Comments on: Cold Weather Riding: Getting Your Head Into the Game

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:53:48 +0000

W: Good advice and advice I heed myself. I don't take foolish risks and try to gauge decisions within my narrow skill set and the capabilities of the Vespa.

When I think of the risks I evaluate, even in winter, ice is pretty far down the list of recurring dangers, down below deer, inattentive drivers, myself....

Not sure what the bike was. Those metal side cans always make me think GS though.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:29:41 +0000

Charlie6 (dom): I agree with your observation that warm weather riding can be a yawn in comparison to the cold weather rush. Unfortunately that rush can be fleeting. Sounds like the beginnings of an obsessive pursuit doesn't it.

Winter prep, both machine and gear, can be a hassle. Hell, it is a hassle. But the gift of being able to keep riding is worth it.

I really do love to ride...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:23:49 +0000

Len: Seems like the older I get and the more challenges that present themselves the solution always comes back to how I decide to approach them — that mental landscape of acceptance, empathy, etc.

Riding in winter is just a good, strong concrete example of the necessity of adjusting myself rather than expecting the world to adjust to me…

By: Charlie6

Charlie6 — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:18:30 +0000

Steve, winter riding sure requires more prior planning and the correct gear. I'll admit there's been time when riding in the cold was less than fun but the sheer rush of it at times is quite satisfying.

So satisfying that riding in nice weather can at times be yawn inducing.

Looking forward to seeing this winter's pictures....

By: W

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 13:07:25 +0000

The best advice one can give to new winter riders is "take your time and don't risk it". It's not your case, I know... But maybe someone new might come to read this ;)

Let the great stories and "pics" keep coming and stay safe.

That bike is a GS isn't it?

By: len@RE-GLAZE-IT

len@RE-GLAZE-IT — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 12:56:55 +0000

HI Steve,
I totally get what your saying ..... Even as we get older more fragile more gripped by the seasonal conditions , We now have the technology to stay warm and even safe to a degree, the rest is a change in the mind that's necessary .

Kindest regards
Len
P.s will we see a tree on back of the vespa this year!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 03:38:16 +0000

RichardM: I guess by getting my head in the game I mean being prepared mentally to ride as the environment demands rather than as I want to ride. Warm weather is far more forgiving of a wandering mind.

Many people ask me about riding in winter and always ask about fun, or rather about it not being fun. I'll agree it's not fun. But there is a satisfaction to it that's hard to describe. Maybe we all get a rush from overcoming obstacles....

By: Richard M

Richard M — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 03:27:42 +0000

The road in your photo has that hazy shine of pretty close to freezing. After almost a week of getting rides into work, I finally rode in again. By getting your head in the game do you mean being conscience of additional hazards and marginal traction?