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Ready to rumble

Lynn: The sounds of teenagers finding their hobby

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There is a trend of rumbling popping mufflers rolling around town. I know a lot about it.

My son has his car tuned to shift out loud. I might even add a pop to mine.

Teenagers always need share of voice. And while the muffler craze does occasionally burst the silent evening air or pierce the morning meditation, I embrace it.

There are far too many haters for the “noise” that is often less than the roar of Harley Davidson motorcycles bursting by in a pack, or individually, even. The typical decibels are similar to the gardener blowing debris from our lawns at all hours every single day. But, they pop by and run around the corner or down the road quickly—unlike the mower and blower that revs on for what often seems an eternity.

Then there are the deliveries and waste management vehicles dropping by in the wee hours around 4:30 a.m. The beeping backup signals give way to bumps and grinds of machinery that, well, makes the world go ‘round.


So this is just another song on the dial of our community. And I especially appreciate it.

At a time when teens and young adults are caught up online, in anxiety, or under depression, the “car guys” tune up and tune in to experience that gives them joy. And because this is their bliss, most are committed to staying sober... for the thrill of the drive.

Now, it’s great to remind them that there is quiet time so most can sleep from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ... but, like the deliveries and waste management vehicles, sometimes life has to happen after hours. So let’s cut a little slack and enjoy the rumble.

The next generation will break the sound barrier unless we do it first.

Editor’s Note: T.K. Lynn is a Scottsdale resident.