Winter here can feel relentless. The short days and cold temperatures are draining. And if you add snow it is down right oppressive unless you are a skier or other winter enthusiast.

I’ll be on the lookout for those times when riding can be a pleasure and adventure.

Vasco

The muffs certainly add a layer of ugly to the Vespa. No argument there. But they’re SO effective in keeping the cold at bay. So I’ve swallowed hard and use them. Considered putting them on today actually but I think I’ll wait a bit longer.

Air hitting my neck is the worst. Feels like a knife. I’m careful to keep my balaclava tucked in tight to the jacket.

As far as electric gear goes — the temperature where I want it keeps going up and up. If I don’t use the gloves, insoles, and likely a vest soon, I would be parking the scooter at 40F. Not ready for that line. Yet.

Electrical gear is somewhat tempting, but I’ve made it my line in the sand. If I have to plug in for cold weather riding, I’m going to park…for now. And I’m not getting younger either…

Thanks for the information Robert about the jacket. I’ll add it to my search. My arms don’t seem to ever get cold. But at times, especially after a hearty breakfast on the road, I feel chilled to the core. A vest might help. Once my core cools the hands, feet and toes aren’t far behind despite electrics.

Dust! The bane of groups of riders on dirt. I can understand dropping out of that mess and going off on your own. If that was the cause.

The march of time no doubt is coloring both our perceptions and tolerance of cold. I suppose I’m struggling a bit with that realization. It was similar last year at the beginning of the cold season and then either my body or mind adapted. Time will tell if that’s the case again.

Stay safe and have fun on the rides you will make!

Lynne’s jacket is a ANSAi Mobile Warming (sic), made in Bangladesh BTW. It is a jacket with sleeves, but heats only the chest and abdomen. She likes it, with a riding jacket over top. Personally I wouldn’t have a heated garment that doesn’t heat the arms, since that’s where I get a wind blast on all my motos, but I have known several people who are happy with an electric vest, one reason being they pack so small.
Re. yesterday’s ride, I dropped out about 1/3 of the way due to dust, not cold. Enjoyed my own little ride then.

Now, if the temp is below 45 degrees I take the same routes, but in the warmth of my car. Don’t know if it’s age, or a modicum of weight loss, but it really does get to me.

But, the temps around noon to three o’clock are usually very nice. And, with my wariness of riding even on wet roads out here, the hazards of snow and ice are way beyond my limits…but it is interesting to see and hear of your outings. Good luck!

The URAL allows you to play in snow. For the Vespa, that’s a far trickier situation. I’ve ridden in it but it’s tiring to have my ass gripping the saddle…

I second the importance of the handlebar muffs. Without them I wouldn’t be doing much riding at all below 30F. I have the Tucano Urbanos but the Hippo Hands are good too. Just don’t look as pretty.

I’ve been told the apron would be a big plus to my winter riding. I’ve just not been able to get past the idea that it would be really complicated. But more and more it seems like something I should consider.