Altoona Trek

The weather forecast predicted temperatures in the 40s today so I thought I would take the scooter out for a nice long ride. Thermometer read 35 degrees when I left and the roads were clear. As the sun started to appear it got even a bit warmer though water began appearing on the roads as snow and ice melted. I managed to miss most of the spray from other vehicles but the Vespa will get a bath shortly.

MapQuest says its 48 miles to Altoona from my house but that is the more direct freeway route. I spent two hours and 58 miles on the scooter. That included one stop for hot chocolate, two stops to take pictures, and one last stop for tea. My only complaint was that my hands would get cold and I needed some heavier gloves. Altoona obliged me with a nice heavy pair of TourMaster gloves. They were perfect at $38.00.

This picture was made near Seven Stars, Pennsylvania on the morning route to Altoona.

The 19 degree ride

I decided last night that I would ride the Vespa to work this morning. The forecast called for a dusting of snow and temperatures in the teens. When I got up there was fresh dry snow on the driveway. The road was mostly clear with a few streaks of white here and there. The temperture was 19 degrees.

I don't have any formal winter riding gear. I put on long underwear, shirt, pile shirt, windstopper jacket and on top of it all my Triumph armored jacket (vented). I have a Mountain Hardware skimask and full face helmet. That is plenty as long as I stay dry and the temperture doesn't drop below 15. Someday maybe I'll get a one-piece riding suit.

The main roads into town were mostly clear and I could ride along with the traffic. Once in town on secondary streets I found some to be covered with a frosting of worn snow. I stopped and put my feet down to check the slickness and decided to slow down a bit more. Down the hill to the first stop sign I used the rear brake and was fine. Got to my free parking and walked on to work. I took this photograph from the library across the street.

I have to say it was just fun riding in cold and all. When I ride the bus or drive my car I am just putting up with the commute. This is a much better use of my life.

The Vespa on Christmas Errands

After reading "The Baron in Winter" I decided to ride the Vespa today to finish up some shopping errands. The driveway is still a solid block of smooth ice from the ice pellet storm a few days ago. I had to carefully walk the scooter to the street and drier pavement. The temperature was a balmy 27 degrees and a clear blue sky. The picture shows the ice that I departed from....

The roads were mostly dry but I had to be wary of those sudden patches of snow and ice that seem to always appear on turns. I saw a big sheet of ice come off the top of an SUV about 100 yards ahead of me---glad I was not right behind it when that mass sailed onto the road.

Riding was wonderful. The scooter needs some cleaning so the salt spray doesn't do too much harm so I will figure out what to do with that. Stopped to fill up the tank--- 2 bucks!

Made it to three different stores, bought everything I wanted to get including three new pairs of jeans. Everything fit nicely under the seat or in a bag hanging from the seat.

I'll keep thinking about that riding in real snow. Not quite up to that yet.

The Baron in Winter

I read a post this morning on a blog titled "The Baron in Winter" that provided a reminder of playing in the snow as a kid. Gary (the Baron rider) compared the fun he has riding and putting up with the snow and cold as a lot like the times spent in the snow as a kid building snow forts, sledding, and generally getting cold and wet---all overlooked for the sheer fun of it.

I don't see many kids out in the snow around here unless a parent has dragged them out. I suppose they're inside watching SpongeBob SquarePants and playing with their XBox. I remember those times outside playing in the winter. When I am riding the scooter I have fun just like I did 40 years ago.

I'd like to say that I ride for some of the other reasons Gary suggests---to not pose a threat to the safety of others and to save fuel. Sorry to say those aren't really motivating factors. I like not spending lots of cash on keeping the Ford Ranger in gas but that wasn't the motivation. for me it was the desire to have fun. And I do.

So after reading "The Baron in Winter" this morning I think I will take a ride on the Vespa. It's only 27 degrees right now and the roads are pretty clear. No moisture in the air. I think I can handle that.

steve

Too much snow and ice...

Have not had the scooter out in a week. The roads are covered in salt debris, gravel, patches of snow and ice and I am not willing to chance riding right now. The scooter rests comfortably in the garage and there will always be a warm day here and there during the winter to ride.

Riding alone

If given the choice I prefer to ride alone. I used to think it was because I'm anti-social or deficient in skills necessary to interact with others but I have come to realize I relish time alone. Riding by myself is an opportunity to completely disconnect from the world and just be present with myself. I see, smell, and hear things that I would completely miss if I was concentrating on staying in my lane so someone can ride along side me or that I don't run into the scooter in front of me. It's ok once in awhile but the big does of riding needs to be by myself.

When I do ride with a group I always take the last position. That way I can just linger along, stop, do whatever I want. If I lose them... oh well.

When I was considering the scooter one of the big selling points I was hearing from others was the social nature of scooter riders. I have found that to be true. But I think I have remained (at least in terms of riding) a loner.....

The picture above was taken on one of my many "by myself" rides.

Breaking 2000 mile mark on the Vespa

I planned to ride 60 miles this morning to Altoona but because of the threat of rain I chose to ride around locally. First stop was Barnes and Noble to check out the latest photography books and perhaps have something to eat. One the way I pass a quarry that I always find interesting to look at. The scooter makes it so much easier to stop and look at things than it does in a car...

Riding my Vespa with snow in the air

Went out this morning despite calls for snow. As long as the road is dry and I can see the pavement clearly I feel comfortable riding.

I made this image to prove the Vespa looks fine in snow. The yellow riding jacket is my nod to visibility. I like riding alone and in the winter the traffic falls off even more. Now all I need is some warmer gloves and I'll be all set.

Riding a Vespa LX150 at 20 degrees F.

Planned to ride to work this morning with the temperature a chilly 12 degrees. Was already to go until I found the black ice on the driveway and road. Took the bus rather than chance a spill in the dark on a spot of ice.

Got home and took a ride. By then the air warmed to 20 degrees and the sun made it possible to see the ice. Rode down to the Pump Station Cafe for a piece of chocolate pound cake. I really like the fact that you can park the scooter just about anywhere. I just ignore parking spaces....

Cold weather Vespa riding

Despite the fact that I have not posted in almost 2 months I have continued to ride. I am a dozen miles short of 2000. The cold weather has slowed me down a bit but through layering and some windproof clothing I can more or less comfortably ride in 20 degree weather.

This image was made during a cold morning ride last weekend.

Welcome; reflections on riding a Vespa

I bought my Vespa LX 150 two months ago and am having so much fun that I thought I need to share the joy...

So I will be posting my ongoing adventures so those of you who may be on the fence about ditching the pickup truck may be prodded to jump into the scooting world.

I love only having to put gas in my Ford Ranger once every six weeks.

steve