It’s near midnight and I can hear the steady patter of sleet on the livingroom window. A fitting end to a gray day. And an even grayer week. The ice on the driveway hinted at better options than to go for a ride. I always need more concrete proof and was looking for something to drain the noise and chaotic energy of a busy and mostly rideless week. Beyond the driveway was a bare road, some salt residue, and only an occasional patch of ice. Perfectly manageable riding conditions.
The thermometer indicated 29° F when I pushed the Vespa out of the garage and carefully rolled it across the ice to a bare spot and started it up. After a short struggle to get over the heap of snow and ice left a couple days ago. More evidence that the tires on the scooter are not intended for much more than dry roads or wet pavement. But I really needed to be in motion, hoping a ride would strip away the disinterest and laziness I felt all week. I could tell from the difficulty I was having finding anything to pint the camera at that I was in the firm and solid grip of the winter blues.
The first stop I made was more to test the firmness and traction on the side of the road than any desire to make a picture. Standing on the ice I realized I just wanted to go home, curl up on the couch and go to sleep. Anything but be on the road. I want to believe I’m not alone in these feelings. That riding loses its luster from time to time.
Not motivated to keep going and not ready to throw in the towel either I continued to ride. After a few errands I rode to the ski slopes at Tussey Mountain. To the casual driver the roads were clear and dry but to someone on a scooter or motorcycle they were dry with sudden small patches of ice in random and unpredictable places. The only prudent response was to slow down and scan the road surface close to the Vespa carefully.
Watching the skiers and snowboarders taking advantage of the modest snow on one of the runs I got to see the results of loss of grip and traction in the snow. The Vespa has no edge to dig into the slippery stuff.
It was cold even though I have ridden in much colder weather. The foggy picture of my late breakfast at the Pump Station results from the sudden exposure of a cold lens to warm air offers some indication of the temperature.
It’s late and time for bed. Tomorrow is another day and perhaps the winter blues will move on as the snow and sleet are predicted to do. I guess the Vespa can’t do everything.
It’s hard to rely on the Vespa to cure the blues, but at least it can take you from where you feel the blues the most.
Have fun,
Bill
Bill: Getting out the door and riding has to be better than sitting and doing nothing. It’s just stopped snowing and I’ll have to leave the Vespa in the garage and embark on foot today…
We were slammed this weekend. 8″ of snow blanketed everything in site. No chance at all to go for a spin. Although I did get to ride a couple of times prior to the snow storm. Have a great week!
Steve, sometimes lifes stresses make even the things we love not seem to important at that moment. In the 30+ years i have ridden, i have taken a break here and there from riding. Winter conditions for us in the North East gives us a chance to miss the freedom and pashion motorcycling brings. Don’t get down on yourself for feeling the need for a break. After a short while, you will snap out of your funk and wish it was Spring already.-Crusty
I was feeling frustrated that weather has kept my Stella off the streets, even though I’ve got all the cold weather gear I need. (Actually, I’ve got a twinge of excitement at the package I’m expecting from Italy this week with a Termoscud and a couple other goodies.)
But then today, I remembered that three winters ago, I vowed I’d enjoy the weather instead of being captured by it, so I bought som X-Country skis.
I can use THOSE until the snow dissipates from the roadway!
Yippie!
I know its cold Up North when its 54 degrees in the morning in Key West. I have no idea how to explain how cold that feels to me.
Steve… I just found the Blog, nice job.. I’m snowed in today as well so I’ll spend some time reading it.
I was pointed here after someone linked to you in a comment on a post I put on MetaFilter about “Then Came Bronson”..
I thought you might want to know (If you haven’t already found it) that there is a place to order the series DVD. I just placed an order last night, so I can’t guarentee that they are in stock, but the url is
http://forbiddenzone.ecrater.com/
And, nice Vespa, I rode one for a couple of years back in 1965 or so.. wish I still had it.. but, I’m certainly enjoying the 883 Sportster I purchased this past summer after about 17 years of being bikeless!
Best
Bob
http://pinckneymich.net/blog
Steve,
What can I say… my GT arrived few weeks ago and it’s covered with snow in the back yard since then. Haven’t had a chance to try it out! Guess I’ll have to wait till the early spring. At least your patience is not measured in months, but in days, week the most… enjoy your chilly rides whenever you get a chance and keep posting… mug of coffee in front of the screen and a word there’s Vespa rolling somewhere out there and I’ll survive!
Milos
Steve, reading your postes are the next best thing to getting out there myself, which I can’t cause winter is upon us with avengence. Thanks for making yourself get out there even when you don’t really feel like it. How would I ever cope with not being able to ride AND not being able to read a post from you.
Sherry CC in Nova Scotia, where I would love to have 54 degree weather.
rick: The only riding I would do in 8 inches of snow is out through the driveway to see what would happen. And I probably wouldn’t even do that.
crusty: True words! I’ve already shed the funk and the world looks bright, even under heavy gray skies. It is weird how that comes and goes…
timothy: With the right attitude even the worst weather is good for something. Thanks for the reminders about the cross country skis. I have a pair too that I had forgotten.
conchscooter: After riding all summer I remember what the first 60 degree ride felt like. Over time you get used to it if it lasts long enough. 54 degrees in your part of the world must feel positively arctic!
huronbob: Thanks for the kind words and the heads up on the Bronson DVD’s. One of these days I will order a set. Let us all know what the quality and service are for the ones you ordered.
I like the looks of the 883 Sportster. I know a lot of guys think it is too small but geez, I can remember when a 750cc machine was big. An 883 should be able to easily take you anywhere you want to go.
milos: Congratulations on the new scooter! The snow will be gone before you know it and you will be riding the GT down the road in style.
Where are you that you will have to wait so long for the snow to vanish?
Sherry: Keep the faith. Warm weather and clear roads are less than 100 days away! Until then there are lots of good blogs with ride reports out there. I take doses from time to time myself.
Folks..the Bronson DVD’s are fun.. quality is fair, obviously pirated (I really didn’t know that when I ordered them)… service was good from the company….
they’ll make you want to take a road trip!