Non-electric gloves at 22F are never enough. That’s just cold. Even with electric gloves, unless you are shielded from wind, they aren’t warm enough for me.

But cold aside, it is always great to be riding. I crave it. And that’s why I brave the winter. Perhaps there are 12 step groups for riders like me…

It’s been awhile since I did a long ride in the cold. I realized the other day that my standard for cold riding is messed up. I did a ride from Boalsburg to Altoona and back when it was -12F. Over 100 miles in pretty cold weather on my Vespa LX150. And no heated gear. That was years ago. And I shouldn’t use that as my standard. Crazy.

URAL. Pricey. Not yet.

Wise words Laurent. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Being thoughtful about life, experience and actions is a lot of work!

I think a lot of what has been going on with me lately is adjusting the natural changes in my body due to age and changes in health with the way things used to be. Change is not always welcome, especially when viewed as a reduction in capability or freedom.

And thank you for the kind words of support about the things I write here. I do appreciate them.

I’m not sure. I think things would have gone drastically wrong when I hit the ice even with zero inputs on the bars. Ugh. Ugly picture…

I’m more cautious in the cold weather too Karl. Better safe than sorry is good advice.

Thanks for the holiday wishes. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas as well!

Some days seem more black and white to me. I remember when winter was always in color. Bright. Technicolor. Old age changes things.

Unsure how the rust work is going. Will stop by next week to see.

Jim, I’m getting more like you these days and choose the car without feeling like a failure.

Not sure where the corrosion repair stands. I’ll have to stop by and see how things are going.

Thanks for the words of warning Brent. Your thoughts are spot on. I can get stubborn about things. Like wanting to ride the Vespa to the ER when I had a heart attack. Fortunately my wife told me not to be an idiot and had someone drive me. I can have the same tunnel vision in the cold. I’ll heed your warnings…

My wife has taught me to trust my gut. Before I met her I was a more mechanistic thinker with the world and everything else being black and white, right and wrong. That’s certainly an easier way to exist but it usually leads to some stupid results. At least for me.

I’ll be off the scooter for awhile and during that time I’ll be regrouping physically and mentally. 2017 will bring a different Vespa rider…

Best wishes to you for the holidays. And strength to cope with the insanity visited on your fair city.