It was 45 degrees when I left this morning to run some errands. The brisk air clears my eyes and mind making it easier to see and appreciate the world around me. I sense a heightened awareness while riding in lower temperatures as long as my body stays warm. It is no fun shivering on the scooter. This morning I took the long way into town by traveling south into a rural area with a lot of flat and rolling farmland. The soybeans are ripening and even in the overcast light the yellow orange foliage leaps out of the landscape. Leaves are beginning to change here and there. In a month the entire forest canopy of Penns Woods will be aflame.
I really rode pretty slowly, a scooter version of a leisurely walk. I pulled over many times just to look or take a picture. It reminds me of Sunday drives with my parents so many years ago. I enjoy being a tourist. Riding allows me to feel that way every time I get on the scooter.
I stopped at this old barn. I remember when it appeared more active as a part of an ongoing agricultural enterprise 25 years ago.
I didn’t notice it going to sleep even though I have driven by it many times in a cage. Maybe I was adjusting the radio each time…
I always stop for the lone tree in a field.
For those that don’t know and wonder why a single tree would be left in the middle of a field it was to provide shade for the plow horses at lunchtime. Can’t say I have seen any John Deere’s parked under a tree lately. I will keep my eyes open though.
I’ve had some rides in the cold when I’m looking for the “lone tree in the field”, too. Although, probably not for the same reason!! 🙂
Love to read your blog. I too consider it a personal challenge to keep going in the cold. Wish I could have afforded the Kilimanjaro you recommended. But I got a nice Cortech for $120. Still asembling my collection of gloves. Thanks for all your writing. It makes my day.
irondad: you got me confused now. Why else would you want the lone tree other than a picture??? 🙂
pb2: Cortech and Tourmaster make great riding gear too. I would have purchased the Tourmaster Transition jacket but it was not available in my size and I didn’t want to wait – can you say impatient….
The Tourmaster was $100 less than the Kilimanjaro too!
Tell us more about your cold weather riding. Riders need to know that the riding season can be long, fun, and rewarding.
steve