I was having breakfast at the Corner Room (best breakfast in town in my opinion) in State College, Pennsylvania this morning with my friend Howard when I saw a young man go by on a scooter. A Honda Metropolitan I think. As I watched my bacon affected brain slowly began to turn and I grabbed my iPhone to make a picture as he passed. As I touched the shutter release I thought, “This guy is insane.”
I have done my share of cold weather riding but I am positively a wuss in comparison to this fellow. It’s 15 degrees Fahrenheit outside and he has almost not protection. Nothing on his head but a stylish cap. No windproof riding jacket. And most startling to me — no gloves. Bare hands out in the wind.
After he went by I felt ashamed that I didn’t ride to work today. My excuse — I would have too much gear on to deal with in the Corner Room. Oh well, one man insane and the next a wussy…
If you truly were a wuss, you wouldn’t have even put the effort into grabbing you phone to make the picture.
I have been wussing out all week this week. Part of it was due to a small bit if ice we received from the storm, won’t ever ride in that. But mostly it has just been cold. November was relatively warm and I am not acclimated to the cold yet. But you can bet I’ll have multiple layers of clothing, glove liners and balaclava on when I do.
It’s not wussy to not ride in snow and ice. It’s flippin’ dangerous. Riding in cold weather is OK if you have the right gear, or just to show off (says the sponsor of the Cold Weather Challenge) but people that ride on icy streets aren’t “hardcore,” they’re “irrational.” There’s enough risk in motorcycling/scootering without snow and ice.
Winters in Korea were brutal for motorcycle commuting. Here’s what I wore on an average day in January for a 45 minute commute at 5˚F:
long sleeved shirt
wool sweater
wind-”proof” North Face polarfleece jacket
wwii German winter wool parka
fleece PJ pants
khakis
(alternately, flannel-lined pants)
wool socks
shearling-lined boots
handkerchief (around my neck
wool scarf
fur-lined trapper/aviator hat underneath my helmet
wool gloves
wool mittens (over the gloves)
felt handlebar mitts
chemical heat packs to place inside the mittens
One day I forgot to bring enough chem heats for my ride home and I had to stop every ten minutes to warm up my hands by holding them on the exhaust pipe until my mittens started to get crispy.
Steve:
I am like you. You get wiser as you age, or perhaps that should say you get “less stupid” . There is nothing to prove to anyone. Why turn an enjoyable passion to a dangerous endeavor. I thought about this a while ago. I came to the realization that I had a capable vehicle just sitting there doing nothing while I braved the elements risking life and limb, and for what ?
Whenever I determine that it is not safe (ice, fog, torrential rain blah, blah . . .) I just take the car. I think we all have guidelines that we adhere to.
The other morning the roads were icy, below freezing and I saw a motorcyclist beside me and heading to the left turn lane, on a Ducati. He was going very slow with his legs out as outriggers. He was far from the image of braving the elements, he was just a stupid guy on a bike
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
It’s not about being a wuss, it’s about choices. In this case, that guy doesn’t have a choice. When I was in college, the only transporation I had was my Kawasaki KZ400. Rain, hail, cold, wind, it didn’t matter, I had no other choice but to ride it.
@motophilosophy: I definitely agree. For some, it’s not a choice. In Korea, I had to either ride my motorcycle to work or spend upwards of $25 each direction for cab rides. Only on the stormiest days did I ever not ride.
Coincidentally, it was 15°F in Portland this morning, and I was faced with a decision: take the GTS or take the bus to my appointment at the VA hospital. The GTS was all sparkly from a fine coating of ice (so were all the cars parked on the street), so I opted for the bus. It really didn’t feel all that cold, but taking wind chill (and the possibility of ice on Terwilliger Blvd) into account, I opted for the bus. I had to dress the same to ride or stand at the bus stop…
__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool
“Nothing on his head but a stylish cap.” I think this show’s where his head is…no pun intended. I’m not trying to be mean but I don’t understand states that don’t have helmet laws. Some people need to be protected from themselves. Anyway, that’s my little rant from a wuss in frigid Portland. 🙂
From a snapshot we don’t know how far the rider was traveling. A few blocks would be doable that way.
Even if it was his only transportation, you would think most folks would at least have gloves and a jacket, wouldn’t you?
As for you, my long time friend, there is nothing left to prove. Except for being able to post a photo of a Christmas upright on the Vespa while you’re riding!
Remember?
Nothing wrong to be a wuss. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Joined the wussy club myself. I’ve been in Edmonton (Alberta) this week where I even took a cab to work for one mile distance. It had -31F outside, maybe that’ll count as an excuse. Sending warm thoughts!
Bacon grease leaves interesting traces on that nice shiny iPhone screen, no?
Egad! No gloves??? I think you found the right adjective! No Way! Not even in 100º weather will I ride without gloves. Let alone 15º temps. Whew! I’m shivering just seeing that photo!
My guess is he had some antifreeze flowing through his veins, sometimes known as alcohol. Or maybe he just got out of a hot tub and was just cooling-off. Or maybe his Santa Suit was just up at the next block. Ho, ho, ho! Nevertheless, I sure hope he wasn’t going far. You know the wind chill factor on a Honda Metropolitan isn’t that bad anyway…they’re S-L-O-W.
Even not on summer it should be safety first. You wouldn’t know when accident happen. I always prefer to use a fullface helmet. It’s better to have the helmet scrape the pavement rather than your chin. it’s also a better way to increase head’s temperature.
pitchertaker: It was a tough decision — picture or another bite of crispy bacon. The camera has power though…
cpa3485: The cold has been doing an excellent job of cutting through the bone and right into my riding soul. And it has been winning. I just came back from a walk with the dog and I was inspecting the road surface and found myself rationalizing a nice morning ride rather than take Junior to the dog park. I think my riding soul is getting acclimated to the temperature decline.
Bryan: I can’t disagree with most of what you say. Snow and ice are dangerous. On two wheels or four.
Riding in the cold without snow or ice always has the possibility of both and you have to assume additional risk along with the temperature itself on exposed flesh, reduced tire friction.
But for me I enjoy (or used to at least) the mental and physical challenge. Time will tell what riding I will do. But I won’t venture out intentionally in snow. (And I’ve violated that rule too…)
Kelsey: Before acquiring electric gloves and a winter riding suit I used to bundle up in the manner you describe. And I have lots of experience huddling around the hot exhaust system to warm my hands. And in weather like described in this post.
That’s why the guy with no gloves surprised me. I could not imagine what it felt like to be him. Or at least I was imagining myself in his place. My hands seem to go numb in seconds without protection.
bobskoot: After reading your comment I beamed thinking I am getting smarter. At least as a rider. I do not assume as much risk as I used to. I wanted to know what I could achieve in a wide range of weather and now I know.
I still plan to ride through the winter just not when the roads are dicey. I still am moved by the challenge of the cold. For some reason the sense of being alone and battling the world (a riding mystery) is intensified when the world is cold.
Motorcycle Philosophy: I’m certain you are right — the young man in the picture commutes year round. I see him or his scooter often in town. It was really his lack of gloves that startled me. No matter what his fiscal situation he could have gloves. Hands are so tender!
Kelsey: But you wore gloves right? How can someone ride in the cold without anything on their hands. I don’t mean safety I mean physically. When it is that cold and you are moving through air at even 25mph it must be torture.
Are some people actually not affected by the cold and not prone to frostbite???
Orin: You must be genetically superior to me if your dress for the bus is the same as your dress for a ride. My gear difference is considerable. On the bus I am an LL Bean model. On the scooter I am a Power Ranger…
Mike: Yeah, I don’t understand the no helmet choice either. In this situation all my responses were geared to cold. I have to protect my baby soft skin from the elements.
irondad: My best guess from seeing this guy around town and where I see him is that he travels about 5 miles for his morning commute at around 25 to 30 mph (I’m a forensic scooterist now). I’m certain it’s his primary transport but again, like you, why no gloves?
Gloves, mittens. I’m whining because I am imagining myself in his place.
I’m afraid to even mention the Christmas tree. Kim and I during a romantic evening out took a stroll through an illuminated Christmas tree sales place. We couldn’t help ourselves, we had know protection, and now we have a tree at home. And the whole time the Vespa was at home waiting patiently for me to take it to the Christmas tree farm.
I feel like Tiger Woods…
SonjaM: -31 degrees. The only time I experience those temperatures is when I am inside the storage freezer at the Berkey Creamery when it is -35F. It takes your breath away.
If the temperature ever got that low here I would have to try a ride though. Last winter I went out at around -10F for a ride.
Chuck: Bacon grease is why I have the weatherproof Otter cover on my iPhone. I am constantly in messy environments and need the rubberized protection. Now my phone is manure proof and weatherproof.
Scootaholic: Antifreeze in the veins—like those fish that live in Antarctic waters. He must have had something special going on. Next time I see him I am going to stop him and inquire, “What the hell’s up with you man???”
./clutch: Basic safety gear provides a lot of weather protection. I’m just shocked that the effect of the cold has not driven him to more gear.
Steve, I identify with that scooter rider in his willingness to ride in “undesirable” conditions but like you wonder why he didn’t bother with what really are minimal requirements for protective gear.
I read somewhere “there’s no such thing as bad riding weather, just bad riding gear”. I understood it to include what you ride as well, hence Natasha and her three wheels. Riding every day is a personal goal of mine, couldn’t explain it if I tried since I sometimes ride in less than ideal situations. It does provide fodder for the blog sometimes so it’s all good.
Good posting, stimulates commentary and thought from your readers.
dom
Redleg’s Rides
Dear Steve:
I am inclined to agree with the school of thouht that suggests this mode of transportation was the only option left open to this guy. And he may be enough of a neophyte to think that a short run across town would preclude the necessary heavy gear for even a brief ride.
Of course, he could always just be a dope too.
The temperature here today is 34º and it is bone dry outside. I have ridden on days like this before and am not doing so now, because I don’t feel like scrambling for all the gear.
The most distressing of these accouterments are the warmest gloves I own — Lee Park riding gauntlets, made of elk skin on one side and deer skin on the other. There are insulated by Thinsulate and will keep my hands hot on the coldest of days.
They are so bulky, however, I cannot feel the clutch as it begins to bite.
The top item on my Christmas list is a Gerbings heated jacket liner. This should minimize my layering and extend the season nicely.
Nice to see you online again.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
I’ve ridden (well, just in my parking lot during the snowstorm earlier this week) every day this month. In Vermont, helmets are mandatory; in New Hampshire – which probably has about 150-200 riders in our lower legislative chamber [out of 400], helmets are “optional” for adult riders [as is seatbelt use for adults]. I’ve worn my helmet on some days/nights, when the risk of a bit of “black ice” or roads not being completely dry/bare exist.
I dressed “appropriately” for a 16 1/2 mile ride at minus 23 F on January 22nd this year. I am pleased that some readers speculated about the possibility of the pictured rider having some appropriate gear “around the corner”, or a “block away”, or that the scoot may be his only transportation. I think this kind of dialogue helps us ponder the “words between the lines” that the miracle of photography brings us. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season, whether your better judgment tells you to drive 4 wheels, take the bus, or venture out on your scoot!
Steve, in either case, I would look like Charlie Brown. Long thick socks, thermal underwear, a long-sleeve tee, a fleece shirt, freshly-washed jeans (slightly thicker than would be the case if I’d been wearing them), topped off by a brown fake-down stuffed jacket that looks like an M65 parka except it has no hood and pockets you can put your hands in.
Okay, I wouldn’t be like the Stig (see BBC TopGear) and wear a helmet on the bus. In that case, I wear a big (but not big enough to hold dreadlocks) knit cap and a Buff polar fleece collar thing, which I can pull up to nose level if necessary. Yes, I’d be in real trouble if the bus driver had the heat cranked, but he didn’t.
But if I had ridden, I’d have worn a Buff (best 15 bucks I ever spent) in balaclava mode under the full-face helmet.
As I keep reminding people, there’s this company called REI that sells all kinds of clothing that keeps you warm and dry…
__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool
dom: It’s hard to know how people rationalize or justify the choices they make as riders. I will just have to wait until I cross paths with this young man and ask him how he manages the cold with no protection. I see a lot of college students on bicycles attired in a similar manner. Perhaps the scooterist in question doesn’t consider himself a rider and the scooter is just a variation on a bicycle.
Jack: I have to agree with everything you outlined in your comments about the scooter rider.
My hands were always cold in the winter and no glove or mitten could keep them warm when the temperature dropped below 30. The Gerbing electric gloves were the answer and now I am fine down to about 5 degrees.
I have had little time of late to catch up online. I am in the middle of a lot of projects and only slowly finding balance.
Thanks for commenting. I always look forward to your writing!
Bob: Minus 23F is just hard to imagine. And having said that if the temperature ever gets that low here I will be out on the Vespa seeing if I can do it.
I think you are on the money about reading between the lines and thinking about decisions. One of the powerful benefits of riding, in my opinion, is how it demands attention to stay safe. It focuses the mind and body in a way that just doesn’t happen easily. I know that it is possible to zone out on two wheels and pay attention to nothing but not if you want to stay safe.
One thing I didn’t mention about the scooter rider in the picture was that he also had ear buds in his ears. So he was probably listening to his iPod or something while freezing…
Orin: Thanks for the reminder about REI. I used to buy a lot of stuff from them back in the 1980s when they were still focused on being an outfitter. Over time my buying has wandered to LL Bean and Cabelas. But I need to take a look at REI again.
I’m going to have to take a look at a Buff. My thin polypropylene ski mask is a bit thin for my liking. Time for something more serious.
You’re ridden in the snow. You know it can be done. Back in those days it was more of a personal test to see if you could do it. But now you know it isn’t necessary. You’ve seen both the good and difficult aspects of riding in this kind of weather.
When a rider has been doing it long enough to become truly experienced that rider doesn’t need anyone elses reasoning to determine whether to ride in inclement weather. You’re not a “wuss”, you just evolved to the next level of “experienced rider”. The one where not only does no one else influence your choice of ride, but also under what conditions you determine are safe for You.
If the point is to ride for the love of riding (there is no other real reason as far as I’m concerned), then ride safely in winter by way of a snowmobile.
Harv
Wow. My post reads a Lot harsher than I meant it. Please take it in the spirit I meant it and not like some arrogant you-know-what.
Harv
I’m not sure I’d agree that you were/are a wuss–but I know, I think, how you feel. When I see someone riding in below freezing temps I’ll beat up on myself a bit. I have to remind myself that riding shouldn’t be a relative thing…it’s for me/us to do as and when we please without the comparison–but I’m saying this because I need to hear it ’cause I typically say “dang” when I see someone out there if I’m not…I always enjoy visiting here…
I have a feeling that maybe the metro rider didn’t have a choice? Ride in the cold is one thing, without warm gear is another.
I feel like I’m sort of lucky, just when it got too cold for me to want to ride, we got a blizzard on Cape and I had to put Lemon Squeezy, my LX150, away in my in-laws garage.
Kathygnome: I still have not run across the rider in question but I bet your are correct about him. Still—gloves aren’t an extravagance…
Its risky to ride in ice but if i had the guts, i would dare. But totally covered from head to toe. But without gloves, now i think that’s crazy!