

There has been an increase in international travel to Vegas lately. Yesterday, 75% of my rides were people from Japan, Korea, England, Canada, India, and a few other places. It's great to see and make me even busier than before.

One of my passengers yesterday is up and coming Rapper, name FTO_DMAN. I picked him up at his place and took him to his recording studio to make another video. Great conversation, and I will look forward to following your career path. Good luck.

All other rides were fun and looking forward to what today brings.

[ridewithjohnny]

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!! My family tradition is that I get the leg every year. Ever since I was little, I've had the leg on this day.

Today, Friday 26th of November, I drove about 5 hours and had about 11 rides. Half were talkative, and the other half were quiet rides. All and all got home safely without any problems.

One particular passenger was good conversation as she manages 4 gift shops within 4 local hospitals. I picked her up at Valley Hospital and took her to Mt View Hospital, great conversation.

Another passenger was the food and beverage manager of Hilton out at Lake Las Vegas. Fun conversation and gave him some insight with MegaBus for traveling to/from LA and Vegas.

Thanks all that read my daily Blog from my Lyft and Uber rides daily.

[ridewithjohnny]

Due to my birthday on Thursday the 18th, I did not work much this week. This is photo from my seats at Knights game against Detroit on Thursday. Great birthday Victory.

Today, Saturday Nov 20th was a fun packed day of 20 rides in 7 hours of work. One particular passenger I picked up at a great breakfast spot called Egg & I, and drove him back to Grandview Resort near South Point Casino. During the ride I learned that he just had breakfast with his parents as they also were in Vegas in which they both didn't know the other was in town. I swear this world is smaller then you think. Love hearing stuff like that.

Another ride was a journalist for ESPN and he covers boxing and UFC fights whenever ESPN broadcast those events worldwide. Great conversation with you Kel and hearing how you love what you are doing and get to see great fights for a living.

Another ride was 2 Canadian gals out here on vacation having fun. Thank you for fun ride and good conversation on short ride back to your resort.

Last but definitely not least but since you were my 3rd to last ride, I apologize but because I didn't ask to know but was either a couple, just friends, or siblings. The female passenger saw my sign, mention if I blogged and before I could explain she was reading about me from my website and Patrick was laughing and saying she is quick. Fun ride guys, appreciate it and yes as you can see you made the blog.

Thank you all that follow and reads these as I post them, as to me my life is filled with fun moments daily. Love giving advice to people and learning new stuff as well.

[ridewithjohnny]

Another warm day in Vegas, started at 330am and worked til 1pm, needed 22 rides to hit my wknd Uber Incentive. All rides were fun and exciting from Cheifs and no Raider fans. Hope game ends in a Tie, since Denver forgot to show up this today for their game. I had a couple from Spain Who was happy to travel again and get out of their daily routine. Another ride was a couple from Vancouver, BC who had to get free drive thru covid test just to return home to Canada even though they are vaccinated. Fun conversations throughout the day. Thanks to all that were my passengers as I got home safe without any accidents or tickets.

[ridewithjohnny]

From my 14.5 years of driving in Vegas the amount of people I have picked up that have done the helicopter ride to Grand Canyon, the vast majority at first said to expensive. But after the trip everyone of them said BEST money ever spent in Vegas! To see Vegas and Grand Canyon at that level unimaginable and to land in the canyon, get off helicopter and walk 30 min, then take off again is a once in a lifetime treat. So, I highly recommend this as one day in near future I will do this as well. Book your next tour Today, www.RideWithJohnny.com/vegas-deals

Last 2 days of driving have been really amazing. 20-24 rides a day, 8-10 hrs each and just love what I do. Friday night had a guy that races speed boats for a living and was in Vegas for a layover before watching finals I think it was in Arizona. Had another couple that was hear for private gathering with pilots who fly the Thunderbirds (got history lesson on Thunderbirds during that ride). Saturday had gal from airport to Venetian who was her to just see a show at Venetian, great conversation and was my last ride of the night, but before that I got a ride from Skye Point area to Area 15. A nice long ride and great conversation with Ian and his friend. Hope you had a blast at the rum distillery inside there. I had Chiefs fans, Raider Fans, and of course Bronco fans today. All enjoy conversations. All in all another fun day at the wheel. Just really enjoy what I do. Time for a quick 5 hour nap and back on road around 4am.

[ridewithjohnny]

Lots of exciting things on the horizon for me and my website RideWithJohnny.com If you haven't looked at all the Vegas Deals lately go ahead and look. I have Show Tickets, Concerts, Sporting Events, ATV's, Hoover Dam, Helicopter Rides, Other Vacation places besides Vegas, Hotels, Cruises, and so much more. Monthly newsletter will start December 1st so make sure you sign up for that from the home page. Also, other fun stuff you'll see over next few weeks I'll be doing during my Uber & Lyft Rides. Along with soon you'll be able to reserve me to be your Driver, going to test the waters sometime in December see how it goes.

Off work last few days, weekend was great and busy and will be back on the road tomorrow to start a new schedule which will be working Thurs-Mon with Tues/Wed Off but that will change Thanksgiving day week as family will be in town. After that week will go back to it, plus workout 7 days a week. New routine, New life, New dreams and goals.

[ridewithjohnny]

Saturday, Nov 6th was an amazing day. Started at 930am and worked til 530pm with a 30 min lunch break. All passengers were fun, amazing, and very talkative. Lots of peoples first time in a Scion xB and then complimented that spacious of the inside and a few noticed the paint color changes as well. One ride was a couple from Orange County, they come out often to Vegas and said congrats on my new business plans to start my own car service and said they would subscribe and buy stuff off my website as well. Love hearing encouraging stuff like that and it happened often throughout the day.

The ride that stands out the most was a couple from Brazil, who also have a house in Texas. They mentioned they had to get their 4th PCR Test to see different shows and get back home to Brazil. They were seeing Sting at Ceasars tonight and Sting wanted all guest to have a PCR test done if not vaccinated. After sharing my views of this wild flu strain and my beliefs, this couple was constantly shaking their heads up and down in agreement. Just as we pulled up to Venetian he mention he has been a DOCTOR in Brasil for over 30 years and believes the these Doctors, CDC, WHO and these state govenors who impose mandates all should be prosecuted on national television for there crimes on human beings.

Ask yourself this, how many people in last 2 years have died from a heart attack, died of phenomena, died of anything besides Covid??? Wake up World. My life, My Choice!!

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[ridewithjohnny]

Hello All, I know it has been a few weeks since my last post and I do apologize but I am back on to do them more. EDC Music festival came and went last weekend, chose not to work as I didn't want to risk my seats to get all glittered up by my passengers. Years of experience has taught me to take the those 3 days off. This week I was back at it and everyday is fun when you like what you do, which for me is driving. Yes, it does drain me from time to time just like it did today. I thought I slept great but after doing 4 rides and it being slow detoured me to call it quits and just rest of for tomorrow.

I was able to pickup an amazing couple from Boston, originally from Argentina, from Palazzo to the airport. After establishing that they are from the top 2 of 3 greatest futbol players in world, Messi and Maradona. They knew right away which futbol I was talking about. As we passed the MSG Sphere, they asked about it and I explained. The husband asked how I knew so much about the city, I told him I've been a driver for 14.5 of 15 years living here, he was impressed. Yael, I hope this made you smile and won't get a bad review from you. Lol. Great meeting you both and hope to cross paths again when you come back to Vegas.

The other 3 rides were nice just unfortunately it took 20 min in-between rides, slow day and other personal reasons decided to call it a day. Tomorrow is another day. Checkout Vegas Deals Page and Hotels for your next Vegas Trip.