The Vespa, and your Mini, are definitely more vulnerable on the road with the steel behemoths.

Be careful!

In this age of SUV’s (or maybe yet another Boston culture vortex that as a transplant here I can’t logically explain), Is actually the opposite for me. People driving these huge all wheel drive trucks, wagons and vans year round. Then, on the one day a year when all wheel drive would be an asset, I find them idling along at 5 mph, on roads with an abundance of traction.
The city and state have applied X metric tons of salt so the roads, while wet, won’t freeze until it’s -30f. These mitten and knit hat wearing SUV drivers have thrown off the idea of lanes in such treacherous conditions and have centered themselves on the roadway staying as far away from any visible snow on the shoulders, flashers alerting us to the drivers incompetence.

It’s as if they think they are at the wheel of a 76 Ford LTD with bald tires rather than a smallish assault vehicle with the computing power of an f-16. Creeping up hills (remember, speed kills) only to slip back half way up, then blocking (or hitting) all those behind them when an extra 5 mph would have gotten them to the top.

As with everything, there has to be a balance. When I was kid we’d do donuts in the mall parking lot when it snowed. The white trash version of skid pad training I guess, but I have some muscle memory now of what to do when a car slides.

I guess I’ll keep passing them in my 05 mini with snow tires and try not to think of the natural resources wasted so these dip shits can “Feel” safe.

Snow = minivan

Another thought about growing fat on the couch.

Fat = more traction!

You are deadly accurate in your assessment of speed differential.

I’ve come to the same place as you regarding the Vespa and salt. Who cares…

Anyways, each time I ride in winter I make a conscious assessment of risk, distance, etc. No mindless riding in the cold, especially when there is a chance of slippery stuff on the road.

I’ll try and capture some scenery but once I get moving these days I loathe taking off my gloves for a picture…

SUV’s are like a drug. They cause delusions in the drivers. I’ve only dabbled in rentals but I can see the danger…

I see a lot of those big vehicles around here. Relations of yours?

Your ride in freezing rain is unnerving. I will attempt snow but freezing rain is just beyond my taste. I do understand how the roads can be wet though while everything else is ice.

Still….

Be safe!

__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool

Still the look on their clueless faces as one rides by….priceless.

Still, only you can decide what conditions to ride in…

I look forward to your future posts of snow-covered PA Scenery.

dom

Redleg’s Rides

Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner