Mesmerized by Sunlight
Blue skies and sunshine mediate any resistance left to winter. A ride in to town at 24F didn’t seem cold at all. The heated grips, mitts, heated insoles and Tucano Urbano Termoscud apron weave their magic to make the cold seem incidental to riding. So much so that I have to remind myself there’s still a chance of ice on the road.
So it is with winter Vespa riding.
Regardless, I’ve surrendered to the cold and choose to ride as I can. Turkey vultures glided overhead as I rode into town, momentarily taking my focus away from the road as I watched those quiet scavengers do their work. And suddenly I’m parking the scooter and on my way to Saint’s Cafe.
Change in Light
Spring is here. I can see it in the light. A bright morning glow has replaced the dim gloom of winter. There’s so much positive energy in it that I didn’t mind the lukewarm tea I received. Everything is good. Even when it’s not.
Show Over
After the tea and bagel was gone I helped my friend Paul Ruby carry pedestals to his car. His photography exhibition is over and there are a few last minute details to wrap. Seems like the month of March has flown by. My life has as well. If retirement has taught me anything so far, it’s that the clock is relentless. If you’re doing nothing, or if you are wildly busy.
I’ll be having a photography exhibition myself in August. More on that later.
March is my favorite month due to the really bright days. I think the sunlight reflected off the snow just adds to the brightness. Today started out in the single digits but warmed up to the mid-20s by the middle of the day. Great riding weather.
I can’t say March is my favorite month. Maybe April or May because of the emergence of new life in the world. Or October for the exact opposite. Mostly I enjoy riding all the time!
Beautiful as usual. How is Kim coming along in recovery?
She’s coming along. Mobility is slowly returning. Nerve pain continues but we’re told that could last for a few more months. Sunny days and a brighter world will help.
We have had at least two weeks of beautiful March light here in South Central Ontario and the earlier in the day that you can get out to enjoy it the better. Everything is so much brighter and lighter and I am eager for that first endless possibilities ride. That ride when setting out your really not entirely certain when you might return? Heck! It could be days, oh the possibilities.
I miss those days of endless possibilities. It’s been too long since I’ve ridden on days like that.
I’m chuckling as I read your post this morning, still trying to get warm after my cold ride to work. I don’t yet have a windscreen, heated grips, mitts, or apron. Ah, the joys of being a new rider. That beautiful spring sunlight you mention lures me out into the cold (as it does to you) and then I freeze my butt off. But it’s worth it…ha!
You’ll find riding even more enjoyable when you’re not freezing. Mitts will make a huge difference. Insulated armored riding pants too. I remember riding without that stuff and how I had to stop to warm my hands, etc. Now I’m riding in luxury!
We need to take another ride together soon!
March is usually too cold for me to enjoy riding…and I live about 500 miles south of Pennsylvania! 70 degrees is my new minimum, 92 degrees is my new maximum.
When I was young I rode year round. But that was a long time ago.
I understand. And 70F isn’t all that warm on a motorcycle. I wear my winter jacket at that temperature. Can never understand the riders I see at that temperature, or even lower, with no jacket, no gloves, no helmet, making their way down the road. Makes me shiver!
That’s why I wear a space suit when it’s cold.
The light is getting better up here as well. It might be warm enough by August to ride down and see your show:-)
Doug
Let’s hope it will warm up before August!
Even here in Georgia, it seems the sunny days are still being rationed. I look forward to their return soon.
Congrats on the upcoming show in August, I hope that you will share coverage with your loyal readers! 🙂
It’s gloomy here again. The forecast seems like mostly rain and snow showers for the next two weeks though the temperature during the day will approach 50F at times. That counts for something I suppose.
I’ll be posting about the show soon. Still working my way through the theme and presentation of work. Not a lot of time left though.
Yes, today the light was good. Really good.
It helped that the wind was fairly mild for a change. The last few times on the bike were almost unbelievably gusty, nudging me a bit more here and there than usual, though not to the point where the hairs on the back of my neck went up. Rode shotgun with Le Wife into Gotham for bit o’ business, came back early evening, hopped on Melody before sunset fora few necessaries, then again at dusk for a few more necessities and an Important Cat Toy. (Go ahead, tell me you never made a special trip for those adorable pups of yours.)
March is so bright on a day like this because there’s next to no foliage competing for all that sunlight. The landscape is open, stark and contrasty and delightfully gnarly as a Wyeth painting, and riding along a two-lane taking it all in really is magical, and made all the better when you’re not simultaneously doing battle with low temperatures. My local dealer says my “better” gloves are a few days from arriving…will keep you informed.)
Congrats on your upcoming show…want to see it! Which reminds me – wife is spending nearly all of April in Rochester, NY on an art residency. I’m hoping to finally snag my EZ-Pass shortly, and I might be in the mood for finally doing a more-excursive-than-usual ride at last. Will keep you informed on that front as well.
I’ve made so many “necessary” trips on the scooter that I’ve lost count. For the dogs, Kim, family, friends, the universe, whatever it takes to go for a ride.
It’s gray and wet here again but the few days of sunlight have helped eased the disappointment. Raining now but plan to go for a ride anyway. Need to do some flying.
Lots of things on the horizon for you. A ride to Rochester would be an adventure. Great place. I did some research at the Eastman House once years ago on Edward Weston.
Onward!
Hi Steve,
I’m a big fan of all year round riding and March can be a exciting month….we have had days at -4 and days at 16 degrees, a real mix of a month for sure!
Steve it’s always great to check in although I don’t comment that often I’m a avid reader and always will be.
Regards
LEN
March, while behind us now that I finally got around to replying to your comment, is an exciting month for the reasons you share. Our weather has been all over the place in March and has provided a fine, diverse landscape of riding experiences. For anyone riding year round they’ll understand. If they’re in a climate that is variable like ours.
Went for another snowy ride this morning. Hope it’s the last!