16 miles at -23F! That’s cold. What were you riding on and how did it function at that temperature?

You’re the winter riding man!

Pea gravel. Lots of it here. A colleague dropped his scooter on the road taking a gravelly turn to fast. This time of year it is one more risk to consider.

As you noticed, we get a lot of ice in our area due to temps below freezing at night, but melts in the day and refreezes. Lots of fog which turns to ice immediately upon hitting the asphalt and freezing rain lately.

Mark:

I know what you mean about vintage scoots. I used to have a Lambretta GP200 SIL. No storage what-so-ever and lots of vibration

cpa3485: I’m with you on the cold morning rides — they are invigorating in a way that is hard to describe. Someone once told me the “why” questions are best left to God and we can concentrate on the “what” questions, like enjoying a ride. The beauty and enjoyment do outweigh the discomfort. And generally I am dressed so I have no discomfort.

And I do get grumpy if I can’t ride. Like today. My rear brake left me yesterday and I have to take it in to the shop. New pad, bleed the system, who knows? I just know I won’t ride it today…

Mark: Glad to know a fellow central PA photographer is also a scooter rider.

I carry my gear under the seat, in the rear bag I have, or bungee cord a camera bag onto the seat behind me along with a tripod if needed. You can see an example of the tripod and gear packed on the post THE PRICE OF BETTER PICTURES.

I used to worry about vibration a bit but I just wrap the cameras in some camera wraps and things seem ok.

I should stop before I make myself sick and actually turn into gooey nougat!

Conchscooter: NO windscreen! I like feeling the air blast. I like knowing I am in the world.

No wimps, just a different sense of things. Room for windscreens in the world.

ale: I’m always interested in a new camera but I think it’s just a diversion for me, keeps me from paying attention to the work.

I saw a picture of a Yashica Mat on your blog. I’ve always loved those twin-lens reflex cameras.

Looking forward to seeing pictures of snow and marble!

bobskoot: Looking at some of the pictures you make along the water and canals I can only imagine a foggy, icy mess in winter. Certainly not the usual bone dry, skin cracking cold I see here for much of the winter. My Vespa would probably sit in the garage much of the time if I had your weather to deal with.

Be careful!

Keith: First, thank you for your kind words about Scooter in the Sticks. It is always nice to hear that someone finds things here useful and relevant.

As far as gloves go I found that what some dealers call winter gloves and what I call winter gloves are two entirely different things. 60 degrees means winter riding for a lot of people. Heavy, heavy gloves are the thing. Must be absolutely wind proof. I finally gave up trying to find something good below freezing and now have Gerbing electric gloves.

Dave Gray: I have been thinking about what you said in regard to core temperature and I think you are absolutely correct. I have been paying attention to it the past few 20 degree mornings and a little experimenting bears out the truth in your words. Thanks!

Ale-
L’Insetto Scoppiettante

E.T.

I have a question about how you carry your photography equipment. Vintage Vespas have little storage equipment, and I have difficulty carrying what I need to.