Snow Squall
A sunny departure yesterday morning toward a black sky delivered a sudden snow squall. I’m thankful that I was there on the Vespa, able to ride through the snow, and find my way safely to work.
Vespa and the Slippery Stuff
In minutes the air became white with snow and sleet and just as fast the event swept by leaving a dusting of snow to ride through. Lovely in appearance and thankfully leaving enough traction to not be much of a safety issue.
Winter rides to work are usually exactly what I think they’ll be. This one was different because I misjudged the forecast which noted “a chance of a passing snow shower.” I’m thankful it did not exceed my riding skill or ability.
Riding Under a Heavy Sky
It was colder and darker during the ride home from work. I was thankful though that it was free of snow. If I made a list of the things for which I was thankful yesterday, it would be long.
To say I’ve had enough of the cold weather would be an understatement. The preparation to ride in this weather has seemed overly daunting this year and the rides themselves flush with physical challenge to a level not experienced in previous winters. Age, health, attitude — perhaps all have a role in the changing nature of my winter riding life.
But even with the added burdens, I’m thankful to be able to ride through the world on the Vespa — even if it means dealing with a little snow on a cold day.
Iv’e only ridden while snowing twice, both times the weather hadn’t called for any and the snow was light. It was wonderful!
It can be wonderful to find yourself in a passing flurry. But I’ve been trapped more than once in a sudden heavy snow that made life dicey for both myself and the cars on the road. I caution anyone riding in the winter where there’s a chance of snow to take a cold, sober look at the situation and lean heavily toward parking the two-wheeled contraption when it’s snowing.
But is is beautiful…
I spent many years riding all year around, so I’ve ridden in lots of snow; and in heavy snows in a number of states (late summer early blizzards in the Rockies, etc.). Anyway, I don’t ride in the winter any more – at least not when it is cold and inclement. The weather man says it is supposed to be 60 here in Central PA all weekend, so I’ll probably ride then — but that’s not really riding in the winter per se, is it?
I don’t ride as much in the winter as I once did. The daily commute to work has been supplanted by the automobile on many days. This weekend promises to be unseasonably warm for February in Pennsylvania. Should be more than a few motorcycles on the road. Be safe!
So your neck of the woods is where some of the snow we should be seeing here has gone….
Not much. We haven’t had any serious amount of snow this year. Used my cardiologist directed snow blower once this season.
I have gotten caught out in the snow a few times. It’s always nice when it is light and doesn’t accumulate. I never felt secure riding through snow on the highway. Ice beneath was always a possibility.
Yep. It’s nice riding when the sky is full of snow but the road remains dry, or just wet. But once the road turns white it’s a different ballgame. I only continue to travel in that environment when the travel is non-existent and I can crawl along…
We don’t get a lot of snow in Atlanta, but when we do, the Vespa stays in the barn.
Vespa and barn. Something doesn’t sound right Bill!
The Vespa loves the barn! It has plenty of company with the Harleys, the BMW, the Kawasaki, the Aprilias and the Buddy.
Sounds like a big, happy pack of dogs!
Yours was sort of the God of Small Things Day. Here, I got a dose of mid-ride snow running a few errands; didn’t stick (except on my visor), so the bigger deal was being adequately bundled-up, which I thankfully was, although I still have those heated gloves on my must-buy list for next winter.
And, yeah, winters just get suckier with age – no getting away from it. Even my last few winters in NYC on the bicycle were a bit more of a drag: I did ride, but with a bit less brio than before. Won’t completely stop, but in the name of keeping reasonably fit when it’s nasty out, I’m getting something else I should’ve gotten some time ago – an indoor trainer for the bike. 🙂
There is no getting around the fact that advancing years changes things — in perception and in actual physical ability. Riding is providing me an excellent truth-meter. Hopefully I’ll accept the readings…
Get those electric gloves. They are a lovely thing.
Glad you were safe despite the unexpected snow!
It was short lived. If I had to ride for much longer in it the roads would have become a problem. But the riding gods shined on the world…