When I went to bed last night the weather forecast for my morning commute was questionable. Snow squalls through the night with warming temperatures around the freezing mark around 7 AM. And winds gusting to 50 MPH. Laying in bed I wondered when one of the big spruce trees would crash through the bedroom ceiling. As I fell to sleep I figured I would be driving the truck to work. Probably the smart choice.
At 6AM rain and blowing wind painted a gloomy picture outside the window. Even the dog hesitated at the door before braving the elements. Standing out in front of the house it didn’t seem that awfully cold – 32° F with 50 MPH gusts – hell, I could ride in that. And so I began my morning expedition.
Not even a mile from home I rode into heavy sleet. That coupled with a badly fogged visor and fast traffic forced me off the road to regroup. And take a picture of the Vespa idling as I decided the best course of attack.
With visor clear and a long break in traffic I rode towards town in heavy wind but thankfully only wet roads. I took extra caution at intersections, curves and any other places I could see myself of others breaking free on a sudden slippery spot. At traffic lights I took the opportunity to warm my aching fingers on the headlight. Parking at the office I kept the GTS as close to the building as I could in hopes that it would not blow over in the wind. What a great ride!
I wasn’t feeling well and left for home around 1PM. The forecast called for snow and it was a good thing I left when I did. Sitting in the living room I watched the snow begin to fall and cover the ground and road with a slippery coating of ice and snow. It would not have been fun to ride in that with the wind blowing so hard. Right now it’s dark, cold, and windy. Everything is shaking. At least the Christmas lights haven’t blown away.
I know I will be driving tomorrow. Looking outside it just feels to cold to imagine anything else. I’ll have to chip the snow off the truck and burn up some gas…
Love the lighting effects in your photos!
Gary always uses the phrase: ride well.
I say: Ride prudently.
Looks like you are. Saw the weather you all are having. Stay safe and take care.
Looks like our place! We got 5 inches yesterday, with another 2-5 today, and maybe 3 more on Thursday.
MInnesota, fooey.
California is looking better.
BrrrrrrrrRabbit!
Did you read Kano’s blog about the perfect motorcycle gloves? Here’s a line from it: “thick dish washing gloves (size XL) that can be found at the dollar store”. Too funny but practical. We asked him if they were bright yellow, then they could also be useful for safety equipment.
Wishing you Warm Hands for the Winter.
Let your scoot wear the heavy clothes. Bagster handle bar muffs and lap blanket keep my riding all year round. Those items made it possible for me to ride to Las Vegas and back in February.
Cheers.
Link to my winter riding set up.
http://shutter05.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/02/006/7A/77/DB/B7/x9OnGZ0hi2H+–HKirRg20Xo9D1FCO7K02AE.jpg
You Sir! Are a brave man! Hope you get to feeling better.
irondad: Nothing adds more effect that heavy weather. Pictures always made in the bright sun under blue skies gets kind of boring. I’m wishing for some of it now though.
I try and ride prudently and not push too hard. I’ve begun looking at the nooks and crannies of the Vespa steel body for corrosion and rust from salt. So far not too bad but another winter of salt riding won’t help….
chewy: We haven’t had much accumulation yet but some will come along soon. The older I get the more wearying winter is.
heinz & frenchie: I’ll check out Kano’s blog for the glove info. Anything that will keep my fingers working would be great!
art: Look look decked out and warm with all your Bagster gear. Where did you get it?
For anyone who can’t copy Art’s entire link you can see the picture HERE.
rick: Feeling better but continue to be tired. Now I’m wondering if some sort of seasonal affective disorder is haunting me. Or maybe this is the way I’m supposed to feel at 53…