Cold, Snow, Chicken

Another morning of snow and ice on the road and cold in the air.  Walking Junior up the street I tried to convince myself that I could easily handle the snow on the road.  There was, after all, a lot of grit and salt mixed in with the snow.  And big patches of hard ice here and there too.  The first walk verdict -- postpone the riding and take the dog to the park.

Going to the park I knew I would get out on to the main roads and find them clear.  They were but while throwing the ball for Junior I realized it was really cold.  Single digit cold.  Not Alaska cold.  Cold for me.  So I chickened out and left the scooter at home and went to town with Junior.

I could have ridden though...

There is a cafe in town that allows dogs and that's exactly where Junior and I went.  Breakfast for me and a bowl of water for him.  He was quite content and relaxed until Rosie, a female German Shepherd arrived.  It was too early in the morning to see him turn into Sir Humpalot so we wandered out the other door and on towards home.

Tomorrow the weather forecast promises freezing rain and sudden temperature drops.  Sounds like I should just surrender to clinomania...

Vespa Ice Racing and the Power of Studded Tires

With a lot of discussion lately focused on snow and riding I took a look around YouTube and found a short film that explores some of the possibilities of riding on snow and ice.  The first look at a winter equipped Vespa takes place at 2:09. Take a look at some of the scooters racing around the track in Germany -- Those aggressive studs make it possible to really lean into a turn!

The video was produced by the S.I.P. Scooter Shop in Germany.

Searching for Autumn

Autumn is about to burst forth, leaves beginning to escape their captive positions in the trees.  First a few yellow and orange leaves on the road, a few more in the trees, and suddenly, as if a fuse was lit and a fiery palette of red, orange and yellow sweeps through the forest, across the mountains and then vanishes.

I took the Vespa for a ride in the mountains hoping to feel the change.  Like a kid on Christmas morning the anticipation builds, still after all these years, for natures pageant of color.

There is no doubt this season touches an uneasy place in me, a reflection of the cycle of life that seems more real each year.  I am a leaf still clinging to the tree.  Or so I think as the Vespa climbs through Rothrock Forest, a place so familiar and charged with memories of over 40 years of travel here, on foot, in cars, on skis, bicycles and now the Vespa.  At one point I asked to have my ashes spread near here when I die, on Little Flat, a vantage point that surveys the place I call home.

Autumn was still in the distance for now.  Days away then, almost here now.  Riding the Vespa along forest roads is always satisfying but especially now.  Running back down the mountain towards duty and responsibility I wished I could search longer.

Later in the day, while on a walk with Junior, I found more evidence of fall.  The bright sun erased any lingering uneasy feelings from the morning.  And soon the Vespa and I will plunge headlong into autumn and emerge into winter.

Perhaps autumn is merely practice, preparation for the real test ahead.

Always something to think about on a ride.

Vespa on a Sunny Day

The sun finally came out and if it weren't for the wind I could almost believe it was spring.  I'm tired of winter and riding has become a chore in itself of late.  So it was nice to wander around on the scooter, collect some mud under the fenders and just live under a blue sky while it lasts.  Still some snow and ice around in the shadows or on the mountains but nothing to worry about on the road save for the distracted drivers, whitetail deer, and copious amounts of gravel collected at every intersection or other place requiring turns.
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I took the day off and caught myself thinking it was Saturday a few times since it's rare to be out in the middle of the day on the Vespa otherwise.  In a few more weeks it will be time to shed the winter tires and get back to the warm weather set up.  Won't be long until I'll see green in place of all the orange and brown.

Sky clouded up in the middle of the afternoon dropping me back into that gray, twilight world I've become accustomed to.  A last swing through town to pick up some chocolate at the Boalsburg Chocolate Company.  A fitting end to a relaxed day.

Planned to take Junior to the park to play ball but he was zonked out from an earlier outing.  I think the smart choice would be to recline on the couch and do nothing.  It is a vacation day after all.

Maybe tomorrow will be more productive.

Riding Interruption Due to Snow

A fresh snowfall overnight -- just four or five inches but enough for me to opt out of riding today.  I've ridden in this kind of situation before but only to prove I could or to test out my winter tires when I bought them.  With nothing to prove to myself the angels of my better nature reminded me of how greatly the speed differential is between four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles in snow.  Seems like every SUV owner feels they can drive even faster in snow because they have four-wheel drive.  And on a motorcycle or scooter, well, you know how slow you have to go in snow if you've tried it.

So I'll stay home and admire the landscape.

And walk Junior.  He and I did a trip to the park so he could tear around in the snow, seek out other dogs to play with, and try not to lose the ball in the snow.  Succeeded in every objective.

All that's left now is to lie on the couch and get fat...

Snow Equals Minivan

The view when I stepped out of my office last night.  Wasn't riding the Vespa then and not today either as another three inches of snow dropped overnight.  More forecast for tonight.

Putting on my mathematician's hat I've calculated that snow = minivan.  Or the more complex expression:  Oh well...

Gerbing Electric Gloves: A Pleasant Surprise

My electric gloves are dead.  They died a slow death over the past couple months but last week during an 8F morning ride I knew they were done.

My friend Paul gave them to me for Christmas in 2007 and in the subsequent four years they have seen a lot of use; probably more than most riders ever use them.  I wrote of that joy in a post titled 18F and Gerbing Electric Gloves. 

As I was preparing to toss them in the trash I decided to check to see if the heating elements could be repaired.  Or even easier a bad connector.  Being of sound mind I retrieved a little used multimeter from the toolbox and set to work to determine if something was wrong with the gloves themselves or the connector coming from the battery.

A strong arc on one of the probes indicated to me that I was getting power to the connector so I abandoned that line of research.

A quick continuity check on the gloves themselves indicated failures in both.  Checking for repair service on Gerbing's web site indicated a lifetime warranty on the heating elements.  A LIFETIME WARRANTY!

My sense of joy was dashed when I read that I would have needed to register the purchase four years earlier.

Shit -- I never register anything.  Still, I had to try.

An extremely pleasant voice answered the phone at Gerbing customer service.  I described the problem and asked about repair service since I knew I hadn't registered the gloves.  When the woman on the other end of the line said she would check in the database to see if I was registered I knew I was done.  A new Aerostich catalog had just arrived, maybe they have some new electric gloves.

"Steve Williams" I sheepishly responded when asked for my name.

"Gee, we have a lot of Steve Williams's in our database." she replied.  

Williams is a terrible name to have if you're trying to get a handgun or wade through registrations of any type.  The first because mostly we're criminals and second because there are so many of us.

"What state do you live in?" was her next question.  

When I answered she proceeded to recite my address, phone number, place of employment, blood type, sexual preference and favorite chocolate.  I looked out the window and thought I saw the sunrise.

"Holy shit," I thought. "I must have registered the gloves."  

Great news from Gerbing.  They gave me a return number and said they would either restore the gloves to their previous toasty state or replace them with a brand new pair.

A real surprise to someone who is always expecting to get ripped off at every turn by capitalists everywhere except for L.L. Bean and Walmart.  Always bring Vaseline to Best Buy.

So the gloves are now in Tumwater, Washington and I am roughing it with conventional gloves until they return.  So far the temperature hasn't dropped below 25F, easily managed for the comute to work.  But longer rides will have me on my knees praying at the muffler.

Still, I'm a happy camper.  I'm getting something for free!

Cold Weather Preliminaries

Preliminaries. Making ready. Husbanding ones resources. Getting into harness. Ugh.

Buckling on the armor in cold weather is a chore. No way around it. On Sunday morning the thermometer pointed to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Out came the long underwear, wool socks, sweater, windproof jacket, jacket liner, wires for electric gloves, winter riding jacket, winter riding overpants, boots, balaclava, full helmet. By the time I have all this on I'm tired and ready for a nap.

If you want to ride in cold weather, all mechanical and riding considerations aside, the need to shield flesh and bone is considerable. Especially without windshield, heated grips or hand guards. Yet over and over I find myself on the road, attired like Randy (a tick ready to pop) from a Christmas Story.

I didn't feel up to taking the camera along so I made a series of pictures with the iPhone and processed them with the Instagram app using the Early Bird filter. Click on the image to see a version large enough to see the individual images -- the frost covered vehicles in the driveway, the Christmas wreath in the window of Saint's Cafe, in State College, Pennsylvania. Just another cold, Sunday morning ride on the Vespa.

And as much as I grumble getting ready I am so glad to be on the road...

Weather and the Calculated Risk

At 5:15 PM when I left my office the Vespa was coated in a glistening sheen of ice. How I got there and what I would do next was a result of calculating risk. Standing by the scooter I could see traffic moving on wet, slushy roads. Heavy skies reduced light levels. With temperatures hovering near freezing and moisture in the air I knew visor fogging would be an issue. My brain was working, trying to calculate my next action.

Weather is predictable to a point. In warm weather unexpected changes in temperature or precipitation are challenges most often met with gear adjustments and minor changes in riding. Unexpected changes in cold weather involve more risk and can't be overlooked.

I stood outside with the dog in the morning weighing the pros and cons of riding to work. The forecast called for two brief periods of snow or sleet followed by rain later in the evening. The road was dry and the skies looked heavy but no hint of moisture yet. I made the decision to ride to work knowing that it could get worse when it was time to go home. I had my usual backup plan ready --- park the scooter in the parking garage and take the bus home.

By mid-afternoon what I thought would be a passing flurry or shower of sleet had developed into something more persistent. I kept an eye on the street outside my window and the progress of traffic. I was already calculating risk. When I walked outside at the end of the day it was decision time.

The accumulation of sleet and snow in the parking lot would be heavier than anyplace on the ride home. It was the safest place to test for traction and just a tiny bit of throttle pushed the rear wheel sideways. Head up, eyes forward, and gentle throttle would be the rule of the ride.

Two stops would slow me down, one for fuel, and a second for cash at the ATM. Walking back to the scooter with a pocket full of money I met a good Samaritan. A neighbor saw the scooter and me and thought I might need a ride home. My experience on the road for the past four years have brought many would be good Samaritans. It's nice to know that help is available if needed. In this case I politely declined and thanked him for the offer.

By the time I pulled into the driveway it was almost dark, I was tired, and the sleet was still coming down. The ride home was not as bad as other unexpected winter rides but it did require constant attention and adjustment. And more than a few four-wheeled vehicles had to practice patience as I made my way down the road slower than they would like to go. Definitely below the posted maximum speed limit for ideal conditions. Not many people look at those signs that way.

For those of you who have not been caught on the road when snow or sleet appears the pictures look more daunting than the actual ride. I made a careful assessment of the road surface and knew there would be adequate traction, options for ways out of situations with other vehicles, and enough experience to negotiate other hazards on the way.

I suppose the lesson here is to look beyond the image of sleet and snow and really see what is there.

Rider as Romantic

Yesterday I sat in the Terminal Cafe after a morning of riding and searching for the right Valentine's Day gift for Kim. In my head I was writing a message for a card I picked out, how I would reveal the gift, and imagining the day. Looking at the couple across the street I imagined the two of us. Romantic.

The dictionary lists several definitions for romantic. There's the obvious we associate with Valentine's Day. But another describes, in part, the draw I find in riding.

ROMANTIC: Marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of the heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized.

That's riding for me and many others. Yesterday morning the romantic was at work as I rode off to search for a rock to give to Kim. What I was after would not be in a store.

By the time I got to the cafe a coating of new snow covered the ground. Secondary roads, streets, and alleys in town were snow covered. The main roadways were mostly wet but a thin film of slush was building up in places. Had I started any later I probably wouldn't have been able to find what I was looking for.

I should probably explain the rock. I've been looking for several weeks for the right one. I'm not sure how many other men and women would be content giving or receiving a rock. It won't make many retailers smile or assist in an economic recovery. But Kim and I find satisfaction in the graceful elegance and beauty in rocks and stones. I've brought home 800 pound ones to ones the size of something that will fit under the seat of the Vespa.

Kim has designed a transformation of our property from perfect turf to woodland garden and rocks are an integral part of the landscape. I made this photograph of Kim during a walk last weekend. Exploring fields and forests fuels ideas that she introduces into our woodland garden.

Riding can reflect the same grace and elegance found in a stone. And it can trigger thoughts and feelings consistent with the second definition of romantic. This morning was an adventure. Gray skies and the thermometer hovered near the freezing mark when I left in the house and rode into the mountains.

I knew what I was looking for but uncertain where to find it. A small rock or stone transportable on the scooter with the right character and personality. Perhaps something with moss growing on it, a small fern, or a lichen. Sometimes you can find them along a creek.

Snow began to fall as I rode off onto an old fire road. My concentration in finding a stone was broken by concerns that the roads might become more hazardous if I remained too long. Part of my attention focused on rocks and part on the weather. Ten minutes of examining the floor of the woods and still nothing. Snow started to build up and it was apparent that I needed to go.

Snow is an indicator of risk and when it falls I monitor things constantly. My Motofizz bag was accumulating snow. The temperature indicator on the Vespa read 30 degrees. It was only a matter of time before the roads would be covered.

I planned to head straight home but could not pass a large rockfield for one last look. Climbing up the steep hill with patches of ice hidden under leaves and in crevasses I wondered what would happen if I took a bad fall with no one around. It was a few miles from here, up higher on the mountain that Kim fell and broke her leg and I had to carry her down to the car. A touch of the front pocket of my riding pants confirmed I had the cellphone. My emergency backup plan.

I found a rock.

Back at the scooter I knew two things. I had the rock I was searching for, and the road was completely snow covered will more falling faster now. It definitely was time to ride. Out of the mountains and into the valley the snow continued to fall but wasn't accumulating much on the main road so I decided to ride into town for breakfast at the Terminal Cafe.

The road home was quiet, comfortable, and open for thought. The temperature was above freezing now and the snow was fading. All that was left was to write in a card what I had developed in my head during the morning. Red sealing wax on the envelop and an impression from a special, romantic wax seal would complete my ideas for the card. I had to stop for one last picture, to stand and look out over the landscape and let the morning replay in my head. The riding, the romantic.

I hope you find the romantic in life, in your relationships, and in riding.

Revisiting Risk: Thaw Then Freeze

That's what I look like after a mistake in judgment. I look pretty much the same when I make the right choices. I'm careful choosing the days I'll ride. But I do make mistakes.

Impatience to ride and choosing to believe the sunnier of two weather prospects contributed to an error in evaluating the risk of riding this morning. And there was also the fact that I ignored the direct evidence that the driveway that was wet last night was ice this morning. Ignoring that I walked to the road to find dry, salty pavement. In my head I'm repeating the weather forecast, "…near 50 degrees this afternoon…" I'm standing in the road, it's 8 AM and the temperature is 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the road I am thinking about breakfast and not the ice. Out of town and into the countryside I begin seeing intermittent ice strips along the road from streams of water that ran during yesterday's thaw. I'm still not processing the data. Instead I point the scooter straight ahead across the ice, these patches that are still narrow. Breakfast in Centre Hall or Bellefonte? Ten miles or fifteen? My stomach is managing the ride.

A 50-foot wide swath of ice. Yesterday is was liquid water but now it is a big stop sign. It's not a little patch of ice. It's not black ice which has more traction to it than this stuff. It's shiny deep ice.

This is how a rider manages shiny ice:

• Pull over and stop
• Look in the mirrors for traffic
• Push up the visor and admire the ice
• Say to yourself "What the f…??"
• Decide not to ride to Centre Hall or Bellefonte for breakfast
• Admire the ice some more
• Sigh
• Begin picking out the least slippery path across the ice
• Cross the ice

Right, cross the ice.

There's an element of machismo in riding. Perhaps less on a Vespa but it's still there. It evaporates crossing ice. Anyone watching knows you're an idiot. Or worse. Feet down pattering around as the scooter moves forward slowly searching for just a tiny bit of traction from a stray piece of gravel. The scooter moves in directions is shouldn't, boots find no purchase. Constant attention to the mirrors for traffic. I am fortunate in my little world that traffic is minimal to non-existent. No one is watching. I don't just look stupid doing this, I am stupid. Poor decision-making back in the driveway.

Over the next two miles I repeat the process a dozen times as each ice hazard seems to become more complex, like a puzzle book or increasing difficulty. My brain is working now to determine an ice-free route. That means a main traffic artery where use and excessive salt will mean less likelihood of ice. A half hour later I am at Barnes and Noble. Not the breakfast I planned but one requiring a reasonable amount of risk.

I sat and wrote this down before I forgot what happened. I like to forget things that don't go my way or illuminate me in a bright, positive light. It's one of the unexpected benefits of blogging -- learning something about how I operate. While I successfully managed the risk on the road I did not do a good job managing the consideration of risk to determine if I would ride. The mistaken application of a weather forecast for later in the day, ignoring the significance of ice in the driveway, and allowing my desire to ride cloud my judgment, all worked together to produce a failure in managing the risks I am willing to take.

I learned some things today. And I did bring home a giant chocolate chip cookie.

Frigid Riding and the Battery Tender

It was cold yesterday morning. The kind of cold that makes my dog hesitate at the door. Accuweather said it was -4 Fahrenheit. Too cold to ride. The road was dry and white from salt and the sun was coming up in a clear blue sky. Its been almost two weeks since the last time the Vespa was on the road and more snow was forecast for later in the day. Even if I had wanted to ride the Vespa wouldn't start after sitting in an unheated garage for so long. As I made my way through shredded wheat mixed with almonds, blueberries, and raisins I wondered if my riding clothes could deal with subzero temperatures. They're all hanging in the garage. Probably frozen solid. Besides, it was four degrees below zero, no fun riding in that. And the scooter probably wouldn't start.

Probably.

The headlight came on when I turned the key. Looks bright. That's a good sign. A touch of the starter button and a few extra cranks of the engine and it came to life. I could ride if I wanted. Shortly I was geared up and pushing the scooter through the snow to a relatively clear spot in the driveway. The Vespa's ambient temperature indicator is flashing 11 degrees. A quarter mile later it was flashing 2 degrees. After some slow travel on secondary roads to make sure everything was working properly in the cold I pulled onto PA Route 45 with the indicator blinking 0 degrees. This was the coldest I had ever ridden.

My gear was doing a good job keeping the cold out. The only real problem was the ice building up inside the visor. Cracking it open does not clear ice as it does fog. Riding at 50 mph was out of the question so I had to breathe carefully to keep it at a minimum. The indicator blinked -2 degrees, the lowest it would go during this ride. Ten miles from home the tips of my fingers were beginning to get cold despite my Gerbing electric gloves on full power. Fourteen miles from home I decided it was time to turn around and find some warmth.

Sitting at a booth in a local convenience store I was content to hold a cup of hot chocolate, fingers wrapped around the paper cup absorbing heat from the hot liquid. Even the hot BBQ sign warmed my spirits.

After a quick stop at the veterinarian's office to get some special dog food I pulled into the parking lot of Kissell Motorsports to look at a Battery Tender. In the past I relied on frequent riding to keep the battery charged but the harsher winter will eventually kill the battery. Keeping the GTS on a trickle charger makes sense today. The addition of a Gerbing adaptor will allow me to plug into the outlet for my gloves.

It's hard to explain riding in cold weather. I don't think you can. You have to experience it. And with the proper gear. Otherwise it will be miserable. I was reading an article this morning in the January 16 edition of the New York Times about climbing Mount Washington in the winter. One of the climbers describes the experience, "There's a simple purity in all that quiet". I find that riding in general but especially in winter.

The snow has been coming down all night and the roads are bad. Until they clear the Vespa can sip on milliamps.

Cold Weather Riding Challenge

Colin Doyle of Collegeville, Minnesota so far is the leader in 2strokebuzz’s Cold Weather Challenge. Doyle took a ride on his Honda Ruckus 50 at -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The video he submitted of the ride accurately depicts what it is like to be out on the snow. I think at those sub-zero temperatures there is more traction than at 30 degrees. At least that’s my experience of boots on snow in the cold.

When the challenge was first issued I thought I would give it a whirl but seeing -10F as the current mark to beat I sighed and knew that would be hard for me to beat. I can’t remember the last time the temperature around here was so low.

I’ve always admired the styling on the Ruckus and after seeing Doyle’s video a little light flickered in my head that said, “No there’s a fine second scooter…”. It would be especially good in the snow when you really want to get your feet down flat at times, a lighter machine, aggressive tires, and a never-say-die design that just keeps on going. And with snow on the road you don’t need a lot of power. Kim has talked about getting a scooter and has ridden the ET4 and LX150 but she doesn’t like how tall the seat is. The Ruckus would be great for her and as a backup commuter.

Take a look at 2strokebuzz’s Cold Weather Challenge. Even if you have no plans to head out in the cold it is interesting to read the rules and guidelines and see what other scooter riders are doing.

For now I'll just watch for the thermometer to drop below -10F.

What to Wear, What to Wear?

It's not a fashion thing. Standing naked at the window this past Saturday morning as the world begins to appear from the darkness I touch the glass as if that will supply any useful information beyond it's cold outside. No new snow on the ground is a plus. But I don't know what I should wear for my ride to work. As I startup the computer I jump into the shower. I didn't feel like making a picture at the window so I used one taken the next morning by my friend Gordon Harkins that shows how things look when I am geared up for cold weather.

18 degrees Fahrenheit. I rely on Accuweather to point me towards the right gear selection. Still don't know where I'm going but at that temperature I pretty much need everything if I want to stay warm. And I like being warm. And it's a lot of stuff. Just think about what I put on for a cold morning ride -- from the skin out:

1. Underwear
2. Polypropylene long underwear
3. Cotton/wool blend shirt
4. Blue jeans
5. Wool sweater
6. Windproof jacket
7. Tourmaster Overpants with armor
8. First Gear Kilimanjaro IV jacket with fleece and armor
9. Lycra balaclava
10. Ear plugs
11. Electric gloves
12. Heavy wool blend socks
13. Boots
14. Fulmer full-face helmet

I'm finally ready to ride but it's a lot of stuff. It transforms you into a patient person or you put the scooter away in September and watch TV. It takes time to get ready and if you are going to commute daily and run errands in this kind of weather you better turn this gearing up into a ritual. One you can do with your eyes closed. Everything in its place. Or just get frustrated and go insane or freeze alongside the road because you forget some things.

I left the house with two plans; ride twelve miles at 60 MPH or so to see how I did in the cold, and then ride to Starbucks for something warm to drink. I rode down Route 45 towards Pennsylvania Furnace at a brisk pace and was pleased that I was pretty much airtight except for one small knife of air piercing the left side of my neck. I didn't want to stop though so put up with it until I got off the road and headed up towards Tussey Mountain. Didn't venture too far though once I realized that there were still quite a few deer hunters out in the woods. I did manage the above picture without taking off my gloves. Patience and being careful how my big gloved fingers were placed on the little camera meant I didn't have any cold hands to deal with.

On across the valley towards Starbucks, another 10 miles or so away. I stopped in the middle of the valley to stand in the wind and feel how hard it was pushing me around. In my riding gear I felt I was protected from anything like an astronaut on the moon.

In the cold it is always nice to stop somewhere warm and have a snack. This morning is was Starbuck's Signature Hot Chocolate and a warm roll with butter. Enjoyed driving both into me while reading the comics and making some notes for this post.

I made one more stop at the grocery store before heading home. I've gotten pretty good at estimating how much I can fit on the Vespa. A surprising amount fits under the seat or in the rear bag. Another big pile can be attached behind me with bungee cords and any delicate things hand on the purse hook. A real utilitarian vehicle.

Adaptation

Early in the winter riding season I find I must overcome mental and physical barriers before I fully adapt to the cold weather. Once it happens though riding is sublime. Around the beginning of December I notice the rapid appearance of Christmas decorations. I also notice the shortening daylight, more troublesome than the decline in temperatures. Riding to work in the dark, riding home in the dark, it can be discouraging. Almost claustrophobic. Inertia grows and I feel glued to chairs and couches. Riding gear is heavy and ponderous. It's so much easier to drive to work.

I recognize a slow transformation as I adapt to the season. As I push myself past the litany of excuses a change occurs and I become a winter rider. I learn over and over again that if I engage in a process of action good things come about. I cannot wait for inspiration. The change and adaptation occurs while I am riding, writing, or making photographs. Inspiration comes through the doing of something, not the thinking about it.

On the ride home from work on Tuesday I was feeling good and when I stopped to take some pictures of decorations I started thinking about that change. I remember when I became a winter rider this year. It was on the way to work that morning. The temperature was near the freezing mark and I was watching carefully for potential icy spots. The cold air was flowing through the inlets to my helmet and as I crested a hill and rolled off the throttle I felt a wave of elation wash over me. I sat up straight on the seat and was completely awake and aware. The world was simplified -- me, the Vespa, and the road unfolding before me. And this was not a revelation in some ethereal landscape, just on my commute to work.

I'm ready to ride and continue riding through the winter. Any misgivings or concerns have been swept away in the adaptation. Make no mistake I am aware there are challenges and risks to manage. I do not venture forth in a foolhardy manner. But I do travel with a smile on my face now despite the cold. I ride and am rewarded in spirit. And sometimes in material ways. It is still nice to curl up at the end of a cold day with Kim and have a cup of tea and a few chocolates.

Winter Vespa Riding

Winter riding holds different meanings for different riders. For some it is the epitome of idiocy and others the cold reality of daily transportation. I’ve ridden my Vespa through several winters and have refined my own limits and sensibilities in a range of cold-weather conditions.

I’ve compiled stories and pictures posted over the past couple years for anyone interested in venturing out in the cold on two wheels. It may not be for everyone but with a few modifications to gear and riding habits you may find that you can extend your riding season. You may even find an unexpected enjoyment.

Feel free to post questions if you have them. If I can’t answer them directly someone else may or I can point you in the right direction for an answer.

Below are links to some of the more interesting posts about winter riding:


Error in Judgment
Making a questionable choice in riding home from work.

Decision Time: Snow is Falling
Struggling to decide if it is safe to ride home from work.

11 Degree Fahrenheit Commute
The routine of riding to work in really cold weather.

Just Another Ride to Work
When the weather changes unexpectedly and you need to ride home.

Watch for Ice
Adjusting mentally for cold weather challenges.

Bringing Home the Christmas Tree
A holiday tradition of bringing home the Christmas tree on the back of a Vespa GTS.

Hauling a Christmas Tree by Vespa
The first Christmas tree brought home on my Vespa LX150.

Only Idiots Ride in the Snow
Deciding what your winter riding limits should be.

Temporary Halt in Riding

The view down the street. It’s like this every morning. Or so it seems. Frigid, icy, non-riding friendly. The road thumbing its nose at me, daring me to give it a go. I haven’t taken the bait. My Vespa sits patiently in the garage. I exaggerate when I say every morning is like this. I have managed to ride to work a few times. The cold does play tricks though and it’s already getting to me. The past few winters have been mild and much of the time the roads have been clear. Now in mid-November there’s this.

As I said it hasn’t been bad all the time these last couple weeks. One day last week it was sunny and clear and I rode to work even though the thermometer read 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold but perfectly reasonable riding conditions with the road dry. I stopped on the way to work to make a panorama picture near Beaver Stadium. The perspective in the picture makes it hard to accept it is the second largest stadium in the country seating just over 107 thousand people.

Since making that picture the weather has gotten more oppressive and the roads have been less than perfect. I choose my rides after a walk down the street and a quick look at the weather. For now though I'll just have to wait for dry pavement.

Riding in the First Snow Flurries

Winter has arrived at my doorstep I suppose. I can remember when the first snowflakes would give me a rush. Now, well, it's different. And not just because I am riding. Biology is speaking louder and complaining about the cold. Riding down the street I could see a squall of in the distance and wondered if I would get to my office before it arrived. I stopped to make another panorama picture. If you look close you can see a few snowflakes in the air. Nothing on the ground yet but not far east had 13 inches of snow yesterday. And no salt on the road yet either.

The temperature indicator on the Vespa GTS read 35 degrees all the way to work. I went the direct route with no side trips. Four lanes of drivers that I imagine all groan at the weather. But maybe it's just me. But once the scooter is parked in it's space and I am walking towards my office I get a little rush thinking about riding in the cold. Nothing happy or exciting, but a flicker of accomplishment and perserverance.

Riding Through the Spring Thaw

A day off work demanded a ride. Heavy rain from the previous night along with snow melt caused flooding throughout the valley. Had that moisture arrived tonight with sub-freezing temperatures we would be looking at 30 inches of snow.

I chose small mountain roads to explore and celebrate the thaw, the approach of spring, and warmer riding weather. Even with earplugs and helmet I could still hear the water roaring down the mountain.

The roads were wet and covered with gravel in places but it didn't matter. I was happy to putt along and see the sights. No interest in carving curves and all that stuff.

I've convinced myself that winter is finished but in the back of my head I know that there have been winters that dropped three feet of snow in mid-March. Present in the picture above is another sign of spring -- as I tromped through the brush to shoot it I was thinking about ticks and Lyme Disease -- something that one doesn't worry about in a real winter. Give me a rattlesnake any day.

Riding across the valley was a challenge because of the strong wind. I thought it would knock the scooter down before I could run out into the field to make the picture. The Vespa stayed upright despite shaking on its center stand.

The wind, cold, and dampness did drive me on -- right into the Pump Station Cafe for hot tea and some grub. Any good ride ends this way for me. Sometimes it ends more than once.